Haveringlife Magazine Spring 2014 by HaveringLife

MAGAZINE SPRING 2014

What Lies

BENEATH

HaveringLife takes a closer look at the fascinating history one of Romfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famous entertainment venues

Made in Essex

Meet the young lady fiercely promoting the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s handmade talent

@HaveringLife

WELCOME

Hello and welcome to the spring edition of HaveringLife magazine. We are very proud to bring you a mix of articles and style pages, from fashion and interiors, to local events and food. This issue we look into the history of one of Romford’s most popular entertainment establishments – the Odeon (now a club) and see what lies beneath the clubbers’ feet as they dance. We also meet Becky Nixon, founder of Made in Essex, a website that showcases some of the fantastic pieces of art, jewellery, clothing and homewares that are all lovingly handmade in our county. HaveringLife goes back to where it all started: Twitter, and catches up with some of the people behind the feeds Havering residents should be following to keep abreast of local goings-on. We hope you enjoy this latest issue and would love to hear your feedback, get in touch by emailing hello@haveringlife.co.uk.

With many thanks to: James Hall, James Bettley, Michelle Fitzgibbons, Elizabeth Aelberry, Michael Armstrong, Peter Coles, Andrew Wilkin, David Christie, Becky Nixon, Hilary Cuthbertson, Nikki Macro, Andy Rose and Paul Wade Blog: www.haveringlife.tumblr.com Website: www.haveringlife.co.uk Email: hello@haveringlife.co.uk Twitter: @HaveringLife Facebook: Search ‘HaveringLife’ Written, designed and published by Lisa Wade t/a HaveringLife. Whilst HaveringLife promises to take the utmost care with submitted material, responsibility cannot be accepted for loss of or damage therein. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent from HaveringLife. Whilst every care of information accuracy is taken, and everything is published in good faith, we cannot accept responsibility for any errors or consequences arising as a result of incorrect information. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. This publication and HaveringLife is in no way associated nor affiliated with Havering Council.

06 22

FEATURES 06 | Made in Essex HaveringLife catches up with Becky Nixon who founded the website showcasing beautiful items handmade in the county, plus we also meet some of the talented makers 50| Follow Me… We chat to some of the faces behind popular local twitter feeds to find out why you should be following them OUT & ABOUT 22 | What Lies Beneath… HaveringLife takes a closer look at the old Odeon building in Romford’s South Street, and investigates derelict parts of the building that remain stuck in the past FASHION & BEAUTY 33 | Style Selection Spring fashion for him and her from local retailers 40 | Beauty You don’t need to leave the house to get pampered! HaveringLife shows you how to have a spa day at home 4

CONTENTS

FOOD & DRINK 43 | Chef’s Corner HaveringLife brings you all the foodie essentials for a perfect Easter filled with sweet treats 46 | Restaurant Review A visit to Braza, Romford for meat, meat and more meat! REGULARS 14 | Events Everything you need to keep abreast of local happenings from now until the summer – whether you’re into family days out, a spot of shopping or just some relaxing ‘me’ time 30 | Snapshot We showcase another old photograph of Havering, courtesy of David Christie. This issue – Victoria Road, 1984 49 | Pets Corner HaveringLife’s resident sausage dogs Coco and Max share their news including discovering a shop selling all things dachshund 57 | Interiors Some of the most beautiful things to fill your home with this season, from furniture to finishing touches. This issue, we go all shabby-chic and elegant TRAVEL 61 | Vacation To… …Sorrento. HaveringLife visits Italy’s beautiful Amalfi coast to take in the stunning sights, whilst eating copious amounts of gelato and sipping Limoncello 66 | Mini Break HaveringLife heads off to the Polish city of Krakow 5

Made in

Essex

NICOLA UPTON

items appears to have increased. Becky Nixon responded by launching her site ‘Made in BARRY ANDREWS Essex’ in 2011, after being so impressed by the beautiful works HaveringLife speaks to Becky Nixon, 32, emerging from her who promotes some of the most talented mum’s art class. “They designers and makers in the county were all producing – with her website Made in Essex amazing paintings but andmade classes and jewellery none of them had an is coming courses are now much online presence or really back, in a more accessible, and did any promotion to big way. Knitting’s Havering has several let people know about become trendy again, craft shops for those it, so I decided to build no longer confined to looking for materials. In a website to help show groups for the over recent years the desire off their work. I gave 60s. Cake decorating for quality handmade them all their own

H 6

FEATURE

unique web address so they could start sharing it with people, and I started spreading the word about the site too. So that’s how it all started – showcasing the work of 4 local painters.” The site now features over 70 local artists including jewellers, illustrators, painters, sculptors, knitters, bag makers, milliners, photographers and

support hardworking and talented individuals too. It’s lovely to buy handmade, but there’s something even lovelier about handmade and local, and that’s what Made in Essex is all about,” explains Becky. Her creative background and experience in marketing make for a great formula as founder of the site. It continues to grow

promotes workshops that some of the artists run too. “Whenever I can, I do go along to the workshops, just to try out different skills, and that’s definitely something that working on my site has inspired me to do. There are so many talented, creative people in Essex – we should be very proud!”

FOR THE LADIES Artist Zoe Kouspetris “There’s been a massive surge makes limited edition in appreciation for things that are pieces of jewellery a bit different, the desire to buy the using a variety of unusual and unique” materials including bear makers. Each and as she scours art and buttons, beads, wood every one hails from craft fairs for more local and ceramic. “I looked Essex. “I think there’s talent, and in addition, at a necklace one day been a massive surge artists come knocking and in appreciation for at her door following a things that are a bit recommendation. The different, the desire to site also buy the unusual and ZOE KOUSPETRIS unique, and wanting to 7

FOCUS ON… HILARY CUTHBERTSON JEWELLER

Hilary, 60, lives in Westcliff on Sea and works in Leigh on Sea, making beautiful jewellery from sterling silver. Her craft evolved when she became hooked from a one-day course nine years ago, with local jeweller Lisa Castle. Hilary finds inspiration from all kinds of sources – particularly from old pieces of corroded metal and wood, as well as found objects, like things washed up on the beach. “I love experimenting with different textures and finishes”, she says, “my jewellery tends to appeal to women who like something out of the ordinary, who are often artists themselves.” You can see Hilary’s work in various galleries in Essex and online at www.made-in-essex.com/hilarycuthbertson Oxidised silver & 14ct gold drop earrings

Oxidised silver bangle with silver studs

Oxidised Silver & 14ct gold necklace

Please contact the artist for prices.

Silver drop earrings

Oxidised silver necklace

FEATURE

JUDY GORING

Judy Goring paints and often uses mixed media to create her pieces. “My inspiration is mainly from the intricate and beautiful detail found RICHARD ARGENT in nature – flowers, thought ‘I could make FOR THE HOME animals, humans - all that’... so I did! I now Staying close to its roots, individual.” Stunning use a lot of different Made in Essex’s largest photography of Essex is techniques in my also available to buy – section showcases a jewellery making, all huge range of artists artists include Timothy self-taught.” Meanwhile, creating art for the wall. Smith, Alison Wood the aptly named Jeanette The work varies in style. and David Shields to Trim creates scarves, Richard Argent has name but a few. Gemma collars and gloves, as always been creative, Joyce, Alice Gillingham and specialises in well as knitted and and Kerry Slesser make cushions, lampshades, “I love the wonderful effects that furniture and more, can be achieved by incorporating a plus sculptures, range of natural fibres and manmade vases, glassware and objects into my work” ornamental objects felt bags. “I love the cartoons and colourful are also available to wonderful effects that landscapes, “I’ve always complete the look. can be achieved by drawn since incorporating a range childhood and can of natural fibres and honestly say I’ve manmade objects into never really wanted JULIE PETIT my work.” to do anything else.” 9

KIRSTY NEWNUM

GEMMA FRANCES

FOR THE KIDS For children, there’s plenty to decorate the nursery, from framed personalised prints celebrating a birth, to ornamental bears and bunting for decoration. Parents can also pick out some original items of clothing for the little ones. Emily GilbertBlythe makes little knitted cardigans and there are also bibs and blankets available. For playtime, Andreana Taseva’s puppets in a bag are ideal for exercising the imagination. 10

FOR WEDDINGS As a stunning alternative to traditional flowers, Kirsty Newnum makes bouquets from printed papers – maps, sheet music and coloured paper. Mandy McGregor creates hats and fascinators, and can offer a made-to-order service, to complement that perfect outfit for a special occasion. “I love the whole making process, how the hats and headpieces often

start from something flat and evolve into something 3D that can then be worn,” she says. This new section of the site is already quickly growing as wedding season approaches. “I’ll soon be featuring local dressmakers, cake makers and wedding photographers too”, says Becky. Watch this space. www.made-in-essex.com

MANDY MCGREGOR

FOODFEATURE & DRINK

FOCUS ON… ANDY ROSE PHOTOGRAPHER

Andy, 50, became interested in photography from a young age, and after studying at college and working with commercial studios, became self employed three years ago. He will usually plan his landscape photography in advance, scouting the location beforehand and studying weather reports and tide tables. “I’ll often visit the same location a number of times if needed”, he says. “I particularly enjoy photographing anywhere near water, especially along the Thames Estuary shoreline.” His kit includes a Canon 5D DSLR and 14mm-200mm lenses. So what makes a great photograph? “Patience, timing and a smidgen of luck!” www.made-in-essex.com/andyrose Shoebury

Leigh Creek Hadleigh Castle

Two Tree

Leigh Creek All photographs available as 8”x5” mounted prints from £15 11

FOCUS ON… NIKKI MACRO TEXTILE ARTIST

Nikki is 42 and lives in Leigh on Sea. She studied art and textiles at school and sixth form, and took night classes in various creative subjects. She worked in the City until 2006 when she left to have her children Freddie and Lola – the inspiration for her craft. “The first item I made was a dress for my daughter. I started with clothing and now make all sorts of items including bags, bibs, blankets and homewares.” She enjoys using bright funky fabrics to keep both child and mum happy. “People want something a bit different, and are looking to buy handmade rather than mass produced,” says Nikki. www.made-in-essex.com/nikkimacro

Bib and blanket set £15 Bow tie £5.50

Personalised denim bag £20 Fancy nancy dress £20

Pixie dixie shift £25

FEATURE

MADE IN ESSEX WORKSHOPS • Printing with Lee Sullivan What? Processes relating to Intaglio Printmaking including drypoint, soft ground, hard ground, etching and aquatinting. Where? TAP Southend How much? 1 day £30, 4 weeks £70 including materials. Email: facilities@t-a-p.org.uk • The Secret Art Club with Michelle Goldman & Alison Penn What? Drawing and painting skills using different mediums from pencil, pen and ink, charcoal to oil paints and mixed media, working from still life or a model. Where? Leigh On Sea How much? Each 3hr session is £24 including materials and lunch Email: mgoldman84@hotmail.com • Felt making with Jeanette Trim What? Basic wet felt making, creating a wall hanging, scarf or collar Where? Leigh on Sea How much? £25 for 2.5hr session, including all materials Call Jeanette on 07837 454184 or Email: jeanettetrim@hotmail.com

CRAFTING IN HAVERING Hobbycraft An emporium of craft materials, ideal for specialist crafts where the staff can advise you on what products to buy for your project. The shop also runs craft classes. The Range This homeware shop has a large craft section where you can pick up scrapbooking papers, paint, sketchbooks and more. Dizzy Di Bead Shop A great place to stock up on beads, clasps and cord. The shop also runs jewellery making classes for just £10. Time to Craft A fabulous place for cardmaking, Time to Craft is ideal to pick up a variety of printed papers, skeleton leaves, speciality scissors, ribbon and more.

EVENTS

DIARY HaveringLife brings you a selection of the season’s finest local events

HAVERING CONCERT ORCHESTRA CONCERT

Sunday 23 March, 3pm-5pm Enjoy an afternoon of music, and be entertained by the Havering Concert Orchestra – as part of the New Windmill classic Sunday concert season. Tickets are £8.50, or £6.50 concessions. There will be a 15 minute interval and refreshments are available. The New Windmill Hall, Upminster 14

EVENTS

WEDDING FAIR & PROM ROADSHOW

Saturday 7 June, 1pm-4pm Cranham Social Hall, Front Lane Saturday 14 June, 11am-3pm The North Romford Community Centre, Clockhouse Lane Saturday 21 June, 11am-3pm Harold Hill Community Centre, Gooshays Drive Saturday 28 June 11am-3pm Murray Hall, 106 Borders Lane, Loughton If you’re getting hitched soon, but are more interested in affordable, local options than a huge grand affair, head to one of these events where you can browse the many stalls including those for stationery, accessories, healthy living, chauffeur cars and entertainment.

PAMPER & SHOPPING NIGHT

Friday 21 March, 7pm -10.30pm Wind down after a busy week and treat yourself to a manicure, massage or facial. There will stalls to shop at, refreshments to purchase and a charity raffle. £3. La Salette Social Club, 1 Rainham Road, Rainham

AN EVENING OF BURLESQUE

Friday 4 July, 7.30pm Experience a memorable show at the Queen’s Theatre, of elegant showgirls, Parisian charm and Las Vegas glamour. Expect killer heels, sultry vocals, mischief, magic and frivolity. Tickets are selling out fast, priced £16-£21, call the box office soon to secure your seat, on 01708 443333. Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch

EASTER HOLIDAY WORKSHOP: CREATE A PLAY IN A WEEK

Monday 7 - Friday 11 April Wannabe actors and actresses can keep occupied during the holidays with this week-long workshop. Put into groups of ages 7-10 and 11-14, the children will work with a professional practitioner and be led through a series of exciting drama games and exercises which will enable them to create their very own play in just five days. At the end of the week they will host an informal showcase for family and friends. £60, book in advance on 01708 443333. The Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch

HAVERING HAPPY HOUNDS SHOW

Sunday 22 June, 12pm-5pm A great day out for dog owners, this free event has a variety of dog related stalls, demonstrations, and competitions including ‘prettiest female,’ ‘best veteran’ and ‘dog most like its handler’ with competition entry at £1.50 per dog. Plus, free microchipping for Havering residents. Central Park, Harold Hill 16

EVENTS

POND LIFE

ELM PARK HORTICULTURAL GUILD SPRING FLOWER SHOW

Saturday 5 April, 2.30pm-4.30pm Spend a couple of hours welcoming spring with open arms, admiring the flower displays and sitting with a cup of tea or coffee, and a slice of cake. Free admission. Elm Park Assembly Hall, Eyhurst Avenue

Wednesday 9 April, 1.30pm-3.30pm The kids will love having a go at pond dipping to see what underwater creatures they can find. Plus they’ll also have the chance to make a pond creature themed craft item to take home with them. £5 donation, book on 01708 748646. Bedfords Park, Broxhill Road, Havering-atte-Bower 17

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6543 2ST 10GEORGE’S 9 8765 4DAY 321

CELEBRATIONS

BABY BOUNCE SPECIAL FOR DADS & GRANDADS

Saturday 19 April, 10.30am-3.30pm Get patriotic and celebrate St George’s Day in style at Romford Market, with many forms of entertainment throughout the day, including music and circus acts, and free face painting for the kids. Romford Market

Pay

Saturday 14 June, from 2pm A special event for the men to try a Baby Bounce session for themselves and bond with their little one (aged 0-2 years) through sound and song. Free, no need to book. Upminster Library

MOTHER’S DAY WORKSHOP

Wednesday 26 March, 4pm-5pm & 5pm-6pm Take the kids (aged 4-7) along to a special workshop to make a lovely fresh flower/plant arrangement for Mother’s Day. £6 per child, book on 01708 640446. Bliss Flowers, 2a Moor Lane, Cranham 18

Report

Scan to find out more

CHARITY FUN DAY

Saturday 10 May, 10am-5pm Take the whole family along to enjoy games, stalls, live music and a bar at this free entry fun day in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Society. Harold Hill Bowls Club, The Bowls Pavilion, Broxhill Road

KITE MAKING

Thursday 10 April, 10am-12pm Help the kids make the most of the outdoors by spending a couple of hours getting creative to make a colourful kite before testing it out. All materials and equipment provided. ÂŁ5 donation per child, book on 01708 748646. Bedfords Park, Havering-atte-Bower

EASTER EGGS-TRAVAGANZA TOY & CRAFT FAIR

19 April, 11am-3pm Take the whole family to this free Easter event which will have activities including a tea party, confectionery corner, sand art, face painting, Easter grotto, Easter egg hunt and over 40 stalls. Harold Hill Community Centre

NEVER MISS AN EVENT Follow us on Twitter to get the Havering Weekender every week

@HaveringLife

HaveringLife steps back in time and looks at the history of one of Romfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s well-loved entertainment venues

Left: The venue as it is today; Below: the disused parts of the building in 2002 (Photos: Lisa Wade)

What Lies Beneathâ&#x20AC;Ś

OUT & ABOUT

The building’s history starts on 29 January 1936, when it opened as the Havana Cinema. First on the single screen was a double bill of ‘The Passing of the Third Floor’ and ‘Stranded’. After changing hands a couple of times, it was renamed as an Odeon some years later in 1949. Since it

remained as the Odeon for a further 40 years – and bore the fadedout name from the old signage, many of today’s Havering residents will still remember the building as it once was. The Beatles arrived in Romford initially on 20 March 1963, playing at the ABC cinema further down South Street. A few months

“It remained as the Odeon for a further 40 years – and bore the faded-out name from the old signage”

The building as the Odeon (Photo: Duashenka on Flickr)

utside of London, Romford is firmly on the map as a popular destination for nightlife in the south east. In recent years, countless pubs, clubs and bars have sprung up to serve the young people of Havering. One such building has seen much of the town change, and indeed, has been an entertainment establishment all its life. Today at 108 South Street, sits the linked nightclubs Fiction and Cameo. Dancing the night away, it is hard to believe that once upon a time, it was a place to sit in silence as a film screened on a lazy afternoon, or that a band as massive as The Beatles performed at the venue.

The building’s dual staircases when it was operating as the Odeon (Photo: Duashenka on Flickr)

cinema’s manager in the early seventies and remembers that whilst Romford’s other cinema, the ABC was closed for conversion into three screens, the Odeon did a roaring trade. “The Odeon at the time was one of the biggest money-makers later, on Sunday 16th became internationally on the circuit. If you June – the line-up at renowned, and wanted to go to the The Odeon was The Beatlemania was born. pictures in Romford, Beatles, Billy J Kramer Another massive name you had a choice of and the Dakotas, – The Rolling Stones, the one film at the Odeon. The lack of any “On Sunday 16 June 1963, the line-up opposition led to even at The Odeon was The Beatles, Billy J average screenings Kramer and the Dakotas, and Gerry taking a fortune, and and the Pacemakers” popular films playing and Gerry and the also played at the venue to full houses with Pacemakers. This was the following year, on queues round the big news as these artists 28 September 1964. block waiting for the were all within the As well as being next performance. We top four of the singles a music venue, the were often mentioned charts that week. Just Odeon was still in the company’s ten days later, John and operating as a huge in-house magazine Paul wrote ‘She Loves single screen cinema. as taking more You’, the band quickly James Bettley was the money than all other 24

OUT & ABOUT

The building as the Odeon (Photo: Duashenka on Flickr)

The entrance staircase in 2002 (Photo: Lisa Wade)

Odeons apart from occasionally Glasgow and London’s West End which charged higher prices.” The cinema had many uses, and ran a busy Top Rank Bingo session every Sunday afternoon, late night showings of more obscure films on Saturday nights, and once a month – live wrestling on the stage. “By the early seventies the capacity had come down to around 2,000 (it was originally 2,351 with standing room), due to re-spacing in the stalls and removing the very front row nearest the screen. However, it still had more seats than the Odeon, Leicester Square, for example,” says James. Romford’s Odeon then expanded to offer three screens on 24 March 25

The building as the Odeon (Photo: Duashenka on Flickr)

1974. “Two further small screens were created beneath the balcony, where the rear stalls seating had been.” However, a new Odeon Multiplex was built as part of the Liberty Shopping Centre in 1990, and sadly the original Odeon’s days as a cinema were numbered.

It finally closed its doors in the same year on 8 July, and despite a brief spell as a Laserquest and part being used for a dance studio, the building was boarded up and left to decay, awaiting its fate. Nine years later, as the Romford nightclub scene evolved, the building once again

became ‘the place to be’, opening as a huge dual nightclub – ‘Time’ and ‘Envy’. Once again, people queued to get into the venue. However, time had moved on, and parts of the building which had not been needed during the refit were left abandoned and derelict. A rare subterranean

OUT & ABOUT

stone steps lead to the old dressing rooms and green room of the stars. To investigate these forgotten parts, a torch was necessary, as

“The original cinema stage where The Beatles would have performed is now used for storage. Underneath this, stone steps lead to the old dressing rooms” within the larger club – (today called ‘Fiction’), where clubbers dance. Several feet below this, lies the original cinema stage where The Beatles would have performed, now used for storage. And underneath this,

there was no electricity or lighting. Barely able to see, the light from the torch bounced off bare lightbulbs, broken windows, old disused machinery and hidden doors leading off to other unknown

underground places. The eerie atmosphere of these areas is a far cry from how the renovated part of the club feels on a Saturday night, with loud music and hundreds of people enjoying themselves. Manager James Hall started working at the venue in 2012, in order to take the club to its refit and relaunch as ‘Fiction’ and ‘Cameo’. He explains why these areas of the building have been left as they are. “The nearby Brewery shopping The disused parts of the building in 2002 (Photo: Lisa Wade)

visit back in 2002, a few years after the club had opened, revealed what had become of the venue’s unused sections. There is a main stage

Clubbers enjoying a night at ‘Fiction’ (Photo: Licklist/Fiction)

centre opened in 2001. When they built it, the water table changed, and because the rooms are subterranean and not tanked, it filled with water. We now have a pump working 24 hours a day to stop 28

James Bettley says “I remember the enormous ceiling rose. From the projection box portholes you could see the bulbs inside it, which provided the concealed lighting ‘halo’ on the higher ceiling around its perimeter. The rose and the twin stairway entrance were the only real decorative features in an otherwise rather plain cinema.” Today, the double stairways are still present and remain largely unchanged, providing a grand entrance to the level rising.” Indeed the main club. And today, venturing below the impressive ceiling to the old stage is rose still exists – just, accompanied by the as James Hall explains. sound of rushing water. “The original star rose However, there are is still in place on the other parts of the ceiling although it is building that have difficult to see as it has stood the test of time. been painted black. The

original circle stretched from the front of the present balcony and up almost three storeys to the back of the building. The projector room is located above it and is still there. The void is now sectioned off from the club by a huge fire curtain over the balcony bar and VIP Lounge.” The building has now served Romford for nearly 80 years, over time seeing famous faces come and go, playing host to classic films and dancing feet. It holds fond memories for those old enough to remember its younger days – even those now playing a part in its future. Indeed, the ‘Fiction’ and ‘Cameo’ manager saw his first movie, ‘Star Wars,’ at the venue he now runs.

Clubbers enjoying a night at ‘Fiction’ (Photo: Licklist/Fiction)

OUT & ABOUT

STREETLIFE MEMORIES OF THE ODEON “Last time I went there David Bowie played there live just before he became famous. My first concert.” - Raymond P “I used to go to the Saturday morning pictures there, and once saw Larry Adler playing his harmonica. At the end we were each given a miniature harmonica which I have still got somewhere.” - Patricia F As a young boy I remember seeing the Beatles, Dave Clark Five, The Tremeloes, Freddie & The Dreamers to name a few, performing there. - Jonathan W 29

REGULARS: SNAPSHOT

HAVERING SNAPSHOT

The old BR ER dark blue sign still standing at the Victoria Road Depot. Photo taken by David Christie in May 1987

STEP BACK IN TIME… ROMFORDS BUSES 1967-‘70s

A book featuring photographs by David Christie

Browse the online store at www.blurb.com/user/store/crisdave

FASHION

Style selection

For Him

Refresh your look with HaveringLife’s Spring style Image: Sweatshirt cardigan, £24.99, H&M, Romford 33

THREE TOP

… casual wear jackets

2 3

1. Superdry jump jet mac £94.99, Superdry, Romford 2. Men’s blue casual washed denim jacket, £29.99, Blue Inc. Romford 3. Quilted jacket, £30, BHS, Romford

Image: Khaki check jacket, £110, Next, Romford

FASHION

Knitted jumper, £24.99, H&M, Romford

Dark wash jean, £20, Next, Romford

Fine stripe crew neck t-shirt, £12, BHS, Romford Blue tailored Oxford jacket £49.99, New Look, Romford

Coated leather plaited belt, £25, M&S, Romford

Fairisle oatmeal knitted scarf, £6, M&Co. Upminster

Grey casual lace up boots, £45, River Island, Romford

ACCESSORISE

Silver engraved Union Jack cufflinks, £20, Debenhams, Romford

Little touches to finish off your look Fabio men’s steel & silicone designer bracelet, £12.99, Warren James, Romford Double dog tag necklace, £5, Matalan, Romford

Silver tone wolf lapel pin, £5, River Island, Romford Single pocket square, £3, Matalan, Romford

Vince camuto men’s gunmetal ion-plated bracelet watch £350, H Samuel Romford 35

Silver Tree Designs

Personalised Gifts

Money boxes • Message hangers • Keyrings • Noticeboards • Badges Acrylic letters & bunting • Keepsake boxes • Canvases • Magnets Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Silvertreedesigns Email: contactus@silvertreedesigns.co.uk Call: 07828 635090

FASHION

Style selection

For Her

Spring clean your wardrobe with our latest style picks Image: Blurred floral swimsuit, ÂŁ26, M&Co. Upminster 37

TOP LOOK UNDER £40 Going for gold

3 4

1. Gold diamante butterfly drop earrings, £4.99, New Look, Romford 2. Christy dress from Philip by Philip Armstrong, £12.50, Matalan, Romford 3. Gold bracelet, £3, Primark, Romford 4. Peeptoe Heels, £18, Matalan, Romford

Image: Red mac, £60, Next, Romford

FASHION

Superdry propeller crew, £44.99, Superdry, Romford

Skirted peplum top, £22, M&Co., Upminster

Antonia short dress, £119, Monsoon, Romford

Embroidered Swiss dot trousers, £10, Sainsbury’s, Hornchurch Scratch tote bag, £15, Matalan, Romford

White stone cuff, £49, Primark, Romford

F&F ankle strap pointed toe court shoes, £18, Tesco, Hornchurch Navy floral ruffle top, £22, Dorothy Perkins, Romford

LOVE LOCAL

Our top pieces from local boutique LemonLove

Wine skater dress with plated belt, £23, sizes 8/14 Lace playsuit in cream, £25, sizes 8/14

Diamante pearl peplum jacket, £18, sizes S/M/L

Black zip blazer, £38, sizes 8/14

Monochrome pants, £20, sizes 8/14

Buy online at local shopping events, or via Facebook (search ‘LemonLove’), Twitter @_LemonLove or Email LemonLove@live.co.uk

SPA @ HOME HaveringLife investigates ways to pamper oneself at home on a budget

FEELING FRUITY eyes. Simply mash up

Simply decide whether Save money on a banana, apply to you want to use salt expensive face masks the face and leave for or sugar â&#x20AC;&#x201C; both have and use up over-ripe approx. 15 minutes, exfoliating qualities fruit at the same time. then wash off to leave but sugar is kinder Bananas contain skin silky smooth. to the skin, and dark potassium which brown sugar is better combats water retention SCRUB UP for sensitive skin. Add and reduces bags and Keep skin glowing with 1 part oil (you can use dark circles under the a homemade scrub. baby oil, coconut oil or 40

BEAUTY

whatever you prefer) to 2 parts sugar. Add 5 drops of essential oil to give it a lovely scent, and mix together.

and using to scrub off stubborn hard skin. Also works on other rough areas such as elbows and knees.

TOP 3 BEAUTY MUST-HAVES

LUSCIOUS LOCKS BEAUTIFUL Keep hair looking its BATHING best with a regular olive oil treatment. Simply cover the hair, working it well into the ends, and leave for 20 minutes before washing out. Two shampoos may be necessary to completely remove it, but you’ll be left with shiny, healthylooking locks.

WELL HEELED

Keep hard working feet smooth and soft by cutting a lemon in half, dipping in salt

Taking a milk and honey bath is a great way to get beautifully supple skin – just ask Cleopatra! Lactic acid in the milk will soothe and soften, whilst the honey is a natural anti-inflammatory, and will moisturise. Add 10 tablespoons of honey and 10 tablespoons of full fat milk to a running bath. Sit back, relax and unwind.

Peppermint intensive foot rescue, £9, The Body Shop, Romford

Multi-intensive serum (Aqua) by Lacura, £3.49, Aldi, Upminster

Big shampoo, £11.50, Lush, Romford

DE Y FRE SI OU E D GN R E , P CH LIV O HO I ER TO CE Y & OF TE XT

PERFECT FOR

Mini 25 for £8.99

• Children’s Party Bags • Birthday Favours • Birth Announcement • Christenings & Baptisms • Mother’s Day and Father’s Day • Easter and Christmas • Teachers’ Gifts + loads more…

ge Lar 9 £3.9 h eac

Small 10 for £8.99

Call Lisa on 07734 712855

www.choccasions.com

FOOD & DRINK

HaveringLife

FEASTING

HaveringLife dines at Braza in Romford, and picks out some tasty treats for Easter Image: The Classic Ostrich egg, ÂŁ28, buy online at www.hotelchocolat.com

Chef’s corner

HaveringLife seeks out the most delicious sweet offerings in Havering this Easter Double chocolate hot cross buns, £1.30, Tesco, Roneo Corner

5 Easter cookie cutters, £8, M&S, Romford Easter jelly bean carrot, £1, Poundland, Romford

Lindt gold bunny milk chocolate, £2, ASDA, Romford

FOOD & DRINK

Moser Roth mini Easter eggs, £1.69, Aldi, Upminster

Orion Easter mallows, £3, Waitrose, Upminster

Wilton non-stick cake pan, £8, Hobbycraft, Romford Easter marshmallows, £1, Poundland, Romford THE PERSONAL TOUCH If you want to give an egg with a personalised name or message, look no further than Thorntons, Romford, where customised treats start from just £3.99

SIMPLE EASTER RECIPE

No-bake cheesebake

INGREDIENTS • 100g melted butter • 200g crushed digestive biscuits • 600g soft cheese • 150g icing sugar • 2 tsp vanilla extract

• The zest of 2 lemons • 300ml double cream • 125g blueberries • 1 teaspoon honey

METHOD 1. Mix the melted butter and biscuits. 2. Spoon into a 23cm springform cake tin lined with baking parchment. Flatten firmly and refrigerate. 3. Beat the soft cheese with the icing sugar until well combined. Add the vanilla extract and stir in the lemon zest and double cream. 4. Pour the mixture into the tin and refrigerate for an hour. 5. Gently simmer the blueberries with the honey until the berries start to burst, then pour over the cheesecake to serve. Recipe courtesy of Sainsburys

RESTAURANT REVIEW

BRAZA, ROMFORD

HaveringLife has a meaty night out at the Brazillian Rodizio restaurant, Braza London, situated in Romford

s definite meat-lovers, Braza has been on HaveringLife’s ‘must try’ list for a while. A welcome change from the numerous Italian and Indian restaurants in the borough, Braza is an authentic Brazilian 46

steakhouse, tucked down Arcade Place, by the Brewery, Romford. First impressions are good - it’s very busy and a booking looks to be essential for the weekend. We immediately spot an amazing grill area

with a huge variety of succulent meats turning on skewers. Instead of offering a

FOOD & DRINK

traditional menu, the fayre here is basically a high-quality all-youcan-eat mixed grill. Each diner is given a card with ‘yes’ on one side (signifying “bring me more meat!”) and ‘no’ for when you’ve run out of room. Beware – it will become a competition to see who will give in and turn their card over first! As each skewer has finished cooking, a waiter attends to diners with a ‘yes’ card showing, and carves off pieces of meat. Every few minutes there’s something new to try - steak, lamb,

“Every few minutes there’s something new to try - steak, lamb, pork, chicken wings, gammon, sausage and more” pork, chicken wings, gammon, sausage and more. As it is served piece by piece, everything stays hot. Braza’s side-dish buffet seems to have had as much thought put into it as to the meat. There’s a member of staff dedicated to keeping the numerous potato, veg and salad dishes topped up and fresh, everything has

been seasoned perfectly and is well presented. Despite being fit to burst, we just about squeezed in a chocolate mousse. All-in-all a wonderful night. Braza’s not cheap but is well worth it – wear an elasticated waistband and don’t go with a vegetarian! Braza, 1a Arcade Place Romford RM1 1RS www.brazalondon.com 47

REGULARS: PETS CORNER

o t g n i d r o c c a The world

COCO & MAX

HaveringLife’s resident sausage dogs keep their paws on the pulse, bringing you doggie facts, best buys and their top tweet

MAX

COCO

elcome back to our doggy page! We have been treated to some new sausage dog goodies recently, as mum discovered The Labrador Company who make soft furnishings and other items using silhouettes of Labradors, Spaniels and – of course – Dachshunds. She bought us new beds, and some of the same fabric to make matching fleecelined blankets to keep us snuggly! We love them! Buy online at www. thelabradorcompany.co.uk

Labrador clock, £45

Spaniel cushion, £29.95

DOGGIE FACT Dogs are capable of unders tanding u p to 250 wo rds and gestures, and can count up to five

Small Dachshund bed, £49.50 Large Labrador bed, £139.50

TOP TWEET: @PoochAndCo #PoochAndCo - It’s important to choose the right rescue #dog for your home, lifestyle & circumstances for your sake & theirs 49

HaveringLife catches up with some of the local people actively promoting our borough on Twitter

t was unclear what Twitter was at first. Everyone was on Facebook, constantly changing their statuses and sharing photographs, then in 2006 Twitter launched and reduced updates to just 140 characters 50

– much like phone text messaging, except with a worldwide audience rather than one limited to phonebook contacts. Eight years later, and it seems to have found its feet. Far from being a clone of the Facebook status – ‘look

what I ate for dinner’ and ‘I’m so hungover’ – Twitter is the grownup answer to getting quick updates from businesses of interest, up-to-the-minute news, and shameless celebrity stalking. News is often reported on Twitter

Photograph courtesy of HaveringLife

Follow Me…

FEATURE

first, before making the newspaper, and even tweets referred to by news readers when giving popular opinion on something. It has also become invaluable in putting a living, moving ‘face’ to local companies and is a great way for businesses to support each other. There are a huge number of Twitter accounts set up for Havering – indeed HaveringLife began life as a small twitter feed a couple of years ago before growing to include The Havering Weekender, a Facebook page, website, blog and regular online magazine – which you are now reading. Here are some other mustfollow, active feeds for Havering residents.

@romshoppinghall

Michelle Fitzgibbons, Sales and Marketing Manager at Land Management who manages award winning Romford Shopping hall, set up the Twitter account @romshoppinghall around three years ago. The 81 year old shopping centre offers over 40 independent shops, from designer fashion labels, to specialist food stores, secondhand books and homeware outlets. In 2008 it benefitted from a huge overhaul, and with the increased interest in social media, having a Twitter following complements this. @romshoppinghall now has over 2,600 followers, and it has been ideal for relaying messages easily to local people – tweeting about special offers, new shops and events. “It has been valuable – when working on a budget it is a free resource’, says Michelle. She ensures to follow other local companies to keep up with what is happening in the area generally, and supports the twitter feed with a website and also a Facebook page. www.romfordshoppinghall.com TYPICAL TWEET: Excited to welcome a new shop - Pandora Images - to Romford Shopping Hall - watch out for some very special opening offers! 51

@HaveringPics

Peter Coles set up the @HaveringPics feed several years ago to complement the Havering in Pictures Facebook page, which he also runs. He mainly uses Facebook to post, and this automatically comes up on the Twitter feed, which has over 700 followers. On Facebook the following is much higher at over 4,500 likes. “Collecting and taking local pictures is just a hobby”, he says. However, he has taken hundreds of beautiful images of the borough which residents can enjoy online, grouped together in albums such as ‘Landmarks’, ‘Open spaces’, and ‘Waterways of Havering’. There are many fascinating historical shots shared from followers, sparking reminiscence and conversation. The borough has never looked so good. www.facebook.com/haveringpictures TYPICAL TWEET: Roomes Stores in Station Road, Upminster, c1930. http://tinyurl.com/pm4m8nk 52

This image: Courtesy of Havering In Pictures; Bottom: Postcards supplied to Havering In Pictures by Amber Cannon

FEATURE

@LBofHavering

Havering Council’s official twitter feed, @LBofHavering, was set up in the summer of 2011 and has over 3,500 followers. “There are a few people who work on Twitter as well as doing their everyday work, so it wouldn’t be fair to give just one name,” says Councillor Michael Armstrong, who is the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communications. “We really want to have conversations about council services and find out what people’s priorities are for the future. Then we can feed this back, so that when the council is setting its budget, for example, these views will be fully considered. We tweet about a range of different things, from services the council runs, to events in the borough and other community messages.” @LBofHavering follows many local people and organisations, in a bid to keep the borough as clean, tidy and safe as possible, and inform local residents. Michael Armstrong realises how invaluable twitter has become in interacting with residents. “I think Twitter has taught our organisation how powerful social media is, and that it really is a two way conversation.” www.havering.gov.uk TYPICAL TWEET: #upminster Italian market starts today at 10am, all day until 4pm 53

@HornchurchLife

Andrew Wilkin set up @HornchurchLife, and the feed currently has over 3,200 followers. After joining with his personal account in 2009, Andrew found that although there were several Hornchurch feeds on Twitter, tweets were only being posted a couple of times a week, and he was keen to find out more about local news and events happening in the area, and pass that information on to others. And so @HornchurchLife was born. Although the account is primarily for Hornchurch, Andrew tweets about anything he thinks would interest people in general, 54

including events from the rest of Havering. ‘I follow a wide variety of twitter feeds - I enjoyed the Queen’s Theatre’s recent ‘Tommy the Cat’ feed, to promote their pantos. The Hornchurch Life online presence

FEATURE

From left: Exhibition of work by Zoe Clements and Barry Kirk, showing at the Queen’s theatre until 29 March, promoted via the HornchurchLife website; Above: HornchurchLife branded products, available from the website

has grown from just being a Twitter feed, to including a regular newsletter called HornchurchLife Daily, and a website which houses local articles and reviews, as well as a diary for upcoming events. “I started my Twitter feed as a general hobby and the website hornchurchlife.co.uk soon followed as I wanted to publish articles longer than 140 characters. One of the first types of articles I published were reviews of the Queen’s Theatre’s productions. Both my wife Emma and I were regular visitors to the theatre and we wanted to share our enjoyment of the ‘Cut to the Chase’ productions with everyone. Ever since then we have become official reviewers of the

Queen’s Theatre, and will soon be reviewing shows at the new Romford Brookside Theatre.” The website also has an online shop to purchase Hornchurch Life branded goods and is building a local directory. To date, @HornchurchLife has posted over 11,800 tweets out to local residents, and supports local businesses and organisations by regularly re-tweeting their posts. www.hornchurchlife.co.uk TYPICAL TWEET: We’ve added all the Fairkytes events to our events page, let us know if you have an event you want us to add www.hornchurchlife.co.uk/events 55

Email sales@drathmore.co.uk www.drathmore.co.uk

REGULARS: INTERIORS

Inspirational

INTERIORS HaveringLife brings you stunning ideas to make your home beautiful with shabby chic accessories

4 1 5 2 58

REGULARS: INTERIORS

8 9

12 13

1. Shabby chic floral jacquard king duvet cover, £90, buy online at www.houseoffraser.co.uk 2. Set of 2 large crates, £50, available online at www.next.co.uk 3. Rugby hotel style wall clock in cream, £35, Wilkinson, Romford 4. Dressing table with mirror (painted finish), £679, Roomes, Upminster 5. Wood ‘love’ wall mirror, £22 Debenhams, Romford 6. French inspired butterfly print cushion, £8, Matalan, Romford 7. Leaf and crystal three light fitting, £44.99, Dunelm Mill, Romford 8. Shabby chic round wall clock, £159.99, buy online at www.argos.co.uk 9. Parisian lamp, £15.99, The Range, Romford 10. Woven basket, £4, Tiger, Romford 11. Florence collection floral metal jug, £6.99, Dunelm Mill, Romford 12. Hanging metal butterfly, £5, Matalan, Romford 13. Decorative white horse, £14.99, The Range, Romford 59

HaveringLife needs you!

Can you write? Get in touch if you would like to submit an article idea for HaveringLife magazine, or if you are interested in being interviewed for a story you have to tell about the local area. Or perhaps you have some fascinating Havering photographs or stories? If you would like to contribute, or have any feedback about the magazine, please get in touch via email at hello@haveringlife.co.uk or you can follow us on twitter and send a message @HaveringLife.

Follow on Twitter @HaveringLife 60

Search HaveringLife

TRAVEL

Vacation toâ&#x20AC;Ś

SORRENTO

HaveringLife travels to the Amalfi Coast, Italy, to sample Limoncello and traditional Italian hospitality

he Italian town of Sorrento is relatively small, with around 16,500 inhabitants. The popular tourist destination is well served by transport,

and is reachable from Naples airport in around an hour. For this reason, it provides a good base for exploring the Amalfi region. The Hotel Sorrento City Centre is

ideal, being located, as its name suggests, in the centre of town, amongst the many shops offering beautiful clothing and shoes. The town also has a number of small

Ravello

cobbled streets where you can find handmade goods, leather items and home decorations, all produced to the highest of standards. This part of Italy is also well known for its coloured ceramic pieces, so it is easy to arrange a tour of a pottery workshop, or simply purchase pieces native to the area. There is a good bus

service which follows the coast road to allow exploration of other towns, affording wonderful views of the sea and inland beauty on the journey. The heart of Amalfi itself is the Piazza Duomo where one can relax with a pizza or espresso, or wander with a gelato. St. Andrew’s Cathedral which dates back to

“There is a good bus service which follows the coast road, affording wonderful views of the sea and inland beauty on the journey” Capri

the 11th Century, overlooks. Amalfi is also home to the Museum of Handmade Paper, which celebrates the town’s longestablished paper manufacturing history and is situated in an old paper mill. From Amalfi it is possible to travel onwards to Ravello, a quaint little town famed for its scenic beauty. Villa Rufolo is a building located within the historic centre, with a courtyard and museum. The Ravello festival (also known as the ‘Wagner Festival’) takes place each summer, and is a celebration of the arts – providing jazz and orchestral music, to art shows, dance and photographic exhibits. Heading back towards

TRAVEL

Sorrento

Sorrento from Amalfi, is the town of Positano. Pretty buildings are situated in an enclave in the hills, with numerous steps leading down to the sea. The narrow

Well worth a daytrip is the nearby island of Capri, accessible by hydrofoil from Sorrento’s port in around 20 minutes. The island is visited by

“Pretty buildings are situated in an enclave in the hills, with numerous steps leading down to the sea” streets are lined with boutique shops and art galleries, and there are several places to catch a bite to eat overlooking the sea, or cocktails later in the evening. Below: Sorrento; Right: Amalfi

Italians and tourists alike, and became popular as a holiday destination in the 1950s It is home to bigname luxury fashion boutiques, so perfect

TRAVEL

for shopping if money is no object! Capri’s Blue Grotto is a popular attraction – a cave on the coast. As sunlight passes through an underwater cavity, it creates an illuminated blue reflection. Back in Sorrento there are many places to experience traditional Italian fayre and hospitality. Of particular note, is Il Leone Rosso, a comfortable restaurant offering a huge range of dishes, from traditional pizza and pasta, to steak cooked to perfection and fish dishes. Naturally, the staff are very welcoming and generously gift delicious fresh baked garlic bread and Limoncello to diners. Add a cocktail, and it’s a perfect way to end the day. 65

MINI-BREAK

Krakow

HaveringLife takes a trip to Polandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Krakow to sample delicious food and have a wander around the Old Town

TRAVEL

WHERE TO STAY The 3 star Hotel Maksymillian is situated around 10 minutes walk from the main market square and provides a great base for exploring. There is a small bar for a post-flight drink, and the hotel also has a relaxing treatment area for massages, at a fraction of the cost charged in the UK. Reception staff are friendly and provide airport transfers on request. www.hotelmaksymilian.pl

art museum, is situated to the south of the centre and is well worth a visit. The Krakow Barbican houses a variety of exhibitions and serves as a historic gateway to the Old Town. Popular daytrips on offer from Krakow include the Salt Mines and Auschwitz tours.

For warming meat dishes, head to Klimaty Poludnia, a hidden gem with an extensive wine list to suit any palate. Those with a sweet tooth will be in heaven at one of the two Karmello chocolatiers. Aside from the array of extensive chocolate delights at the front of the shop, the relaxing FOOD AND DRINK café area makes an ideal Since Zloty (instead of place to sit with a hot the Euro) is still used, chocolate, milkshake or you can eat like a king indulgent dessert. without breaking the www.mammamia.net.pl; bank, and naturally, www.klimatypoludnia.pl; SEE THE SIGHTS sample some of Poland’s www.karmello.pl Krakow is one of flavoured vodkas. There the oldest cities in are many wonderful GETTING THERE Poland. The centre is places to dine in the city You can fly to Krakow surrounded by a ring - of particular note is from Gatwick or of parkland, ideal Trattoria Mamma Mia, Southend with Easyjet, for a stroll or to rest serving delicious steak or fly from Stansted weary feet after a day’s and traditional Italian with Ryanair. sightseeing. The Gothic fayre, and of course www.easyjet.com; Wawel Castle, now an ‘real’ hot chocolate. www.ryanair.com. 67

THE DIRECTORY

Where to find all the lovely things featured in this issue…

crafting in havering Hobbycraft 0845 051 6545 The Brewery Shopping Centre, Romford RM1 1AU www.hobbycraft.co.uk

The Range 771790 The Brewery Shopping Centre, Romford RM1 1AU www.therange.co.uk

Dizzy Di Bead Shop 742581 Romford Shopping Hall, Unit 3, 43 Market Place Romford RM1 3AB www.dizzydi.co.uk

Time to Craft 765972 205 Rush Green Road, Romford RM7 0JR www.facebook.com/ susantimetocraft

shopping HORNCHURCH Sainsburys 475214 95-101 High Street, RM11 1TX www.sainsburys.co.uk Tesco 0845 6779581 300 Hornchurch Road RM11 1PY www.tesco.com

ROMFORD Debenhams 0844 561 6161 Market Place, RM1 3ET www.debenhams.com Dorothy Perkins 760348 17 Stewards Walk, RM1 3RJ www.dorothyperkins.com Dunelm Mill 732077 Eastern Avenue Retail Park,

Eastern Avenue, RM7 7JN www.dunelm-mill.com Matalan 0845 330 3330 117 North Street, RM1 1ES www.matalan.co.uk Primark 721187 33-35 South Street, RM1 1NJ www.primark.com Tesco Roneo Corner 0845 677 9589 Bryant Avenue, RM3 0LL www.tesco.com THE BREWERY, ROMFORD The Range 771790 www.therange.co.uk Hobbycraft 0845 051 6545 www.hobbycraft.co.uk

THE LIBERTY, ROMFORD BHS 0844 4885127 ww.bhs.co.uk H&M 0844 736 9000 www.hm.com H. Samuel 746807 www.hsamuel.co.uk Lush 769379 www.lush.co.uk Marks & Spencer 766424 www.marksandspencer.com Monsoon 747337 uk.monsoon.co.uk New Look 760637 www.newlook.com Next 0844 844 5235 www.next.co.uk Superdry 760588 www.superdry.com The Body Shop 757990 www.thebodyshop.co.uk Thorntons 746428 www.thorntons.co.uk