SCENE (Essex) February 13

SCENE February 2013

Essex’s Luxury Lifestyle Bible

Winter Wedding

Be My Valentine:

The perfect excuse to show your love and go the extra mile

Wonderland: Take advantage of the magic of the frosty season on your big day

London Fashion Week:

The high profile fashion event returns this month

February 2013

Valentine’s Exclusive:

Vivien Leigh Aka Scarlett O’hara

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February’s horoscope: provided by Jenny Ayers

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3 1 3 1 H i g h S t r e e t , B r e n t w o o d , E s s e x C M 1 4 4 R Z • Te l e p h o n e 0 1 2 7 7 2 2 3 0 1 6 • E - m a i l b r e n t w o o d @ c l i v e . c o m • w w w. cSCENE live .com

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Authentic Italian dining at Gioberti Gioberti’s is a friendly family-run restaurant established in 2000.

We have gained our success and popularity in Wanstead and beyond by applying simplicity to the more traditional pasta and pizza dishes and creativity to the more modern daily specials emphasising fresh seafood and shellfish.

117b High Street • Wanstead • E11 2RL • 020 8989 9989

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Essex

SCENE Publishing Directors James Green James Nicol

Editor Alexander Heron alexander@scenemagazines.com Writers Nicky Kemp Artwork Rosie Talbot rosie@scenemagazines.com Advertising Steven Halls steven@scenemagazines.com Advertising Debbie Fresco debbie@scenemagazines.com Accounts Wink Aviss accounts@scenemagazines.com

Distribution Scene Magazine is distributed to selected areas in Essex, including Buckhurst Hill, Chigwell, Epping, Theydon Bois, Loughton, Abridge, Wanstead, Woodford Green, South Woodford and North Chingford.

SCENE can also be found in hotels, local restaurants, cafĂŠs, spas, hairdressing salons, retail outlets and private health and golf clubs.

Online You can also follow SCENE on twitter and become a fan on our facebook page. twitter.com/SCENEMAGAZINES facebook.com/SMAG1 Scene Magazine is a monthly lifestyle publication of Scene Publishing Ltd. Registered office Cambridge House, 27 Cambridge Park, London, E11 2PU. Company number: 07125177. Whilst every effort to ensure that everything we print in Scene Magazine is factually correct and up-to-date, we cannot be held responsible if factual errors occur. Please check any quoted product specifications with your supplier before purchase. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher.

Published by SCENE Publishing LTD The Biscuit Factory Suite A303.5A, 100 Clements Road London SE16 4DG Tel: 020 7740 1104 Email: info@scenemagazines.com Web: www.scenemagazines.com

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Welcome

To the February 2013 edition of SCENE Welcome to the February 2013 issue of SCENE Magazine, Essex’s Luxury Lifestyle Bible! Check out what’s in this issue below...

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Scene In Essex The February update of what’s new and what’s happening in Essex.

SCENE In The News The February headlines you may have missed from across Essex.

Vivien Leigh One of the most recognised faces of her time, Vivien Leigh is an on screen goddess!

Be My Valentine From roses to cruises, our feature is your guide to romance this Valentine’s Day.

Love Lingerie Set their hearts racing this Valentine’s Day with our selection of seductive lingerie.

Fashion Belts, bags, shoes and London Fashion Week are packed into this month’s feature.

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The Bucket list You only live once - so we have put together a list of must do activities in your lifetime.

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Winter Wonderland Weddings Embrace the magic that winter brings on your big day.

Dining Eat local this month with a fantastic selection of restaurants on our doorstep.

Valentine’s Escapes From wine-country retreats to Balinese beach idylls and deserted deserts.

Not Your Average Cat The new Jaguar F-TYPE represents a return to the company’s heartland.

Star SCENE February’s Star SCENE is brought to you by International Clairvoyant Jenny Ayers.

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Scene in Essex

What’s happening this February Beautiful Creatures Dark secrets will come to light.

A hauntingly intense, supernatural love story set in the South, the film follows two star-crossed teenage lovers: Ethan (Alden Ehrenreich), a local boy, and a mysterious new girl, Lena (Alice Englert), who uncover dark secrets about their respective families, their history and their town.

Based on the first novel in the bestselling series by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl In cinema’s 13th February

Love, actually Valentines mansion

Chinese New Year Year of the Snake Chinese New Year Celebrations take place in Chinatown and Shaftesbury Avenue with an official opening ceremony in Trafalgar Square, followed by a parade and a variety of performances featuring music, dance, Chinese dragons, lions, acrobatics and firecrackers. Chinatown will be filled with cultural and food stalls and displays. The parade starts at 10.15am from Trafalgar Square and finishes around 11.30am on Rupert Street. The main stage at Trafalgar Square will be hosting live performances from 12pm until 5.40pm when the day ends with a fireworks display.

10th February, 10.15am–5.40pm

To celebrate Valentine’s Day and our fourth year of opening, we will be exploring love throughout the ages, from literature to the silver screen and from dance to poetry, in a packed programme of events and activities for all ages, including craft activities for children. Full details will be available from our website. So whether you’d like to try new dance moves, watch a romantic movie, hear readings from famous 19th century novels or seal your love with our anniversary plaque workshop, then come along and let us sweep you off your feet!

11am-5.00pm, 14th Feb 2013 - £5 per person.

Valentines Mansion & Gardens, Emerson Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 4XA www.valentinesmansion.com

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Recipe for Love When Zoe Harper wins a coveted place in a televised cookery competition, she can’t wait to put her cooking skills to the test.

Add a very desirable judge and as the competition heats up, she realises she’s developing an inconvenient crush on one of the judges: the truly delicious, Gideon Irving. Stir in a heaped tablespoon of romance and all too soon, there’s more than canapés, cupcakes and cordon bleu at stake.

Will Zoe win the competition, or is Gideon one temptation too far?

Publication Date: 14 Feb 2013

Pristine dry Cleaning

With 26 years experience in the dry cleaning business, Formula provide the highest level of service with a personal touch. Working in the heart of London, Formula now offer a collection and delivery service in the West Essex area. This provides local residents with a convenient and professional service and means that you don’t have to worry about going to your Dry Cleaners in the cold, dark, wet mornings or evenings with the risk of a parking ticket, as Formula will come direct to you 7 days a week.

The Formula team will ensure the safe cleaning and maintenance of your garments and a service that fits around your schedule.

Services include: specialist dry cleaning, repair and an alterations service too.

0800 669 6080 www.formuladrycleaning.com info@formuladrycleaning.com

Valentino Exhibition This major new exhibition, celebrating the life and work of Valentino, will showcase over 130 exquisite haute couture designs worn by icons such as Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Gwyneth Paltrow in an exciting installation created specially for Somerset House.

Divided into three sections, visitors will start with a private view of Valentino’s world through photographs from his personal archive, offering an intimate portrait of the life of the master. The exhibition then unfolds into a couture fashion show where roles are reversed, with visitors walking the catwalk to view a staggering one hundred and thirty Valentino haute couture designs. Valentino: Master of Couture promises to be a journey into the secretive world of Italian couture. www.somersethouse.org.uk

Heart’s Wedding Show 2013 The UK’s longest-established regional wedding event returns to Essex this February.

Heart’s Wedding Show takes place at the Brentwood Centre, Doddinghurst Road, Brentwood, Essex CM15 9NN, on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th February, 10am until 4pm on both days.

Combining over a hundred exhibitors under one roof, the Heart Wedding Show offers everything the bride to be needs for their big day.

For more information on the Heart Wedding Show, call Jane Ellis on 01245 524 519 or email jane.ellis@thisisglobal.com SCENE 11

Can you keep a secret?

Magic is hot & we are number one!

Come and see Marvin’s Magic...live and close-up!

Demonstrations daily at Hamleys of Regent Street (nearest tube Oxford Circus)

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www.marvinsmagic.com Tel: 01582 849 000

Harrods - Toy Kingdom (nearest tube Knightsbridge)

E-mail magic@marvinsmagic.co.uk

Scene In the River Blackwater charity race

NEARLY 100 rowers braved the elements to raise thousands of pounds for the RNLI. For the 35th year, people from Maldon and surrounding areas supported the Maldon Little Ship Club sponsored row up the River Blackwater on Saturday.

The 98 competitors, in 35 boats, came complete with

fancy dress.

The Organiser, John Rogers, 69, said: “I’ll be 70 in a couple of weeks and this was my 33rd time. I’m lucky enough to still be able to do it.”

The row raised more than £8,000 for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, which has strong affiliations in Maldon.

Headlines from this month’s Essex news TV CHEF Jamie Oliver will be the face of Essex’s 2013 visitor guide.

TV chef, Jamie Oliver, is to be the face of Essex’s 2013 visitor guide The annual book is one of the key marketing tools used to help drive tourism to

the county, So far, 40,000 printed copies have been produced, copies which will shortly be distributed to various outlets across Essex and national Tourist Information Centres.

An additional 15,000 guides are expected to be downloaded from www.visitessex.com Mr Oliver said: “From colourful new towns that were rebuilt after the war, to old quaint chocolate-box villages, Essex is incredibly diverse.”

Teacher awarded the British Empire Medal

Students pack 60 boxes for food bank

All pupils at Brentwood County High were asked to bring in tins, packets and dried Food. Between them they managed to

fill 60 boxes which were collected by workers from the food bank ready to give out to needy people just before Christmas.

Each box contains enough food for a family to last three days.

Head teacher, Stephen Drew, said: “Christmas should be a time of joy for everyone in our community.

However, we know that not everyone is able to share the warmth and good cheer that most of us are lucky enough to experience.

A swimming teacher has been recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours list for her involvement in the Olympic Games.

Dawn Bracken has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) after volunteering to be involved in the 2012 Olympic

Games. It was for her role as a Games Maker that the mother-of-two, got one of only two honours awarded in the city this year.

“I feel really honoured,” she said. Dawn was also chosen as a Games Maker medal minder.

Do you have a story for us? We would love to hear from you E-mail our NewsDesk today: newsdesk@scenemagazines.com SCENE 13

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Vivien Leigh, Lady Olivier Screen Goddess, Actress “I’m not a film star, I am an actress. Being a film star – just a film star – is such a false life, lived for fake values, and for publicity. Actresses go on for a long time and there are always marvelous parts to play.” ~Vivien Leigh Words by Nicky Kemp

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lthough best known for her two Oscar-winning performances as Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind (1939) and Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire (1951), Leigh was primarily a stage performer. During her prolific 30year stage career, she played classic Shakespearean characters including Ophelia, Cleopatra, Juliet and Lady Macbeth and roles she considered more challenging - heroines of Noël Coward and George Bernard Shaw comedies. She once commented: “It’s much easier to make people cry than to make them laugh.”

Born Vivian Mary Hartley on 5 November 1913, in Darjeeling, India to Ernest Hartley, an English officer in the Indian Cavalry, and devout Catholic Mother Gertrude Mary Robinson Yackjee, Vivian made her first stage appearance at the tender age of three with a recital of “Little Bo Peep” for her mother’s amateur theatre group. Ernest moved posts in India but Gertrude and Vivian, an only child, remained in Darjeeling. Gertrude instilled in young Vivian, an appreciation of literature, introducing her to the works of Hans Christian Andersen, Lewis Carroll, Rudyard Kipling and stories of Greek mythology and Indian

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folklore. In 1920, shortly after the war, the family moved back to England and Vivian, age six, was sent by her Mother to board at the Convent of the Sacred Heart in southwest London. It was when her mother came for a visit one day and took her to a play on London’s legendary West Side, that Vivian decided to become an actress. Her father later enrolled her at RADA - but not before removing her from school to take her traveling in Europe. “I was sent successively to schools in France, Italy and Bavaria, and this erratic education was a great help afterwards.” Vivian had formed a natural ability to master new accents with relative ease; a great attribute for an actress.

Vivian Hartley met Herbert Leigh Holman, a barrister 13 years her senior, in 1931 and she cut short her education at RADA when (despite his disapproval of “theatrical people”) they were married on 20 December 1932. On 12 October 1933, she gave birth to a daughter, Suzanne, who decades later would make Vivien a grandmother three times over. Motherhood and her husband’s disapproval did not dampen Vivian’s desire to be an actress. Her screen debut came when she took a small role in the film Things Are Looking Up in 1935, the same year she acquired an agent, John

Gliddon, and took ‘Vivien Leigh’ as her professional name. She was cast in the play The Mask of Virtue in 1935 and received excellent reviews. One journalist from the Daily Express wrote: “a lightening change came over her face”, this is the first public mention of the rapid changes in mood that became characteristic of her. John Betjeman, the future Poet Laureate was compelled to write about her too, describing her as “the essence of English girlhood”. In 1960, Leigh expressed her ambivalence towards her first experience of critical acclaim and sudden fame: “Some critics saw fit to be as foolish as to say that I was a great actress.

And I thought that was a foolish, wicked thing to say, because it put such an onus and such a responsibility onto me, which I simply wasn’t able to carry. And it took me years to learn enough to live up to what they said for those first notices. I find it so stupid. I remember the critic very well and have never forgiven him.”

Vivien is famously associated with her second husband, the highly-acclaimed Laurence Olivier. She split from Holman in 1937. Olivier saw Leigh in The Mask of Virtue and a friendship developed after he congratulated her on her performance. Olivier and Leigh acted as lovers in Fire Over England in 1937 and began an affair. At the time, Olivier was married to actress Jill Esmond. And it was around this time that Leigh read the Margaret Mitchell novel Gone with the Wind and instructed her American agent to suggest her to David O. Selznick, who was planning a film version. She remarked to a journalist, “I’ve cast myself as Scarlett O’Hara”.

Selznick, who had seen her perform that very month in Fire Over England and A Yank at Oxford, thought her “excellent” but “too British” to play Scarlett.

Leigh traveled to Los Angeles to try to convince him otherwise - and with the help of Olivier’s contacts, she was eventually granted the opportunity to read a scene for Selznick who later wrote to his wife: “She’s SCENE 15

the Scarlett dark horse and looks damn good. Not for anyone’s ear but your own: it’s narrowed down to Paulette Goddard, Jean Arthur, Joan Bennett and Vivien Leigh”. The director, George Cukor went on to praise Leigh’s “incredible wildness”. She landed the role of Scarlett – and netted her first Academy Award for Best Actress in a leading role.

In 1940, Vivien married Olivier and the next year they appeared together in That Hamilton Woman. They starred together in many films and stage productions, often with Olivier as director. But by the time of the filming of Caesar and Cleopatra in 1945, though she turned in another great performance, Vivien’s life had started to unravel. She had reportedly suffered two miscarriages, contracted tuberculosis, and was diagnosed as suffering from bi-polar.

“My birth sign is Scorpio and they eat themselves up and burn themselves out. I swing between happiness and misery. I am part prude and part nonconformist. I say what I think and I don’t pretend and I am prepared to accept the consequences of my actions.” ~Vivien Leigh Over time, Leigh earned herself a reputation for being difficult to work with. She had mood swings and tantrums, which she later could not recall ever happening. Her performances continued to receive great reviews but her career suffered periods of inactivity. It may have been some consolation on 12 June 1974 when Laurence was made a Knight of the British Empire and Vivien Leigh became Lady Olivier.

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comeback in her second Oscar-winning performance as Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire starring opposite Marlon Brando. “I don’t want realism.

I want magic! Yes, yes, magic. I try to give that to people. I do misrepresent things. I don’t tell truths. I tell what ought to be truth” famously said her character Blanche DuBois. Film critic Pauline Kael who was a writer for The New Yorker commented: “Vivien Leigh gives one of those rare performances that can truly be said to evoke pity and terror. As Blanche DuBois, she looks and acts like a destroyed Dresden shepherdess.

No one since the early Lillian Gish... has had this quality of hopeless, feminine frailty; Shakespeare must have had a woman like this in mind when he conceived Ophelia.”

Vivian didn’t perform much after Streetcar. She made a film in 1955 - The Deep Blue Sea. In 1959 she was quoted as saying: “A lucky thing Eva Peron was. She died at 32. I’m already 45”. In 1960, her marriage fell apart. Olivier left her to marry actress Joan Plowright.

She appeared on-screen again in 1961 in The Roman Spring of Mrs Stone, co-starring Warren Beatty and her final turn came in Ship of Fools in 1965, which was a small part. She died after a severe bout of tuberculosis on 8 July 1967 at the relatively young age of 53.

Vivien Leigh ~ Fiddle-dee-dee! Scarlett O Hara might say. Vivien Leigh once said: “I hope I’ve one thing that Scarlett never had - A sense of humor. I want some joy out of life. And she had one thing I hope I never have Selfish egotism.”

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Just InterIors

ClassiC & Contemporary 118a High Street, Epping, Essex, CM16 4AF 01992 576656

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There are different options available. The quickest and cheapest option is cosmetic bonding. This is very easily done and only takes one visit. Tooth coloured cosmetic filling is bonded to the uneven part of the teeth so it blends in and reshapes the teeth to a perfect condition.

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Be My Valentine How to have the perfect Valentines Day

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to go the extra mile, to eat more candy and watch romantic movies or splurge a little on a box of chocolates and roses for Mum; or that expensive date might provide the opportune moment to get down on one knee and pop the question! Here are some ideas to help make your Valentine’s Day perfect…

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lmost all women love the traditional dozen red roses and also white ones along with various other beautiful flowers as a gift. The flowers smell and look beautiful but if you can’t afford twelve, then a single red rose is just as effective.

Take your loved one on a picnic A picnic is another wonderful way to spend Valentine’s Day together. A nice expensive bottle of wine to go along with it is also romantic. Make sure to pack some special food for the special occasion. Don’t forget to bring a camera so you can take some pictures to include in a scrapbook of you and your sweetheart to look at years from now.

Cook breakfast or dinner Taking time to cook breakfast or dinner is another wonderful romantic idea to enjoy together. Make sure not set off the fire alarm though! Try to cook something unique for the special occasion.

Go to a park with your loved one Parks are a lovely place to spend time and be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery together. Every park has a different special touch, making them fabulously romantic places to visit whether it is Valentine’s Day or not.

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Top Tips For couples Valentine’s Day is a very special occasion.

Here’s a few of our top tips to make it even more memorable Engagements Valentine’s Day is one of the most romantic times of the year to propose to your sweetheart saying you have the desire to spend the rest of your life with the special person. Take a few days to think of a unique idea on how to propose so that it will be memorable years from now.

Go out for breakfast or dinner Going out to breakfast or dinner saves time and hassle on cooking. It also gives you more time to spend with your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day. Make sure to make reservations in advance at the special restaurant since it is crowded on holidays!

How to find love this Valentine’s Day Be Confident Confidence is attractive and research shows 60% of people say it’s one of their favourite traits. When you appear confident, you also appear approachable. Even if you don’t feel confident, fake it with the right signals.

Body language Although you know your anxiety signals will wear off once you’ve relaxed a bit, folded arms and an unsmiling expression marks you out as being ­unapproachable, so shake off negatives like shyness, a bad journey or emotional baggage caused by a bad dating experience and adopt a positive pose before entering an event, Pull yourself up to full height, roll your shoulders back and relax your facial expression.

Being aware of some key signals you give off when meeting a potential Mr./Miss Right means you can take it to the next level. Before going out, it’s crucial to psych yourself up by reminding yourself why you’re a desirable person.

Jewellery Almost every woman loves to get diamonds or other special jewellery for Valentines Day. A beautiful set of earrings or necklace is a wonderful gift.

Gift certificates ...to a spa resort are a fantastic Valentine’s gift and are a great way for you and your sweetheart to do something special this Valentine’s Day. Cruises Travel agents have romantic cruises available at reasonable prices for special occasions. You can surprise your sweetheart with a romantic cruise on Valentine’s Day.

Be prepared to take the lead, don’t let shyness stop you from meeting new people. Let others know you’re looking and never pass up an invitation or the chance of tagging along to a club or event.

Dress to impress To impress your loved one, put on a smart suit or waistcoat with a white shirt and black shoes, but don’t forget to bring a red rose and chocolates with you when you meet with your loved one.

Take a friend along and relax over a glass of wine.

Obviously play it safe but be open to meeting new people when you are relaxing.

Shake things up a little Now start widening your circle of opportunity, this means making small but key changes to daily routines.

After all if you keep going to the same old places, you see the same old faces, so create opportunities to meet as many people as possible, Do this by visiting new pubs, clubs and restaurants.

Confident men or women won’t hesitate to say hello and offer you their number, even if you’re sitting with a friend.

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Love Lingerie Set their hearts racing this Valentine’s Day Discover Beautiful women’s lingerie This February and Treat yourself to some Sexy new Bras in Gorgeous colours and feminine lace with a large range of fashionable underwear, with Styles to suit every shape and figure. Scene has picked out five of the best lingerie lines, from Marks and Spencers, Debenhams and Boux Avenue-so Feel gorgeous every day with beautiful lingerie this winter.

Rosie for Autograph Swiss-Designed Couture Embroidered Padded Bra This Rosie for Autograph collection is crafted using the finest Swiss-designed couture embroidery and the softest of microfibre fabrics which feel like a second skin £35.00 Available from M&S Ivory Floral embroidered Plunge Bra Embracing Ultimo’s love of all things girly, this ivory plunge bra from the Adore Moi range is a beautiful treat for your lingerie collection.

Bra £25 Embroidered shorts £12 Available from Debenhams

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Black Lace & Fishnet Bra This balconette bra from Dita von Teese has fine black stretch lace over lightly padded peach cups. £32 Available from Debenhams

Cutesy Flock Spot Babydoll and Thong In velvety soft flock spot, this black babydoll is complete with built-in padded plunge bra and matching thong. £40.00 Available from Boux Avenue

Rosie for Autograph Pure Silk French-Designed Rose Lace Teddy This Rosie for Autograph collection is made with luxurious silk and exquisite French-designed lace. £45.00 Available from M&S SCENE 23

Valentine’s Surprise

Great gifts for her this February Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and if you’re looking for a romantic gift to give to that special person, then check out these gift ideas.

Cranberry & pomegranate body scrub £12.99 burtsbees..co.uk selina bra & shorts £26 & £14 bouxavenue.com

Bella silk robe £85 bouxavenue.com

I love you postcard necklace £14 awatheredpenny.co.uk

Kitty dress £62 Jarlolondon.co.uk

svana heels £110 tedbaker.com

Chrub stud earrings £40 billskinnerstudio.co.uk

jaxine heels £100 tedbaker.com

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Marilyn dress £69 jarlolondon.co.uk

Heart brooch £15 fairytalesandhiddennots.co.uk

Emson Haig International skills competition

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he National Apprenticeship Service announced that a young “skills star” from the Jewellery industry has earned a place in Squad UK for an international skills competition called WorldSkills Leipzig 2013.

The Squad UK member in Jewellery is Ben Pritchard, 18, from Loughton, who is working as an apprentice for Harvey Sillis at Emson Haig in Lakeside Shopping Centre.

and learners after competing in a tough threeday selection event from the 18th to the 20th of September 2012. They will now spend the next year preparing to take on the very best from across the world, undergoing a specialist training programme supported by a dedicated training manager for each skill.

WorldSkills is the biggest international skills competition in the world, which is held every two years in one of its 61 member countries/regions.

Members of the Squad UK will compete for a coveted place in Team UK at another selection event which will be held in March 2013. Individuals selected will then carry on training with Team UK before heading to WorldSkills Leipzig, which takes place from 2nd to the 7th of July 2013.

Ben Pritchard said, “It’s a huge honour to have been selected as a member of Squad UK. I hope this opportunity will allow me to showcase how Apprenticeships and skills can lead to successful employment and career opportunities.”

After completing work experience at Emson Haig at the age of 15, Ben gained an insight into the jewellery industry and found his passion.

Emson Haig happily supported Ben by offering him an apprenticeship with well-established Jeweller and Diamond Mounter, Harvey Sillis, in the lakeside based workshop.

Squad UK competitors were selected from among the UK’s most talented apprentices, employees

Jaine Bolton, Director at the National Apprenticeship Service and UK official Delegate to WorldSkills International, said: “I offer my support and congratulations to every young person that has earned a place in Squad UK. By competing in international competitions, the UK is able to showcase the high levels of performance that can be achieved by individuals. This provides the inspiration for young people and adults to be ambitious in their pursuit of skills to their highest level.”

Lakeside Branch, 258 Lakeside Centre, West Thurrock Way, Grays, Essex, RM20 2ZH 01708 890 730 Loughton Branch, 305/307 High Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 1AH 020 8418 9222 www.emsonhaig.com SCENE 25

Belt Up!

Fashion for your Waist Tie up those loose ends in your outfit with a gorgeous selection of belts. From super skinny and super wide to embellished buckles and luxe animal-print leather.

BLACK ZEBRA LOCK WAIST BELT From River Island, £18.00

SEYMOUR BELT This chic belt is a truly versatile accessory and can be worn dressed up or down. It features a silver square buckle and is 35mm wide. Available in black, pecanbrown and limestone patent leather.

From Hobbs, £59.00

SKINNY SNAKE METAL BELT French Connection leather snakeprint belt has sleek chain detail for extra polish.

Skinny Snake Metal Belt has a buckle fastening, sections connected by chain detail and allover snake pattern.

From French Connection, £40.00

Black Western Cut Out Silver Belt From New Look, £6.99

Leather belt From H&M, £12.99

BROWN METAL HOOK CHUNKY WAIST BELT For a waist-cinching statement, this chunky brown waist belt is the only option! Features gold tone hook clasp.

From River Island, £15.00

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CHUNKY LINK METAL BELT French Connection leather linkdetail belt is an eye-catching accessory. Pair with an LBD to give it extra polish. Chunky Link Metal Belt has an adjustable fastening at back and link detail to front.

From French Connection, £50.00

BELT WITH STAR STUDS From Zara, £17.99

London Fashion Week

London Fashion Week at Somerset House

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ondon Fashion Week (LFW) is one of the highest profile fashion events in the world and one of the ‘big four’ international catwalk influencers. The event is organised by the British Fashion Council (BFC) and funded by a number of sponsors (including principal sponsor Vodafone). LFW puts London and British fashion firmly on the global stage; it is estimated that orders of over £100m are placed during LFW each season- the International Guest Programme alone generates over £71m of orders. Over 5,000 visitors attend: buyers, TV & radio crews, journalists and photographers. Media coverage equals or exceeds most major news and international sporting events.

There are 60 catwalk shows on the official schedule as well as a further 45 off schedule and more than 30 on-schedule presentations and salon shows. LFW visitors have access to many more designers through presentations, multi-brand and individual showrooms.

In February 2010 the British Fashion Council launched the digital schedule as a part of London Fashion Week. The digital schedule is the first official Fashion Week schedule of its kind, bringing together livestreamed shows, a selection of fashion films and the BFC Canon Cinema showing a dedicated film programme.

In addition to the official and off-schedule events, LFW has become a focus for a broader base of fashion-linked activities with international designers, media and other high profile brands choosing to host their own events during the weeks. The BFC coordinate an event schedule to help visitors experience London ‘the city’ as well as the showcase of British fashion design talents at LFW. The LFW Exhibition takes place over the full five days of LFW, based at the official venue: Somerset House, with designer showrooms across the ground and first floors of this stunning heritage listed building.

Showcasing over 120 designer ready-to-wear, accessories and jewellery brands, the Exhibition offers key media and retailers the perfect opportunity to book their appointments onsite before any other fashion weeks in Europe.

There are a number of British Fashion Council Initiatives that feature in the exhibition including, NEWGEN sponsored by Topshop, BFC Headonism supported by royal Ascot, BFC Rock Vault sponsored

by International Palladium board along with the Navy board room Collective, comprising of NEWGEN Alumni which all feature merchandised areas alongside carefully curated key designer collections.

15-19 February 2013 Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA

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The Bucket List

Five things to do in your lifetime

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ou only live once so make sure you make the most of it. Here is Scene’s top five extreme experiences to try in your life time. So take a walk on the wild side and try something new

this year.

Tandem Skydiving Guaranteed to get the adrenaline flowing!

You will exit the aircraft securely strapped to the front of your instructor, who will control the free fall element of your skydive, open the parachute for you at around 5000 feet, and then steer your parachute safely back to the landing area for a controlled landing.

For more information visit www.ukskydiving.com

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3 Shark Diving This is something I bet you thought you couldn’t do in the UK! This is your chance to do a very special Discover Scuba experience, with a twist... you’ll be diving with Sharks! With beautiful Sand Tiger Sharks (10 feet+), Angel Sharks and Tope Sharks.

For more information visit www.exelement.co.uk

4 Land Boarding Land Boarding is the new kid on the block when it comes to kite sports and is going to make kiting accessible to the masses! It follows the same principles as kite-surfing but you do it on land with a mountain board under your feet.

For more information visit: www.exelement.co.uk

5 Bungee Jumping Just imagine being winched up to 400 feet perched on the edge of a platform, looking into the distance and down at all your friends and family that are now in miniature. Your heart rate increases, you think how you can get out of it, but there’s no turning back now 1, 2, 3.................

For more information visit www.challengecharity.org.uk 28 SCENE

Whitewater Rafting Whitewater rafting is rightly up there as a ‘Must-Do’ sport, largely because it is indescribably brilliant! This heart pumping experience is undoubtedly one of our most popular and most high-adrenaline sports, labelled ‘fear factor’ for all of the right reasons, and guarantees you will have the ride of your life!

For more information visit www.exelement.co.uk

Health SCENE

Health Scene is a new addition to Scene magazine and will lead you through different topics each month to investigate how you can make better lifestyle choices to become happier and healthier.

H

ow are your New Year’s resolutions going? Still feeling fully motivated or has the clean slate sparkle started to dull?

Let me know how you are doing and if you need some extra encouragement! Jo De Rosa

Inner Guidance yoga

meditation

detox

through it I rebuilt the relationship with myself and began to like myself once more.

The exercises made my body stronger, and what I then started to notice was how my mind was also getting stronger. Pretty soon I felt ready to leave the dead relationship behind me and fully embrace my new single world -which had previously seemed like an impossible task.

Now I’m not saying that you want to leave your relationship, but perhaps there is a toxic co-worker, a friend that keeps talking about you behind your back, or maybe you would like to spruce up your love relationship. Yoga helps you to have a positive relationship with yourself, and when you have that sorted just watch as the feeling of contentment filters out to those around you. The toxic friends seem to fall away, and more interesting and supportive people find their way to you.

How Can Yoga Improve My Relationships?

15 years ago I was in a very dark place in my relationship. I knew I didn’t want to be in it anymore, but my self-esteem was at an all time low and I didn’t know how to extract myself from what had become a very unhealthy cycle. Then I discovered yoga, and from the very first stretch down to my toes I knew I’d stumbled onto something that was going to change my life forever. Yoga became my best friend, and

I’ve been teaching yoga for 12 years now, and it has quite literally changed my life for the better. I also get to help others who are looking for improved health, happier relationships, and pass on how yoga can have a positive effect on all corners of your life.

Your yoga practice can be in the format of a weekly class, or perhaps you would like to fully immerse yourself into a weekend retreat? Don’t be afraid to try out a few different teachers so that you can find the one that is right for you!

Next month: A deep look into meditation and mindfulness, and how this method can drastically reduce your stress levels. Also introducing a short meditation that will help you sleep, calm your nerves and think more clearly….

Is there something that you would like to ask Jo? You can email Jo with specific questions, and some of these will be featured in the magazine: jo@innerguidance.co.uk Jo De Rosa is a yoga and meditation teacher, life and detox coach, and author.

Inner Guidance yoga

meditation

Web: www.innerguidance.co.uk Email: jo@innerguidance.co.uk

detox

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Winter Wonderland Weddings Embrace the magic of winter on your big day One wedding idea we love for brides is a “Winter Wonderland Wedding.” It allows you to take advantage of the magic of the frosty season at your wedding, with dangling crystals, frosted branches, white florals, glowing candles, and even snow (real or fake) can all help you evoke the feel of an elegant wintertime wedding.

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efore you organize anything you really need to set the scene for the big day. November and January venues should offer a ready-made festive atmosphere.

Winter may be a theme in itself, but some people like to go a step further. You can create anything from a winter wonderland to Christmas in New York. If you want a colour theme, silver and green are the festive colours for a Christmas wedding with coffee browns and creams also popular.

Create variety by adding festive treats, such as candy canes to table décor and fairy lights over windows and arches. Scented candles truly set the mood and festive decorations such as silver bells, mini Christmas trees, snowflakes and pine cones also set an evocative scene.

Whilst setting the scene, start thinking about the photography, you’ll want to capture every moment you can on camera to look back through later. Stunning images show how striking winter ceremonies can look on camera.

You should aim for an early ceremony so there’s time to take photos before the light fades and brides are advised to invest in a faux fur jacket or stole to keep warm between shots. “Don’t expect your guests to stand outside for too long either!”

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It’s also sensible to choose a venue with an amazing well-lit space inside for photos, in case snow, rain or ice forces you indoors. A Christmas tree can make a lovely backdrop - but remember you’ll be looking at the photos all year round, so do pose in a more neutral, but equally beautiful, spot too.

Whilst a winter wedding can be magical, transport may not be so perfect. Check that your car hire company has a contingency plan in place in case nature does do it’s worst on the day. Classic cars aren’t always suitable if the roads are very icy, but a good firm will offer a replacement vehicle to cope with the climate.

chic tights or stockings so you won’t be goose-pimply. Faux fur also gives you license to choose an elegant bandeau or spaghetti-strapped dress and still keep your shoulders under wraps when you’re outside.

Winter weddings are synonymous with sparkle and decadence and closed toe shoes with an embellishment such as a dramatic feather or crystal fan is sure to compliment a winter dress perfectly.

Protect suede or leather shoes with a good quality spray and buy a pair of white wellies to wear outside if the snow is heavy. Hair decorations and sparkle bring out colour in the eyes. This works well in winter when the skies are grey. Try a velvet headband decorated with crystals, or a large feather and beaded comb.

Unlike summer, when everyone can mingle on the lawn, keeping winter wedding guests happy requires a little extra planning.

Think about their arrival, make sure that paths have been de-iced, and if it’s raining, make sure people have umbrellas. Check there are mats for people to wipe their feet on, otherwise they could slip in the church, and ask well in advance about heating facilities at your church and/or venue.

A well-maintained wedding car should run well through the winter, but try and carry a stole, jacket or blanket on very cold days as vintage cars don’t always have powerful heating systems.

Let’s not forget what happens on the roads in winter - a white wedding car splashed with mud loses its glamour.

Silver and dark classic cars look particularly stunning in winter wedding photography as they are so reflective.

Because it’s winter you can get creative with food and drinks to keep your guests smiling. To keep things elegant, create fabulous cocktails with seasonal fruits and spices, or serve hot drinks like mulled wine and hot toddies to warm everyone up.

And remember do not to neglect your bridesmaids, if you’re putting them in skimpy dresses, choose a warm and elegant shawl to keep them cosy – you don’t want any chattering teeth to spoil the ceremony!

From transport to head-turning, the perfect winter wedding dress is super-stylish with practical elements to keep you warm. If you wear a short dress, consider

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Happily Ever After Finding the perfect wedding venue is top of most bride-to-be’s to-do list, but with the sheer volume of choice on offer, selecting somewhere that stands out from the rest can be easier said than done... until now that is.

Words by Jo Fraser

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omething of a hidden treasure in the heart of London, the Art Deco Bloomsbury Ballroom is an exceptional Central London wedding venue and has recently been voted one of the top 100 wedding venues in the country by renowned “Wedding” magazine.

A wedding at The Bloomsbury Ballroom is set to be a truly memorable event from the moment guests arrive outside the matchless façade of the 1920’s listed building, situated within picturesque Bloomsbury Square. Entering through the grand doorways, guests step back in time and into a venue that oozes period charm and sophistication. The “Crush Bar” creates the ambience of a bygone era and the Ballroom itself is a Deco delight. Think of “flapper” dresses, cocktails, The Great Gatsby, dancing the Charleston and you’ll picture the scene.

With a license to conduct civil weddings and partnerships, couples tying the knot here do so with real style. The venue can host 150-300 guests for a sit down reception and up to 880 overall, with the added convenience of underground parking for 450 vehicles.

There are also more than 50 hotels available within walking distance for guests requiring accommodation.

Discerning couples will appreciate the freedom and flexibility that independent ownership of The Bloomsbury Ballroom allows. The location is exclusively theirs alone for the duration of the occasion. To help with inspirational ideas for creating a wedding with the

wow factor, a ‘wedding concierge’ is assigned to every couple, with an initial planning meeting and further regular updates to finesse each detail and generate piece of mind. Couples have the option to hire the venue as a “dry space” also, thus allowing the use of their own wedding planner, caterers and suppliers as they wish.

“No two weddings are ever the same”, comments Terry Pullen, Managing Director of the Ballroom. “We don’t offer set ‘wedding packages’ rather we provide totally bespoke celebrations. Each party reflects the unique wishes of the couple involved which could be serving anything from small bowl food accompanied by fine champagne, to a traditional three-course wedding breakfast. The only area in which we retain ‘sameness’ is in our professionalism, service and attention to detail.”

Memorable weddings demand memorable locations and The Bloomsbury Ballroom offers just that with an exquisite backdrop, impeccable service and attention to detail to provide the ultimate experience when it comes to saying “I do”.

For further information please contact: Victoria House, Bloomsbury Square, London, WC1B 4DA 0207 242 0002 www.thebloomsburyballroom.com enquiries@thebloomsburyballroom.com SCENE 33

Feeling depressed, anxious or angry?

Don’t suffer in silence...

Help is at Hand!

Anxiety • Depression • Loss/Grief • Anger OCD • Loneliness • Self Harm • Surviving Abuse • Relationship & Marriage issues

reasonable rates

07792 128681 9am - 9pm

Contact dougie In confidence

email: robertson_d@btinternet.com www.counsellingine18.co.uk The Shrubberies • George Lane • E18 Independent Counsellor MBACP (Accred) UKRCP Registered & fully insured

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Winter Style

Stay warm whilst looking cool With Valentine’s Day coming up in February it can be a stressful month, but style is simple, Everything you need to look cool this Winter.

Studds Belt Available from Zara, £7.99

Ferguson ash This classic sneaker is crafted from supple suede and finished with a rubber toe cap.

Other features of the Ralph Lauren Ferguson trainer includes a laceup front, double-needlestitched detail at the upper, molded insole for comfort and shock absorption, treaded rubber out-sole for traction and Ralph Lauren embossed Pony accents the right side.

Available Ralph Lauren, £84.99

Ecru Ribbed Sleeve Grandad T-Shirt The grandad tee is a style essential and with contrast rib rolled sleeves, this version is effortlessly cool, Features button fastening and collarless design.

Available from River Island, £14.00

Crafted Triumph Leather Jacket Black leather jacket in a new season update from Crafted.

Featuring an asymmetric zip fastening, zip trim pockets to the chest and side seams and epaulette detailing at the shoulders.

Available from Republic, £110.00

Trapper Hat Superdry Trapper Hat. The ultimate cold weather hat with faux fur lining, adjustable strap and Superdry embroidered logo.

Available from Superdry, £34.99

Decking Stripe Scarf Available French Connection £30.00

504 Straight Taper Jeans Available from Levis, £90.00

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Portfolio

Essex

SCENE

&Interiors

Property

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Modernise With Monochrome Black and white is back and making a big impact When it comes to colour schemes, black and white will never go out of style. This classic combination has endless possibilities when used in interiors...

Whether the design style is traditional, modern, eclectic, sophisticated - black and white will always work! This scheme looks especially beautiful when accented with a pop of unexpected colour, so if your looking to redo your lounge then go black and white.

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he living room, lounge, front room, sitting room, no matter what we call it, it’s the heart of our homes, the most important place in which our family and friends gather, the place where we welcome our guests, the place where we socialize and relax.

In order to feel at home, we should all design the living room based on our own personality and preferences because it’s in there we will spend most of our time.

Whitewashed floorboards will instantly brighten a space; add colour by mixing in coloured furniture or, do the opposite, by putting white furniture against white walls but with a contrasting floor as this will have dramatic effects.

Black is stylish and easy to coordinate, but bright, bold colours will also work. If you like the cutting edge contemporary look, then black and white has the advantage of giving the room a stylish appearance that will not go out of fashion.

Even though the colour scheme is amazing, we suggest you use stark white paint on the walls in order to keep the big and bright room effect, and to introduce the black using furniture and accessories because, a full black matte interior may seem too much for some of us.

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The Final Touches Add some art and colour to your black and white theme with accessories and cushions.

Artwork or black and white photos Add artwork to the walls or black and white large family photos. These small touches will give the room a lived in feels.

Scene suggests Getty Images Photography available at John Lewis £200.00 A burst of colour Adding a burst of colour can brighten the room-try bright single colours using red and blue cushions. Primary colours will work the best as they will really stand out against the black and white background.

Available at John Lewis £20.00

To add a little more punch, try adding wall panels in black, or brownblack materials. A wall mounted entertainment unit is a great option as it will also blend a dark, flat screen TV in with the design.

Whether on its own or together, black and white always make a bold statement.

The contrast makes rooms more beautiful and rather interesting.

Create contrast using different coloured furniture, or maybe even a carpet, usually does the trick, but the idea of having a living room in full scale black and white makes the whole room harmonize on its own.

With a simple colour palette you can go bold with pattern and eye catching design.

Adding mirrors against white walls will reflect even more light and brighten your lounge considerably, or, try adding different shaped mirrors to create a pattern but be careful as too much will overpower the space.

When designing your living rooms with the classic black and white pieces and matching them with printed area carpets, different coloured day curtains, modern furniture and furnishings, the possibilities are endless since black and white is always in style and a crowd favourite.

Top hat lights Top Hat Lights are stylish and will add loads of personality to any room in the home, so upgrade your home decor from dull to dapper with Top Hat Pendant Lights.

These neatly dressed light fixtures add a dash of whimsy and a dollop of sophistication to any room.

The lampshades are made of actual top hats lined with anodized aluminium for an authentic British gentleman charm.

Available online at Tesco direct £180.00 Curved or antique nickel floor lamps Floor lamps work brilliantly against white walls or against black Walls. Try metallic or black and white against the black or white walls or try one in bright red.

Available at John Lewis £70.00

Floors look equally great in light glossy tones and rich dark notes when furniture is kept light, but avoid matching too many dark elements together as you may find the overall look a little oppressive.

If you later decide that you would like to lift your interior with a little colour, you have the perfect basis on which to do it, because quite literally anything goes with a scheme like this. Try pops of aqua blue for a cool contemporary look, or warm the room up with rich red elements.

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Cushions and Throws SCENE Picks

Scene picks the perfect Decorative cushions and throws for your home, ideas filled with love and warmth this February.

Red Love Cushion, £35 John Lewis

Plain Lambswool Throw £60 John Lewis

Kirstie Allsopp Lydia Throw £60 Next

LINEA Fleece Throw Red £ 15 house of Fraser

Chenille Love Cushion £12.00 M&S

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Kirstie Allsopp Love Cushion £17 Next

Ribbed Chenille Throw £35.00 M&S

KIRSTIE ALLSOPP Cordelia Cushion In Sorbet £19.16 House of Fraser

Kirstie Allsopp Heart Applique Cushion £25 Next

Tech Talk

The best and oddest gadgets money can buy For the coolest and most randomly odd gadgets you can find. We’ve scoured the land to bring you our selection of the best gadgets.

Arcade Pinball for iPad Slip your iPad into the case and take hold of the ergonomic handles, with the spring launcher and flipper buttons you’ll feel like you’re down at the arcade once again. £49.99 from www.firebox.com

Samurai Umbrella Ideal for ninjas, noble warriors and anyone who’s OD’d on badly-dubbed kung fu movies, this elegant nylon brolly features a realistic samurai sword-style handle. £19.99 from www.firebox.com

Devon Tread 1 Watch Unlike any other watch you’ve seen, this mechanical masterpiece uses 4 compact microstep motors to power a series of exposed glass-nylon belts that adjust the time and date. The fact that it tells the time is almost incidental. £12,950 from www.firebox.com

Shirt Shuttle MK2 Creases desist You’ve gone to all the trouble of ironing your shirt, but as soon as it goes in your suitcase it’s doomed. All that hard work (ironing is hard) and it will come out looking like a crumpled up crisp packet. Well we have a solution.

The Shirt Shuttle MK2. £34.99 from www.firebox.com

TRU VIRTU Wallet The aluminium case to offer two completely separate areas for cash and cards. Press the buttons on the front edge to open either of the compartments. It’s perfect for keeping business cards and other loose items in place while you whip out your change. £22.99 from www.firebox.com

Camera Lens Mug Take a few tasty shots of espresso with the Camera Lens Mug. Designed to look and feel just like a regular camera lens, this detailed mug is great for the office or bringing the world into focus first thing in the morning. £8.99 from www.firebox.com SCENE 41

Theydon Bois Balti House Tandoori Restaurant We are the oldest and only traditional tandoori restaurant in the village, with our own ample private car park for your convenience.

Book your table for Valentines day We are proud to announce that we have received a 5 star (out of 5) food & hygiene rating from Epping forest Council.

Call 01992 813 850/814 104 Theydon Bois Balti House, Station Approach, Coppice Row, Theydon Bois, CM16 7EU www.theydonboisbalti.co.uk Opening hours 5.30 pm–11.30 pm everyday including Bank Holidays

0208 527 5511 50 CHINGFORD MOUNT ROAD, E4 9AB

Petra Chargrilled Restaurant in Chingford provides fantastic service and fresh Mediterranean food.

At Petra you can enjoy the true spirit of fine Mediterranean food whilst dining in our family friendly atmosphere.

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Theydon Bois Balti House

Step inside this cosy and traditional restaurant

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or the past 18 years Theydon Bois Balti House has been proudly serving the village locals with outstanding Indian cuisine. Whilst gaining a strong reputation for traditional and quality food it has become the longest established Tandoori Restaurant in the Theydon area.

It is evident from the great tasting food that Sirah Miah head chef of the restaurant, has gone to immense lengths to fine tune every last detail of each recipe whilst insisting on cooking all his food with the freshest of ingredients, sourced daily, and cooked in a charcoal ground clay oven. The cooking process is unique to most local Indian restaurants and produces a superb flavour keeping the food moist rather than dry.

Step inside this cosy and traditional restaurant and you will be greeted by Babu and his friendly team who are on hand to ensure you are looked after whilst dinning in their restaurant.

Theydon Bois Balti House really does pride itself on offering its loyal following of customers delicious traditional Indian food at reasonable prices, prepared with the highest quality ingredients by their experienced chef.

Of course, as with any restaurant, it’s the food that does the talking and the dishes served to us certainly hit the spot. Freshness and flavour were literally bursting out from the tongue tingling and authentic dishes which included Salmon Tikka, Chicken Tikka Dansak, Chana Bindi and a Lamb Balti accompanied

by Pilau Rice and Peshwari Naan. The menu boasts a wide selection of authentic Indian, Persian and Kashmiri dishes freshly prepared using only the finest ingredients.

Theydon Bois Balti House Tandoori Restaurant

Theydon Bois Balti House, Station Approach, Coppice Row, Theydon Bois, Essex CM16 7EU 01992 813 850 / 01992 814 104 www.theydonboisbalti.co.uk

We are the oldest and only traditional tandoori restaurant in the village, with our own ample private car park for your convenience.

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Wine & Dine Recipe & Wines of the month Baked Chicken alla Milanese for 2

A healthy meal to share with your loved one this Valentine’s Day

Cherry Bombs cocktails served with chocolate cherry bomb deserts

Ingredients Cherry Bombs 1cup grenadine 1 litre clear citrus soda or seltzer 18 maraschino cherries 1/3 cup boiling water Ingredients 1 clove garlic 1 cup parsley leaves 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs Zest of 1/2 lemon Salt and pepper 2 boned chicken thighs, rinsed and patted dry 4 tablespoon olive oil 2 lemon wedges

Chocolate Cherry Bombs (3oz) package Cherry Flavour Gelatin (5oz) evaporated milk 2 squares Bakers Sweet Chocolate, coarsely chopped 14 maraschino cherries

Method: Cherry Bombs Place 2 cups water in a medium saucepan, and bring to boil over a medium-high heat.

Add grenadine; stir to combine. Pour mixture into two ice-cube trays. Freeze until solid, 2 hours or overnight. Fill six glasses with grenadine ice cubes.

Top with soda and Garnish with cherries.

Method:

Chocolate Cherry Bombs

Preheat oven to 200°C. Chop the garlic together with the parsley and place in a small bowl.

Add boiling water to gelatin mix in medium bowl; stir 2 mins, until completely dissolved.

Add the breadcrumbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

Moisten this mixture with 2 tablespoons of oil.

Lay the boned thighs in a heavy baking pan and coat the top of the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture.

Drizzle the chicken with the remaining olive oil and bake for 25 minutes, or until browned.

Serve with lemon wedges.

Microwave evaporated milk and chocolate in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 2 mins, or until chocolate is melted and mixture is blended, stirring each minute, Add to gelatin; whisk until blended.

Pour into 14 (3 oz.) paper cups sprayed with cooking spray. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Top with cherries, pressing in slightly to stick.

Refrigerate for 20 mins or until firm.

Unmold and serve with Cherry Bomb cocktails.

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Valentine’s Escapes From wine-country retreats to Balinese beach idylls, here’s some enchanting vacations to swoon over.

If love is a many-splendored thing—a multifaceted, kaleidoscopic experience that’s different for every couple—then so is the romantic vacation. There are almost as many definitions for a “great couples’ getaway” as there are destinations to travel to.

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till, certain trips are almost guaranteed to conjure ideas of togetherness. We’ve seen the images countless times—of pairs strolling together along empty, sugary beaches; snuggling in front of fireplaces at mountaintop chalets; wandering hand-inhand through foreign, cobblestoned streets—yet they manage to retain their magic. There are simply some places, some kinds of adventures, that make us want to fall in love.

Almost everyone agrees, for example, that there’s a certain romance to being near the ocean. And there are plenty of places to make those magical sunset beach strolls happen—like the South Pacific island of Bora Bora, where resorts have thatch-roofed bungalows set on stilts over crystal-blue lagoons, and where the powdery sand stretches for miles. Even for couples who worry about sunburn or who hate the feel of sand between their toes, smelling the salt air and watching seabirds dive from the deck of a tiny ferryboat—like on the ride across Puget Sound to Whidbey Island, just off the coast of Washington state—can be pretty dreamy.

It’s also hard not to feel starry-eyed among the rolling hills and fragrant vines of wine country. California’s Napa Valley, for instance, is a honeymoon favourite for some very real reasons—intimate boutique hotels, superb French restaurants, and world-class Cabernets

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8 of the best escapes Here is our pick of our favourite escapes from across the world.

New York City Urban Retreat From uptown’s bustling avenues to the quiet, cobblestoned streets of downtown, New York is a study in contrasts.

The greatest challenge is deciding where to stay.

Napa Valley Wine Country A pitch-perfect mix of wineries, restaurants, and decidedly sybaritic hotels makes this the ultimate wine-lover’s escape. But the best part: there’s always something new to discover in the valley.

Bora Bora On the Waterfront For the quintessential far-flung escape, there’s nothing like this South Pacific idyll, where barrier reefs meet cobalt lagoons, and volcanic peaks rise above the tropical rain forest and powder-soft beaches.

among them. Oenophiles who prefer to get a little more off the beaten track can find just as much charm in Chile’s Colchagua Valley, where wineries that turn out robust Merlot, Carmenère, and Malbec abut blossom-covered haciendas.

Even big cities, where we take our vacations surrounded by thousands of other people, can offer some surprisingly romantic retreats. Sharing a Cognac in a historic, wood-paneled New York City bar while gazing over Central Park, for instance, or strolling through the snowy streets of St. Petersburg, past the imperial Russian Winter Palace, has inspired amorous thoughts in plenty of couples (and just as many movie directors).

So, take your pick: metropolis or sleepy mountain village? Sun or snow? Desert sand or beach sand? All of them can be enchantingly romantic.

Just make sure you take the right person with you.

Chassignolles, France Secret Village Lost at a head-clearing elevation of 3,000 feet in the Livradois-Forez, France’s largest national park, 100 miles southwest of Lyons, Chassignolles invites long, extravagantly lazy days spent communing with cows, admiring the accidental land art created by a farmer with some hay bales, and stopping to smell the rockroses that fringe the lanes.

Courchevel, France Mountainside Hideaway The name of this alpine village in the Trois Vallées might well be French for “jet set.” Even so, it’s as romantic as it is glitzy: the wooden chalets, picturesque churches, and mountain views are as much a draw as the designer boutiques, Michelin-starred restaurants, and nightclubs. With five enclaves, each named for its elevation, at 1,000, 1,300, 1,550, 1,650, and 1,850 meters, Courchevel gets pricier and more sophisticated the higher up you go.

St. Petersburg Urban Retreat This former seat of imperial Russia has a surreal beauty, especially in the colder months when its fairytale architecture—the mint-green Winter Palace, the multi-striped onion domes of the Church on Spilled Blood—stands in sharp relief to the crystalline snow.

Atacama Desert, Chile Desert Escape Though stark from a distance, the world’s driest desert is an expansive, exotic landscape studded with oases, majestic dunes, and thermal pools. This is an ideal destination for those who enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Bonus: romantic sunsets and starry nights.

Bali On the Waterfront This is a land of impossible beauty: wide beaches, elaborate Hindu temples, and terraced rice paddies unfolding in a checkerboard against the mountains

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Not Your Average Cat JAGUAR F-TYPE UNVEILED “Jaguar is a founder member of the sports car segment with a rich sporting bloodline stretching over 75 years, and in the F-TYPE we’ve reignited that flame. The F-TYPE isn’t designed to be like anyone else’s sports car. It’s a Jaguar sports car – ultra-precise, powerful, sensual and, most of all, it feels alive.”

Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar

T

he new Jaguar F-TYPE represents a return to the company’s heartland: a two-seater, convertible sports car focused on performance, agility and driver involvement. The F-TYPE is a continuation of a sporting bloodline that stretches back more than 75 years and encompasses some of the most beautiful, thrilling and desirable cars ever built.

The engineering ethos underpinning the F-TYPE is centred on Jaguar’s industry-leading expertise in the use of aluminium. Featuring the most advanced iteration of Jaguar’s acclaimed rigid and lightweight aluminium architecture to date, the F-TYPE has ideally

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balanced weight distribution that allows its involving rear-wheel drive dynamics to be explored to the full. Utilising extensive Computer Aided Engineering programmes, the attention to detail involved in the F-TYPE’s creation even extended to the development of a new, lighter, aluminium front subframe.

In order to maximise the benefits of its advanced structure, the F-TYPE features all-aluminium double wishbone front and rear suspension and a quickratio steering rack for ultimate responsiveness. The aluminium architecture has been optimised to provide the stiffest possible underpinnings for the suspension

with rigidity gains of more than 30 per cent in key areas compared to any other Jaguar application.

Three variants will be available at launch – F-TYPE, F-TYPE S and F-TYPE V8 S. Each is distinguished by the power output of its supercharged petrol engine with all engines featuring stop/start technology to maximise efficiency.

A new 3.0-litre V6, developed from Jaguar’s highly acclaimed 5.0-litre V8, is available in either 340PS or 380PS variants, powering the F-TYPE and F-TYPE S respectively. Both applications exhibit the same freerevving, willing nature that encourages the enthusiastic driver to explore the full extent of the engines’ abilities.

The V6 models are joined by a newly developed member of Jaguar’s V8 engine family. Producing 495PS and 625Nm of torque in the F-TYPE V8 S model, it has an astonishing torque-to-weight ratio of 375Nm/tonne, accelerates to 60mph in 4.2 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds) and on to an electronically limited top speed of 186mph (300km/h) while emitting 259g/km of CO2.

The 380PS V6 F-TYPE S covers the 0-60mph sprint in 4.8 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds) and has an electronically limited top speed of 171mph (275km/h), with CO2 emissions of 213g/km, The 340PS V6 F-TYPE accelerates to 60mph in 5.1 seconds (0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds) and on to an electronically limited top speed of 161mph (260km/h), while emitting just 209g/km of CO2. An active exhaust system, which is standard on the S and V8 S models, adds another dimension of driver-engagement.

Valves in the exhaust system open under load from 3000rpm which allows the exhaust note to build to a thrilling crescendo at the redline, The F-TYPE has a set of eight closely-spaced, sporting ratios in its Quickshift transmission, giving greater driver control. The V6powered S model also includes a Dynamic Launch feature, which optimises acceleration from rest.

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Star SCENE is brought to you by International Clairvoyant Jenny Ayers.

For a more in depth reading or to arrange a sitting contact Jenny below.

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Jenny Ayers Tel: 01892 662 856 jandm.ayers@hotmail.co.uk www.spiritualist-guidance.org

Aquarius

Leo

20 Jan-18 Feb This year will bring in many successes, which to you will seem surprising, but necessary in order for you to fulfil your destiny. Some will come as a shock, but all are welcoming in the scheme of things that propels you to a new way of working and acting. It has taken quite a long time to get to this point, but it is well deserved.

23 Jul-22 Aug A head start is now needed for you to complete a project which has been getting under your skin. In order for you to move on, a great change of circumstances will arise and that will be your calling card to finally accept your destiny.

Look now at other ways of promoting yourself and see the changes beginning to occur. The Universe has not failed you.

Pisces

Virgo

19 Feb-20 Mar All that very hard work over decades is now coming to full fruition. You can begin to relax and take all the accolades in. Never before will you have felt so good, powerful and committed to a cause that has been your life’s devotion for all time. Take a bow and be applauded for the extensive work that you have achieved. There is more to come.

23 Aug-22 Sep As work and life appears harder for you, do not despair. It is now time to change completely your direction and your thinking in order for the new path to show itself to you. It has been frustrating, but all that you have learnt in this time of hardship will be used to good effect. This you will instinctively be able to see.

Aries

Libra

21 Mar-19 Apr As this month passes very quickly indeed, you will have time to reflect on a new project, which has been causing you much anxiety. The timing has not been right, but is now coming to that point when the decision for personal advancement must be taken up now, as the planetary changes will only allow a small window of opportunity to advance this very worthwhile cause.

23 Sep-22 Oct As the breakthrough that you have been seeking is now presented to you, you do not need to feel cautious as it does not come with any strings attached, but with loving intent. It is necessary that you confide in your inner most thoughts and know you have made the right choice and that there are no further blockages to worry about. Just be yourself again.

Taurus

Scorpio

20 Apr-20 May Believe in yourself again and be trusting in your instincts. They have not let you down. You will see that offer given back to you again. This time you cannot afford to dismiss it so readily, as it has hidden benefits which you could not see before. It is high time you turned that corner and see the shining light of revelation being given to you.

23 Oct-21 Nov Be brave and start that new business venture you have been so worried about all this time. As the new planetary aspects favour this project, you are well aspected to arrive at a destiny you never thought possible before. Lift off has finally arrived and to trust in your ability to go forwards is now necessary, as there are no more barriers to confront you.

Gemini

Sagittarius

21 May-20 Jun As this potential hardship in your mind refuses to let go, look at it in another prospective and see that all that you did was meant to be and cannot be undone.

To do so would only bring in extensive hardship and there is no time for this. New commitments are coming in which you must focus on if you are to be true to yourself.

22 Nov-21 Dec Start to see the opening for your life; take on a different stance. The ability to move quickly is now possible and also practical to take the full advantage of the offers now in your midst. Open up your thinking to new possibilities, which were not available to you before, but are crystal clear now. It is high time you thought yourself as great and believed it.

Cancer

Capricorn

21 Jun-22 Jul As you have not taken up the opportunities that were on offer to you, you will need now to reflect where you have gone wrong and to re-look at your life. See that without the right effort on your part nothing will ever change. For the new planetary aspect, which will favour new operations and emotional challenges, you will need to wait quite some time.

22 Dec-19 Jan A magical time is prophesied for you. There will be no denying it. You will see all your demons removed.

A new life is now begging to come in and see you through to the next important stages of your life. It really couldn’t have come in at a better time. Be thankful and surprised. It will be the crowning glory of much dedication and hard work.

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