Essex Central Magazine Issue 6 April 2014

CENTRAL

COVERING THE ESSEX TOWNS OF THE CENTRAL LINE AND BEYOND

FREE

YOUR LOCAL LIFESTYLE GUIDE - ISSUE 6 APRIL 2014

EASTER FUN Ideas To Entertain The Kids

CLUB FOCUS Woodford Green Athletics Club

SPRING FASHION Top Ten Pretty Pastels

SRI LANKA Our Featured Travel Destination

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On

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ON THE COVER 18 Easter Fun 28 Pastel Power 48 Sri Lanka Travel 57 Competition Win a Diamond Whites Smile 66 Club Focus Woodford Green Athletics Club

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HEALTH & FITNESS 21 E-Bikes 23 Do You Have Gum Disease?

Thwith Michael Jelbart 25 Q&A e

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Bo & oBEAUTY FASHION is n 30 Chocolate Beauty Buys 33 DIY Pedicure

Bu

ck h Hi urt h l l COMMUNITY

HOME & GARDEN 36 Space Savers Lo 41 Blooming Marvellous ug hFloral to home inspiration nApril Gardening Guide 43 FOOD & DRINK 44 Recipe & Wine Pairing

6 Your Comments 10 Local News 14 Meet the Locals Wo 16 Union Care od 52 What’s On S fo Wo ou 55 The Homes Trust rd th od Holiday Charityfofeature rd Editor: Darren Perry Email: Darren@essexcentralmagazine.co.uk Tel: 01279 319 318 Advertising: advertising@essexcentral magazine.co.uk Features Editor: Victoria Grace Journalist: Devon-Elizabeth Tabersham Design: Sharon Butler-Felby @SketchDesign Web Design: Alex Collard www.aj-computing.co.uk Contributors: Carrie Feagan, Dr Ash Parmar, Michelle Harris, Victoria Robertson, Amanda Anastasiou, Toby Webster, Wendy Barritt.

Publishers: 3 Blue Worldwide Ltd Printed by: The Magazine Printing Company Facebook: EssexCentralMag Twitter: @EssexCentralMag 23,000 copies distributed to homes, businesses and station locations, along the Essex section of the Central Line and surrounding areas: South Woodford, Wanstead, Snaresbrook, Woodford, Buckhurst Hill, Loughton, North Chingford, Chigwell, Theydon Bois, Epping, North Weald & Ongar.

Although every care has been taken to ensure accuracy, 3 Blue Worldwide Ltd take no responsibility for any errors, or the advertisements within this magazine.

FUN & GAMES 56 Puzzle Corner 60 Entering Fatherhood Without a Map Comical diary of a new Dad PROPERTY 63 Why Choose Epping?

I

’m pleased to say that spring is finally here… The recent warmer weather has been lovely and we now approach the time when many of us will gorge ourselves on Easter eggs!

Let’s hope the warm weather continues into a lovely summer.

In this issue we explore Sri Lanka, go on an Easter egg hunt, show how to maximise your living space, have a Q&A session with our new fitness columnist and ‘Meet the Locals’ is back, along with our regular gardening, fashion, dad’s diary, puzzles and much more. We’re also giving three lucky readers the chance to win a Diamond Whites smile in this month’s competition.

I wish you all a great Easter and shall see you again in May! Regards

Darren Perry Editor

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COMMUNITY

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YOUR COMMENTS We love hearing from you!

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

Dear Darren, I was alarmed to find the article in the Home and Garden section of the March magazine that relates to Pest Control and the Chafer Grubs. These grubs look exactly like the Stag Beetle Larvae which are endangered.

If these are found in dead and/ or rotting wood then they will be the Stag Beetle Larvae and should be left alone. I appreciate the article states that they are found in soil or under loose turf but the majority of amateur gardeners would see this grub and not be able to distinguish between the two.

Please put something in your next issue regarding this as the Stag Beetles are endangered and their larvae take between 4-6 years to mature into adult beetles.

Thank You. Dee Horton ’ Thank you for bringing this to t s ll e For our attention Dee, we hope our , Chigwe ll e n ‘Epping n o O’C readers are now aware of the Judith different living environments of both species and will help to protect the Stag Beetle. Darren Perry - Editor Thank you for the wonderful article and helping us spread the vision of Michael Norgrove. Michael Fab new issue out NOW. Norgrove Foundation Exclusive offers, business/ community news & a lovely team!

CONTACT US @Marcomedia_s

READER’S PHOTO

Address: Essex Central Magazine, Brickfield Business Centre, High Road, Thornwood, Epping, Essex CM16 6TH @EssexCentralMag EssexCentralMag

editor@essexcentralmagazine.co.uk

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ESSEX CENTRAL

Just to let you know, that your traffic tweet about the M11 was used in our smartphone app today @tritraffic_ Day off from baking today, lovely walk with my baba in the sun. Sarah Ward

STAR G

ood Afternoon, I am writing to say how much I have enjoyed reading the March issue of your magazine. You have included a great mix of articles and I particularly enjoyed the piece about the Winston Churchill statue as I have lived in Woodford for years but knew hardly anything of its creation and found the whole article very interesting.

Sincerely Jonathan Hurn

Congratulations to Catherine Donovan from Woodford Green (below) who was the winner of our ‘Hair Makeover’ competition.

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COMMUNITY

Tip top tap rehersal in progress

CHIGWELL ROW OPERATIC AND DRAMATIC SOCIETY PRESENT ACORN ANTIQUES

Following their runaway success with Seasons Greetings in October 2013, Chigwell Row Operatic and Dramatic Society (CROADS) are delighted to be performing Acorn Antiques, The Musical!, the stage musical version of Victoria Wood’s spoof soap opera about the goings-on of an antiques shop in Manchesterford involving Miss Babs, Miss Berta and their loveable cleaner Mrs Overall.

Acorn Antiques was first seen on TV over 20 years ago and has continued to be fondly remembered ever since, renowned as it was for poor acting, wobbly

sets and missed cues. Well CROADS can promise all of that and more!

The musical, which satirises other musicals, follows Miss Babs and her fight to keep her antiques shop open while the stores around her are taken over by corporate franchises such as Hong Kong Thongs and The Guilty Bean.

From start to finish Acorn Antiques delivers, jokes, parodies and hilarious songs, with saucy lyrics that are trade mark Victoria Wood.

She said herself that she wanted to give a, “Lovely happy evening at the theatre,” and that’s just what

CROADS are hoping to do with their performance.

Jenny Witchell, Co-Musical Producer has said, “We are branching out to try something a bit different for CROADS, something a little adventurous, tongue in cheek and slightly off the wall. With members of all ages we are going to do this very funny comic piece great justice.”

Performances are at Victory Hall, Chigwell from 9th - 12th April at 8pm.Tickets are £9 and available at www.croads.ticketsource.co.uk, croadschigwell@gmail.com or Tel: 07922 617930

MINIMIS HAS LANDED IN ESSEX

Samantha Barclay and Jennifer Martin

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ESSEX CENTRAL

An exciting new brand has launched called Minimis, selling mini me styling for babies and children online.

Founded by best friends from the Epping and Woodford area - Jennifer Martin, a Nanny and Samantha Barclay, a Fashion Buyer. Both have always dreamed of being entrepreneurs. Samantha said, “We met on holiday 7 years ago and have always spoken about starting our own business, we wanted to do something we both felt strongly there was a gap in the market for and that we really believed in. We have such high standards with Minimis, we believe in consistency across all aspects of our brand and have very high standards in

the brands and products we choose.”

Minimis unique selling point is selling age appropriate, high fashion, vibrant catwalk trend and classic pieces for babies, boys and girls aged newborn to 7 years.

They have now unveiled their first Spring Summer 2014 collection, designed for the modern, style conscious parent that wants to dress their mini me in amazing style that emulates their own wardrobe.

Big brand names such as Timberland, Mini Melissa and Baby Graziella are mashed together with cool French labels, fun American designers and Minimis own boutique range to give you a strong mix of fashion and tailoring.

Shop the collection now on www.minimis.co.uk

LOCAL

CHIGWELL RESIDENT’S MARATHON EFFORT

NEWS

A short roundup of what’s been going on Left to right: Thomas, Toshiro, Luke, Miyako, Lesley and Nina at the cake sale.

TREKKING FOR CHARITY

On the 10th October this year Lesley Maeda and Nina Maskell plan to trek Machu Picchu in Peru to raise money for their chosen charity HemiHelp. They are two mothers from Woodford Green and Buckhurst Hill who have never trekked before and hope to raise £8.000! The trek is organised by Charity Challenge and involves trekking from Cusco through Lares Valley and on to Machu Picchu.

They have chosen HemiHelp as Nina’s nine-year-old son Thomas suffers from Hemiplegia, a condition which causes weakness down one side of the body. Childhood Hemiplegia is a common condition affecting one child in 1,000. Life can be difficult for children and young people with Hemiplegia who want to do the same things as other children. They tire easily and the effort involved in simple tasks can be considerable. Apart from offering vital support for parents, HemiHelp brings children with Hemiplegia together for Fun days and music workshops where they are encouraged to try new sports

and musical instruments that they would not normally have the confidence to try. Possibly the most important part of these events is that these children realise they are not alone in having this condition.

They kicked off their fundraising efforts with a cake sale in December which raised £603. The 16th Woodford Brownies held a “bring and buy sale” and raised £65 and the 43rd Woodford cubs pack have raised over £45. On 27th February a pub quiz at the Horse and Well, Woodford Green raised £365.

In the next few months a number of events will be taking place including; a Race Night, a Fun Day, a Dinner and Auction evening, a Michael Buble tribute night at Seasons Bar in Woodford, a school fun run and a psychic night.

To donate visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/ NinaandLesleysMachuPicchutrek or keep up to date on events on Twitter: @ninaandlesley

Gill Punt is seeking to raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK by putting herself through the challenge of running the London Marathon in April.

This will be the second time that Gill has run the Marathon in aid of Cancer Research, the first being fifteen years ago, a month before her father sadly lost his battle with the disease.

Gill, who is the wife of Chigwell Schools Headmaster Michael Punt, said, “In the Chigwell community a number of pupils, close friends and colleagues have experienced cancer and I wanted to do my bit to ensure that, one day, others will not have to suffer as they have. I am running for Cancer Research UK and hope to raise as much as I can.”

To support Gill please donate online at: www. justgiving.com/GillyHeyho

Gill Punt

ESSEX CENTRAL

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THE GARNON BUSHES

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

Tel: 01992 560211

E-mail: info@garnonbushes.co.uk

Under New Ownership

Pauline and Mark extend a warm welcome to this lovely village pub.

All food served is home cooked and available 7 days a week

Quiz nights

LIVEEveryMUSIC week

All our ales are cask marked

We look forward to seeing you soon.

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2 for 1

lunches Every Wednesday throughout April for OAP’s

Special Menu nights

ESSEX CENTRAL

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GREENTHUMB CHIGWELL

Steve and Nick

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his family run business may well be part of a national lawn treatment franchise, but make no mistake, it’s very much a locally run set up with a father and son partnership leading the way. Steve and Nick are joined by their partners and together they take great pride in their work. “We currently have about 900 customers and this year we want to hit the big 1,000,” said Steve. He explained that 90% of the business growth comes via referrals, saying, “To us everyone is a valued customer, no matter how big or small. We visit town houses to mansions and treat every lawn with the upmost care and professionalism.” It’s clear from being around them both that they are very personable and you can see why the customers warm to them, plus, as they’re both former policemen then you know your garden couldn’t be in safer hands! Nick explained further, “We took over the franchise three years ago and it’s just so satisfying to take a lawn from a run-down state into something healthy a thriving. This job can really give us so much satisfaction I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.”

So, if your lawn is in need of some TLC heading into the summer then call them right away, you will be glad you did!

Tel: 01992 522 214

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ESSEX CENTRAL

MEET

THE LOCALS Show your support for our local businesses!

WHEN SKIES ARE GREY

85 High Street Ongar, CM5 9DX

Colin Purcell

T

his quirky little gem of a shop is hidden at the end of Ongar high street and well worth the journey. Upon entry there’s vintage music playing in the air and an amazing floor with the print of old wooden crates.

Run by Colin and Sara for just over a year, the shop already has a strong personality selling individual gifts and home accessories. Upon talking to Colin it’s clear he loves to try and offer his customers something a little different, “I travel to various trade shows across the country, looking for unique items to put in the shop, something that will catch the eye of people and stands out from the norm,” he said.

As we head into Easter they are stocking a selection of ‘Bake at Home’ and ‘Easter Jar’ kits. These look like great fun for the family and something you’d struggle to find in many other shops.

They are open 7 days a week and are looking to expand more online but already run a ‘click and collect’ service which means customers can make sure that special item ends up in their hands. If you want something a little different for the home, or as a gift, then pop down and see what Colin and Sara can offer you, you won’t be disappointed!

Tel: 01277 500 207 Website: www.whenskiesaregrey.com

EPPING ROOFING COMPANY

W

e have known Dave, the owner of Epping Roofing, for about a year and can genuinely say he is one of the nicest people you could wish to meet, and were saddened to hear he suffered a terrible injury before Christmas. However, he has spun this into quite a positive that has really pushed the company forward. Dave explained, “The leg break was actually a blessing in disguise as I had to stay in and work from home. It enabled me to catch up on a lot of admin, book in work and oversee the running of the business instead of being up on a roof all day.”

Dave’s eldest son Connor has taken over his role on roofing jobs. Dave said proudly, Connor, Dave, Jay and Jake “Connor has really stepped up to the plate, he has been immense and alongside the other It’s clear that Dave’s professional yet friendly two workers Jake and Jay, they have been superb. approach has been inherited by Connor and the It’s my plan to pass the business over to Connor in company looks like it will be going strong for another the future and he has a great work ethic, plus unlike 30 years as the third generation takes over the me he’s as fit as a butchers dog, in fact he’s actually running in the future. running the London Marathon this year for the World As part of the Guild of Master Craftsmen, plus Wildlife Fund.” We wanted to meet the man himself, approved Kemper Systems contractors you know so drove down to see Connor on site, literally, on you will be in professional hands with the Epping the roof! The roof itself looked great and a passing Roofing Company. resident remarked how considerate they had been in Tel: 01992 575 241 or 07973 532125 not parking on the grass verge.

Website: www.eppingrc.co.uk

MOTECH VEHICLE SERVICES

Hainault Road, Essex, RM6 5SS

Keith, Alex, Alison and Tony

S

ince re-establishing ownership of the business just a few weeks ago it’s been something of a whirlwind for Tony and his wife Alison, but one they are handling superbly. “It’s been hectic, certainly, but we’re loving every minute of it,” said Tony. He has been at Motech for 20 years, running the company early on then stepping back to become more hands on, until he recently took over the reins once more as the previous owner departed. On my visit it’s clear that there is very much a ‘yin and yang’ set up in the office, Alison is greeting the customers warmly whilst Tony is busy ordering parts and overseeing the mechanics in the garage. It works perfectly and Alison tells me more, “It’s certainly a family run business now, there’s a warmth to the place and the public have remarked how happy they are with

our service which is great to hear.” As part of the ‘Good Garage Scheme’ they are often blind checked by anonymous customers only to find out after that they have passed once more to keep their status, which is great for any customer to know. They service all vehicles, from cars and vans, to quads, caravans and black cabs. Tony mentions, “We want to build up our regular customer base and know if we continue to offer a good service the business will continue to grow.” It’s a new dawn at Motech and its looks like there are great things to come, if you ever need a service or repair then pop down as all Essex Central readers get a free pick up, delivery and MOT with every full service.

Tel: 020 8559 0102/6767 Website: www.motechvehicleservices.co.uk

ESSEX CENTRAL

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UNION CARE

COMMUNITY

U New team member Victoria Barton-Fisher

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Thanks to all of our Care Workers!

nion care is an independent, family run domiciliary care provider based in Chigwell, covering the West Essex area. Managing Director Paul Lane and Care Manager Sarah Allman are determined to make significant changes to how home care is received and ensuring care workers are highly trained, motivated and supported.

Paul says, “The media reports on home care invariably focus on negative examples where negligence or abuse has taken place. These issues are very serious and we must not be complacent towards them, but I feel this deflects from the fantastic job care workers do in the community and this must be celebrated and promoted equally.”

“Our Care Workers are completely dedicated to delivering care and assistance to a high standard and are

incredibly hard working and for this they deserve our upmost respect and praise.”

Sarah adds, “At Union Care we are seeing a significant trend of new clients requesting our services via recommendations of existing clients or their family and friends. Again this is down to the brilliant work of our Care Workers who deserve this recognition.”

Everyone at Union Care wishes our newest member to the team Victoria Barton-Fisher all the best of luck for the London Marathon! www.justgiving.com/Shanna-Barton-Fisher If you require any information regarding care or assistance at home, do not hesitate to contact Union Care on Tel: 020 3393 9660, Email : info@unioncare.co.uk or Website: www.unioncare.co.uk

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EASTER

FUN With Blossoms Nursery

Blossoms Nursery offers a caring, supportive home from home environment where children aged 3 months to 5 years can learn, play and develop social skills. Here they share some crafty ideas to keep your little ones entertained over the Easter holidays.

Easter egg hunts are brilliant fun, and can be tailored to children of all ages.

Gather them together to decorate baskets or paper bags whilst someone hides the eggs. You could use chocolate eggs or plastic ones which can be filled with a variety of healthier treats such as dried fruit or even small toys.

Place the eggs around your home or garden; spread over the lawn, hide under flowerpots or up trees and hide around the house. Older children will enjoy following clues to lead them to each hiding spot. If you have a mixed age group get them to hunt in pairs so older children can help the youngsters or set a limit to how many eggs each child can collect to keep it fair.

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E EGGASTE HU R NT

O CH N

Making Paper Mache eggs is a great way to incorporate ‘messy play’ with a craft activity.

Mix 2 parts PVA glue with 1 part water. Tear newspaper into strips or squares and blow up a balloon. Dip the newspaper pieces in the glue mixture and cover the balloon at least 3 times (allow to dry in between). Once completely dry pop and remove the balloon. This is your basic egg that you can use in a variety of ways; cut in half to make cute bowls for nibbles or add a handle to make an Easter basket. Hang them up as decorations or fill with sweets (cut a small hole before decorating, fill and patch with more Paper Mache) to make a piñata. Decorate with paint or coloured tissue paper.

TE A L O OC STS NE

PA PE R EG MA GS CH E

These tasty treats are quick and simple to rustle up and a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen. All you need is a bowl, wooden spoon, paper cases, chocolate, cereal of your choice, such as Cornflakes, Bran Flakes or Rice Crispies (the Blossoms children used Shreddies) and decorations.

Firstly melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of simmering water or in the microwave then add the cereal and mix well. At this point you can add any other ingredients you wish like sultanas, dried fruit or even mini marshmallows. Spoon the mixture into the paper cases and decorate with mini chocolate eggs.

Leave to set in the fridge for about an hour before serving.

Blossoms Nursery Ltd, Horse Shoe Farm West, London Road, Thornwood Common, Epping, Essex, CM17 9LH Website: www.blossomsnurseryltd.co.uk Tel: 01279 429937

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What better way to indulge on chocolate and join in with the egg hunts than Easter time?

At I Heart Candy you can treat yourself, the little ones (or big ones) to some delicious Assorted truffle chocolates or the Easter bunny bags and Boxes filled with miniature eggs, and other delights.

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ESSEX CENTRAL

H E A LT H FITNESS

&

THE FUTURE OF

CYCLING ANSMANN Bring E-bikes to the UK

A

NSMANN are bringing a fantastic range of German built electric bikes to the UK at a time of real buoyancy for cycling.

ANSMANN electric bikes are ideal for those riders who enjoy cycling, but find certain aspects of riding challenging. This could be due to advancing years, physical disability or a couple who enjoy riding but one of them finds it difficult to keep pace.

“The benefits of owning an electric bike are numerous” advises

Lenny Wood, Marketing Manager of ANSMANN UK. “Electric bikes promote health and wellbeing through exercise, are cheap to run and kind to the environment.”

ANSMANN E-bikes are designed to assist the rider up to a maximum speed of 15mph, making light work of inclines and helping with longer journeys.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson has already embraced this technology with London adding electrically assisted bicycles to an already successfully

cycle hire scheme.

ANSMANN are located in Harlow due to its renowned cycle network and excellent Harlow Council green policies.

The ANSMANN E-Bike showroom is open Monday to Friday and provides free test rides and great information about the electric bike industry.

ANSMANN E-bike Centre, Units 11-12, RO24, Harlow Business Park, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5QB Email: info@ansmann.co.uk Tel: 0870 609 2233

WHY CHOOSE AN ELECTRIC BIKE? A chance to get fitter E-bikes make journeys, especially those involving hills, less daunting than they would be on a conventional bike encouraging more regular use

Cheap to run Only costs a few pence to fully charge the battery & every journey you take by bicycle, leaving the car at home, is a huge amount of petrol saved

Ride further Electrical assistance will extend the range that you can cycle before you get tired, making it an option for journeys that you might formerly only had considered doing by car

ANSMANN E-bike Centre , Unit 12, RO24, Harlow Business Park, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5QB

Tel: 01279 434 179 Email: info@ansmann.co.uk Web: www.ansmann.co.uk

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CBG

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H E A LT H

DO YOU FITNESS

&

HAVE GUM DISEASE?

By Dr Ash Parmar of Smile Design By Ash

HOW TO PREVENT GUM DISEASE AND HAVE FRESH BREATH

I

had an interesting chat with a patient of mine recently. We were reviewing his X-rays and I explained to him that he had lost a lot of bone around his teeth i.e. he had moderate gum disease which he had not been aware of. This patient did not previously clean between his teeth and had accumulated a lot of tartar deposits beneath the gum levels.

This harmful plaque and tartar is the main cause of gum disease, which is a slow and painless process.

GUM DISEASE AND BAD BREATH

Gum disease and bad breath are linked.

This can be a social problem, unpleasant for others and embarrassing for the person that has it. In 9 out of 10 cases the problem originates in the mouth and not the stomach, as many people believe. Even in the cleanest mouth there are both good and bad bacteria. These bacteria live off food debris and dead skin cells and create odour-causing

compounds called Volatile Sulphur Compounds (VSCs), which cause the bad breath.

GUM DISEASE AND GENERAL HEALTH PROBLEMS

Scientific research has shown that if someone has gum disease, then they have a higher risk of getting heart problems, as well as diabetes. Also, people that smoke have a higher risk of gum problems.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF GUM DISEASE?

The main effects of gum disease include bleeding gums, bad breath, loosening of teeth, and movement of the front teeth leading to gaps between the teeth (i.e. poor appearance). As gum disease progresses, there is a higher chance of getting gum infections, ultimately leading to the loss of teeth.

Q Brush your teeth at least twice a day Q Clean between the teeth every day with floss or small brushes - this will remove the plaque and bacteria that build up.

Q Gently cleanse the tongue with a tongue cleanser Q Gargle with Ultradex mouthwash. This is an alcohol free mouthwash containing chlorine dioxide, which is scientifically proven to remove the VSCs. Q Visit your Dentist and/ or Hygienist regularly. Bad breath can be an indicator that there is a problem with the Dr Ash gums.

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ESSEX CENTRAL 

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Get Insanely Shredded with our NEW Insanity Extreme Fitness Class!

One of 1st UKthe Instr uctor s!

All classes are suitable for ALL levels with modifications Wednesday 10am - Trinity Church Hall, Mannock Drive, Loughton, Essex, IG10.

Tuesdays 7pm, The Murray hall, 106 Borders Lane, IG10 3DS. Classes are £24 per month (1 class per week) Walk ins £8.

If participating in more than one class per week, rates will be further discounted!

Please contact Mandy at mandykarimloo@sky.com/07904190047 to book and secure your place!

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HOME GARDEN

&

GOING BACK TO HIS

ROOTS

WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT DO YOU DO?

Movement Specialist and Personal Trainer Michael Jelbart tells us all about his business Functional Roots and how he can help us all maximise our body’s potential.

My name is Michael Jelbart and I run a local business called Functional Roots from a private practice located in the Redbridge area. I am a Movement Specialist, an Advanced Personal Trainer and a NG360 Golf Performance Specialist.

WHAT IS A MOVEMENT SPECIALIST?

A Movement Specialist is someone who understands how the human body performs and functions on an optimal level. This enables one to analyse, assess, rehabilitate, restore, train and condition individuals of all levels and abilities, including professional sports.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THESE SERVICES?

Whether it’s to improve body shape, fitness, injury prevention/rehabilitation or to maximise ones sporting potential, everyone can benefit.

WHERE DO YOU TRAIN PEOPLE?

I currently have a private practice located just off of the Redbridge roundabout and also offer home visits to all surrounding areas in West Essex and East London.

WHAT MAKES THE FUNCTIONAL ROOTS APPROACH UNIQUE?

The Movement Specialist role is relatively new to the UK; its foundations largely originate from cutting-edge developments made in the U.S. So when combined with Personal Training and NLP, it has evolved into a more accomplished and diverse programme that can suit the need of any individual.

I predominantly use a weightbearing approach to movement and fitness because everyday sport and activities often occur in the very same way. The assessments and training should always look and feel like the task in hand. This is something I strive to achieve for fast and effective results.

Putting the ‘FUN’ in Function is a term I often use because a huge part of the Functional Roots process is to create exciting tasks and challenges that will rekindle that love and appreciation for the ‘effortless movement’ we all once had as children.

WHAT MADE YOU GET INTO THIS PROFESSION? I’ve always had a great fascination with how things work (on a scientific level) and I’m immensely passionate about people, so it genuinely felt like I was made for a role such as this.

The human body is such an amazing feat of engineering and is something that I want to contribute towards and continue for the rest of my life.

For more information or to arrange a consultation please visit the Functional Roots website or contact Michael directly.

Website: www.functionalroots.com Tel: 07956 450001, Email: michael @functionalroots.com Practice address: No.4 Royston Gardens, Ilford, Essex, IG1 3SX

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Largest Golf SuperStore in Herts and Essex

Custom Fitting specialist

Service Centre

GC2 and Flightscope launch monitors

Fitting Specialist

12 Championship Course Simulator

“The best kit and golf clothing”

Golf Library

St James Centre, East Rd, Harlow, Essex, CM20 2SX www.totally-golf.com Tel: 01279432288ESSEX CENTRAL

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&

FASHION BEAUTY

3 2

3 Organza Wrap Skirt Topshop £40.00 4 Light Orange Peep Toe Platform Sandal River Island £55.00

5

4 1 Pink Batwing Slouch Sweater New Look £12.99 2 Light Pink Crepe Oversized Blazer New Look £24.99

PASTEL

1

POWER

6

Put a spring in your step with this season’s top 10 items.

By Carrie Feagan

10

This season we’re swapping our dark and dreary clothes for pretty pastels. Spring is all about pastel shades this year, so whether you’re going all out with a bold orange or staying subtle with a light blue bag- there’s something for everyone. The best part is you can pick up this springs hottest trend all from the high-street.

7 Shift Dress by Love Topshop £28.00 8 Gingham A-Line Dress Topshop £55.00

9

9 Light Blue Leather Metal Tote Bag River Island £70.00 10 Embellished Cuff Shirt Miss Selfridge £32.00

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5 Stitch Cigarette Trousers Topshop £30.00 6 Yellow Cropped Jumper River Island £30.00

8

7

Think you have tried every weight loss solution?

For some people, body weight is a serious issue. If all of the regular measures for weight loss have been unsuccessful, surgery is an option. Successful weight loss is also down to the support network that you have.

Weight Loss Surgery At Rivers Hospital we offer weight loss surgery procedures along with the support you need to help you accomplish your goals. Our expert, friendly and professional team offer motivation and support from the outset, from your first consultation with a consultant surgeon, through to achieving your goal.

Your new life could start today – call now for more details.

To find out more or to book a consultation:

01279 602 644 www.rivers-hospital.co.uk High Wych Road, Sawbridgeworth CM21 0HH

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&

FASHION BEAUTY

CHOCOLATE INDULGENCE Zero Calories

Forget Easter eggs, these chocolate treats are what your skin really wants, these products are sure to satisfy any cravings you may have in the most luxurious of manners. Not stopping at beauty products, these treatments are the most delicious on the market, a perfect accompaniment to the Easter festivities. s

Notes of cacao make for a luxurious and sensual fragrance, perfect for spring.

Jo Malone Blue Agava and Cacao Cologne, £39, www.jomalone.co.uk

Make like Augustus Gloop and enjoy your very own chocolate bath, lie back and let yourself be immersed in this sumptuous concoction.

Philip B Chocolate Milk Bubble Bath, £25, www.uk.spacenk.com

s

sIndulge in this delicious facial, bursting with antioxidants; this is perfect for brightening dull complexions. Chocolate Facial, £45, Lamia Hair and Beauty Salon, Hainault www.laima.co.uk

sIt says it all in the name, but this massage is preceded by a great exfoliating body scrub, leaving skin illuminated.

Chocolate Indulgence Full Body Massage, £51, Bannatyne Spa, Chafford Hundred www.bannatyne.co.uk

One of the best cleansing masks on the market, and it smells good enough to eat.

Lush Cupcake Chocolate and Mint Fresh Face Mask, £5.95, www.lush.co.uk s

sA treat for the legs in decadent surroundings.

Chocolate Hazelnut Wax, price varies dependent on area, Strip Wax Bar and Boutique, Loughton www.stripwaxbar.com s

An intensely moisturising treat for the lips.

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Dark Chocolate and Cherry Lip Butter, £1.99, www.boots.com

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By Devon-Elizabeth Tabersham ESSEX CENTRAL

lovingly

PREPARED eagerly

DEVOURED

Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm Sat 8am - 5.30pm Sun 8.30am - 5pm

Only the finest ingredients, all locally sourced and freshly cooked by us every day!

T: 020 8505 4400

WE CATER FOR PARTIES & EVENTS TOO. PLEASE CALL TO DISCUSS YOURS.

www.greenowlcafe.co.uk

44 Queens Road

Buckhurst Hill, IG9 5BY yum@greenowlcafe.co.uk

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PREP YOUR FEET FOR

SUMMER

&

FASHION BEAUTY

How to do the Perfect Pedicure

S

ummer’s nearly here and we don’t know about you but we can’t wait to free our feet and start wearing sandals again! With gorgeous sandals hitting the shelves, it’s no time to be shy about getting your toes out. You could get yourself booked in to your local beauty salon for a luxury pedicure but for those that don’t have the time, fortunately, celeb-trusted nail pro Amanda Anastasiou is sharing her top tips for pampering your feet.

YOU WILL NEED:

_ Large soaking bowl _ Epsom Salt _ Pumice Stone or foot scrub _ Base and top coat _ Your favorite polish _ Moisturiser _ Cuticle Pusher _ Cuticle Oil _ Buffer Block _ Nail Clippers _ Nail File _ Towel

STEP-BY-STEP

STEP 1: Soak your feet in an Epsom salt-infused bath of warm water for 5 -10 minutes. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Amanda Recommends: Boots Epsom Salts, £1.49, www.boots.com

STEP 2: Using a pumice stone first, exfoliate in a circular motion, paying special attention to heels of your feet and then finish off with a foot scrub.

Rinse well and pat dry with a towel.

Amanda Recommends: Neal’s Yard Remedies Pumice Foot Scrub, £14.75, www.nealsyard remedies.com STEP 3: Apply moisturiser and cuticle remover cream around your cuticles.

For added relief, massage the arches of your feet by working your thumbs in with firm pressure, then gently push cuticles back with a cuticle pusher.

Amanda Recommends: Sally Hansen Cuticle Remover Gel £6.45, www.boots.com and All That Jazz Hand & Foot Cream, £16.94, www.allthatjazzuk.com, STEP 4: Clip and file each toenail into a square shape, buff the tops of each nail to ensure a smooth surface for the polish. Avoid cutting your nails in a rounded shape, as this can promote ingrown toenails.

STEP 5: Swipe an acetone-soaked cotton wool ball over each toenail to remove excess oil and moisture.

STEP 6: Apply a thin coat of a base polish and let it dry.

Amanda Recommends: All That Jazz Base Line £11.99 www.allthatjazzuk.com STEP 7: Apply 2 coats of your chosen colored polish, waiting 5 minutes in between each coat.

Amanda Recommends: All That Jazz Polish Range £9.98, www.allthatjazzuk.com STEP 8: Apply a super quick dry top coat and let your toe nails dry for at least half an hour before wearing you favorite sandals.

Amanda Recommends: All That Jazz Top Note £10.99, www.allthatjazzuk.com STEP 9: Finish off with a cuticle oil, massage it in to your toes thoroughly to leave your skin moisturised for hours!

Amanda Recommends: Nourish Cuticle Oil by Nail Harmony, £7.99, Finesse Hair & Beauty in Chingford.

By Nail Harmony Master Educator Amanda Anastasiou, owner of Finesse Hair & Beauty in Chingford. If you would like to have your nails done

by Amanda, please visit www.finessesalon.co.uk

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SPACE

SAVERS Enhancing the quality of home design and lifestyle

“There is always a potential solution if you know what can be possible.”

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A

s house prices continue to soar and moving home becomes increasingly difficult – a lot of people are now looking for ideas to help them turn their home, into the evolved space they need. Life changes but sometimes our finances cannot cope with our new requirements such as working from home or a new baby. Or even the grown-up children who cannot afford to leave!

So how can we make our rooms feel bigger and more practical for our changing needs? The first step is to look at the room with a creative and intuitive thought process without being hindered by how the room looks in its present state.

There are so many ways in which

ideas can be turned into functional, exciting and interesting practicalities through a whole remit of unique solutions.

Most builders when renovating a room go back to the brick. Theoretically and creatively, you need to do this too.

Imagine the room at its bare minimum take very careful measurements of the room itself and of the furniture required and then prepare a drawing. If looking for bespoke furniture which has to have exact (but not standard) measurements, it may be worth considering having the furniture made.

If you have a small space for a wardrobe but a phenomenal clothes collection, taking the wardrobe from floor to ceiling with various gadgets and devices to increase the storage

HOME GARDEN

&

WITH THE APPROPRIATE EXPERTISE, IT IS AMAZING WHAT CAN BE ACHIEVED TO MAXIMISE SPACE USING IMAGINATION AND STYLE

Q Ingenious storage solutions utilise all available space

Having a specially made bed to fit the bedroom and then removing wardrobes to maximise space.

Perhaps building an entrance through a wall and into a wardrobe in an adjacent room.

Q

A handcrafted circular staircase instead of a loft ladder adds an interesting feature than a standard unattractive ladder coming out of the ceiling.

Q

Create a garden room with bespoke furniture

facilities is an interesting possibility. For most situations where an improvement is required - there is always a potential solution if you know what can be possible.

Perhaps the biggest room most of us have - is our garden! However this space is frequently under-utilised. So thinking of this ‘room’ as potential for most of our summertime entertaining, certainly adds an exciting dimension to the home/ garden experience and also helps to keep the house tidier. It doesn’t matter about crumbs, mess, things getting broken and also facilitates lots of water fun too. So for family entertainment, having the right furniture: dining chairs/ table and relaxing loungers, can certainly enhance the amount of space you have to live in and enjoy, whilst at home.

The Highlux team improve the quality of an office and home, lifestyle experience. Leading a team of talented engineers, interior designers and carpenters, the directors are committed to an international calibre of design and furniture building expertise - whilst retaining a locally priced fee structure.

Highlux are currently moving to an exciting new showroom in Epping, Essex.

For more information please visit the Highlux website www.highlux.co.uk.

For a free initial consultation call Martin Radels on 07597 144 684 or email Martin@highlux.co.uk.

Words by Michelle Harris www.starcopywriting.com

Making a smallish bedroom feel bigger by building wardrobes to a smaller depth rather than standard.

Q

Dining furniture built to exactly the right size for the room.

Q

A French Provençal kitchen with all the appliances built in, so traditional feeling but powered with latest technology.

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Save Money Just Replace Doors, Drawer Fronts & Worktops!

...in under 3 days!

Very little disruption or mess!

01992 577 737

First Floor, 233-235 High Street, Epping, CM16 4BP Visit Show Room

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ESSEX CENTRAL

ABRIDGE INTERIORS

UPHOLSTERY MANUFACTURERS

D Sofas & Sofa Beds D Corner Units D Chairs

A

bridge Interiors is a locally run family business with over 40 years upholstery experience.

D Re-Upholstery Specialists D Mirrors D Console Tables D Dressing Tables

Our showroom is in the middle of Abridge, (see map below) we also have our own local workshop we can make you a brand new sofa, sofabed, corner unit, chairs, stools, headboards in a choice of fabrics and sizes to suit your requirements. We can also reupholster your existing furniture to look like new in a wide range of fabric or leather.

Customers can now visit us to see our range of soft furnishings, mirrors, dressing tables, console tables and much more.

1 Market Place, Abridge, Essex, RM4 1UA | Telephone: 01992 812 323 www.abridgeinteriors.co.uk | abridgeinteriors@live.co.uk ESSEX CENTRAL 

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SA LE

AR MANY ITEMS TO C!LE AT CRAZY PRICES

We Won’t be

beaten on price!

Come along and browse our 8,000 sqr ft showroom

Visit our Website for a Virtual Tour of our HUGE Showroom! l l l l l

Ample Free Parking | Items ready to go!

Great Selection of furniture MirrorS & GiftS l PictureS liGhtinG & chandelierS hand Made KitchenS Granite WorKtoPS

Specials made to order

Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 4pm Saturday - 9am - 5pm Sunday - 10am - 4pm

l

See the virtual tour on our website!

l

E: info@somethingfurniture.co.uk W: www.somethingfurniture.co.uk T: 01992 573 111

l l

A: Esgors Farm, High Road, Thornwood Common, near Epping, Essex, CM16 6LY 1 mile from M11 Roundabout, Junction 7 on B1393 - between Epping and Harlow.

VariouS finiSheS Stained & lacquered Stained & hand Waxed SPray Painted

When Skies Are Grey Treat yourself to a little happy

Eclectic Gifts & Home Accessories Cushions & Throws Scented Candles & Diffusers Pantry & Accessories Cards & Gift Wrap Open 7 Days a Week 85 High St, Ongar CM5 9DX 01277 500207 whenskiesaregrey.com

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HOME GARDEN

BLOOMING MARVELLOUS

&

Add a touch of floral flair to your home this season.

sSet of 2 Flower Plaques £35 www.next.co.uk

sGlass Floral Double Coat Hook £16.00 www.oliverbonas.com s

Flora Flower Cushion £12.99 www.dunelm-mill.com

sMeadow Breeze Bedlinen Collection from £11.99 www.dunelm-mill.com

s Mulberry Flower Collection Teabag Tidy £1.99 www.dunelm-mill.com s Retro Floral Door Stop £18.99 www.dottybrown.com

s

PiP Studio Big Flower Mug £10 www.johnlewis.com

s Floral Tub Chair £129 www.argos.co.uk

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HOME GARDEN

There’s nothing like the taste of freshly picked herbs

Victoria Robertson

GARDENING WITH VICTORIA ROBERTSON

A seasonal guide to help you get the most out of your garden.

T

his month you will see that the garden is slowly starting to come to life again. Lawns now need a regular mow, vegetable and flowering seeds also need to be sown! April is the perfect time to plant some lovely summer flowering bulbs such as Alliums, Agapanthus and Canna. Bulbs are ideal for patio containers and will add colour to mixed borders without taking up much space.

Make room in your garden for some herbs, there’s nothing like the taste of freshly picked herbs that have come straight from your own garden! Herbs are relatively easy to grow and not only do they taste great in food, they provide us with a number of health

benefits too. Growing herbs will also attract plenty of wildlife such as birds, bees and butterflies. Sage, Parsley, Thyme, Fennel and Rosemary are some of the most highly scented herbs and will fill your garden with a fantastic aroma.

Before planting your seeds enrich the soil by using some well-rotted compost. Sow your herb seeds in shallow drills at least 30cm apart at regular intervals of three to four weeks to ensure a continuous supply of fresh leaves. Place in a sunny position as they will not grow well in shade. They look great growing in beds, borders, containers, window boxes or even indoors on your kitchen windowsill.

Inside you can grow many varieties such as; Chives,

Parsley, Basil, Coriander, Marjoram and Mint.

Herbs can also be grown vertically in your garden especially if space is an issue you can grow them inside a shoe organiser. Just make a few small holes in the bottom of each pocket. Hang it on a sunny fence, shed or wall. Place in a handful of small stones, fill with soil and sow the seeds.

You can easily make an ornamental herb garden by combining the silver-grey foliage of Sage with the blue flowers of Borage and other variations in colour such as Basil and Thyme.

Written by Amenity horticulturalist & gardening committee member of Copped Hall and Epping Horticultural Society Victoria Robertson

&

PEST CONTROL

Aphids can be found on soft new growth. Look at buds, tips or stems and the undersides of leaves. Aphids come in many different colours from blackfly to yellows, browns and greenfly.

Spray them with a little amount of washing up liquid mixed with plenty of water as an organic form of control.

WILDLIFE WATCH

Look at frogspawn if you have some in your pond as it will normally start to hatch during this month.

Do not move spawn or tadpoles into a different pond as this can spread disease. Frogspawn likes to be exposed to both light and warm conditions and instead of hatching it can sometimes turn into mush. If this happens it can be quite hard to find a reason as to why it didn’t develop properly.

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FOOD & DRINK QUEENS BRITISH GRILL

SIRLOIN

Q

STEAK

ueens British Grill in Wanstead is a true British steakhouse that prides itself on serving only the finest meats. All of their steaks are rare breed, 28 days aged and supplied by S.R. Cooper Meats Ltd who source their products from sustainable family run farms where the animals

By Queens British Grill

are reared under non intensive conditions.

Here is their recipe for the tastiest steak you are ever likely to cook.

METHOD 1. Cook the carrots, peas and French beans and leave to cool.

2. To make the curry paste: grind the garlic and curry powder in a pestle and mortar. Once they

BEST SERVED WITH...

The LanguedocRoussillon, the vast one-time wine factory that stretches from the estuary of the Rhône to the Spanish border has transformed itself into Toby Webster of s the nursery of some Black Dog Wine of the world’s most exciting winemaking talent, and it here that we will effortlessly go in search of a bottle or two suitable for this month’s dish. Juicy steak calls out for a juicy red, and this is the home of some of the juiciest red wines made anywhere.

The movement away from the high-yielding

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are a smooth paste add the rosemary, thyme and olive oil and mix well.

Finally add the parsley, salt and pepper and mix to a uniform paste.

3. For the sirloin steak: to start you will want to sear the outside of the steak a bit; to do this, after the grating is hot put the steak on for about two minutes on each side.

After you have seared the steak put it back on for about five minutes on each side if you wish to cook it rare.

Leave it another 2 minutes for medium rare, or 6 more minutes for medium to well done (this all depends of the thickness of the steak).

4. Leave the steak to rest for about 1 minute, so that

industrial vineyards of the Mediterranean plain and into the far more ancient and qualitatively significant garrigue lands in the foothills of the Cévennes mountains has exposed some particularly thrilling terroirs, and there are none more so than the Terrasses de Larzac, an area of wild and scenic limestone shale. This area of a few square miles has attracted some of the most prodigious of that aforementioned talent, amongst them a Brazilian former agronomist Marie Chauffray, and her ex-rock musician and wine merchant husband, Frédéric, who bought some 30 acres of old Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah vines high up above the little village of Arboras in 2004. They farmed their vines

Sous Chef Attila Koszegi and Head Chef/Owner Adebola Adeshina

Mediterranean Villas

FOR SALE INGREDIENTS

ND A BRNEW

8oz Sirloin Steak

For the Curry Paste:

10g Curry Powder 2 cloves of Garlic

1 string of picked Rosem ary 1 string of picked Thym e 50g chopped Parsley 25ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil Salt & Pepper For the Salad: 1 sliced Pineapple Mixed Leaf Salad Carrots, Peas & French

Pineapple Juice

Beans

Olive Oil Salt & Pepper

it absorbs all the juice back into the meat.

5. Meanwhile, cut the pineapple into 1 cm slices, and grill it for about 1 minute, until it takes a nice colour of the grill.

6. Once the vegetables are cooled down, place them in a bowl with the mixed salad, a touch of pineapple juice, and season with salt and

pepper.

Add Olive Oil as required.

7. Once the steak has rested, smear the curry paste on both sides, ready to serve.

Queens British Grill, 63 New Wanstead, London, E11 2SA, Tel: 020 8530 8861, Website: www. queensbritishgrill.co.uk

organically from the outset, and make their wines according to natural principles, hand-picking the grapes and allowing them to ferment under the yeasts that occur naturally in the vineyard. We have just shipped their vibrantly wonderful 2012 ‘SanSoo’ (£12.45 each, £11.60 if you buy 6), a bottling that takes place without the addition of any sulphur and is only sold in the spring, and the 2010 La Réserve d’O (£13.65/£12.70) which is full of juicy red and black fruits, marked by a marvellous freshness and energy. Either will handsomely compliment your steak.

These and many other artisan made wines are available from The Black Dog Wine Company at Ashlyns Farm Shop in North Weald. www.blackdogwines.co.uk, Tel: 01992 525009.

Be the first to own one of two beautiful, 3 bedroom villas available in the lovely town of Mersin Tasucu on the Southern Turkish coast

£55,000 each or both for £100,000 LONG SANDY BEACH, CLOSE TO ALAYNA AND CYPRUS IS A SHORT BOAT RIDE AWAY.

For further information please call

Semih on 07460 850 000

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Quality & Excellence Award Winning Family Butchers & Pie makers Have you tried one of our award winning pies?

Spring is here and Summer is just around the corner.

COME IN AND SEE OUR NEW RANGE OF MARINADES (some are Gluten Free)

Now stocking boerewors and Braai Sault.

Free local delivery’s 01992 813283

www.qualityandexcellence.co.uk

Find us on Facebook Quality-excellence Butchers 12 Forest Drive, Theydon Bois, Essex CM16 7EY

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“Now owned by head chef Gavin Maguire”

The Bluebell restaurant is located in the heart of Chigwell, Essex and represents the finest in modern British and European cuisine. We pride ourselves on The Bluebell’s elegantly relaxed atmosphere, beautifully and simply presented food and first class service.

Housed within a lovingly restored five hundred year old building, The Bluebell is deceptively large on the inside. Part of the restaurant’s charm are the two separate dining areas; at the front a cosy and intimate space whilst at the rear you will find a larger sophisticated dining area.

The Bluebell is perfect for business entertaining, intimate evenings, delicious lunches or even a family celebration. Whatever the event we will do our utmost to make sure you have a truly special experience in a relaxing and elegant environment.

SPECIAL OFFER!

20% off 3 course set lunch Tuesday - Saturday and 20% off 3 course dinner Tuesday to Thursday throughout April.

Diners MUST mention ‘Essex Central 20% Offer’ at time of booking.

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

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hara at the

dy Pera t festival Kan The Buddhis Temple. h Kandian Toot

WONDER OF Sri Lanka is so much more than just a beach holiday.

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ASIA

S

ri Lanka is a destination for an immersive holiday, a place of intense and permanent memories. It is an island of stunning beaches, arid plains, lush vegetation in the low hill country and stunning expansive estates in the high tea country British colonial heritage is everywhere, the influence of Dutch and Portuguese settlers and a deep cultural & Buddhist religious heritage is felt throughout the island and its culture. Sri Lankan cuisine blends the best of vegetarian, meat and fish with aromatic spices and abundant locally grown produce, to create an explosion of taste. All of which means there’s a mix of things to experience, from landscapes and wildlife to culture, food

and relaxation.

The best months to travel to the west coast are December to April or July to September. The east coast is best experienced between May and November. Climate is sub-tropical, with year round temperatures of 26-32C. It’s possible to fly direct from London on Sri Lankan airlines, but other options, including stopovers in Dubai or the Maldives, are available.

August sees the ‘Grand Perahera’, a 10-day religious festival with a nightly parade of elephants clad in embroidered silk and travelling between temples.

The circuits grow in length as the days elapse, with the climatic ‘Randoli Perahera’ involving 100 or more animals.

Abbotts Travel offer a variety of hotels

TRAVEL SRI LANKA

SAMPLE ITINERARY FOR 15 DAY SRI LANKAN HOLIDAY DAYS 1-3

Arrive in Colombo, and transfer to Vil Uyana, a boutique hotel located in the cultural triangle and named by Harper’s Bazaar as Best Eco Luxury Hotel in Sri Lanka.

Tour Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, and spend time on the Minneriya Elephant Jeep Safari, witnessing herds gathering around a third century reservoir to drink.

DAYS 4-6

Transfer to Kegalle for three nights at Rosyth Estate House, a former planters bungalow set in a 62-acre private estate, and which comes with impeccable reviews.

Tour Kegalle and visit a range of sights from a tea factory and elephant orphanage to Kandy Tooth Temple and also the Botanic Gardens. Spend the rest of your time at leisure.

DAYS 7-8

From Kandy, take the train to Nan Oya and visit Horton Plains National Park on the way to Nuwara Eliya, where a car and driver will meet you.

On arrival, visit the Tea Factory, a gorgeous conversion which, as the name implies, lets you pick your own tea from the plantation.

DAYS 9-10

DAYS 11-15

Transfer to Kogalla for five nights of relaxation at the Fortress Hotel.

Take a tour of Galle City and spend a morning whale watching. The rest of your time can be spent experiencing the hotel’s incredible spa treatments or taking the sun on its pristine beaches, letting the warm waters of the Indian Ocean lap at your feet!

TIP: When planning an itinerary don’t be fooled by distances.

Roads and progress can be slow so avoid one night stops, unless you are looking for a nonstop driving holiday. Alternatively, let Abbotts help plan your perfect trip.

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Pictures courtesy of Travel Gallery Ltd.

from basic to luxury, but to get the best from this wonderful country they recommend boutique and authentic properties like Rosyth Estate House.

Set in a working tea and rubber estate, guests can visit the local tea factory, chill by the pool, laze in the library or take in the stunning views of this private paradise in the hills. Every guest who books two nights here between May and June or October and November will receive a third night free, as a thank you.

Abbotts Travel, 134 George Lane, South Woodford, E18 1BA (open Monday-Saturday). Tel: 0208 989 9445. Track more exclusive offers and receive your free monthly newsletter online at www.abbottstravel.com Twitter: @abbottstravel.

Transfer to Yala for two nights at the luxury Jetwing Yala, set close to one of the best wildlife destinations in Asia.

The highlight will be a Leopard safari, because Yala has one of the highest concentrations of these beautiful big cats of anywhere on Earth.

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ESSEX CENTRAL

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51

WHAT’S ON

ESSEX GET OUT AND ABOUT IN

WHEN: Tuesday 8th April, 8pm WHAT: North east London RSPB talk on ‘The State of Nature: What can we do?’ Admission £3.00 for RSPB members, £3.50 for nonmembers. For more details phone David Littlejohns on 020 8989 4746 or email nelondonrspb@ yahoo.co.uk WHERE: St. Mary’s Church, 207 High Road, South Woodford, E18 2PA

WHEN: Third Monday of the month. 5.30pm WHAT: Vojan Cooking Club, £30.

Contact: Sharon Butler-Felby 07850 864 799 WHERE: The Vojan, Ongar.

WHEN: First Tuesday of the month.

From 7.30pm WHAT: The Vojan Business Networking Group - No membership fee, just £15, includes dinner, some drinks and social media support. Contact: Sharon Butler-Felby 07850 864 799 WHERE: The Vojan, Ongar

WHEN: First Sunday every month, ending 7th September.

WHAT: Copped Hall Open Gardens.

Tea & coffee, homemade cakes, biscuits and shop. Entry £3.50, free to Friends & children under 14. Gates open for entry between 2.00pm and 4.00pm, gardens close at 5.00pm.

WHERE: Copped Hall, Epping

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ESSEX CENTRAL

WHEN: Wednesday 16th April, 7pm-9.30pm WHAT: Bat walk - Learn about the bats in the forest, see bat specimens close up and have a chance to spot some bats.

Aimed at families; children must be accompanied by an adult, ages 7+. £6 per person. Booking required - ring 020 8502 8500 or email enquiries.ef@field-studiescouncil.org WHERE: Epping Forest Field Studies Centre, Pauls Nursery Road, High Beach

WHEN: Friday 18th - Monday 21st April WHAT: Easter Beer Festival - Over 20 Real Ales, BBQ, live music and special guests.

WHERE: Theydon Oak Pub, Epping

WHEN: Sunday 27th April WHAT: Woodford Bowling Club open day. Tuition given and equipment supplied. Over 16’s.

Wear flattish footwear. For more details ring Alan on 020 8505 6002 or John on 020 8504 1196 WHERE: Woodford Bowling Club, The Green, Kings Avenue, Woodford Green WHEN: Friday 9th May, 7pm for 7.30pm WHAT: Gator ABC present a ‘Grand Dinner Boxing Show’.

Informal dress. Admission £35.

Contact Keith: 07802 936 432 WHERE: Prince Regent Hotel, Manor Road, Woodford Bridge, IG8 8AE WHEN: Saturday 10th May, 11am - 4pm WHAT: Nina and Lesley fund raising FunDay in aid of HemiHelp - U 9’s football, Senior and Youth Rugby & Netball tournaments.

Bouncy castles, go karts, face painter, craft stalls, music, beer festival, hot and cold foods, and special guests and celebrities to open various tournaments.

WHERE: Upper Clapton Rugby club, Upland Road, Epping, CM16 6NL WHEN: Saturday 10th May 7pm - late WHAT: Nina and Lesley Charity fundraising dinner and auction for 200 in aid of HemiHelp.

Three Course dinner with celebrities, auction with some fantastic prizes from 5* holiday home in Marbella to celebrity chauffeur and sports car for the day.

Tickets £60pp.

For tickets please email ninaandlesleymachupicchu@ yahoo.com.

WHERE: Upper Clapton Rugby club, Upland Road, Epping, CM16 6NL

r e st a E Beer Festival

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18th-21st April 2014

Over 20 Real Ales and many Beers to try.

BBQ ALL Weekend & Special Guests

9 Coopersale Street, Epping, Essex, CM16 7Q J T: 01992 572618 E: info@thetheydonoak.co.uk

EASTER FUNDAY AT THEYDON OAK Easter Sunday 20th April From 1pm

Meet The Easter Bunny

FREE ENTRY Face Painting & Much More!

COME AND JOIN IN WITH ALL THE FUN Celebrating our 1st year anniversary of opening our fully enclosed children’s playground ESSEX CENTRAL

53

SPECIALISTS IN WETROOMS

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COMMUNITY

THE HOLIDAY HOMES

TRUST Making holidays accessible to all

T

By Devon-Elizabeth Tabersham.

he Holiday Homes Trust is a Lottery funded charity offering affordable family holiday accommodation.

Each of their homes is wheelchair accessible and they offer a wide range of facilities, ensuring fun for all the family. Holiday homes are available in Yorkshire, Norfolk, Hampshire, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and South Wales.

The Holiday Homes Trust was founded with deep rooted family values, in the late 60s, after installing a wishing well in his front garden, Charles Porter, a former Scout, took the funds from this and bought a caravan for which his disabled great nieces could enjoy a fun-filled holiday without the stress of finding a destination with wheelchair accessibility. Porter then decided that every family with disabilities should be able to enjoy the same luxury. In 1969, a group of former Scouts, including Porter founded the Scouts Holiday Home Trust upon the belief that

everybody is entitled to the same quality of life and deserve the freedom to have fun and relaxation.

Since then, nine caravans and one chalet have been built in holiday parks across the country.

These caravans offer lower prices than the holiday parks, including an entertainment pass, making a holiday more affordable for families who have been affected by disability. Since it’s founding, more than 6,000 families have been able to enjoy their stay and it is clear from the visitor’s testimonials that The Holiday Homes Trust provides well equipped accommodation and caters to every individual within a family in order to ensure that all involved enjoy their stay. One guest writes, “The accommodation was brilliant with a big bathroom which was great for my disabled husband.

The Park facilities were all good and my two teenagers had a lovely time windsurfing.”

This charity offers families with limited finances due to the

stresses of disability the chance to enjoy a holiday with the dignity and enjoyment which everybody deserves. While The Holiday Homes Trust receives funding from the Lottery for its efforts, it still requires fundraising and patronage in order to maintain the caravans, some of which are calling for refurbishment so that they can be enjoyed by guests for years to come. It is essential to this charity to continue being able to provide holiday homes for disabled families, if only to provide a restful week away from the home environment, building family relationships and reducing stress induced from their disadvantages.

The trust recently held a wine tasting evening at The Hall on the Green in North Chingford and raised a valuable £751 which will go towards renovating one of their caravans.

To find out more information about the Holiday Homes Trust, book a holiday or make a donation please visit: www.holidayhomestrust.org

ESSEX CENTRAL

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PUZZLE ?

?

?

?

?

?

CORNER ?

?

?

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

?

?

Can you spot 6 differences between these two pictures?

WORD SEARCH

?

?

?

?

Find these Easter related words: Good Friday Chick Hot Cross Bun Colourful Chocolate Eggs Religion Spring Easter Bunny Egg Hunt Which word is missing?

Celebration

SUDOKU

Difficulty: Medium

?

?

?

?

CRISS-CROSS

?

Fit these birds into the grid.

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ESSEX CENTRAL

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

?

?

6 LETTERS 8 LETTERS Budgie Flamingo Canary 9 LETTERS Cuckoo Goldcrest Falcon Blackbird 7 LETTERS Seagull Swallow

?

5 LETTERS Quail Swift Macaw Goose Grebe Finch

PUZZLES

&

WIN! COMPETITION

Win a Diamond Whites Smile!

W

To enter simply fill in the entry form and send to: Essex Central Magazine, Brickfield Business Centre, High Road, Thornwood, Epping, Essex CM16 6TH or email your details to: competitions@essexcentralmagazine.co.uk.

Closing date: Three winners will be selected at random on 17th April 2014. *By entering this competition you agree to provide a picture for publication if you are picked as a winner.

Website: www.diamondwhites.co.uk

TEETH WHITENING COMPETITION NAME:

!

e have teamed up with Diamond Whites to offer three lucky winners a whiter, brighter and more confident smile.

Diamond Whites offer revolutionary non-peroxide teeth whitening treatments carried out by fully trained and qualified technicians, using the most up to date and advanced technology available.

The procedure is entirely safe, noninvasive and the Diamond Whites LED system will give you the results you have always wanted. Following application of a cleansing paste, whitening gel is applied to the teeth then activated by the Diamond White LED light. The system soothes heals and de-sensitises at the same time as activating the product to achieve exceptional results.

The first two entries picked at random will receive a 45 minute LED Teeth Whitening session in the comfort of their own home or at the Epping or Chigwell salons, worth £89.99, and the third winner will receive a Home Whitening Kit worth £39.99.

ADDRESS: TEL: EMAIL: ESSEX CENTRAL

57



Hayley

Lana

Nikki

Due to the great success and overwhelming demand of our recent promotion, we have extended 2 fantastic offers from Tikadi Ongar when you book in with our stylists Hayley, Lana or Nikki during April

SPECIAL OFFER

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Cut & blow dry

£60

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Full head of highlights with cut & blow dry

During April 2014 with one of the following stylists at Tikadi Ongar:

During April 2014 with one of the following stylists at Tikadi Ongar:

Hayley, Lana or Nikki

Hayley, Lana or Nikki

T & Cs Cannot be used with an other offer or discounts and is valid until 30/04/2014 Present voucher to validate the offer. EC/2014

T & Cs Cannot be used with an other offer or discounts and is valid until 30/04/2014 Present voucher to validate the offer. EC/2014

ONGAR 01277 366775

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THEYDON BOIS 01992 815700 

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59

DAD’S DIARY

In Partnership with

ENTERING FATHERHOOD

WITHOUT A MAP A

s Diddy Man continues to move around we felt the time was right to start letting him walk more outside and so purchased his first pair of trainers. Although a little awkward at first he was soon back to his delighted self as we set off for a sunny countryside walk. It was becoming a little hard to control his enthusiasm as he attempted to walk ahead in the pursuit of eating butterflies and rabbits but we managed to keep up (whilst gasping for breath). Unfortunately his new found hiking skills had come at a price, when we removed the new footwear it showed his big toe had swollen to the size of a space hopper. He was still giggling as I looked at him with a sense of disbelief and fear (this kid is clearly tougher than me) and he just smiled back. The doctor calmly informed us that a short course of antibiotics would have everything looking normal again, however, the next day his sock came off….along with his entire toenail! We’ve been told it grows back though (don’t worry new parents!).

Aside from losing toenails he has also been starting to sleep a little better as his recent chest infection seems to be passing. This is great news for us as we would often bring him into our room to get him back off to sleep, but his snoring was like sharing a bed with Darth Vader. I lay there with eyes wide open, him, on my arm, whilst I looked at the ceiling, waiting for him to say in that Darth Vader voice, “Father,… I am your father,” … aaaghh! It was a nightmare each evening. But thankfully he now seems to be back to full health.

His balance also went a little bit ‘Matrix’ yesterday, he started to fall

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but stabled himself mid drop and held the pose, as if to say, “Hey Dad, check this out,” and slowly righted himself again into correct posture. If I tried the same I think I’d be able to hold the pose, sure, but through no desire or effort on my side, I’d simply be stuck, “Hey, check me out Son… walk away now Son, don’t keep looking at Dad… I will rise again when you’ve left… please go.”

“An X-Ray of his b elly k loo bly would proba like a car boot sale.”

I’ve also noticed his growing lust for keys, picking them up and trying to eat them at every opportunity, this can make getting into the home or car quite tiring when the key is constantly sliding past the lock due to the excesive saliva it’s been coated with. But it’s not just keys, he picks up everything and tries to eat it, baby wipes, remote controls, any form off paperwork and generally much more besides, in fact an X-Ray of his belly would probably look like a car boot sale.

His other current obsession are our poor cats, as well as trying to eat their food (obviously) he likes to try and eat their tails, luckily his teeth have never bitten them but his eyes go wide with hungry joy as they stroll past. He thrusts out a greedy palm and grips the tail… in fact, before I continue I need to explain our cats; one is very much outdoors and streetwise, wary of humans and generally harder to bond with for strangers, the other is the most docile lazy blob you will ever come across, she’s like an exhausted Garfield and would have

a snooze button on a smoke alarm.

So anyway, he grabs, (and it’s the lazy ginger one) she simply slumps to the ground with a resigned look of, “Well, I guess we’ve all gotta be eaten sometime,” seems to portray a mild shrug and accepts her fate.

His salivating mouth closes in on her furry tail as I launch across the room just in time to palm my hand between mouth and moggy like some mid-air karate chop. I place his hand across her back in the pointless hope he will gently run it back ‘n’ forth through her fur, but instead he begins slapping her like a big ginger bongo, and again she just lays there as if trying to recall the tune being pummelled away across her back. As I pull our boy away he clearly wants to remember this joyful musical moment so reaches out for a small memento - a huge clump of fur (again, she’s motionless and unfazed). Before I have a chance to empty his hand the fur is already in his mouth. It looks like his just finished eating Bungle from Rainbow and then smiles with the hairiest mouth I’ve ever had the misfortune to look at.

Our cat simply gets up and strolls off like nothing has happened.

Perhaps she was mother Theresa in a former life, who knows, but she has the patience of a saint.

It’s his birthday later this month and aside from buying him a new toe and a plastic set of keys, we’re not quite sure what to go for. A bouncy castle idea is a possibility but I can imagine him gnawing through the canvas and slowly enveloping the other kids with a huge deflating castle, so I guess I will have to let you know in the next issue what we went for… ...TO BE CONTINUED

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PROPERTY

“Epping has a ver y stable property market.”

EPPING? WHY CHOOSE When looking for somewhere to live, whether buying or renting, most people ask the question, ‘WHY’ a particular area.

W

hy choose Epping - Epping is a place where people are born, grow up and choose to live their whole lives. It is a vibrant town which keeps pace with modern living whilst maintaining its’ original market town charm. Epping has been in existence since before William the Conqueror (according to our church website). It has all the modern conveniences that you may require, including: a gym, hospital, fire & ambulance services, doctors, dentists, coffee shops, public houses, petrol station, supermarkets and primary & secondary schools, alongside one of Essex’s oldest churches, a regular weekly market and lots of original architecture.

It also has the pleasure of being surrounded by Epping Forest and farmlands, whilst being at the end of the Central Line & a stone’s throw from the M11 & M25.

All of which are the reasons that Nicholsons chose to settle here, as well as the fact that Epping has a very stable property market.

Established in 1982, Nicholsons Sales & Lettings opened its’ doors in Epping and, unlike many other Agents of that time, the doors are

still open today. We are a small independent family run company, who provide all of our clients with a personalised friendly service, backed up with local knowledge and by many years of experience.

This we are sure is the reason our landlords and tenants are happy to recommend us and come back to us year after year.

I’m Wendy Barritt, I own and have run the business for the last 3 years, prior to which I had worked for Nicholsons since the millennium.

I take great pride in getting to know & understand our clients’ needs so I can put the right person in the right property, as I believe each landlord, tenant, & property are individual.

As well as myself we currently have a team of 4 members of staff, Debbie Whitworth who is the heart of the office, dealing with all enquiries and the majority of the property administration, Michael Millard who has been a consultant for the company since 2002 and deals mostly with resolving any issues that arise and organising any work that needs to be carried out at any of our properties, Nicola Osborne looks after all the office

Mike Millard, Wendy Barritt, Debbie Whitworth, Glenn Bates (no-longer with the company), Nicola Osborne & Nick Barritt

administration as well as the book keeping and dealing with company finances & Nick Barritt who is studying Law at University in London and works for the family business on a part-time basis, dealing with our marketing campaigns, as well as our customers, landlords and tenants. We are currently also looking to recruit a new member of staff to become our Trainee Lettings Negotiator.

So in answer to that question, we love Epping, it’s a great place be...

By Wendy Barritt 132 High Street, Epping, Essex, CM16 4AG, Tel: 01992572551 www.nicholsonsestates.com

ESSEX CENTRAL

63

Building nests since 1982

SALE

for

nicholsons sales&lettings

01992 572 551 www.nicholsonsestates.com

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ESSEX CENTRAL

ESSEX CENTRAL

65

CLUB FOCUS WGAC

WOODFORD GREEN ATHLETICS CLUB

WITH ESSEX LADIES F

Peter Kirabo

By Devon-Elizabeth Tabersham

Jenny Thomas

Ryan McKinlay

Chris Lingue

66

ESSEX CENTRAL

ounded in 1908, Woodford Green Athletics Club with Essex Ladies is one of the most successful Athletics Clubs in Essex, competing in Division One in the British Athletic League. Since its founding, the club’s longest running member, Ken Bray has seen WGAL crowned Essex Steeple Race champions in 1954 as well as numerous victories since.

When Bray first joined the club in 1952, the club had only a grass track, then developed into a cinder track.

However upon news that the M25 would be built so close to the club, situated at Ashtons Playing Fields, the track was brought up to the top table and he formed a committee in order to persuade the council that an all-weather track was essential for the club’s future. Once the all-weather track was in place, a clubhouse was built, an operation which required fundraising, a vital organ in the club’s community spirit. Ken Hollingworth, the club’s President and Secretary continues in his community efforts, organising the annual Roding Half Marathon, raising money for the club.

The club offers facilities such as running, hurdling, jumping and throwing, an indoor exercise area was built also, making hurdling training and throwing possible all year round.

In 2008, to mark its centenary anniversary, Ken Bray, John Hayward and John Baker raised the money in order to build a museum on site celebrating the first hundred years of the club.

Essex Ladies crossing the stream

The Athletics Club is open to all, the prominent demographic is young athletes from the ages of 12-20, the British Athletics League team is managed by Gladys Bird, a former international 400m hurdler and this team is prominent in its division, the club competing nationwide. Club members have also gained worldwide credentials, one athlete Daniel Awde competed in the Beijing Olympics in the Decathlon event. The Ladies team manager is Keith Hopson and they compete in Division Two in the UK Women’s Athletics League, also travelling nationwide to compete. Another league in which the club competes is the Southern Athletics Team, a unisex squad managed by Paul Manson.

The club hosts open graded meetings around four times a year, inviting runners to compete against their peers. Children are also invited to join a group known as the WASPS, and compete in the Youth Development League, where Helen Finch, Wendy Fuhr and Colleen Wint take the helm in creating the athletes of tomorrow.

For more information please visit the club website: www.wgel.org.uk

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