Essex Central Magazine - Dec 14 - Issue 14 by EssexCentralMagazine

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i FREE DELIVEREDd TO THE ESSEX TOWNS OF THE CENTRAL LINE AND BEYOND d d d i e de d i i e e e d e i i d d d d ed i e i e e THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR LOCAL PEOPLE - ISSUE 14 DECEMBER 2014 d i i e

CENTRAL

HO, HO, HO! Santa’s Santa’s Coming Coming To To Essex Essex

MEET THE LOCALS Showcasing Showcasing Local Local Independents Independents

GORGEOUS GIFTS For For Everyone Everyone On On Your Your List List

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ON THE COVER 14 Meet the Locals 18 Christmas Magic 22 Christmas Gift Guide 57 Competition Win a meal for two at La Sala 66 Club Focus

Th ey d B bFASHION & BEAUTY ois on de n

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Editor/Owner

Darren Perry

ell it’s that time of year again folks! Jingle bells, Rudolph, big old Santa Claus himself and “It’s Chriiiistmaaaas” playing on the radio! In this issue we look at different attractions and events to visit throughout the month and Christmas gifts to buy. Plus we travel across Europe to select some of the best Christmas markets you can find! Our club focus looks at the Essex Arrows Baseball Club, and we get the inside information on the great work being done by Epping Forest Re-Use as this months featured charity. There’s the usual mix of fashion, games, dad’s diary, local news, mum’s corner, what’s on and also a superb recipe from the new La Sala restaurant! Have a great Christmas everyone, see you next year!!

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.

PARENTING 60 Mum’s Corner

46,000 copies distributed to homes, businesses and station locations, along the Essex section of the Central Line and surrounding areas: South Woodford, Woodford, Buckhurst Hill, Chigwell, Loughton, Debden, Abridge, Theydon Bois, Epping, North Weald, Ongar, Wanstead, Redbridge, Ilford, Gants Hill, Newbury Park, Barkingside, Fairlop, Hainault, Grange Hill.

FUN & GAMES rd 56 Puzzle Corner 64 Entering Fatherhood Without a Map

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Editor: Darren Perry Email: Darren@essexcentralmagazine.co.uk Tel: 01279 319 318 Advertising: advertising@essexcentral magazine.co.uk Features Editor: Victoria Grace Journalist: Devon-Elizabeth Tabersham Design: Sharon Butler-Felby @SketchDesign, Lauren Brown, Matt Brace. Sales Manager: Dennis Hutton Contributors: Amanda Anastasiou, Toby Webster, Sarah Mackie, Victoria Robertson, Josie Stevens, Emily Talbut, Beverley Rumsey. Publishers: 3 Blue Worldwide Ltd Facebook: EssexCentralMag Twitter: @EssexCentralMag

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FOOD & DRINK 48 Recipe & Wine

TRAVEL 44 Europe’s Christmas Markets

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Lo & GARDEN HOME ug 36 Create ht a Warm Welcome on 41 December Gardening Guide

COMMUNITY 6 Your Comments 10 Local News So WoForest 53 Epping u Re-Use od th Featured charity fo r 55 What’s On d

27 Glitterati Glamour 29 Dress to Impress 33 Step by Step Clip in hair extensions

D SO L

NORTH WEALD Montagues are pleased to offer to the market this One bedroom top floor flat in village location. The property offers an open plan lounge with fitted kitchen, modern bathroom and the benefit of loft space. To the exterior is allocated parking and communal gardens and approx 160 years remaining on the lease. £134,995 LEASEHOLD

EPPING Montagues are pleased to offer to the market this well presented TWO BEDROOM top floor flat located on the outskirts of Epping forest, however within walking distance to Epping High Street and central line station. The property offers a good size lounge, modern fitted kitchen, modern bathroom with shower, GAS CENTRAL HEATING AND DOUBLE GLAZING. To the exterior are communal gardens and a GARAGE with electric supply. £259,995 LEASEHOLD

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COMMUNITY

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YOUR COMMENTS e

R A T S

We love hearing from you!

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

READER’S PHOTO

on’ Lought s m r r’s A m rdene a G ie Sim n m a o h r p f Ste ‘View

Missed getting my copy of the mag at Loughton station this morning  #commuter problems Sinead Fulton

Thank you so much for the copies, my son Devdoot was featured in the club focus section. Supratim Barman

Lol no worries, I did indeed, very informative and local #EssexCentral @Ian_Radio

Like the new issue of #TheLoop from @EssexCentralMag. It’s now a vital read! @AbbottsTravel

ESSEX CENTRAL

Bumped into your Ilford distributor today. Lovely team  Yvonne Fletcher

Congratulations to Emma Lofthouse (right), from Loughton who was the winner of our Makeup Brush competition.

Loving the competition prize this month. Amanda Ramsey

Hi,

hanks so much for the information on local fireworks displays in this month’s magazine. We were looking for one to go to locally and actually ended up

going to two of your suggestions! We live just round the corner from Redbridge College and hadn’t heard of their event until seeing your magazine, and the kid’s loved the Guy Fawkes festival at the Gunpowder Mills. We made a flask of your hot choc recipe too, delish! Sam Morgan

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

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ESSEX CENTRAL

LOCAL e

ESSEX CENTRAL

NEWS f

A short roundup of what’s been going on

New GreenA

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GREENACRES OFFERING SUPPORT AT CHRISTMAS

GreenAcres Woodland Burials – Epping Forest has proudly supported the local community of Epping since 2008. Set in 52 acres of beautiful mixed woodland close to Epping Forest, the stunning facilities help to make this one of the most idyllic places for a very special goodbye in and around Essex. With their award-winning ceremonial buildings, the woodland provides a tranquil setting, where families and friends can share joy, laughter and tears as they remember a loved one. Throughout the year GreenAcres - Epping Forest has held a range of events in the park for children and their families. They have supported many charities including Macmillan Cancer Support, Trees for Cities, Bug Life, St Clare Hospice and Chigwell Riding Trust for Special Needs, raising over £5000. In May this year, GreenAcres opened the doors to their new shop in Epping High Street. During the Christmas period there will be a Christmas tree in

the shop window, for families to pop in and place their personal message tags in memory of their lost loved-ones. All money raised from donations will be donated to BIBIC, the Epping town Mayor’s chosen charity. In 2015 the shop will play host to a selection of small events to enhance community relations and enable people to openly talk-over anything from planning funerals, writing a Will to perhaps volunteering at events in the park. Three Christmas Services to remember loved ones will be held in the park on Sunday 14th December in the beautiful Woodland Hall. Tickets are priced at £5 per person with all proceeds going to St Clare Hospice. To find out more or to book tickets, please call the park on 01992 523863 or pop into the shop. If you’re planning to visit over the e Christmas period, the park will be open every day but check opening times before visiting to avoid disappointment. e Please call the park or visit www. greenacreswoodlandburials.co.uk/ epping for further information.

Air Holistic Academy is a new ITEC accredited college based at Air-Yoga Studio, South Woodford’s local yoga and Pilates studio next to the station which has been running since 2011 and offers regular yoga and Pilates classes. Local residents now have an opportunity to explore new career ventures. They are offering Intensive Holistic Diploma courses in Massage Therapies, Yoga Teacher Training and Pilates Teacher Training. The courses are taught in small groups by local, approachable and friendly ITEC Tutors who are offering full guidance and support within the specific fields of study, as well as Business Development advice to help start your new career. They will train and empower you to teach and practice with confidence, safety and integrity. First course starts week commencing 19th January 2015, an ITEC LEVEL 3 Diploma in Holistic Massage. Limited spaces available, book now to secure your place and save £200 in the January offer. For further information, please contact Kirty Mody on 020 8227 1841 or email info@ airholisticacademy.com

NEW CAREER FOR THE NEW YEAR?

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COMMUNITY e

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Iain Dunca

Woodford based charity 1NE held their recent AGM at Packfords Hotel and revealed their funding from Redbridge Council had recently been cut. This now means, more than ever, that the organisation is at the mercy of donations to keep afloat the fantastic work it has been doing for the last 20 years. 1NE will now be expanding their services from the borough of Redbridge to across Essex and East London. Patron of the charity, Iain Duncan Smith, spoke glowingly about the tremendous work that has been

done and continues to be performed by Fiona Dunwoodie, Jo Blackledge and the rest of the team, in helping local people break their drink and drug addictions. But the true stars of the day were the guest speakers themselves; a doctor who had come through an amazing journey of heroin addiction back to being clean for his patients, the former drug addicts who have turned their lives around to become mentors to the next generation, and touchingly the parents of addicts who couldn’t praise 1NE enough for their ‘Friends & Family’ service, which helps those

whose lives are also torn apart from the addiction of a loved one. The meeting ended with a Q&A session where various members of the audience delved further into the backgrounds of the speakers whilst also trying to look into a solution to the funding problems. It’s a fact that 1NE has saved lives, and for this work to continue, and to help local people get the help they need, 1NE must get funding to do this. If you require their services, or if you can help, you can find out more by visiting www.1ne.org.uk, or call 020 8220 0132.

CHARITY CHAMPION HITS TARGET Charity Champion Lloyd Moulder, Co-Founder of designer bathroom supplier BathWorks, based in Woodford Green Essex and in Milton Keynes has achieved his target to raise £10,000 for Haven House Children’s Hospice at the same time as celebrating the company’s 10 years in business. “Last September the Hospice was celebrating 10 years of caring so it was a very good match” said Lloyd. “It’s taken a year and in that time I have enjoyed taking on various fundraising challenges and people have been generous.” Haven House said thanks to e an invitation to visit the Lloyd with Hospice to mark his support for the charity’s Pay for a Day scheme. He signed the Book of Days, received a special framed certificate and met mascot Henry the Hound. Lloyd said “Family life is precious to all of us and even more so when you see what is achieved at Haven House. The charity has always been close to my heart because

of the fantastic work done there where the focus is firmly on the whole family. I took the challenge to raise £10,000 because I wanted my efforts to make a difference to what can be achieved. It’s heartwarming and a good feeling.” Lloyd’s challenges included a tandem skydive, white water rafting, Pumpkin Plod, a 10k walk around the local streets, plus many generous donors. Mike Palfreman, Chief Executive of the hospice said “Lloyd’s personal fundraising efforts for Haven House have been tremendous - £10,000 from one individual is an amazing sum and will do so much to help our work with local life-limited children and families. A big thank you to Lloyd for his huge

Lloyd Mou

lder and H

ry the Hou nd commitment to the hospice.” If you would like to support BathWorks visit www.bathworks.co.uk and click on www. justgiving.com/bathworks.

ESSEX CENTRAL

Roy Strutt Photography

IAIN DUNCAN SMITH BACKS EXPANSION OF 1NE SERVICES

ESSEX CENTRAL

The local dental practice of choice ! I'm so glad to be a patient of the Woodford House Dental Practice. I was one of those people going from one dentist to another, never entirely satisfied with the quality of care. Now in Dr Malik and his team I finally have a dentist I completely trust.’ WELCOME to the local practice of choice for excellent dentistry. The quote above is typical of the feedback we regularly receive from our patients. As you walk into Woodford House, you will notice the difference – not only do we have the experience and range of services to ensure all your dental needs are met. Our friendly team will see that all your questions are answered and you can be confident in the knowledge you will have the very best dental care. Our philosophy is not only to treat dental problems if they arise, but to prevent them in the first place. We work with each patient to help keep their mouth healthy – and their smile attractive. Woodford House is a long established practice that prides itself on quality of care, always listening to our patients and doing the right thing for them. In our caring hands you will enjoy these benefits and much more: l State-of-the-art equipment, and an expert multidisciplinary team dedicated to your dental health l Convenient, flexible appointments to suit your busy schedule l Comprehensive dentistry with a team approach, all under one roof. The first step is a comprehensive examination. We guarantee you have never had a dental check up like this before! We look at your gums, teeth, any decayed and defective restorations, jaw joint and bite problems and give you a full oral cancer screening. Using radiographs and intra-oral cameras we can show you and discuss with you what is happening in your mouth. We can then begin to plan with you any steps necessary to restore you to full dental health.

WOODFORD HOUSE DENTAL PRACTICE

With us you can expect… l Quality affordable dentistry from someone you know l The confidence your needs are in the hands of a highly qualified professional l Someone who listens to what YOU want l Experience you can TRUST Find Woodford House Dental Practice on Facebook and on Twitter

Jodie Butterworth, dental patient : ‘I’d recommend anyone to see what Woodford House can do for them.’

Experience the best dental check up ever and enjoy 15% off the fee for a new patient appointment – just for readers of Essex Central. Please quote EC1 when you call to book. Welcome to a different kind of dentistry… WELCOME TO WOODFORD HOUSE !

Woodford House Dental Practice 162 High Road Woodford Green IG8 9EF

020 8504 2704

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ESSEX CENTRAL

HAIR ON THE GREEN

MEET

THE LOCALS Devon-Elizabeth Tabersham visits four local independent businesses.

Len Kaye and the team

KEITH GOLD PHOTOGRAPHY

ESSEX CENTRAL

Keith Gold

ith thirty years experience, Keith Gold has established a successful business after a long vested interest in photography. Keith Gold has spent a lot of his career photographing weddings and 70% of his business is in photographing weddings and general functions. Keith takes pictures of the bridal party preparing for the ceremony, the ceremony itself and then the post wedding shots of the happy couple and family members. Keith will then stay until the end of the reception capturing candid and posed shots, and will then collate the pictures and design them into an album. While he is based in Redbridge, Keith is willing to travel far and wide to capture these special days and recently travelled to Darlington. Keith is also focused on children’s photography, around 30% of his trade comes in taking children’s portraits, he is talented in capturing the expressions of children. He photographs children’s birthday parties and religious occasions such as First Holy Communions and Bar Mitzvahs. He has good local affiliations and this Christmas will be photographing the Christmas Show at a local dance school in Chigwell. Keith Gold receives a lot of his business through word of mouth and he also works closely with a videographer, John Rose of Videomagic, and so they regularly give each other work. 158 Redbridge Lane East, Redbridge, IG4 5BT, Tel: 020 8551 2886, E: keith@keithgoldphotography.co.uk, keithgoldphotography.co.uk

en Kaye opened Hair on the Green ten years ago in Woodford Bridge with 45 years hairdressing experience. He has had salons in Gants Hill and on Claybury Broadway after working at Regent Street’s Robert Fieldings. Len brought his salon to Woodford Bridge while it was developing and his skill and great customer service has awarded him repeat custom, he has clients of forty years who still visit weekly. Hair on the Green is a family orientated salon who specialise in all things hair; cut and blow dry and especially colouring. With a small staff of four; Len, Tessa, Shannon and Kelly, Hair on the Green make for a personal salon experience that is professional and affordable, they exclusively use Wella products. Len maintains that a combination of good advertising, word of mouth and quality work creates the returning custom and good working atmosphere of Hair on the Green. 646 Chigwell Road, Woodford Green, IG8 8AF Tel: 020 8504 1773

e CROFTS DENTAL PRACTICE

rofts Dental Practice, based in Epping has been an established dental practice for over 30 years. Jazz Battu took the helm as the lead dentist in 2012, Jazz himself qualified at Guys Hospital in 2006 and has since gained a plethora of experience in the dental field. Crofts Dental Practice serves as a general family practice, as well as having an oral surgeon, clinical dental technician, endodontist, hygienist and implant surgeon. They offer free check ups for children under the age of 18. Open six days a week, Crofts Dental Practice will always try to ensure that in case of emergency, a patient can be seen on the same day. There is also a special offer for new patients. Crofts Dental Practice offer cosmetic dentistry including teeth whitening and veneers and teeth straitening amongst other procedures. They also care for especially nervous patients for whom they provide specialist care in order to ease anxiety. Crofts Dental Practice attract a lot of their new patients through word of mouth as well as referrals from other surgeries to treat complex cases. Jazz has visited New York, Chicago, Dublin and Cardiff for international training in innovative treatments. This, together with their strong work ethic and team approach, makes Crofts Dental one of the best dentists in the local area. 2 St John’s Road, Epping, CM16 5DN Tel: 01992 574 004, 24 hour Emergency: 01992 800 947, croftsdental.co.uk

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Dr. Jazz Bat

LAB DESIGN & PRINT

e fi Nick Boston

ick Boston founded LAB Design & Print in April 2014 and they are a one stop company for all of your design needs, they do everything from business cards, exhibition stands, full vehicle graphics and much more. Nick Boston has been in the design industry for 17 years and has a wide knowledge in the field, he has worked his way up from a junior learning the intricacies of the business along the way. As most mainstream design companies are very expensive, Nick caters for small companies and personal jobs who may only need a single poster and he will work closely with clients to create professional and bespoke designs that suit the client. Nick is

originally from Theydon Bois and is now based in Harlow however will travel nationwide for customers, and has recently travelled to Cardiff, Durham and Newcastle as well as local areas. Most of Nick’s business comes from word of mouth and recommendations as well as returning customers, he also runs his own advertising campaigns to bring in new custom which attracts people to the work that he does. He offers start up packages for new companies which are fully designed in-house and installed. Unit 2 Little Samuels Farm, Hunsdon, Hertfordshire, SG12 8NN Tel: 01279 293 213, lab-design.co.uk

ESSEX CENTRAL

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ESSEX CENTRAL

Carthy's Plumbing & Heating Services Ltd Carthy Plumbing & Heating Services is a family run business, based in Epping, with over 25 years’ experience. We pride ourselves in providing an excellent service at competitive prices. Our Essex based engineers provide design, installation, repair and maintenance services to customers, covering the whole of Essex and parts of Greater London

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Carthys, Bailiffs Cottage, Gardeners Farm, Fluxs Lane, Epping CM16 7PF

ESSEX CENTRAL

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HOW TO MAKE A WREATH

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By Beverley Rumsey

There is so much going on at this busy time of year, so as well as starting the Christmas shopping and organising, take time to enjoy some of the exciting events on offer in the local area. We’ve picked a few to get the family warmed up for the festive season.

Fresh greenery wreaths provide the senses with many delights. Not only do they look beautiful, but also they perfume the air around them. Pine boughs, ivy, eucalyptus sprays, box hedge stems and ferns are just a few kinds of fresh greenery you can use to make wreaths. Work on a table when preparing your wreath form and later hang it up to add the decorations and final touches. It is easier to see where you need to add leaves, flowers, ribbons etc. when you are face to face with your wreath. STEP 1. Make a base using two wire coat hangers. Wire the hangers together and cover with floral tape. STEP 2. Cut several 8 to 10 inch long braches of greenery (redwood, pine, Douglas fir, etc). STEP 3. Use lightweight floral wire to secure the branches to the wreath base. Overlap the stems. Keep adding stems until the wreath base is fully covered. STEP 4. Secure decorations with floral wire or hot glue.

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Santa Claus is base d on a real per son, St Nicholas

Take a tractor ride down to visit Santa and his reindeer in the farm grotto at Ashlyn’s Farm Park in North Weald on weekends between Saturday 6th and Sunday 21st December. Tickets also allow you access to the farm, and need to be booked in advance. £10 per child (2 accompanying adults free per child). s Tel: 01992 523118

t On Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th December, Santa will be getting warmed up for the festive season and holding a Breakfast/ Brunch buffet and meeting children between 2-12 years old at Topgolf, Chigwell. Kids will get an opportunity to take part in Christmas cupcake decorating Chr and walk away with a small istmas tree gift. Santa won’t forget the adults - there will usu be pastries and coffee ally grow for available for them too. abo re ut 15 years befo Tickets cost £12 per child. Tel: 0208 500 2644, www. they topgolf.com/uk/chigwell. sold

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Epping Christmas Market will be held on Friday 5th December from 12 noon to 8pm. It will feature a mix of festive gifts and street food, singing from the children of Epping Primary Schools, dance and circus performances and festive music from the Epping Forest Band. Put the date in your diary! t

tIt’s all-aboard for Santa’s Special train at the Epping Ongar Railway as Santa hops on and delivers presents to the children as you take a leisurely ride along the line. Mulled wine and mince pies available for the adults! You can also buy a compartment for exclusive use by your party at an additional cost. Tel: 01277 365200, www.eorailway.co.uk

Santa will be in his grotto at Chigwell Nursery on selected dates in December, with carol singing on Saturday 6th December 2-4pm. Visiting Santa is free, but donations to their chosen charity would be gratefully received. The nursery is full of fabulous Christmas things and looks like a magical winter wonderland. Tel: 020 8500 2690, www.chigwell nursery.co.uk B

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times Get in the festive mood and book your chance to see Santa in his grotto at Lee Valley Park Farms. The farm-tastic Santa event takes place on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th December as well as Saturday 20th through to Tuesday 23rd December. The farms are open to visit even if you’ve not booked a slot to see Santa. You will also get to meet the reindeer and try your hand at all of the Christmas arts and craft activities on offer. Book online at www.visitleevalley.org. uk/farm or Tel: 01992 892 781.

Go along and meet Santa in his cosy, twinkly Grotto at Redbridge Central Library by the A ztecs on selected dates between Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 24th December. His merry elves will be on hand to keep you amused and add some Christmas cheer. £3.50 per child with a gift included. Tel: 020 8708 2414

ESSEX CENTRAL

All change at Down Hall

Refurbishment continues at historic Essex hotel Down Hall Hotel, one of England’s most established country house hotels on the Hertfordshire and Essex borders has currently invested £2.5 million in an extensive refurbishment program to upgrade rooms and leisure facilities to benefit both residential and corporate clientele, with further funding promised. Down Hall has enhanced its leisure facilities with the opening of four luxury treatment rooms in October 2014. The opening of the treatment rooms completes phase 1 of the spa development, phase 2 includes the installation of a water feature, tanning facilities, indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, sauna, steam room planned for April 2015. The spa development follows the conclusion of phase 2 of the bedroom refurbishment which has seen 71 bedrooms refreshed and enhanced, reflecting the style of the hotel. Furthermore, a state of the art gym, sauna and steam room have been opened in the West Wing for the use of hotel guests. Plans are being made for the refurbishment of the remaining 28 bedrooms in 2015, making Down Hall the premier choice in Essex to rest, revive and relax.

Down Hall Country House Hotel Matching Road, Hatfield Heath, Nr Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire CM22 7AS Tel: +44 (0) 1279 731 441 Email: info@downhall.co.uk www.downhall.co.uk

ESSEX CENTRAL

CHRISTMAS e

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By Emily Talbut

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e id f es t For your little princess, her very own castle tent guarantees f hours of fun, enhancing any playroom,

but easily foldable into a bag. For boys, this personalised wooden name train, compatible with existing tracks, will be treasured for years to come. Princess Castle Play Tent £29.95, Wooden Name Train £6 both from www.notonthehighstreet.com

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The reindeer patterned jumpers are out, the cookie scented candles are back, and it is officially time to start Christmas shopping - if you haven’t already! However if the idea of walking around the bustling high streets right now, endlessly d searching for presents for the whole family, makes you feel as tired as you d f do after finishing Christmas lunch, we’ve compiled a few gift ideas to get you going. There’s something here for everyone on your list, and you won’t even have to leave your house to snatch t This relaxed fit t-shirt makes a these up! pyjama top, stating exactly f perfect what your teenager would want it to, preventing unwanted conversations in the morning! In comparison, ‘Football Manager’ is likely to lead to spontaneous bedroom cheers with impressive gaming graphics. T Shirt £20 www.notonthehighstreet.com, Football Manager 2015 (PC/Mac) £29.86 www.amazon.co.uk

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Is your Grandpa King of the couch? Then give him this quirky cushion with a personalised pocket! Perfect for storing his lounge-time essentials such as biscuits, glasses and of course the remote, it also reserves his space when he’s not around. Personalised Pocket Cushion £35 www.notonthehighstreet.com

t Let your furry friend join in the festive fun with their own Christmas cracker! Filled with 50g of highly healthy venison treats, this will be naughty and nice at the same time! Also includes a hat and joke for added fun. Dogs Venison Treat Cracker £7 www.notonthehighstreet.com

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tThe perfect Secret Santa gift for the colleague who seems to always be away from the desk brewing their next cuppa! They simply have to insert batteries, press the button, and watch as their drink is stirred for them! Self-stirring Lazy Mug £9.99 www.gettingpersonal.co.uk

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The perfect gift for any gardener who also enjoys a tipple! 18 original cocktail recipes are included, featuring specially selected seeds to produce a variety of flavours. You don’t even need a garden bed - just a pot and some sunshine! Grow Your Own Cocktail Garden £13.95 www.notonthehighstreet.com t

Does your Grandma have what it takes to be the next Mary Berry? Help her along the way to being ‘starbaker’ with this adorable set of ceramic stoneware measuring cups, each individually crafted to give a unique, personalised feel. Polly’s Pantry Measuring Cups £18 John Lewis

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Add a fun touch to breakfast time with this ‘Simpsons’ set. The eggcup brightens up any plate whilst Homer’s head is perfect for keeping your egg warm. Stamp-cutters will imprint trademark phrases like “D’oh’ and “Woo-Hoo’ into your toasted soldiers! Homer Egg Cup and Toast Cutter £7.99 www.iwantoneofthose.com

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Add instant glamour to any and every outfit with this statement geo collar from Fiorelli. With a smattering Statem of crystals it’s £40 F ent Collar iorelli bling enough for Christmas, but I guarantee you’ll still be wearing this well into next spring.

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t What better time than Christmas to be bold and wear red? And there is no way more stylish (and warm) than in this faux fur coat from M&S.

GLAMOUR

FOR THE FESTIVE PARTY SEASON

h Clutc Detail Pearl iver Island £40 R

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t Channel your inner pearly queen with this incredible vintage inspired clutch, sure to fool even the most fashionable of fashionistas!

Josie Stevens e By www.notjustadress.com

Christmas! It’s the mo st wonderful time of the year, especially wh en it comes to getting dressed up for the fes tive party season. I’m sure your diary is alr eady celebrations and get-to full of Christmas gethers, all you need now is to plan something special to wear, ensuring you ou tshine all the glittering decorations. Here are some sparkling pieces that will work with items of clothing you may already have Pleat hanging in the wardr e obe, or Skirt d Metallic why not treat yourself £99 M to a onso whole new outfit, ca on ll it a present to yourself. Me rry Christmas everyone!

Shine bright like a diamond in this all over ins sequin maxi y Perk dress - it’s the Doroth Maxi ultimate LBD! Sequin 85 Outfit £ This dress will Dress flatter most body shapes and the long arms are a god send for those who panic at the thought of sleeveless or strapless. Thank you DP!

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t Sometimes a dress just won’t do. Trouser suits are so chic, but if that’s a little too masculine try this tux style jumpsuit. Add feminine touches with metallic heels and oversized jewels.

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Pocket squares don’t need to be boring, give your suit some individual style and personality with a vintage inspired print like this one from House of Fraser.

The off-duty Bond look is easy to achieve by swapping your shirt for a roll neck. If you’re feeling brave opt for a colour clash with your jumper and jacket.

d Poc Hou ket Squ se o a f Fr re £25 ase r

t The finishing touch to any outfit is a good pair of shoes. These brogues ooze simplicity, sophistication and a great price tag.

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If there is one time of year it’s ok to channe l your inner James Bo nd it’s definitely Chris tmas. If you wear a suit 5 da ys a week it’s probably the last thing you wa nt to wear outside of work hours, but the Christm as party mere season is the perfect h s a r oC opportunity to up yo Merin £75 Jaege ur style f r a c stakes and stick on a S tux. If you’re looking for so mething more casual there are lots of ways to wear tailor ing besides a boring old suit. So, here are my top Christmas picks to get you through tAdd some texture to the party your tux in this velvet season. jacket from BHS. It’ll also look great teamed with jeans for a look that’s shaken, not stirred.

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STEP BY STEP

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Clip in Hair Extensions

hinking of a way to change up your every day look? I’ve got the perfect solution for you clip in hair extensions. Clip in extensions can be a great temporary solution to achieve amazing length, thickness and volume while looking like your natural hair. At Finesse we use 100% virgin hair of the highest quality, hand sewn and custom made to the size of the clients head. We colour match your exact hair colour and cut them in to match the texture of your hair. The result is natural looking hair with no tangling or matting. Once you’ve purchased your extensions they are yours to put in whenever you like, but some people struggle with getting them to look as good as how the hairdresser does. I’ve got a simple guide to help you with clipping in your hair extensions.

4. Placement of the first weft. The clips should be placed on your own hair below the section parting in a straight line. Start with the middle clip first and work your way round until the full weft is on. Before you start, back brush your hair a little and apply some hairspray to the section of hair, then clip in. 5. Preparing to place the second weft. This weft will be placed above the first weft. Release all the hair that was clipped out of the way then slightly above the weft that was just attached, make another section parting, allowing some hair to drop down and cover the first weft. 1. Section your hair. Clip in extensions should be attached from the bottom of your head up. Starting at the lowest point on your hairline, and using a tail comb or your index fingers, create a parting where you wish to section off your hair.

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2. Separate the hair. Clip up the hair above the section you have created so that it is out of the way. 3. Prepare the first weft. It should be wide enough so that the weft is able to sit along back of your hairline. Then open all the snap clips so they are ready to be inserted into your hair.

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6. Add all wefts. Continue steps 1-5 until all wefts are in place. The final stage is to check that your clip ins don’t show at all above your hair. You can back brush your hair a bit right at the top of your head to add volume to hide any visible wefts. By Amanda Anastasiou If you would like to have your hair nails or makeup done by Amanda, Amanda please visit www. Anastasiou finessesalon.co.uk

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352 High Road Woodford Green London, United Kingdom IG8 0XQ

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www.marinamezegrill.com The Marina Restaurant quite literally brings a little part of the Mediterranean to Essex. The team behind The Marina are known for running successful restaurants across London serving delicious Mediterranean food, but The Marina has always been their dream… 10 years ago they opened the stunning Marina restaurant in the beautiful Mediterranean coastal town of Alanya. Customers were always happy and spent some of their happiest days there, serving them fresh, healthy food in the sunshine. The dream since then has been to bring some of that Mediterranean happiness to Essex so that people could escape the bustle for a few hours and take a ‘microholiday’ at The Marina. The Marina is a place where all the generations of the family can dine together, where professionals can meet to talk business, where couples can have a romantic meal and where every occasion can be celebrated. It is a firm favourite with commuters, the local community and visitors who have heard of The Marina’s reputation and want to experience its mouth-watering food and authentic atmosphere. Every visit to Marina, we will donate to help children in need at Haven House Children Hospital.

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CREATE A

WARM WELCOME IN YOUR HOME

Add some festive touches in preparation for the Christmas period.

“Think about mixing and matching t diffeprreinnts and patterns” 36

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s the excitement begins for the festive celebrations ahead, now’s the time to start transforming your home into an inviting, comfortable space for guests to gather this Christmas. Dusting off your treasured decorations and hunting down the very best seasonal foliage is great for giving any room some Christmas cheer; bringing both tradition and character that will set the scene for roasted chestnuts and mulled wine. Your living room, in particular, will serve as a social hub to play, rest and retreat to after overloaded dinner plates, so be sure to your give your room a festive treatment that extends beyond just tinsel, crackers and baubles. With a few simple updates and carefully considered choices, you can create a comfy space that’s welcoming and magical. We’ve rounded up our tips, tricks and expert advice on how to get your

home ready for a flurry of guests and a fabulous, memorable celebration:

SNUGGLE INTO A SUMPTUOUS SEAT

Nothing says Christmas like snuggling up on the sofa next a roaring fire, surrounded by festive treats that make it almost impossible to venture elsewhere. When it comes to accommodating extended family and friends, think about the number of guests that you expect and whether you have enough seating to cater for all. If a two-seater is your usual spot to sprawl, introducing an extra sofa or armchair is a must, but do remember to consider the level of comfort it offers as an uncomfortable chair will be instantly avoided. Multiyork’s new Dillon* range with its boxy, spacious style is a fabulous addition to modern schemes. The Atlas* with its gorgeous button-back detailing is ideal if you prefer a design that’s more traditional.

HOME GARDEN

FABRICS FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON

Switching the appearance of your furniture with a new fabric is a wonderful way to put a seasonal spin on your dayto-day upholstery. With Multiyork’s loose fitted replacement covers, it’s never been easier to update the look and feel of your living room from season to season. Christmas is all about comfort, so swap lightweight textiles like cotton and linens with thicker fabrics like chenille and woollen blends. Don’t forget that larger pieces of furniture can also dress a room, so choose seating in statement shapes with distinctive details like beautifully bowed arms or a striking high back. Multiyork’s Venice Large Sofa in Belize Mushroom fabric* will warm up any space with its rich, tactile upholstery and festive berry-coloured piping and button-back detailing.

ADD EXTRA COMFORT

One of the easiest ways to add cosiness and comfort to your living room is by introducing cushions. Think about mixing and matching different prints and patterns as, after all, Christmas is the time for indulging in extravagant touches. No Christmas décor scheme is complete without a hint of red and green so opt for cushions with traditional flair like tartan or plaid prints. If Scandi-chic is more your style, choose delicately embroidered designs that are pale and simple enough to sit in keeping with a minimalistic, pared-back space. If you’re still lacking seating for guests, try stacking cushions on the floor for little ones to lounge on in between opening new toys and games.

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LET IT GLOW

Twinkling fairy lights and glistening candles that conjure up the smell of pine, cinnamon and spice aromas are an excellent way to create an inviting ambience that’s blissfully relaxing. Place along a mantelpiece, on side tables or alternatively bring in light at multiple levels with oversized lanterns that work beautifully on the floor. Their pleasing glow will assist with the function of your space and also help to highlight the design elements of your furniture.

SET THE SCENE FOR ENTERTAINING

Christmas preparations shouldn’t stop at the living space, as in busy households guests will tend to overflow into other rooms. Make sure that each area is ready; even if it means that you have to play around with your room’s usual layout. This Christmas, the dining space is another room that will become one of the hardest working zones in the home. Whether you want to bring sophisticated glamour to the kitchen or you prefer a more relaxed arrangement, you can completely change a room’s celebratory atmosphere simply by the way you dress your table. Aim to include personal touches for your guests such as a small present you know will delight each guest or handwritten name tags. For a super simple centre piece that is both cheerful and stylish, take vase or bowl like Multiyork’s silver hammered design and fill with a collection of colourful baubles. Remember that you can always dress your dining chairs too; experiment with sprigs of eucalyptus leaves or glitzy baubles tied and attached with decorative ribbon.

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“Consider a tree with roots so that it can be re-planted”

HOME GARDEN

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WILDLIFE WATCH

Listen for the sound of the wren as you’re more likely to hear a wren than see one.They have a surprisingly loud song which consists Mistletoe grow of a series of clear, on rts be ing in a tree Victoria Ro but shrill notes. They also have a familiar scolding alarm call consisting of a rapid chittering.If you are lucky enough to see one it has a brown body and palecoloured line above the A seasonal guide to help you get the most out of your garden. eye. Sometimes people elcome to my vulnerable plants such as will provide frost protection often mistake it for a December succulents and alpines to the swelling buds further goldcrest, but the wren is much stockier and gardening by creating a frame with down the stems. heavier. guide. I hope a plastic sheet over the _ Are you thinking of

GARDENING WITH VICTORIA ROBERTSON

you have enjoyed a fabulous gardening year which has brought to you many hours of colourful, fulfilling, seasonal enjoyment. The winter is now here! It’s that time of year when you may not feel like working outside in your garden, but luckily there’s not a lot left to do before you can finally put the garden to bed until the new year. Wrap yourself up warm, slip on your wellies and step outside in the refreshing crisp air with a nice warm flask and continue with my simple gardening to do list. _ Now is time to prune acers, birches and vines, do this before Christmas to avoid bleeding. _ Protect your most

top. Try this method if you need to cover a large bed area or cover each one individually with a plastic bottle or a mini cloche. _ For general protection apply a 2 inch layer deep of bark compost or mulch around herbaceous perennials but use a handful of grit around the plants themselves before applying the mulch. This will stop any moisture rotting the stems, the mulch will keep the plants warm. _ If you have a greenhouse, make sure your heater still works. _ Prevent your pond from freezing by floating a small ball on the surface. _ Leave any faded flower heads on your hydrangeas until the spring, as they

buying a real tree for Christmas? Then why not consider a tree with roots so that it can be re-planted in your garden once Christmas is over? It will become a home for birds to nest in. _ Do you know where mistletoe grows? It grows in fruit trees, such as apple, as well as in lime trees. This time of year it is usually seen hanging above a doorway in peoples homes, especially as it has a festive kissing role to play. Wishing you all a very happy Christmas! Written by Amenity horticulturalist & gardening committee member of Copped Hall and Epping Horticultural Society Victoria Robertson.

PESTS AND DISEASE

Mice will be looking to nest inside a shed this winter, they will also be looking to feed on any winter stored vegetable or fruit produce. You can use peppermint oil to help get rid of mice. The strong smell drives them away. Peppermint is a great alternative to commercial pesticides, which contain poison. If you have small children or pets, using this herbal remedy is a smart alternative to traps and poison.

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AT EUROPE’S CHRISTMAS MARKETS V V

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Christmas in Bruges

Christmas market in Cologne

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bbotts Travel’s handpicked selection gives you the best choices in the brightest cities: Berlin, Bruges, Cologne, Ypres and a very special cruise along the Danube.

CHRISTMAS IN BERLIN

Germany becomes a stunning winter wonderland during the colder months and the bright lights of the Christmas markets are a huge draw. Where better to start than its capital. Berlin’s rich history, culture and sublime architecture make it a premiere cultural destination. The city’s festive markets are stunning and a source of pride for the locals, who welcome and want to

impress visitors. There are 60 lovely markets to choose from during your stay. The Charlottenburg Castle Christmas Market is home to 150 vendors who trade from inside decorated cabins and glass pagodas. The Gendarmenmarkt is one of the most beautiful squares in the city. Here, you can gain insight into old handicrafts, such as flax embroidery, woodcarving and stonemasonry. The TV Tower on Alexanderplatz - with its rotating restaurant and stunning views is not to be missed. See it all with a 5-day tour, includes a VIP Home Departure Service from your front door. Stay at the Golden Tulip Berlin Hotel, a great location on the Kurfürstendamm shopping street.

Whether you seek inspirational or different gifts or a new Christmas experience, the Christmas markets of Europe are an elegant way to celebrate the festive season.

Above: River Danube. Left: Berlin Christmas Market.

COLOGNE’S 4-DAY RAIL TOUR

DANUBE FESTIVE CRUISE

EUROPE

Cologne is Europe’s unofficial ‘Christmas Market capital’, with five Christmas Markets each with its own unique character. Festive stalls offer a special selection of gifts, decorations, arts and crafts as well as traditional stalls selling sausages, wine and beer. Visit the Maritime Market next to the Rhine and the city’s Chocolate Museum, the market at Rudolfplatz and at Roncalliplatz beneath the cathedral, which has the biggest Christmas tree in the Rhineland. From there you head by train to Wuppertal, whose two Christmas Markets are connected by the city’s unique “Schwebebahn”, a suspended railway dating from the turn of the last century. Kaiser Wilhelm II famously travelled on the line in 1900 before the “steel centipede” was opened to the general public. During the day enjoy a journey on the nostalgic “Kaiserwagen”, the carriage which swept the emperor above the Wupper Valley in 1900, with coffee and cake provided on board. Prices from £415 per person. This includes standard class rail travel return London St. Pancras to Bruges on the Eurostar, and rail transfers to and from Cologne; 3 nights accommodation at the 4* Tryp by Wyndham Cologne; breakfast and one dinner; porterage (where possible), and professional Tour Manager throughout. Departures: 6, 9,12 and 15 December 2014.

BRUGES & YPRES BY RAIL

Explore beautifully preserved Bruges and historic Ypres - along with their charming Christmas Markets - on this festive tour. You will also discover some of Belgium’s most poignant memorials of the First World War. Medieval Bruges hosts one of the most famous Christmas Markets in Belgium, which offers the best of winter products, Christmas gifts and gluhwein. A guided walking tour will help you see its beautiful architecture that justifies its place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. You will then experience one of the country’s most popular exports, with a visit to a chocolate maker. You will have time at leisure to explore Bruges Christmas Market, held in the city’s main square as it is decorated for the festive season. You may also choose to see something different: a brewery tour, a cruise along the pretty canals, or a visit to the Historium museum. Ypres Christmas Market, a relative newcomer, is fast becoming one of the most popular. The Swiss style chalets and ice rink ensure a great atmosphere, and it’s decorated with trees and fairy lights, and offers many regional food specialities. The town is also remembered for its place in history. It saw intense fighting during the First World War, and contains many monuments.Your tour include a visit to Tyne Cot Cemetery, Belgium’s largest war cemetery. You also visit the compelling ‘In Flanders Fields’ Museum, detailing the invasion of Belgium, and the area’s subsequent trench warfare. Later you will dine in a restaurant in Ypres, before visiting the imposing Menin Gate. Here you see the moving Last Post Ceremony. Prices from £395 per person. This includes standard class rail travel return London St. Pancras to Lille on the Eurostar, all coach travel, 3 nights in the Hotel Aragon with breakfast each day, 2 dinners in a local restaurant, full-day excursion to Ypres, and the services of a professional Tour Manager throughout. Departures: 8, or 15 December 2014. Abbotts Travel, 134 George Lane, South Woodford, E18 1BA Tel: 0208 989 9445 www.abbottstravel.com

One of the best ways to enjoy the Christmas markets (and Christmas Day itself) is by taking a relaxing cruise along some of the most beautiful rivers in Europe. Abbotts have chosen an opportunity to celebrate in style as you cruise the iconic river Danube on board the luxurious MS Amadeus Elegant. Experience German and Austrian festive traditions and culinary delights as you sail this fascinating river at a particularly exciting time of year. MS Elegant is a premium river vessel, providing outstanding comfort and quality, accompanied by a superb service in a classic and elegant setting. The Mozart

TRAVEL

and Strauss Decks have French balconies. Menus include carefullyselected local dishes. You will visit Linz and Salzburg’s Christmas markets (with a mug of Glühwein), explore Bratislava and experience the idyllic village of Grein. Christmas Day will be spent in Vienna with a sightseeing tour (taking you along the Ringstrasse, into the Schwarzenbergplatz, passing by the Karlskirche and Vienna’s stunning opera house), ending with a Christmas concert at the famous St Stephen’s Cathedral. Prices from £1395 per person including scheduled direct flights, 6 nights on the MS Amadeus Elegant, 17 meals, services of an experienced Titan tour manager, and Titan’s VIP Home Departure Service.

Christmas trees in Ypres

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FOOD & DRINK LA SALA

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d nghile, Head

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Chef

PAN FRIED GRESSINGHAM

DUCK BREAST V V

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with Creamed Savoy Cabbage and a Blackberry Jus Head Chef, Alessandro Dinghile shows us how to make their Pan Fried Gressingham Duck Breast, the perfect dish for entertaining over the festive period. Method 1. Prepare a red wine jus to accompany the Duck Breast two days in

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ESSEX CENTRAL

over two days. 5. Separately sauté 1 onion, 3 cloves of garlic and thyme. 6. Add beef trimmings and the prepared liquid. 7. Add 1 bottle of port, Madeira and red wine. 8. Reduce the mixture to 1/3. 9. Pan fry one duck breast per person for 6 minutes

not from the famous Côte d’Or, but from more outlying areas such as the Côte Chalonnaise. François Lumpp makes some fabulously polished wines in Givry – we have a few bottles left of his graceful Givry 1er Cru Petit Marole 2011, a wine that would shame many from more esteemed appellations. Away from Burgundy, New Zealand has come on in leaps and bounds and is now making world-class Pinot. Isabel Estate in Marlborough planted the low yielding Burgundy clone early on, and is now amongst the most respected producers. Their 2011 is pure, subtle and mineral, yet intense, with great varietal expression. I find duck works well with some of the gentler wines from the southern Rhône, for here we can supplement aromatic intensity with weight and an element of sweetness from the Grenache variety. Dominique Ay of Domaine Raspail Ay in Gigondas is responsible for one of

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BEST SERVED WITH... Many would proclaim that there is only one wine to go with duck, and that is Pinot Noir. Our recipe from La Sala is a classic preparation for duck breast, and with its of ter bs Toby We intense blackberry jus will s ne Wi Black Dog need a wine that offers some combination of depth, intensity and aromatic lift. Pinot Noir is a notoriously capricious variety, and I am wary of some of the more commercial offerings from South America – it needs great care and attention to the small details, and is generally unsuited to large scale production. In short, it is rarely both great and inexpensive, but this is a recipe that requires time and care, so why scrimp on the wine? The best values in Burgundy come

advance. Firstly boil bones of veal with a selection of root vegetables. 2. Skim off the fat and continue to do this throughout the process. 3. Take out the bones and pass the liquid through a sieve. 4. Keep the liquid simmering when possible

a Sala offers diners a unique social dining experience with honest portions of food, inspired by rustic homecooking but with an eclectic twist. They offer a varied menu with dishes from Mediterranean and international cuisines.

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LaSala_Advert_224x74mm_EssexCentral_Nov2014_Layout 1 12

INGREDIENT

Duck breasts,

Maris Piper po

Butter

1 per person

tatoes

Half a savoy ca bbage 1 onion

3 cloves of ga rlic Thyme Beef trimmings Selection of ro ot vegetables Veal bones Port Madeira Red Wine with the skin side down. 10. Turn over for a further 2 minutes. 11. Make a buttery mash potato using 11/2 Maris Piper potatoes per person. 12. Sauté half a savoy cabbage and add a splash of vodka.

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13. Spoon the jus over the cooked duck breast and serve with Crème de Case and Blackberries. La Sala Chigwell, 692-694 Chigwell Road, Woodford Green, IG8 8AL Tel: 0333 006 3008 www.lasala.co.uk

my favourite wines of this year and I believe that it would beautifully compliment La Sala’s recipe. Other wines to consider are Barolos, which work in much the same way as Pinot Noir, as well as wine based on the dark, smokey Mourvèdre variety, of which Bandol remains the greatest, and California a rare but rich resource, with several holdings of ancient vines. H 2011 Givry 1er cru Peit Marole, François Lumpp £28.90 H 2011 Pinot Noir, Isabel Estate £22.85, H 2011 Gigondas, Domaine Raspail Ay £21.20, also available in magnums. Discounts for 6 or more mixed bottles. Available from The Black Dog Wine Company at Ashlyns Farm Shop in North Weald www.blackdogwines. co.uk 01992 525009.

Enjoy La Sala 7 days a week, while we serve you with a mix of worldwide cuisine using regionally sourced ingredients of the highest quality. A place to celebrate in style or to meet with friends and family.

We have live music 7 days a week visit our website www.lasala.co.uk to find out more...

lasala

www. .co.uk To make a booking email reservations@lasala.co.uk Telephone 0333 006 3008 692-694 Chigwell Road, Woodford Green IG8 8AL

ESSEX CENTRAL

NEW MENU Mention ‘Essex Central’ to get your

FREE GLASS OF SPARKLING PINK, OR SPARKLING ELDERFLOWER with any starter or main throughout December

Now taking bookings for

Christmas Tel 02085 062327

219 High Road, Southwoodford, London E18 2PB facebook/Doveandolivebranch

Opening hours Tues-Sun 12:30pm-4:30pm & 6pm-11pm

£45

ESSEX CENTRAL

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

THE GARNON BUSHES

Tel: 01992 560211

E-mail: info@garnonbushes.co.uk

Christmas Bookings now being taken

FOOD THEME NIGHT first Wednesday every month

Take away's

on Friday and Saturday

Fish Fryday - fresh from Grimsby!

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

Quiz nights

LIVE

Special Menu nights

Music nights

We look forward to seeing you soon.

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

Enjoy this Christmas at the Bluebell Restaurant December Midweek Set Supper Menu

New Year's Eve Menu

December Lunch Menu

(Served Tuesday - Thursday) - 2 Courses £23.95 / 3 Courses £29.95 per person

(Served 31st December 2014, 7.00pm til 1.00am) £90.00 per person

(Tuesday-Saturday) £19.00 for Two Courses/£25.95 for Three Courses

Chef’s Seasonal Soup Smoked Haddock Rarebit with Plum Tomato Salad Chicken and Duck Liver Pâté with House Chutney and Toasted Brioche ~~~

Canapès Lobster Cappuccino Hen’s Egg Ravioli with Baby Spinach & Parmesan Cappuccino ~~~ Fried Scottish Scallops with Honey Roast Pork Belly & Granny Smith Apple ‘Duo of Goats Cheese’ Pressed Terrine with Olive Tapenade, Filo Baked Baby Crottin with Red Pepper Chutney ~~~ Mojito Sorbet

Oak Smoked Scottish Salmon Salad with Avocado, Cucumber & Olives Bluebell Prawn Cocktail with King Prawns, Avocado & Citrus Fruits ~~~ Fresh Papperadelle with Butternut Squash, Crepes, Broccoli & Toasted Chestnuts Roast British Lamb Rump with individual Shepards Pie & Honey Roasted Roots ~~~ Apple Tart Tatin with Vanilla Ice Cream Seasonal Fruit Salad

Free Range Roast Turkey with Pork and Sage Stuffing and Traditional Accompianments Roast Breat Braised Leg of Pheasant on Parmentier Potatoes, Sprouts, Chestnuts and Black Pudding. Market Fish of the Day ~~~ Traditional Christmas Pudding with Rum Anglaise

Assiette of Desserts

ESSEX CENTRAL

Opening hours:

Ample free parking Stock to go

Mon- Fri 9am-4pm Sat- 9am-5pm Sun- 10am-4pm

RELOCATION SALE

“We’d rather sell it than move it!”

NO REASONABLE OFFER REFUSED..

Go to our website and check out our

Virtual Tour

Nestled between Epping and Harlow this 8000sq ft showroom has a massive selection of furniture, mirrors, pictures, lighting and accessories to choose from. We also make and finish bespoke furniture to your requirements. Esgors Farm, High Road, Thornwood Common, near Epping, Essex, CM16 6LY info@somethingfurniture.co.uk l 01992 573111 l www.somethingfurniture.co.uk

Need a reliable roofing contractor?

..then look no further Slating and Tiling • Flat Roofs Fascias and Soffits • Leadwork Pointing • Guttering and much more... All work guaranteed Nearly 30 years proven experience • No sub contractors used

t 01992 575241 m 07973 532125 e eppingroofingco@btinternet.com www.eppingroofingcompany.co.uk

VAT Registration number 180 446 707

ESSEX CENTRAL

COMMUNITY

ReUse

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f Supporting those in need in Epping Forest District and the surrounding areas.

The Epping Forest ReUse team

such as wheelchairs and bathroom handlebars. Epping Forest ReUse receive a huge amount of donations and send out vehicles every day to collect goods and when furniture arrives at the showroom, they are restored in house to their former glory. In their workshop, wooden items are French polished by a professional and upholstered and they have a professional industrial cleaning machine which is done on the shop floor in order to show the customers that they are buying high quality furniture. Epping Forest ReUse share their site with Citizens Advice Bureau and an Essex Mind consultation room. In special cases, there is a scheme in which social workers may refer severely low income households to Epping Forest ReUse and they have donated beds and tables to these families. Epping Forest ReUse has five paid members of staff and the rest of the work comes from volunteers of whom there are around thirty.

Volunteers come from all over and include housewives, people who have retired and others who have the time to donate. They are also affiliated with Urban Futures who provide volunteering opportunities to unemployed people and in eighteen months, they have been able to bring sixteen people to employment. Epping Forest ReUse is a fantastic initiative which helps local people in need by rehoming used furniture which may have been left on the side of the road otherwise. They also do a lot to raise money for other charities, recently raising £266 for MacMillan and have been the named charity at the Loughton Festival. Michael Kushin is soon to take over the operations of Epping Forest ReUse and they are striving to find a new, larger home for the charity. For more information visit www.eppingreuse.org.uk or call 01992 578 222. The Re-Use Centre, Bower Hill Industrial Estate, Epping, CM16 7BN.

ESSEX CENTRAL

By Devon-Elizabeth Tabersham.

n partnership with Lighthouse Furniture, Epping Forest ReUse are a charity and social enterprise who, through reselling used furniture are able to sell furniture at considerably lower prices to low income households. Epping Forest ReUse’s showroom is familiar to a typical furniture shop floor, allowing customers to shop without the feeling of buying used goods. There are two amounts on the price tag, the first being the price for customers and the second lower price for low income households. Not only do Epping Forest ReUse sell furniture but they also provide household goods such a glassware and crockery and electrical appliances, all of which are fully serviced, which they do in their own premises workshop by a mechanic who comes in weekly. Appliances include fridges, washing machines and computers. Each item has a full audit trail which tells customers where it has come from, they also sell disability aids

e EPPING FOREST f

Frozen

Family Afternoon Tea Discos Saturday 6th December & Sunday 4th January

Enjoy a family fun afternoon tea with Christmas & Frozen decorations.

We invite you & the family to dress up in your best ‘Character’ outfit. Our beautiful Snow Princess will be joining you singing all the classics & playing games. After lunch our DJ entertainer will then get the Kids Disco started 1pm - 4.00pm

Adults £19.95 Children £14.95

Includes unlimited Squash for the Children, Tea & Coffee for Adults Dainty Cakes, Scones & Finger Sandwiches 02085 002549 or email trish@woolstonmanopr.co.uk

Christmas Craft Fayre & Market Wednesday 10th December 5pm - 9pm

£5

per person

Pick up some unique Christmas Gifts:

Christmas Gifts, Beauty Products, Jewellery, Fashion, Flowers to name a few.. Festive Food & Bar available Background Music • Raffle

0208 500 2549

info@woolstonmanor.co.uk

www.woolstonmanor.co.uk

Woolston Manor Golf & Country Club, Abridge Road, Chigwell, Essex IG7 6BX

ESSEX CENTRAL

Want a Stall? Call NOW -

02085 002549

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WHEN: Friday 5th - Sunday 7th December WHAT: Christmas Tree Festival: Grand “switch-on” Friday 4.15 pm viewing till 7pm; Saturday 12 noon to 6pm; Sunday 12 noon to 4pm. Christmas trees sponsored by the community, musical items, bells, stalls, handicrafts, gifts, cards etc. Refreshments, lunches and afternoon teas. Admission £2.00. WHERE: St.Mary’s, High Road, Chigwell

WHEN: Saturday 6th December, 10am - 4pm WHAT: Wanstead Vintage Fashion & Brocante Fair: A fabulous one-stop Christmas shop with wonderful vintage gifts. An affordable selection of genuine vintage fashion, accessories & homewares. Vintage Café offering light lunches, morning and afternoon tea. Admission: £2 (accompanied children under 14 free). Tel: 07860 214 009, www.lovevintage.co.uk WHERE: Christchurch Hall, Wanstead Place, E11 2SW

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WHEN: Sunday 7th December, 9am-2pm WHAT: Loughton Residents Association Farmers Market: Produce stalls and local organisations. LRA councillors on hand to respond to residents’ questions and problems. Carols & mince pies. For more details email contact@loughtonresidents.co.uk. WHERE: Centric Parade, High Road, Loughton

WHEN: Monday 8th - Tuesday 23rd December WHAT: Loughton Arts Centre’s Christmas Fair: Featuring a handmade craft and artisan collection. It’s a varied selection ideal for Christmas presents - natural soaps and soy wax candles, fused glass work, button jewellery, natural skin products, wooden bowls made from local forest trees, Christmas wreaths, mosaics and more. WHERE: Lopping Hall, High Road, Loughton, IG10 4LF WHEN: Friday 12th December, 7.30pm - 11.55pm WHAT: Freddy Boy’s Rock n Roll Nites present: Si Cranstoun and his band, plus support with Cody Lee & the Retro Boys and RnR DJ Neill. Large dance floor, licensed bar, sandwich bar, retail stall and raffle. Advance tickets £15 (£20 at the door). Tel: Freddy Boy: 07930 544312, or write and enclose an S.A.E. & cheque to: F. Humphreys 35 Homebush House, 142 Kings Head Hill, Chingford E4 7PW.

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WHERE: Chingford Assembly Hall, Station Road, Chingford E4 7EN WHEN: Saturday 13th December, 9.30am WHAT: West Essex Ramblers walk: A five to six-mile circular walk from Chingford Station. For more details, ring 020 8502 1628. WHERE: Chingford Station WHEN: Saturday 13th December, 7.30pm WHAT: Felicitas Chamber Choir concert: Felicitas presents ‘Sing Lullaby’ - music for the festive season including plainsong, music from the 18th century and more contemporary works by Arvo Part, John Tavener, Herbert Howells, Bob Chilcott and Philip Stopford. Tickets £12 on the door or £10 in advance from Anne Jones on 020 8925 4000 or by visiting www.felicitas.org.uk. WHERE: The Abbey Church, Waltham Abbey

WHEN: Friday 19th December, 8pm WHAT: Epping Church Choirs Association Christmas Reflections: A selection of choir and participatory carols for the season conducted by Simon Winters. Entrance free, retiring collection for charity. www.eppingchurchchoirs.org.uk. WHERE: St John’s Church, Epping CM16 5DN WHEN: Wednesday 24th December, 8pm WHAT: Candlelit Christmas Eve Service: A communion service followed by mulled wine and mince pies. All children will receive f a small gift. Parking available. WHERE: All Saints Church, Epping Upland

ESSEX CENTRAL

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Match up the syllables from each half of the cracker to make 8 festive words.

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

ang ble cand

car

Can you spot 6 differences between these two pictures?

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? PUZZLE ?

WORD SEARCH Find these festive words:

Family Santa Claus Feast Christmas Gifts Rudolf

SUDOKU

Elf Mistletoe

Snowflake Celebrations

Difficulty: Medium

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ESSEX CENTRAL

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

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PUZZLES COMPETITION

WIN! Win a meal for two at La Sala!

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12pm and 5pm Monday to Thursday. Limited availability in December. Must be booked by 31st January 2015. Includes one starter and one main each from the A La Carte menu (exclusions apply) and one bottle of house wine. * By entering this competition you agree to provide a picture for publication if you are picked as a winner. Website: www.lasala.co.uk

LA SALA COMPETITION NAME:

e have teamed up with brand new restaurant La Sala Chigwell to offer Essex Central readers a fabulous prize.Â Taking inspiration from Mediterranean and International cuisines, La Sala offers a diverse eating experience, combining fun and vibrant flavours with the freshest ingredients. One lucky winner will be invited to La Sala with a guest to enjoy a starter and main course from the A La Carte menu and a complimentary bottle of La Sala house wine.

To enter simply fill in the entry form and send to: Essex Central Magazine, Brickfield Business Centre, High Road, Thornwood, Epping, Essex CM16 6TH or email your details to: competitions@ essexcentral magazine.co.uk. Closing date: One winner will be drawn at random on Saturday 13th December. Terms and Conditions: *Subject to availability. Available between

ADDRESS: TEL: EMAIL: ESSEX CENTRALâ&#x20AC;&#x192;

Next to M&S, above Jewellers

Get your children’s bedroom all kitted out in their favourite premiership club logo

CALL US TODAY to find out how...

0800 633 5691 or 01992 577 737 First floor, 233-235 High Street, Epping, CM16 4BP

ESSEX CENTRAL

CHRISTMAS REMEMBRANCE SERVICES SUNDAY 14TH DECEMBER 12PM , 1.30PM & 3PM

Meet Rudolph and his friends and have your photo taken in his magic sleigh

Kiln Road, North Weald, Epping, CM16 6AD

All are invited to our popular Christmas Services to remember loved ones during, what can often be, a difficult time of year. Comfort can be gained from the music, readings and poems, which will be included. ÂŁ5 per person (children under 2 free) with all proceeds going to St Clare Hospice.

Tickets must be booked in advance please due to the popularity of the services. Mulled wine and mince pies will be served in the Gathering Hall following the service.

Advance booking is essential. Please call 01992 523863, email info.epping@greenacreswb.co.uk or visit www.greenacreswoodlandburials.co.uk/epping ESSEX CENTRALâ&#x20AC;&#x192;

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PARENTING

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ESSEX CENTRAL

s we prepare to put our last metaphorical hat on of the year (Santa’s), will you be playing Scrooge or Fezziwig this Christmas? Are your stockings exuberant or economical? Is it magical or miserly under your tree? My daughter and I don’t watch much TV, and not because I’m holier than thou, but because she prefers films now, at the ripe old age of 3. And because the only kids’ TV channel we have is CBeebies, we don’t see many adverts, thankfully. But just the other day, she was watching one of the childrens’ channels at Nanny’s house when the toy adverts came on. And it started. She wanted EVERY toy on every single advert. And she was getting quite irate about it too: “I want, I want, I want…” was all we heard and it was quite shocking. Right there, the ever present mass marketing machine begun oiling its compelling cogs and it was coming for us! It’s rather double edged, the Santa sword, isn’t it. While it’s wondrous to have about 3 months of ready-made bribe and incentive (“Santa’s watching you”), I think we need to be careful not to encourage wildly imaginative requests and more importantly, not to instil the notion that Christmas, or any other time of year, is all about material gain. It got me thinking so I put it out there, I asked my lovely friends on Facebook how much they honestly spend on their children at Christmas… and why, and it would seem I’m in good company. The amounts ranged between £5 and £400, but most of us appear to budget between £100-£150 per child. What was interesting was that it seems it’s not only the kids that need curbing at Christmas; an 8 month old has no idea what’s going on and even a 4 year old could not distinguish the monetary difference between a bunch of balloons and a bunch of £50

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Sarah Mackie asks how much we should be spending on our children at Christmas time and if it really matters...

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notes. It’s actually us parents that get carried away. But why? One research study suggests that working parents feel guilty about being away from home for so much of the year, that they almost feel indebted to their children, and use Christmas as a way of making it up to them, making it magical. Other working parents are said to feel they want something to show for all their hard work, that being able to splash out is a deserved reward, and non-working parents don’t want their children to feel left out, so they succumb to the pressure too. I had an interesting chat with a girlfriend the other day, about present buying for our children throughout the year, and we decided that most of it was ‘mummy sanity’ buying. So, either things we think will help fill a rainy afternoon at home or things we think our children need developmentally (books, puzzles, paints, flashcards) or in some cases, as an incentive in exchange for desirable behaviour. I’m guilty of all the above. I’m going to try really hard this year to stick to my budget. Every year so far, I’ve had a panic in about midDecember, that she doesn’t have enough (ridiculous, I know), and have bought more, just to find that she gets totally overwhelmed and doesn’t even want to open them all on Christmas morning! Plus, I can’t think of anything worse than the child who barely finishes opening one present before it’s tossed to one side and they are on to the next. As thrilling and exciting as Christmas shopping is, I shall be keeping that image in mind!

THINGS TO DO

As Christmas fast approaches, here are some lovely things to do with your little ones in the surrounding areas: DICK SANTA’S GROTTO WHITTINGTON AND ICE SKATING AND THE PIRATE AT VAN HAGE Children will be enchanted TREASURE

Join lovable Dick by the winter wonderland Whittington and his loyal cat displays when visiting for a rags-to-riches magical the Grotto. Each child pantomime extravaganza will receive a surprise toy. that’s purrrrfect for the Open on selected days from Saturday whole family! 8th November Dick is off to London to seek fame and fortune, but until Wednesday he’ll need your help! Come 24th December. Experience cheer, hiss and sing along as our hero and his lovable the magic of ice skating sidekick Tommy travel to at Van Hage exotic lands and mystical this Christmas, worlds. 11th Dec-17th Jan business Kenneth More Theatre. opening networking th www.kmtheatre.co.uk Thursday 13 Box office: 8553group 4466. of November. is 020 a local like-minded people who meet on a weekly basis Book online: www.vanhage.co.uk Amwell Hill, Ware, Hertfordshire SG12 9RP

Eppnet Business Networking Group

eppnet eppnet

POTTERY PAINTING DAY

Why not come and paint some pottery for that personal Christmas present? Your recipient will love something unique that they know you have made specially. £3.95 per painter, plus the price of your chosen pottery (from £2.95). Tea and biscuits included. 6th Dec, 11am-3pm Hainault Forest Country Park. Tel: 07852 152300 or 07982 170918, E:ceramic.magic@ yahoo.com

COPPED HALL CHRISTMAS Eppnet ad 74x110mm.indd CAROLS AT THE MANSION

02/04/2014 15:06:20

Listen to Christmas carols sung by the Copped Hall Choir, Harlow Chorus and Cantando. 6th, 7th, 13th and 14th December.

Book online: www. coppedhall events. ticketsource.co.uk. Copped Hall, Crown Hill, Epping, CM16 5HS

ESSEX CENTRAL

Call us on local charge 0845 270 1855 • Simply email us at enquiries@mapfinances.co.uk Visit us at www.mapfinances.co.uk Money Advice & Planning Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

Head Office: 385 Hillington Road, Glasgow, G52 4BL

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PRIVATE & COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Our experienced staff will be pleased to advise you on all aspects of Letting your property Call us today for a free lettings valuation of your property

666 Green Lane, Goodmayes, Illford, Essex IG3 9RX

PLUMBING & HEATING INSTALLATION MAINTENANCE & REPAIR Mob: 07577 972 555 Tel: 020 8524 0654

*Terms and conditions apply

ESSEX CENTRAL

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

Custom Tattoo Studio

07565 560 895 - 0208 262 0032

OMOPEN NDAY SATURDAY

11 - 7

We offer a wide range of styles

Black and Grey • Old Skool Traditional • Dot Work Japenese • Realism and more www.facebook.com-Sleeping-Buddha-Tattoo-Studio

47 Chigwell Road, South Woodford E18 1NG

Hand Made Wreaths made to order for Christmas or any special occasion.

Colour of your choice...

Prices from

£17.99

for more information please call

07932 551097

ESSEX CENTRAL

DAD’S DIARY e

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In Partnership with

ENTERING FATHERHOOD

WITHOUT A MAP T

his month he has been learning about different parts of the face, pointing to his nose, saying “Nooze”, then my mouth “Moof”, ears “Urhs”, all very cute, until he gets to your eyes... It’s as though he wants them as souvenirs. The last thing you see is him lunging towards your face with his fingers pointed and nails sharpened “Eyhs, eyhs!!”, “Yes son, they belong to me, leave them in my head, please!!” you open one eye, expecting to see the other being pulled away from your socket, on his finger. Like a lollipop. He tried copying me whistling the other day, half way through his dinner I whistled to gets the cats in from the garden, immediately he attempted to help... And whistled a mouthful of beans across my face, and then tried removing them from my “eyhs” as well. Not a great start to the day. He is becoming a fan of sharing his food as well (so there’s a small chance of getting the eye back), but unfortunately he’s often fully chewed his food, before the sharing comes into his

“He whistled a mouthful of beans across my face.”

head. This results in him reaching into his own mouth, before pulling out half a saliva ridden sandwich and trying to thrust it into yours. His eyes wide and sympathetic, giving you the food “ta, ta” asking you to thank him for his sharing. What do you do in this situation? One part wants to encourage him to share, but the rational side of me is yelling “That’s disgusting!

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No, son, YOU can enjoy it, have it back, please!”, and I palm it back towards him in the hope he goes in for seconds. Thankfully, more often than not, he does. A lot of this sharing happens first thing in the morning, he sleeps very well, 7pm7am, straight through, we (well, the Mrs in truth) managed to get him into a lovely routine, but at 7am the madness begins as he bounces around the bedroom like a Mexican jumping bean. Flinging himself off the bed whilst holding his drink and breakfast bar. The result being that drink gets the bed soaked whilst the bar crumbles across the sheets. We’re now experiencing a type of ‘I’m a celebrity get me out of here’ torture trial as we have bits of cereal stuck to us, whilst trying to get warm under a drenched duvet as he jumps up and down on our heads. We head downstairs for breakfast and the first chores of the day are to feed the fish, I calmly say “Let’s give the fish breakfast” and we each sprinkle some flakes into the tank. All very nice, until my mum stayed over last week. She was awake early and sat in the front room as the boy and I came downstairs “What does he eat in the morning?” she asked, “Oh anything really, he’s good like that” I replied, with that he pointed directly at the fish tank and yelled “Breakfast, breakfast!!” My mother’s jaw fell to the floor “Er, no, it’s not what it seems! We just, erm… ah forget it. Yes, I feed him live fish” (why fight it?). He is also still saying “uh-oh” for any mistake that happens, the only problem we have is there is no sliding scale in volume or tone to denote the seriousness of the mistake, each one, however big or small gets the same “uh-oh”. You hear him mumble it a

few feet away, then slowly turn your head, not knowing if his innocently dropped a baked bean or taken both the “eyhs” off the cats face. By far his favourite word of the moment though is still “No” ... or the French “Non” he keeps pushing ahead with. He throws this one out morning, noon and night. Quite often with no regard to what’s actually being said to him... “Where’s your shoes?”... “Non!”, “What’s

“Yes, I feed him live fish.” the name of this teddy bear?”... “NON!!”... and so on. It’s only when he realises he’s accidentally turning down food, or a chance to play on the new trampoline that he then reconsiders his answer! I will leave this month’s update with news on that trampoline. He had his own one, a little 1ft square thing with handle bar to bounce with and he loved it, at first. Recently it’s not had the same enticement. Then us adults decided to get a monster 12ft trampoline with safety net around the outside, his ‘eyhs’ lit up when he saw it and we both launched on, me chasing him with big bounces and him absolutely creasing up with uncontrollable laughter as he kept falling over, toddling around and bouncing about. It’s been great fun (and getting me fit!). Who knows, maybe he will end up bouncing high enough to poke the pigeons in the ‘eyhs’ as they fly overhead. Have a great Christmas everyone, and a brilliant new year. See you in January! ...TO BE CONTINUED

Epping

Ofsted registered â&#x20AC;˘ Open 7am - 7pm Mini Bus â&#x20AC;˘ Holidays Club 5-11 years Before and After School Clubs â&#x20AC;˘ Flexible Hours EYFS Curriculum â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our son loves being with the Blossoms team, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s such a friendly environment and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s learning new things every dayâ&#x20AC;?

Blossoms Nursery, Horseshoe Farm West, London Road, Thornwood Common, Harlow, Essex, CM17 9LH

01279 429937

www.blossomsnurseryltd.com

ESSEX CENTRALâ&#x20AC;&#x192; Follow us on Facebook and Twitter - www.facebook.com/blossoms.nursery @BlossomsNurser2

CLUB FOCUS

ESSEX ARROWS

BASEBALL CLUB 2014

By Devon-Elizabeth Tabersham

has been quite the year for Essex Arrows Baseball Club, not only did they celebrate their 30th anniversary but they were also crowned National League Champions and a trophy presentation from Waltham Abbey Mayor, Councilor Ann Mitchell. League baseball in England dates back to the 1880s and football teams used to have their own accompanying baseball team. Essex Arrows Baseball Club was founded in 1981 by Louis Courtney with an initial focus on youth teams and in 1984 the Essex Arrows senior team was founded by Phil Chesterton. Essex Arrows Baseball Club’s first team are known as the Essex Arrows, they are managed by Steve Simmonds and this year, player Lance Louw won the national trophy for best pitcher with the best record. Their second team are The Archers, they are managed by Adam Porte and play in the A League. Essex Arrows are aligned with Little League International and have one youth team however are aiming to create more teams due to the sport’s recent popularity growth. Youth players are between the ages of 8-13 and the senior team involves players from ages 16 and up. With a great opportunity for progression, three players have gone on to receive American scholarships. The Essex Arrows are home to one of the best baseball fields in the country, their grounds in Waltham Abbey which they lease from Waltham Abbey council (with whom they have great affiliations) is visible from the M25. In 2001

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they received funding from the council with which they erected a fence in order to fully enclose the field and create an in-field apron. In 2010 the Grange Farm Trust along with Epping Forest District Council, Sport England and Baseball Softball gave funding to Essex Arrows which made way for a dug-out and a security fence and the Arrows are currently the only club in the country with bleachers. The Arrows field is close to the major league baseball dimensions also. Due to the advancement of their field, Essex Arrows hosted the Collegiate Baseball League Europe in July as well as the Essex Meet tournament which sees teams from Holland, Cambridge and Essex compete for the cup. League play takes place between April and September and they make an annual trip to Holland for tournament play. Essex Arrows are very active in the community, hosting barbecues, family fun days and quiz nights, they are sponsored by Thirteen (tattoo shop), CSS Motors and Turner FM amongst others. Games take place on Saturdays (Youth) and Sundays (Seniors) with midweek training sessions which resumes in January. For great family fun, head down and watch Essex Arrows in action. For more information contact Sue Barnes - Tel: 07530 887 925, email: soorik@tiscali.co.uk or Facebook: Essex Arrows.

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indian fusion

The coriander restaurant group started with Buckhurst hill, Essex in 2000. In 2003, a second restaurant opened its doors in Vauxhall, south London followed by Blackheath, south east London in 2006.

Temple Indian Fusion offers diners a unique culinary experience.

The Coriander management take great care to ensure that our diners are happy with both our food and service. We have many years of experience in providing service and catering to standards of excellence. Our food speaks for itself. A delicate blend of Northern Indian and Bangladeshi flavours combine to create a unique taste to tantalise all palates. We always use fresh ingredients, locally sourced produce where possible and have most of your traditional favourites within our extensive menus.

40 Victoria Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5ES

Tel: 0208 504 2671

Our Cuisine At the heart of any successful restaurant is it's cuisine. Here at The Temple, we have created a menu to tantalise the most demanding of tastebuds. Our 'Indian Fusion' style cuisine contains dishes from the Indian sub-continent including Bangladesh, India and Nepal. If you feel like a traditional favourite such as The Korma, Madras or Masala, you will be well catered for as our Chefs have multiple years of experience in creating these delicacies just the way you like. If your feeling little more adventurous, we have a unique range of house specialities including seafood delicacies which you will not have tried in an Indian restaurant before.

Old Parcel Office, Jubilee Parade Snakes Lane East, Woodford, Essex IG8 7QF

Tel: 020 8505 6687 or 020 8504 4380 Email: woodford@templefusion.co.uk