Essex central issue 56 july 18

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SUMMER OF FUN Entertainment For All The Family

REST & RELAXATION We Try Out Lifehouse Spa & Hotel

LOCAL NEWS Keeping You Up To Date

WHAT’S ON Events, Attractions & Clubs

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HELLO!

CONTACT

Welcome to our July issue. We have thoroughly enjoyed putting this month’s issue together, we feature local attractions and clubs to keep the kids entertained over the summer holidays on page 12 and also review the Lifehouse Spa & Hotel on page 16 after we made a much needed visit last month.

We also chatted to local business owner Marc Lynch, who has recently opened the Green Owl Canteen on Debden Broadway.

editor@essexcentralmagazine.co.uk Tel: 01787 583152

ADVERTISING advertising@essexcentralmagazine.co.uk

DESIGN Lauren Brown Designs

We have another fantastic competition over on page 35 courtesy of another new addition to the local area, sk:n so don’t forget to enter, you never know your luck.

CONTRIBUTORS

See you next month!

Amanda Anastasiou

Victoria Robertson, Abbotts Travel,

PUBLISHERS School Open Days Ltd

CONTENTS ON THE COVER 8 12 16 31 35

Local News Summer of Fun Lifehouse Spa Review What’s On Competition

;EEM 7MJHILF1LA

35

FASHION & BEAUTY 19

Flawless Finish

HOME & GARDEN 23

July Gardening Guide

LOCAL BUSINESS 29

Green Owl Q&A

FUN & GAMES

TRAVEL

37

Puzzle Corner

26

38

Dad’s Diary

4

Welcome to Montenegro

ESSEX CENTRAL

;EEM 7MJHILF1LA

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

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

STUDENTS INSPIRED TO TAKE UP NHS CAREERS

Silver Kidz Camps set for summer LIMJHENBL&MN-MMJN8CFFNK8N<ILGEMN8KIN6GF&MIN GDON7L=<E @BG?BNIMHCIJENHBGEN%CF>N<IK=GEGJANLNEC==MINK8N8CJ9N ;EEM !-LEMDN%KEBN6GF&MI:N?K!8KCJDMINK8N6GF&MIN BMMFE /KFFMIN GE?K:NFLCJ?BMDNLN?BGFDIMJ EN?L=<NMLIFGMINGJNHBMN >MLINK88MIGJAN8CJNLJDNLD&MJHCIMN8KIN?BGFDIMJNLAMDN8G&MNHKN . N>MLIENKFD9 Silver Kidz Camp returns in the summer and parents can enroll their children for the summer holidays, just like one of the parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Clare.

Mum Clare was full of praise for Silver Kidz Camps after her two children attended a previous camp.

'EN<LIHNK8N<FLJENHKN=LI3NHBMN)46 EN *HBN-GIHBDL> GJN%CF>:N/L>N%L=MEN7+;:N)LHGKJLFN GIM?HKI 2MLIJGJAN GEL-GFGH>:NIMHCIJMDNHKNHBMN?FLEEIKK=NHK <IK=KHMN?LIMMIENGJNHBMN)469 He attended Roding Valley High School to talk about the vast number of career opportunities in the NHS including doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, dentists and many more, as well as inspiring young people to take up science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects.

Mr James has worked in health and social care for 34 years and received a CBE in the 2018 New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Honours List.

He said: "I really enjoyed the opportunity to talk with and listen to students, sharing how three generations of my family have very different roles in the NHS. I hope many of the students will have been encouraged to think about a wide range of future careers in health and care settings and the difference they can make to peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives."

Head of Sixth Form Lee Harris, a senior leader at Roding Valley and a teaching professional since 1996, said: "It was an honour to host Ray at Roding Valley High School. It is vital that the voice of the NHS continues to be heard. The NHS is at the heart of this country and it is crucial we use guest speakers such as Ray to inspire future generations."

NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens said: "As the NHS turns 70 this year we can rightly be proud of the enormous contribution it has made to our country. But it is absolutely vital we inspire young people to think about working in the NHS and to take up the vital STEM subjects that will equip them for rewarding careers in the future workforce of the NHS."

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She said: "I just wanted to say a huge thank you to you and all of your team. Josh and Lizzie have had a brilliant week and are very sad to be missing the end of the week. It is usually a challenge to persuade them to go to holiday clubs but they absolutely loved yours - coming from my children, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high praise indeed. You and your team have done a great job and the leaders were really amazing with the kids well done. They are already asking when they can come back."

Fully certiďŹ ed and Ofsted registered, Silver Kidz Camp is created with the child in mind. With activities that entertain, educate and most importantly for the parents, wear the children out at the end of the day. From making slime to running through obstacle courses, the camps are guaranteed to create a summer of fun for children.

Josh Silver, co-founder of Silver Kidz Camps, said: "This camp is about bringing experiences that engage, educate and most importantly entertain the children.

"I wanted to create a safe place for children that I wish I had as a child growing upâ&#x20AC;?. "With so few safe, open spaces for children, the Silver Kidz Camp offers parents a place where they can trust their children will have fun as well as learn new skills."

The camps take place at Roding Valley High School, Loughton during the Summer holidays as well as other school holidays throughout the year (except Christmas).

Children will be able to enjoy a whole host of fun activities which can include anything from The Great Silver Bake Off and rock climbing to quad biking and carnival games.

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MP hosts launch of 'Closing the Gap' report

Old playground which is being transformed for summer

New playground for Theydon Bois '8HMINLJNBMIKG?N8CJDILGEGJANM88KIHNHBMNJM@ <FL>AIKCJDNLHN5BM>DKJN+KGEN@GFFN-MN?K=<FMHMF> IM<FL?MDNGJNHG=MN8KINEC==MI9N A celebrity has agreed to cut the ribbon when the new site is due to be officially opened on July 15th during the thank you party for all those who have helped raise money and the villagers.

The new design includes a colourful rubber flooring as well as a large selection of play equipment for children aged two to 11 - some of which will be suitable for children with wheelchairs. It has taken more than a year of frantic fundraising but now The Playground at Theydon Committee has secured the money to complete the ambitious project at the site on the corner of Poplar Row and Green Glade.

Many people and businesses in the village pulled together to try and raise the £155,000 necessary.

But the final push was made possible with a £53,000 Biffa Award. Biffa Award is a multi-million pound fund that helps to build communities and transform lives through awarding grants to communities and environmental projects across the UK. The Parish Council has also donated £40,000 to the project with £5,325 being donated from the Theydon Bois Village Association and £1,000 from the Theydon Bois Rural Preservation Society.

The PAT committee secured another £20,000 from the Communities Initiative Fund plus £5,000 from Epping Forest District Council, £2160 from the Rotary Club and £1,000 from Aviva. Other notable donations came from Butler and Stag when MD Neil Leahy and two colleagues completed The Three Peaks Challenge in 24 hours to raise more than £5,000 and there was a generous contribution in honour of Peter Hammond. Other businesses who rallied to the cause were Quality and Excellence butchers, Greens butchers, Lauren Louise hairdressers, The Bull pub, Esquires barbers, Tesco and the Parish Council raised money at the Christmas Fair for the PAT project.

;<<GJAN KIMEHN1 N L=MN;FMLJKIN2LGJANBKEHMDNLJ M&MJHNLHNHBMN4KCEMENK8N LIFGL=MJHNHKNFLCJ?BNLNIM<KIH ->NHBMN2MLN LFFM>N KKDN+KLIDNLJDN3M>N N<LIHJMIE9 5BMNIM<KIH:N 7FKEGJANHBMN(L< :NFKK3ENLHNHBMN@KI3NK8 HBMN KKDN+KLIDNK&MINHBMN<LEHN8KCIN>MLIE9N The Lea Valley has long been known as an important area of glasshouse horticulture and is a major UK producer of salad crops. Being on the outskirts of London means growers in the Lea Valley face many unique challenges, from the high cost and availability of land for expanding their businesses to enticing and retaining workers who may look to London for other jobs.

The report discusses findings from the Food Board’s working groups and new opportunities that were not foreseen for the industry when the Board was formed.

The event was attended by some 50 guests with speakers including Dame Eleanor Laing, Food Board chairman councillor Richard Bassett, and two BioBoost project partners - Dr Lydia Smith, of NIAB, and Dr Belinda Clarke, of Agri-Tech East.

Guests could network and ask questions about the BioBoost project and other topics. Partners are now looking to come together in a South East Strategic Food Board to take forward the recommendations in the ‘Closing the Gap’ report.

The Lea Valley Food Board was formed in 2013 to look at the challenges and opportunities facing the glasshouse industry in the area. The Food Board put together an initial report in 2014 to set up working parties looking at various topics. In 2017 the Food Board decided it had gone as far as they could, and would wrap up the group with a final report. 'Closing the Gap' is this report which follows up all of the working parties, what they achieved, and recommendations going forward for other bodies.

Dame Eleanor sponsored the report launch at the House of Commons. Guests also included Board members, local growers, horticultural colleges, members of SELEP, and others.

ESSEX CENTRAL

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SUMMER OF FUN The summer holidays are fast approaching and often 6 weeks can seem like a long time to keep young minds occupied. Here are 3 local activities to help you have a great summer.

A GREAT DAY OUT BY STEAM TRAIN AND BUS! JHGFN. #N0JALI:NJKHN;<<GJA:N@LENHBMN;LEHMIJNMJDNK8NHBM 7MJHILFN2GJM9N5BGEN=L3MENHBMN;<<GJAN0JALIN/LGF@L>NLNCJG CM LHHIL?HGKJN-MGJANHBMNKJF>NIMACFLINEHML=NILGF@L>NHBLHN@LE BGEHKIG?LFF>NLN<LIHNK8NHBMN2KJDKJN JDMIAIKCJD9N As well as steam trains, the Railway runs vintage buses, included in the fare, which collect you from outside Epping Underground Station. This means that if you want an easy day out with the kids where you can see a steam train and ride on old-fashioned buses then the Epping Ongar Railway must be the place to choose this summer.

The Railway hosts a series of special events throughout the summer and this year the fun includes, characters from PAW Patrol, The Gruffalo, a Family Fun Day and a Vintage Steam Rally. There is a Real Ale Festival on 20-22 July with over 80 beers and a wide range of cider Just in time for summer, the Railway has also a new Family Railcard which will allow you to save money on your ďŹ rst visit to the Railway.

The Railcard gives you 1/3rd off the cost of family ticket and costs ÂŁ10. This means that you can save ÂŁ12 on the cost of a ÂŁ36 family ticket on your ďŹ rst visit. If you visit on an event when the fares are slightly higher you will save even more.

The Railway is open every weekend until the end of October and Fridays in August too.

DOWN ON THE FARM

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0FDN1L?DKJLFD EN LI=N N CJN<LI3NBLENL @BKFMNBKEHNK8NEC==MIN8CJN?K=GJAN>KCI @L> N Enjoy free Arts & Crafts Mondays & Tuesdays throughout the holidays and make a perfect gift to take home with the amazing Artbound.

Wednesdays are gardening days at Old Macdonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Farm where you can plant your very own vegetable, ďŹ&#x201A;ower or fruit to take home and watch grow, post your plant on their Facebook page to be in with a chance of winning a seasonal pass for your family!

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SUMMER CAMPS FOR CONTENT KIDS +LIIL?CDLE K88MIENL 8LJHLEHG? EC==MI BKFGDL> ?BGFD?LIM EKFCHGKJN8KI FK?LFN<LIMJHE

It can be hard to keep children entertained during the school holidays. With an unrivalled choice of activities and more Outstanding Ofsted ratings than any other comparable provider, Barracudas is an excellent choice for both parents and children alike.

Local parents are well catered for with camps in Chigwell, Romford, Upminster and Woodford.

Each location has been carefully selected for its convenient location and impressive facilities.

From sports to drama to arts and crafts, Barracudas will suit your child, whatever they’re into!

Introducing New Bubble fun every Thursday with Miraiker and let’s not forget Free Face painting Fridays and pet the animals weekend!

There’s so much to do at Old Macdonald’s Farm and Fun park this Summer holiday!

More special event days throughout the summer holidays includes meet & greet with Paw Patrol’s Chase & Skye on the 21st of July, Pirates and Mermaids weekend where you can meet the naughty pirates and mesmerising mermaids on the 28th & 29th of July, Teddy bears picnic for Starlight children’s charity on the 11th August

Barracudas has been entertaining children between the ages of 4 ½ to 14 years for over 25 years. This family-run company is a leader in the field, offering an amazing experience for children in fantastic settings.

For as little as £3.64 an hour, children are guaranteed a choice of quality activities for every session. With over 80 activities to choose from, they’re sure to have a brilliant time, whatever they’re into! Barracudas are so confident that your child will have ‘such an amazing experience they can’t wait to come back’ that they offer a ‘money back guarantee’ for all new bookers!

It’s not just the kids they think of! Barracudas is easily accessible for busy parents and they offer added flexibility with their Early & Late clubs to ease the pressure of the commute.

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and a last meet and greet with Peppa Pig and George on the 8th of September.

Enjoy the usual fun on the farm including lovable animals, rides, slides, soft play areas, animated shows and more.

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See 26 & 27 August a t i nt e r v a l s ©1999 & TM Julia Donaldson/A xe Schef fler Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd

HERE HER E COMES SUM UM MMER M Bring the family f y alongg for a

Come e and se ee Ch hase & Sk kye – 4 Aug gust stt Ma arsha all & Rubble – 5 Aug gust u t at in nte terv rva va als on eac ach da ay ay © 2018 Spin Master.

A l l R i g h t s R e s e r ve d .

grreat day d out!

Take ake the tube to Eppingg Underground Station where our heritage buses pick you u up from right outside.The Epping Ongar Railway is open every weekend in July, y, August,, September and Octoberr, Auugust Bank Holidaay and We Wednesdaayys in thee school holidayys.

www.eorailway.co.uk

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01277 365200

Old MacDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Farm has over 200 animals, fantastic rides, amusements & soft play areas for you to explore!

SPA HOTEL REVIEW WE VISITED LIFEHOUSE SPA, WHERE RELAXATION AND REJUVENATION IS TOP OF THE AGENDA

This beautiful coastal spa resort is set just on the out skirts of Frinton-on-Sea, and boasst vast grounds that have entertained famous authors, prime ministers and royalty over the years.

We arrived on a lovely summer’s day and were welcomed with a friendly, professional service by the front of house staff, who showed us around the venue (gym, sauna, restaurant, spa etc…) and finally to our room.

The room itself was very nice, but what elevated it further were the stunning garden views straight outside the double glass doors. We couldn’t wait to get out there and immediately took a drink a sat out on the patio to admire the wealth of landscaped gardens that were laid out in front of us like a brightly coloured Persian rug.

We decided to save our exploration of the grounds until the next day and instead headed up to the gym. This area was well fitted with lots of different fitness options and all looking very well maintained. There were free weights, boxing punch bags, plenty of resistance machines and a selection of treadmills and bikes facing the huge glass windows which overlooked more stunning views of the grounds outside.

After our gym session, we decided to relax the body a little and so changed into our robes and headed to the pool, it was light and spacious with a few other options in the vicinity. There was the standard sauna and steam room, but also a salt room (good for the sinuses) and a plunge pool (good for the brave!). After a few lengths and quite a long time in the Jacuzzi (very relaxing) I headed off for my massage treatment.

The lady performing this was very skilled and knowledgeable, explaining how the different techniques benefited certain muscle areas and what lotions to use for which effect, it was quite a learning experience and I felt immensely better after it.

I made my way back to the room and we got ready for our evening meal, walking up the lovely marble floor way and all the time looking out towards the amazing gardens. So much of these walk way areas are purely glass, so as a visitor you get the chance to constantly feel at one with nature, it’s all very relaxing and makes for a lovely experience.

Arriving at the restaurant area we passed through the bar, and alfresco dining to find our waitress and be shown to our table, where we could see out to more areas of the gardens, parts we had so far not viewed, and made a mental note to explore everywhere tomorrow.

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There was a relaxed atmosphere in the restaurant, couples dining and talking, a smooth flow of table service, and our own waitress was lovely.

For our starters my guest decided to go for the tuna tartar with a blood orange and a lime, chilli and coriander dressing, whilst I opted for the soft egg on asparagus with a peppered sauce dressing. Both were very well cooked, the asparagus al dente and the tuna fresh with every mouthful. The menu also had a good selection under the category ‘healthy mains’ which was pleasing to see for those who wish to really live the wellbeing lifestyle… however, I’ve always been a fan of steak and when my eyes saw the word ‘sirloin’ my mind was made up. I draped this with the rich peppercorn sauce and thought I’d gone to heaven.

The side chips were golden crisp on the outside whilst perfectly light and fluffy in the centre.

My dining companion went for the sea food stew, a delicious mix

comprising of: red mullet, king prawns, cod fillet, mussels, tomatoes, porcini mushrooms and smocked aioli, and it was fantastic, as all the different flavoured came together scrumptiously to create a very memorable dish.

For desserts we chose the Strawberry mousse with Prossecco jelly, and the fig & almond tart with cinnamon ice cream (they ran out of figs so substituted for apricot).

Each was a lovely way to finish the meal and the rose wine throughout was the perfect accompaniment.

After a blissful night’s sleep in the super king size bed we rose early the next morning and set about on our trip around the grounds, walking on the same garden paths as Rudyard Kipling, JM Barrie, Sir Winston Churchill and Queen Mary. The grounds cover over 100 acres and are split into more than 10 different garden areas, from manicured lawns, to landscaped flower beds, to lakes and rock pools, and denser wildlife areas. It’s a great stroll and you can easily lose hours just peacefully enjoying the gardens, whilst listening to the birds and the babbling brook as the water comes over the rocks. We did the full walk of the inner gardens, down to the end lake and right up to the top level stream, and couldn’t of wished for a better finish to a lovely weekend.

I’d whole heartedly recommend a visit to the Lifehouse Spa if you are looking to relax and refresh yourself, or treat someone special. It’s like breathing fresh air into your mind and body, whilst enjoying delicious food and amazing natural sights. @@@9FG8MBKCEM9?K9C3N

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HOW TO GET THAT FLAWLESS BASE, WITHOUT A FILTER! Amanda from Finesse Hair & Beauty in Chingford tells us her daily routine to achieving a beautifully ďŹ&#x201A;awless make up base. .NN /$1;/ Like most things, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all in the prep! The way your make up base appears relies heavily on your skin care regime.

Following a good skin care routine, primer is key to achieving long lasting coverage. Primers do for your skin what lingerie does for your ďŹ gure - they smooth, ďŹ&#x201A;atter, conceal and hold things in place, so that everything you put on top of them looks immediately better. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Smashbox Photo Finish Primerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is one that I always use and am very loyal to just because it hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let me down so far! ÂŁ25.50 www.smashbox.co.uk

NN 0 ) '5$0) Once you have applied your primer you can go ahead and apply your foundation. The foundation you use is very much personal choice, as you will want to match your foundation with your skin type but for something long lasting, try â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

cheekbones and jaw line this will contour your face, but very naturally. You can use a simple translucent powder for the rest of your face www.maccosmetics.co.uk

Using a dense ďŹ&#x201A;at top brush is very important as it helps you create a much smoother appearance. Real Techniques Stippling Brush ÂŁ11.99 from Boots

Add a few dots to the top of your cheekbones and around your eye area, particularly the inner corners of your eye for a bright-eyed look. You can also add a dot on your cupids bow (peaks above your top lip). This helps contour your face and brightens your make up base. I would recommend using â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;High Beamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by BeneďŹ t Cosmetics.

"NN70)7;'2;/ Apply an under eye concealer after your foundation and ideally after your eye make up, this will eliminate any eye shadow dropping and sticking to your concealer and you having to re do all your hard work. Pick a light reďŹ&#x201A;ecting creamy product that wont look caked and crease throughout the day. For skin blemishes and speciďŹ c coverage choose a heavier matt concealer. It may sound like a lot of work having 2 types of concealer but the skin around the eye is very different from the rest of your skin on your face. MAKE UP FOR EVER - 'Ultra HD' concealer is great for under the eyes ÂŁ21.00 from Debenhams

#N 0 ;/N This next vital step really helps towards achieving the perfect base, ďŹ nish off with a powder. It helps keep your face shine free and also keeps your make up in place. If you use a slightly darker powder under your

N4$(42$(45;/

N6;5 Finally, the last step is optional but if you need that extra staying power, a setting spray will do the job.

This stunning multi-use spray by ICONIC London can also be used to prep the skin before applying make-up. In this case we are using it to set a ďŹ nished look. The great thing about it is you can also use it to add a radiant gloss to a bare face and it's 100% Vegan. ICONIC London Prep-SetGlow ÂŁ18.50

@@@98GJMEEMELFKJ9?K9C3 Tel: 020 8529 2601 Facebook: Finesse Chingford ESSEX CENTRAL

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ROBINS PIE & MASH VISIT OUR CHINGFORD BRANCH ON STATION RD where you will be personally served and looked after by Junes grandchildren Claudia & Joseph

GREAT VALUE MEAL DEAL • Pie, mash & liquor • Orange Squash or tea • Apple pie & custard or ice cream – £6 • Poached Salmon, mash & Liquor – £6

THE SECRET

“

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 •Weddings A • nniversaries B • irthdays •Christenings Fully catered: we provide everything you need, including Pie & Mash, Desserts, Staff and Cutlery & Crockery

extension at the t l i u b e Come and see our specially rating Tommy Allpress’’s Wanstead branch, commemors Pie & Mash / Robin ’corner TA

Pie, Mash a & nd L iquor:o nly 3 £ .80

BRANCHES AT: WANSTEAD, BASILDON, ROMFORD, CHINGFORD AND SOUTHEND 14 HIGH STREET, WANSTEAD (Mon to Sat: 10am - 5.30pm & Sun: 10am - 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)

TEL: 020 8989 1988 or 020 8508 1513 FOR ORDERS

EMAIL: NICOLE@ROBINSPIEANDMASH.COM

PESTS & DISEASE Black ants build their nests here and there, and they come in an army of about 4000 to 7000 ants. Heaps of earth around the nest entrance can be a nuisance in the lawn where they interfere with mowing, and they can also partly bury low-growing plants. For an organic method of control brush out the nests using a broom and encourage insectivorous birds by hanging bird boxes and feeders.

WITH VICTORIA ROBERTSON A SEASONAL GUIDE TO HELP YOU GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR GARDEN. 6C==MIHG=MNGJNHBMNALIDMJNGENJK@ GJN8CFFNE@GJA9N1LJ>NALIDMJMIENLIM <G?3GJANHBMGINBK=MNAIK@JNIG<MJMD 8ICGHENLJDN&MAMHL-FME9N5BMN=KEH G=<KIHLJHNIKCHGJMNDCIGJANDI> @MLHBMINGEN@MFFN@LHMIGJANKCI <FLJHE9N We are in mid-summer and the time to take a look at the garden and plan for next year. Look around in your garden at how some of the larger bushes and trees have outgrown their surroundings. If possible, you can cut back some of the more unruly offenders, like branches over hanging boundary fences. Remember though, only cut them back as far as the boundary, and it is always a good idea to consult the owner before you start.

Keep on sowing - the amount of plants for sowing this month is starting to drop off, here are some you can still continue to sow, Mung Beans,

Beetroot, Chicory, Coriander, Kohl Rabi, Lettuce and Radish.

LAWN CARE : Mow the lawn weekly and remember to add the clippings to your compost heap.

WILDLIFE WATCH Lacewings have amazing bright green bodies with metallic eyes and green veins on delicate transparent wings. Some species are much browner in colour.

Adults eat aphids and other small garden insect pests. You will usually see them at night from now until August.

: Last chance to apply a liquid

summer feed, especially if you did not apply a spring feed. If there are weeds present a feed and weed may be useful (do not apply to newly laid or seeded lawns).

: New areas of grass, either sown or turfed in the spring, will need extra water to keep them going through their ďŹ rst summer.

: During dry periods cut the lawn a little longer than usual.

: In mid-summer some lawns may get

heavy infestations of ants. Brushing out the nests on a dry day is the best method of control, prior to mowing.

+>N G?HKIGLN/K-MIHEKJ:NL=MJGH> BKIHG?CFHCIGEHNLJDN?K==GHHMM =M=-MINK8N7K<<MDN4LFFN ;<<GJAN4KIHG?CFHCILFN6K?GMH>N N7BLGI=LJNK8N;<<GJANGJN+FKK=9N

ESSEX CENTRAL

23

Townsend Family Law Solicitors, 2nd Floor, Trinity House, Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1PH

Tel: 01992 892214 www.divorce-law.org

TOP TIPS FOR A PAIN FREE DIVORCE 1. IS YOUR MARRIAGE REALLY OVER?

4. SEPARATION OR DIVORCE?

The demands of life can interfere with prioritising your marriage especially with the arrival of children when you have less time to devote to each other. A breakdown in communication or a lack of intimacy are often cited as reasons for marriage troubles.

Some problems are surmountable if you can be open and honest with each other. Couple counselling can help tackling issues in a supported environment or help a couple accept the end and help with the practicalities of separation.

If you are in no rush to divorce or donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to blame the other for the break up but you want to commit to a ďŹ nancial settlement, a separation agreement is an option. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to wait, you will need to rely on the behaviour or adultery (if applicable) of your spouse. Solicitors will try to encourage you to agree to and limit your reasons to avoid upset.

2. TALKING TO YOUR CHILDREN Children can often sense something is wrong but they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to be treated as invisible. They need to be prepared for changes in life to come. They might be worried about where they will live, with whom and how much time they will spend with each parent. As parents your role is to work together to reassure your children that they are loved and that life will be stable and secure regardless of the break up. Your children will thank you for putting them before your emotions. For older children, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to listen. Their wishes count.

3. INTERIM ARRANGEMENTS Think about what ďŹ nancial and practical arrangements are needed as you sort out a settlement. Ask yourself would it help the children if you lived apart in the interim? If so, where will you both live and can you mange meeting the cost of two homes. Are there joint bank accounts to close, overdrafts to freeze, or direct debits to change? Will one parent need to ďŹ nancially support another? Are there state beneďŹ ts that can be claimed? Think about the arrangements for the children to spend time with each parent. Will they live with one parent or will parenting be shared?

5. WORKING TOWARDS A FINANCIAL SETTLEMENT Going to court should always be a last resort.

Transparency, openness and honesty in your dealings with each other plus leaving emotions aside is key to settling your ďŹ nancial affairs. Meet and share your ďŹ nancial information. Be honest about the settlement you each want for yourself and your children. Talk about how this would work ďŹ nancially and practically. If conversations become heated, think about using a mediator for support or instruct a solicitor to negotiate for you. If negotiations fail a court application is next but even in proceedings Judges have power to help you settle to avoid the expense of a trial.

6. LIFE AFTER DIVORCE Divorce can be a testing time but whilst your relationship has come to an end your responsibility as parents is ongoing. Wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it be lovely for your children to see you getting along? Life is too short to live in the past. Lost love for each other can be replaced by a mutual respect and a shared commitment towards your children (and grandchildren!)

WELCOME TO

+KIDMIMDN->NHBMN?FMLINEML: ?K&MIMDN@GHBN@BGHMNIK?3E:NLJD FGHN->NHBMN1MDGHMIILJMLJNECJ: 1KJHMJMAIKNGENLN;CIK<MLJ KLEGEN@BMIMN>KCN?LJNIMEHN-> HBMNEK8HNEKCJDNK8NHBMN@L&ME9 Arriving by plane or boat, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ďŹ nd 117 beaches spread along the Montenegrin coast. The summer season in Montenegro lasts from May until October, which means 180 days of swimming and 240 days of sunshine every year.

Home to endless nature and beautiful scenery, you can marvel at the incredible 1300 meter deep canyon of River Tara, the deepest one in Europe, and second in the world after the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River in America.

Montenegrin roads will lead you to monasteries and churches that remember centuries, where you will learn at least a fragment of the rich historical and cultural heritage of this beautiful country.

Every coastal town of Montenegro has its story. Herceg Novi, a real Mediterranean botanic garden, the town of carnivals and artists. Kotor a museum-town of ancient sailors, builders and scientists. Budva, the

26

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town of summer theatres and festivals and the location of the most beautiful beaches and nightlife.

Boka Kotorska is one of the most beautiful bays on the Mediterranean, which penetrates into the land about 28 kilometres. The beauty of Boka fascinated many famous writers like Lord Byron, George Bernard Shaw, Marguerite Yourcenar and Ivo Andric.

The oldest olive tree in Europe, which has been bearing fruit for two thousand years, is located in an olive grove, which you pass by when entering Bar, the biggest Montenegrin port. The roots of the city of Bar are far from the sea, on the slopes of Rumija mountain.

Today it is a port city where passengers and merchant ships from many countries arrive, and it is the terminus for trains going to Belgrade and further on into Europe. Near Bar, there is a popular tourist resort Sutomore, with long sandy beaches and numerous hotels and restaurants.

If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how already, this is a great place to learn to dive. The underwater world of the Montenegrin coast is rich and full of surprises: sunken ships, secluded caves, and with a little luck you might ďŹ nd hidden pirate treasure, coral cliffs

and an abundance of ďŹ sh.

In the early mornings, you can see the entire Montenegro from Mount Lovcen, one of its four national parks, during a beautiful trekking tour from Mount Rumija, over the massif of Lovcen to Orjen mountain, following a marked route connecting old Austro-Hungarian fortresses.

In the wintertime, there are good trails for skiing and snowboarding on Durmitor Mountains, which can be reached by ski lifts, while mountain and forest trails are accessible by sleighs drawn by horses or dogs.

The diversity of Montenegrin nature and its ethnographic diversity have left a trace on the national cuisine.

Whether you are dining at your friendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house, in an authentic Montenegrin home, or in a restaurant, you will be cordially welcomed.

The country is also home to two wonderful resorts, opening shortly and highly recommended with the Abbotts Travel seal of approval.

THE CHEDI LUSTICA BAY Situated right on the waterfront, with superb views over the Lustica Bay Marina and the Adriatic Sea, lies the luxurious 5-star Hotel, The Chedi.

IBEROSTAR PERAST

The boutique hotel is perfectly located in the heart of Lustica Bay, a new distinct destination of Orascom Development AG. Home to The Chedi signature service, amenities and unparalleled food and beverage offerings; The Chedi Lustica Bay is set to be the ďŹ nest getaway to one of Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most ďŹ&#x201A;ourishing destinations.

Perast represents one of the most beautiful examples of baroque architecture on the Adriatic coast. Opening its doors in mid June, Iberostar Perast is the newest addition to the Heritage Collection.

Palace Smejka is the largest historical Palace to adorn the shores of Montenegro. Built in 1764

by Count Smejka, one of the richest noble families of Kotor, it boasts the best seafront central location in Perast Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site of natural beauty and wonder.

Opening its doors in July 2018, the sustainable, state-of-the-art town will be home to two marinas, an 18-hole golf course, a commercial area, a town center and seven hotels, the ďŹ rst of which is The Chedi.

Located in close proximity to three international airports, the hotel is only a short trip away from most European cities. With a private beach, direct access to the promenade and marina, as well as The Spa, guests can sit back, relax, and enjoy a beautiful break in what is certain to become a sought after European resort.

Travel clients who make a booking at Iberostar Perast.

To book a stay at one of these incredible resorts and enjoy all that Montenegro has to offer, contact Abbotts Travel.

The Palace has been carefully converted into a luxury hotel, offering clients a chance to step back in time and experience this undiscovered spot of the world.

Offering 65 rooms and suites including one of 330 square meters, a relaxing Spa with Hammam, indoor pool, treatment rooms and a sauna and an exquisite a la carte restaurant in the hotel, surrounded by beautiful gardens, clients can enjoy this authentic, ancient setting.

'--KHHEN5IL&MF

Chill out on the beach or take advantage of the hotels private boat transfer to a nearby Beach Club.

."#N(MKIAMN2LJM

An exclusive â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Spa Taster Experienceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is available for Abbotts

@@@9L--KHHEHIL&MF9?K=

6KCHBN KKD8KIDN;. N.+' 5MF,N* * N N ##

ESSEX CENTRAL

27

THE NEW PLACE TO EAT, MEET AND CHILL We’re now open on The Broadway, Debden. We serve mouthwatering patisseries, awesome pizzas, delicious salads and succulent gourmet burgers.

And they’re all kneaded, baked, grilled, cooked, steamed, fried and dressed fresh every day in our kitchen.

Open every day: Sun-Wed 8am to 6pm, Thurs-Sat 8am to 10pm.

12-14 THE BROADWAY I LOUGHTON I ESSEX IG10 3ST 020 8508 8811 I EAT@GREENOWLCANTEEN.CO.UK GREENOWLCANTEEN.CO.UK

GET SOCIAL

WE CATCH UP WITH MARC LINCH, OWNER OF GREEN OWL CAFĂ&#x2030; AND GREEN OWL CANTEEN

;7, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Morning Marc, we visited the new Debden branch recently and it looks fantastic, can you tell our readers a little bit about the new design?â&#x20AC;?

12, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sure, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re very pleased with it, I'm glad you like what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done. The building itself was an old post ofďŹ ce and used to be the hub of the local community, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what we are aiming for again with the Canteenâ&#x20AC;? ;7, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It certainly seems to be heading that way, word seems to have got around quite quickly! What particular dishes are doing well?â&#x20AC;?

12, â&#x20AC;&#x153;So far, our healthy brekkie is doing really well, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lovely mix including avocados, tomatoes, poached eggs, spring onions and sour dough toast.â&#x20AC;? ;7, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sounds lovely! We will try that on our next visit, last time we visited we were really impressed with the salad choices.â&#x20AC;?

12, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something we have worked on, trying to get lots of healthy ingredients into different recipes, plus our diners can mix and match the salads so theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting the best of everything we offer.â&#x20AC;?

to help with the bigger picture?â&#x20AC;?

12, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sustainability is really important to all of us at Green Owl, and we have switched to biodegradable packaging, we do not use plastic straws, and if we do use any plastic itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 100% recycled.â&#x20AC;? ;7, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Well thank you for your time Marc, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure we will see each other back at the Green Owl soon.â&#x20AC;?

12,Nâ&#x20AC;&#x153;We certainly will, take care!â&#x20AC;?

(IMMJN0@FN7L8 N N MFG:N##N CMMJ EN/D:N+C?3BCIEHN4GFF $( N + N@@@9AIMMJK@F?L8M9?K9C3N (IMMJN0@FN7LJHMMJ:N. !.#N5BMN+IKLD@L>:N2KCABHKJ $(.*N"65N@@@9AIMMJK@F?LJHMMJ9?K9C3N

;7, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The original Green Owl in Buckhurst Hill is a very established favourite of the local area, how did that one start?â&#x20AC;?

12,Nâ&#x20AC;&#x153;I used to visit a cafĂŠ down Queens Road when I was a boy, and years later I saw it had shut its doors for good. I really wanted to make something special of the place once more, as it had so many fond personal memories for me and so my wife and so I managed to create the Green Owl CafĂŠ.â&#x20AC;? ;7, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quite a unique name, how did that come about?â&#x20AC;?

12, â&#x20AC;&#x153;My wife and I found a lovely cafĂŠ in Florida, many moons ago, called The Green Owl. We then made a little promise to each other that if we ever opened our own cafĂŠ then we would call it the by the same name.â&#x20AC;? ;7, â&#x20AC;&#x153;So how would you describe the feel of this new branch?â&#x20AC;?

12, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would say that what we have created in Debden is quite modern in comparison, we have gone with an industrial look, but still open, fresh and bright, and because of our huge sliding doors we can have all the sunlight pour in every summer.â&#x20AC;? ;7, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Finally, with so much emphasis on environmental issues these days, what are you doing as a restaurant

ESSEX CENTRAL

29

EPPING THEYDON BOIS CHINGFORD WOODFORD GREEN SOUTH WOODFORD WA N S T E A D

YOUR LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE 15TH BIRTHDAY SUMMER FAIR

QUIZ NIGHT Cash prize to be won.

Tel: 01992 572618. ;&MI>N5CMEDL>NLHN5BMN5BM>DKJ 0L3N GJGJAN N C-:N7KK<MIELFM 6HIMMH:N;<<GJAN71. N %

THEYDON & ABRIDGE JAZZ CLUB Listen to and/or dance to live traditional jazz bands (different each session). Non-members welcome. Membership available.

Members' children under 12 free.

Bar, tea and coffee. Good seating, friendly atmosphere, free parking, disabled facilities.

6M?KJDNLJDN8KCIHBN MDJMEDL>NK8 M&MI>N=KJHBNLHN'-IGDAMN GFFLAM 4LFF:N0JALIN/KLD:N'-IGDAM

LADIES RUNNING CLUB 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. ;&MI>N5BCIEDL>:N <=NLHN LGIFK< LHMIE:N KIMEHN/KLD:N+LI3GJAEGDM $( N"4)

Entertainment includes Jailhouse Blues Brothers on the main stage.

Haven House will also be showcasing its own musical talent with a special staff performance led by its music therapists along with eight live performances. Food and drink, barbecue, cakes and birthday tea rooms, a birthday trail, characters, inï¬&#x201A;atables, games, a train and various stalls.

6CJDL>N.EHN%CF>:N..L=! <=NLH 4L&MJN4KCEMN4KE<G?M:N4GABN/KLD: KKD8KIDN(IMMJ

SUMMER FLOWER SHOW Floral art, cookery section, and junior entries, plants for sale, teas and homemade cakes. Admission free for Buckhurst Hill Horticultural Society members (£1 for nonmembers). For more information ring contact show secretary Jill Jones on 0208 257 8996 or email jill998@btinternet.com 6LHCIDL>N HBN%CF>:N <=!#9"*<=NLH 5BMN7MJHMJLI>N4LFF:N6H9N%KBJ E 7BCI?B:N4GABN/KLD:N+C?3BCIEHN4GFF

SUMMER CONCERT â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Memories of Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; performed by Theydon Bois Singers. Tickets, priced £10 in advance or £12 on the door. Ring 01992 573855 or email theydonsingers@gmail.com 6LHCIDL>N HBN%CF>:N 9# <=NLH 5BM>DKJN+KGEN GFFLAMN4LFF: 7K<<G?MN/K@:N5BM>DKJN+KGE

FARMERS MARKET Produce stalls and local organisations. Loughton Residents' Association councillors on hand to respond to residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; questions and problems.

6CJDL>N HBN%CF>:N L=!"<=NLH 7MJHIG?N LILDM:N4GABN/KLD: 2KCABHKJ

SUMMER PICNIC CONCERT A celebration of summer with music

by Elgar, Stanford, Arensky, Tchaikovsky and some lighter items from the 1930s performed by De Merc Chamber Choir. Conductor Alison Fisher. Take a picnic for the interval. Tickets £10. For more details, ring Jane Fox 01279 428967.

6CJDL>N. HBN%CF>:N 9"*<=NLHN6H 1LI>N1LADLFMJM:N7BCI?BN/KLD K88N KHHMIN6HIMMH :N4LIFK@

VOLUNTEER DAY Do you enjoy working outdoors?

Do you fancy getting some exercise while helping to improve wildlife habitats and maintain the local landscape? Volunteer Days run on the last Tuesday of the month with all training and tools provided. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy boots. Take your own food and drink. Ring Julia Rolf on 01992 523863 for further details or email julia.rolf@greenacresgroup.co.uk 5CMEDL>N".EHN%CF>:N.*L=!"<=NLH (IMMJ'?IMEN;<<GJA:N GFJN/KLD: )KIHBN MLFD

ONGAR ART SOCIETY Ian McManus- A demonstration of painting: Landscape in Watercolour.

For more details ring Lynne Harris on 01277 372123 or Beverly Hughes on 01708 688554.

5BCIEDL>N. HBN%CF>:N <=!.*<=NLH 4GABN0JALIN GFFLAMN4LFF:N1GFFN2LJM: 4GABN0JALI

ESSEX CENTRAL

31

Fitting Service EXPERIENCED CREATIVE PR RACTICAL

FREE initial consultatio on 50 Queens Road d, www.nicantony.com info@nicantony.com Buckhurst Hill,, 020 8498 0228 Essex IG9 5BY Y

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EN SE TV AS ON

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Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m simply delighted at how sparkly clean my oven and hob look now! It really does look like the cooker is brand new again!

Get your business noticed by thousands of local people every month!

Across our publication we distribute over half a million magazines each year, cover over 200 square km and reach hundreds of thousands of people via our hard copy magazine, digital magazine, plus facebook and twitter promotion â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all of this is all inclusive for EVERY advertiser, big or small.

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For more information call or email advertising@essexcentralmagazine.co.uk

We look forward to working with you!

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ESSEX CENTRAL

WIN £100 WORTH OF PRODUCTS FROM SOUTH WOODFORD’S NEW CLINIC SK:N MNBL&MN .**N@KIHBNK8NE3GJ <IKDC?HENC<N8KINAIL-EN8IK=N L@LID!@GJJGJANFLEMINLJDNE3GJ E<M?GLFGEHNE3,JNHKN=LI3NHBMNFLCJ?B K8NGHENJM@N6KCHBN KKD8KIDN?FGJG?9

For a limited time only sk:n are offering 50% off your first treatment* at their new South Woodford clinic to find out more and for T&Cs please visit @@@9E3J?FGJG?E9?K9C3 ?FGJG?E FKJDKJ FKJDKJ!EKCHB!@KKD8KIDN

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35

CORNER ANAGRAMS Rearrange the letters to make common seaside words:

_ _ _ _ IREP _ _ _ _ /_ _ _ / _ _ _ _ _ HPHNFSIADCIS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ LUASELG _ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _ _ _ EADASCTSNL _ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _ _ ARHECDIKC

6 0

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ RSLOAAP

DIFFICULTY: MEDIUM

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

_ _ _ _ _ _ SELSHL

Can you spot 6 differences between these two pictures?

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ BTLIAOSA

WORD SEARCH Find these seaside towns: 6KCHBMJD +IGABHKJ +FL?3<KKF 63MAJMEE

1LIALHM 6?LI-KIKCAB

+KAJKIN/MAGE %KBJN0 N(IKLHE LI=KCHB )M@ CL>

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

ESSEX CENTRAL

37

WITHOUT A MAP...

Last month was Fathers Day, that one day of the year us men get to be the centre of attention, pampered to the heavens and given gifts galore... I received a half painted stone from Jake. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautiful,â&#x20AC;? I muttered, whilst I longed for holiday, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll put it with the other stoâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have time to ďŹ nish as heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d already run away.

The Mrs then suggested a picnic, this seemed like a lovely idea and so we headed off to a little spot in the next village. What I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know is that we were going up a very high hill, where the views were spectacular, but so was the gradient of the land. Every time I put down my drink it spilt, every apple I went to bite had already rolled a mile away. It was excruciating watching the cows at the bottom being better fed than us at the top.

The boys then started running around, and within approximately half a second they were beyond a large mound and completely out of site. I leapt up (knocking my scotch egg towards the cows) and gave pursuit across the land, it was like trying to circumnavigate Everest. With each stride my right leg searched for ground beneath it, whilst my left leg was squatted up close to my chin (man alive this thing was steep!) I could hear laughter behind me and saw the boys had returned to their mum and were now ďŹ nishing my only food that hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rolled away (cheese slices).

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d had enough and suggested we go to somewhere a bit ďŹ&#x201A;atter and stable, so we headed to the seaside. Well, to be precise, we went crabbing on the jetty at Brightlingsea.

George and Jake are already keen on wildlife, so I thought Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d show them some sea life, up close and personal.

We got our crab lines and bait then sat down, the Mrs with Jake and George with myself, and started dangling the bait over the edge, we could feel a bite and started to slowly bring it up, gently, gently, our hands clasped over the string edging it delicately closer

38

ESSEX CENTRAL

towards the bucketâ&#x20AC;Ś â&#x20AC;&#x153;No Mum!!â&#x20AC;?

Jake yelled, George and I shook in surprise and ďŹ&#x201A;ung the crab back into the water. We looked over to see Jake standing (on the wobbling jetty) reprimanding his mum, and pulling the string from her hands â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can do it!!â&#x20AC;?, he then sat down, legs apart, tongue of concentration being held in his lips, and proceeded to pull up the string, hand over hand like a seasoned pro.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The egg and spoon race was a painful spectacleâ&#x20AC;?

George and myself looked on in shock as he proceeded to clean out the crab stocks from the east Anglian coast. I half expected a ďŹ shing trawler to pull in and tell him to stop, or at least give them a chance, they had families to feed!

Jake was possessed, our bucket was bristling with crabs and starting to overďŹ&#x201A;ow, but he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want any praise and would become quite agitated if one of us even tried patting him on the back to say well doneâ&#x20AC;Ś â&#x20AC;&#x153;Get off!!â&#x20AC;? heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d shriek, without ever breaking stare with the sea.

The next day was Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sports day, his ďŹ rst one in his new school. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m pleased to report heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d done very well (2nd in the sprint) and had been working on his â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;techniqueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in our garden, (wearing out our grass in the process, but I digress). The egg and spoon race was a painful spectacle, as the eggs have now been replaced with plastic air ďŹ lled lightweight orbs, and even the slightest breeze from a butterďŹ&#x201A;y wing sends them ďŹ&#x201A;ying across the racetrack as though a hurricane has entered the school grounds. I was clean shaven when the race started, by the time it had ďŹ nished I resembled Santaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s younger brother. But then came the moment I had been waiting for, the infamous

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;dadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s raceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

This was my ďŹ rst one ever and something I had been secretly practising for (in between drinking and eating rubbish), so I put on some decent running shoes and started to scan the competition.

Behind me stood a slender, ďŹ t looking dad, doing lunges and stretching muscles I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even know existed, Jesusâ&#x20AC;Ś this was serious. I made my way over to the start line, 7 of us standing at the end of a ďŹ eld, looking ahead to about 100 kids on the left (George included) and even more adults on the right (my Mrs included).

The whistle blew and I set off, it was crazy, everyone was screaming, cheering, chanting, but to my left one of the dads was crouching, I thought heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d fallen over but was later told heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d opted to start in the traditional sprint position (like I say, this was serious) the only problem for him is that we had no blocks to kick away from, so his feet simply slipped and he fell face ďŹ rstâ&#x20AC;Ś one down!

I decided to keep looking down as the ground was so uneven it was like being back on that picnic hill yesterday, so I had no idea where Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d actually ďŹ nished. We all charged forward and many dads ended up trapped in bushes and shrubs at the ďŹ nish line like some kind of explosion had just taken place.

I turned around and was slapped with a sticker on my chest, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Where did I ďŹ nish?â&#x20AC;? I asked, â&#x20AC;&#x153;You wonâ&#x20AC;? they replied. I was delighted! I helped retrieve some of the other dads from the bush and made my way back to the Mrs who had been ďŹ lming, â&#x20AC;&#x153;You won by loads, I knew you would, I thought youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d either beat everyone easily or run too fast, fall in a ditch and break your ankleâ&#x20AC;?. There was no expression on her face, this was pure stone cold facts from her side, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just thankful it was the ďŹ rst scenario...

But I guess thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always next year.

5KN-MN?KJHGJCMD

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