Magzbox com essex life september 20151

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EXPLORING Great Yeldham | Danbury | Canewdon | Great Henny

SEPTEMBER 2015

Generation Success

County heroes at all stages of life

www.essexlifemag.co.uk

Anna Pancaldi Chappel’s hit songstress

Music Making New life for

Colchester’s Moot Hall organ

League of their own Tales of Essex football teams

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EDITOR’S LETTER

ESSEX LIFE

Much to Celebrate

Press House, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN www.essexlifemag.co.uk

EDITORIAL Editor Julian Read................................................................07834 101686 julian.read@archant.co.uk Designer Jaz Harris .....................................................................01603 772064 jaz.harris@archant.co.uk

ADVERTISING A d rtv e ise m Denise Evers ................................................................ 07816 672133 denise.evers@archant.co.uk Account managers Carrie Coleman ...................... 01473 324713/07785 629249 carrie.coleman@archant.co.uk Celia Gregory ...............................................................07918 731355 celia.gregory@archant.co.uk Phil Terry ......................................................................07764 359372 phil.terry@archant.co.uk Mark White.................................................................07785 629289 mark.white@archant.co.uk Christopher Barrow................................................07918 706729 christopher.barrow@archant.co.uk Roberta Bradby..........................................................01473 324596 roberta.bradby@archant.co.uk

“

IF YOU’RE a regular

award-winning Funky Voices in

reader of Essex Life,

2007. Now Essex and Suffolk’s

you will no doubt be aware that

largest award-winning modern

we are never shy about

community choir welcomes all ages

celebrating all that is best about

and abilities from all walks of life.

the county. Of course, there are

And there’s no stopping

too many excellent things going

Graeme Fraser Steele, who

on around the county to catch it

celebrates his 70th birthday this

all, even within the pages of Essex

year. Graeme practiced law for his

Life. In fact, it seems that

entire working life and is now the

whichever corner of the county you

chairman of trustees at Marks

visit, there are good news stories to

Hall in Coggeshall. He explains

be found, so when Holly Eells

how honoured he is to be

started to compile this month’s

following in the footsteps of the

Generation Success feature, there

first trustees appointed in 1971

was plenty to talk about.

who first rescued the estate

e t n

Holly was looking to find some of the success stories of the

d ire

following significant damage during World War II. To find out more about these

county from across the age groups, from the young guns,

and many more of our county’s

through the middle-aged marvels

heroes from across the age

CIRCULATION AND SUBSCRIPTIONS

and on to the golden oldies.

ranges, turn to page 130.

Subscriptions..............01858 438832 / Fax 01858 469804 For subscriptions outside UK ..........................01858 438832 essexlife@subscription.co.uk

Colchester-born John Hoggett is

On the subject of celebrating

one of those holding high hopes

success, don’t miss the chance to

Tower House, Sovereign Park, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9EF For full information see www.archant.co.uk

for his future after launching his

catch up with the judges of the

first business at 21. The Healthy

Essex Life Fine Food & Drink

Chef in Upminster is a clean-

Awards on page 151 to discover

living restaurant, focusing on

what they will be looking for when

healthy eating and diet plans.

they begin judging our

Archant Community Media Ltd

Further along in life is Sandra Coulton. As a successful and

Publishing director Archant East Bob Crawley.....................................bob.crawley@archant.co.uk

finalists. There certainly is much to celebrate.

acclaimed choir director, she has

Commercial Director Archant Magazines

created multiple choirs on a

Tim Thurston................................tim.thurston@archant.co.uk

community basis for high profile clients both in the UK and also

Postal subscriptions mailed to any address in the world. Price (inc. P&P): UK addresses ÂŁ28.95, Overseas ÂŁ100. TELEPHONE: 01858 438832. ADDRESS: Archant Magazines, Tower Publishing Services, Sovereign Park, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9EF. Printed by William Gibbons and Sons Archant Anglia is part of Archant Community Media Ltd, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich, NR1 1RE. Tel: 01603 628311. www.archant.co.uk. Essex Life is published monthly by Archant, trading as Essex Life, Press House, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN Š Essex Life, 2015. Reproduction of any material, in whole or in part, is strictly forbidden without the prior written consent of the publishers. All material is sent at the owner’s risk and, whilst every care is taken, Archant will not accept liability for loss or damage.

worldwide. The 40-year-old musical director founded her

“

Publisher

Julian Read Editor

Follow Essex Life

Subscriptionsave Great magazines direct to your door

6 issues for ÂŁ6 Visit www.subscriptionsave.co.uk/CES

OUT AND ABOUT

IN Brentwood

| Dedham | Ulting |

Greensted

www.essexlifemag.co.uk MARCH 2015

Vicki

elle Mich ‘Allo star's ‘Allo Jungle fever

Barking & Dagenham Still Essex after 50 years?

Chelmsford Enjoying the Hylands life

The Essex Book Festival 2015 Welcome stars of the literary world

Maggi Hambling

WIN

a bed worth ÂŁ1,799

Words, warfare and worldwide acclaim

ÂŁ3.95

Crops to Cookery

From Save Rural Idylls Â’ Countryside Rapeseed Revival Â’ Home Heating Help

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TWITTER Tell us about county life at @essexlife

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Recipe p149

September CONTENTS FEATURES 09 An Essex Portrait Colchester’s Colour Extravaganza 20 Making Music Colchester’s Moot Hall organ is restored

Southend p100

68 Beautiful Essex Readers’ scenes of the county 84 The Boys are Back in Town Blake arrive in Essex and are looking for singers to join them

Fashion p158

118 Introducing Anna Could this Chappel songstress be our next singing sensation? 122 Essex in the war How World War II changed our county 124 League of Their Own Celebrating the beautiful game Fashion p156

128 Essex History The Bentall family from Heybridge 130 Generation Success Meet the county heroes from all stages of life

156 Family Time Fashion for all at Blake House Craft Centre

245 Motoring Adam Daly takes a look at the Mazda CX-3

155 Travel Glorious Copenhagen

165 Beauty Tips Top advice for looking your best

249 Five Essex Things Burnham on Crouch beauty expert, Anne Gray, picks her favourite

This month’s cover

167 Sue Moxley Beauty expert explains contouring 169 Jump to it Bouncing to fitness in Colchester 196 Arts Review: Music, Theatre, Exhibitions and more 199 Book Club Literary insights in Essex 201 Join the Great Essex Art Debate Southend is centre stage for the 56th Essex Open Exhibition

Harvest at Beauchamp Roding

6

www.essexlifemag.co.uk

PLACES 92 Danbury Delightful countryside and the Devil’s mischief 98 Getting around Great Henny Enjoy a stunning summer walk of countryside and architecture 100 Southend on Sea Something to write home about

211 Education Guide Find the right school for your child

107 Colchester’s High Street Heroes Meet the traders of this historic town

237 Leading Lights Business leaders calling the shots

116 James Merriott paints Canewdon


HOMES AND GARDENS 27

Property News

29 Hot Property Homes close to schools

‘I am very happy to visit any recommended places in Essex, perhaps for an evening out’ Blake p84

Home Truths 31 Location, location, location Property Special 61 Inspiration for retirement living 172 Marking their Mark Transforming Canterburys in Margaretting 179 Be Inspired Fabulous flooring 185 Top trends Inspiration for your home from Essex experts 187 Room Set Home entertainment advice

Historic Colchester p130 Miracle Transformation p172 Gardening p190

190 Act of enclosure Inside the walled garden at Spencers near Great Yeldham Generation Success p130

COUNTRY LIFE

PURE TASTE

11

Your Views

137 Gourmet Life

13

County Life

17

Essex Life Online

139 The Producers… Daymens Hill Farm, Tolleshunt Major

19 Penny Fordham: TRUE or TOWIE 194 September’s Events Diary 202 Rural Life 203 Bird Life 204 Wild Life 206 Wild About Essex 209 Charities Life 243 Business Life 250 Sybilla Hart: Capital to Countryside

COMPETITIONS & SPECIAL OFFERS 90 A great deal to subscribe to Essex Life and enjoy six issues for £6

140 Dining Out at… Bartellas in Margaretting 143 Here’s Cooking With You… Roger Underwood from the Shoulder of Mutton in Fordham 145 Recipe Roasted sea bass with spring onion and ginger in a coconut sauce 147 Recipe Purdina lamb 149 Recipe Cod loin with roasted Mediterranean vegetables 151 Essex Life Food & Drink Awards Meet the competition judges

Marking their Mark p172

ESSEX SOCIETY 74

Headway Essex marks 30 years

76 RCCE AGM takes place at Writtle College 78

Felsted School Leavers’ Prom

80 PSC Celebrity Golf Day at Hanbury Manor 82 Colchester’s LPP marks 10 years of trading

CALLING IN AT Colchester | Danbury

| Canewdon | Great Henny

SEPTEMBER 2015 www.essexlifemag.co.uk

Anna Pancaldi

TREAT YOURSELF TO ESSEX LIFE MAGAZINE Fantastic subscription offer! 6 issues of Essex Life for £6

Our county’s next singing sensation

League of their own

Generation Success

www.subscriptionsave.com/CES. Call 0844 848 0846 and quote CMMSEP15

Tales of Essex football teams

County heroes at all stages of life

Decision Time

Southend

Finding your

A writers inspiration

child the PERFEC school! T

£3.95

Blake

Your chance to sing with the boys

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7



ESSEX PORTRAIT

Colchester’s Colour Extravaganza

David Mears shares this image of the Colour Extravaganza taken at the Colchester Colour 5K recently

â– Have you taken a portrait image that sums up life within the county? Send it in to the editor at julian.read@archant.co.uk and your portrait picture could be published in a future issue.

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9


Bu

ry S N Op t Ed EW en mu ing nd Au s Sh gu st 2 owro 01 om 5


EDITOR’S NOTE

Countylife

This is your opportunity to react to previous letters and to share your thoughts. Email the editor at julian.read@archant.co.uk or write to Essex Life, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN

Your letters and emails

A touch more on Tollesbury I READ with interest the feature on Tollesbury in the August issue of Essex Life in which Laurie Page described a walk

Wildlife Wonders

around the area. As an avid walker and lover of Tollesbury, I

I THOUGHT you might like to see these two photos taken at

found it a bit of a surprise that there was no mention of The

Rainham Marshes recently. This coincides with Andrew

Loft Tearooms. The Loft is a little gem based in one of the Sail

Fallan’s article in the July issue of Essex Life. The first shows

Lofts in Tollesbury. It was set up by two mums who had

a Little Egret, followed by a pair of baby bearded tits. This

dreamed of running a vintage tearoom. It’s a wonderful place,

county is also blessed with many stunning birds such as this

with wonderful home-cooked food and cakes, and is

Yellowhammer. This little fellow sings almost continuously

extremely well priced.

to whoever cares to stop and listen. Angela Lodge

Barry Tranfield

Via email

Via email

More comments on Clacton AS ALWAYS, I enjoyed reading the latest issue of Essex Life. The July issue was of particular interest, as will become clear, but left me somewhat confused. For me the piece on Clacton on Sea by Petra Hornsby had the potential to be of most interest as my maternal grandparents both moved to Clacton in the 1890s as very young children and spent the rest of their lives there. It should be made clear that Clacton was a very successful seaside resort well before Billy Butlin opened his camp in 1936. My late grandfather during the 1920s and 1930s was firstly an apprentice watchmaker and jeweller, and then shop manager, for Bernard French. Mr French had jewellery shops in Clacton, Frinton and Walton (my late mother also worked as a Saturday

Watercolour was wonderful

girl in one of them in the mid-1930s). His trading strategy, like

MANY, many thanks for the beautiful painting of the dovecote at

many others, was that in the summer season you made enough

Hanningfield Resevoir, which I won through Essex Life in April. I

money to survive until Christmas, the money you made over

often go to Hanningfield, it is very special to me.

Christmas kept you going during the following spring until the next summer. One can only conclude these must have been

Kaye Milne

successful businesses before the Butlins camp was even

Via email

thought of. A particular complaint about the arrival of Butlins among local trades people was that everything for the camp was bought in from outside the area, so no advantages there for long-established businesses in the town. Additionally, the visitors to the camp had everything they needed in the camp so did not much venture in to Clacton. Yet another loss of

Coming up in ESSEX

LIFE

• Celebrating the Hundreds of Essex • Living the Green Life across the county • Food & Drink Awards: Finalists announced • Chelmsford, Maldon, Brentwood and more

business for local traders. In the 1970s there was a number of large manufacturing businesses in the town who provided more stable and reliable employment than could be had at Butlins. I know because I worked for one of them, an international company that made

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Essex her heart out

Life’s a stage

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&RXQW\ /,)( Email julian.read@archant.co.uk to share your local news and events from the county

Chance to explore wildlife wetlands on two wheels

Calling all Essex bikers!

T

Wendy Marcon-

HE Essex Air

performances from local

Ambulance is

bands, a Moto GP-inspired

Knightley, sponsorship

calling on bikers

charity auction and

and events manager for

of Essex and

attractions for all the

Essex & Herts Air

beyond to join more than

family. Hundreds of

Ambulance Trust, said:

5,000 fellow motorcyclists

spectators are expected to

‘Our charity Motorcycle

on its annual charity

line the 60-mile, police-

Run gets bigger and better

Motorcycle Run on

approved route to cheer

every year and we hope to

September 6. The Charity’s

on riders.

welcome more riders than ever this September. A big

biggest fundraising event

All bikers must pre-

of the year, sponsored by

register by August 30 for

thank you goes to our

Woodland Group and Jack

the chance to save on

supporters and sponsors

Lilley Motorcycles, starts

entry fees, gain priority

— without them we simply

out at Ford Dunton

positions when the run

could not put this event

Technical Centre from

starts and get the chance

on and raise all-important

11am and finishes at

to win top pre-reg prizes

funds to keep your local

Harwich for a Family

donated by corporate

air ambulance flying and

Festival with

supporters.

saving lives.’

Hayman’s enjoys double gin joy WITHAM-based gin distiller,

‘We are delighted to have won an award

Hayman Distillers, has won two

at the prestigious IWSC competition and

awards for its Hayman’s Family

following last year’s win of World’s Best

Reserve Gin. The gin won Gold

Gin for Hayman’s London Dry Gin at the

at last week’s International

San Francisco World Spirits

Wine and Spirits

Competition, this further endorses the

Competition and this

essence of what we have always strived

success followed the recent

for, which is to produce world class

award of Master at the

authentic gins. Hayman’s Family

Global Gin Masters

Reserve Gin was only relaunched at the

Competition.

end of last year and we continue to see

Miranda Hayman, Hayman’s director, said:

FAMILIES can now explore the Lee Valley on two wheels with the launch of ten new exciting cycle routes. Specially designed for all ages and abilities, the routes range from three to 16 miles and offer families the chance to discover the distinctive wildlife and award-winning open spaces of the Lee Valley. The routes start and end at free car parks and have easy access to all the essential amenities that children and adults need, such as toilets and cafés. Each cycle route includes locations that are particularly interesting for visitors, such as wildflower meadows, picturesque lakes and wetlands, award-winning nature reserves, historical landmarks and the many sites around Waltham Abbey where munitions were produced and tested. Jon Carney, head of parklands at Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, said: ‘These new cycle routes are a great way for families to explore the park and discover the array of wildlife as well as learn the fascinating stories behind the many sites.’

enormous positivity towards the gin here and abroad.’

Writtle College claims prize at Hampton Court Flower Show A TEAM of Writtle College students and staff have won a Silver Gilt award for their display at this year’s Hampton Court Flower Show. The exhibit, based on a Mary Poppins theme, included four designs which consisted of an arrangement for the front entrance of the theatre, a hat to be worn during the show, a wired presentation bouquet to be given to the female star of the show and a table arrangement for the after-show party on the opening night. Elaine Thackray, lecturer in floristry at Writtle, commented: ‘After a hectic and emotional week, the floristry team are so pleased to have received such wonderful recognition for all their hard work. We are all so passionate about the design and can’t wait to spend the rest of the week talking about it with the public.’

www.essexlifemag.co.uk

13


Countylife Essex Mud Runners raise over £11,000

Home is where the

ominously titled Death Slide, the Ridge of Revenge and the world’s

heart

longest monkey bars. The team at Nuclear Races made a generous £5

is…

Every day, the RSPCA Danahar Animal Home in Wethersfield is looking to find caring homes for animals in need of care and attention. Essex Life showcases one of these animals each month in the hope that our readers can find it in their heart to give these animals a home…

donation for every entry in the Blesma Wave, while participants were encouraged to fundraise to support injured veterans. Laura Hyde, community and events manager at ORGANISERS of the

competitors took part in

Blesma, said: ‘We were

Brentwood-based Nuclear

the Blesma Wave at the

delighted to be one of the

Races, have helped to raise

award-winning Nuclear

chosen charities for this

more than £11,000 to

Rush event in May on

year’s Nuclear Rush event.

RIO is a

support injured ex-service

behalf of Blesma, the

It was a tough but amazing

four-year-old

men and women to

Limbless Veterans.

experience for all involved

American bull

lead independent and

Competitors tackled

and the money raised will

dog cross

fulfilling lives.

around 50 obstacles,

make a real difference to

which included the

the lives of our veterans.’

who needs a

More than 200

home with owners that have owned

National award for Ilford anti-crime campainger

large breeds of dogs before and who feel they are experienced enough to bring him on to his full potential. He is a cheeky, clever dog who needs to keep his mind active so he doesn’t suffer from boredom-related mischief. He enjoys being out on his walks and is very responsive to food reward-based training, so his new owners can have lots of fun teaching him new things which will also keep him stimulated. Rio will make a rewarding companion but his new owners will need to expect to take time settling him in and getting to know him and the best way in which to handle him. Due to his size and strength, it is important that he be trained and taught manners in the home. His new

Getting crafty at Cressing Temple

owners will need to be patient, confident and

THE Essex Craft & Design Show is returning to

consistent in their approach to his training.

the stunning Cressing Temple Barns for its eigth

His new home would ideally be without

year in 2015 on September 19 and 20. With more

young children or other pets, although Rio

than 60 exhibitors, there will be ceramics,

does get along nicely with dogs on his walks.

textiles, jewellery, fine art, photography and many other contemporary crafts as the event

GET IN TOUCH

provides a showcase for both established artists/

RSPCA Danahar Animal Home Thorley Farm Hedingham Road Wethersfield Essex CM7 4EQ 0300 111 4321 reception@rspcaessex.org.uk www.rspcaessex.org.uk

designer makers and new emerging local talent. For the visitor, it is the ideal opportunity to buy an original piece of work and meet talented individuals who are passionate about their craft. With artist demonstrations during the weekend, the venue to explore and a pop-up vintage tea room, this is very much a day out and more than just a craft show.

14

www.essexlifemag.co.uk

DANIEL O’BRIEN from Ilford has been given a British Citizen Award for his services to the community after campaigning tirelessly against knife crime for the past seven years. The British Citizen Awards (BCAs) were launched in January this year to honour the incredible accomplishments of individuals in society who positively impact their communities. BCAs are awarded twice annually, and recognise ‘everyday’ people whose achievements may otherwise be overlooked. Speaking about his nomination, Danny said: ‘I was humbled and very surprised to receive the nomination. It’s great to get the award, as it will help me to push the anti-knife crime message out further. For me, this award is dedicated to all those lost to knife crime across the UK and to the loved ones left to pick up the pieces, and also to all members of Anti-knife UK, espieally Kathleen Rohan and Alfie Clegg.’


Email julian.read@archant.co.uk to share your local news and events from the county

Celebrity Cruises set to depart from London Stansted’s private jet terminal Guests will experience a taste of

Barry Kirk’s Essex insight

modern luxury even before they leave London with a host of VIP services on offer and the chance for guests to arrive at the London Stansted private jet terminal and take off just 60 minutes later. Other benefits include free parking just 50m from check-in, access to the luxury departure lounge with complimentary refreshments, an enhanced luggage allocation of 25kg and CELEBRITY CRUISES has announced a

complimentary in-flight catering. Sailings available as part of the Jet Set

new innovation for its cruise guests with the launch of Jet Set Sail, an

Sail package include a host of seven-

exclusive VIP air charter service from

night itineraries with varying ports of

London Stansted’s private jet terminal

call, including Greece and Italy fly/

on selected Celebrity Equinox sailings in

cruise from £1,598 per person based on

the summer of 2016.

two people sharing a balcony stateroom.

I HAVE come to the conclusion that Maldon has a different time zone to the rest of us; by about a couple of centuries. Take for instance the Mud Race. It appears to have been started in the 1970s on an evening to remember in the pub. As closing time approached, a challenge lay on the floor to the landlord to: rush across the exposed river bed in evening dress and provide dinner to customers on the other side. Subsequent events have been used to raise money for charity as well as secure images for posterity. The reason for my cogitations is also a recent memory when I jointly-owned a 40ft sailing Ketch called Gemma. We used to take every third week each and my favourite trip was a couple of days hike from the neighbouring River Crouch to the Blackwater.

Pride of Essex Awards open for nominations THE 2015 Pride of Essex Awards has been officially launched on the campus of the Anglia Ruskin University Chelmsford, where later in the year the presentations will take place. The awards are now open to receive nominations until the closing date of October 31. In

addition to the winner, each category will award four highly commended prizes and all winners will also receive acknowledgements and cash rewards. Categories include the Ultimate Pride of Essex Award, the Child of Courage Award and the Unsung Hero Award.

Walk with a Fork for Ormiston Families

events and guarantees participants a great day out. We are hugely grateful to Layer Marney

IF YOU’RE an Essex

health and care services

Tower for opening its

foodie that enjoys a good

across Essex. Local food

grounds to us and a big

Sunday walk, why not

producers supporting the

thank you to all the great

join Ormiston Families for

event include Aspall

food producers that

this year’s Essex Walk

Cyder, Fairfield Crisps

support us. Walk with a

with a Fork, taking place

and many more.

Fork is a fantastic way to

on Sunday, September 20?

Gavin Lamb, from

celebrate Essex at its best,

Ormiston Families, said:

while at the same time

England’s leading family

‘Walk with a Fork has

raising much-needed

charity, the eight-mile

become one of our

funds to support families

walk is returning for its

favourite fundraising

in need across our region.’

Hosted by the East of

third year and features some of the county’s local food producers, all providing tasty treats along the route around the grounds of Layer Marney Tower, England’s tallest Tudor gatehouse. This year’s Walk with a Fork is being hosted in association with Provide,

As the crow flies it was a mere few miles, but sailing on both rivers meant a diversion into the North Sea and first left or ‘left hand down a bit’ to navigate the cunning matrix of sand banks that attracted the eight tonne keel of Gemma like bees to a honey pot. However, it was an overnight stay in Maldon and a visit to the pub that first introduced me to the uniqueness of Maldon people. No matter the time of day, there is always an ‘old Maldon salt’ sitting on the Quay ready to chat to boat skippers. On this occasion I shared my lack of knowledge with one such on how I was going to take Gemma off into the river. He contemplated my reasoning with an, ‘oh yes’. So taking this as a blessing, off I sailed. I must have got about 20 feet before hitting the ‘oggin and remained stuck as the tide went out. Eight hours later and with one very muddy side of my boat, I tracked him down for an explanation. It was concise and given simply as, ‘I wouldn’t have done it that way, son’.

SHARE YOUR VIEWS To share your thoughts on Barry Kirk’s comments, or anything else about Essex, you can email the editor at julian.read@archant.co.uk.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

CountyLife

Keep up to date with all the great articles in Essex Life plus so much more by visiting our website at www.essexlifemag.co.uk. To find out more, email the editor at julian.read@archant.co.uk

Enjoy Essex Life 24 hours a day at www.essexlifemag.co.uk

Essex Life online Essex Life online has been asking readers to send in their reviews of the things they love to do in Essex. To get involved,

Essex Life on Twitter this month

simply follow @EssexLife on twitter or Like EssexLifeMag on Facebook. Here are a couple of examples…

REVIEW Turtle Bay in Walthamstow WHY IS it you can find a bowl of ramen, a gourmet burger or a sourdough pizza with relative ease, IMAGE FOR ILLUSTRATION ONLY

but some quality jerk chicken just seems so difficult? Well, short of holding your own Afro-Caribbean street festival, hop on down to the Walthamstow branch of Turtle Bay for some fantastically flavoursome and fun West Indian fare. Hunks of bream, lamb, steaks and rib stacks also get the sticky, spicy jerk treatment to mouthwatering effect. And if you’re not a fan of jerk? Grab a rich, bubbling stew or curry that pair colourful vegetables and soft dumplings with different meat and vegetarian options. The place itself blends funky reggae vibes with more modern design touches, making it a great place for meeting friends, taking a date or treating the family. Between the amazing cocktails and decadent desserts (a barbecued pineapple counts as one of your five-a-day, right?) you’ll find it hard to settle for only a main course. The best part — you’ll easily eat for less than £20 a person. Get on down!

REVIEW

by Mathew Tata

Hudson and Hudson in Colchester AS NEWCOMERS to the county (we can only claim one decade!) keen to expand our list of top dining destinations in and around Colchester, we were inspired by the feature in June’s Essex Life and went in search of Hudson and Hudson in North Hill, Colchester. We could not have been happier with the result! My husband enjoyed the featured dish of roasted sea trout and cockles and, as a vegetarian, my open lasagne with wild mushrooms and wild garlic was a winner. The front of house service was friendly and helpful and the time of day we chose meant that the chef, Colin Lawrence, was also able to take a little time out to discuss the dishes and his focus on food prepared on the premises. Before we left we made the most of the deli offerings — although it took a while to feel hungry again! We would recommend that readers make their way to this hidden gem, or on second thoughts, we will keep this one to ourselves. by Elizabeth Nash

BUBAKES @BuBakesCakes Really beautiful sunset sky in #Chelmsford @Essexlife this evening.

NICKY NEW @Nickymartinnew My copy of @Essexlife has arrived! Magazine tick, garden tick and cuppa tick

PAUL JOHN SPEER @after8mintz @Essexlife really enjoyed reading your magazine this month, been travelling around Essex, after reading some of the places you have added

ANNA PANCALDI @annapancaldi Had such a wonderful interview with @Essexlife, can’t wait for you to see it!

HIGH 5 HR SERVICES @High5HR @Essexlife Finally purchased a copy of your magazine — it’s rare I read from cover to cover, but it had me hooked! An informative glossy read! HELEN SINCLAIR @HelenSinc @Essexlife the sun has been shining in Essex and I’ve been busy in the garden

ESSEX POOCH PALACE @EPP5star @nannypat_carol nanny pat looking lovely in @Essexlife mag today GRAHAM SMALES @gsmales @Essexlife sitting in the garden.....my own little piece of #Essex PAUL LAURIE @Essexwineman Thank you Jane @weststreetwine great sparkling wine today!

KAREN BROUGHTON @KarenRBroughton @Essexlife yes lovely! Very relaxing in the garden mostly enjoying the sunshine! How was yours?

www.essexlifemag.co.uk

17



PENNY FORDHAM

Countylife

TRUE vs TOWIE

With an inquisitive mind and a zest for life, Penny has been described as ‘diverse’ in the past, with a vast and varied range of interests. Writing about love, life, current affairs and everything in between, Penny’s column in Essex Life recounts life as a real person living in the real Essex. You can read more from Penny at www.lilliesandlove.co.uk

Penny Fordham compares the TRUE (The Real Unexplored Essex) with TOWIE

Summer’s Hot!

I

’M NEVER 100% sure

the chilly days are upon us I

if my memory of

find myself struggling to

each year’s weather

function and I can’t help but

is skewed — adjusted

spend my days wishing I was

in my mind to fit an

tucked up on my sofa under a

ideal that suits me yet is

blanket with a hot chocolate in

factually incorrect — but to

hand and an old classic black

me it feels like in 2015 we

and white film on the

have been blessed with

television.

some fantastic sunny days.

I end up verging on

‘For me, the onset of autumn isn’t welcome. I like the summer. No, I absolutely LOVE the summer’

and really value what our planet is doing. So, here I am readers, asking you for your tips. How does a sun worshipper like me enjoy the icy chill this new phase of the year brings? What can I do and where can I visit in this fine county that will bring me a new appreciation of the season?

It seems the mercury levels

hibernation, adjusting my

have been pushed higher than

lifestyle to something that

we’ve seen in some time and

resembles as closely as

the post-summer blues;

long lazy days have been spent

possible that of a hermit,

tweet me your secrets at

outdoors as the firey ball in

while still allowing me to

@apenny_for_them using the

the sky delivered us some

function as an adult human

hashtag #EssexLife.

beautiful weather.

being with things to do.

But, as they say, all good

However, this year I want to

things must come to an end

embrace the autumn. I don’t

and here we are turning our

want to gaze out of the

thoughts to returning to

window and reminisce on

school and harvest, kissing a

those long hot days spent

sad goodbye to the days of

walking through the Essex

high summer that had us

countryside, or the lazy

guzzling water and panic

evenings spent sipping a glass

buying fans like they were

of wine in a pub garden. I

going out of fashion.

want to welcome it with open

For me, this onset of

arms and revel in the beauty

autumn isn’t welcome. I like

of the trees changing from

the summer. No, I absolutely

green to orange to brown,

LOVE the summer.

before shedding their leaves

Spring is OK, but for me, the

and providing natures very

three other seasons are merely

own crunching carpet for us to

tolerated. As spring fades

walk on.

away and summer arrives, I

I want to look at the change

find myself coming to life,

in the environment around me

emerging from my winter

and marvel at its beauty rather

jumpers and thick socks like a

than focus on the fact that it’s

caterpillar breaking free from

too cold to go outside without

its chrysalis.

donning a jacket.

I’ve always been a person who feels the cold, so when

If you can help me banish

Basically, I want to stop being such a miserable critter

FOLLOW PENNY

Web www.apennyforthem.co.uk Twitter @apenny_for_them Facebook www.facebook.com/apennyforthemblog

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19


ORGAN RESTORATION

Making Music

20

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ORGAN RESTORATION

As Colchester’s honourary borough organist since 1988, few people anticipated the restoration of the Town Hall’s magnificent three manual organ which stands resplendent in the Moot Hall more than Ian Ray. Here he shares his own passion for this historic instrument and how it has been restored to glory in Colchester

Edwardian Town Hall, perhaps most famous as the setting for the annual October Oyster Feast, has

recently been resounding to the splendid sounds of the newlyrestored organ that dominates the historic Moot Hall. As a small boy growing up in Dedham, in the heart of Constable Country, during the years following World War II, I can still remember my first sight of the organ with its elegant golden pipes encased in beautifully carved wood, as I joined in dancing around our primary school Maypole during a local schools festival of folk dance. Several years later, while singing in my secondary school choir, I ➤ www.essexlifemag.co.uk

21

IMAGES COURTESY OF JAMES FLETCHER AND DR WILLIAM MCVICKER

C

OLCHESTER’S impressive


ORGAN RESTORATION

The magnificent three manual organ

dignity of formal civic occasions, such as

played by the late Leonard W Simpson,

was built in 1902 at a cost of £1,000 by

the annual Mayor-Making Ceremony and

Colchester’s Honourary Borough Organist

Messrs Norman and Beard, popularly

the famous Colchester Oyster Feast, the

from 1950-1988, during one of his popular

regarded as the pre-eminent organ

specification of the organ was

Saturday afternoon recitals. Now, half a

builders of the late Victorian/Edwardian

characteristic of the early 20th century

remember the thrill of hearing the organ

century on and as Leonard’s successor, following 27 years of campaigning and waiting (including the last ten years

The magnificent three manual organ was built in 1902 at a cost of £1,000

during which the

era. Designed by Mr John Belcher, the

late Romantic period. Before the luxury of recorded and

architect of the

transmitted sound, as well as the

Town Hall, the

considerable challenges of travelling, the

beautiful oak case

provincial organ recital often included

was constructed by

transcriptions of standard orchestral and

Messrs Kerridge and

operatic extracts. So alongside the typical

organ has been largely silent), I have

Shaw, with Messrs Fabrucci and

fundamental diapasons, we find the

finally had the joy of hearing and playing

McCrossan contributing the carved

clarinet, oboe, horn and flutes. The organ

this remarkable instrument once again.

woodwork. Built primarily to enhance the

remained in its original form until it was

22

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ORGAN RESTORATION

ABOUT IAN RAY Ian Ray was appointed as Colchester’s Honourary Borough Organist in 1988 and up until the organ’s demise in 2004, he presided at the Moot Hall Organ for the annual Mayor-Making ceremony and the Oyster Feast as well as playing for a variety of miscellaneous cultural, social and official civic events. Ian is also director of music at Lion Walk Church, where he runs a popular lunchtime concert series, and conductor of the town’s Choral Society. In October of this year he is to receive an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Essex in recognition of his services to music in Colchester and the surrounding area.

overhauled in 1938 when the original zinc pipes were gilded, the old trigger-swell pedal was replaced by a balanced swell pedal and thumb and pedal pistons were added, enabling the organist to rapidly change and combine various tone qualities. In 1952, a second overhaul saw the pitch being raised from A=435Hz to A=440 Hz, by then the accepted norm, enabling the organ to be played with other instruments. In 1964 a further overhaul took place and in 1972/3 the organ was once more overhauled and the choir organ was significantly remodelled tonally, in line with the contemporary fashion for providing registers to facilitate greater clarity in the performance of the music of JS Bach and other composers of the Baroque era. Hill, Norman and Beard also replaced the doors in front of the choir organ with a mesh which allows the pipes to speak more freely into the hall. After this, apart from the twice-yearly regular tuning and maintenance visits carried out more recently by craftsmen from The Village Workshop following the demise of Hill, Norman and Beard, no further overhaul or refurbishment of the organ took place. Regular pleas from the borough organist and the organ tuners for increasingly urgent repairs sadly fell on deaf ears as the condition of the organ steadily deteriorated over the years. www.essexlifemag.co.uk

➤ 23


ORGAN RESTORATION On arriving to prepare for the 2003

retained, but the later tonal changes have

organist was informed by the town’s

been reversed to allow the organ’s

Serjeant-at-Arms that the organ tuners

broad-shouldered Edwardian musical

had left a message to the effect that the

character to be re-established. The total

organ was too unreliable to be played

cost, approximately £450,000, was met

in public.

by funds generously provided by the

Fortunately for posterity, this was not

the Moot Hall Organ with support from

On May 15, 2002, exactly 100 years to the

The Essex Heritage Trust and The Hervey

day after the Earl of Rosebery had opened

Benham Charitable Trust, as well as many

the Town Hall, Nigel Chapman was

individual benefactors. In May this year an ambitious

first acts was to vow to raise a few pounds

programme of events to mark the opening

to repair the organ during his year of

of the restored organ, including the

office. Realising that the work required

performance during the opening recital of

was more serious, he began a campaign

a specially composed work by Julia Usher

to restore the organ, which gained

in collaboration with Duncan Chapman, a

momentum in 2009 when he and his wife

competition for local composers to

Mary formed the Friends of the Moot Hall

submit fresh compositions and various

Organ, of which Nigel was appointed

activities involving local school children.

chairman. There followed a series of

Having enjoyed the chance to play the

fundraising events and regular meetings

organ earlier this year at the Annual

of the trustees, and the borough council

Mayor-Making in May, an Organ Fest has

was persuaded to engage the well-known

featured a series of four lunchtime organ

organ consultant Dr William McVicker,

recitals during July and August which will

curator of the Royal Festival Hall organ,

hopefully become the starting point for

as project consultant to plan and

establishing regular opportunities for the

administer the restoration of the organ.

people of Colchester and the surrounding

The organ has been carefully restored by Harrison & Harrison Ltd of Durham.

Above: Pipes are stored before restoration. Below: A series of workshops for children and families took place in the firstsite learning spaces in Colchester, exploring the sounds, history, materials and mechanisms of the organ

www.essexlifemag.co.uk

Heritage Lottery Fund and the Friends of

to become the end of the organ’s story.

elected Mayor of Colchester. One of his

24

The pitch change made in 1952 has been

Annual Mayor-Making Ceremony, the

district to enjoy once more the glorious sounds of their civic organ. ■




EDITOR’S NOTE

PropertyLife Keep an eye on the movers in the housing market

For choice of dream homes visit Homes24, Essex Life’s online property service at www.essexlifemag.co.uk

Chelmsford named UK’s second best commuter hub

Only the wackiest can win!

E

SSEX estate agency, Ashton &

speeds of up to 40mph over jumps and

Charters, represented the county

through chicanes using only gravity.

at the craziest cavalcade on

Previous designs have included a piano, a

wheels recently — The Red Bull

giant baby carriage, a massive corn on the

Soapbox Race. Dubbed the world’s wackiest road race, the event has been

cob, a jail cell and the Golden Gate Bridge. Only 70 teams were chosen from

staged in places as far flung as Mumbai

thousands of applications’ to entertain

and Hong Kong, and this year it took

the thousands of spectators at The Red

place at Alexandra Palace in London.

Bull Soapbox Race. Racing The Hobbit

Competitors from all over the world

House, Ashton & Charters reined in

created weird and wonderful non-

friends and family to help create a

motorised soapboxes to hurtle down the

fantastic vehicle which was piloted by

specially-designed racecourse, reaching

company director, Mark Reeve.

Prices rise as Brentwood and Southend devlopments launch Launching this September is Mascalls Park in Brentwood, an exclusive development of three, four, five and six-bedroom homes perfect for growing families. Bellway is making its mark on the highly sought-after location of Brentwood with this trendy enclave ACCORDING to research

the fourth consecutive

of homes with

from The Halifax Building

month. Offering a fantastic

contemporary, open-plan

Society, property prices

opportunity for capital

living spaces.

have seen an annual

growth for investors and

increase of 9.6%, as capital

homebuyers alike, Bellway

Park in Southend on

growth is at its highest

is launching four new

Sea, a contemporary

level since last September,

developments between

development of one, two,

with the latest figures

August and October across

three and four-bedroom

released showing a rise for

Essex and Suffolk.

homes.

Also launching is Ecko

CHELMSFORD has been named as the second best location for offering a combination of good schools, competitively priced property and an easy commute to London, according to research by the buying agents Garrington Property Finders. Chelmsford is a 36-minute train journey from the capital and also has exceptional educational standards with 86% of the city’s state schools rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’, and eight independent schools. The cost of commuting into London is slightly higher than the overall winner, High Wycombe, with a railway season ticket costing £3,728 a year. However, the average detached property in Chelmsford costs less than in High Wycombe, at £418,000. Colchester was named the sixth best commuter hub in the same piece of research.

Essex homes in high demand SALES of new houses in Essex have, ‘exceeded all expectations’ according to leading regional developer Persimmon Homes Essex. With new developments right across the county, the housebuilder has described the housing market as ‘buoyant’, with dozens of properties being snapped up by househunters each week. One of the builder’s success stories is The Village development in Aveley, where a second phase of development is now underway less than two years after the first phase of 340 apartments and houses began. Norman Sharpe, sales director at Persimmon Homes Essex, said: ‘The market is certainly buoyant in Essex at the moment. We are seeing strong sales right across the board — and all different house sizes and styles are performing well. The Village in Aveley is a perfect example of the success we are experiencing. We’ve also seen huge success at Quantum in Grays and at Neave Place in Romford.’ www.essexlifemag.co.uk

27



HOT

property

Stephen White is head of Savills Chelmsford residential team and has more than 30 years’ experience of selling property across Essex. This county is known for its selection of excellent state and private schools, making it a good choice for families. Living nearby not only cuts down on the school run, saving time and fuel, but is essential where catchment areas apply. The need to find a home within such catchments has a significant impact on the property market. We saw this clearly when the radius for the Chelmsford County High School for Girls and KEGS (King Edward VI Grammar School) was reduced to 12 miles a few years ago. This led to intensified demand for houses in the city and surrounding villages. Little Sir Hughes in Great Baddow dates from the 17th century or earlier and is Grade II listed. The property occupies a hidden and rural location at the end of a long private road in attractive countryside between Great Baddow and West Hanningfield. Great Baddow has a good range of amenities and shops while slightly further afield is Chelmsford city with two outstanding grammar schools. Little Sir Hughes is on the market with Savills Chelmsford for £1,470,000.

Close to good schools 1

Moat House Farm, Brentwood Moat House Farm is a detached,

five-bedroom, three-reception family residence, set on a substantial and important plot of 22 acres. The property benefits from outbuildings including stabling, indoor swimming pool complex, a workshop, Essex Barn, garaging and a detached former brew house. Situated within an idyllic setting it is just a 10-minute drive from Shenfield station and close to Brentwood School. The property offers privacy, equestrian facilities and further development potential (stpp). Guide Price: £2,150,000 Contact: Beresfords on 01245 397475

2

65 School Lane, Broomfield This Countryside-built, four-

bedroom family home is located 3 miles north of Chelmsford city benefits from two reception rooms plus a spacious garden room. The property enjoys access to a wide range of amenities and is conveniently situated within the catchment areas of Chelmer Valley High School and Broomfield Primary School, with King Edwards Grammar School and County High School for Girls within walking distance. Guide Price: £520,000 Contact: Karl Manning at Fenn Wright on 01245 292100

3

Ilfracombe Crescent, Hornchurch

Located on the popular Suttons Farm development within convenient distance of Scott’s Primary School and Hornchurch District Line station is this extended four-bedroom detached property. Features include three reception rooms, ground floor cloakroom, ground floor shower room, four double bedrooms, first floor family bathroom, 60ft rear garden and private driveway leading to an attached garage. Guide Price: £465,000 Contact: Balgores Property (Hornchurch) on 01708 470756 www.essexlifemag.co.uk

29



Home Truths Phaedra Howard shares the key to picking the right location for your dream home

Always...

In Profile Phaedra Howard is a member of Savills’ Chelmsford-based residential team. She grew up on the east coast, but now lives in Chelmsford and has been selling houses for 13 years. Phaedra joined Savills in 2005 and specialises in prime property in the city and surrounding villages.

Finding the right location IT’S NOT for without good reason that

good idea to test out any commute,

estate agency is synonymous with the

whether by rail or road, to make sure it

adage location, location, location. The L

really is manageable. Bear in mind that the

word is incredibly important and buyers

best route may not always be the most

will often compromise on other

obvious and it is worth asking if the agent

requirements in favour of the perfect

knows of a quicker way.

position. With its coastline, countryside

consideration if not the prime motive for a

offer in Essex means there is great scope

move, which makes location crucial. The

for house hunters to find just the right

sought-after King Edward VI Grammar

spot, especially if they build a relationship

School and Chelmsford County High

with an estate agent who has excellent

Schools for Girls, for example, have a

local knowledge. A clued-up agent will

12-mile catchment radius. Facilities such as a pub or Post Office are

are marketing but also about its

must-haves for many, particularly for

surroundings and will be able to suggest

purchasers who are downsizing to a village

areas that a would-be purchaser may not

rather than a larger town. We are fortunate

have considered.

in Essex that these local amenities are still

So what are the key questions to ask?

different times of the day to get a real feel for the area and an idea of noise levels ■ Do a dummy commuter run to see exactly how long it takes and which is the best route to take ■ Build a relationship with your agent and take advantage of his or her local knowledge

For many people, schools are a major

and urban landscape, the diversity on

know not only about the property they

■ Be prepared to compromise ■ Visit your preferred location at

widespread. Being on a bus route is also a

One of the most pressing priorities is

popular request as are opportunities for

proximity to a train station and the length

sporting pursuits and nearby bridleways for

of time it takes to get to London. It’s a very

equestrian enthusiasts.

Never... ■ Rule out an area without considering its potential

■ Assume a house is in the

PICTURE THIS Sparrows in Little Baddow really does tick all the boxes, offering the best of both worlds in terms of location. It is situated in a secluded position in the desirable village of Little Baddow, which is at the heart of the Chelmer Valley but is just 15 minutes from Chelmsford town centre. Sparrows is a delightful country house, with six bedrooms and four bathrooms set in about 1.78 acres. It is on the market with Savills in Chelmsford for £1.6m. For more details, call 01245 269311.

catchment area of your chosen school. It is vital to double check ■ Forget places can change over time and may not be as you remember ■ Dismiss the idea of renting in an area before buying, especially if you are relocating

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T H E

N U M B E R

1

S P E C I A L I S T

B A R N

A G E N T

I N

Morris Green, Sible Headingham - £1,100,000

Chelmsford Road, Barnston - OIEO £1,000,000

Lower Farm Lane, Brightlingsea - OIEO £200,000

Little London, Berden Nr. Bishops Stortford - OIEO £900,000

Woodend, Beauchamp Roading Nr. Onger - £1,375,000

Burton End, Stansted - £1,350,000

Grange Green, Tilty, Nr. Gret Dunmow - £925,000

High Garrett Nr. Braintree - OIEO £797,500

Bromley Road, Ardleigh - OIEO £650,000

Little Maplestead Road, Gestingthorpe - £649,500

Mill Lane, Pebmarsh Nr. Halstead - £540,000

Barwick, High Cross, Ware - OIEO £825,000

FREEPHONE 08000 934116

E S S E X

www.essexbarns.co.uk




PROPERTY

SU M M ER R EFL ECT IONS ON BU Y I NG PROPERT Y With many routines returning to normal following the busy summer season, local property expert Toby Ridge discusses the benefits of decisive action in September and why many home buyers look to purchase in the autumn months

As the holidays draw to a close many householders decide that this is an ideal time to put the ideas discussed on the beach into action and start the process of looking for a new home. Over the summer, local estate agents reported brisk activity in the sales side of their business with some properties that had sat unwanted for months being snapped up by hungry buyers. As expected, the definitive election result created a wave of activity as pent up demand that had held fast during the period of uncertainly was released onto the market. The pre-election lull in activity had also dampened seller’s confidence somewhat and so as asking prices on some properties reduced, active buyers have shown renewed interest. Buyers are typically either upsizing locally to larger properties, purchasing after a prolonged period in rented accommodation or moving back to the region with young families after having built a career in London or overseas. However, with prime housing stock not being replaced quickly enough, many Essex-based agents are reporting a significant shortage of larger village properties. This stock shortage trend mirrored the national picture with the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) reporting in July that the number of house hunters was at its highest level for a decade and this coincided with dwindling stock levels. Indeed, a typical agent had ten buyers registered for every property on their books.

Toby Ridge SOUTH EAST REGION

What to expect in the Autumn If past years are anything to go by, it is likely that the autumn will see an increase in new instructions as homeowners look to move before the Christmas period. The shortage of prime properties may mean that sellers will become more bullish with their asking prices so buyers will need to be careful when making an offer on a property that it is realistically priced, despite the current supply and demand situation. This said, sellers should also be careful not to overprice their homes. Most buyers have a savvy feel for a property’s value and as a consequence, we have all seen lovely homes sit on the market for months just because the asking price is over ambitious. Sometimes it is better to be modest with your asking price and generate masses of interest (possibly leading to competitive bid situations) than overpriced with no viewings. So how do you tackle this market? Once in a position to act, ensure that you are very clear about your search criteria (I would recommend documenting this), listing the

absolute essential aspects and those which are a ‘nice to have’. Naturally, the smaller the search area, the more restricted you will be on choice, so try looking as widely as possible. A plea I make to all my clients is to view as many potential properties as possible. Too many people try to buy property online and miss out on gems because they assume a supposed negative is a deal breaker. I recently worked with a homeowner who was selling a glorious property near a railway crossing. The agent reported that many buyers had declined to view the property because it was ‘too close to the railway’ and they were concerned about the noise, whereas the reality was that you could not hear the freight and trees blocked the view of the track from the grounds. Another buying tip is to look carefully at properties that have been on the market for a long time. Longevity doesn’t necessarily mean there is anything wrong with the property and could present you with an opportunity to buy well. Once the ideal home has been found, it is important to act both decisively and prudently. Be wise about your next property purchase and make the most of the market opportunities that are currently being presented whilst consulting professional advisors before embarking on your property journey. Garrington work on behalf of clients who want to invest in property, both locally and throughout the UK. They also provide property finding and relocation services.

If you are thinking of investing or moving this year and would like further information on how Garrington can help you save time, money and hassle please contact Toby Ridge: Tel: 01245 905377 | info@garrington.co.uk | www.garringtoneast.co.uk


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PROPERTY SPECIAL

RETIREMENT LIVING

Property Special Your work is done and it’s time to relax, but is your current home the one to last you through your retirement? Essex Life profiles local developments that could provide the answer DEVELOPER: The Hawthorns DEVELOPMENT: Meadow Park, Tortoiseshell Way, Braintree, Essex CM7 1TD CONTACT: 01376 778755

Describe the home...

companionship for all residents, allowing

The Hawthorns is an independent living

them to take time to relax and enjoy each

retirement facility offering the perfect

day as much as the last.

scenario for retirees who want to maintain an active, independent and fulfilled retirement. Everyday worries are

What is there to do in the area around the home?

replaced with everyday pleasures and

The Hawthorns is a short distance from

those golden years you’ve worked so hard

the historic Essex market town of

to enjoy become a reality.

Braintree and the garden village of Great

month. With a selection of spacious

Notley. There are lots of spectacular

studio, one bedroom and two-bedroom

What facilities are available?

walks and Freeport Designer Shopping

apartments, all with en suites, built in

The Hawthorns offers an all-inclusive

Village is only a stone’s throw away.

storage and some with a luxurious balcony or patio.

rental retirement facility. With your bills, housekeeping, meals, maintenance and reassurance of live-in managers all

What makes this home stand out from the crowd?

Are there any current incentives?

included, everything you could ever need

The development offers continued

Moving can be the most stressful part

is right on your doorstep.

independence without the worries of

of relocating, so a professional removal

home ownership and total flexibility to

team will take care of this for you.

Who will these homes appeal to?

change your lifestyle at only one month’s

Everything from packing, moving,

The Hawthorns will appeal to retirees

notice.

unpacking and even setting up your new home will be covered by The

who want a little more from their retirement. The development provides a

How much does it cost?

Hawthorns, allowing you time to sit

varied social calendar, security and

Prices start from £1,500 per calendar

back and relax. www.essexlifemag.co.uk

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PROPERTY SPECIAL

surroundings with friendly like-minded neighbours into a reality.

DEVELOPER: Hayes Country Park DEVELOPMENT: Burnham Road, Battlesbridge, Wickford. Essex SS11 7QT CONTACT: 01245 320054

What is there to do in the area around the home? Hayes Farm Park is a unique location for a

with hundreds of variations.

second home. Less than 30 miles from

3. Downsizing and workload — The

London and only a short drive from the

nature and the construction of park

famous holiday resort of Southend on Sea,

homes minimises maintenance work

Hayes Farm rests in more than 25 acres of

costs and difficulty.

greenbelt parkland by the banks of the

4. Security — Many residential parks are

River Crouch and is just a short distance

‘gated’ communities in which security is

from the historic city of Chelmsford.

a high priority and where strangers and

Describe the development...

suspicious goings on are much more

Tell us about the transport links

Hayes Country Park offers you the

noticeable.

There is great access to the A130, A127

opportunity to experience the very best.

5. Peace, Quiet and tranquility — While

and A12, and Hayes Farm Park is just 15

By combining real home comfort with

the homes may be ultra-modern, there is

minutes from the South Woodham

sleek and contemporary styling, each

still a real old fashioned commitment to

Ferrers and Wickford train stations.

home is unique to each person and from

living in a community where people still

the very first moment you turn the key,

care and look out for each other.

you feel at home.

Are there any current incentives? Enjoy market value on your home to

Who will these homes appeal to?

eliminate delays and disappointment

What makes this development different?

The 50+ age group. Tucked away in a

associated with the selling process. No

Here are five things:

picturesque corner of the Essex

stamp duty is charged and there are no

1. Cost — Park homes are considerably

countryside, a quiet revolution is taking

estate agent fees.

cheaper than bricks and mortar!

place in care-free living. The residents of

2. Flexibility — There are dozens of

Hayes Country Park have turned their

How much does it cost?

different models of park homes available,

dream of residing in beautiful

Prices start from £185,000.

DEVELOPER: Highfield Private Care Home DEVELOPMENT: Mandeville Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4AQ CONTACT: 01799 668 574 www.highfieldprivatecarehome.co.uk

beautiful landscaped gardens, hairdressing and pampering as well as arguably the most important feature, fresh, home-cooked food courtesy of a head chef who creates a menu which reflects the tastes and nutritional

The dedicated team of staff at Highfield,

requirements of the residents.

many of whom have worked at the home for more than 10 years, are the

Describe the home…

Who will this home appeal to?

cornerstone of a family that has created a

Highfield is an established, largely

Highfield attracts a discerning elderly

home-from-home experience for all the

purpose-built care home offering elderly

resident, who enjoys all the comforts of

residents.

residential, nursing and dementia care.

home, who no longer wishes to live

Highfield has been furnished by a

independently or who needs a little help.

professional team to an exceptionally high

Many local professionals have chosen

The Summer Respite Care Offer includes

standard, providing elegance and comfort.

Highfield over the years.

seven nights of respite care for the price

What facilities and special features are available?

What makes this home stand out from the crowd?

August 2015. This offer is exclusive to

Highfield boasts an abundance of

Highfield offers the highest standards in

availability.

facilities and special features all designed

caring for the elderly and is CQC fully

to enhance the lives of the residents.

compliant. The home recently underwent

How much does it cost?

These include luxury suites, an extensive

an extensive refurbishment programme

Fees range from £950 to £1,450 per week.

activities programme including outings,

which has enhanced the aesthetic appeal.

These are dependent on the level of care

Are there any current incentives?

of five nights for bookings made in new customers only and is subject to

www.essexlifemag.co.uk

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PROPERTY SPECIAL

DEVELOPER: Moat Park DEVELOPMENT: Dunmow Road, Great Easton CM6 2DL CONTACT: 01371 870192 01371 483360

Describe the home…

Who will these homes appeal to?

Set within Moat Park’s six acres of

Anyone over the age of 55 who wants an

wonderful parkland is the brand new

active, social and independent lifestyle

Maynard House apartments. Maynard

within a safe and secure environment.

House is a unique collection of just 26 private apartments, designed specifically for people aged over 55. The arrangement

What is there to do in the area around the home?

of the apartments allows residents to live

Moat Park is just a short drive by car

a life of independence within their own

from the shopping town of Great

private space, yet at the same time,

Dunmow with many amenities and a

How much does it cost?

benefit from the communal facilities.

major supermarket. Moat Park’s mini

All properties are leasehold and range in

With its own care home onsite called

bus makes a journey once-a-week to

price starting from £225,000 for a

Moat House, this also provides some

Great Dunmow for anyone who’d prefer

one-bedroom apartment to £350,000 for a

peace of mind that care is available,

not to drive.

two-bedroom apartment. All leases

should you need it now, or in later life.

include an obligation to pay an assignment fee on purchase or re-sale,

What facilities are available?

What makes this home stand out from the crowd?

The residents’ clubhouse has a dining and

Moat Park is set within its own

lounge area, library and outdoor summer

beautiful parkland. There is also a guest

Are there any current incentives?

patio area. There’s a growing social

suite, which can accommodate up to

The village offers a Try Before You Buy

programme where events are organised

two people, should your family or

scheme, enabling people to experience

and planned by residents and supported

friends wish to stay overnight. Pets are

their potential future retirement home

by the management team.

also welcome.

before making any commitment.

ground rent and service charge.

DEVELOPER: Priory Hall Retirement Village DEVELOPMENT: 62 Dame Mary Walk, Halstead, Essex CO9 2FF (SAT NAV CO9 2ET) CONTACT: 01787 472491

village atmosphere. Purchasers have access to communal gardens or private gardens as well as the elegantly furnished Resident’s Lounge & Orangery, with an overnight guest suite also available for a resident’s visitors to stay.

Tell us about the transport links There is a bus stop directly outside the

Who will these homes appeal to?

development with excellent transport

This development is perfect for the over

links to Halstead, Braintree, Colchester

60s purchasers who are wishing to move

and Chelmsford. The A120 is also nearby

to a community with a welcoming and

giving access to the A12, M11 and Stansted

Describe the development...

independent feel but with the added

Airport.

Priory Hall is an exclusive development of

benefits of security, careline and like-

68 retirement properties nestled within

minded people.

beautiful landscaped gardens. The converted Priory Hall forms the centre of

Are there any current incentives? There is a contribution of £500 towards

this collection of apartments and cottages

What is there to do in the area around the home?

focusing on independent living.

The vibrant quintessential Essex market

legal fees if using the nominated solicitor and carpets are included on some plots.

town of Halstead is close by and offers an

How much does it cost?

What makes this development so special?

array of small boutique shops and major

Prices start from £155,000 for the

retailers. There are cafes, a leisure centre

apartments and £285,000 for the

All the properties at Priory Hall have been

and the town theatre all within a short

cottages. For further information, please

built to create a friendly community

distance of each other.

contact the sales team on 01787 472491. www.essexlifemag.co.uk

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%HDXWLIXO(66(;

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Scenes of the county from our readers


Blaize Thake, 17 I AM a born and bred Essex girl, who is currently studying photography at a Sixth Form. Ever since a young age I have enjoyed creating my own images and being inspired by other photographers. I am forever attending photographer exhibitions and galleries to appreciate the arts of photography and the power of natural beauty which meets the eye through the camera lens. I’ve always got a camera at hand when approaching great landmarks or if the wonders of the weather have created a beautiful natural light. I enjoy any type of photography and wish to pursue a career involving this in my future. I hope you like my work and enjoy my views of beautiful Essex. www.essexlifemag.co.uk

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Ron Jeffries NOW retired after a lifetime in the City of London and journalism, Ron enjoys wandering around his local area with a camera slung over his shoulder to record the colourful countryside on the edge of the metropolis green belt — which he and others fight to protect from intrusion. When Fairlop Plain was threatened with the development of the London City All-weather Racecourse at the turn of the century, success in having the planning applications rejected left a legacy of green open space for future generations to enjoy. Seven Kings Water is a stream running across Fairlop Plain, under the A12, through an area between Goodmayes Hospital, then onwards — eventually ending up in the River Thames. Happy Valley — the area at the side of the stream on either side of the A12 — used to be a delightful area in which children might play, but today is overgrown. However, downstream, where the waters run between Goodmayes Hospital and Seven Kings Park, a transformation has been carried out to create a wildflower meadow, a community orchard and a stream of sparkling water. With valued funding from Lafarge (the company extracting sand and gravel on Fairlop Plain) The Redbridge Nature Conservation Team and volunteers from the Friends of Seven Kings Park have worked to enhance the area, planting seeds to create a wildflower meadow of great beauty and colour. In addition, apple, pear and plum trees have been planted as part of the Helping Britain Blossom Project. And the stream has been worked upon to improve the banks, with planting to enhance the area and increase the habitat of a range of wildlife.

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Sammy Farthing, 16 REGISTERED youth charity Essex Boys and Girls Clubs (EBGC), has been on the hunt across the county to find talented photographers hidden among its network of 140 independent, volunteer-run youth clubs. This year, EBGC asked young people to take a photo of their favourite thing — whatever that might be. As expected the entries were incredibly varied and showed what an array of hobbies and interests young people have. Sammy Farthing, from Hedingham Youth Club, was announced the winner. Sammy was awarded with a VH-520 Olympus Camera which had been kindly donated by Olympus. Sammy was also offered the opportunity to showcase some of her photos within Essex Life magazine and here is a selection of her pictures. For more information about EBGC, and the other activities and events that they provide for young people across Essex, please contact 01245 264783 or visit www.essexboysandgirlsclubs.org.

HAVE YOUR PICTURES PUBLISHED To share your images of the county with the rest of Essex, email them to julian.read@archant.co.uk or visit www.essexlifemag.co.uk and click on Photos www.essexlifemag.co.uk

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Society

To purchase a copy of Essex Life scan the QR code

For more social pictures visit www.essexlifemag.co.uk

Headway Essex marks 30 years of care and support HEADWAY ESSEX celebrated its 30th anniversary in style at the Stock Brook Country Club in Billericay. Guests were greeted with a sparkling reception and serenaded by the classical singer Marilena Gant before Headway client Mervin Graham captivated the guests when he took to the stage to speak of his experience with brain injury and received a standing ovation. The event, sponsored by BTMK Injury, Towergate Connect and Investec Wealth and Investment, raised more than ÂŁ9,500.

Singer Marilena Gant

Colin Davis and Joanna Wright with Juanita & Christopher White-Thomson

Rosie Wren and Olivia Royle

www.essexlifemag.co.uk

Mervin Graham makes a speech. He is supported by son Leigh Graham and Anna Smith from Headway

Magicians, Darren Gooding and Dean Allen Jones

Miriam Low, Lorraine Gilbert, Alan Bacon, Johanne Turner, Richard Elsen and Isobel Wooffitt

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Gavin Hockey, Jo Hockey, Ben Whiting, Sallie Whiting, Steve Finch, Sally Finch, Peter Rayner and Sherrin Rayner

Bradley & Anna Smith

Hamish Macdiarmid, Jeff Goy, Richard Jarvis, Deborah Green, Abigail-Kate Reid and Chalene Sibbons

David Hart, Matt Eaton, Simon Pinion and Daniel Aldworth



Society

To purchase a copy of Essex Life scan the QR code

For more social pictures visit www.essexlifemag.co.uk

Felsted named Village of the Year at RCCE AGM FELSTED beat off strong competition from runner-up Great Waltham and joint-third prize winners Little Hallingbury and Wickham Bishops to be named the Essex Village of the Year at the RCCE AGM at Writtle College recently. The top two villages receive prizes of £500 and £150 respectively and Felsted also received a new winners’ shield, while the joint-third prize winners share £100 between them. All prizes are provided by sponsors Essex & Suffolk Water.

Councillor Peter GL Elliott (Chairman of Maldon District Council), Councillor Heather Glynn (Chairman of Rochford District Council) and Cllr Jack Lawmon

Felsted Village of the Year winner

Councillor Fred Nicholls (Chairman of Tendring District Council), Veronica Hume and Norman Hume (Chairman of Essex County Council)

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St Mary-at-Latton Church: First Prize Best Kept Churchyard Competition

Councillor John Cloke and Councillor Noelle Councillor Lyn Walters (Chairman of Braintree Hones, Deputy Mayor of Brentwood District Council) and Nick Shuttleworth

Brightlingsea: Winner Class 1 Best Kept Village Competition

Vincent Thompson (High Sheriff of Essex), Jacqui Stone and Simon Lyster

Councillor Peter GL Elliott (Chairman of Maldon District Council) and Lord Petre

Councillor Paul Hutchinson, The Mayor of Chelmsford


London Essex Hot Tubs Showroom open 7 days per week 13 Oakwood Hill Industrial Estate, Loughton IG10 3TZ

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Award Winning Swim Spas Our 19’ Dual Temperature Self Cleaning Swim Spa has just won the WhatSwimSpa? Best Buy Award 2015 for the second year running! This unique model incorporates a swim spa and hot tub within the same shell, making it a truly versatile product. Our range of swim spas are from 12’ to 19’ so can be incorporated into most garden designs and have different options available to ensure you achieve the results you want for your family experience from professional swimming to relaxation and fun in your spa.


Society

To purchase a copy of Essex Life scan the QR code

For more social pictures visit www.essexlifemag.co.uk

Fond farewells for students at Felsted School Leavers’ Ball FELSTED SCHOOL Leavers’ Ball was held on Saturday, July 4 in the Lord Riche Hall at Felsted School. Upper Sixth students, parents and staff were treated to a stunning evening, with an elegant ‘hummingbird’ theme, masterminded by Hannah Grace, Felsted’s theatre manager. Guests were treated to a delicious meal, fun fairground rides and dancing into the night. Alicia Bates, Lydia Breen, Grace Breen, Jess Robinson, Elena Bates, Lauren Bates and Mary Breen

Jack Prior, Ian Prior, Melanie Prior and Alex Prior

Paula Ursu and Kira Doran

Connor Joyce, Tom Brabrook and Laurence Bell

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Henriette Joop and Johanna Spitzy

Penny Lyons and Phillip Lyons

Marta Valls and Andrea Smith-Valls

Emily Smith and Chiara Ardoino

Darren & Anna Williams

Philip Seers, Claudia Seers and Sally Seers

Anne Burton, Suzie Burton and Mike Burton

Areana Golder and Frances Coulson



Society

To purchase a copy of Essex Life scan the QR code

For more social pictures visit www.essexlifemag.co.uk

PSC hosts Celebrity Golf Classic at Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel THE PRESIDENT’S SPORTING CLUB held its Celebrity Golf Classic at the Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel and Country Club in July. Celebrities from the worlds of sport and entertainment attended to help raise funds for the President’s Sporting Club / Essex Disabled Sports Foundation (Registered Charity Number 1001176) which has now raised £2 million to provide sporting facilities and opportunities for disabled children throughout Essex and the surrounding area. The event raised more than £24,000.

Rory Underwood MBE

John Lyons

Sir Trevor Brooking

Alan Kennedy

Luther Blissett

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Russell Rints, Josh Phillips, Bob Anderson and James Gold

Peter Shilton OBE

John Conteh and Ian Richards

Tony Cottee

Frank McLintock MBE

Dave Scriven, Allen Scriven, Stuart Bingham and Michael Caine

Frank McLintock MBE

Jess Conrad OBE


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Society

To purchase a copy of Essex Life scan the QR code

For more social pictures visit www.essexlifemag.co.uk

Lawson Planning Partnership Ltd celebrates tenth year in business INVITED guests, clients, staff and friends joined the Lawson Planning Partnership Ltd (LPP) to celebrate its tenth year in business with a special evening at the GreyFriars hotel in Colchester. Guests enjoyed Champagne and music from a string quartet before a few words of thanks from John Lawson. Based in Colchester, LPP has significant town planning experience gained in both the public and private sectors throughout the UK and abroad.

James Lawson, Charles Carver and John Lawson

Georgina Brotherton, Phil Holding and Debbie Coulson

Gareth Barnes, Miriam Kemp and Jamie Dann

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Rod Lay, Natalie Harris, Aarti O’Leary, John Lawson, Sharon Lawson, James Lawson and Georgina Brotherton

Suzanne Lawson and Sharon Lawson

John Lawson

Steve Field and Rod Lay

Natalie Harris and Richard Sands

A string quartet entertains guests

Jonathan Frank and John Lawson



BLAKE

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BLAKE

The boys are

BACK IN TOWN Blake return to Essex as part of their In Harmony tour this month, but could you be performing on stage with them or even enjoy a night out in Essex with the band? Holly Eells finds out all the details

T

HEY are Dame Shirley Bassey’s favourite vocal trio and this month they are back in Essex with an exhilarating new show.

Blake boast an impressive CV of achievements including several number one hits and multi-platinum albums, and they count their loyal fans as an attribute to their longlasting success. The three singers who have all come from classical backgrounds combine a mixture of different styles to their harmonies. Stephen Bowman explains how they have continued to remain a solid success over the last eight years. ‘I believe it is down to one particular thing and that is we have never had a front man in the group,’ says Stephen. ‘Everyone knows who the front man is in the www.essexlifemag.co.uk

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BLAKE work with her and she is absolutely incredible. Now we are headlining our own shows. I think as performers we have currently visited close to 25 countries including the majority of America and Asia and we want to perform in a lot more. When Blake finishes, if we have performed in more than 50 countries, I would be absolutely delighted.’ Blake’s In Harmony tour will commence at the beginning of September at the Memorial Theatre & Assembly Rooms in Frome, Somerset, and will continue to include visits to The Harlow Playhouse in September and The Queen’s Theatre in Hornchurch in November. Stephen says: ‘We love performing in Essex and we have been here on many occasions. The Essex audience is different to other places in the south east because they are quite fun and rowdy, which is exactly what we want when we are on stage. Many of our performances are based around a lot of banter throughout the shows and the Essex crowds always get involved. In Essex they have no problem speaking out and it makes the show much more vibrant.’

majority of bands and everyone else fades

it is the first Christmas album we have

off into the distance. We work very

ever made, which is based entirely

differently and not one voice is more

around the support from our fans across

completely changed the show and added

important than another. All three of us

the world. They have lobbied us to make

new music, which comes off our latest

are linked together and it works.

this album, so we said if you really want

album, In Harmony. It is an opportunity

us to make it, pre-order it via our website.

to hear us singing as soloists with special

have respect for each other and we all

They have funded the whole album in

moments in there too and we concentrate

have equal responsibilities in the group.

less than three weeks, which is

on different styles.’

We also all have a similar sense of

unbelievable. Normally record labels and

humour and love Monty Python! We hang

investors get involved, as that is the

hours of uplifting and emotional music

out quite a lot, whether we are out for

normal way to make an album. It shows

from the pop, classical and musical

dinner, around each others’ houses or at

how lucky we are, and it is all down to

worlds, and Stephen guarantees there

special events. We share a varied life

our fans who have supported us. We are

won’t be a dry eye in the house.

together that doesn’t just involve

very grateful. I

performing, making albums and

believe it is a new

promoting them. Blake is part of our lives

way of approaching

and that’s why I believe we have stayed

music. Traditionally

together for so long.’

it used to only be

‘There is no jealously between us. We

Despite all of this, Stephen is quick to

major artists who

Stephen adds: ‘We have also

The boys, who will be performing two

Combined with

We work very differently and not one voice is more important than another

ad-libbed banter and comedy, live instruments, stunning projected videos and dramatic lighting, Blake are

mention the loyalty of the band’s fans,

were allowed to do

what this has contributed to their success

it. However, even a

and how their support has enabled Blake

group like Blake can do it, so this is a

with a love of powerful songs and Rat

to create something new this year.

massive milestone for us.’

Pack fun.

Stephen explains: ‘We have had so many

Over the years, Blake has also had

sure to thrill anyone

In a special twist, local choirs will be

people asking us to make a Christmas

various worldwide tours across the world

performing alongside Blake on stage and

album over the last eight years and this

including in Asia, America, Russia and

the Band is once again searching the UK

year it felt right. The album has 16 songs

Europe, as well as performances in front

for talented local choirs to join them on

on it, which has been great fun so far. We

of the Queen. ‘The biggest highlight has

stage as part of the In Harmony tour.

have everything from very cool bands to

to be the concerts we did with Katherine

Over the last five years the group has

big string orchestras. It is a large

Jenkins,’ Stephen continues. ‘We

been joined by more than 250 local

production.’

supported her on 45 concerts all over the

choirs around the UK and overseas, in

UK. It was an enjoyable experience to

venues as far apart as Manchester,

‘The amazing thing about this project is 86

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BLAKE

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BLAKE

Moscow and Manila. Choirs wanting to

part of our lives. This gave us the

especially in the Essex area, and we are

get involved simply need to email their

confidence to find our voices, to get out

keen for schools or community choirs to

latest videos to the Blake website and

on stage, to become soloists and to join

come forward. We would be delighted to

the chosen groups will perform alongside

up as Blake. We are giving the next

hear from them.’

Blake on five big ensemble songs, as well as present their own solo song to the audience. Stephen explains

I am very happy to visit any recommended places in Essex, perhaps for an evening out

generation a chance

via Facebook or Twitter, I am very happy

looking for that

to visit any recommended places in

next generation of

Essex, perhaps for an evening out. I

talent.’

would be more than happy to join in.

Performers in the past for Blake’s

further: ‘Whenever we put on shows in the UK in the last

shows have recently been seen attaining

five years we have always had this

places at prestigious London music

ongoing search to find really good local

colleges and even taking star roles in West

choirs to sing with us on stage. It’s a real

End shows.

joy for us because we all came from choir backgrounds and we enjoyed this

He adds: ‘Also if anyone contacts me

and we are always

Stephen adds: ‘We are still looking for a

Essex is a beautiful place and I haven’t been out in this county as of yet, so I am definitely missing something.’ ■

FIND OUT MORE www.blakeofficial.com

choir to come and join us on this tour, www.essexlifemag.co.uk

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DANBURY

Delightful countryside and the Devil’s mischief

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DANBURY

Once a great vantage point for defending troops during the Napoleonic Wars, Danbury not only has a rich and fascinating history it also offers plenty to delight visiting walkers and nature lovers alike. Petra Hornsby finds out more

S

ITTING high, some 376ft above sea level, Danbury began to develop on an Iron Age hill fort where the village’s parish church

stands today. The name Danbury almost certainly derives from the Saxon tribe of the Daeningas, who took up residence in the area until the Viking defeat of the Saxons at the Battle of Maldon in AD 991. Danbury’s geological history can be traced back to the Ice Age, when moraine deposits were left by retreating glaciers heading northwards — creating The

Danbury Ridge. But it was the period following the Norman invasion that saw significant changes to the village and the surrounding area. William the Conqueror handed the region to Geoffrey de Mandeville, making him Earl of Essex. The Sinclair family (or Saint Clere) were assigned to administer Danbury and they took it upon themselves to take financial care of the church of St John the Baptist, extending it in 1233. Three wooden effigies were found in the church that date back to around the 13th century and one which was identified as that of William St Clere is now exhibited in The Louvre in Paris. The Grade I listed church is the oldest building in the village and its location offers some great views of Danbury and the surrounding countryside. Its spire stands an additional 112ft high and local folklore tells of the damage caused to the spire by the devil who disguised himself as a monk. The church was renovated in 1866 by the architect Gilbert Scott but suffered significant bomb damage during World War II. www.essexlifemag.co.uk

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DANBURY Another report which raised questions is that of the body of a knight laid to rest in the church. The body was disturbed in 1779 and found to be perfectly preserved. This was fiercely contested by the MP for Maldon at the time — Joseph Strutt — but, in 1985, Andrew Collins (a psychic investigator) claimed the body to be that of a Knight Templar. Another of the village’s significant buildings, Danbury Palace, stands on the site of the mansion Danbury Place which was built in 1589 by Sir Walter Mildmay, Clerk to the Court of Henry VIII. Mildmay had done very well financially (thanks to Henry’s controversial dissolution of the monasteries) and he went on to become something of local benefactor. The mansion remained in the hands of the Mildmay family until the early 19th century when it fell into disrepair. In 1832, a new building was erected near to the site of Danbury Place and this was bought by the church commissioner for the Bishop of Rochester and was

Danbury Country Park provides a lovely spot for a picnic or a stroll by one of the lakes given the name Danbury Palace. The palace remained under ecclesiastical ownership until 1892 when it was sold as a private residence. During World War II, it was used as a maternity hospital but now lies empty – earmarked for private residential development. Part of the estate of the palace that is open to the public is Danbury Country Park, now owned by Essex County Council, providing a lovely spot for a picnic, for a stroll by one of the lakes or for a walk through the woodlands. In the grounds of the park is the Old Ice House, a storage facility used to keep the ice that would form on the lakes. This would then be used by the palace kitchen staff to create impressive ice sculptures which were presented at summer garden parties. The park is open from 8am to dusk and its features include ancient oaks, hornbeams, sweet chestnuts and stunning rhododendrons. Fishing permits for the lower lake are also available from the park ranger. The village itself is very much 94

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DANBURY

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DANBURY

blessed by its surrounding countryside

Lingwood Common is a mix of trees

available from their offices situated at

comprising large areas of woodland and

and open clearings and, because it has

The Old School House on Main Road.

heathland which is owned and

some special and varied heathland plants,

Other walks can be downloaded for free

maintained by either the National Trust

is now a designated area of Special

at www.walkinginessex.co.uk.

or Essex Wildlife Trust.

Scientific Interest. On the south-western

After a good, hearty walk, it is

edge of Danbury, Backwarden Nature

comforting to know that Danbury can

Owned by the National Trust, Blakes

Reserve also has plenty for flora and

offer its visitors a good choice in the way

Wood is made up of 100 acres of ancient

fauna enthusiasts to admire with

of refreshments. The Griffin, The Bell

woodland which, in the springtime, offers

woodland, heathland, streams and bogs

and the Bakers Arms have all got their

a fantastic display of early woodland

providing a home for a great variety of

own history of hospitality and provide

Among the highlights is Blakes Wood.

flowers, including

wild flowers, reptiles

comfort and respite for the weary and

an impressive

(including adders),

thirsty walker.

display of native bluebells. Danbury Common was once effectively

Blakes Wood is made up of 100 acres of ancient woodland and features woodland flowers

maintained by the

birds and insects.

If a refreshing post-ramble cup of tea is

There are many

preferred, then at the heart of the village

walks to be taken

opposite the green at Eves Corner, is the

around the village and

lovely and award-winning tea room, Tea

its wonderful

on the Green, which is much appreciated

landscape, which

by both locals and visitors. If a walkabout is on the agenda this

grazing animals of the local population

includes commons and reserves. Many of

who would also cut back scrub which

these walks take in the major places of

autumn, then Danbury, situated in the

they used for fuel. This would help to

interest and afford wonderful hilltop

Borough of Chelmsford, is a great

create open terrain and encourage the

views. The war memorial at Elm Green

location to consider. With its fascinating

re-growth of the plant life. As the second

has views over the Chelmer Valley and,

history and impressive menu of

largest heathland in Essex, the National

on a clear day, Stansted Airport’s control

countryside delights, it represents

Trust now has the task of preserving the

tower can be seen. A map and guide to

perfectly the beauty and intrigue that

common and this essential habitat for

the village is downloadable from the local

can be frequently found within the

wildlife.

parish website or hard copies are

county of Essex. â– www.essexlifemag.co.uk

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EssexWalks

Strolling around

Great Henny On the Essex/Suffolk border, marked by the River Stour where the walk begins, this route takes you from Henny Street and out to the lovely countryside around the village of Great Henny WORDS AND PICTURES BY LAURIE PAGE OF THE PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY TEAM AT ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL

1

FROM the pub, walk up the road towards Sudbury and at the next road junction just past the Old

3

Almost immediately, turn left over a stile and go up along the edge of a large meadow with the

Post House, turn left towards

thick hedge on the right. Just before the

‘Middleton Only’, going gently uphill

far corner of the field, keep right going

on a narrow Tarmac lane. As the road

through the trees and down to where you

bends sharp right, take the bridleway

cross a track, going straight on through

path on the left running between

more trees. You emerge into the open by

high hedges. Continue on, passing

a wooden fence. You are forced right

over a bridge crossing a little brook.

alongside the fence on a wide grass path,

When you reach the track, turn right

which bends sharp left. At the bottom

going uphill.

soon after, at the way-marker post, go left through the metal gate and follow the

2

Follow this track with a hard

edge of a large meadow. Go all the way to

surface. The church comes

the end where you have to get over a

into view. Immediately after

fragile stile and through a gate into the

the open corrugated barn, turn left

woodland.

along a wide grass path on the edge of a wheat field. Then turn right heading uphill towards the church. At the bungalow, go left through the

4

Follow alongside a wooden a

ABOUT OPEN ACCESS Open Access Land means that where you see this symbol you can walk without sticking to the mapped paths. For more information on Open Access and the right to roam visit www.openaccess.gov.uk or call 0845 100 3290 Each month Essex County Council’s Public Rights of Way team provide Essex Life with a walk in the county. Walking, riding and cycling leaflets are available to download from www.essex.gov.uk

fence all the way to the end of the wood (you may have

5

Turn right then follow the road

lych gate into the churchyard. The

to improvise the route and deviate

Great Henny Parish Church of St

from the fence where the path has

Mary is usually open to the public.

become overgrown), going out

Proceed through the wooden gate

through a wooden gate. Bear left at

the left. This runs between two large

on the other side of the churchyard

the pylon and along the track to the

fields. Go to the end where it meets the

and go straight on down the wide,

lane. Turn left going uphill along the

little lane. Turn right and proceed along

dusty track. At the bottom, turn

lane. Continue past Typerly Farm to

the lane to the road junction. Here turn

right.

the road junction.

left and watch for traffic around the bend,

For a shortcut you can turn left along the lane and re-join at point 5.

If you have taken the shortcut, you will approach this junction from the left.

where it immediately bends sharp left. It then bends right and

a little further down, take the footpath on

but you will soon arrive back at the Henny Swan pub.

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GREAT HENNY

FACTFILE Places of interest nearby: There are lots of interesting places not far from here. At Castle Hedingham, not far to the south-east, is the Norman keep, once the seat of the Earls of Oxford. There is the Colne Valley Steam Railway nearby too. Just two miles north is the town of Sudbury, where Thomas Gainsborough the famous artist was born, and there is an interesting museum in the place where he lived near the town centre. Long Melford, a little further north, has two impressive stately homes, Melford Hall run by the National Trust and Kentwell Hall.

Distance: 3.5 or 2.8 miles Starting point: The Swan public house at Henny Street. From the B1051 that runs between Stansted Mountfitchet and Thaxted, take Mill Road, a mile north-west of Elsenham, which takes you directly into the village. Map: OS Explorer 195 Braintree & Saffron Walden Refreshments: Try the Henny Swan pub at the start. The food is recommended. Tourist Information: Sudbury Library, Market Hill, Sudbury CO10 2EN. Call 01787 881320

Saffron Walden Great Henny Harwich Braintree

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SOUTHEND ON SEA

Write all about it

The sea is often a source of inspiration for artists and writers and Southend on Sea is proud to have its very own literary and artistic network, keen to put the appeal of the town and the talents of its residents’ on the map. Petra Hornsby finds out more

1 00

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SOUTHEND ON SEA

S

OUTHEND ON SEA is a

Along with its near neighbour,

here too and those already living locally

much-loved, British seaside

Leigh on Sea, it is a community,

clearly continue to find inspiration. The

resort, with a famous

which has seen some change in its

Southend Arts Council promotes amateur

theme park, fantastic

demographic over the years as people

arts by supporting a range of local groups

beaches, plenty of

move into the area from outside the

and the Temporary Arts Project (TAP)

amusements, events for all

county, often from London, to settle

which offers studio and exhibition space

generations and the longest pleasure

with young families.

for emerging young artists.

pier in the world.

Artists and writers have been drawn

So what about the writers? Writing

www.essexlifemag.co.uk

➤

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SOUTHEND ON SEA

can be a solitary craft but, as Audrey

photographers, storytellers and also

group can offer. ‘By sharing advice and

Snee knows from experience, the

therapists — anyone who has a

experience with each other, we aim to

chances of making a breakthrough and

connection to the arts.

give support and help boost confidence,

finding success can be made harder by going it alone. Audrey describes a poignant meeting

‘Some of our group members are

exhibition space can be complicated and

resident Claire Freedman who is the

sometimes daunting.’ The group aims to meet at least twice a

with one lady at a book fair. ‘This lady was in her eighties and had published hundreds of books. Wanting to know more about her success, she explained to me that it was important to have a tribe behind you — a presence — and this is really what SWAN is all about.’

as trying to get published or find an

already published, including Leigh on Sea

‘Southend has impacted on us and provided us with inspiration to write’

year at one of its self-funding SWAN gatherings and this year the arts group METAL assisted in providing a free venue for an event which was attended by around 60 people. Audrey adds: ‘Everyone there was invited to stand up and give a three to

The Southend Writers and Artists Network (SWAN) has been going for

author of the Aliens in Underpants series

four-minute presentation on themselves,

around two years now and operates as a

that has just been made into a stage show.

their experiences or to hand on some

method of contact and communication

We look to inspire other residents

helpful advice. One lady talked about

largely via its Facebook page. The group

through their success.’

how to give a radio interview —

is made up of writers, poets, artists, 1 02

www.essexlifemag.co.uk

Audrey explains what she feels the

something not many of us are


SOUTHEND ON SEA

The AD65 moulding line at the Ecko Factory

1932 service engineers from the Southend Ecko Factory

experienced in, but could well be called upon to do when promoting a book. Other aspects of self-publicity, especially social media, can also be rather baffling, particularly for older members.’ Audrey herself is a published writer, journalist, blogger and publisher (Estuary Publishing) so is well aware of the knock-backs all writers and artists can experience. ‘SWAN serves as an advice exchange forum on the various ways to keep going and how to aim for success. Each member will have their own unique experience and will know all too well that sometimes results come when you least expect them, but by maintaining a profile and by promoting your work where possible, the odds of success are higher.’

➤ www.essexlifemag.co.uk

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SOUTHEND ON SEA Peter Brown, Audrey Snee and David Amess MP

So why has Southend become such a

this will become an annual event

Southend on Sea. Audrey says: ‘All artists, writers and

magnet for writers? Audrey explains: ‘One

promoting local authors. As part of the

reason could be the love of local history

festival, there was also a talk on Discover

organisers give their time for free at local

and the many books that have been

Southend in Books where authors Dee

book events like this and self-fund the

written about Southend’s past. One of the

Gordon, Karen Bowman, Judith Williams,

hire of the venue. This is because they

most successful books that I worked on

Ann Duggans-Robson and Audrey herself

love what they do and also want to

was about Southend’s Ecko Factory (Ecko

revealed local secrets and scandals —

promote the region as a cultural centre

Sounds). At one stage the factory

including some covert war-time activities

— sadly arts funding has all but

employed around 7,000 workers drawn

— during an entertaining afternoon held

disappeared for such events, so we do

from the local area, so when a book about

at the end of Southend’s famous pier.

hope the public can come along and

that time was published, there were plenty of people who knew someone who had worked there and who would like it as a gift. There are plenty

SWAN will also be supporting the first

‘It is great to meet members of the public at a book event and to hear their feedback’

of things about

Festival, a free event to be held on September 19 at the Leigh Community Hall from 10am to 4pm. The fair will

Southend that have impacted on us and

feature a wide selection of tomes

provided us with inspiration to write.’

including autobiographies, local history

Audrey feels there is a great

books and cook books. Young readers are

appreciation of writers, particularly local

catered for with a range of children’s and

ones, where people get the chance to

young adult books and lovers of comedy,

meet the author at a book signing and

fantasy and science-fiction are not

share their enthusiasm — or otherwise! ‘It

forgotten either. The event will also

is great to meet members of the public at

include talks, poetry readings,

a book event and to hear their feedback,

photographic exhibitions, short films and

good or bad.’

there will be plenty of displays of

SWAN held an Author’s Day at this

support local artists and writers!’ ■

Leigh Literary Arts

artwork. During a special designated

year’s Southend Forum (as part of the

Children’s Hour, Ann Robson will read

Essex Book Festival) and it is hoped that

from her latest book Zippitt and Lee Go to www.essexlifemag.co.uk

105



HIGH STREET HEROES

High Street Heroes in…

Colchester

Famed for its Roman heritage, Colchester is also a modern and vibrant town that has much to look forward to as well as a past to be proud of. Emily Talbut tells us more

W

HEN most people think of Colchester, they may recall family trips to the

popular zoo, Saturday afternoons at Colchester United Football Club or picture the stunning 11th century Norman keep which is Colchester Castle. Delving a little deeper into this town’s historic past, St John’s Abbey and St Botolph’s Priory can also still be found here, while many of the town’s parish churches also date back to the medieval period. However, within this historic setting and keeping in line with a desire to preserve the town’s heritage, the people of Colchester are equally passionate about supporting and growing the town as a centre for local trade. Found along the high street, nestled among a generous smattering of national chain stores, you can find a traditional sweet shop, stationery suppliers, a furniture store and even a specialist rubber stamp shop, all ran by Colchester residents who are dedicated to keeping the vibrant spirit of the local high street alive.

Hatfields Malcolm Durbridge (Financial Director), Andrew London (Operations Director) and Robert London (Managing Director)

Kerseys Solicitors Clare Thomas, Elaine Webb, Victoria Mead and Janet Raeburn www.essexlifemag.co.uk

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HIGH STREET HEROES In April this year, the town also saw the reintroduction of its long-standing market back on the high street, with a well attended grand opening. The stalls are now supplied with electricity and have access to a specialised waste management service when they take place, every Friday and Saturday. Speaking at the launch, Anne Turrell, Colchester borough councillor for economic development and regeneration, said: ‘We know people have wanted to see the market back on the High Street for a long time and I am proud that we have made it happen.’ To further sustain this sector, there is also an annual Colchester Country and Town Show where local traders can showcase their products, whether they be delicious foods, arts and crafts or unique gifts. The combined efforts of locals who persist in their trading while other towns succumb to the pressures of larger and more well known brands will hopefully allow Colchester to remain known as a town that is both rich in history, but also dedicated to preserving long-standing values. Here Essex Life introduces you to just some of the friendly faces you might come across on a visit to Colchester…

Porsche Colchester The Sales & Services Team

The Oaks Hospital Nick Ratcliffe (Operations Manager) and Douglas Watson (General Manager) with The Voice Committee

Bang & Olufsen Colchester Michael Francis and Robert Smith

William & Griffin Department Store George The Swinging Chimp with Poppy Tompkins

www.essexlifemag.co.uk

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HIGH STREET HEROES

John Fowlers Solicitors Neil Watts, Ian Bradford, Sheila Crosby and Francesca Root

Mussi’s Fulvio Mussi

Upchurch Jewellers Stephen Trott, Jade Meakin and Adrian Batchelor

The Gallery at Upchurch Jewellers Lana Carey and Natasha Bird

Tymperleys Tea Rooms Alice Charrington

Neptune Alice Barrett, Lewis Webb and Debbie Pearce

The Design Studio Andrew Foley

Owen Aves Opticians Irene Boon, Clive Roots, Richard Allen and Andrew Chenery

www.essexlifemag.co.uk

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PROMOTION

‘I T’S R A I N I NG A GM... H A L L ELUJA H ! ’ When Oaks Hospital held their monthly ‘The Voice of the Oaks’ meeting, their General Manager, Douglas Watson did not realise it would lead to him jumping out of an aeroplane! The Voice Staff Satisfaction Commitee, chaired by Nick Ratcliffe, Operations Manager, meet regularly to put forward ideas regarding raising staff morale through team events and outings but also to suggest ways of fundraising for their Hospital charity – Essex and Herts Air Ambulance. Oaks Hospital have already raised in excess of £970 this year for the cause through holding staff raffles and competitions; Nick had a task persuading Douglas as this idea left him a little more apprehensive than his usual ‘judging the tastiest cake’ competition! In recognition of the ‘Go Yellow’ event - part of National Air Ambulance week 21st-27th September, schools, businesses and individuals all over Essex are being encouraged to join in, have fun and raise awareness and much needed funds. Douglas will be attempting a Tandem Skydive at Beccles Airfield. He said ‘given my severe fear of heights and having attempted to overcome this in the past with a hot air balloon ride without success, this is a huge personal challenge for me. We choose to support Essex Air Ambulance, part of the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust, because it is a vital life saving charity. They provide a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service which is solely funded by charitable donations. Essex Air Ambulance operate 365 days a year and currently each mission costs £2,700’ Clair Mitchell, Fundraising Coordinator at Essex Air Ambulance,

Oaks Hospital, 120 Mile End Road, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5XR Tel: 01206 752121 | www.oakshospital.co.uk

said: “We are very grateful to the staff at Oaks Hospital for all their hard work and support in raising vital funds to keep the Essex Air Ambulance saving lives across the County. A big thank you to Douglas for facing his fears and taking the plunge this September, good luck with the jump! It is only with such support from the local community and businesses that the helicopter emergency medical service can continue to be provided for the critically ill and injured of Essex, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.” You can sponsor Douglas and support this nerve-wracking challenge by the following link:www.doitforcharity.com/DouglasjumpingWatson


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CANEWDON

James Merriott paints...

Canewdon

Letters from Canewdon I was lucky to catch the postman collecting from the mailbox in the brilliant sunshine

Parish Church of St Nicholas Following Canute’s victory over Edmund Ironside at the alleged site of the Battle of Assunden in 1016, three churches were founded Hockley, Ashingdon and Canewdon

The Anchor Inn The effects of time have given this magnificent old inn enormous charm. It was painted against strong sunlight

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ANNA PANCALDI

Introducing

ANNA Music has been in the blood of Anna Pancaldi for as long as she can remember and so much of her passion for life has been inspired by her upbringing in Chappel. Sybilla Hart met this talented artist poised to be the next chart-topping sensation from our county

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ANNA PANCALDI

E

SSEX musician Anna Pancaldi is not at all

not my new best friend. Anna has been tipped as the next

what I expected. In her

Joni Mitchell by Emerging Icons

online music video she

who describe her as having the,

cuts a sultry figure, all

‘emotive presence of Eva Cassidy’

billowing blonde hair whipping

while BBC London presenter Gaby

around her face on a stormy beach.

Roslin couldn’t believe she was

So when I meet Anna in person at a

still unsigned and thought her

private gig at Stanley Hall in

performance was nothing short of

Pebmarsh, I was surprised when she

‘sensational’.

had us all in hysterics. Far from the

Anna does seem to be making

earnest, distant beauty, Anna is in

ripples wherever she goes.

fact a proper, down to earth Essex

Pre-orders for her album Black

girl and a comedienne to boot.

Tears even outdid the rhapsodical

She put on a silly voice and told us

Ed Sheeran and on release day she

funny stories about the shoot for her

topped number 52 in the charts

music video on the beach in Kent,

and came in sixth place in the

where the crew narrowly escaped being

iTunes singer songwriter chart.

struck by lightening. Anna could not

Anna has spent the past month

have been more charming and

on tour and is currently

approachable. In fact, she is the very

performing in Devon. By all

antithesis of the archetypical music

accounts, she is going down very

diva. Not only is she a joy to listen to,

well in the West Country. She

she is just the sort of person who you

made her debut last year at

could happily spend hours chatting with

Glastonbury and will wind up

over a cup of tea. I have to keep

her summer of touring at the

reminding myself she is a songstress,

Cambridge Folk festival, an

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ANNA PANCALDI ‘Our home has always been an open one, for the most part filled with laughter, joy and the happiest of times. I love the fact that the door was always ajar for anyone to pop in for an impromptu cup of tea or dinner. My parents loved the hustle and bustle of people coming and going, that happiness wrapped around the walls of Rosemary, it was special like that.’ The front garden was flourishing with bursts of colour thanks to her mother’s love of gardens. Geraniums, roses, foxgloves, poppies, heather and lavender were scattered around surrounded by a black iron fence, brick walkway and a little gate. The house was next to the village pub by the bridge. Chappel certainly still holds a special place in Anna’s heart. ‘The countryside was beautiful. There was field upon field of sun-filled buttercups. My big brother artist, now live on the Orkney Islands, but

Joey and little sister Charity and I were

Anna was seven years old when the

returned to Essex, after their time in

never too far from a field or forest for

family moved from Burnham on Crouch

South Africa, when Anna was 15. The

adventures. We had barbeques, endless

to Chappel, where she spent five blissful

cottage where the family lived in

games of failed badminton and built

years of her childhood. She is full of

Chappel, called Rosemary, holds some of

kennels for Joe’s dog, Stanley.’

surprises and you would never guess

Anna’s dearest childhood memories. ‘I

The family had the perfect view of the

from her performance at Stanley Hall

wish we still had that house!’ she says

viaduct, the second largest brick structure

that she ever suffered from stage fright.

wistfully. The home was a red brick

after the Battersea Power Station. Anna

This severe bout took hold from a very

Georgian cottage with white-tipped

continues: ‘As mischievous children I

early age, while performing at a

jasmine hanging over the bright red door.

recall Joey trying to climb up there for the

‘It’s funny,’ Anna continues. ‘When

view over Chappel. We would explore the

apt place for her given her style of music.

competition in Sudbury. Thanks to the tough love she

you look back at

World War II anti-tank defenses, go

attributes to her

your younger

blackberry picking and fish in the stream

years, the things

with our nephew, James.’

coach, she managed to conquer her fears after the family relocated to South Africa when she was

The cottage where the family lived in Chappel holds some of Anna’s dearest memories

12 years old. Despite

that are seemingly

Her brother Joe helped plant a huge

insignificant

field full of silver birch many years ago in

become the most

the field next to the Millennium green.

poignant. That

‘It’s so wonderful to go back now and see

inanimate object,

how they have grown so tall, a little imprint of our family I guess.’

the obstacles, Anna has been driven to

being our front door, was the door we

succeed by her innate love of singing.

would welcome back our brother from

Something she describes as, ‘always a

Scotland where he used to work and our

ambitions to move back to Essex, the

part of my inner most being. Not

family friends visiting from South

answer is an unequivocal, yes.

something I nurtured, or grew to love,

Africa. It was the door that my granny

but just in my blood’.

would knock on with one of her

being all over the place and based in

When I ask if there are any

‘With my music I can see myself

delicious homemade sponges, the door

London, but one day I would love to

banished once and for all when Anna

that opened onto the most cherished

buy back Rosemary Cottage, if it is ever

went travelling. ‘I found the anonymity

Christmases with family and friends and

possible, and keep it in the family.’ ■

really helpful,’ she explains. It was on

it was the door to our home, with which

her travels that Anna had the

I hold so much affection.’

The debilitating stage fright was

opportunity to perform on stage and at

In the back garden there was a small

last felt comfortable doing so. She is still

courtyard full of lush green plants, a

something of a globetrotter and declares

grapevine and a mini pond. Within

how she wants to see, ‘as much of this

those walls the family celebrated Anna’s

amazing planet as I can’.

18th birthday and her mum’s 50th

Anna’s parents, a fashion designer and 1 20

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birthday.

FIND OUT MORE Anna Pancaldi will be performing as part of the Colchester Free Festival on August 29. For more details about Anna and her music, visit www.annapancaldi.com


ANNA PANCALDI

www.essexlifemag.co.uk

1 21


ESSEX DURING WORLD WAR II

How World War II CHANGED ESSEX Essex historian Paul Rusiecki highlights some of the striking themes to emerge from his new book, Under Fire: Essex and the Second World War, as he reveals how the war changed our county forever

I

N SPITE of flirtations with

unity stemmed from the experience

physical changes too such as bomb

defeatism and a huge growth

of sacrifice in the face of enemy

destruction (especially in

in criminal activity, often

action. Virtually every town, village

metropolitan Essex), a fortified

related to the black market,

and hamlet experienced at least one

coastline, deep anti-invasion

Essex was a largely united

‘incident’. Indeed for the vast

trenches, pillboxes and a countryside

county during World War II, pulling

majority of people in Essex, whether

pock-marked with bomb craters.

together with common purposes

it was the Blitz, V-1 and V-2 rockets,

— the retention of its freedom, to

conscription for both men and

ordinary people led to a move to the Left

build a fairer world and to bring

women or rationing, it was

politically. Many felt that Conservative

Hitler and his allies crashing down. It

impossible to avoid becoming part of

governments, having tolerated in the past

was an early form of the idea that

the total war effort.

mass unemployment, slums, inferior

‘we’re all in this together’ and this 1 22

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The county experienced extensive

The great wartime effort endured by

quality schooling and a divisive medical


ESSEX DURING WORLD WAR II at Maldon, where Tom Driberg, a crusading and charismatic left-wing journalist, stood as an independent candidate and sensationally overturned a Tory majority of 8,000 into a victory by 6,000 votes. Following the death in action of Chelmsford’s Conservative MP, the new Tory candidate was defeated by a serving RAF officer of the left-wing Commonwealth Party. This feeling that change was needed culminated in the

Essex were evacuated into more rual

emphatic Labour Party victory in the 1945

Essex. When raids failed to occur during

General Election. In Essex, the Labour

the Phoney War, many evacuees

Party won 21 of the 26 seats, leaving the

returned home. For instance, by May

Conservatives with only three MPs.

1940, nine months after their arrival, of

As in the Great War, women took over

the 2,500 sent to Chelmsford just 600

some traditional male roles in transport,

remained. However, when the Blitz

the postal service, farming and war

began, evacuees reappeared and there

factories. Many women joined the

were 34,000 back in Essex by the end of

women’s services and they were fully

1940. Change was bound to stem from

engaged in Civil Defence as air raid

the social interaction of evacuees and

wardens, ambulance drivers, transport

natives. Evacuees from metropolitan

and first aid. The war led to a relaxation

Essex often had their eyes opened to the

of rules about married women in

benefits of rural living, however

teaching, the introduction (after a long

primitive it may have seemed, and

male resistance in Essex) of the Women’s Auxiliary Police service and the provision of childcare facilities in

country dwellers

Women took over traditional male roles in transport, farming and war factories

were confronted with the depth of deprivation and poverty which existed in urban areas.

areas with factories to allow mothers to do vital war work.

It would be foolish to claim that World

This only occurred in Chelmsford after

War II produced a great transformation in

the borough council resisted such a step,

British or Essex society. The wartime

alleging that as a mother’s place was in

sense of unity evaporated fairly quickly

the home, state-run nurseries would lead

after victory and old pre-war antagonisms

to the breakdown of family life.

re-surfaced. These focussed on the

The county experienced foreign

Labour government’s attempt to create a

invasion in the shape of Allied

fairer society, which clashed with the

servicemen, first from the Empire and

efforts of some Conservatives to turn the

service, could not be trusted to build a

then from the USA. By 1943 there were 18

clock back to 1939.

more equitable post-war Essex. These

American airfields in Essex, as part of the

feelings paved the way for the post-war

Eighth Air Force, or the Mighty Eighth.

a new conflict stemming from the old

welfare state and the NHS. The

Prior to D-Day there were about 46,000

one, the Cold War, which was to exercise

destruction by the Luftwaffe of tens of

American service personnel in the

a powerful but rarely positive influence

thousands of houses made a post-war

county. Towns like Colchester,

on the way that Essex people regarded

housing programme a vital necessity,

Chelmsford and Braintree were the focus

their county and their world. ■

although for many years it also

for a terrific influx of American

contributed to an acute housing shortage.

servicemen on leave. They filled hotels,

Get the book

packed cinemas and drank pubs dry. With

Under Fire: Essex and the Second World

Symptomatic of this move to the left

Over and above this was the spectre of

were the Maldon and Chelmsford

their glamorous image and big pay-

War, 1939–1945 is by

wartime by-elections. A growing

packets compared with the hard-up

Paul Rusiecki and

dissatisfaction with military defeats,

Tommy, they were always popular with

published by Essex

retreats and disasters between 1939 and

English women.

Publications, an imprint

1942 led people to feel that the Churchill

When war began, fear of German air

of University of

government was struggling to win the

raids meant that some 124,000 evacuees

Hertfordshire Press.

war. This disaffection was demonstrated

from East London and metropolitan

ISBN: 978-1-909291-28-7 www.essexlifemag.co.uk

1 23


ESSEX FOOTBALL

LEAGUES OF THEIR OWN

The Beautiful Game has travelled across the world, but here in Essex, football as strong roots as you will find anywhere. Stephen Roberts looks at the strength of the game in Essex up and down the leagues 1 24

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ESSEX FOOTBALL

E

SSEX football fans have

walls of Colchester Castle if there was an

northern Thames Estuary, Southend is a

watched their teams work

upset, so he maybe wasn’t counting on his

club founded in a pub (the Blue Boar in

their way up and down

climbing skills being tested.

1906), rather aptly for representatives of

the leagues for generations and the

While this stand out moment remains Colchester’s greatest day, achieving a

the working man’s game. That was it for Football League

grassroots of football in Essex have

highest league finish in 2007 (above

representation by Essex clubs at one time,

produced some of England’s most

regional rivals of Ipswich and Norwich)

but nowadays there is the past-master of

famous players. But perhaps the most

and moving to a new ground in 2008 will

amalgamations, Dagenham & Redbridge

famous moment in football history for

also resonate with fans as an historic

(The Daggers) who officially date from

an Essex team belongs to Colchester.

highlight. For a club with a crest featuring a

1992, but have swallowed once famous

Roman eagle, Colchester United has had its

amateur sides along the way (including

of an FA Cup earthquake when the

misfortune too. Weather the Romans

Leytonstone, Ilford and Walthamstow

mid-table 4th Division minnows of

would have detested have caused

Avenue). The modern side’s claim to fame

Colchester, with a team described as

difficulties with gale-force winds almost

is that it featured in the then world record

ageing pros and journeymen, disposed of

destroying the Layer Road End in 1938 and

penalty shoot-out, when Leyton Orient

the mightiest team in the land in 1971,

the old ground’s highest crowd (more than

were despatched 14-13 after 28 spot-kicks.

Don Revie’s metronomic Leeds United.

19,000) going home disappointed a decade

I pity the poor lad who missed.

Colchester United were at the epicentre

Such a shock was it that it was described by Geoffrey Green in The Times thus, ‘Miracles are rare and must be

later when thick fog came sweeping in and forced a match to be abondoned. The county’s other long-established

But football in Essex is about so much more than the League teams, that Pantheon of 92 clubs which have

savoured: this one in particular will have

Football League side is Southend, a

traditionally ruled the roost as the

its place in memory. Great-grandchildren

peripatetic club of five grounds, whose

professional teams. In fact, far more

will hear tell of it.’

Roots Hall (1955) was built on the site of a

football is played outside of this august

sand quarry, council landfill and gas

body. Take Braintree, one of the county’s

Colchester gaffer, had promised man-

board premises. It was the Football

most senior clubs in what is often

marking so tight, his players would

League’s newest ground until 1988.

depreciatingly termed, Non-League

accompany their much-vaunted opponents

Nicknamed The Shrimpers after the

football. Interesting tales abound here

to the loo. He also pledged to scale the

decapod crustaceans fished in the

too. Dating from 1898, Braintree FC

Dick Graham, the charismatic crew-cut

The Carling Stand at Dagenham & Redbridge (David Ingham, October 2008)

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1 25


ESSEX FOOTBALL

Brightlingsea are named Essex & Suffolk Border Football League champions 2010-11 Fathers came from the town.

are known as ‘The Iron’, referring to the

and bought a quantity of ‘fine fish’. Pepys

works team of the Crittall Window

did well and so did Grays when they won

Company from which they hailed. It

the FA Trophy (the FA Cup of Non-League

low-lying, a few feet below sea-level,

wasn’t until 1981 that the Crittall

football) in successive years (2005 and

which explains how the club’s early

connection was finally extinguished.

2006), but sadly not at Wembly due to the

records were destroyed in a major flood

ground’s redevelopment at the time.

in 1953. The Gulls only date to 1926, but

Chelmsford City got rather ahead of themselves, dubbing the club ‘City’ from

Only two sides have won the FA Vase

Canvey Island’s Park Lane ground is

football has been played on the island

1938, although the settlement didn’t

(the FA Trophy’s junior partner) three

since Victorian times, while some of its

achieve city status until 2012. No-one

times and one is Billericay Town. When

more recent exponents of the game have

seemed too bothered, however. It was all

Dougie Young claimed a hat-trick in the

appeared in World Cup Qualifying

very quaint, with a football club

1979 final, he was the first player to score

matches for Dominica and Guyana. The

established by the Lawn Tennis & Croquet

a hat-trick at Wembley since a certain

world is small these days, even on

Club, giving members something to do in

Geoff Hurst in 1966. Formed in 1880,

Canvey. The club was another from Essex

the winter. The old ground (New Writtle

Billericay has an image of The Mayflower

to suffer the, ‘what, no Wembley?’

Street) saw some life, being a barrage

in its club badge as some of the Pilgrim

disappointment when they won the FA

balloon site in World War II, then witnessing greyhound racing briefly after the war. One of The Clarets most famous former players was top English goalscorer Jimmy Greaves, who pitched up there for the 1976-77 season. If Chelmsford claimed to be a city, Concord Rangers, nicknamed The Beach Boys, took a different geographical entity, naming itself after nearby Concord Beach on Canvey Island, apparently becoming the only English team named after a beach. Grays Athletic are known as The Gravelmen, not the name of a pop-group, but a reference to three Victorian chalk quarries hereabouts. Samuel Pepys recorded in his diary when he visited Grays back in September 1665, that it was a calm morning when he took a wherry 1 26

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ESSEX FOOTBALL Trophy in 2001. One of the wackier nicknames is that of

(founded in 1879) had eccentrically chosen their side by committee for their

AFC Hornchurch, The Urchins, which is

first 77 years, but had a manager picking

presumably derived from ‘church’. The

the 11 by the time Uruguay visited in 1966

current side dates from 2005 after its

for a World Cup warm-up. The South

predecessor, Hornchurch FC, closed

Americans won 6-1, but were less

down. The original club dated back to

effective when the serious stuff started.

1923 when a team was formed as Upminster Wanderers. We’ve had grounds that flood and ones

The Essex car industry also made an impact on the local world of football. Redbridge FC originated from two motor

named after beaches, but is there

companies, Ford Sports (Dagenham) and

anything weirder than Heybridge Swift’s

Briggs Sports (previously Briggs Motor

Scraley Road, landscaped out of a former

Bodies), both founded in 1934, merging

carrot field in the mid-1960s? There is

into Ford United in 1959. The club

plenty of history for a club dating back to

renamed itself Redbridge in 2004, but

1880, yet, ironically, Swift’s greatest claim

retains vehicle roots with its nickname of

to fame may be that reality TV star Mark

The Motormen.

Wright of The Only Way is Essex, played twice for them in 2011.

LEAGUE STANDINGS FOR ESSEX TEAMS FOR THE 2015/16 SEASON League 1 Southend United Colchester United League 2 Dagenham & Redbridge Conference Premier Braintree Town Conference South Chelmsford City Concord Rangers Ryman Premier Grays Athletic Billericay Town Canvey Island East Thurrock

Brentwood Ryman North AFC Hornchurch Heybridge Swifts Thurrock Aveley Tilbury Maldon & Tiptree Harlow Town Redbridge Romford Waltham Abbey Brightlingsea Regent Great Wakering Witham Town

Does any club in Essex have a more fascinating history than Romford? The original club dates back to 1876, with a

soldiers demobbed after World War 1 who

rousing oration at the time of the licking

second incarnation in 1929, before today’s

were finding employment in local

of the Armada is home to a football club

presence established in 1992. Formed

brickfields. Its Burroughs Park ground was

dating back not quite as far, but at least to

back in the mists of time in halcyon

constructed on the site of 104 disused

1895. Appropriately nicknamed The

amateur days, the side was good enough

allotments in 1985 and named after a local

Dockers, Tilbury moved to Chadfields, a

to reach an FA Cup quarter-final in 1881

farmer and former player. I wonder whether

former greyhound racing venue, after

(although they lost 0-15). The later

any really old spuds pop up occasionally.

World War II. A more recent brush with

amateur side did well too, reaching the FA

fame came in 1978 when the club reached

Amateur Cup final of 1949 at Wembley,

football can be, we should finish with

the Third Round of the FA Cup, losing to

when a crowd of 100,000 (yes, 100,000)

Witham Town. Formed in 1876,

Stoke. Stoke’s players were undoubtedly

saw them lose to Bromley. Romford

disbanded in 1914 due to World War I

motivated by their boss’s programme

would fold in 1978 though, and this a club

breaking out, reformed in 1918, then

notes, relating his sorry attempt to spy on

that played home matches at no fewer

disbanded again due to World War II.

Tilbury at a preceding home game. He got

than 17 grounds over the years. Perhaps

After its second reformation the club

lost trying to find their ground and made

Danny Benstock deserves a mention too,

played initially on a cow pasture with a

it quite clear he didn’t want to return for a

a player who scored a goal in 11 seconds

barn acting as changing rooms. I’m sure

cup replay. Stoke won 4-0 and their

in August 1995. Blink and you missed it.

when Olly Murs played for them, he

Tilbury, the scene of Elizabeth I’s

manager put his A-Z away. The Jammers is one of the excellent

To show just how quaint grass roots

Waltham Abbey, reputedly the burial

expected slightly better facilities, even

place of King Harold, has a football team

though he hadn’t yet been ‘X-Factored’.

nicknames adopted by Maldon &

appropriately dubbed The Abbots which

Tiptree, who amalgamated in 2010.

formed in 1944. When mighty

resides the whole otherworld story of the

While they may play in Maldon, the jam

Manchester City moved from Maine Road

Essex Senior League. The crowds get

connection is firmly Tiptree,

to the Etihad, some of their old Maine

smaller, scores get bigger and tales

commemorating an internationally-

Road seating headed for Waltham Abbey’s

continue to proliferate. But as the new

recognised brand of preserves

modest ground.

football season kicks off, it is time to

manufactured in the village by Wilkin &

Great Wakering’s club was formed by

There is more, of course. Below this

catch the action for real. ■

Sons, a family business dating to 1885. Gary Lineker, household name, legendary goal-poacher and TV presenter, is not usually shy about recalling games he played in, except perhaps for one that took place at the Sportcentre, Harlow in January 1980. OK, so he was young at the time and anonymous on the night, but Harlow claimed quite a scalp, Leicester City and Lineker to boot, in front of a bewildered crowd of over 9,700. Leicester would have drawn no comfort from the fact they had been bettered at England’s first ever sports centre team. Harlow www.essexlifemag.co.uk

1 27


ESSEX HISTORY

Stepping back through history…

The Bentall family of Heybridge Underpinning the Industrial Revolution was an evolution in agricultural machinery and the innovations of The Bentall family from Heybridge played a key role in the developments of the industry. Hannah Salisbury from the Essex Record Office shares more of their story

E

H BENTALL & CO of Heybridge was a wellknown agricultural engineering firm, which

Britain but to the overseas Colonies. Edward Bentall patented new designs including an improved

exported products all over the world. A family

version of the Goldhanger plough and the Broad Share Cultivator

firm handed down from father to son, it had

which won a gold medal at the Great Exhibition of 1851, and

its roots in the late 1700s and continued work

three first prizes at the Royal Agricultural Society Show in 1859.

into the 1980s.

Its reputation spread and orders came in from all over the world.

Improvements in agricultural methods and equipment were

Edward Bentall’s spirit of inventiveness was also evident in

hot topics in the 18th and 19th centuries. More efficient farming

the house that he designed for his family in Heybridge in 1873.

meant more food could be produced to support a bigger

The Towers was a large Italianate building which pioneered

population. Greater efficiency and mechanisation also meant

concrete block construction and which was heated by hot-air

that fewer people would be needed to work on the land, and

ducts rather than fireplaces (although some were added for

would be freed up for other occupations. This agricultural

decoration). The house was designed to accommodate his

revolution was the underpinning for the industrial revolution

hobbies of astronomy, natural history, botany and spiritualism.

and the Bentall company played an important part in designing

Bentall was also a keen yachtsman and experimented with yacht

and supplying innovative farming equipment.

design. He built the Jullanar in Heybridge Basin which set the

The firm began with William Bentall (1779-1836), a farmer who lived in Goldhanger. He designed a new kind of plough for use

fashion of racing yacht design for years to come. Edward’s son, Edmund Ernest Bentall (1855-1945), began to take

on his own farm, which he Christened the Goldhanger plough. It

over the business in 1889. During his time in charge, the company

was so effective he equipped his whole farm with them, and

began to experiment with the internal combustion engine and the

soon other local farmers wanted them too. Initially the ploughs

Bentall design engine became an important part of the factory’s

would probably have been made by the local blacksmith, but as

output. It was one of the cheapest petrol engines on the market

word spread and demand grew Bentall set up a small foundry of

with low fuel consumption and designed for ease of repair.

his own on his farm. In 1795 he decided to give up farming and focus full-time on agricultural engineering. In 1805 he moved the business 3 miles to Heybridge, on a site

Edmund was a keen motorist and was the first man to own and drive a car in Maldon. He also designed a car including a Bentall engine and about 100 of them were made, although they

adjacent to the recently-opened Chelmer and Blackwater

were not a commercial success. By the time they were launched,

Navigation. Demand for agricultural equipment was high, as the

technology had already left them behind and car manufacture at

Napoleonic Wars limited the amount of food being imported from

Heybridge was discontinued. Just one of the cars still survives.

overseas and more land was pressed into agricultural service. The

It was not, however, a wasted experience and the lessons

business grew and grew, expanding from ploughs into other kinds

learned shaped improvements to the Bentall engine, resulting in

of agricultural equipment, and Bentall became a wealthy man.

the first horizontal petrol engine to be produced in Britain. It

William’s son, Edward Hammond Bentall (1814-1898), shared

also began Bentall’s manufacture of valves, which from 1904

his father’s inventiveness and aptitude for engineering and took

was an important part of their output, as the factory produced

over the company in 1836 aged 22. The business underwent

more than a million of them a year.

rapid expansion under his leadership and in 1839 he established it as EH Bentall & Co. Sales expanded not only throughout 1 28

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During World War I, part of the works was given over to the production of shell cases, and with the addition of women to the


ESSEX HISTORY workforce many millions were made. Likewise, during World War II, part of the factory was engaged in wartime production, producing parts for aircraft. They continued, however, to produce agricultural machinery, which was much in demand due to the difficulty of importing food. Bentall’s was an important part of local life in Heybridge for over 150 years, employing hundreds of people. The business continued to operate through the 20th century, but closed down in the 1980s, after nearly 200 years of innovation.

ERO events Tuesday, September 1, 10.30am Essex History Group: William Pynchon — from Springfield in Essex to Springfield, Massachusetts

Above Bentall’s warehouse on the banks of the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation

A talk from David Powers for the Essex History Group. Entry is £1 including a cup of tea or coffee. There is no need to book. Thursday, September 3, 10am to 3.30pm First World War Ancestors Helpdesk: Great Baddow Library Throughout 2015 and early 2016, ERO’s Essex at War display will be touring various Essex Libraries. In addition, ERO staff will also be available at selected libraries for First World War Ancestors Helpdesks. These is an opportunity to seek advice on how to trace the stories of your World War I ancestors or names on your local war memorial. Entry is free so just drop in at Great Baddow Library, 27 High Street, Great Baddow, Chelmsford CM2 7HH Saturday, September 12, 10am to 4pm Heritage Open Day: Explore the Essex Record Office The Essex Record Office’s collections cover 1,000 years of our county’s past. Come and see some of the treasures of the ERO and

Above One of the cars manufactured by Bentall’s in the early years of the 20th century

find out how staff look after this wonderful and unique collection, as well as how you can access it for yourself. Tours of the Searchroom will be taking place at 10am, 11am, noon, 2pm and 3pm. Tours are free, but places are limited, so please book in advance to ensure a place. Tuesday evenings from September 15, 6pm to 8pm

Left Photograph of Edward Hammond Bentall

Introduction to Bookbinding This four-week course in the Conservation Studio at ERO will introduce you to the world of bookbinding. Learn how to make your own books from scratch starting with a simple pamphlet style binding working up to a sewn hardback book using traditional methods. Tickets are £100 per person (including all equipment and materials). Please book in advance on 033301 32500

TRACE YOUR HISTORY Each month the Essex Record Office helps Essex Life trace the history of a particular aspect of county life. For more information about the Essex Record Office, call 01245 244644. Leaflets explaining how to begin to research your family or house history are available free of charge on receipt of a SAE. Write to: Essex Record Office, Wharf Road, Chelmsford CM2 6YT.

Above An illustration from one of Bentall’s early catalogues showing a piece of farming equipment in use www.essexlifemag.co.uk

1 29


GENERATION SUCCESS

GENERATION SUCCESS There are no age barriers when it comes to making a difference in Essex. Here Holly Eells meets just a handful of our county heroes living their lives to the full at various stages of life

The Young Guns

Alex Lynn

T

HERE’S a new generation

‘I have been planning my own business

like because many people don’t like too

of ambitious youngsters

for more than a year-and-a-half with the

much change. We are just trying to

that are planning to bring

help of my twin brother, Alex, and

educate people with a healthier approach

success to Essex and

partner, Tom O’Hanlon,’ says John. ‘The

to eating and slowly break them in.’

prove it is never too early

Healthy Chef is a clean-living restaurant,

to pursue your dreams, whatever they

focusing on healthy eating and diet plans

business-focused mindset. John’s career

may be.

It is evident that John has always had a

which can cater for any needs. We

began when he was only 11 years old and

Colchester-born John Hoggett is one of

understand it is hard when you are trying

has combined his passion for nutrition

those sparking high hopes for his future.

to follow a clean-living plan or you are on

with a knack for making money from a

Launching his first business at 21, The

a diet and you are surrounded by the

young age. ‘My first job was as a paper

Healthy Chef in Upminster, less than two

temptation of bad food when you leave

boy, where I had to lie about my age as I

months ago, John already has big ideas

the house. However, this is where we can

was too young. Before long, I was doing

for the years ahead.

help. We want to offer people what they

six paper rounds before school. A couple

1 30

www.essexlifemag.co.uk


John Hoggett of years later I was working three jobs,

continues to set challenges for herself. ‘In

sometimes all in one day. I just wanted to

every opportunity which has arisen I have

be the richest person for my age.’

accomplished something because I have

reputation for producing great sportsmen,

finished in the top 10.’ Ben truly believes Essex has a good

given it a go. I’m currently having

including those in motorsport. He adds:

success doesn’t happen overnight and it’s

motorbike lessons, which is something

‘In owner-driver karting, a lot of the

key to have a good group of people

very different to the beauty competitions.

drivers at the top of the field are from

behind you to make the business work.

I truly believe everyone is responsible for

Essex and the results speak for

He says: ‘My vision is that if you believe,

their own limitations.’

themselves. I plan to continue racing in

Nevertheless, John recognises that

you can achieve it. I am lucky to have a

The pageant winner goes on to explain

supportive team working alongside me,

that even though this is a massive

which is vital if you want to expand.’

opportunity for her, she still has other

cars at the most competitive level I can for the foreseeable future.’ Another racing star, 21-year-old Alex

aims. ‘I have never had someone to look

Lynn, is a British driver currently

the bigger the risk you take in business,

up to when I was growing up, but I have

competing in the GP2 Series, the well-

the bigger the thrill. ‘I have lived in

always wanted to be a role model for

known feeder series to Formula One. With

Upminster all of my life and I feel I know

others,’ she says.

The young Essex entrepreneur believes

the clientele well. It is a great area to grow

Another ambitious

up in, but it is one of the hardest areas in

young star in the

the county to crack. If we can succeed

making is 17-year-

here, we can make it anywhere.’

old racing driver Ben

Another star in the Essex spotlight for

Green from Waltham

I only started applying for pageants this year and it feels amazing to have won titles already

his biggest ambition being to be a Formula 1 world champion, he is certainly heading in the right direction.

2015 is 25-year-old Charlotte Hamilton-

Abbey. With Lewis

Macy, an administrator in Witham who is

Hamilton and Jenson Button as his

Macau GP was my biggest achievement to

also an equestrian enthusiast and a

motor-racing inspirations, he has set his

date. It’s the highest status race in the

dancer. Staggeringly, she has even found

sights on having a successful sports

junior calendar and the win definitely set

time to win a variety of pageant titles this

career. ‘I started kart racing when I was

me on the path I’m on today,’ Alex says.

year including Miss Earth Essex. She will

13-years-old, progressed through different

soon be representing the region against

classes of karts and now I am focussed on

French team DAMS, Alex is halfway

100 other candidates at the Miss England

racing cars. This year I am racing a

through the season and at the moment he

final, each hoping for the chance to go

lightweight sports car, a Ginetta G40,

is fifth in the championship. ‘That’s pretty

abroad to compete internationally.

capable of going up to 120mph.’

good for a rookie,’ Alex adds.

Animal lover Charlotte, who lives in

One of Ben’s biggest highlights in his

‘Winning the

Currently racing in the GP2 Series with

Growing up in Great Dunmow always

Layer de la Haye near Colchester, explains

motor-racing career to date was

brings back good memories for Alex

how pageantry had never been something

qualifying with his team for an

and the county has proven to be a real

that initially appealed to her. ‘I am only

international world final, at the

inspiration for him. He explains: ‘Essex

5’3 and naturally quite curvy, but I do

prestigious Le Mans circuit in France. Ben

always feels like home and it is good to

look after myself. I only started applying

explains: ‘It was a team-based, 12-hour

see all my friends and family after

for pageants this year and it feels amazing

night race event and we came 26th out of

being away for long periods of time

to have won a couple of titles already!’

40 teams from around the world. At one

racing. I think the county is home to

point we were 7th for part of the race, but

some very ambitious and focused

doors for Charlotte, including a number

unfortunately we had mechanical

people and that’s something I’m proud

of modelling contracts, but she still

problems. No British team has ever

to be associated with.’ ➤

Pageantry has opened a variety of

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1 31


GENERATION SUCCESS

Middle-Life Marvels

which lobbies for the ethical treatment of animals. Its overall goal is to give animals a voice and express that animals are not ours to use or abuse in any way. Winning such a prestigious title has given Anna the opportunity to project her compassion further. She explains: ‘Winning the competition is still sinking in, but the best part is being able to use this platform to spread the word about veganism and how to speak up for animals. I would also love to open a funky, vegan snack bar in Essex one day.’ Unsung hero, Fiona Oakes, is a vegan marathon runner who has made impressive achievements over the years,

Fiona Oakes

I

despite a busy work schedule. At 46, she has numerous work commitments including being a retained firefighter,

T ISN’T just the new kids on

years ago owing to her love of animals.

competing as a marathon runner and

the block that are causing a stir

She says: ‘For me, it was all about making

doing long shifts at her animal sanctuary

in our bustling county, with

the connection and then everything fell

in between Tillingham and Southminster.

more experienced characters

into place. Animals are voiceless

It is there that she cares almost single-

making their mark too.

creatures and, as humans, we should

handedly for more than 400 animals

speak for them. Switching to a

including sheep, dogs, pigs and horses.

Anna Solaiman, was recently crowned

compassionate, vegan lifestyle feels like a

When asked how she manages to allocate

PETA’S UK Sexiest Vegan Female 2015.

massive weight has been lifted off my

her time, she says it’s simple. ‘I get up at

Born and bred in Ilford, the make-up

shoulders.’

3.30am and work steadily through the day

Another proud Essex award-winner,

artist became a vegan more than two 1 32

www.essexlifemag.co.uk

PETA is a charity-based organisation

until everything is done. The animals


GENERATION SUCCESS always take precedence over the running,

next year I plan to complete the 4

so my time for training is very limited and

Deserts Grand Slam, which is a seven-

I have to grab every opportunity when it

day ultra marathon (around 160 miles

arises.’ Fiona runs around nine times a

each week) in the four main deserts

week and she is often asked where she

— the Sahara, Atacama, Gobi and

finds the motivation and time to keep

Antarctica. People who have achieved

going. She responds: ‘It is all down to my

this in the same year are very few and

lack of time and as I know time is short, I

far between.’

can’t talk myself out of it. Also, I honestly think that if you are dedicated to the task and believe 100% in what you are doing, the rest is simple.’ Fiona has

After studying for her music degree in Essex,

‘If you are dedicated to the task and believe 100% in what you are doing, the rest is simple’

completed some

Worcestershire-born Sandra Coulton has never looked back. As a successful and acclaimed choir director, she has

momentous triumphs in running, which

created multiple choirs on a community

seems all the more impressive given her

basis for high profile clients both in the

incredibly full lifestyle. She says:

UK and also worldwide. Sandra co-

‘Travelling around the world and seeing

ordinates and organises tours, including

so much poverty and hardship really does

hiring touring companies to arrange

make you very aware of how lucky you

concert dates, venues, accommodations

actually are and how easy it is to take

and promotional activities.

everything for granted. One of the biggest

The 40-year-old musical director

Sandra Coulton recording of albums.’ After 13 years in education

lessons came when I ran the Marathon

founded her award-winning Funky Voices

institutions, Sandra decided to follow a

des Sables in the Sahara Desert for the

in 2007. It aims principally to meet a real

more intense choir-focused path. Under

first time.’

need in the community for something

her guidance, many choirs and groups

fresh and new: a choir that sings modern

including Funky Voices have recorded

the toughest footrace in the world.

music and can be enjoyed by everyone,

and released multiple albums on

Competitors have a week of running in

with no audition or experience needed.

iTunes and Amazon. As well as

This marathon event is recognised as

some of the hardest and most hostile

Now Essex and Suffolk’s largest

television and radio appearances

terrain the desert has to offer. The

award-winning modern community choir

broadcasted worldwide, the group and

marathon hero explains: ‘It is really

welcomes all ages and abilities from all

creator have received many awards

tough because you have to complete a

walks of life. Sandra explains: ‘Funky

including Best Repertoire and

marathon each day, with one day

Voices sets itself apart from other

Conductor at the International Pop

actually being a double marathon. All

community choirs by offering singers a

Choir Festival in Berlin. It’s no wonder

your supplies are on your back in your

multitude of varied experiences. These

that this year, Sandra has been invited

rucksack for the entire week (weighing

range from once-in-a-lifetime

to Buckingham Palace to Her Majesty

around 11 kg). Breaking my world record

performance opportunities to chances to

The Queen’s Garden Party in lieu of her

again is a goal for this year and then

travel the world and take part in the

musical services. ➤

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1 33


GENERATION SUCCESS

Golden Oldies

Marks Hall

A

GE is really just a number and we could all learn a thing or two from these intrepid achievers who prove

you’re never too old to do great things. Long-standing local legend Michael Dedman has lived in Southend borough for all of his 67 years. Working as a partner in his brother’s estate agency firm, he is now semi-retired and running the short-term lettings department. Also a proud garden devotee, his keen green-fingered interests have contributed significantly to raising thousands of pounds for a variety of charities across the region. Michael explains: ‘I have always had an interest in charity work and during my retirement I realised our one-acre garden had potential for bigger things. My wife

Michael Dedman and his Southend garden

and I have always been keen gardeners ever since we started living here more

NGS has donated more than £45 million

than 33 years ago and it has a natural

to its beneficiary charities, of which

18 friends who contribute to charity

tendency to be a beautiful garden.’

nearly £23 million has been donated

events and help out in the garden, which

within the last ten years. Its

has continued to cause great interest in

interest in his garden so he approached

commitment to nursing and caring

the area. Michael explains: ‘The British

the National Garden Scheme (NGS) to

remains constant, and the charity

people do like to get involved in

become involved. Since its founding, the

continues to grow and flourish.

charitable work. The membership of the

Ten years ago Michael took more of an

134

www.essexlifemag.co.uk

Michael and his wife have the help of


GENERATION SUCCESS Essex NGS has increased and it has made

teenagers and young people with cancer.

around £115,000 each year during the last

‘As soon as we knew the seriousness of

arboretum and gardens. Marks Hall goes from strength to

few years alone, which is very impressive.

Tom’s condition, I used my contacts to

strength, but to maintain and enhance

Our garden openings have grown too, so

get a big charity dinner ball together and

this unique and special place is a serious

we have help with preparing cakes and

it grew from there. Within a year, when

challenge for everyone involved. The

refreshments, and selling and organising

Tom was around, we all worked together

funds required to develop and maintain

plants. At one of our events this year we

to raise more than £180,000 for Teenage

an arboretum of this quality are

made around £5,000 and we also opened

Cancer Trust. Tom’s family are really

considerable and it needs the support of

a couple of weeks ago and attracted more

great people and it is incredible what they

the public to do this. The aim of the

than 530 visitors.’

have done. I am pleased to be a trustee

trustees is to provide more and better

for it,’ says John.

facilities for Marks Hall’s visitors. Despite

Some might say Michael is also a true ambassador for Southend, with an

He adds: ‘We are always trying to raise

the fact that Marks Hall is a national

immense passion

funds to help find

asset, it receives no government funding

to see his town

ways to work with

and is totally reliant on its own resources.

flourish. He says: ‘In my lifetime, I would like to see Southend become more of a place for

Although a national asset, Marks Hall receives no government funds and is reliant on its own resources

people to enjoy.

cancer research for

Graeme adds: ‘My fellow trustees and I

young people. We

are passionate about pursuing the success

need to raise more

of Marks Hall, its capacity to educate and

than £170,000 a year

its ability to inform, to amuse and to

for technicians to

afford outdoor enjoyment. Anyone within

work on specific

striking distance of Marks Hall should be

There is so much here: great education,

cancers. We also have great news to be

a regular visitor and every season of the

good lifestyle and generally a well-

released soon.’

year brings a new experience. Marks Hall is a jewel in the Essex crown, a county

balanced town, but I think for most it’s a

Celebrating his 70th birthday this

very good place to live. I have lived here

year, Graeme Fraser Steele has always

which has a huge amount to offer.

all of my life and there are many great

had a passion for architecture.

Certainly it is diverse with its proximity to

places in Essex, but in my opinion

Practicing law for his entire working life,

London, its industrial areas as well as the

Southend has got it all.’

he is also the chairman of trustees at

density of its population, but it is an

Marks Hall in Coggeshall.

enormous county with vast areas of

John Schultz is a man who has contributed much to Essex. He is

Moving to the area with his wife a

agricultural land, beautiful villages,

currently a consultant at Colchester-

couple of decades ago was when Graeme

undulating countryside, fascinating

based Readers Offers Limited, he is a

took an interest in this field, in particular

coastline and the benefit of some of the

former chairman for Colchester United FC

timber-framed and vernacular buildings

best weather available. I have found it a

and he is also well known for his work

which abound in this part of the county.

wonderful area in which to live and work,

with local charities.

With a growing family, he took the

and I am delighted to have made even a

opportunity to pursue his interest and

small contribution to its wellbeing.’ ■

John explains: ‘Seven years ago I was introduced to the UK’s largest

became the National Trust tenant at

independent travel agency, Readers

Paycockes in West Street, where he stayed

Offers Limited, which is now celebrating

for five years.

20 years in business, and I am pleased to be involved with them.’ At 67 years old, John is a happily

Graeme explains further: ‘It is a wonderful house and it was an amazing experience. While living at Paycockes I

married, family man, who commits his

became involved with The Coggeshall

time to a number of charities in Essex

Society and, in due course, the Coggeshall

and across the UK. This includes being a

Grange Barn Trust.’

trustee for the Tom Bowdidge

Graeme became a trustee of Marks Hall

Foundation and the men’s health

Estate in 2007 and was appointed

charity, CHAPS.

chairman of trustees in 2010. He says: ‘I

The Tom Bowdidge Foundation is a

have known Marks Hall since the 1960s

charitable foundation founded early last

when it was all but derelict, having

year and launched by Tom’s parents,

suffered the ravages of World War II and

Richard and Nikki, on the anniversary of

fallen into disrepair. I am honoured to be

Tom’s 20th birthday. Tom died of a

following in the footsteps of the first

desmoplastic small round cell tumour

trustees appointed in 1971.’

and extensive peritoneal disease in

The task confronting everyone involved

October 2013, at the age of 19. The

was enormous and only their foresight,

foundation has its headquarters in

the subsequent dedication to their

Colchester and its goal is to raise funds to

successors and the permanent staff on

support research projects and to provide

the estate has enabled Marks Hall to

physical and emotional support to

become a nationally-significant

John Schultz with fellow trustees of The Tom Bowdidge Foundation

www.essexlifemag.co.uk

1 35


PRESENTS

TRIBUTE NIGHTS

Bank Holiday Monday Special

31st August Comedy Night An entertaining night of great comedy and music by Ian Richards and Johhny Mack

- Opening Times - Mon-Thurs 12-2.30pm & 5.30-11.30pm

Thursday 27th August Marshall King as Elvis Presley Thursday 29th October Gary Goodmaze as Freddie Mercury Check Our website for all our events during 2015

Fri & Sat 12-2.30pm & 5pm-Midnight Sun 12 noon to 11.30pm

01245 261 167 07983 521 981 info@indiannight.co.uk www.indiannight.co.uk London Rd, Widford, Chelmsford, Essex CM28TE


FOOD&DRINK

GourmetLife A feast of Essex food and restaurant news COMPILED BY SARAH DE SOUZA-INGLE

Oyster Creek Kitchen opens in Southend

promises to bring great food in a laid-back atmosphere to the seafront. Featuring brightly coloured walls and furniture, with a distinct nautical theme throughout, Oyster Creek Kitchen’s menu will offer diners the best locally-sourced ingredients with the emphasis firmly on seafood. Also, drawing on owner Antonia Waite’s Italian heritage, freshly-made pasta will feature, as will as gelati. ‘My family is well known for owning Tomassi’s on the High Street, but this is my

O

YSTER Creek Kitchen, a

first venture as a restaurateur in my own

stunning new restaurant

right,’ said Antonia. ‘I’m very excited about

located in an iconic former sun

Oyster Creek Kitchen as I’ve been involved

shelter on Southend seafront,

in every aspect of its creation; from

officially opened on Saturday, July 4. The

choosing the décor, finding a terrific chef

new, 100-cover restaurant and bar (65

and brigade for the kitchen, warm and

inside, 35 outside) is the result of a £500k

friendly personalities for the restaurant

regeneration of the distinctive, curved

and bar, plus of course, selecting the menu

building on Western Esplanade and

and what drinks we serve.’

Could you open a pop-up restaurant? ESSEX husband and

To boost their income in their first year

wife team, William and

of marriage, the entrepreneurial couple

Abigail Alldis, have

started running pop up restaurants from

spent their lives working

their cottage in Wivenhoe and they have

with food. A former chef

now written a book together on how you

and food critic, William

too can turn your passion for food into a

wooed his wife-to-be in

profit and run a restaurant or supper club

just five days through a

from your front room. The book is packed

meal of potted partridge

with everything amateur chefs need to

and pan fried pigeon,

know about delivering a pop-up

and the two launched a cookery blog

restaurant, including tips from the

together, The Shotgun Chef, just weeks

country’s leading pop-up restaurateurs.

after they had eloped to Scotland to get

For more details on the book, How to

married on a grouse moor, less than two

Run a Pop-Up Restaurant or Supper Club,

months after they’d met.

visit www.theshotgunchef.wordpress.com

New head chef at The Westleton Crown THE WESTLETON CROWN is pleased to

the prestigious Good Food Guide’s Pub of

announce the appointment of a new head

the Year 2015 award.

chef, James Finch. James is returning to

James commented: ‘I am very much

The Westleton Crown’s kitchen after four

looking forward to the challenge and

years away. James worked at The Crown

journey ahead with the team at The

for two years as sous chef prior to moving

Westleton Crown near Southwold in

to the popular Sibton White Horse, where

Suffolk. I am pleased to be carrying on my

he started his head chef career and won

work with suppliers and producers.’

Leading names in Essex food join forces to help children’s charity AN evening of expert breadmaking, hosted by two leading names in Essex food, has raised £208 for local children’s charity Wipe Away Those Tears. On June 30, The Cookery School at Braxted Park, teamed up with Marriages, Essex’s oldest flour millers, to host an evening of breadmaking demonstrations, tuition, tips and advice with the aim of getting the county baking and also to raise money for Wipe Away Those Tears. 20 people attended the event and saw Hannah Marriage, joined by expert baker Kelvin Ellam, demonstrate just how easy it is to make simple and nutritious bread using ingredients produced right here in the county. Following the demonstrations, guests were able to quiz the experts on tips and advice for making the perfect loaf.

Wine of the month Courtesy of The Wine Company 2014 Costières de Nîmes, Château Teulon, Rhône Valley, France For lovers of Rhône wines, here is a syrah/grenache blend with a real flavour of the region — ripe red and black berry fruits with an appealing meatiness and supple texture. There is an Essex connection too, as the Côtes-du-Rhône’s main city of Avignon is twinned with Colchester. It has all the classic Rhône flavours, like bramble fruit with a hint of spice, and is not too weighty, with an appealing roundness and smoothness, plus a bright, fresh finish. It is light enough to enjoy with chicken or duck, but with enough stuffing to partner any grilled red meats. It is priced at £8.49 per bottle. Visit Wheelers Wine Cellar, Birchwood Farm, Dedham CO7 6HX. Open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm, and Sunday, 10am till 4pm, or visit www.wheelerswine.co.uk

www.essexlifemag.co.uk

1 37


PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

The taste of the Countryside Discover fresh produce & a feast of delights at local farm shops and delicatessens

Carpenters Farm Shop Blackwells Farm Produce

The Bakehouse

Herons Farm, Colne Road, Coggeshall, Colchester, Essex, CO6 ITQ Tel: 01376 562500 www.blackwellsfarmproduce.co.uk

Cooksmill Green, (Next to the Fox & Goose), A414 Chelmsford www.thebakehouse.co.uk Tel: 01245 248245 Open Daily, 8AM – 4PM

Award-winning farm shop, stocking quality local meats seasonal fruit and vegetables.

The Bakehouse is a family run fully licenced café. Serving homemade scones, cakes, pastries, lasagne’s & also freshly prepared salads, sandwiches & bagels.

Ethically focused and competitively priced, we are open 7 days a week and you can also find us on our website, Facebook and Twitter where you can keep abreast of all comings and goings on and around the farm, as well as our special offers. With our Turkeys and Geese looking great for Christmas, it’s not too early to make any enquires or reservations.

Tuck into breakfast or enjoy a locally brewed ale in the walled courtyard. We pride ourselves in locally sourced ingredients & our freshly made produce available to eat in or takeaway. Afternoon Tea is available and must be booked in advance, for any party size. Whole Cakes can be ordered in advance for any special occasion!

St Mary’s Road, Aingers Green, Great Bentley, Colchester, Essex CO7 8NJ Shop: 01206 255365 | Holiday Let: 07796642755 | Café: 01206 251585 www.carpentersfarmshop.co.uk Like us on Facebook for offers & updates A working farm, modern farm shop and café (under new management and open daily), onsite fishing and a 4* holiday let in our beautiful converted barn (3 bed/sleeps 6). There’s, homegrown potatoes and ready picked strawberries, PYO fruit and asparagus in season, Fresh local vegetables, local juices and ales. Locally sourced fresh meat, cooked meat & pies, locally caught fish stall (every Wednesday morning). Vegetarian, dairy and gluten-free foods, local ice creams and Tiptree preserves are on offer. Plus a large selection of greetings cards, home wares, Tractor Ted gifts for children, hampers, shrubs, flowering plants & compost. Regular tastings. Ample parking. OPEN 7 DAYS

The Little Fish Company High Street, Kelvedon Essex CO6 9AG Tel: 01376 573535 At The Little Fish Company we pride ourselves on the quality of fish and seafood we supply to our customers, we source as much as possible from local fishermen as well as catching some of it ourselves. Much of the fish is prepared for delivery within 24 hours of capture, ensuring it is received by our customers in optimum condition. Fish that cannot be sourced locally is bought in from the major fish markets through-out the UK such as Peterhead in Scotland and Brixham in Devon. More exotic fish such as tuna, swordfish, shellfish etc are bought daily from Billingsgate fish market. We are a small independent company and feel it is very important to give our customers the quality and service they deserve. We prepare the fish to your requirements, whether it’s butterflied Mackerel or simple Salmon portions. Our Oysters are second to none, they are totally wild and picked daily from the shoreline at the mouth of the River Colne by the Point Clear Bay Oyster Company. We are the company’s chosen wholesaler.We also run The Little Fish Shop in Kelvedon, a very busy high street shop selling the same great produce to members of the public.

French’s Farm Organic Shop

Lathcoats Farm

Wigley Bush Lane, South Weald, Essex, CM14 5QP Tel: 01277 264317 www.frenchs-farm.co.uk

Beehive Lane, Galleywood Chelmsford Essex CM2 8LX Tel: 01245 353021 www.eapples.co.uk

AWARD WINNING ORGANIC FARM SHOP for totally traceable environmentally Friendly Farming Methods. Huge selection of barbecue meats including kebabs, steaks, sausages and burgers. Various marinades are available. We offer succulent and juicy West Mersea Saltmarsh lamb of the highest quality. Our succulent pork is bursting with flavour. We have our own smoke house on the premises to dry cure and smoke our bacons and gammon. Our chickens are organic free range. We also stock a range of home-made sausages, burgers and pies. Also available is organic salmon fresh from West Mersea. We strongly believe that we are better than our competitors when it comes to cost, quality and service.

Lathcoats Farm will be opening their doors for their annual Apple Day celebration on Saturday October 17th. Visitors will have the opportunity to taste most of the 40 plus varieties of apple grown on the farm as well as taste and buy some of the wonderful food and drink from around our region and meet the producers. There will be lots of other fun and competitions. Full details will be posted on the website.


THE

FOOD&DRINK

PRODUCERS

Essex produce, from farm gate to plate WRITTEN BY STEPHANIE MACKENTYRE

Daymens Hill Farm, Tolleshunt Major

R

ACHEL HAYTER has lived on the farm all of her life and her parents have been running the orchards at Daymens Hill Farm

for more than 40 years, looking after almost 4,000 trees. ‘That sounds like a lot but it’s actually quite small for an orchard,’ says Rachel. It’s a very traditional orchard with trees which are from three years to 70 years old. Most of the trees were already planted when Rachel’s parents Mary and Ralph took over the farm, which was originally owned by Rachel’s grandparents, Joan and Norman McCready. The family grow a

GET THE TASTE

variety of apples from traditional Bramleys to Howgate Wonder, which is a really good cooking apple slightly sweeter than a Bramley. There’s also Cox’s Orange

The orchard is open for you to pick

Daymens Hill Farm Tolleshunt Major Maldon CM9 8JZ 01621 817479

Pippin, Early Worcester apples, Laxton

your own apples, opening for four to six

Fortune and Jonagold, while three years

weeks for seven-days-a-week, or you can

ago they planted some Braeburn trees and

buy them ready picked from the farm’s

this year they are hoping for their first

pop-up shop which opens from mid-

on a clay soil which holds water quite

crop.

September.

well and the apples thrive on it, giving the

Daymens Hill Farm is all part of J

At 36, Rachel is the only child to work

McCready and Son which has a farm

on the farm. ‘I do have an older brother

growing a variety of fruit and vegetables in

and sister, and a younger brother. I wasn’t

Heybridge and a farm shop there too which

sure what I wanted to do, but I knew I

sells Daymen Hill Farm apples and juice.

wanted to work outdoors. I’m probably

‘My mum and dad settled here and so

the only one who is interested in the farm

they took over the running of the

and the orchard. However, my brothers

orchards,’ explains Rachel. ‘My dad does a

have children who love it on the farm, so

bit of everything, but I’m mainly focused

hopefully they will be the next generation

on apples.’ The apples are all harvested by

to carry on.’

hand from August through to November.

The farm also producers its own apple

‘We don’t pick them all in one go, we pick

juice each year. ‘Every year we change the

the fruit once it’s at its best, which means

varieties, so it tastes slightly different,’

going over a tree three or four times.’

says Rachel. ‘We only use our own apples

The varieties are ready at different

and we don’t blend it with anything else,

times, so they start off by picking

so it’s just pure apple juice.’

Discovery, then move on to other varieties

They also make a cox and quince juice

including Tydermans Early Worcester and

and a comice and quince juice with all of

a cooking apple called Gwenevere,

the juices under the Daymens Hill Farm

finishing off finally in November by

label and available to purchase either at

picking the D’Arcy Spice, which is an old

the orchard shop, which is open from

Essex variety which originated in

September every Saturday and Sunday, or

Tolleshunt D’Arcy, a little village around

via local farm shops and markets.

the corner from Rachel’s home. ‘D’Arcy

As with all crops, the weather plays a

Spice is a type of russet apple which also

major role. Rachel adds: ‘We could do

makes really good juice,’ adds Rachel.

with some more rain this year, but we are

crop a really good flavour.’

3

MORE TO TRY

Take your pick at these fruit farms Lathcoats Farm Beehive Lane Galleywood Chelmsford CM2 8LX 01245 353021 www.eapples.co.uk Park Fruit Farm Pork Lane Great Holland Frinton on Sea 01255 674621 www.parkfruitfarm.co.uk Lamberts Farm Orchard House Lamberts Farm Earls Colne CO6 2LE 07979 690296

www.essexlifemag.co.uk

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DINING OUT AT Bartellas in Margaretting

REVIEWED BY STEPHANIE MACKENTYRE

B

ARTELLAS restaurant moved in October 2014 into the Ivy Hotel at Margaretting, near Chelmsford. It’s now in a brand new building

to the side of the hotel, which links directly through to the hotel, but the fresh start has given the restaurant the opportunity to create a stylish new interior with plenty of plush, raspberrypink furnishings off-set with silver mirrors and wallpaper. The hotel has also created a new lounge area, next to the restaurant, which is now used to serve afternoon teas. After a jovial welcome I was silverserved a choice of warm bread rolls. There’s a choice of three menus at lunchtime: a la carte, a prix fixe menu and also a traditional favourites. I opted for the a la carte menu and immediately I noticed the spiced avocado pear with prawns, cashew nuts, pineapple and spiced mayonnaise — or you could enjoy as a vegetarian option the warm salad of goats cheese with a red onion marmalade. As a fan of goats cheese, that was my choice. It arrived with toasted triangles of cheese on top of wafer thin bruschetta and rocket with micro herbs and a splash of balsamic zig-zagged across the lavish starter. With its tangy onion marmalade it was an excellent blend of flavours, with a particularly creamy goats cheese. As I surveyed the restaurant, I took in the variety of seating. The far wall has banquette seating and the rest of the newly-refurbished room is made up of square and round dark wood tables. The restaurant is bathed in light thanks to the three skylights and floor to ceiling windows creating one wall of the dining area. There is also a bar to the right as you arrive at the restaurant reception, with an impressive glass and dark wood wine rack making an attractive central feature. With clever drapes and a beaded partition, the whole restaurant, in its new surroundings, is much more intimate and gives the impression of an 140

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exclusive members club. If I’d stayed with the veggie options

lemon curd topping had baked orange slices for added decoration and a sprinkle

for my mains I could have tried the

of lemon sherbet on the side. A perfectly

vine tomato and courgette crumble

piquant end to a delightful lunch in an

with a medley of green vegetables

extremely attractive setting.

which sounded delicious, however, I selected the roasted rump of lamb

Useful to know

with a spring onion mash and savoy

The total bill came to £37.07 for three

cabbage, served with a redcurrant and

courses and a glass of sauvignon blanc.

rosemary jus. I wasn’t disappointed as

This is an independent review, featuring a

five thick slices of tender lamb arrived.

restaurant selected and experienced by

A thin crispy skin led to melt-in-the-

our food and wine editor. The restaurant

mouth meat. Like the starter, this was

was not told it was being reviewed.

also a generous portion with wonderfully creamy spring onion mash, buttery cabbage and a wickedly rich, dark sticky jus. To finish, I could have chosen the chocolate, hazelnut and salted caramel mousse, served with clotted cream, but I needed something a little lighter so it was the lemon cheesecake with caramelised oranges and sherbet for me. The

BOOK A TABLE Bartellas Writtle Road Margaretting Chelmsford CM4 0EH 01277 355021 www.bartellasrestaurant.co.uk

individual lemon cheesecake with a

3

SIDE ORDERS

Three more offering seriously stylish dining Le Talbooth Gun Hill Dedham Colchester C07 6JT 01206 323150 www.milsomhotels.com We say: Breathtakingly stylish both in the food on offer and the ambiance.

Alec’s Restaurant, Bar and Grill Navestock Side Brentwood CM14 5SD 01277 375696 www.alecsrestaurant.co.uk We say: Popular with the cast of TOWIE and with rolling views of the surrounding countryside. Smith’s Brasserie Fyfield Road Ongar CM5 0AL 01277 365578 www.smithsbrasserie.com We say: Famous for fish, it oozes quality, coupled with attentive service.

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1 41


Get Social

www.dogandgunchelmsford.co.uk | info@dgbr.co.uk DOG & GUN BAR RESTAURANT, BOREHAM ROAD, LITTLE WALTHAM, ESSEX, CM3 3NF

Alma Arms Freehouse Navestock, CM14 5ST

SERVING GOOD FOOD AT AFFORDABLE PRICES since 1970 Just come along - No bookings required

Lunchtimes and Evenings

Alfresco dining in Floral patio AWARD WINNING CASK ALES

2 Course Meal only £9.95 5 choice menu - changes daily

Open 7 days Pie and a pint £10.95 www.almaarms.com Tel - 01277 372629 142

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FOOD&DRINK Where do you work? I work as the head chef at The Shoulder of Mutton on the Halstead Road in Fordham, near Colchester. What is your earliest food memory? Seeing pheasants and rabbits hanging on my grandparents’ kitchen door. What was your first ever job and where was it?

HERE’S COOKING WITH YOU...

Are there any celebrity moments you can share with us? There have been too many to single out one, although the Queen Mother coming down three flights of stairs to say thank you was probably the nicest moment for me. Tell us a bit about you at home — where do you originally come from and how did you end up here?

I worked in the kitchens at the Malvern

I’m originally from the Malvern Hills in

Hills hotel in Worcestershire.

Worcestershire. I moved and worked in London for seven years and worked my way to Essex from there.

What was it about food which excited you enough to make a career out of it? I simply enjoy creating food for others to

At home, who lives there and who cooks

enjoy.

most of the time? I live with my partner and we share the cooking.

If you weren’t on the stoves, where would you be now?

When I’m not in the kitchen I love

I’d love to be sailing the world.

nothing better than… How would your team describe you?

Getting out for a round of golf or some

I think they might use the word,

time sailing.

changeable! When I was little I wanted to be… It was always a chef that I wanted to be.

Which is your favourite dish to prepare? At the moment it is a stuffed, deboned

Are there any kitchen disasters you can

poussin dish.

tell us about that you’d rather forget? Who was your inspiration to take up

It was a long time ago, but a chef asked

cooking and how do they affect what you

me to make 100 portions of Dauphinoise

do now? My grandmother was a great country cook and so I use her inspiration to create my menus with traditional dishes that have a more modern twist. Which three ingredients are your favourites to work with? I really enjoy working with smoked eel, halibut and fresh summer fruits.

Roger Underwood would rather be on the golf course or sailing on the high seas given the chance, but his role as head chef at the Shoulder of Mutton in Fordham has brought him regal gratitude despite, during his career climb, piping his way through 100 potatoes instead of slicing them WORDS BY STEPHANIE MACKENTYRE

potatoes. I misheard him and made 100 portions of Duchess potatoes, and it took forever! If you could change one thing about you, what would it be? I’d love to be able to work a little less and see my family more. What is still on life’s list of things to do? I hope to walk the Andes mountains one day. Can you give us three top tips for the kitchen? Try to keep calm, always have a plan, but always be ready for the unexpected too.

GET THE TASTE Shoulder of Mutton Halstead Road Fordham CO6 3LL 01206 243487 www.shoulderofmuttoncolchester.com

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FOOD&DRINK

RECIPE Roasted sea bass with spring onion and ginger in a coconut sauce MIKE SHIELDS has now been running the Lion & Lamb for 14 years and

Ingredients

it’s always a popular destination due to its proximity to Stansted.

Serves 4

Although the pub itself has no accommodation, Mike and his partner,

FOR THE SAUCE

Linda Lewis, own the White House, a 15th century Grade II listed manor

50g of finely diced fresh ginger

house just down the road which offers four-star accommodation. Mike’s

100g of finely diced shallots

menu features locally-produced produce wherever possible. ‘I left

Chopped coriander and basil

catering college 43 years ago and I’m still passionate about food,’ he

Juice of 3 limes

explains. Here Mike shares his zinging sea bass recipe…

1 can of coconut milk 100g of dark brown sugar 1 tbsp of soy sauce 1 tsp of red curry paste FOR THE FISH 4 sea bass filleted to make 8 fillets 6 spring onions (sliced) 100g of fresh ginger (sliced) Olive oil NB: Most fishmongers will fillet the fish for you and I can recommend The Little Fish Company in Kelvedon.

Method

1

For the sauce, fry in a saucepan the ginger and shallot in a little sesame oil until soft then combine the coconut milk, brown sugar, soy sauce and

red curry paste and cook over a medium heat for five minutes, until the consistency of double cream, continually stirring so it doesn’t stick or burn. Finish by stirring in some chopped coriander and basil.

2

For the fish, sprinkle Maldon sea salt on a tray. Lay the sea bass fillets skin side down and cover with ginger and spring onions and drizzle

with olive oil, then season with black pepper and Maldon sea salt and allow to marinate in the fridge for two hours.

3

Turn four of the fillets on top of the other four (making a sandwich of the fillets with the onions and ginger inside) and cook in a hot oven

at 200˚C for 12 minutes. Place on a warm plate with your sauce on the side and serve with minted new potatoes creating a light dish perfect for the end of summer.

GET THE TASTE Lion & Lamb Stortford Road (B1256) Little Canfield Nr Takeley Great Dunmow CM6 1SR 01279 870257 www.lionandlamb.co.uk

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FOOD&DRINK

RECIPE Purdina Lamb

Ingredients Serves 6 800g of boned shoulder of lamb cut into half-inch cubes 160g of onions (peeled and finely chopped) A 2 inch cube of fresh ginger (peeled

Head chef and owner Russell Uddin opened the Blue Sari in May 2011. ‘After

and chopped)

years of working for other people, I realised the only way to produce the

6-8 cloves of garlic (peeled and

highest level of flavours and service was to open my own restaurant,’ says

chopped)

Russell. He opened the Blue Sari in St Osyth as the location ticked all the

4 tbsp of rapeseed oil

boxes. ‘I was convinced if we provided the right mix of ambiance, quality of

6-8 green cardamom pods

food and top service, people would come,’ says Russell. ‘Thankfully they

6-8 cloves

have and they continue to do so.’

1/4 tsp of black peppercorns

Here Russell shares his recipe for a traditional minted lamb dish…

4 bay leaves 2x 1 inch cinnamon sticks 1 ò tsp salt (according to taste) 1/4 tsp of gram masala

GET THE TASTE

1 tsp of ground turmeric

Heath Road (Old Beehive Inn) St Osyth Near Weeley Heath CO16 9BS 01255 830090 www.thebluesari.co.uk

1 tsp of ground coriander 1 ò tsp of ground cumin ò tsp of ground paprika 1/4 tsp of ground chillies 1 tsp of curry powder 6 fresh curry leaves 50g of chopped fresh mint 20g of fresh coriander 4 tbsp of natural yoghurt 2 cubes of lamb stock dissolved in

Method Chop ¾ of the onion finely and set

2

aside. Chop the rest of the onions,

Once the oil is hot, add your peppercorns,

coriander paste and keep stirring until it’s

ginger, garlic then put all into a blender

cloves, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks and

completely mixed in. Now add your lamb stock

with a little water and blend to a smooth

cardamom pods. Stir for 30 seconds and add

and cover tightly with a lid and simmer on a

paste. Now empty into a small bowl and set

the chopped onions. Now turn down to a low

low heat for about an hour and 20 minutes or

aside. Chop the fresh mint and ¾ of the

heat for a further 4-5 minutes until the onions

until the lamb is tender.

fresh coriander in the blender and once

are browned. Add the garlic and ginger paste

chopped add 2 tbsp of natural yoghurt and

and stir for a further 4 minutes until that too

3

1 tbsp of oil and blend to a smooth paste

turns brown. Then add your meat to the pan

stir, cooking for another five minutes or until

and empty into another small bowl and set

and stir in all the ground spices and the salt.

most but not all of the liquid reduces down and

aside. Next finely chop in your blender the

Continue to stir for 4-5 minutes and add 2 tbsp

you are left with a thick sauce. Finally, sprinkle

rest of the fresh coriander and set aside to

of beaten natural yoghurt, continuing to stir for

with fresh, finely-chopped coriander and serve

sprinkle on top.

another minute. Keep doing this until all the

with rice or perhaps a paratha.

1

Put some oil in a large, heavy bottomed

yoghurt has been incorporated and the meat

pan and warm over a medium-high heat.

has begun to turn brown. Add the mint and

Once the meat is tender, remove the lid and turn the heat back to medium and

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1 47


Boathouse Restaurant

ROW & DINE Take one of our beautiful Rowing Boats out for an evening Row from 5.30pm onwards and then Dine in the restaurant at a special price of £22.95 per person. Includes an hours row and set 2 course dinner. Available Tuesday to Thursday. Beginning June - End September. Bookings must be made and this offer is weather permitting. Boat Hire available Tue-Sun during school term and 7 days a week during school holidays.

A La Carte Menu available every day with our with our Summer Special Offer Menu available Mid Week. Restaurant open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch Tuesday to Saturday for dinner.

01206 323153 Mill Lane, Dedham, CO7 6DH www.dedhamboathouse.co.uk

The Queens Head is a family run late 15th century pub situated in the beautiful Fyfield countryside overlooking the River Roding. We are renowned for our quality food, real ales and fine wines. We host intimate weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, corporate functions and family get togethers in our newly refurbished restaurant. Weather permitting, pre-function drinks and canapés can be served in our garden overlooking the River Roding. Our team is happy to work with you to create the perfect menu for your party. Please contact is to discuss your requirements or pop in and see us! Queen Street, Fyfield, Ongar, Essex CM5 0RY 01277 899 231 www.thequeensheadfyfield.co.uk

The

STAR

Restaurant

LION & LAMB

Bar

French restaurant at the heart of Essex

Restaurant & Bar

TRADITIONAL COUNTRY PUB

‫ﱛﱚﱛ‬

SERVING FRESH LOCAL FOOD

‫ﱛﱚﱛ‬

CLOSE TO STANSTEAD AIRPORT www.whitehousestanstead.co.uk

The perfect setting for all occasions. Full menu is served all day every day until 10pm including fantastic Sunday Lunch. Being located close to Stansted Airport (1.5 miles, but not on the flight path), The White House is the perfect venue for travellers going to and from the airport. There is ample parking.

TEL. 01279 870257

WWW.LIONANDLAMB.CO.UK Little Canfield, Dunmow CM6 1SR | Email: info@lionandlamb.co.uk

148

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Mill End, Thaxted, Essex, CM6 2LT Tel: 01371 238118 | www.thestarthaxted.co.uk


RECIPE Cod oli

FOOD&DRINK

win

htr

Head chefs Dave Scanlon and Nicola Foweraker run the newly-

Ingredients

refurbished restaurant at Lower Barn Farm. They took over in January

Serves 2

taking the building back to a shell to create a light and airy, shabby

2 x 6oz cod loins

chic restaurant with a paved garden area for more than 100 diners.

5 or 6 boiled new potatoes.

‘I’m living the chef’s dream, as I have all of my evenings free!’ says

ò red pepper

Dave with a laugh. From the new menu, the most popular dishes are

ò yellow pepper

the brunches including eggs Benedict and American pancakes. ‘We

1 courgette

also make our own burgers at lunchtime which are also popular,’ adds

1 red onion

Dave. Here Dave shares his recipe for a lovely light lunch or early evening meal.

1 garlic clove 1 sprig of thyme A handful of olives Capers Chopped basil A drizzle of olive oil

Method

1

Roughly chop the peppers, courgette, red onion and half the new potatoes. Place all these ingredients on a baking tray and drizzle with oil.

Add the thyme to the vegetable mix. Crush the garlic and add again to the vegetable mix.

2 3 4

Place the cod loins skin side down in a hot pan for 1 minute until the skin is slightly crispy and golden. Now place the cod skin side up on

top of the vegetables. Roast for 10 minutes at 200˚C until the cod is cooked. Remove the cod from the vegetables, add the olives and a sprinkling of capers plus some chopped basil to the vegetables. Finally, present the vegetables on a plate and place the cod on top of the vegetables. Season with cracked black pepper and a good quality

balsamic vinegar.

GET THE TASTE Lower Barn Farm London Road Rayleigh SS6 9ET 01268 780991 www.lowerbarnfarm.co.uk

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1 49


THE RESTAURANT AT THE COUNTY HOTEL

Tel: (01245) 455700 29 Rainsford Road, Chelmsford Essex CM1 2PZ Bookings: Reception or kmurrell@countyhotelgroup.co.uk

www.countyhotelchelmsford.co.uk

Made in Tunbridge Wells, Kent Champagne cream tea gift box from Sconnoisseur ÂŁ39.99

Discover unique British gifts from top-quality brands at greatbritishlife.co.uk 150

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FOOD&DRINK

MEET

THEJUDGES Now the nominations are closed for the Essex Life Food & Drink Awards, our judges begin to sort through the thousands of entries. Here is a brief introduction to those judges

Andrew Oxley Chef of the Year Tell us a bit about you My name is Andrew Oxley and I am the general manager of Down Hall Country House Hotel, where I have been since April of last year. I am a Master Innholder and Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality and have been in the hotel industry for around 20 years.

Stephen Cottrell (formally, The Right Reverend Stephen Cottrell)

Best Family Dining Tell us a bit about you I am the Bishop of Chelmsford, serving East London and all of Essex. That’s 600 churches in total and I don’t know how many pubs and restaurants.

Robert Gunn Field to Fork What do you do for a living? I have been involved in the sales and marketing side of international business for the majority of my career and in 2012 I started my own business consultancy, Burnt Oak Consulting in Brentwood. With a number of their

What will you be looking for while you judge your category? Quite simply, I will be looking for well-cooked and well-presented food. Innovation is good, but often it is the traditional dishes that, when cooked as they are meant to be, prove to be a winning formula.

really is nothing better that a traditional Sunday luncheon cooked well. Sponsored by:

Do you have a favourite food memory? One of my best memories is a recent family Sunday luncheon at The Vineyard at Stockcross in Berkshire. In my opinion, there

What expertise will you be bringing as a judge? I love cooking and eating. I grew up in Leigh on Sea, so have always particularly loved seafood. Essex oysters have to be the best in the world, but I also love cockles, whelks, shrimps and eels. Food gets a lot of attention in the Bible. Heaven is spoken of as a banquet and Jesus gave his friends a meal as the way to best remember him. He produced the biggest fish supper ever and he famously changed

water to wine. I therefore think a bishop who loves food to be as qualified as anyone to be a judge in the excellent Essex Life Fine Food and Drink Awards. I look forward to this year’s competition. Sponsored by:

Resin BESPOKE

SURFACES

members as clients, in 2013 I was invited to become chairman of Tastes of Anglia. What will you be looking for as a judge? Tates of Anglia is focused on food provenance, food education and the support of local growers and producers. These are the things I will be looking for. Sponsored by:

Main sponsor Wilkin and Sons Ltd Associate Sponsor Down Hall Country House Hotel

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FOOD&DRINK Pat Pratley Best Tea Shop or Coffee House Tell us a bit about you I am chairman of the Federation of Essex Women’s Institutes which is a voluntary position. Our head office is in Hatfield Peverel but my role can take me all over Essex visiting any of the 224 WIs in the county.

Stephanie Mackentyre Restaurant of the Year Tell us a bit about you I am the food and drink editor for Essex Life and I am also a presenter for BBC Radio and run my own PR and marketing company — In View Publicity.

Ian Thurgood Destination Dining Venue What do you do for a living? After living overseas, in Austria, I have worked for Wilkin & Sons since 1976. I plan to stand down from my present role as joint managing director early in 2016 and have just graduated with a

Elli Constantatou Customer Service Award Tell us a little bit about yourself I have made the county of Essex my home since coming to this country in 1991. I have brought up my family here and spent many happy years in the county.

David Burch Pride in Essex What do you do for a living, and where? I am director of policy at Essex Chambers of Commerce, which involves representing the views and needs of businesses to politicians and policy makers both in and outside the county. I have worked for the Chambers since 2012,

1 52

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What will you be looking for while you judge your category? I will be most looking forward to good tasty food, attractively served in pleasant surroundings with a welcoming ambience and offering value for money.

always seems to be available somewhere not too far away! Sponsored by:

What is the best thing to have happened in the Essex food and drink industry in the last five years? I most enjoy the great diversity of food and food outlets in Essex. Whatever you fancy, it

What expertise will you bring as a judge? I have been writing the food and drink pages in Essex Life now for more than nine years and have had the pleasure of dining at many of the fine restaurants and interviewing the owners and head chefs in our great county, so I can appreciate how high the bar has been set.

winning restaurant needs to be outstanding from the moment we arrive, to the moment we leave in every aspect. Sponsored by:

What will you be looking for while you judge your category? Quite simply, a strong desire to return. The

Masters in Marketing. I spent much of my working life travelling overseas but today I enjoy long-distance walking; I’ve completed the 82-mile Essex Way three times.

Seasonality is a big thing for me and I always look forward to the English asparagus season with great enthusiasm. Sponsored by:

What will you be looking for most as you judge this category? I like simplicity and authenticity in food. Complex flavours can be exciting, but creating foods with minimal ingredients usually means there’s no hiding place, only the best ingredients will do.

What expertise will you be bringing as a judge? As the tourism marketing and PR manager for Visit Essex, I bring more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality sector.

ethos. The establishment that best demonstrates these qualities and goes above and beyond what the customer expects will get my vote. Sponsored by:

What will you be looking for while you judge your category? I am looking for entrants to be putting the customer first, providing high quality service and assistance. Ensuring a positive experience should be part of the business’s

but I have more than 12 years of experience in this type of work in addition to having run my own business in the past.

but show it in the way in which they produce and market their products or services. Sponsored by:

What will you be looking for most as you judge this category? Essex has some really excellent food producers who show that people’s perceptions of the county are wrong and that it really is a place in which to find fine food, so I will be looking for those businesses that are not only proud to be from Essex,


FOOD&DRINK Suzanne Harris Pub of the Year Award Tell us a bit about you Born and raised in rural Essex and a graduate of Writtle College, I have worked for the established charity, Rural Community Council of Essex, for 15 years. Now Business Development and Partnerships Manager, I have previous

Mike Porter Essex Food and Drink Hero Tell us a bit about you I have spent 40 years in the agricultural industry, involved in crop and livestock production, developing into brokering of commodities essential for farming. I also represent many agricultural related charities, clubs and events.

Heather Tarrant Essex Food and Drink Producer Tell us a bit about you I am secretary to the Essex Agricultural Society and married to a farmer producing milling wheat, malting barley and raising a small native breeds beef herd.

Linda Dumbrell Best Farm Shop Tell us a bit about you I have been a partner here at Waitrose in Colchester for the past four years. My role involves delivering the high standard of service that our customers expect and I am also heavily involved with supporting our Community Matters programme in branch.

Julian Read Food Education Award Tell us a bit about you I am the editor of Essex Life. This will be the fifth year of the Essex Life Fine Food & Drink Awards and I am very proud of the success these awards have become and what they mean to the food and drink industry in Essex.

experience of working directly with community groups, supporting them to create local plans and improve services. What expertise will you be bringing as a judge? I am a life-long resident of rural Essex, and have 15 years’ experience working to support active and thriving communities in the county. I have previously been involved in the judging of the Best Kept Village and Best Kept Churchyard competitions in the county.

What will you be looking for while you judge your category? I like to step aside the commercial aspects of individuals and businesses, trying to observe and understand the motivation, knowledge and passion involved.

What will you be looking for while you judge your category? Pubs which are a real part of the local community and which help to bring people together — as well as providing good quality food and drink. Sponsored by:

understanding of food and drink production in Essex, which in turn creates improved demand for high quality, Essex-sourced produce. Sponsored by:

What is the best thing to have happened in the Essex food and drink industry in the last five years? With the aid of media exposure there is a greater knowledge, awareness and

What expertise will you be bringing as a judge? Being involved within the agricultural industry and also an end consumer, I believe that I know the quality of the food that is available and what is affordable to the end consumer. What will you be looking for while you judge your category? I will be looking for produce that combines top quality food at an affordable price.

What will you be looking for as a judge? I feel passionate about food quality and service and believe that locally sourced and grown produce is something that we should all be supporting. Competitive pricing is also important and I also believe that customers are happy to pay more for a good quality product.

Do you have a favourite food or drink memory? One of my favourite memories is from a hotel on Lake Garda where we had scampi risotto accompanied by a local white wine while sitting on the restaurant terrace overlooking the lake as the sun set. Sponsored by:

a Sunday roast, and my idea of a treat would be afternoon tea for two in a quaint English tea shop. Sponsored by:

Do you have a favorite food memory? I enjoy very traditional English food and drink, such as fish and chips, a pub lunch or

What will you be looking for while you judge your category? I am looking for an education programme which inspires people to learn more about our local produce and where it comes from.

her homemade lemon meringue pie. It was always an absolute treat. Sponsored by:

Do you have a favouv rite food or drink memory? One of my favourite food memories would have to be sitting down with my grandma in her kitchen and enjoying a delicious plate of

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IMAGES PROVIDED COURTESY OF COPENHAGENMEDIACENTER.COM

TRAVEL

A Scandinavian Gem When Danny Kaye sang, ‘wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen, friendly old girl of a town,’ he knew what he was singing about, writes Rebecca Underwood

L

woman doing her hair before a mirror, demands the undivided attention of all the fortunate viewers. For keen shoppers looking to bag a bargain, take a leisurely stroll to Strøget, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian

OCATED on Sealand, the

grandfather of the reigning Danish

streets. It is simply crammed with

largest island in Denmark,

monarch Queen Margrethe II; and the

international brands including Louis

Copenhagen offers visitors

palace of Christian IX, the first monarch

Vuitton, Mulberry and Prada.

an intriguing glimpse into

of the House of Glücksburg. The

the colourful tapestry of

Amalienborg Museum, located within

spare, take a brisk 2 kilometre walk to

Christian VIII’s Palace, displays a wide

Langelinie promenade where you will

range of exhibits associated with the

find the Little Mermaid bronze statue by

Viking fishing village and became the

Danish monarchy dating back 150 years to

Edvard Eriksen. Based on the fairytale by

capital of Denmark in the 15th century.

Christian IX and Queen Louise.

Danish history and culture. In the 10th century, Copenhagen was a

For a fascinating insight into the fearsome

Mingle with the crowds at noon and

Should you have some more energy to

Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen, the Little Mermaid statue was unveiled in

Vikings, visit the Viking Ship Museum,

watch the changing of the royal guard

1913 and has become a major tourist

located by the fjord in Roskilde, just 35

marching from their barracks through the

attraction recognised worldwide.

kilometres from the city. The Viking Ship

streets towards Amalienborg and then try

Hall features five spectacular ships, which

visiting the National Museum, housed in

pampered, the Hotel D’Angleterre offers

were discovered in 1962 on the sea bed at

the Prince’s Palace on Ny Vestergade. One

the highest level of comfort and service.

Skuldelev, 32 kilometres from where they

of the most popular exhibitions is the toy

Located on Kongens Nytorv, one of the

are now displayed.

section, which attracts lots of spellbound

city’s classic squares, this imposing hotel,

‘grown up’ children!

established in 1755, is an historic landmark.

Other popular attractions in the city include Amalienborg. Built in the 1750s,

For art lovers, Copenhagen is a

For weary explorers keen to be

Copenhagen has one of the largest

the site is made up of four identical

treasure trove with much to admire. Visit

numbers of bars per capita and for an

Danish Rococco style buildings. Wander

the Hirschsprung Museum on

after dinner tipple, make your way to the

around the fabulous palace of Christian

Stockolmsgade, where exhibits include

K Bar on Ved Stranden, which is for its

VII, husband to Caroline Mathilde of

exceptional examples of German

delicious Martinis. Raise your glass high

Great Britain; the palace of Christian VIII;

Romanticism and Christoffer Wilhelm

and make a toast to ‘wonderful,

the palace of Frederik VIII, great

Eckersberg’s 1841 masterpiece, A nude

wonderful Copenhagen’. ■ www.essexlifemag.co.uk

1 25


FASHION

Family Time Essex Life showcases a must-have selection of the latest looks for all the family to enjoy from local boutiques in the entertaining surroundings of Blake House Craft Centre in Braintree

RYAN wears red T-shirt by Berghaus, £12, from Jacks and bunny blue leggings by Joules, £12, from Williams & Griffin. Shoes, model’s own CRAIG wears dark blue shell jacket by Berghaus, £250, and pointer tee in white by Barbour, £29.95, both from Jacks. Model’s own jeans and shoes JANELLE wears red T-shirt by Berghaus, £12, from Jacks and bunny blue leggings by Joules, £12, from Williams & Griffin. Shoes, model’s own ANNA wears knit sweater by Jack Wolfskin, £95, ladies Winterton shorts by Barbour, £54.95, and white gradient T-shirt by Berghaus, £26, all from Jacks 156

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FASHION

IMAGES BY KEITH MINDHAM WWW.KEITHMINDHAMPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

MODELS: Anna Gregory, Craig Gregory, Janelle Coward and Ryan Barrow PHOTOGRAPHY: Keith Mindham FASHION DIRECTION: Holly Eells FASHION ASSISTANCE Chloe Tibbott HAIR: Vicky Copping and Laura Robins MAKE-UP: Charli Bignel and Chloe Cordell LOCATION: Blake House Craft Centre, Braintree

RYAN wears joggers, £17, and hoody, £39, both by Billy Bandit and from Williams & Griffin. T-shirt, model’s own

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1 57


FASHION

JANELLE wears leggings, £12, and butterfly sweatshirt, £19, both by Espirit and from Williams & Griffin. Plus night blue jacket by Jack Wolfskin, £55, from Jacks. Shoes, model’s own RYAN wears classic bedale wax jacket by Barbour, £129, from Jacks and red T-shirt by Billy Bandit, £18, from Williams & Griffin. Shoes and trousers, model’s own

ACCESSORIES Left: Graphite walking shoes by Meindl, £155, from Jacks Right: Blue loafers by Loake, £155, from Williams & Griffin

JANELLE wears quilt jacket, £79, and pink top, £29, both by Barbour and from Jacks. Blue jeans by Mayoral, £22, from Williams & Griffin. Shoes, model’s own RYAN wears joggers, £17, and hoody, £39, both by Billy Bandit and from Williams & Griffin. Rain jacket in cucumber by Jack Wolfskin, £55, and from Jacks. T-shirt, model’s own 1 58

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FASHION RYAN wears t-shirt by Mayoral, £12, and navy trainers by Vans, £35, both from Williams & Girffin. Shoes, model’s own ANNA wears structure dress, £99, lurex scarf, £20, both by Sandwich and pink wedges by Dune, £59, all from Williams & Griffin

JANELLE wears dress by Joules, £35, fur vest by Mayoral, £39, and lilac shoes by Vans, £35, all from Williams & Griffin CRAIG wears knit sweater, £95, check shirt, £85, and chinos, £85, all by Gant and from Williams & Griffin. Shoes, model’s own www.essexlifemag.co.uk

1 59


An eclectic range of styles to suit every woman.

Sizes 8-20

Coming soon to Maldon 8 Market End, Coggeshall, Essex CO6 1NH

01376 564498 OPEN 10 - 5 MONDAY - SATURDAY

160

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FASHION

JANELLE wears lace jumper, £27, and fur vest, £39, both by Mayoral, with blue jeggings by Levis, £39, and lilac trainers by Vans, £35, all from Williams & Griffin RYAN wears grey T-shirt by Craghoppers, £19.95, from Jacks, and navy trainers by Vans, £35, from Williams & Griffin. Shorts model’s own ANNA wears structure dress, £99, and long belt cardigan, £79, both from Sandwich. Pink handbag by DKNY, £199, necklace by D&X and pink wedges by Dune, £59, all from Williams & Griffin CRAIG wears check shirt by Gant, £85, and blue loafers by Loake, £155, both from Williams & Griffin. Jeans and accessories model’s own

ANNA wears black flyweight cavalry jacket, £119, white Burnham tee, £34.95, and navy Winterton shorts, £54.95, all by Barbour and from Jacks. Shoes model’s own CRAIG wears bark wax jacket by Barbour, £219, and quill blue T-shirt by North Face, £25, both from Jacks

www.essexlifemag.co.uk

1 61



FASHION

ON LOCATION Blake House Craft Centre Blake End Nr Braintree CM77 6RA 01376 344123 www.blakehousecraftcentre.co.uk

TOP TIPS

skin care for men

■ I recommend that men cleanse their

by Kryolan. This is good for under the

face using Garnier Skin Perfection

eye area to cover up any dark circles

Micellar Water. Followed by toning the

■ Coconut lip balm is great, and it

skin using two cotton pads

helps the lips to stay soft and not dry

■ Moisturise with Decleor and smooth it all around the face, making sure it is

Charli Bignell

all rubbed in

Freelance make-up artist and director of New Wave Make-Up Artistry Master Classes

■ If you dare to wear make-up, I

London and Essex based.

recommend using a camouflage

07743 095281

concealer mixed with Make-Up Blend

www.filmspecialfx.co.uk

SET in beautiful Essex countryside, the carefully preserved farm buildings at Blake House Craft Centre are centered around a courtyard, which was previously the Blake House farmyard. Wander around the fine variety of shops in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, where there really is something for everyone — from a basket of flowers to beautiful baby gifts, from dolls houses to dancewear and from electric guitars to elegant fabrics. You can treat yourself or find the perfect gift. Enjoy a bite to eat at Timbers, a licensed restaurant housed in an 18th century listed corn barn, then challenge friends to a round of crazy golf or let the kids use up some energy in the play area before you take on the famous maize maze challenge.

TOP TIPS for a mum on the move hair, try a detangling spray to go with it

■ Why not try Invisibobbles? They don’t pull or leave kinks in the

STOCKISTS

hair, which is great for

Jacks 2 North Street, Great Dunmow CM6 1BA 01371 872483 www.jacksandjills.co.uk

swimming or activities where hair needs to be tied up

■ We all know kids love to dress up, so why not make them feel like they are dressing up everyday by taking inspiration

■ For hectic school

conditioner? Vosene Kids

from their favourite

mornings, try a simple

is a three-in-one

films? For example a

Alice band to keep the

shampoo and

simple plait can

hair out of the children’s

conditioner with a

transform them into Elsa

eyes, which will stay neat

natural lice repellent and

from Frozen

and tidy throughout the

it hydrates the hair at the

school day

same time

■ A big worry for all

■ When it comes to the

The Strand,

parents with children in

nightmare task of

12 Moulsham Street

school is head lice. Did

brushing children’s hair,

Chelmsford CM2 0HU

you know, you can buy

a Tangle Teezer can

01245 345179

head lice repellent

become your best friend.

www.thestrandchelmsford.

shampoo and

For particular tangled

co.uk

Jacks 12 George Street Saffron Walden CB10 1EQ 01799 521197 www.jacksandjills.co.uk Williams & Griffin 152 High Street Colchester CO1 1PN 01206 571212 www.fenwick.co.uk/stores/colchester

Laura Robins

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163


Hair Stylists Washington Road, Maldon CM9 6JF Tues & Weds 9am - 5.30pm, Thurs 9am - 8pm, Fri 9am - 7pm, Sat 8am - 4pm. Closed Mon Our friendly team of helpful and experienced staff look forward to welcoming you and to providing you with a high standard of hairdressing. Full range of hair care services offered, for both men and women, including ‘Wedding Hair’, which is charged at an hourly rate - with complimentary champagne and nibbles.

“Stay cool in our air conditioned salon”

Call now to arrange an appointment

01621 843191 | www.TC2hair.co.uk Please visit us on Facebook for special offers, news and more!

164

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BEAUTY

The Ultimate Aromatherapy Experience THE TREATMENT ROOMS at Maison

flower oils, with wonderful exotic scents

Facials could be

Talbooth is delighted to announce its new

and powerful therapeutic benefits for

for you. Using

range of facials and massage treatments.

both body and mind.

luxurious rose

Aromatherapy Associates is a British

The body treatments include carefully

essential oils,

range of award-winning body balancing

applied pressures to stimulate the

long known for

treatments and products. Each treatment

nervous system using techniques to

their

includes a consultation to establish your

relieve muscular tension, and lymphatic

rejuvenating

emotional and physical needs, and your

drainage to encourage healthy circulation.

properties, the

therapist carries out an aromatherapy

The massage is designed to work from

facial will leave

‘smell test’ ensuring the most suitable oil

head to toe and will dissolve away stress

you with a smooth, radiant complexion

for you. This can vary from day to day

and tension leaving you feeling deeply

and a relaxed state of mind.

depending on your mood. There are 12

relaxed and recharged. If you are looking

signature oils to choose from,

for a facial that will boost the radiance

Treatments Rooms in Dedham on

formulated with natural plant and

and glow of your skin, then the Rose

01206 322367.

STEP BY STEP

Easy hair style for busy mums and daughters ■ To create a stylish half up, half down look you need to start by washing your hair then blow dry or leave to dry naturally. (Styling as you wish) ■ Using a back combing brush or a regular comb, back comb the crown of the hair to however you desire. Tip — for finer hair that lacks body, add dry shampoo to the back comb to get a better hold. ■ Take a two-inch section from each side of the front of the hair. Pull each section back to meet at the back of your head and pin in place. To glam this style up, try plaiting or twisting the sections before pinning it back ■ Finish the look with some hair spray or even some accessories if you wish

Laura Robins The Strand 12 Moulsham Street Chelmsford CM2 0HU 01245 345179 www.thestrandchelmsford.co.uk

Treatment of the Month DISCOVER a whole new way to relax and unwind at the Eden Spa at Down Hall Hotel in Hatfield Heath. Its brand new facility opened its doors in August and is now able to take bookings for spa treatments and day specials. Set in one of England’s most established country house hotels with an abundance of character, the new ultra-modern facilities at the Eden Spa can provide ultimate relaxation. Feel rejuvenated in the circular deck hydrotherapy pool or lay under the stars in the state-of-the-art steam room.

For more information, contact the

STEP BY STEP

For an easy, fresh-faced look ■ First off, start with a daily cleansing routine. For example try Garnier Skin Perfection Micellar Water. It is great to unclog pores and give the skin a fresh feel ■ After moisturising the skin, use an anti-ageing moisturiser and allow it to settle on your skin ■ Then mix a highlighting primer with a foundation-based tinted moisturiser. I recommend Kryolan HD Foundation with Kryolan Make-Up Blend and the Body Shop Illuminating Primer. However, it is always good to check for the correct colour match for your jaw line ■ Once the correct shade has been chosen, blend the

This month the Eden Spa recommends its Hero Treatment which targets tension in the back, shoulders, neck and head and the effect stress has on the skin. This luxurious treatment combines a body and face treatment into one. It begins with cleansing and exfoliation on the back, followed by a soothing back massage to ease away any stress and tension. Then relax while you’re treated to a personalised facial and a therapeutic scalp massage to calm your mind. Optimal Skin Pro Serum and Soothing Body Oil are two products that Eden Spa recommends for people to enjoy a spa experience at home. Optimal Skin Pro Serum is an amazing product that has the power of a super serum with the

foundation into the face using a duo fibre brush for an airbrushed natural feel, but always make sure you blend around the neckline. Also ensure you blend under the eyes to avoid creating wrinkles and creases in the under eye area ■ If required, apply concealer to the under eye area and blend with the rest of the foundation ■Set with anti-ageing powder sweeping across the temples, down the nose, across cheekbones and finally the chin Charli Bignell Freelance make-up artist and director of New Wave Make-Up Artistry Master Classes London and Essex based 07743 095281

nourishment of a face treatment oil. It works to brighten and even skin tone, infusing it with subtle radiance. Soothing Body Oil is a divinely aromatic blend containing sandalwood and frankincense, to sooth and de-stress the body and mind. This will help you to carry on your relaxation at home, helping to deeply relax, induce sleep and relieve stress. Call Eden Spa on 01279 732 105 or visit www.edenspadownhall.co.uk to book your spa experience.

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1 65


PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

TLC LC fo for

DOWNHALL

you your body

GREENWOODS HOTEL

Discover a whole new way to relax and unwind at the Down Hall Spa. Our brand new facility opened in August and we are now taking bookings for treatments and spa days. Set in one of England’s most established country house hotels the new ultra-modern facilities at the Eden Spa can provide ultimate relaxation. Feel rejuvenated in the circular deck hydrotherapy pool or lay under the stars in the state of the art steam room. Guests can choose from a wide variety of revitalising hot stone, Swedish, aromatherapy and deep tissue massage. Other treatments include facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing and make up makeovers. Call 01279 732 105 to book your spa experience.

Perfect for a relaxing day spa with friends or family or a romantic time for two, Greenwoods Hotel & Spa has eight luxury treatment rooms, plus one premier room for VIP pampering with a range of signature treatments, as well as the latest anti-ageing treatments from Elemis, exotic body treatments from La Sultane De Saba and Shellac nails. Prices for a Classic Day spa start from £90 but Essex Life readers can book an exclusive package which includes full use of the spa facilities, including gym and pool, two course lunch in Ellis’s restaurant and the Strawberry Cream Exfoliating Back Massage for just £61 per person (subject to availability – Monday and Thursday).

Down Hall Country House Hotel, Hatfield Heath CM22 7AS 01279 732 105 www.downhall.co.uk

Greenwoods Hotel & Spa, Stock Road, Stock CM4 9BE 01277 829990 www.greenwoodshotel.co.uk

THE TREATMENT ROOMS

BEDFORD LODGE Discover a whole new way to relax and unwind at the Down Hall Spa. Our brand new facility opened in August and we are now taking bookings for treatments and spa days. Set in one of England’s most established country house hotels the new ultra-modern facilities at the Eden Spa can provide ultimate relaxation. Feel rejuvenated in the circular deck hydrotherapy pool or lay under the stars in the state of the art steam room. Guests can choose from a wide variety of revitalising hot stone, Swedish, aromatherapy and deep tissue massage. Other treatments include facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing and make up makeovers. Call 01279 732 105 to book your spa experience. Down Hall Country House Hotel, Hatfield Heath CM22 7AS 01279 732 105 www.downhall.co.uk

With summer nearly over, now is a good time to step back and indulge in a spa day with friends in The Treatment Rooms at Maison Talbooth. Choose from a full day with two treatments or half day with one treatment, and then enjoy a two course lunch in the Garden Room with use of the outdoor pool, hot tub and tennis court if you are feeling strenuous. New for September, we’re introducing two new packages, Good Morning Spa which includes a treatment, coffee and a Danish and Twilight Spa with a treatment followed by a two course supper at milsoms. For all our spa packages, The Treatment Room team use either Aromatherapy Associates or Dermilogica for the face and body ensuring that you get the very best in products and techniques to suit your mood, leaving you relaxed in mind and body. For more information, either visit www.milsomhotels.com/treatmentrooms or call 01206 322367 and speak to one of our therapists. Maison Talbooth, Stratford Road, Dedham Essex CO7 6HN


Control the

BEAUTY

CONTOURS Upminster based beauty expert and writer Sue Moxley shares her insight into the latest treatments on the market and where to find them on your doorstep

use a good foundation. Try Mac Studio Face (£21.50) available in most department stores and online. Don’t powder the foundation as now you can start to contour. Use a shade two shades lighter for your highlighting and two shades darker for your shading. Highlight under the eyes (this helps to disguise bags and dark circles) and on your cupid’s bow at the tip of your chin. Apply a thin line down the centre of your nose (only if you want to slim your nose) and highlight under the brow and in the centre of your forehead. Then, with your darker colour, shade along your jaw to disguise a slacking jaw line and give more definition. Feel just under your cheekbone and apply under there. If you have a high forehead use shading around the hairline to create a smaller forehead and shade the sides of your nose and nostrils to slim a nose or, to make a long nose look shorter, shade with the dark tone at the tip of your nose. Good contouring kits for lighter skins are available. Try Sienna X (£12.95) available from www.feelunique.com or for darker skins use the Mac Pro Conceal and Correct Pallette in Dark (£35). Use good blending brushes like the Real

C

Techniques Collectors Edition Sculpting ONTOURING is the new it

really help sharpen a slacking jaw line,

Set (£20.99 from Superdrug, Boots or

word in the world of

create gorgeous cheekbones and bring

Tesco). Use the angled brush to blend and

make-up. Made famous

attention to parts of the face you want

the fan brush to dust powder.

again by Kim Kardashian,

to highlight.

it is just a make-up trick

One of the biggest mistakes when it

Practise blending the colours so that the effect is natural and finally, when you

that has been used for years in the

comes to contouring is to use a one look

have finished, set the whole face with a

world of photography and films to

fits all approach. Take a good look in the

loose translucent powder and then brush

create sharp jaw lines, high

mirror in the daylight and identify

on some cheek colour on the apple of

cheekbones and slimmer noses,

where the light hits your face (for

your cheek and on the cheek bone.

In the days before Photoshop and digital cameras, it was the only way to

example the cheeks, forehead and chin). These are the areas to highlight. First,

Avoid the final step of shimmer on top of the blusher if you are over 40, as this

enhance and disguise features, but latterly powders have been used to do the job. However, if done correctly and with a more subtle approach using contouring creams, the process can

SUE MOXLEY | Sue Moxley is one of the UK’s leading beauty experts working with an impressive list of national magazines, newspapers and TV programmes, and now Essex Life. Sue has her own make-up range, Famous by Sue Moxley, and has just launched Sue Moxley Pro Tools offer high end beauty accessories with affordable high street prices. www.essexlifemag.co.uk

1 67



HEALTH

Jump to it Essex Life finds out more about a new trampolining centre in Colchester that is helping residents to reap the health rewards of rebounding

J

morning classes three-times-a-week. Outside of the fitness classes, for which pricing is yet to be confirmed, current pricing for an hour’s session is £10 although jumpers must also wear Jump Street non-slip socks which cost £1.75 and can be kept and reused on subsequent visits. Jumpers must be aged five or over. Gavin Levene, director of Jump Street, said: ‘We’ve had lots of enquiries about fitness classes already and we’re keen to respond to the demands of our customers. The benefits of trampolining

UMP STREET is a popular

offers barista coffee plus a range of hot and

for fitness are well documented and we

trampoline park in

cold snacks.

want to make it easy and comfortable for

Colchester which opened in

people who want effective, low impact

June. It has been greeted

Jumping to Fitness

warmly by crowds of

The health benefits of trampolining are

fitter and have some fun. We have some

enthusiastic jumpers of all ages,

well documented. In fact, as early as 1980

excellent instructors lined up to deliver

including X Factor finalist Stevi Richie.

NASA confirmed that 10 minutes

interesting and enjoyable classes, so we

Based in the Cowdray Centre in

bouncing on a trampoline is a more

can’t wait to get going in September.’ ■

Colchester, Jump Street has already

efficient cardiovascular workout than

vastly exceeded the team’s anticipated

more than 30 minutes of running. The

number of customers and is now

report states that, ‘for similar levels of

FIND OUT MORE

planning new fitness classes to exploit

heart rate and oxygen consumption, the

the health benefits of trampolining.

magnitude of the biomechanical stimuli

Jump Street is located at 21 Mason Road, Cowdray Centre, Colchester CO1 1BX. It is the first sole purpose trampoline park in Essex. Groups of 10 people or more attract a 10% discount. Visit www.jumpstreet.co.uk

Back in June, Jump Street was opened by Team GB trampolinists Kat Driscoll and Joshua Newman who put the

is greater with jumping on a trampoline than with running’. Fittingly, Jump Street plans to expand

20,000sq ft park through its paces,

the range of activities it offers this month

wowing onlookers with impressive flips

by introducing a range of trampoline-

and routines.

focused fitness classes. Although the finer

In its first month, the park has

aerobic exercise to use our facilities to get

details are still to be confirmed, the team

welcomed more than 10,000 customers

has shared their intention to introduce

through its doors to enjoy the free-jump

group classes, to gauge popularity, in early

area, basketball nets, foam pit and

September. The exact format and price is

dodgeball courts, as well as many more

yet to be confirmed, although it is probable

spectators to its mezzanine café which

that from early September there will be www.essexlifemag.co.uk

1 69


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THROUGH THE KEYHOLE

was coming up to 18 months. The other two, Michael and Sean, were two and three years older respectively. Now they also have a daughter, five-year-old Josephine. She’s about the same age as her eldest brother was when the family took up residence at the house in Margetting. The private estate, which is off the Roman Road a mile-and-a-half from Ingatestone, had previously been owned for about 50 years by a former High Sheriff of Essex, Colonel Richard Bennett Gosling. ‘He rented out the main house and lived in Canterbury Lodge, but he’d lived here in the past,’ Helen explians. The name Canterburys is thought to stem from the pilgrims who used the estate as a stopping point on their way to Canterbury to worship at the shrine of

dining room is about 15ft square. There’s also a shower room on the

doesn’t get in to spoil its latest incarnation as a basement cinema room,

Thomas Becket who was murdered in

ground floor and two staircases up to the

makes a great place for the children to

the cathedral.

first floor where there’s Nick and Helen’s

hang out with their friends and play

palatial master bedroom with dressing

games. Fortunately, there’s still plenty of

room and shower room, five further

space below stairs for a wine cellar and a

bedrooms, a family bathroom and yet

very good one, too.

Helen and Nick couldn’t have chosen a better house to raise a dynasty. The three principal reception rooms are all huge: the drawing room in the Victorian wing is almost 25ft by 16ft, the

another shower room. The total floor area in the main house is

As well as the main house at Canterburys there’s a two-bedroom

sitting room with large bay window is

4,550sq ft. The cellar, which the present

bungalow in the grounds which the

pretty well 20ft square and the formal

owners have tanked to make sure damp

Walshes have completely refurbished. ➤ www.essexlifemag.co.uk

1 75


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THROUGH THE KEYHOLE space is exactly as it was originally. The structure was sound. We only had to replace one of the uprights. There was no trouble with any of the footings.’ As for the 67 acres, it’s chiefly arable land, hay mainly. ‘A contractor does it for us,’ Nick adds. So with all this land, are Nick and Helen a modern day Tom and Barbara Good? ‘We’re about 75% self sufficient,’ guesses the builder. ‘A farmer used to have sheep here, but they’ve gone now, which is a pity.’ ‘It was an ugly 1960s or 1970s building when we got here,’ says Nick. ‘We

Domesday Book. Four years ago Nick and Helen

However, the Walshes will also be gone soon and, after what they’ve achieved,

replaced the roof, took it back to its shell,

transformed a traditional Essex barn on

that must be a wrench, but it’s a case of

smartened it up and gave it a modern

their land into a leisure complex. The

needs must.

spec.’

standout feature is the 50ft ballroom.

Their eldest son is about to move up to

With chandeliers hanging from the

a secondary school in September. ‘It’s

two double bedrooms it has a fully fitted

(recently sandblasted) beams of the

about 15 or 20 miles away,’ Nick says,

kitchen, lounge/dining room and shower

vaulted ceiling and a steel reinforcd

which is the reason why the family will be

room. The living area in the annexe adds

mezzanine floor at one end of the

looking for a house in that area to avoid a

up to about 900sq ft. At one stage an

entertaining suite looking like a 21st

long commute for Sean every day. ■

elderly relative lived there, but now it’s

century minstrel gallery, it’s an amazing

mainly used by guests.

facility. Away from the dance floor but

The cottage is self contained. As well as

However, notwithstanding all the work that went into restoring the main house and the bungalow, that was only the first

still in the barn, there’s a games room and bar and also a fully-equipped gym. ‘As soon as we saw the barn we said we’ll

phase of the endeavour to fulfil the

turn it into an entertaining room,’ Nick

potential of this small country estate in

remembers. ‘We’ve had some amazing

an ancient village mentioned in the

parties in there,’ he recalls, laughing. ‘The

Now it’s for sale Canterburys is on the market through Beresfords in Chelmsford with a guide price of £4.25m. For more information, call 01245 500555

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1 77



INTERIORS

Fabulous Flooring Be Inspired

Choosing the right flooring for your home to suit your space and the durability you require can be challenging. Sarah Hammill meets three local experts who can help guide you to making the perfect decision

1

THE STYLE: The Style: Woven Wonders

A fine crafted rug is an investment beneath your feet, which can be a dazzling centerpiece handed down for generations to come, and can also be an easy method of transforming the lounge décor. The Rug and Carpet Studio has been dedicated to providing more than 20 years of high quality rugs, in both contemporary and traditional styles. Owner, Sara Tatum, says: ‘The colourful tribal Qashqai carpets and rugs are hand-woven in the Fars province of south-west Iran and are brought to market in the capital city of Shiraz. The Qashqai tribes, now largely settled, who weave these beautiful rugs are particularly well known for their use of vibrant colours, achieved through high quality, hand-spun and often naturally-dyed yarns. The Qashqai rugs not only look magnificent in traditional settings, but look equally good in modern rooms with bare floors, providing a contrast between old and new and a feeling of depth, history and timelessness.’ For further information, contact The Rug and Carpet Studio on 01787 882214 or visit www.rugandcarpetstudio.co.uk

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Stonemasons Ltd Unrivalled craftsmanship and technology

w from Architectural renovation, exteriors and interiors to bespoke granite kitchen worktops, stone fireplaces, marble bathrooms and memorials, including a wide range of headstone designs.

Our love and understanding of these materials assures you of nothing but the best

Knowledge and experience can never be underestimated. Special attention to every detail is what sets us apart at every step, from design to installation.

Complete Installation Service Telephone: 01376 323037 elegantbathroomsbypgbones.co.uk

Please contact Word for Stone to make an appointment Units 10 & 11, Jubilee End, Lawford, Manningtree, Essex, CO11 1UR Tel: 01206 390003 | Mob: 07816 916 060 www.woodforstone.co.uk | info@woodforstone.co.uk

Interior furnishing commissions in both the UK and Overseas Established since 2000 ID Interior Design undertakes interior furnishing commissions in both the UK and Overseas. We work with private clients, designers, property developers and for the rental market. Our professional made bespoke soft furnishings include: ●

Interlined Hand Made Curtains

Pelmets & Lambrequins

Cushions & Throws

Upholstery & Re-upholstery

Bespoke Wooden & Metal Poles

Individual pieces of furniture and gift ideas

Blinds

Swags & Tails

Headboards ●

Sofa’s & individual chairs ●

Wallpaper

From initial concepts ID Interior Design expertly interprets the clients vision to meet their individual requirements and needs. We offer a complete service from surveying and estimating, to extensive sample book library includes all the major fabric companies and design houses including Osborne and Little, Colefax and Fowler, Romo, Designers Guild, Brian Yates, Casamance, Kandola, Harlequin, Today Interiors and many more. ID Interior Design offers a professional and friendly service, offering bespoke solutions, for curtains or blinds for one room to a complete residence we can help you get the desired results for your home.

143 Heath Park Road, Gidea Park, Romford, Essex RM2 5XJ

Tel: 01708 458256 iddesign@ntlworld.com 180

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INTERIORS

2

THE STYLE: The Style: Timeless Tiles

Tiles are an ideal addition to any home, Being versatile and resistant to stains and spills, they provide any interior with architectural integrity. Family-run business Specialist Floors has been trading for more than 25 years and supplies a free quotation to all customers from reliable fitters. And with an extensive display of tiles, customers are spoilt for choice. Director, Jane Hilliard, explains: ‘Specialist Floors offer distinctive floorings like our innovative ‘life tile’ collection. It is a luxurious vinyl tile/plank and is very hard wearing. It looks as authentic as any real wood, stone or ceramic floor. The new parquet range is just superb with its registered embossed design, plus the added benefit of being easy to clean and maintain. There is also a great choice of colours and designs to choose from in the wood plank collection.’ For further information, contact Specialist Floors on 01206 579603 or visit www.specialistfloors.co.uk

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House of Design Bespoke Interior Design

Free Interior Design Consultation 209-213 St Mary’s Lane, Upminster, Essex RM14 3BU Tel: 01708 221411 Email: angeljane61@gmail.com

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INTERIORS

3

THE STYLE: The Style: Tasteful Textiles

Established in 1886, Hatfields Home Furnishers has thousands of carpet options to suit any requirement, all provided by the world’s leading manufacturers. Hatfield’s latest collection is the Riviera, an exclusive and completely unique range. Not previously available in the UK, Riviera offers luxurious textile flooring of the highest grade which has previously graced homes, palaces, offices and hotels around the world. David Baker, flooring manager at Hatfields Home Furnishers, says: ‘The Riviera Home brand is synonymous with the production of quality textiles distributed worldwide. Riviera Home flooring delivers a range of broadloom carpets and products, which incorporate the latest in design and colour. Striking a balance between the use of traditional skills and the latest technology, Riviera’s quality products are available in a myriad of designs, colours and fibres with luxurious texture, appeal and quality at the core. For further information, contact Hatfields on 01206 765444 or visit www.hatfieldsofcolchester.com

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BE BRAVE Winner of Best of Show at Grand Designs Live

BE COLOURFUL

BE DIFFERENT

But remember you make the choice. The kitchens you see in these pictures are actually in our Showroom with eight other large displays. Meet Teresa, one of our three qualified Kitchen Designers. Trading in Chelmsford for 43 Years.

Tel: 01245 260979 | www.dadens.com UNIT 2, PARKWAY, CHELMSFORD, CM2 7PX Open Tues – Sat 9 – 5pm 184

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WE HAVE MOVED

We have moved

Where Service Matters Postcode for your SAT NAV CM7 2YW

186

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Tel: 01376 349276


Room Set

ROOM SET

HOME ENTERTAINMENT

W

HETHER you plan to invest in one piece of audio visual equipment to enhance an

existing set up or are gunning for a whole new state-of-the-art system, picking out the right home entertainment innovations for your needs is no easy task. So how do you create the completely immersive experience without compromising on the style and decor of your home? Sarah Hammill meets three local home entertainment experts that can move you from clueless to confident.

LEARNING CURVE SENSUAL SOUND

4K Ultra HD

When selecting a high

technical

calibre home audio system,

innovations in

factors to take into account

home

will be space and layout, as

entertainment.

well as design and, most

4K Ultra HD

importantly, sound quality.

TVs can have

Michael Francis, sales

up to four

and curved screen design are the latest

times higher

manager of Bang & Olufsen of Colchester, explains why their cutting-edge products are a celebration of the art of

resolution in comparison to full HD sets, creating an

acoustic perfection. He comments: ‘With technology

unrivalled, sharper image.

constantly changing, it’s no surprise there’s an increased

Jason Digwa, director of multi award-winning RGB Direct,

demand for integrated multi-room audio-visual systems

works with the world’s leading brands. He comments: ‘We

and creating a system from scratch can be a little

are seeing the popularity of curve screens growing by the

daunting. From the elegantly designed Beosound Moment

day. It really does give you the ultimate immersed picture

Digital Music Player to the BeoVision Avant, we can

quality. I would advise anyone to have a demonstration

guarantee a sensational sound.’ For further information contact Bang and Olufsen of Colchester on 01206 763344 or visit www.bang-olufsen.com

before making their choice.’ For further information contact RGB Direct on 020 8924 7744 or visit www.rgbdirect.co.uk

THE PERFECT PACKAGE Finding the ultimate entertainment system that can provide both superior sound and stunning visuals in high quality can be a challenge. But Darren Maynard, director of Bang and Olufsen Chelmsford, feels he has the answer. ‘The BeoVision Avant is the complete entertainment solution from Bang & Olufsen,’ says Darren. Unlike many televisions, the BeoVision Avant features a powerful loudspeaker system built in so you will always have the best experience in picture and sound when watching your favourite TV shows or movies. It is available in 55”, 75” or 85” and is mountable on the wall or an elegant motorised floor stand which will move the set round to your favourite viewing position.’ For further information contact Bang and Olufsen Chelmsford on 01245 266117 or visit www.bang-olufsen.com

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189


GARDENING

Act of

enclosure The walled garden at Spencers near Great Yeldham is a tapestry of colour from flowers, fruit and produce. Philippa Pearson shares the inspiration she found at this charming garden

I

T IS the perfect summer’s day

bed,’ explains the owner, Lynne Bogie, as

Great Yeldham near Halstead, forms part

as I walk through this dazzling

she shows me a deep, long border planted

of the estate built by Lady Anne Spencer

walled garden at Spencers near

with alternate rows of fruit, vegetables

around 1760 with money from her

Great Yeldham, full of late

and cut flowers. The idea is that all the

grandfather, the first Duke of

summer displays from flowers,

produce from here is harvested and used

Marlborough, and was home to Arctic

fruit and vegetables, I stop at a large

for the house and it’s all grown in one,

explorer ‘August’ Courtauld and his wife

border.

large, single bed. The walled garden at

Mollie who bought the estate in 1937.

Spencers, a romantic country house in

After August’s death in 1959, Mollie

‘This is what we call our house garden 190

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GARDENING

married Saffron Walden MP and

the original layout of the walled garden

Conservative politician, RA Butler, known

laid out in Georgian times by Lady Anne

as Rab.

Spencer and added new features

Lynne and her husband, Colin, moved

including a clover lawn and an ox-eye

with their three children to Spencers

daisy wildflower maze. There’s also a

in 2011. Their previous home in

herb garden, orchard, vegetable garden,

Hertfordshire had an acre of garden, but

rose beds, double herbaceous borders

Spencers is surrounded by 90 acres of

running the length of the garden and a

woodland and parkland, while gardens

Georgian greenhouse, the oldest

around the house, a terrace, shrubbery

surviving one in Essex. The rose garden

and the walled garden cover 10 acres. The

in the centre includes a sundial mounted

highlight of Spencers is the one acre

on a column rescued from the old

walled garden, hidden behind 12ft walls

London Bridge.

and approached through a wildflower meadow planted with white flowers. ‘When we first came to view Spencers,’

Late summer in the walled garden sees orchard fruits ripening for harvest while the ‘house garden bed’ creates a

says Lynne, ‘we were a bit hesitant about

colourful tapestry of vibrant cut flowers

buying a home where you couldn’t see

including asters, zinnias and dahlias

the main garden area from the house.’

mingling with squash, French beans,

The walled garden was designed by

lettuces and soft fruit. The gardeners’

Tom Stuart-Smith, together with some

potting shed and adjacent cold frames

other areas at Spencers, several years

are kept busy all year round growing

ago. Divided into four quarters, Tom kept

plants for garden. ‘We supply the

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191


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GARDENING

house with vegetables, fruit, cut flowers

‘We nearly lost the Garrya elliptica in

and potted plants, all grown here in the

our first bad winter of 2012,’ says Lynne,

garden,’ explains head gardener John

‘so we are mindful of protecting

Pilgrim, who is assisted by three

borderline tender plants over the winter

full-time gardeners plus part-time help.

season.’ The white-painted, timber-

Lynne works closely with John and

framed Georgian greenhouse, built in the

likes to try different and unusual

1760s, is filled with colour and interest

produce. ‘We’ve grown different types of

from late summer flowering plants and

beetroot,’ she says, ‘red, white and

there are plans in autumn to restore the

orange, which looked very pretty on

building. Other autumn plans include

salad plates enjoyed by visiting

changes to the clover lawn to incorporate

gardening groups.’

a knot garden.

This year there’s three varieties of peas,

Several borders near the main entrance

several types of squash and celeriac,

to the walled garden are planned for

among other crops thriving in the rich

displays of seasonal interest. In late

loam soil. The walled garden is

spring through to mid-summer, massed

surrounded on all sides by a circle of trees

plantings of foxglove ‘Excelsior’ create a

which creates a microclimate for the

bold effect and are a feast for bees on the

garden, but also keeps the area quite cold

hunt for nectar. John and his team treat

and it can be a frost-pocket in winter.

them as annuals and sow seed in summer

MEDAL WINNERS Coggeshall-based garden designers Jean Wardrop and Alexandra Stevenson were awarded a prestigious RHS Silver medal for their garden at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show in July. A Growing Obsession — the Yardley London Perennial Garden was designed by the pair in collaboration with Yardley London and horticultural charity Perennial, and the garden was inspired by a Victorian ladies flower garden, celebrating women’s influence in gardening since the 19th century. Further information about Jean and Alexandra’s work is available from www.wardropdesigns.co.uk and www.alydandra.co.uk

then bring on young plants over the winter, magically producing a display of

VISIT THE GARDEN Spencers Tilbury Road Great Yeldham Essex CO9 4JG 01787 238175 www.spencersgarden.net

flowers the following spring from seemingly out of nowhere. Plantings of Cosmos follow on, still looking good in late summer and into autumn. Spencers is also known for the famous sky blue delphinium, ‘Lord Butler’. Introduced by the RHS in the 1990s, the ‘true blue’ flower with white eyes has an

Spencers is open for the National Gardens Scheme on Sunday, September 13 from 2pm to 5pm. Admission is £5, children free. Homemade teas are available and plants are for sale. The garden is also open on Thursdays from May to September, from 2pm to 5pm, by arrangement for groups. Please book in advance.

Award of Garden Merit (AGM) for outstanding performance. As we walk around the walled garden enjoying the bountiful produce and late summer flowers, Lynne comments: ‘One of the benefits of having a garden away from the house, is that you make time to come out and enjoy the plants.’ What a special treat, indeed. ■ www.essexlifemag.co.uk

1 93


The Diary 1-28 September 9am-5pm Sculpture Trial Staples Visitor Centre Hylands House Estate, London Road, Chelmsford CM2 8WQ September sees sculpture come to Hylands. There will be a fully accessible trail of stunning artwork for all to enjoy, so grab a map form the Stables Visitor Centre and explore. Admission: Free www.hylandsartists.co.uk

1 September 7.30pm Henry IV (Part 1 & 2 Combined) Cressing Temple Barns, Witham Road, Cressing CM77 8PD A spirited adaptation taken from Henry IV Parts 1 and 2 and focussing on Shakespeare’s lovable, larger than life rogue, Sir John Falstaff, and his adventures with Prince Hal, the future King Henry V. This historical drama brings to life the humanity, the politics, the battles and the humour of this period in mediaeval Britain. A colourful two-hour production, performed by this skilled and energetic all-male company. Admission: £15 adult, £13 under 16 and concessions www.thefestivalplayers.co.uk

2&9 September 10.30am-3.30pm Pony days Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary, Little Farm Ingatestone CM4 9NZ The long-awaited Pony Days organised by Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary have returned for the summer holidays. Each day children and adults will be loaned a pony, to make up its feed up, be taught how to groom and turn it out into the field, shown how to clean out the pony’s stable and make a nice new bed for him or her to come back into later. Events and fundraising play a vital part in raising much-needed funds to keep the sanctuary going. Admission: £45 01277 356191

3 September 7pm The Beaux Stratagem Firstsite, Lewis Gardens, High Street, Colchester CO1 1JH Mr Aimwell and Mr Archer are two charming, 1 94

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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR AREA THIS SEPTEMBER COMPILED BY HOLLY EELLS

dissolute young men who have blown their fortunes in giddy London. Shamed and debt-ridden, they flee to provincial Lichfield. Their ‘Stratagem’: to marry for money. Lodged at the local inn, posing as master and servant, they encounter a teeming variety of human obstacles: a crooked landlord, a fearsome highwayman, a fervent French Count, a maid on the make, a drunken husband, a furious butler, a natural healer and a strange, turbulent priest. But their greatest obstacle is love. When the Beaux meet their match in Dorinda and Mrs Sullen they are most at risk, for in love they might be truly discovered. George Farquhar’s final play is a fabulous, carnal comedy. Admission: Prices vary 01206 577067

4 September Colchester Farmers Market Colchester Arts Centre, Church Street Colchester CO1 1NF Colchester’s monthly farmers market is back in full swing with lovely local fresh produce including fruit, vegetable, cheese, meats and much more. 01206 500900

5-6 September 10.30am-5.30pm English Wine Festival and Open Day New Hall Vineyards, Chelmsford Road, Purleigh CM3 6PN Adult admission includes entry, tasting glass and four free wine tastings. A great family day out with lots to entertain the children including fire-eaters, jugglers, bouncy castle, trailer rides, craft fair and an art show. Admission: Adult £7 and children £1 newhall@newhallwines.co.uk

5-6 September 10am-5pm American Car Show Museum of Power, Hatfield Road, Langford, Maldon CM9 6QA Classic American and custom cars, stalls, live music and family entertainment. Miniature steam train is open for rides (extra charge applies). Astaria model village open and Marshall, the Lilleshall pumping engine will be run by steam and other oil diesel engines will be running too. Admission: Adult £6, senior £5 and children £2 with children under 2 free 01621 843183

6 September 10am-5pm Helen Rollason Vintage Fair Cressing Temple Barns, Witham Road, Cressing CM77 8PD The Helen Rollason Vintage Fayre is back at Cressing Temple Barns with lots of vintage stalls, classic cars, rock and roll band, The Kingsmen and Chelmsford Morris to entertain you, along with a rockabilly DJ. Free parking and all proceeds will support local people living with cancer. Admission: Prices vary www.cressingtemple.org.uk

12 September 3pm Jumble Sale Great Maplestead Village Hall Contributions will be received by Doreen Faulks and can be delivered to the hall either on Friday 11 or on Saturday morning between 9am and midday. Raffle and refreshments available. In aid of the Village Hall. Admission: 20p For local collection, call 01787 460727

12 September 7pm Bat Walk Castle Park, Colchester For locals and visitors come and enjoy this rare experience on a beautiful autumn evening. Meet at the café in the park before commencing. Admission: Adults £4.20 and children free 01206 282920

12-13 September Essex Country Show Barleylands Farm Barleylands Road, Billericay CM11 2UD Back for its 29th year, there’s something for everyone at the annual Essex Country Show. Highlights include stepping back in time to medieval England with colourful jousting, letting it go at Snow Sisters sing-a-longs, and watching gravity-defying motorbike displays from Britain’s Got Talent runners up Bolddog Lings. As well as a packed programme of displays, demonstrations and shows, with everything from working heavy horses to Newfoundland dog rescue, there’ll be attractions galore. From steam engines, vintage vehicles, modern machinery, craft marquees, food stalls, vintage funfair rides and more. Discover the very best of rural Essex,


past and present on a huge scale and enjoy a fantastic family day out. Admission: ÂŁ8.10 to ÂŁ15 01268 532253

13 September Sponsored Dog Walk Weald Country Park, Brentwood Are you a dog lover? Would you like to raise some vital funds for The J’s while enjoying the beautiful Weald Country Park this autumn? Please help and get involved for a good cause. www.thejshospice.org.uk

19 September 10.30am-4pm Witham International Puppet Festival Town Centre, Witham CM8 2FE Held in Witham Town Centre, this is one of the largest puppet festivals in the UK. Organised by Witham Town Council, the festival has taken place annually since 1999, and continues to delight residents and visitors to the town. As well as the traditional hand-held puppet shows, the streets of Witham come alive with the most amazing puppets imaginable making a great family day out. Admission: Free www.withaminternationalpuppetfestival.co.uk

19 September Maldon Town Regatta Maldon Hythe Quay Enjoy a great programme of events afloat and ashore including sailing, rowing, parade of sail, duck race, stalls and musical entertainment. Admission: Free to spectators www.maldonregatta.co.uk

19-20 September Autumn Plant Fair RHS Hyde Hall, Creephedge Lane, Chelmsford CM3 8ET RHS Garden Hyde Hall is encouraging its visitors to plant now for spring colour by stocking up on bulbs, perennials and shrubs at the Essex Plant Heritage Autumn Plant Fair.

Organised by the Essex branch of Plant Heritage, there will be over 30 specialist nurseries from around the region setting up shop at the garden and selling a range of unusual plants. All exhibitors will be able to sound advice on plant selection so if you’re thinking of making a few changes to your garden, come along and pick up some plants and growing tips. It’s also a perfect time for exploring Hyde Hall’s richly coloured estate with its tones of reds, oranges and russets. And why not treat yourself to a nice cup of tea and slice of homemade cake to round off your visit. www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall

19 September to 11 October 10am-5pm (Wednesday to Sunday) Exhibition The Sentinel Gallery, Chapel Road, Wivenhoe CO7 9DX Visit the newly-opened gallery’s latest exhibition in the beautiful cultural centre of Wivenhoe. See printer Derek Chambers and painter Colin Slee and their representation of our swirling natural world. 01206 827490

Till 26 September 10am-4pm Heavy Horse Experience Day – Driving Hylands House Estate, London Road, Chelmsford CM2 8WQ Enjoy a day working with a rare breed heavy horse including grooming, harness care and an introduction to coach driving techniques with the opportunity to take the reins yourself. This is an exclusive day with only four people, but could be the perfect gift or personal experience. Admission: £85 01245 605500

Get hands on as you draw back your archers bow, spin the pottery wheel and weave with coppice wood to create an autumnal animal. Admission: Prices vary www.english-heritage.org.uk

26-27 September Times vary Chilli Pepper Weekend RHS Hyde Hall, Creephedge Lane, Chelmsford CM3 8ET Not for the faint-hearted, the Hyde Hall Chilli Pepper Weekend returns. Ideal for plant lovers and foodies alike, this year’s show will include the chilli challenge, organised by Battlesbridge Mills Garden Centre, cookery demonstrations by BBC MasterChef 2013 semi-finalist Saira Hamilton and a plant display of more than 40 Capiscum cultivars, all grown by the RHS garden team. Coupled with artisan food producers selling a range of tempting food and drink, such as delicious chilli pastes, chutneys, oils, sausages and sauces alongside spicy cheese, beer and chocolate cake, it will be a true feast for your senses. Mexican and Latin American music and tasty street food will add to the party atmosphere, and chilli plants will be available to buy all weekend. www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall

27 September Copped Hall Run Registration has just opened for the 2015 Copped Hall Run, organised by Epping Rotary Club. This multi-terrain run is a five-mile course around the historic Copped Hall Estate in Epping. Come and get involved for Haven House Children’s Hospice. Admission: Adult race entry costs £12 for unaffiliated runners and £10 for UKA affiliated runners. 01992 571541

26-27 September 11am-5pm Apple Festival Audley End House and Garden, Audley End, Saffron Walden CB11 4JF From bobbing and weaving to trapping and tasting, apples have never been so appetising! Gobble down golden delicious treats in the tea room, see how the Victorians would have cooked a pink lady in the service wing, and enjoy pressing and tasting! Become a bobbing champion before meeting the Victorian gardener to learn how to deal with harvest pests in the orchard, while falconers show how they dealt with them in the field.

27 September 11.30am-6pm End of season Celebration Gibberd Garden, Marsh Lane, Harlow CM17 0NA Celebrate the end of summer in style. Brunch will be served from 11.30am to 2pm including filled rolls and jacket potatoes. From 2pm, enjoy tea time with homemade apple cakes, jams and chutneys all available in the Barn Tea Room. Admission: Adults ÂŁ4, concessions ÂŁ3, and accompanied children five to 16, ÂŁ1 www.thegibberdgarden.co.uk

Find full listings online Each month, Essex Life publishes a snapshot of what’s going on across the county, but you will find a comprehensive list of events and activities in Essex online too. Just visit www.essexlifemag.co.uk and click on Out and About

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195


Artreview Exhibitions

BY HOLLY EELLS

• Events • Galleries • Reviews

An art exclusive in Colchester THE CHAPPEL GALLERIES in Colchester presents its latest exhibition, Constructions and Projections by David Denby. After leaving London’s Royal Academy School in 1971, David was invited to exhibit his paintings in Scandinavia and continued a working relationship there for more than 15 years. Since then, this forthcoming exhibition at Chappel Galleries will be the largest collection he has ever shown in Britain. More than 20 paintings in oils will be on display and all works are for sale. The exhibition runs from September 19 and for more information, call on 01206 240326.

MAGNA CARTA 800-YEAR CELEBRATIONS IN BRAINTREE BRAINTREE DISTRICT

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5 minutes with‌ Mark Thomas Holly Eells talks to the awardwinning comedian about his new show, Trepass, his love for Essex and why he’s looking forward to performing at The Colchester Arts Centre this month TELL US ABOUT TRESPASS? I think people know the score. I go off and do something, intervene in the normal flow of events somewhere, then come back and tell the story. So this year’s story is about how we are losing public space, squares, parks, playing fields and homes. It is about gentrification, corporate land grabs and how our behaviour is expected to change when on our new landlord’s land. It is about me misbehaving. HOW WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE THE ESSEX READERS TO HEAD DOWN TO SEE YOUR SHOW IN COLCHESTER? By train. WHEN VISITING ESSEX, WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO GO? My brother’s house, charity shops, chip shops and book shops. YOU HAVE LOTS OF GIG DATES THIS YEAR, WHAT ARE YOUR LIKES AND DISLIKES WHEN ON TOUR? I like seeing friends I have not seen since the last tour, going to places I like, stone circle searching, doing the gigs, finding new places, visiting galleries and rambling. On the down side are a chip diet, missing my family, tiredness, train shops and roadworks on the M1. WHAT ELSE ARE YOU UP TO THIS YEAR, ANY EXCLUSIVES YOU CAN SHARE? My last show, Cuckooed, is just being translated into Turkish to be toured by one of Turkey’s top political theatre groups. That’s pretty cool huh? Mark Thomas will be appearing at The Colchester Arts Centre on September 25. For more details, visit www.colchesterartscentre.com


A night with Jay Rayner

Liz Leatherdale’s

Classical Essex

AWARD-WINNING journalist, writer and broadcaster Jay Rayner has been a restaurant critic for more than a decade, and if there’s one thing he’s learnt it’s that people delight in reviews of bad restaurants. For one night only at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester, he examines our love affair with lousy reviews, reads accounts of excruciating nights and looks at the worst reviews of his own work. Jay Rayner — My Dining Hell is on September 3 and tickets start from £10-£22.50. Visit www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

THIS MONTH the Roman River Festival includes a commission for a string quartet by pianist and composer Gwilym Simcock. The young and exciting Sacconi Quartet will perform the world premiere within an exhibition of new canvasses by the festival artist John Doubleday at Firstsite, Colchester’s contemporary art gallery.

GET ARTY IN LEIGH THE LEIGH LITERARY and Arts Fair is a

more than 20 stalls and much more.

fantastic day out for all to enjoy. On

This event is from 10am at the Leigh

September 19 this free event is hosting

Community Centre and will have some

talks and workshops, a chance to meet

special offers on the day.

and chat to local authors and artists,

Visit www.leighcommunitycentre.com

BIG CELEBRATIONS AT PARDON MILL THIS YEAR The Gallery at

be a special one. Over the

Glasshaus exhibitions and

Parndon Mill is proud to

years some of the best

this year many will be

present its 10th Glasshaus

glass artists in the country

showcasing their work

exhibition, which is set to

have exhibited in

here again. In May 2015 The Gallery was proud to win the prestigious first prize at the British Glass Biennale. The piece was made by Ashraf Hanna under the guidance of The Gallery’s resident glass artist, Dr Heike Brachlow. He plans to make another piece for the exhibition. Other glass artists include Ewa Wawrzyniak, Yuki Kokai, Jon Lewis and Karen Murphy. The exhibition starts from September 24. For more information, visit www.parndonmill.co.uk

The charismatic and engaging Sacconis have given numerous world and British premières. Simcock’s quartet has been chosen by the BBC Music Magazine as one of 20 unmissable events in September. Quartets by Nielsen and Sibelius will complete the programme. The event is on September 25 at 7.30pm and tickets are from £12. Call on 01206 729356. Studio Music in Brightlingsea begins its 25th season on September 18. The intimate nature of the performing space and the studio’s location in a garden and field on the edge of Brightlingsea Creek make for an unusual and attractive setting that is particularly suitable for the enjoyment of chamber music. Call on 01206 304995. Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and other baroque favourites will be heard at Chelmsford Cathedral performed by the Belmont Ensemble of London and the English Chamber Choir. Tickets are available for this charity concert for a suggested £20 donation to the Essex Clergy Charity. For more details, email nigel@garden-shows.com If you have a forthcoming concert of classical music you would like previewed, please contact Liz on 0800 999 6994 or visit www.colchesterclassics.co.uk www.essexlifemag.co.uk

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Book Club In this Essex Life column, Jane Lambert shares book reviews and author interviews as she turns the pages of the local literary world

REVIEW

INTERVIEW Hadley Books is an antiquarian and second-hand book shop in Harwich. Owner Peter J Hadley talks to us about his love of books and bookshops Tell us more about Hadley Books I started bookselling at university to supplement my grant and, faced with a

The Truffleys by Susan

choice between teaching and bookselling, I

Turner and Michelle Smith Susan and Michelle are a

chose the latter. The business has been based in Ludlow, Norwich and for the last 12 years

such a diverse stock requires very hard

mother and daughter writing

in Harwich, although over the years it has

work. The recently bankrupt Dutch chain

team from Waltham Abbey

also grown more reliant on the fixed space of

Der Slegte also attempted this mix and are

the internet. People don’t seem to have the

much missed.

time to browse these days, while the ease of

The Truffleys is an unusual story, the likes of which

mail order makes it irresistible to most. Many

Which three books would you take

you have probably never

bookshops have converted entirely to

to a desert island?

read before. Telling the

internet selling and yet there is a feeling that

The thought of a desert island fills me with

story of a small group of

shops may have their day in the sun again.

horror, but given the amount of time available

elfin leaders who live in the

it would have to be books that would merit

forest, it follows their battle

Other than Hadley Books, what other

re-reading and closer examination. Having

against the Outsiders, who

bookshops do you love?

taught Moby Dick once and seen the group size

are intent on stealing their

Two bookshops that I love are G David in

shrink in number as the sessions went on, I

precious food stuff. This is

Cambridge and Ken Spelman in York. Both

would choose this in the hope that the time

only a short story, so is a

of these traditional Open Shops (with

spent meant I may be able to convey my

perfect fantasy tale for

reliable hours) combine antiquarian,

enthusiasm better. James Joyce’s Ulysses

children. There’s a message

academic titles alongside publishers’

would be another choice because there is

to think about and the

returns and remainders with such skill that

always something new to discover, particularly

book is the perfect start to

a short visit is impossible. They are the

when read aloud. I guess my final choice

what is sure to become a

closest we have to combining new and

would be The Bible. I can’t remember when I

series of stories about the

antiquarian titles which has to be a

last picked it up, but it’s the source often of

Truffleys.

browser’s and booklover’s dream. Keeping

much that we love in both story and language.

Publisher: Pegasus Publishers Release Date: June 2015 Price: £5.99

REVIEW

With The Enemy Within, Gary Nott has conjured

ISBN: 9781907552687

up a hot Seventies summer, with a mystery at its heart that will have readers guessing. A The Enemy Within

summer circus coming to town has a group of

by Gary Nott

four friends excited, until things start to go

Gary Nott is a head

wrong and the children find themselves

teacher from Brentwood.

investigating the cause of a series of incidents

The Enemy Within is his

that put lives in danger. The influence of Enid

first novel.

Blyton is clear, but the stakes are higher here. The Enemy Within is a great little mystery that will appeal to readers of all ages. Publisher: Pegasus Publishers Release Date: June 2015 Price: £8.99 ISBN: 9781784650469 www.essexlifemag.co.uk

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6 th YE

AR

WOODWORKING IN ACTION Cressing Temple Barns Near Braintree, Essex Saturday & Sunday 12th & 13th September 2015 Tickets now available Visit www.ews2015.com or call 01473 785946

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ART LIFE

Join the

Great Essex Art Debate The Beecroft Art Gallery in Southend is centre stage for the 56th Essex Open Exhibition, in a celebration of Essex art and creativity. Caroline Foster reports included and chosen.’ Simon Isaac, strategy partner at ZeroAbove and also a keen photographer who has had his work featured in Essex Life magazine, added: ‘The open art exhibition in Essex is a platform for the benefit, encouragement and support of artists. It’s also recognition for those artists working in the region. It brings together the local community and people want to be part of it.’ The 56th Essex Open Exhibition runs until October 10 and visitors should note that the majority of works will be for sale.

W

Visitors are encouraged to visit HEN described as

more artists to apply. This has also

throughout the summer and marvel at

‘the largest and

attracted a greater variety of work.’

the diversity, creativity and talent that is

most prestigious

The exhibition is open to any artist,

open art

amateur or professional, over the age of 16

exhibition in

and who is either resident or working as an

Essex’, it’s no wonder artists of all

artist in Essex (including the London

calibres have flocked to be part of this

boroughs formerly part of Essex).

year’s open art event. Being held for the first year at the

Kevin also thinks raising the profile of the exhibition in this way has further

Beecroft Art Gallery’s new home (the former

encouraged new sponsors, including

Southend Library in Victoria Avenue), the

categories from Best Work in Exhibition,

56th Essex Open Exhibition has seen a

sponsored by ZeroAbove, to the Most

record number of entries from lesser known

Popular Work in the Exhibition, sponsored

and new artists from across the region.

by The Royals Shopping Centre.

Kevin Marsh, assistant curator for art

‘We have on show a variety of mixed

exhibitions at Southend on Sea Borough

mediums of work including oils, acrylics,

Council, attributes the upsurge in entries to

watercolours, mixed media and

the exhibition’s new online entry

photography, but we would like to increase

application process.

the number of sculptures and 3D works in

‘It was a lot of work for the artists to

future exhibitions. We now have the space

bring their entries to the gallery for the

available to showcase more of these types

selection process,’ explains Kevin. ‘Now

of works, but we are still looking for

they can upload their details and images of

quality,’ says Kevin.

their work, which I believe has encouraged

For visitors, the 56th Essex Open

on display this year and show their support to all of our Essex based artists.

AND THE WINNERS ARE… Best Work in Exhibition sponsored by ZeroAbove Feel The Colour by Steven Wood Best Oil or Acrylic sponsored by Slick 50 Barbers: Head 23 Gary Lawrence by Shona Chew Best Print or Drawing sponsored by The Pouch of Douglas Tavern by Elliot Steele Best Photograph sponsored by KeyMed Olympus The Streets Take 1 by David James The Shirley Robson Bowl for Best Watercolour sponsored by Strand Gallery Big Frosted Blue by John Ellis

Exhibition has something for everyone and

VISIT THE EXHIBITION The 56th Essex Open Exhibition takes place at The Beecroft Gallery, Victoria Avenue, Southend SS2 6EX and is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10am to 5pm. Visit www.southendmuseums.co.uk

for artists who have not exhibited in galleries before, this exhibition is a great place to start.

Best 3 Dimensional / Mix Media Work sponsored by The Hive Multi-Cola by John Jarvis

‘The open exhibition offers an opportunity for great exposure,’ continues Kevin. ‘It’s one of the busiest exhibitions of the year. For visitors, it’s an open topic for debate and somewhere they can talk

The winner of Most Popular Work in the Exhibition (sponsored by The Royals Shopping Centre) will be voted for by visitors and will be announced in October

openly about the work that has been www.essexlifemag.co.uk

20 1



BirdLife

Find out more about the county’s bird life from the RSPB each month

Wonderful wetland wildlife

Redrawing the Essex coast helps give nature a home

A

LANDMARK project made

hectares of intertidal saltmarsh along the

possible due to a unique

Essex coast — now there are just 2,500.

partnership between RSPB and

Intertidal saltmarsh is a crucial wildlife

Crossrail reached a major

habitat for a wide variety of plants,

milestone in July as the sea walls were

invertebrates and birds, and acts as an

breached at Wallasea.

effective sea defence for local

Wallasea Island Wild Coast project, located eight miles north of Southend on

communities. Wetland restoration began on Wallasea

Sea, aims to transform 670 hectares of

in 2006 and by 2025 the Wallasea Island

farmland, an area about two-and-a-half

Wild Coast Project plans to have created

times the size of the City of London, back

148 hectares of mudflats, 192 hectares of

into the coastal marshland it once was

saltmarsh and 76 hectares of shallow

some 400 years ago.

saline lagoons. Around eight miles of

Over 3 million tonnes of excavated

allow people to get closer to the island’s

infrastructure project, Crossrail, have

spectacular wildlife. time, on a large scale, how to ‘future

and other wildlife-friendly features and

proof’ low lying coastal areas against

protecting these areas with new sea walls.

expected sea level rise and deliver

completed when the sea walls of ‘Cell 1’

benefits to wildlife. For more detailed information, visit

were successfully breached to allow tidal

www.rspb.org.uk/wallaseawildcoast to

flow into the new Jubilee marsh.

learn about the scheme and the wildlife

400 years ago there were 30,000

To find out more about RSPB in Essex, call 01268 498620 or visit www.rspb.org.uk

Wallasea Island will show for the first

average of 1.5 metres, creating lagoons

The first phase of the project was

GET IN TOUCH

coastal walks and cycle routes will also

material from Europe’s biggest been used to raise part of the island by an

ESSEX is blessed with incredible wetland and marshland habitats, some of which the RSPB is privileged to work on and manage. These habitats provide homes for an array of wildlife from avocets to water voles. As summer draws to a close, we can look forward to both resident and passage waders delighting us with their quirky presence at Essex wetland sites. The ringed plover is a dumpy, short-legged wader which breeds during the summer on beaches around the coast, but has also taken to breeding inland in sand and gravel pits and former industrial sites. At Wallasea Island, wading migrant numbers peak in late August to early September, when up to 500 ringed plovers can be present, joined by avocets, dunlins, curlews, greenshanks and redshanks. Autumn brings the possibility of seeing the distinctive kingfisher at Bowers Marsh. If you’re patient, you may be rewarded with an unforgettable kingfisher encounter. Listen for their shrill, piping calls and then watch for the flash of blue and orange. They fly rapidly and low over the water and hunt fish from riverside perches, occasionally hovering above the water’s surface. If you would like to visit any of RSPB’s reserves and would like more information on them, you can contact the RSPB by emailing southessex@rspb.org.uk or calling 01268 498620.

and plants it aims to help. www.essexlifemag.co.uk 203


ESSEX Wild Life

Charlie Oliver of the Essex Wildlife Trust provides a monthly update

IMAGE OF BEARDED TIT BY AMY LEWIS

Great news for WOODPECKERS T HERE has been exciting news

woodlands with a closed canopy to

Woodpecker and other woodland birds

this summer with the first

provide feeding opportunities at the

at Danbury, including Great Spotted

breeding record for a long time

tops of trees. For nesting they need

Woodpecker, Nuthatch and Treecreeper.

of Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

dead standing woodland, so Essex

Other breeding successes this year

on one of Essex Wildlife Trust’s Danbury

Wildlife Trust’s intricate woodland

included Bearded Tits for the first time

reserves (between Chelmsford and

management plan ensures that

(to the trust’s knowledge) on Blue

Maldon). Better still was that the only

ancient and mature trees are left to

House Farm in North Fambridge.

chick fledged successfully.

age and rot.

Elsewhere on the farm, all four Barn

‘Lesser Spots’ are little bigger

Where there is insufficient dead

Owl nest boxes were occupied for the

than a sparrow, exceedingly scarce

wood, the EWT teams cut out a ring of

first time ever. The first work to create

in Essex (nationally, they are of the

bark around the base of the tree. Known

improved wetlands at Tollesbury Wick,

highest conservation concern) and

as ‘ring barking’, this shortens the life of

on the Blackwater Estuary, is already

very unobtrusive.

the tree and hence promotes the

reaping rewards too, with increased

availability of dead wood, providing

numbers of breeding Lapwing and

nesting habitat for the Lesser Spotted

Redshank this year.

The birds have particular habitat requirements, relying on oak 20 4 www.essexlifemag.co.uk


Fingringhoe Wick’s evolution continues ESSEX WILDLIFE TRUST’S project to create an international wetland at Fingringhoe Wick (an extension to the Trust’s much-loved existing reserve, south-east of Colchester) is progressing well. The marine licence has been granted and all but one planning conditions have been discharged (the remaining one can only be discharged once the breach of the seawall has occurred). Natural England approved the movement of water voles from the site as part of the mitigation work and they have now been strategically released along the River Stort, on the Essex/Hertfordshire border. The habitat has been manipulated around breeding birds to prevent water voles and reptiles

started on the southern end to create the

created by the Environment Agency and a

from returning to the site during the

reedbed. Before the section of the

hibernaculum developed on the higher

construction phase.

seawall is removed, little tern islands and

ground. The breach is planned for

The Environment Agency, a partner in

a platform for the bird hide will be

September or October 2015. Once created,

the project, has completed work on the

created. A new access track linking the

the new wetland is expected to be a haven

northern section of the counterwall and

existing reserve to the new land will be

for wildfowl and wading birds.

INGREBOURNE VALLEY VISITOR CENTRE SET FOR GRAND OPENING OVER the weekend of October 3 and 4,

point in the Battle of Britain during World

entertainment show. For the latest

Essex Wildlife Trust and partners

War II.

information about the weekend,

Havering Council are holding a Grand

On the Saturday (following an AGM for

including travel arrangements, please

Opening Weekend to celebrate the official

Essex Wildlife Trust’s members) the

visit www.essexwt.org.uk or call

opening of the trust’s new centre in

centre will be officially opened by Iolo

01621 862960.

Hornchurch Country Park, Ingrebourne

Williams, conservationist and television

Valley Visitor Centre.

presenter of programmes including the

The weekend also marks the 100-year

BBC’s Springwatch and Autumnwatch.

anniversary celebration of Suttons Farm

There will be a Spitfire fly-past,

Airfield. The park is the site of the former

refreshments, stalls, children’s activities,

airfield which played a vital role in first

guided walks around the park and much

defending London from Zeppelin attacks

more. Visitors can arrive from 11am.

in World War I and later, as RAF Hornchurch, as a key Spitfire dispersal

On the Sunday, from 2pm, there will be

GET IN TOUCH For further information on events and activities involving the Essex Wildlife Trust, go to www.essexwt.org.uk

a fun dog show, cream teas and a wartime www.essexlifemag.co.uk 20 5


WILD ABOUT ESSEX

Should we ever intervene in nature?

O

VER the last couple of

by, these beleaguered creatures,

back into the wild. Most people

years or so, my wife has

which were on the ground and

would think it only right and proper

stumbled upon a

incredibly vulnerable, were duly

that these hapless youngsters be

number of sick and

scooped up and whisked away to the

rescued, even if they are reluctant to

injured baby pigeons

blessed sanctuary of South Essex

get their hands dirty and do it

and collared doves, right outside her

Wildlife Hospital, just outside the

themselves. However, one of these

place of work in the town of

village of Orsett, to hopefully be

incidents in particular, which

Billericay. Not being one to walk on

nursed back to health and released

involved a baby wood pigeon, raises a

20 6 www.essexlifemag.co.uk


WILD ABOUT ESSEX

Andrew Fallan shares his expertise in Essex wildlife with us, sharing his views on the conservation and environmental issues that we face in the county and across the country aside and simply allowed nature to take

consequences. Yet it is with no sense of

its course.

irony that, shielded from the worst of its

One of my great heroes is naturalist and

fondly look back on Mother Nature with

Packham, whose encyclopedic knowledge

rose-tinted glasses and piously declare

and passion for all things wild is matched

that, when it comes to the suffering and

only by his no-nonsense ethics and

death of other creatures, we shouldn’t

fearlessness in speaking his mind. While I

interfere, instead seeing inherent worth,

staunchly agree with much of what he

even perfection, in the brutal cycle of life

says, one area in which we would perhaps

and death that we have long since

differ is that he very much appears to be

removed ourselves from.

of the view that, though we may be

Share your views Andrew Fallan is the author of Winging it – Birding for low-flyers, published by Brambleby Books, and is currently living in Southend. You can read more from Andrew in Essex Life as he explores our more spectacular species and the wilder locations of Essex as part of this regular monthly column

cruelty by medicine and technology, we

BBC Springwatch presenter Chris

Intervening in nature is clearly not

perturbed by its cruelty and violence, we

something that should be done lightly,

should observe nature dispassionately

yet nor is simply walking away and

and without reference to human values,

refusing to get involved. So, which of

never taking sides and certainly not

these options did my wife take when

intervening to prevent, for example, a

confronted with the baby pigeon being

predator from killing its prey.

attacked by crows? Reasoning that, as

There is clearly much to be said for this

scavengers, the crows would likely find a

position, especially as ecosystems are

meal elsewhere, she did exactly what I

incredibly complex and finely balanced,

would have done: she stepped in and did

whereby a seemingly innocuous act, such

the compassionate thing, the only thing

as stopping one animal from killing

her conscience allowed her to do. All this

another, could potentially render a

while being eternally grateful to the

predator unable to feed its young,

wonderful people of South Essex Wildlife

therefore causing more harm than good.

Hospital who, by the way, were confident

However, a strictly hands-off approach

that the pigeon would make a full

also has its limitations, especially if our

recovery. ■

refusal to intervene becomes a general principle that is applied unthinkingly and without reference to the bigger picture. For example, much as we like to think

shining a very revealing light on our

otherwise, we humans are not separate

attitudes towards nature and our

from nature but very much a part of it,

relationship with it.

with evidence pointing to the sorrow and

Rather than being sick, as was the case with the other birds my wife rescued, the

grief we experience at another’s suffering — including those of a different species

juvenile wood pigeon was being set upon

— having an evolutionary origin. When

by a couple of hungry carrion crows.

we feel the pitiless cruelty of nature

Largely due to their habit of eating the

tugging at our heartstrings and

eggs and young of our beloved songbirds,

compelling us to intervene, it is because

crows and magpies in particular seem to

such a response is hardwired within us.

get a very bad press, attracting a level of

Furthermore, in order to meet our own

hostility that is quite at odds with our

needs and to make our lives as

love of certain other predatory animals,

comfortable and convenient as possible,

not to mention our own carnivorous

even to satisfy the whims of our

tendencies. Nevertheless, this incident

insatiable consumerism, we don’t hesitate

clearly raises the question of whether my

to interfere with nature on a monumental

wife should have intervened, or whether

scale, acting as if it’s ours to do with as

she should have put her own feelings

we please and with little thought for the

IMAGE FOR ILLUSTARTION ONLY

potentially thorny issue, while also

www.essexlifemag.co.uk

207



CharitiesLife

COMPILED BY CHRIS PENHALL

News and events from local fundraisers around Essex

Family walk 100km for Alzheimer’s Society Alzheimer’s Society earlier this year. The family took on their self-titled ‘challenge of a lifetime’, to raise money for the charity as they lost their mother/ grandmother who suffered with dementia, in 2013. Mullis & Peake LLP Solicitors based in Romford, where the youngest member of the team, Mary, works as an administration assistant, were the main sponsors of the group whose ages ranged from 24-58. After starting out at Richmond

T

HE BOENKE family from

Park in London at 9.20am on May 23, the

Hornchurch completed a 100km

family finished the following day in

walk from London to Brighton,

Brighton, completing the challenge in 30

raising more than £5,000 for the

hours and 39 minutes.

Plans for tenth anniversary Colourthon underway July 2, 2016, with the team hoping to put on an extra special party to celebrate the milestone as well as ensuring charities will continue to benefit. Lead organiser, Julian Hart, says: ‘Everyone involved in the Colourthon is a volunteer, and while it is sometimes hard to be working on this throughout the year, what makes it worthwhile is seeing the good the event does and the causes it JULY saw yet another

charities. The annual walks

touches. It is

successful Colourthon in

comprise the flagship half

phenomenal.’

Southend which raised

marathon, the Moonlight

£137,000 for causes chosen

Colourthon, plus the

event is open to the public

by the participants. Since

shorter Twilight and

via colourthon.org. For

its inception nine years ago,

Sunlight Colourthons.

charities interested in

the Round Table organised

Plans are already

Registration for the 2016

working with the event,

event has raised £1.25

underway for a special

please contact

million for more than 800

tenth anniversary event on

steve@colourthon.org

Patients go over the O2 dome on four wheels for The J’s TWO PATIENTS from Chelmsfordbased The J’s Hospice led a team of carers and supporters in a climb over London’s O2 in June to raise much-needed funds for the charity. Patient William Creasey, from Romford, was the brains behind the expedition. William had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and was one of the oldest living patients with this condition in the UK. Unfortunately he passed away earlier this year, before he could make his O2 dream a reality. Fellow J’s Hospice patients, Robert Smith and Lee Cracknell continued to plan their O2 challenge in William’s memory, along with William’s sister Diane Reynolds, aunt Thelma Allen and friends and supporters from the hospice. Robert has a brain tumour and while he is mobile, Lee is wheelchairbound, making this a logistically challenging trip. However the team, with the help of the management of the 02, ensured that this was a successful day. Other participants included Mark Cannon, Sue Upton and Shelley Borley from The J’s Hospice, plus Barry Townsend, Barry Smith and Jeff Parmer, uncle to The J’s very first patient, Milan. Southend’s Fairfield BMW sponsored the challenge.

Vintage fun for all the family THE HELEN ROLLASON Cancer Charity (HRCC) is preparing for its annual Vintage Fayre which returns to Cressing Temple Barns on Sunday, September 6. Popular rock ‘n’ roll band The Kingsmen will be performing throughout the day, playing their music from the Fifties, as well as DJ Rockabilly and dance group A2 Jive, who will be entertaining the crowds with their 1940s style set. Traditional entertainment for children will be provided with Punch and Judy shows, donkey rides, swing boats and face painting. There will also be a large variety of stalls selling vintage clothing, crafts, jewellery, collectables, upcycled items, accessories and food. The event runs from 10am to 5pm with admission £5 for adults, concessions £4 and under 16s free.

www.essexlifemag.co.uk 20 9







1 Mount Ave, ShenďŹ eld CM13 2NS Tel: 01277 211595 www.heringtonhouseschool.co.uk

Herington House School has a happy, safe and stimulating learning environment in which all children realise their full potential. It boasts a friendly, family atmosphere with small class sizes and exceptional standards of academic achievement and behaviour. The school offers extensive extra-curricular activities, with pupils excelling in music, drama and sport. The school community is proud of the annual Form 6 examination results, whereby pupils normally gain entrance to the school of their choice, including a majority to local grammar schools as well as independent schools, with some receiving scholarships.

www.essexlifemag.co.uk

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The Sheila Ferrari Dyslexia Centre Formerly Avon House Dyslexia Centre Founded 1982 492 High Road, Woodford Green, Essex IG8 0PN Tel: 020 8559 0708 avonhousedyslexiacentre@msn.com

pport for Providing su h dyslexia students wit nge of Offering a ra ildren, services to ch ols, colleges adults, scho s & universitie

At The Shelia Ferrari Dyslexia Centre, we assess, teach and support children and adults with Dyslexia and a range of other special educational needs. The services are delivered by a team of dedicated and highly qualified specialists. The 1:1 teaching at The Shelia Ferrari Dyslexia Centre is unique and enhances the education of students from independent and state schools. We are passionate about educating and supporting students with specific learning differences, working in partnership with parents, carers and schools.

Supporting students and educational establishments for over 30 years NEW! General Tuition Service: Let us help you find a qualified tutor for maths, French GCSE, English, 11+ and Common Entrance

Professional Services for Children and Adults 1:1 Tuition Assessment Access Arrangements Consultation Ed. Psychologist Homework Club Counselling Play Therapy INSET Occupational Therapy Speech & Language Therapy OCR Teacher Training

Referrals accepted from Parents, Teachers, SENCOs and other Professionals





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TO MAKE OUR

BEST BETTER

63%

of students achieved 5 A* - C including English & Maths

At Maltings Academy we believe that we have a real opportunity to transform the provision of education in Witham, and provide our young people with the skills and aspirations they need to lead happy, successful lives. Our results for the last four years have shown rapid progress and staff, parents, carers, students and the local community can be proud of their achievements. I look forward to welcoming you to the Maltings Academy community. J Szynal, Principal

Maltings Academy, Spinks Lane, Witham CM8 1EP

Tel: (01376) 512911 | www.maltingsacademy.org contactus@maltingsacademy.org

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Y ER DA TOBam EN OC11.30 OP AY 90am to

FR

ID

Sixth Form Drop In Day Friday 21st and Monday 24th August from 9.30am to 2.30pm Whole School Open Morning Saturday 3rd October from 10am to 1pm

TH

.0 10

Upcoming Events

Resilience Endurance Perseverance www.heathcoteschool.co.uk

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL INSPECTORATE (ISI) (2013) ● Quality of Pupil’s achievements and learning is excellent. ● Pupil’s attitudes to learning excellent. ● Teaching and castoral care is excellent.

Call: 01245 223131 Email: enquiries@heathcoteschool.co.uk Heathcote School and Nursey Eves Corner, Danbury, Essex CM3 4QB

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MALDON COURT PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Providing an ‘Excellent’ education for children aged 1–11 years

Rated as ‘excellent’ in every area in the May 2013 ISI inspection Outstanding 11+ results Small class sizes Excellent standards of teaching New Nursery provision opened September 2014 Wrap around care from 7.30am–6pm Strong family ethos

“Relationships are excellent throughout the school, which is a happy place: the pupils are very proud of it and feel a strong sense of belonging” ISI May 2013 Inspection Maldon Court Preparatory School, Silver Street, Maldon, Essex Call us on 01621 853529 visit www.maldoncourtschool.org Of find us in the App Store

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Make time to stop, unwind and relax

Luxury Self-Catering Log Cabins Hintlesham, Ipswich, Suffolk | 01473 652149 www.suffolkescape.co.uk | info@suffolkescape.co.uk Peace & Tranquillity | Hot Tubs | Dining Over Water | Wood Stoves | Spa Treatments | Adults only


LEADING LIGHTS

Leading Lights Essex has a proud heritage as a county of entrepreneurial inspiration and here Essex Life tells the stories of 12 driven individuals leading the way in the business world of the county

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

We asked local business people the following questions: 1. What is it that makes you good at your job? 2. What’s your top tip for success in business? 3. Away from work, how do you like to relax? 4. What’s your favourite thing about living/working in Essex?

Susan Wessels Framlingham College, College Road, Framlingham, IP13 9EY www.framcollege.co.uk | 01728-723789 A co-educational independent boarding and day school for pupils aged 3-18 1. Passion - the main reason I am in teaching is for the children and I am passionate about ensuring that our pupils get the most out of their time at School. It is a privilege working with and moulding youngsters for the future. Resilience - I believe I have the ability to remain calm, composed and positive when things aren’t always going to plan. 2. Love what you do - I am extremely lucky to be

Malcolm Knox French’s Farm, Wigley Bush Lane, South Weald, Brentwood CM14 5QP www.frenchs-farm.co.uk | 01277 264317

doing a job that I love and everyday provides me with a new and interesting challenge. 3. Sport and exercise are my favourite way to relax - I play golf at Aldeburgh Golf Club and national league hockey for Harleston Magpies Ladies 1st XI. Having played at two Olympic games for South Africa Ladies Hockey team, playing locally is both enjoyable and still exciting. When I am at my busiest at work, daily running, spinning or going to the gym are what keep me relaxed. 4. I grew up on a farm in South Africa so the beautiful landscape (if a bit flat), big skies and the ability to see the stars on a clear night are my favourite things about living in Suffolk.

2. Hard work and dedication to supplying the best for your customers and maintaining the highest quality standards for our products.

High quality organic meats farm shop 1. I am dedicated to providing the best quality food at a competitive price, together with good service and advice to customers. I have a total commitment and passion to the countryside and green policies and our farm is in complete harmony with nature. We pride ourselves on the fact that we have won Awards for Environmental Farming Methods.

3. Socialising with our family and friends. Sailing on occasions and eating out with good company. 4. The diversity of the county with its cross section of people from all walks of life and its close proximity to the countryside and its interesting towns.

Nicola Rands Highfield Private Care Home, Mandeville Road, Saffron Walden CB11 4AQ | 01799 524 936 www.highfieldprivatecarehome.co.uk Highfield offers residential, nursing and dementia care for elderly people. 1. I’m very dedicated to the residents and staff at my workplace. The job is very demanding but incredibly rewarding and I’m passionate about providing and maintaining excellent care. I promote a family atmosphere at the Home where all voices are heard. Humour, reminiscing and entertainment are also very important. Together we have created an

inclusive culture where care with dignity is our focus. 2. I believe that honesty, hard work, empathy and the skill of listening are paramount to creating a successful business. 3. I don’t relax!!!! Only joking. I like to walk my 3 dogs and explore different parts of the countryside. I am also a bag and clothes lady, and like a good shopping trip! 4. I like working in Essex because you meet a large variety of people. I enjoy driving through the country villages when going to do assessments and to be very truthful, I think the support provided by Essex Council is amazing and not something I have experienced in any other county.


We asked local business people the following questions: 1. What is it that makes you good at your job? 2. What’s your top tip for success in business? 3. Away from work, how do you like to relax? 4. What’s your favourite thing about living/working in Essex?

Angela Wybrew Angela - Long Melford, Little St. Marys, Long Melford, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 9HY 01787 370233 | www.angelafashions.co.uk Award Winning Independent Womenswear Shop Celebrating 35 years in fashion 1. I consider myself a very lucky person that I have a job that makes me happy, a team of girlies that endorse my passion for beautiful chic clothes, and a very loyal customer base of all ages and backgrounds who rely on me to interpret the new seasons trends and colours into clothes they find exciting stylish, flattering and affordable.

2. Listen to your customers then mix; hard work, enthusiasm, vision, flexibility, attention to detail, listen to your gut feeling, a spoonful of risk and you could be celebrating 35 years In Business like Paul and I are at Angela’s Long Melford 3. On Holkham beach with my adorable Norfolk Terrier Bella and of course my Husband and our friends. 4. We are only 2 minutes from the Essex Border and we attract many customers from Essex who like our fabulous clothes - there are lots of outstanding wedding venues - restaurants and of course The Constable countryside.

Robert Strathern Fairfields Farm Crisps, Fordham Road, Wormingford, Colchester, Essex CO6 3AQ 01206 241613 | www.fairfieldsfarmcrisps.co.uk We plant, we grow, we harvest, we cook, we bag all here, just for you. 1. Enthusiasm and passion for the job I guess. I think if the people you work with see a good level of overall application from you as the business owner, it should resonate around the rest of the team and prove to be beneficial. I enjoy all the varied and interesting processes of business and particularly working with people. Overall there is usually no

substitute for just good old fashioned hard work and determination. 2. Look around you and listen to the right people. Adjust and improve your business regularly to the frantically changing world around us. Work hard, play hard and persevere with what you really what to achieve, but first know what that is, then get on with. 3. Spending time with family and friends, occasional holidays, nights out, spending time with my two children who are great. 4. It’s a lovely part of the countryside, with great people living in it. I love farming in this area it’s a beautiful part of East Anglia.

Deborah Baxter Solicitor and Director of Baxter Harries Ltd 157 High Street Ongar Essex CM5 9JD www.baxterharries.co.uk | 01277 362332 Baxter Harries is a family law practice offering specialist legal advice and representation in all areas of family law, wills probate and LPAs 1. I couldn’t do it by myself! I lead a team of dedicated, passionate people who all care about the quality of service we offer to our clients and are committed to delivering peace of mind to everyone we represent. We believe that we are outstanding at what we do because we care – about our clients, their families and the outcomes that we help them achieve.

2. I have run a solicitor’s practice for over 17 years now. Looking back, I am amazed at how the business has developed from those very early, frugal days when I set it up on £20K. I don’t have one top tip – it is a combination of always knowing where your next case is coming from, nurturing your clients, investing in loyal staff and keeping calm and carrying on! 3. I have two cocker spaniels – Henry and Maximilian, a rescue bulldog – Emma, a Bengal cat - Leyla and five bicycles! All of those keep me pretty busy and grounded. 4. I spend a lot of time cycling around the Essex countryside and I never stop appreciating how unspoilt and lovely it is.


PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

We asked local business people the following questions: 1. What is it that makes you good at your job? 2. What’s your top tip for success in business? 3. Away from work, how do you like to relax? 4. What’s your favourite thing about living/working in Essex?

Caroline Boshier

2. Listen to your clients. Find out what they want from you and work out how best you can provide them with this. That does not mean trying to be the cheapest, but the best by adding value to each Head of conveyancing person you deal with. 1. I take pride in meeting client’s expectations and I 3. I have a young son, who keeps me busy most have an eye for detail so that my clients know exactly of the time. When I get the chance, I love to what they are getting. I deal with people who are dance. I have done this for years and it gives me under a huge amount of pressure from lenders, estate an opportunity to get completely away from the agents and their own buyers or sellers, so I need to be demands of both work and family. able to make sure I keep to deadlines. Because a house 4. I love being able to get out into the countryside purchase is the major investment most of us make, it is quickly and easily. There are so many beautiful important to make sure there are no hidden problems places to see and exciting things to do, from the and all of the legal issues have been dealt with. seaside to quiet country pubs. Taylor Haldane Barlex LLP, Copt House, 73 Springfield Road, Chelmsford CM2 6JG 01245 349696 | www.thblegal.com

Orlando Jopling Roman River Music, South Green Farmhouse, Fingringhoe, CO5 7DP | 01206 729 356 www.romanrivermusic.org.uk A registered charity that produces a Festival of international performances every Autumn, sustains a year-round education programme and hosts numerous other events in the Colchester area. 1. The success of the Festival is not just to do with me but because no-one else happens to be doing anything like it in Essex. My advice to anyone wanting to set up their own charity or business is to find a gap in people’s lives and create something that fills it. 2. The only important measure of success is will you

leave the world a better place than when you started? For me it is how many school pupils we’ve introduced to new music, given a chance to improve their talents or share the stage with professionals, how many people were moved by a great performance or how many volunteers make new friends and experience the many rewards of taking part in the Festival. 3. Why make a division between life and work? If you only work for money and wait a whole year for your holiday, change job! Do something you love instead. You’ll have more time to go sailing and get beaten by your kids at sport, which is my favourite past-time! 4. The can-do attitude and enthusiasm of people we come into contact with.

Jane Mohan West Street Vineyard, West Street, Coggeshall Essex CO6 1NS | 01375 563 303 www.weststreetvineyard.co.uk West Street vineyard produces award winning wines. It is also a place to relax with family and friends, overlooking a beautiful vineyard, with a coffee, lunch or a glass of wine. 1. Not sure that I am good at my job! When you are a wife and mother, run a very busy restaurant business, which is open 7 days a week, and you are also running a vineyard, the hard work that entails, especially in this country, you feel you are always making compromises so I always feel that I could do better.

2. Perseverance, probably even when you should have given up, a total belief in what you are doing but combined with the flexibility to change, since business never stands still and there is always a new challenge. 3. I play the piano (but not very well) to clear my head of the business and I like to spend time with my family and learning more about wine whether that’s in the drinking, reading about the subject or just travelling to meet other wine producers. The wonderful thing about the wine industry is that some of the most beautiful wines to drink are produced in some of the most beautiful places to visit. 4. Essex is beautiful and underrated, with stunning views, unspoilt villages and down to earth people.


We asked local business people the following questions: 1. What is it that makes you good at your job? 2. What’s your top tip for success in business? 3. Away from work, how do you like to relax? 4. What’s your favourite thing about living/working in Essex?

Diane Nicola Age UK Essex, 112 Springfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 6LF www.ageukessex.org.uk | 01245 346 106 Age UK Essex is a local charity that has been supporting older people for over 65 years. 1. Being passionate about what you do is one of the key factors of success. I’ve worked for Age UK Essex for 15 years and I’m still here because this is not just a job to me - I believe in what I’m doing, what the charity is working for and because I genuinely like and respect the people I work with. 2. Never become complacent, either professionally or personally. If you’re looking to develop your business,

Alexander Mitchell Holmwood House Prep School, Chitts Hill, Lexden, Colchester CO3 9ST 01206 574305 Colchester’s foremost Prep School for girls and boys aged 4 to 13 and nursery from 6 months. 1. Passion and commitment! Any business leader, be it a Headmaster of a standalone independent Prep School or the CEO of a manufacturing or construction group, must believe fervently in their product and its people. 2. Assume nothing! Leaders need to take the opportunity to repeat their vision at every opportunity. Too often, assumptions are made

it’s absolutely key to know everything you can about your subject as this will help you generate new ideas, move forward and grow. Be open to challenges and changes and understand the expectations of your organisation, clients and staff alike. 3. At the weekends there’s nothing I enjoy more than spending time with my family. My sons are grown up now but it’s always lovely to get together and catch up with them over a nice meal. 4. After being born and raised in East London, and working for a time in central London, I find Essex is a much easier place to strike a healthy work/life balance, with so much to do, nice places to go and I have met some great people.

about people’s understanding of your organisation; decisions and plans can be built upon the wrong perceptions. Leaders should not shy away from engaging at every level and through every media. Speak, write, blog or text, but communicate your vision and values loud and clear. 3. My family fills my non-work time. I love to cook for them at the weekends as well as going out for days and meals. I enjoy reading a good book; educational in term time and a good page-turner in the holidays. 4. North Essex is a hidden secret. The countryside is stunning and yet unknown. There are some lovely villages, pubs and walks as well as easy access to the coast, great shopping, and London.

Robert Smith Bang & Olufsen of Colchester, 61 High Street, Colchester, Essex CO1 1DN | 01206 763344 stores.bang-olufsen.com/great-britain/ bang-olufsen-of-colchester/ Also at 20 Bedford Street, Norwich NR2 1AG Premium & Luxury Audio Visual Retailer. Specialising in Integrated Multi-Room Audio and Video Systems. 1. Having an honest and determined approach to be the best I can. This translates through to my staff and customers enabling successful long lasting relationships.

2. If you’re in a good moment, don’t take it for granted. If you’re in a bad moment, be positive and it won’t last long! 3. Music is good for the soul and holidays abroad detox the mind. 4. I love the people and the surrounding countryside. I also like the fact I don’t have to commute to London. Been there, done that!

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BusinessLife

A round up of company news and events

Romford retailer up for national award

compete for the prestigious award, with the winner being revealed at a gala dinner held on November 10 at Park Lane’s Grosvenor House Hotel in London. Colin Stevens, CEO and founder of Better Bathrooms, said: ‘It’s fantastic news to be shortlisted in the Growth Business of the Year and in the Employer of the Year categories. I strive to create a culture of innovation, giving each employee a

B

ETTER

category at the 2015 Lloyds

sense of ownership on the

BATHROOMS has

Bank National Business

business and rewarding and

been shortlisted in

Awards. Better Bathrooms,

promoting from within. This

the UKTI Growth

the UK’s largest

helps mould talent and

Business of the Year

independent bathroom tile

nurture progression and it’s

category and in the

retailer which has a

great to see staff progress

Employer of the Year

showroom in Romford, will

and grow with the company.’

Brentwood hairdresser up for Junior of the Year title ELLIE BOND, from

industry, Ellie was confirmed as a leading

Spargo

junior in the industry and one of the best in

Hairdressing in

her field. Ellie was judged on her previous

Brentwood has

hair work, her hairdressing skills and

been shortlisted

knowledge, and her input and overall

for the Junior of

influence on the hairdressing industry.

the Year 2015

Ellie said: ‘I feel so honoured to be

category at the

shortlisted for Junior of the Year! I couldn’t

British

believe it when I got the call and I’m still

Hairdressing

completely overwhelmed. I am very proud

Business Awards.

to have made the final and incredibly

After an intense

thankful to the whole team at Spargo for all

judging process by category sponsors and

their support — I couldn’t have done it

key business associates within the

without them.’

Mum’s stroke inspires innovative new Colchester business FOLLOWING three years in research and development, a Colchester charity worker has launched a range of unique, high-visibility In Case of Emergency ID products to the UK market, designed to save time and save lives in an emergency. The inspiration for the idea came about through unfortunate circumstances when, in 2010, Trish Bink’s mother suffered a major stroke at the home they shared in Colchester. Because Trish was present, she could not only summon the emergency services but also supply them with the relevant information that enabled her mother to receive appropriate treatment within the timescale that prevented irreversible damage. Known as the ‘golden hour’, the 60 minutes immediately following a stroke, are vital in getting medical treatment to survive and avoid long-term damage. ‘Thinking of my own situation, my mum was unable to speak when the paramedics arrived, and wouldn’t have been able to give them any information verbally. It made me think of how many other people living alone, without English as a first language or limited speech could be vulnerable,’ explains Trish. ‘When I started researching, I could see that there were a number of In Case of Emergency (ICE) products on the market, ranging from jewellery to ID cards, but I was surprised to find that none of them were high visibility, and that can prove to be a vital factor in many scenarios. For emergency services attending an incident, being able to locate details of a patient’s identity, medical history and special needs quickly could prove to be a matter of life and death.’

Chelmsford dealer wins Nissan Global Award STAFF at a Chelmsford car dealership are

— recognises excellent sales performance

celebrating after scooping Nissan’s top

along with outstanding customer care.

global retail honour for the second year in a

Fraser Cohen, managing director of Glyn

row. Glyn Hopkin Nissan in Bilton Road has

Hopkin, said: ‘This global award is the

once again been given the prestigious

highest accolade Nissan offers to its dealers

Nissan Global Award, which is presented to

in the world and they don’t hand many

only a small number of the world’s best

out. Most dealerships never receive a

performing dealerships. The award — one

Nissan Global Award and so for us to win

of only three to be handed out in the UK

two on the bounce is astonishing.’ www.essexlifemag.co.uk

243



MOTORING

FACTS & FIGURES Based on the Mazda CX-3 2.0 SE 5d 0-60 mph 8.7 secs Top Speed 119 mph Power Output 118 bhp Euro Emissions Standard 6 MPG 47

Much to admire Adam Daly, director at Glenavon Care Ltd, visited Mack Mazda in Chelmsford to try the new Mazda CX-3 and found that there was much more to this sporty and spacious motor than he first thought

A

S A KEEN driving

targeting the mother on the school run

over everything — all my music, my

enthusiast and owner of

as well as individuals who want the

phone, navigation and vehicle

a high performance

practical yet sporty appeal that other

settings. As a techno-phobe even I

vehicle, my first

bandwagon jumpers in this category

found the system easy to use, which is

thoughts of this vehicle

have yet to satisfy.

saying something! In summary, if you are looking to test

before driving it were not ones of

What strikes me immediately upon

particularly high expectation. But

sitting in the driver’s cabin is the quality

drive cars in this particular sector, such

these pre-conceived opinions were

of the finish. Old-fashioned plastic finish

as the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur or

quickly proved wrong.

dashboards are nowhere to be seen.

Dacia Duster, I would urge you to give

Instead I was met with two-tone stitched

this car a try, as I am confident that it

a small crossover that combines strong

leather throughout, which would have

will succeed in becoming the standout

and bold style features with comfort and

not looked out of place in a vehicle twice

prospect of its class. ■

practicality for everyday life. For this

its price.

The all new Mazda CX-3 is described as

reason, I feel Mazda are perhaps

PROFILE Adam Daly is a director of Glenavon Care, devoted providers of care in the home, protecting independence and maintaining lifestyles. Glenavon Care is a family-owned and run care agency based in Chelmsford, borne from more than 40 years of experience in the healthcare industry.

And it didn’t end there, as I found the driving experience to be beyond my

GET IN TOUCH

expectation too. Wherever I took the car,

Mack Mazda Chelmsford Gloucester Avenue Chelmsford Essex CM2 9LG

from country roads to the inner city, it was able to deliver a good overall level of performance. The steering was sharp, the handling agile and the gearbox compact and nimble. Mazda have also gone to great lengths to get the technology right and again they have succeeded. The innovative MZD-Connect infotainment

Mack Mazda Braintree 144 Rayne Road Braintree Essex CM7 2QS www.mack-mazda.co.uk

system gave me easy, fingertip control www.essexlifemag.co.uk

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www.essexlifemag.co.uk

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We are looking for someone who has: Ideal candidates will be able to demonstrate: ɀ An understanding of magazine advertising including on-line advertising ɀ The ability to produce and action effective ideas and promotions

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Please send CVs to employment@archant.co.uk or view on www.archant.co.uk/ careers/vacancies

248

essexlifemag.co.uk

Please send CVs to employment@archant.co.uk or view on www.archant.co.uk/ careers/vacancies


5

Anne Gray

Favourite

Anne Gray began her working life at a hair salon in Thorpe Bay aged 13. After working independently for many years, Anne opened a beauty salon, Natural Beauty, with one of her sisters in Danbury. Her daughter Chantal took over the salon ten years ago and it has grown each year. Anne is now very active with Spa Technologies products and white labelling for other trade customers in her fulfilment centre in Burnham on Crouch. She just loves the wonderful aroma of all the different products being filled, labelled, packed off and distributed to her retail and trade customers.

Essex Things

Anne Gray, a beauty and skincare expert in Burnham on Crouch, picks out five of her favourite things about life in Essex

1

2

Visiting Natural Beauty in Danbury

amazing Grade I listed

I love going for a relaxing

of trees between which there

facial at Natural Beauty

is a breathtaking formal lake.

by Chantal, it’s my

Once inside the mansion you are surrounded by history. A

daughter’s salon in

great number of original features have been retained including

IMAGE FOR ILLUSTARTION ONLY

My Favourite Essex Memory

My Favourite Place to Visit Boreham House

Boreham House is a truly mansion with a stately avenue

Danbury. I opened Natural Beauty 20 years ago with one of my

the decorative, hand-crafted plasterwork on the 24ft high

sisters and then passed it on to my daughter who has made a

ceilings, original fireplaces and solid oak hand carved

great success of it. Chantal now offers the Marine Ocean Breeze

panelling. It’s a perfect venue for every type of event and we

Facials and I have to say that I just love them. It’s so nice to

have had some lovely evenings there with the owner, Teresa,

walk in and see the clients that have been coming to Natural

who is a wonderful host, ensuring every event she puts on for

Beauty for those 20 years, and who have become friends.

you is beyond your dreams.

3

Burnham Week in Burnham on Crouch

5

Burnham on Crouch is best known as a

family and even tried roller skating with

yachting centre and hosts the

my granddaughter recently. It was great

internationally famous Burnham Week

fun and good exercise. I did used to go

each year. I enjoy lovely walks along the

years ago when I was a teenager in

River Crouch and stopping off at the

Southend and, surprisingly, I soon got

Olde White Harte, a 17th century hotel

into the swing of it. After half an hour of

My Favourite Essex Event

My Favourite Family Day Out Madison Heights, Maldon

I love to go tenpin bowling with my

4

another place that I enjoy with my

with lots of pieces of local art and

The New London, Chelmsford

unusual gifts as well as homemade

The New London, on London Road in

park to having an ice cream, there are

cakes. It’s just wonderful.

Chelmsford, has an excellent menu

always lots of different events

and also offers a vegetarian menu. It’s

throughout the summer.

and restaurant offering great food and the chance to catch up with local friends. The Tall Green House in the High Street is also a unique tea room

falling over, I managed to keep my

My Favourite Restaurant

balance. It did bring back so many memories. Maldon’s Promenade Park is granddaughter. From walking in the

simply the best I have had locally with such a wonderful choice and a must for a Sunday roast. There’s a great atmosphere and the staff and service are exceptional. It’s also a place where ladies feel comfortable just to meet and have a glass of wine. www.essexlifemag.co.uk

249


SYBILLA HART

Countylife

CAPITAL TO COUNTRY

Sybilla Hart is a freelance writer and mother of three, soon to be four. She has contributed to The Telegraph and The Lady magazine among other titles. She recently moved to North Essex from Fulham and she shares her experiences of this change of lifestyle in Essex Life. She has just passed her driving test and tries to stay on top of things with four children under the age of eight.

Sybilla Hart reflects on her new life in the Essex countryside

IMAGE BY CHRIS DAWES

Pass it on

T

HAT blessed day has

and eight-month-old baby over to Clacton

finally arrived — I have

only to hear the same words for the

passed my driving test!

seventh time, ‘I am sorry to tell you that

I am in a state of utter euphoria and bliss. Nothing

you have not passed today’. I got into the car and started the engine

(not much anyway) can put me in a bad

with a heavy heart. Don’t get your hopes

mood at the moment and, not to put too

up, Sybilla, I told myself. A lunatic could

fine a point on it, but it is as if a great

run across the road and you could fail in

weight has been lifted from my shoulders.

an instant. As fate would have it, the next

Let me tell you how it all came to pass.

40 minutes (though not faultless) were

I arrived in Clacton on Sea to take my

without the incriminating major fault.

practical driving test feeling a bit

When I heard the words, ‘I am sure you

Earls Colne

downtrodden. I just could not bear

will be very pleased to hear that you have

solo! I quickly slotted in to

to drag my husband,

passed,’ I had to resist hugging the

my newfound position as driver.

eight-year-old son

examiner, as you might imagine.

Everyone keeps asking if I am nervous,

My instructor, Sue, was in tears and

and let me tell you, when you have had as

when we emerged into Clacton station

many lessons as I have had, the answer is

she asked me if we were going to

not really. Of course I am not driving

pretend that I had failed. No, was my

around the rural lanes of the Colne Valley

answer, ‘That poor man (my husband) has

as if I own them, but I am not being too mouse-like about it all either. People say

When I heard the words, ‘that you have passed,’ I had to resist hugging the examiner

that you only really learn to drive when

suffered enough’. I could not bear for him

no more traipsing over to Clacton on a

to be in any doubt for a moment longer

Friday morning, booking driving tests,

than necessary, so when he and I caught

taxis and organising endless and complex

eye contact, I did a big thumbs up. Sue

lift shares with very kind fellow parents.

says she has never seen a reaction like it.

At long last I can get on with my life in

He jumped in the air and ran around

rural Essex. I want to thank everyone who

shouting, ‘Yes, yes,’ like a madman!

has joined me on this journey. Although I

you have passed your test. This is true. I am now reversing without a running commentary from the person in the passenger seat, which is such a novelty and a good one at that! I cannot quite believe that there will be

So, one week on and how does it feel? Good, though the news and the reality of

wasn’t sure if we ever would, we got there in the end!

it are still sinking in. I drove to a birthday party without having to drag my poor

250 www.essexlifemag.co.uk

long-suffering husband along, I did nearly

FOLLOW SYBILLA

two weeks of the school run and I visited

Twitter @hart_sybilla



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