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Contents
letter
Editors
Sept 2011
Welcome to the ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE EDITION of RM Magazine!
Entertainment & Lifestyle
53 54
While you’re reading this the madness should have calmed down, but as the magazine goes to print things are pretty hectic. Launching a magazine has to be one of the most stressful, yet enjoyable mediums I have worked in to date. The journey so far has taken us across Essex; meeting people normally miles apart from my daily life. This included a range of personalities, from the amazing voice of Leddra Chapman, the ultra funny Christopher Biggins to Rinse FM’s down to earth, Uncle Dugs. I think I’m speaking on behalf of all the team at RM when I say, I hope you enjoy reading our first edition as much as we had making it. I welcome your feedback on the direction you would like to see in the coming months, and don’t forget to enter our exciting competition, you may even win a balloon flight!
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Tony 20
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW With Leddra Chapman MAC Vs PARKA Which one will you choose? JUST WORK IT GUYS Style at work RM FITNESS With Skye Lyselle
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30 40
44
DAY IN THE LIFE OF... Bella Voi Beauty ON THE MARKET We take at look at the fab Heron House
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TOP OF THE BOXES The top TV media boxes compared MAKE WAY FOR THE KING Christopher Biggins hits Essex RADIOS FAVOURITE UNCLE Rinse FM’s, Uncle Dugs WHAT’S ON The best up and coming events in the region.
MOVIE MAGIC Stressless Seating at Roomes, Upminster TOP TRUMPS! Six of the best super mini’s pitted together
Want to talk to us?
01708 475789 www.rmmagazine.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @RMzine and Facebook. Spaces Creations Ltd, 3-11 Grenfell Avenue, Hornchurch, Essex, RM12 4DN Contributors: Elizabeth Lynch, Haydn Squibb, Kate Chennells, Lauren Dixon, Mark Flavin, Monique Hall, Skye Lyselle Editor Tony Wittridge tony@rmmagazine.co.uk
Art Editor Annie Bartley annie@rmmagazine.co.uk
Staff Writer Leanne Tattoo editorial@rmmagazine.co.uk
Advertising & Distribution Rob Wittridge advertising@rmmagazine.co.uk
Published by Spaces Creations Ltd. Please note that while the publishers take care to be accurate , no liability will be accepted under any circumstance should any of the contents of this magazine be incorrect. All rights reserved. Reproduction of whole or in part without permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Introducing... the rising star of
Essex
B
eautifully English and classically talented, Leddra Chapman is more than just an up and coming artist. With her timeless songs and breathtaking lyrics, this 21 year old already has a career to be proud of. So, RM invited the Essex beauty to be this months cover star, and very proud we were too! Ahead of her new EP release we talked gigs, mishaps and liberating her darker side. Think fashion shoots are all bright lights and glamorous poses? Think again, here’s what happened‌ WWW.RMMAGAZINE.CO.UK 07
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Waiting in anticipation for the arrival of our cover star, we double-check everything’s in place for our shoot. Make-up artist; check. Interview set up; check. Studio ready for shooting; check. Hair stylist; check! Not bad for 9.30am! Sitting in hair and make-up, it’s hard to believe how Leddra Chapman isn’t already a household name. For those of you who haven’t heard her sound, you really are missing out on musical perfection. “I always find this question really hard, summing up my musical style. I would describe it as very honest.” She explains. “It’s folky but not too organic. At the moment I’m trying new things that sound a lot bigger but it’s honest lyrically. One track might sound heavier with a full band, and larger production and then another song will be completely stripped back with just a piano and me. It’s very classic English signer/songwriter.” Previously compared with the likes of Joni Mitchell and Alanis Morissette (a well deserved comparison at that!) Leddra’s voice surely should be gracing the gigabytes of your iPod. “I love Alanis Morissette, and Joni Mitchell is my complete hero; she is one of the most talented writers. She is so experimental with her writing and the instruments she uses, and has the most stunning lyrics which just blow me away.” After perfecting her catwalk inspired blonde hair for the shoot and slipping her into Autumn’s latest trends, we get talking about her amazing year gigging up and down country. “Ah goodness, what has been my highlight? There are loads!” She gushes. “Well recently I performed in front of 18,000 people and I did three other gigs for 14,000, which were real highlights for me. Standing in front of a crowd that huge, and having my mum and best mate standing on the side of the stage was an amazing moment!” But as we found out, living the dream on tour doesn’t always go smoothly. “I’ll give you two memorable gigs!” She laughs. “My most memorable gig for a bad reason was a lovely gig at the O2 in Birmingham. I just want to point out that everyone was so fantastic at that gig, but we’d been on the road for a few weeks and I came out on stage and I said ‘Hello Sheffield!’ Everyone was like ‘that was four nights ago!’ I just kept saying sorry!” “One gig that was really special to me was at the Jazz Café in Camden. It was one of the first gigs I did where my music was officially out there. I was starting to get a fan base and it was the first time it had registered in my head that one of my gigs was sold out. That was amazing!” Leddra has even supported musical legend and lothario Tom Jones! Quite a feat for a 21 year old. ‘Supporting Tom Jones was really amazing.” She smiles. “He was a really nice guy.” To reach such an achievement is well deserved, but unsurprising given that this talented
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
artist has been writing since the age of fifteen. “It’s strange because when you work towards something for so long it doesn’t come as such a surprise when you achieve certain goals you’ve been aiming for. You have to believe in yourself and if you believe you can achieve something, it gets to a point where you would be disappointed if you didn’t start to see the success after all the hard work. When it does start to happen, however, of course there’s a moment where it’s like ‘Oh My God look at what’s happening…’ this is crazy!” After a few wardrobe changes and make-up touches, we get stuck into talking about her new EP. “It is very different to anything else I’ve ever done.” She explains. “I really wanted to show people there is a different side to me. I’m very proud of my first album, it’s like my baby, and many of the songs on there were written between the ages of 15 to 19. Obviously I’m now 21, so I want to show people I’ve grown up and there is a little edgier side to me.” And grown up she has. Her previous album, Telling Tales, is a mastermind of playful tunes but we are looking forward to hearing a more edgy side to Leddra. “I’ve been working really closely with Jake Gosling who is a really amazing producer.” She describes. “He has just produced Ed Sheeran’s album, which is how I met him, and he approached me with an idea of mixing my musical style with something different. He said ‘I think your voice would sound wicked over a style like this!’ We’ve had to compromise a bit as every now and then he’ll put loads of electro sounding stuff over my music and I have to be like ‘Jake stop!’ haha! But together we’ve found a great compromise and I think he’s amazing and great fun to work with! We have been writing the EP with another very talented songwriter, Chris Leonard; who has written with Ed and also Paolo Nutini, so the three of us are really proud of it!” We admire her enthusiasm towards her music as she gleefully opens up more about the EP. “At the moment, my favourite one is called It Kills Me.” She smiles. “I’ve only performed it live once. It was at a gig in Stoke about a month ago called 2011 Live. There were 18,000 people listening to it. That was really cool!”
With songs from ‘Telling Tales’ drifting in and out of the studio from the RM office, it’s clear to see how gifted Leddra is. Her lyrics are so personal, with honesty that could only be British. “My lyrics are always a moment of inspiration.” She explains. “Very rarely will I be able to sit and write a whole song and it’s lyrics in one sitting unless I’m feeling hurt or angry! I have to feel really strong emotions to write. I write my best lyrics when I’m really angry, I grab my guitar and write a whole song in 10 minutes. However some songs could take a month or so to finish! It really does depend on the song and how I’m feeling. I might get inspiration in the middle of the night and I have to write it down on my iPhone so I don’t forget!” Not surprisingly, Leddra’s music has earned her a wealth of fans, or ‘Leddy’s’ as she so eloquently calls them, escalating her into the realms of Twitter. With nearly 6,000 followers, it’s clear to see the impact social media has had on the Essex star. “I love my Leddy’s!” She smiles. “Fans are the most important people in the music industry and I don’t think enough people even realize that. They are the people that matter the most. I like to reply to everyone personally, as it’s great fun. It’s good that we now have that platform to do it through social media.”
Leddra Chapman’s EP is released 31st September or for more information on up and coming gigs, get in contact at: www.twitter.com/leddra www.facebook.com/leddrachapman www.leddrachapman.com leddys@live.co.uk The Shoot: Hair: Joanne Pooley, Uppercuts Romford. www.uppercutshairgroup.co.uk
Make-up: Rosemary Clubb, The Body Shop. 07703 030 255 www.thebodyshop.co.uk Photography: Tony Wittridge, Spaces Creations www.spacescreations.co.uk
Clothes courtesy of www.liquorishonline.com
With the clock striking 5pm and remnants of the shoot starting to be cleared, we look forward to a Leddra filled future, and you should too. With her new EP due to be released, there is so much more to expect from this artist. “Well obviously I’m hoping the EP will do well and everyone will like it.” She explains. “I’m hoping to get out my second album as well, and I will be releasing it in 2012. I also want to continue as an ambassador for The Body Shop and Quicksilver, which is really important to me.” With her unshakeable confidence, Leddra is surely on a path to greatness. After the amazing year she has had and her continued progression in the music industry, we wouldn’t be surprised if next year she was all over MTV! So, what are you waiting for? Get a bit of Leddra Chapman in your life, it’s surely going to make it that little more special if you do!
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FASHION
V
Mac
Parka
I
t seems like summer may have come to a rather untimely abrupt end, but most of us feel it is far too early to be considering buying a nice cosy winter coat. After all we never know when the weather is suddenly going to brighten up! Why not invest in a lightweight parka or a belted mac?
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Global Mix fur trim short parka ÂŁ30, falmer pom pom hoodie ÂŁ22 www.matalan.co.uk
FASHION
The Parka...
Dahlia Parka £95 www.monsoon.co.uk
Opt for the parka if you’re a laid back kinda gal and looking for something you can whip off, roll up and pop in your bag, should the sun decide to show up. This season, many are trimmed with faux fur, making them perfect not just for autumn but also for layering on a cold winter’s day.
Burberry Prorsum AW11
Hot tip...
Autumn days can often be bright yet chilly, so how about teaming your mac with some sun glasses like these ones from Dune?
Rocha John Rocha Faux Fur Trim Parka £90
VB wearing Burberry Mac Pink Bubble hem parka jacket £79.99 www.riverisland.com
Modern Retro Belted Navy Mac £30 www.matalan.co.uk
Khaki faux animal Hood Parka www.missselfridge.com £85 Altuzarra AW11
Kate Beckinsale wearing parka
Hot tip...
Orange Mac £29.99 www.tkmaxx.com
Stone PU Sleeve Belted tunic £85 www.topshop.com
The Mac...
Team a parka with lace up boots just like these ones from Linzi for an off duty military look. Belted Mac £25 www.asda.com
On the other hand if you’re a sophisticated city type, looking for something chic, what about the classic mac? Available in a wide variety of colourful hues (just check out our orange number from TK Maxx...) as well as some more subtle stone and camel shades this season, this is sure to brighten up any day! WWW.RMMAGAZINE.CO.UK 11
T: 020 8127 3711 E: sales@muddz.co.uk See website for festival offers: www.muddz.co.uk
FASHION
Style
Guru For the Girls
Fashion has taken a glamorous turn this season. The catwalks were brimming with vintage elegance, 1940s style! The Forties trend is ultra feminine and high maintenance, the right accessories are a must.
Asos Red 40s Print Tea Dress £35 www.asos.com
Use the base of a smart pencil skirt and give it a modern twist with a delicate pussy bow blouse. Accessorise with a faux fur shrug, elbow length gloves and some beautiful pearls. This trend can easily been dressed up or down, for any occasion. For work keep it simple – stick to neutral and plain pieces, wear with low T-bar or court shoes for that smart office look.
Miu Miu Autumn 2011
At night go all out, with a luxurious patterned tea dress such as this floral Asos number. Take inspiration from Miu Miu’s catwalk collection by teaming it with an oversized clutch bag, a faux fur shrug and some high heeled court shoes to really perfect this look.
Coast Ivory Faux Fur Shrug £70 www.coast-stores.com
To create more of an hourglass silhouette, add a skinny waist belt in a neutral colour to cinch in and draw attention to the waist. Make this look even more sensual with some seamed tights or stockings. Pairs, in Romford, have a great selection in various colours and sizes.
Get the hottest style tips from RM’s very own Style Guru, Kate Chennells from Dress Me Vintage in Romford.
POLO Jeans Plaid Shirt £40, House of Fraser www.houseoffraser.co.uk
River Island Dark Grey Work Boots £65 www.riverisland.co.uk
For the Boys
Etro Autumn 2011
There was a surge of men dressed in plaid on this Autumn’s catwalk and it looked great! It is a funky way to liven up the monotonous suit and a way to inject a burst of pattern into any outfit without it looking over the top. This trend has such a rugged and retro feel to it; it’s the perfect transition from summer to autumn. As the weather is getting colder, sleeves are getting longer! Try this plaid shirt from POLO Jeans, available at House of Fraser. This light cotton shirt gives enough of a colour injection and can be teamed with simple blue jeans. To add an extra layer pop on a chunky black knitted sweatshirt and wear with the collar showing for that preppy look. A plaid suit is perfect for the workplace, and depending on your preference it can be as garish or as simple as you like. Etro’s catwalk collections always feature bold and daring pieces, and this blue and brown plaid suit is no exception. The way in which they have clashed prints is risqué but still appears slick. For the more reserved try a deep grey plaid suit with a crisp white shirt and winkle picker shoes. As a transition from day to a night, swap smart shoes for some chunky boots and ditch your tie!
www.dressmevintage.co.uk
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FASHION
Mac £90, Gingham shirt £28, Motif tie £8 Stripe trousers £35 www.next.co.uk
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Just
Work
it guys!
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Ties available from www.marksandspencer.co.uk
I
Red Line Suits available at www.debenhams.com
Brogues £95 www.next.co.uk
Urban Dandy grey crombie coat £60 www.matalan.co.uk
FASHION
f you’re flitting from meeting to meeting or sitting behind a desk, there’s no need to compromise on style. This season it’s all about looking good in the work place with smart blazers, playful shirts and dapper shoes. So, make sure you’re the best-dressed guy in your office, even if you spend most of your time at the photocopier!
Oatmeal slim fit shirt £70 Kenneth Cole. Camel suit jacket £569. Camel double breasted coat £875 Armani Collezioni. Black trousers £90 Howick Tailored www.houseoffraser.co.uk
Red Line Suits available at www.debenhams.com
Printed Scarf £10 www.next.co.uk Watch £30 www.next.co.uk
Slim Brown Satchel £169 www.austinreed.co.uk Autograph LS Print Stripe, £39.50 www.marksandspencer.co.uk
Belt available at www.asos.com
www.austinreed.co.uk
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FASHION
H
ere at RM we have picked out the best graphic tees the high street has to offer! Whether it’s a comical print, ironic art or a statement piece don’t be shy, grab yourselves a print and wear it with pride!
1
Spaceman Tee £25, French Connection Out of this world...A great tee with a classic vibe.
5 3
2
Ghostbusters Jersey T-Shirt £6, Asda
A great twist on a classic logo, a printed shirt, and best of all, it’s only £6, get in before it sells out.
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of the best men’s graphic tees 5
Stag on the Town T-Shirt £10, Peacocks Great for a night on the town, or a gift for a groom to be...
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Red Herring Monkey T-Shirt £17, Debenhams Why? We are not quite sure... but we love this cheeky number!
Pool Shark Print T-shirt £14, River Island Ironic and iconic, this fab tee makes a statement!
FASHION Satchel Bag £150 www.bertieshoes.com
Mustard snake print slouch satchel £180 www.houseoffraser.co.uk
Heritage Chic Satchel £29.50 www.marksandspencers.com
school back to
G
rab your rulers and pens as we head back to the classroom with this selection of schooltastic satchels! With designers such as Michael Kors adorning his catwalks with these high fashion accessories, I think it’s high time you picked up your own! Take some style tips from Alexa Chung who’s sporting a Mulberry satchel, or head over to Boden to check out their fab collection. Which ever one you choose you’re sure to make all the cool kids jealous! Kempton Buckle Satchel £32 www.accessorize.com
Leather Satchel Bag £76 www.simplybe.co.uk
Satchel bag £25 www.marksandspencers.com
Modern Retro black school satchel £6 www.matalan.co.uk
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www.bankfashion.co.uk
FASHION
mr
what’s the time...
Wolf ? T
elling the time has never been so stylish! So here at RM we have got the latest releases from two of the industries biggest players, Rotary & Dreyfus & Co, so fashion your wrists Essex! Rotary Aquaspeed Launches Limited Edition “Aquaplunge” Rotary Aquaspeed announces the launch of a new limited edition model for July 2011. Inspired by an original Rotary watch from the 1950s, the new Rotary “Aquaplunge” includes impressive design details and professional instrumentation.
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The Rotary Aquaspeed collection emphasizes Rotary’s commitment to the expansion of its portfolio beyond traditional dress watch designs. The collection represents the company’s first foray into the sports watch arena, and has been an overwhelming success since its launch in 2009. The first model is a limited edition piece that takes inspiration from an original Rotary watch from the 1960’s. The watch has essences of the original but has the addition of a crown guard and a more robust rubber strap. It is presented in an interchangeable kit form that
allows the wearer to choose between either a black or orange rubber strap. This waterproof model is the ideal choice for water sports enthusiasts and is priced at £249. ‘Aquaplunge’ sits alongside a
number of other models that are new for 2011. Further new launches include a collection of bracelet watches each featuring a black dial set with luminous dial markers and a rotating bezel set with Arabic numerals and a 45 mm case. It is available in three plating options, namely in stainless steel (£159); PVD gold (£179) and black ion plate with stealth black dial (£179).
All of the Aquaspeed watches are waterproof and supplied with a manufacturer’s lifetime guarantee on the movement. For further information or stockist enquiries, please visit www.rotarywatches.com/aquaspeed.
FASHION
Stainless steel 1925 strap watch £329
PVD rose gold 1925 strap watch £349
Limited Edition Valjoux strap watch PVD rose gold £1499
Dreyfuss & Co Swiss Timepieces Announces New Launches And Introduces New Valjoux Chronograph Lines In 2005, The Dreyfuss Group launched its first collection of Swiss handmade timepieces. Now into its sixth year, the new launches epitomise the beauty of classic swiss watch design. As a truly definitive collection of timeless and premium quality watches, it offers effortless style and appeal at a truly accessible price. The PVD is priced at £1499 is the first of two exquisite automatic chronograph watches that
include a prestigious Valjoux movement. As part of the 1925 series, this stunning piece is presented in a luxurious glass and oakwood automatic watch winding box. Limited Edition Valjoux strap, also priced at £1499, is a PVD rose gold strap version with rose gold dial accents and black leather strap. Created exclusively for ladies, two strap watches have been launched to be included in the 1890 series. Each model features a Mother of Pearl dial that is set with Austrian crystals and includes a signature trefoil print on the dial. This beautiful 1925 strap watch, priced at £329 is a stainless steel watch with pink mother of pearl dial and black leather croco strap. Another PVD, priced at £349 is a rose gold watch with white mother of pearl
dial that also includes the signature trefoil and is finished with a brown leather croco strap. With the exception of the valjoux models, all Dreyfuss & co timepieces are offered in a luxurious oversized Oakwood presentation box, complete with brass plaque for engraving, which reflects the brand values and makes the perfect gift for a loved one.
To view the Dreyfuss & co collection online, or to find your nearest stockist, please visit www.dreyfussandco.com or call 0207 434 7546.
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HEALTH & BEAUTY
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Fitness By Skye Lyselle from Fit For Fashion 24/7
The multi-functional style essential This unique and innovative garment is unlike anything you will have seen before. The SKRUG is a stylish multifunctional clothing accessory which, by altering how it is buttoned, can be worn as a shrug, skirt, pashmina, shawl, asymmetric or scarf - to name only a few! It’s light weight, easy to pack and ready to go anywhere, anytime.
Available from £29.99 See for yourself at www.fitforfashion247.com
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A
n RM edition of luxury, how wonderful, but it’s important to maintain the balance in our lives and not allow ourselves to become too sedentary. In an age where much of our time is spent sitting at a desk, driving the car, lifting young children or slumped on the sofa, good posture can be lost. A term that is mentioned often these days is “core strength”. There are many aspects to core fitness, but there is an element of core stability that can be worked on throughout your day, irrespective of what you may be doing at the time and which will improve your posture. This involves working the Transverse Abdominis (also known as TVA).
drawing in approximately 2 inches below the belly button. While you do this you will immediately feel your waist become smaller – your girdle is working! Ensure that while you are carrying out this action of “drawing in” that you don’t lift the rib cage, hold your breath or tense the other surrounding muscles. You should be able to talk normally.
The TVA is the deepest of the abdominal muscles (muscles of your waist) and forms a girdle, wrapping around your spine for protection and stability. This is the muscle responsible for helping to achieve a flat stomach. Strengthening the TVA will help improve overall core stability, give you more power and help reduce back pain (a weak TVA is often associated with back pain).
This exercise can be done any time of day, anywhere. Gradually work to increase the number of repetitions (the action of drawing in) performed throughout the day and the length of time the contraction is held. Now you have a valuable tool to give you a flat stomach and help your posture. Download the Abs Timer app for the iPhone to help you remind yourself to work it!
So how do we work it? Well first of all its important to locate the TVA. Place your hands around your waist, thumbs pointing towards your lower back and fingers toward your belly button. Drawn in your belly button towards your spine and also focus on
Be fit, be fashionable, be healthy, be happy, 24/7 Skye, REPS L3 Personal Trainer & Dynamic Yoga Instructor
Photography by Tony Wittridge, Spaces Creations, www.spacescreations.co.uk
HEALTH & BEAUTY
black
honey
....it’s the new black! The Autumn Trend 2011 celebrates Clinique’s cult favourite shade, Black Honey, a colour that looks right on every skin tone. The collection features limited-edition Black Honey inspired items for cheeks, eyes and lips. www.clinique.co.uk
The Face
Use Blush Brush to sweep Limited Edition Gradient Powder Blush in Black Honey over apples of cheeks, blending out towards hairline. NEW Limited Edition Gradient Powder Blusher in Black Honey £24.00 Blush Brush £16.00
The Lips
With Black Honey Limited Edition Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 and Almost Lipstick Duo, apply lipstick first then top with gloss for added shine. NEW Limited Edition Lipgloss/Lipstick Duo in Black Honey £17.00
The Eyes
Sweep light brown shade of Limited Edition Colour Surge Eye Shadow Quad in Black Honey over entire lid. Blend ivory into brow bone. Work soft rose into lower lid, from outer corner to midpoint. Add depth to crease and lashlines with deepest plum-brown. Apply Brush-On Cream Liner in Black Honey along upper and lower lashlines. Dramatise lashes with High Impact Mascara in Black. NEW Limited Edition High Impact Mascara £15.00 Brush-On Cream Liner £13.50
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HEALTH & BEAUTY
The Lips...
This velvet textured lipstick is formulated with mineral oils to provide moisturizing benefits with rich colours. Great for achieving that perfect pout! Nyx Round Lipstick. £2.99
The Hair...
The Lashes...
Max Factor Masterpiece Mascara is designed to define and separate your lashes, giving fabulous volume and definition, perfect for fluttering! Max Factor Masterpiece Mascara. £6.99
GHDs sleekest ever styler with luxurious plates, giving a professional finish to any hair type and length. GHD Hair GHD LV Styler Hair Straighteners. £95.00
night out
The Eyes....
esscentials
This fab Make-Up Artist kit from Nyx, is sure make your eyes sparkle with these great selection of colours. Nyx Make Up Artist Kit Set S102 £16.99
The Face...
The Scent...
A fresh and modern fragrance that is evocative and fun. This fruity-floral scent is perfect for any night out! Escada Ocean Lounge - 50ml Eau De Toilette Spray. £24.99
With a unique lightweight solid to liquid formula, it removes the need for the traditional concealer, foundation and powder combination The result is a flawless, fresh and smooth complexion. Max Factor Miracle Touch Foundation. £8.99
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hether it’s a quiet drink or an all night party, make sure you get the perfect look for that special night out with Scentsational Perfumes... www.scentsationalperfumes.com
Cosmetic surgery
at Spire Hartswood Hospital Spire Hartswood is part of Spire Healthcare, the second largest private hospital group in the UK. The most common cosmetic procedures performed at Spire Hartswood Hospital are: • breast augmentation (breast enlargement) • breast reduction and uplift • nose reshaping • cosmetic eyelid surgery • facelift, neck and brow lift • body reshaping including tummy tuck and liposuction Overall, the hospital will help many men and women achieve a new look in 2011. These are our top tips for anyone considering cosmetic surgery: • Make sure that you know your surgeon, their qualifications and the hospital in which they practice. Don’t be afraid to ask very specific questions of your surgeon • Ensure that your surgeon is on the specialist register of the General Medical Council and is a member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) or the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAPRAS). • A consultation is vital to allow you and your surgeon to get to know each other. The surgeon needs to take a full medical history and give you time to ask as many questions as you like. The surgeon should give you written information, explain the possible complications and the likely outcome you can expect. • All surgery carries the risk of complications. Check your package includes follow up consultations with out-patient support.
Free cosmetic surgery information evening on 28 September at 7pm For details, please call 01277 266 761 or email info@spirehartswood.com Eagle Way, Brentwood, Essex, CM13 3LE
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Best for fine eye lines... Best for a dull complexion... The ultimate product for the meterosexual man is L’Oreal Men Expert Tanning Moisturiser (£20/50ml). It reinforces skin’s resistance while providing a subtle streak-free colour. Great for those stuck in the office all day!
Lab Series Max instant eye lift (£32/15ml) is a perfect product to beat those lines and fight signs of ageing. Using Sirtuin technology it leaves skin feeling tightened and firmed on application.
Only the best for the
Best after shaving... Clinique Skin Supplies for Men M Lotion (£21ml/100ml) is specifically designed to replenish moisture in the skin after shaving, leaving tender skin nourished and much healthier.
boys...
Best all rounder...
W
hether it’s dry skin, wrinkles or just a dull complexion, we’ve got all the solutions to help any man get that perfect skin!
Cosmetic Lad from Lush (£10.95/45g) A moisturiser, after-sun, shaving balm and hair cream for men all in one pot, this option really dose have every base covered...
And lastly... Best for stressed out foreheads... For those who feel like splashing the cash, why not try Dior Homme Dermo System Age Control Firming Care Serum (£61/50ml) with it’s unique active ingredients combined at the Dior Innovation Centre: the Retensium™ complex tightens pores and intensely firms the skin.
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Best for under-eye bags... Hungover? Got the flu?... or just plain tired? We suggest Biotherm High Recharge Eye Serum. The anti-fatigue Cold Eye formula is designed to refresh the eye area for a healthier, revitalised appearance (£28.60/10ml)
Best for those who think they’re too macho for skincare! Billed as ‘a man’s best friend,’ Bulldog Original Moisturiser (£6.15/100ml) keeps it simple while effectively rehydrating skin.
Win! A Virgin Balloon Flight for Two!
PLUS save up to 50% off flight vouchers
A champagne balloon ride is an experience of a lifetime and a unique way to see beautiful Britain from the sky. RM Magazine has teamed up with Virgin Balloon Flights to offer readers the chance to help celebrate their first edition in style with an airborne adventure! This unforgettable prize includes: • A 3-4 hour experience with around an hour in the air • Traditional champagne toast after landing • Personalised certificate signed by your pilot and endorsed by Sir Richard Branson • choose from 100+ launch sites in England, Scotland & Wales including • Crowborough & Fernhurst in Sussex • voucher has 12 months validity (flying season March to October)
Reader Offer! Now, for a limited time, we are offering Virgin Balloon Flights ‘Celebration Packages’ (RRP £299per person) half price just £149.50pp! We’re also offering other flight vouchers from £99pp. Simply call 01952 212750 or visit virginballoonflights.co.uk and quote ‘RM Magazine’ before September 30th 2011
PLUS Virgin gift pack including; shoulder bag, compact binoculars, cap, pen, key ring, pre-flight DVD and an engraved crystal Champagne flute
To enter go to www.rmmagazine.co.uk and head to the competitions page! Terms & conditions Competition prize refers to a pair of Celebration Package Vouchers which have no cash value, are non-refundable and non-transferable. Winners must contact Virgin Balloon Flights within three months of being notified to claim their prize. Reader offer valid until September 30th 2011 Vouchers are valid for 12 months from purchase and flying season is March to October but can vary in some areas. Flight dates are made available six to eight weeks in advance and are subject to availability. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion, offer price includes VAT at the applicable rate, postage and packing. Passengers must be over 7 years of age and at least 4’6” in height. Children aged under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Virgin Balloon Flights is unable to fly passengers who are pregnant or who have recently undergone major surgery. Full terms and conditions are available at www.virginballoonflights.co.uk
HEALTH & BEAUTY
W
ant to know what it’s like being a nail artist to Essex’s best-loved celebs? Well this month we had a sneak peek into the daily life of the fantastic nail artist and tan expert, Loretta Sophia Fletcher or Bella Voi as she is more widely known, and here’s what she got up to…
Day in the
life of…. The night before a big day of beautifying I get a text from Danielle Brown (Spice Girl Mel B’s sister!) asking if I can fit her in for some nails. Then I receive a tweet from Melissa Walton (who plays Loretta in Hollyoaks) saying ‘Can you fit me in for nails soon!’ Eek! So the organising and excitement starts...
8am - Excited for my fun packed day, I get up
and start to prepare myself....oh yeah.... that’s after answering all the tweets that I get coming through! I love answering all of my followers though; I am really getting to know all of them now.
9am - I am all ready for work when my first
client arrives. It’s fantastic! I have such a lovely relationship with all my clients. We sit down and
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have a giggle about what we’ve both been doing since their last appointment. Next on the agenda, what nail colour they will choose? It’s usually a glitter (as you can imagine) that’s what I’m most famous for after all!
I was excited to see my client this morning as I have helped her go from badly bitten to beautiful, healthy nails, which she is so happy about! That smile is exactly why I do my job! I love it.
11am - I am just rushing around now answering
tweets. I always have something exciting coming through! I have just been asked to do the nails and tans for the girls in the final for ENTGM (Essex Next Top Glamour Model), very excited to be involved with such a big event in ESSEX.
HEALTH & BEAUTY 1.30pm- I am now just in the back of a cab with
ALL of my beauty equipment driving through LONDON. I am on my way to The Shed, London, to meet Danielle Brown in her coffee shop, seeing Melissa and Danielle to do some fabulous nail art! The cabby is such a nice guy making conversation with me and carrying all of my extremely heavy equipment in and out of the cab. Maybe chivalry isn’t dead after all!
2pm- Having finally arrived at The Shed,
how exciting! I have an interview with a local radio station to prepare for soon, there’s lots going on for Bella Voi!
10pm- After a long exciting day I am off to
bed. Looking forward to pampering the future celebrities that will walk through my salon and continuing seeing the happy smiling faces of my fantastic regulars! Well, I do love my job! So what is next for Loretta, Bella Voi? Well I have some
fabulous new celebs booked in, including the wonderful soul singer Beverley Knight and Louisa Lytton (who played Ruby in Eastenders) just to name a few! I have lots of exciting things in store for my business...so watch this space!
To get in contact with Loretta you can follow her on Twitter @Bella_Loretta and on Facebook: Bella Voi.
a gorgeous Coffee shop in Fulham where the food and cupcakes are amazing! I do find that I get really nervous before but the minute I see the celebs that I’m meeting, I feel fine. They are just like you and me, really genuine people! I then feel relaxed and get on with what I know best...BEAUTIFUL NAILS!
5pm- After a girly few hours chatting away I
have finished with Melissa’s and Danielle’s nails, Danielle chose coral glitter and Melissa went for the French look. I can’t wait to see the progress they both make! We chatted about the next meeting at The Shed, hoping to get a little group together for a pampering afternoon! I can’t wait.
5:30pm- On my way home and I have just
checked my Twitter and Facebook page and I have quite a few messages to read through. Plus lots of booking appointments to do! I see a message from Nathalie Emmanuel who played ‘Sasha Valentine’ in Hollyoaks, she wants her nails done too! It’s so exciting to see my name getting out there, that I am getting known for what I love to do, and that is to make people feel good in a healthy, natural way whilst still looking great!
6pm- On the last stretch of my journey home
after a fantastic day. I get a message from the lovely Lauren Pope from TOWIE. I have just booked her in for a spray tan and nails, ready for another glam night in Essex no doubt. Which reminds me, its SPRAY TAN FRIDAY tomorrow! I dedicate my Friday to tanning at a huge discounted rate of £10! I do this now and again for my clients and it’s really good fun! So watch out for this on my Facebook Page: Bella Voi (beauty treatment). 7pm- I am home! Time now to reply to lots of emails and tweets! I decided not to book an evening client today, instead, a catch up on paperwork, oh
Beauty Tips from Bella Voi: If you ever have a bad experience with fake tan (who hasn’t!) then the best way to remove it is lemon juice mixed with either sugar or salt to make an exfoliator. Rub this all over your skin and it should reduce the tan. Also long soaks in the bath work great! Try and stay away from glued on Fake nails, the best way is always natural...a lot of people say ‘my nails do not grow’ and that’s usually because you haven’t tried something that will protect, nourish and strengthen them. There IS something out there to help your nails grow..... Bio Sculpture.....Just book an appointment with me and I will show you! In the mean time you can use strengtheners to build healthy nails. If you are a lover of false eyelashes and want to try the less damaging route then strip lashes are the way to go....and the BEST glue you can use is called DUO eyelash glue, it’s fantastic you can buy it from any MAC counter in your local area! Always remember to let the glue get tacky before trying to apply, otherwise the lashes can just slip right off.
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Celebrating 40 years of Stressless comfort 速
Save
small
medium
£799
£899
Stressless® Diplomat
Stressless® Consul
Stressless® Ambassador
£699
large
You can now enjoy the tailor-made feeling of a Stressless® recliner for less, as selected Stressless® recliners and matching footstools are now yours from just £699. With a choice of three sizes and unique comfort features you only find on Stressless® recliners. • Patented Stressless® Plus™ system for perfect support in any position
now only
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save £360* Whilst stocks last
Stressless® Diplomat recliner with footstool
Stressless Magic - unrivalled comfort ®
new
Since the launch of our original recliner in 1971, over 6 million people have enjoyed years of incredible Stressless® comfort. To celebrate we have introduced an exciting new recliner – the Stressless® Magic. Available in medium and large, the Stressless® Magic offers deep, luxurious padding, and unparalleled support, and features an adjustable headrest to suit different heights. But whatever Stressless® you choose, you can be sure you’re relaxing in the world’s most comfortable recliner.
• The footstool automatically tilts to the correct position for your legs
For more information...
call: 01708 255300 click: roomes.co.uk Station Road, Upminster, Essex RM14 2UB
Open 7 days • Free parking
FURNITURE & INTERIORS
HOMES & INTERIORS
Photography by Tony Wittridge, Spaces Creations, www.spacescreations.co.uk
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HOMES & INTERIORS
S
On the
ituated between the vibrant towns of Romford and Upminster; Heron House boasts over an Acre of land, set amongst the premier treelined Sylvan Avenue. Instantly you are able to evade the hectic setting of city life and enter a mecca of luxury. A masterpiece in construction; this modernday mansion shows no signs of restraint, ensuring the finest quality, from the handsome stonework, right down to the most menial features.
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HOMES & INTERIORS
Aside from its majestic exterior, Heron House welcomes visitors into an extravagant reception hall, rich with marble, featuring a decadent spiralling staircase; standing prominent despite the vast surrounding spaces. Such space is dispersed over twelve rooms, including a garage, and the all important games room, a children’s hide-away at the rear of the house, preventing any clutter of toys in the immaculate reception. Perhaps the most important characteristic of the home is the ideal layout, tailored for entertaining and allowing for a versatile living space. In particular the magnificent 50’ open plan floor, spanning the kitchen, dining and reception area, all of which looks gracefully onto the landscaped
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HOMES & INTERIORS
garden, incorporating a pool, entertaining area, pavilion, tennis court and large ornamental pond. This impeccable garden seems to emulate that of a lavish hotel, where one is able to escape with the holiday-feeling, all day, everyday! The first floor hosts five bedrooms all of which offer the luxury of an en-suite and adjoining dressing room, allowing spacious living for the busiest of families. Two of the five rooms are blessed with balconies facing the rear of the house, offering an extension of space and permitting residence their own personal outside area. Central to the rooms lies a large office, again fashioned with a private balcony, and as the heart of the home is a great place to keep an eye on all goings on.
Tucked away on the second floor is the master bedroom, creating an escape from the hustle and bustle of the family household. This private upper floor includes a grand en suite bathroom, as well as his and hers dressing rooms, both accessing natural light for a radiant setting. Further space can be found on the adjoining storeroom, plus an outside central balcony for catching the all-important rays in absolute peace, whilst overlooking the beautifully kept grounds below. Heron House never ceases to marvel when you discover the incredible security system, including, CCTV, twin sets of electric gates and the integrated speaker system, all warranting the assured protection of such a valuable home. Constructed in
recent years for the previous owner, this mansion is a bespoke home of the finest quality and declares a lifestyle sought by us all!
More more information on Heron House or to request a viewing, please contact Davis Estates at: 179 Squirrels Heath Lane, Hornchurch, Essex, RM11 2DX. Tel: 01708 476666 Email: sales@davisestates.co.uk
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Mortgage Review
HOMES & INTERIORS
Fixed rates hit an all time low level. Mark Flavin from Miura Financial Solutions Ltd comments on the latest Bank of England base rate decision. A poll conducted by the BBC found that a majority of leading economists no longer envisage a base rate rise until next year. Of the 32 forecasters, who are also regularly polled by the Treasury, 26 predicted that rates would not rise this year, and three predicted there would be no rate increase until 2013. In light of this, no-one was surprised that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted to retain the bank base rate at 0.5% for the 29th consecutive month. Although the US Senate finally agreed to raise the debt ceiling and the Eurozone countries recently agreed further bailouts for Greece and a restructuring of debts for Portugal and Ireland, markets still fear that sovereign debt defaults are likely. Mortgage lenders in the UK continue to offer exceptional mortgage products relative to historic rates, with Moneyfacts reporting that 2 and 5 year average fixed rates have fallen further in August, having hit all time low levels in July. Average mortgage rates for 2 and 5 year fixed rates fell back further this month from July, falling back by 0.09% and 0.13% respectively, and now stand at 4.27% and 5.03%.
36 WWW.RMMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Average two year tracker rates dropped significantly in August having risen in July and now stand at 3.27%, which is a fall of 0.23% from the previous month. Lenders have broadly maintained their overall appetite to lend during July, with mortgage product numbers averaging approximately 7,250 deals. This is a slight decrease on June, however we are now in peak holiday season, and activity levels do have a tendency to level out somewhat during the summer holiday period. Product choice and product pricing for borrowers both new and existing remains very healthy relative to the same period last year, and significantly improved on this time two years ago. Mark Flavin is from Miura Financial Solutions Ltd. For further information on how the latest base rate decision affects you, please call 01702 423900, or email mark@miurafinancial. co.uk. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. A fee of up to 1% of the mortgage amount may be charged depending on individual circumstances. A typical fee is £95. MAB 5070
Expert advice on EVERYadvice lender Expert ondeal EVERY lender deal
Expert advice on EVERYadvice lender Expert ondeal
EVERY lender deal Genuinely independent Genuinely Genuinely independent mortgage advice mortgage advice independent Speak to our adviser today Speak to our adviser today mortgage advice Your home maybe repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
A fee of up to 1% of the mortgage amount may be charged dependingif on Your home may be repossessed youindividual do circumstances. not keep up repayments on your mortgage. A typical fee is £95 MAB 2824 FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS LTD
A fee of up to 1% of the mortgage amount may be charged depending on individual circumstances. may be repossessed if you do A typicalYour fee is home £95. not keep up repayments on your MAB mortgage. 2826
Speak to our advisor today FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS LTD
A fee of up to 1% of the mortgage amount may be charged depending on individual circumstances. A typical fee is £95. MAB 2826
Genuinely independent Genuinely independent mortgage advice
Your home maybe repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. A fee of up to 1% of the mortgage amount may be charged depending on individual circumstances. A typical fee is if£95 Your home maybe repossessed you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. A fee of up to 1% of the mortgage amount may be charged dependingif on Your home may be repossessed youindividual do MAB 2824 circumstances. not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
mortgage advice Speak to our adviser today
Speak to our adviser today
A typical fee is £95 MAB 2824 FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS LTD
FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS LTD
A fee of up to 1% of the mortgage amount may be charged depending on individual circumstances. may be repossessed if you do A typicalYour fee is home £95. not keep up repayments on your MAB mortgage. 2826
A fee of up to 1% of the mortgage amount may be charged depending on individual circumstances. A typical fee is £95. MAB 2826
HOMES & INTERIORS
Properties to rent Not quite committed to buying yet? Not to worry, Essex has a wealth of fantastic properties for you to rent in stunning locations. We have hand picked a selection of houses to help finding that home, a little easier for you.
4 Bedroom Detached House to Rent in Great Bardfield. £2,495pcm Set in open countryside this spacious four bedroom house with ample parking for several cars is available for rent unfurnished. This fantastic house has a beautiful timber kitchen and dining area, with AGA and white goods, great for entertaining. This very spacious house has three reception rooms, two bath and shower rooms, a cellar and outbuilding. This property has a very spacious garden. To view this property contact Mullucks Wells, Great Dunmow - Lettings: The Old Town Hall , Market Place, Dunmow, CM6 1AU. 0843 314 6612
4 Bedroom End of Terrace House to Rent in Bexley Gardens, Romford. £1,500pcm
3 Bedroom Character Property to Rent in Warley, Brentwood. £1,800pcm
Dwelling Solutions is pleased to present this lovely 4 bedroom end of terrace house located in Chadwell Heath. Property boosts from 3 double bedrooms and 1 single bedroom, through lounge, ground floor WC, first floor bathroom, fully fitted kitchen with dishwasher and washing machine, off street parking and garden. Property is available unfurnished in modern style decor.
Delightful three bedroom detached character home overlooking woodland and within easy reach of Brentwood Station. First floor bathroom/WC, ground floor shower room/WC, beautiful fitted kitchen with appliances and granite work surfaces, lounge/dining room, entrance hallway with original wood panelling, well maintained gardens with decking area, garage and additional parking.
To view this property or request more details, contact Dwelling Solutions: Ilford 859 High Road, Ilford, IG3 8TG. 0843 313 9830
To view this property or request more details, contact Keith Ashton , Brentwood - Lettings: 24 St. Thomas Road, Brentwood, CM14 4DB. 0843 315 1855
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HOMES & INTERIORS All Kenneth Cole Home www.houseoffraser.com
W
ell the nights are slowly starting to darken and everyone’s feeling those post Summer blues but fear not my bronzed friends, we at RM have brought you a treat to make those dark nights that little bit lighter. Yes, that’s right, grab the popcorn and dim your lamps as it’s time to bring the luxury of the cinema into your home. Here are the best gadgets and gizmos to turn your sitting room into the real thing!
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One Admission
Q356-SHD091
Sony 8-in-1 Multi-Purpose Remote Control Exciting and convenient, the RM-VL600 controls up to 8 components, and with the one-touch system control, synchronizing operational status on remote and alternate components is done with ease. Being in the driver’s seat of your living room sofa is made easy with the RM-VL600 remote control from Sony. £25.50 www.amazon.co.uk
Lights, Camera....
Relax
John Lewis Ice Bucket with Scoop £20 www.johnlewis.com
Nacho Warmer A fab nacho warmer which can be used either professionally or at home. Its the perfect gadget for everybody’s favourite snack. £299.99 www.drinkstuff.com
Movie Clapper Board £4.99 www.cocktail.uk.com
HOMES & INTERIORS
The System.. Skinted or Minted? So, you’ve kitted out your front room to look the part, now you just need to make it sound the part! Whether you are a film buff and host a ‘Film Friday’ of just an occasional viewer, we have a choice of home cinema systems to suit your budget. Tabletop Popcorn Machine Ideal for parties and for cosy nights in watching your favourite DVD, this popcorn maker brings the atmosphere of the cinema right into your home, without the long queues and the slow service from the teenager behind the counter! £119.99 www.drinkstuff.com
Panasonic SCXH50EBK This VD Home Cinema System features a 1080p up-conversion function that converts SD images from DVD sources to HD images. These up-converted signals give you vivid, sharp and exceptionally detailed high-resolution images to enjoy. VIERA Link lets you operate with a single VIERA TV remote control. With VIERA Link, there’s no more need to switch between multiple remote controls. £124.99 www.homecinematv.co.uk
Get a variety of fantastic printed cushions from £15 at www.cushionsonline.co.uk
Skinted
Home Cinema Ambient Lighting Kit with Remote Control These great kits can be used anywhere in the home to create stunning ambient lighting effects. Attach them to the rear of your flat screen T.V, surround speakers or under shelves to create relaxing ambient lighting effects. £24.99 www.play.com
Coca Cola Mini Fridge With a commendable capacity of no less than 50 liters, the stylish Coca Cola Mini Fridge, manufactured by Husky, can fit as many as 30 cans of soft drinks. Ideal if you enjoy entertaining others in your home or simply for convenience. £139.99 www.minifridge.co.uk Deluxe Retro Sweets Wicker Hamper £34.99 www.britishcandy.com
Samsung HTD6750W With a 7.1ch wireless speaker system, the Samsung 3D Experience is ready to impress even the most discerning viewers. With 4 tallboy speakers, touch interface, swivel head speakers, and the new 6.5 woofer, the rich 3D Sound Plus experience will surpass all expectations. £634.99 www.homecinematv.co.uk
Minted
Bar Craft Straw Dispenser £7.49 www.drinkstuff.com
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HOMES & INTERIORS
The
Movie Magic of Stressless Seating Stressless Comfort Studio at Roomes, Upminster
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HOMES & INTERIORS
S
candinavian Stressless furniture is perfect for home entertainment seating with its focus on comfort, function, style, plus first class quality. Three designs in particular, Arion, Space and Wave were developed with home cinema comfort in mind. The home cinema trio are all about comfort and knowing that the body moves at least 300 times while watching a film; getting this right was a key priority. In addition comfort is ensured with the correct neck and back support, no matter how the seats are angled. What’s so attractive about these models is the great flexibility they offer. For example you can combine chairs and sofas or just have a row of chairs for the cinema feel, if you have a dedicated space. Seating can be linked using either Sector Arms or Sector Units. These also provide handy storage to keep things neat and tidy, as well as a table top for snacks and drinks. As an alternative, all designs can be chosen as free standing units.
To finish the look why not stretch your legs out on a luxurious Stressless Double Ottoman. Again this has the option of a lift off tray table plus plenty of storage under. There are four other ottoman designs to choose from. If you prefer the look of an occasional table, then there are several wood and glass models. However, the majority of Stressless seating groups with reclining high and low backs or tilting seats are also ideal choices when you want to lie back and relax. Again you can choose individual pieces or go modular with a Corner Unit on several designs. The latest the E200 and E300 models with tilting seat mechanisms and fixed backs are another possibility. These now offer a removable headrest as an additional accessory.
Deciding the best seating option for you can be done at Roomes Stressless Comfort Studio, where you will be guided by their experts. Alternatively you can plan online yourself using the Stressless handy design tool. Here you can input your room dimensions and build a picture of how the model you like would look, before going to Roomes to discuss the finer points. Stressless seating is available in seven plain contemporary and robust fabric ranges. Hues go from soft neutrals to vibrant red and violet.
There are four top quality leather types to choose from in over 50 colourways. Both upholstery ranges complement each other. After care kits are available for both. www.stressless.co.uk www.roomes.co.uk
For those who want a hint of home entertainment in the lounge, but are stuck for space, an alternative idea is to go for two ultra modern recliner chairs and stools such as Jazz or Blues. Alternatively take a look at new Magic, this recliner was introduced in 2011 to celebrate the 40th birthday of Stressless. Its designers have named it the most comfortable Stressless recliner ever. Enjoy its extremely soft cushioning which embraces your whole body, and reach for the remote! Just place a Corner Table design between two of your favourite recliner designs to create a gentle curve and achieve a touch of the home cinema look you want.
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2 small butternut squash 1 garlic clove , crushed 3 tbsp olive oil
A pinch dried chilli flakes 1 tsp thyme , chopped
1 courgette , cut into 2cm chunks
1 red pepper , cut into 2cm chunks 2 small red onions , cut into thin wedges 200g cherry tomatoes 50g pine nuts
100g goat’s cheese , crumbled 1 tbsp breadcrumbs
1 tbsp parsley , chopped 1 tbsp parmesan
Roasted Butternut Squash
T
with goat’s cheese
his month we have a fantastic vegetarian main meal packed full with sumptuous veggies and smothered with melted goat’s cheese. Perfect for those September nights! Firstly, heat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Next, cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds then cut criss-cross patterns over the cut-side of each one. Mix together the garlic, 2 tbsp olive oil, chilli and thyme and brush this mixture over the flesh. Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes until the flesh is tender. To make the filling, put the courgette, pepper and onion in a roasting tin and drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil. Season and roast for
about 20-25 minutes until tender and starting to brown at the edges. Add the cherry tomatoes and pine nuts and cook for another 10 minutes. Mix the breadcrumbs, parsley and parmesan. Arrange the roasted vegetables and goat’s cheese in the squash halves, scatter with the breadcrumb mix and bake for a further 10 minutes or until golden and bubbling. Serve with salad and bread and enjoy!
Top Tip...
For that little extra kick, replace the goats cheese with stilton to give it that mature flavour. If you’re not a fan of goats cheese, you can always replace it with a lighter cheddar!
Courtesy of BBC Good Food
Ingredients
Recipe of the Month
LIFESTYLE
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LIFESTYLE
Toyota IQ
Audi A1 SE Fiat 500
Model
Audi A1 SE
Engine: 1.2 TFsi Transmission:
Manual
Power: 86 BHP 0-62 time
11.3 seconds
CO2 emissions
118
MPG 55.4 No. of Seats
4
Luggage Space
270L
ROTR Price
£13420
Model:
T Engine: oyota IQ 1.0 vvt-i Transmission : Fiat 500 M Model: Power: anual 1.2L 68 BHP Engine: 0-62 time Manual n: 14.7 second Transmissio s CO2 emissi ons 69 BHP 99 Power: MPG 12.5 seconds 64.2 e tim 62 0No. of Seats 9 11 4 CO2 emissions Luggage Sp ace 58.9 MPG ROTR Price 4 £9995 No. of Seats 185L e ac Sp e Luggag £9,900 ROTR Price
s p m u Tr top
the super mini’s
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LIFESTYLE
Smart For Tw
Mini First
o Pulse
Model: Mini First Engine: 1.6L Transmission:
Manual
Power: 73 BHP 13.2 seconds 0-62 time CO2 emissions
127
MPG 52.3 4 No. of Seats Luggage Space
160L
ROTR Price
£12,059
W
Model:
Smart ForT wo Pulse
Engine:
1.0L MHD
Transmissi on
:
Power:
Auto Manu al
71 BHP
0-62 time
CO2 emissi o
ns
MPG
No. of Seats
Luggage Sp
ace
ROTR Price
For more information on any car featured, please go to: www.audi.co.uk www.fiat.co.uk www.toyota.co.uk www.mini.co.uk www.smarttogo.co.uk www.volkswagen.co.uk
13.7 secs
97
Volkswagen Polo
67.3 2 220L £9,200
ith petrol prices rising and tax increasing many people are turning to eco super mini’s for their daily commute, affordable and fun to drive its no wonder we are spoilt for choice! Here is RM’s round up of what we feel are the best 6 around, Top Trumps Style!
Model:
Engine:
1.2L
Transmission:
Power:
16.1 seconds
128
MPG
No. of Seats
Luggage Space ROTR Price
Manual
60 BHP
0-62 time
CO2 emissions
VW Polo
51.4
4 280L £9495
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LIFESTYLE
The Audi Urban Concept A completely new kind of concept car: • An innovative urban concept car with 1+1 seats • Spyder variant with doors that open to the top • Sleek cockpit made from CFRP, free-standing wheels with protective plates • Elaborate suspension, compact electric drive system for sporty performance 48
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Audi is once again opening up new horizons: the Audi urban concept is a 1+1-seat, ultra-light car for congested urban spaces. The technical study being presented at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt does not fit under any of the conventional categories – the Audi urban concept combines elements of a racing car, a fun car and an urban car into one radical new concept. In addition to a Sportback model, Audi is also presenting a Spyder variant.
On board there is room for two people, their position slightly staggered and at a sporty, low level. All controls and materials are subject to the dictates of ultra-lightweight construction in order to ensure that the sensory experience they convey is unique and compelling. The driver can adjust the steering wheel and pedals to his own body measurements. Characteristic features of the Spyder include its low, continuous window area and its doors that open diagonally to the top.
The Audi urban concept is not based on any previous model – its development is solely oriented on the strict principles of lightweight construction, efficiency and reduction. The result is a concept car with no unnecessary weight, and one that concentrates on the pure essence of sporty motion.
The technology in the Audi urban concept reflects the full capabilities of the brand, especially when it comes to ultra-lightweight construction. The cockpit consists of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer, which integrates the undercarriage of both seats. The Audi urban concept rolls on wheels with a 21-inch diameter.
The Audi urban concept has a sleek body. The wheels are free-standing, their surrounding protective plates feature blinking strips of LED lights. The highly concentrated look of the technical study, with its forward-urging lines, is dynamic and emotional – it lends Audi’s design language a completely new impetus.
Two e-tron electric motors provide the propulsion – providing the ultra-light Audi urban concept with the ability to accelerate powerfully. A lithium-ion battery supplies the energy – ideal for extended city tours.
TOP LEVEL COMEDY, VOCAL & VARIETY entertainment for the evening, including
Russell Kane, Alun Cochrane, Stavros Flatley, Phil Cavill, Chris Ramsey, La Troupe Delicieux, Bruce Airhead, The Urban Set and Elliot Reeve
International Hall at the Brentwood Centre 17th September 2011 doors open at 7pm show starts 8pm IMPORTANT NOTICE: Due to occasional coarse language the audience will be restricted to over 16 years only.
TICKET PRICE ÂŁ35 per person available at www.buddies4kids.org.uk and www.nationalboxoffice.co.uk
LIFESTYLE
Five Lakes Country Club Words by Lauren Dixon As you saunter through the scenic avenue of trees, it is calm, cool and relaxing. With not one, but two 18 Hole Golf Courses; set on acres of parkland and surrounded by beautiful picturesque lakes, and this is just the drive leading up to the hotel!! With ample parking for all its guests, Five Lakes Hotel, Golf, Country Club & Spa, near the coastal town of Maldon, Essex, offers some of the finest leisure and sports facilities in The South East. My ‘standard room’ was so much more than that. Awaiting me was luxury, a room kitted out with an enormous bed, plasma TV, comfy sofa, not to mention the stunning views from the window. The perfect space to kick back and relax after a day at the spa. The Brasserie Restaurant not only serves great food, but had an equally great service and atmosphere to match. Even the buffet looked delicious, displaying an array of foods from cockles, jellied eels, endless salads to meat, fish and chips, beef bourguignon, curry, roast with those mouth watering desserts to finish. The Spa was most relaxing, equipped with its heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam, jacuzzi, aerobics room plus a wonderful relaxation room to compliment any Spa treatments you may have. A definite must for anyone in business is the complimentary wireless broadband, 3500m2 exhibition arena and a five acre activity field. This is definitely my ’RM Loves’.
For more information go to: www.fivelakes.co.uk
s e v o L Here in the RM office we have racked our brains for our favourite bits & best buys this month!
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LIFESTYLE
Forever 21!
Starbucks VIA® Caramel Iced Coffee!
The US clothing brand has now opened its flagship store on Oxford street and it’s no surprise it’s buzzing! Trend-driven fashion at prices that you’ll love, and a little birdie tells me they are soon to open another store at the new Westfield shopping Centre Stratford, that will retail menswear lines as well! What more could you want?
Sleep Talk Recorder
OK, the Summer may be classed as over but we all know we’ll try and string it out for as long as possible, and we don’t blame you! So this month, as a homage to Summer, we love their new Caramel Iced coffee. Cold and refreshing with that perfect Starbucks caffeine kick to help get you to the office in the morning.
For more info log onto www.forever21.com
Available from any Starbucks in Essex, and to be fair, there are plenty of them!
Want to discover your deepest thoughts with this awesome sleep talking recorder! Being the number one top paid app in the UK, everyone’s got it, and you should too!
www.itunes.apple.com
Buddies for Kids
This month we absolutely love the fantastic charity, Buddies for Kids. This organisation, set up by a dedicated group of individuals, are committed to do everything they can to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital. How could we not love them? They have planned a very special Variety Evening at the International Hall, Brentwood, on the 17th September to help raise money.
Harley Davidson Road Glide Ultra The Harley collection boasts an array of the worlds most beautifully designed and built bikes, and it is no wonder they are so desirable. Currently listed in the top ten coolest brands Harley seem unstoppable and have added another dream bike that will surely help secure their residency in this exclusive top ten, with long-range, long haul features and full of the unique Harley styling. Turn heads as you eat up the road solo or share the journey, also fitted with a useful iPod dock! Love it!
To get your Harley fix, head down to LAKESIDE HARLEY-DAVIDSON at Lakeside Estate Heron Way West Thurrock Essex, RM20 3WJ T. 01708 805005 www.lakesideharley-davidson.co.uk
For more information go to www.buddies4kids.org.uk
.org
Lulu Guinness Black Satin Postcard Felicity Clutch £225.00
Sent with Love. Why not send a postcard to the one you love, whether it is a gift for a loved one or to yourself. Lulu’s handwriting is embroidered beautifully on this oversized Felicity Clutch making it the perfect bag to clutch this season. A definite RM Loves for all you fashionistas out there, so make sure you get yourselves one!
www.luluguinness.com
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LIFESTYLE
S
Texas
o you’re new to Poker but you know someone who plays and have heard about turns, rivers, flush’s and want to find out more? Well RM has brought to you, the beginners guide to the game to help you get your seat at the poker table.
Hold’em Poker Learning....
Texas Hold’em is a great game for a poker beginner and within a few minutes you could be playing. However, in order to learn the game fully you must play and you must play fairly often. Before you throw yourself into playing at tables, it’s a good idea to build up your skills and confidence online. Internet poker rooms offer a wide variety of tables for beginners allowing practice for free. If you are looking to play but don’t want to show your new to
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the game this is the best way to learn. Sites such as www.partypoker.com are a great place to hone in on your new found skills. Alternatively lots of pubs have friendly games or you can always get some friends together and set up your own game.
The Game..
Firstly, a betting structure is pre-set with limits (or ‘No Limit’ which is extremely popular) players will
place blinds and antes so there is an initial amount to get things started. Next, the dealer shuffles a standard deck of 52 playing cards and each player is dealt two cards face down. These are called your hole cards and at this stage are for your eyes only. Then there is a round of betting based on your hole cards starting with the player to the left of the
LIFESTYLE
blinds. This is pre-flop betting, like most poker games, each player can call, raise or fold, the last person to act is the ‘big blind’, unless the pot has been raised prior to the big blind acting. After the first betting round ends, the dealer discards the top card of the deck called a burn card. This is done to prevent cheating. The dealer then places the next three cards face up on the table. This is called the flop, these are communal cards that anyone can use in combination with their two pocket cards forming a poker hand of 5 cards The player to the left of the dealer starts another betting round, once this round of betting concludes, the dealer again burns a card and places the next communal card face up onto the table. This is called the turn. The player to the left of the dealer begins another round of betting and at any stage of betting and depending on previous players in the hand you will again have the choice to check, call, raise or fold but how much may depend on your hand and playing style. The dealer burns one more card and places the final card face up on the table. This is called the river. Players can now use any of the five cards on the table or the two cards in their hand to form a five card hand. There is one final round of betting, again starting with the player to the left of the dealer. After that, begins the ‘showdown’. Players who have not folded reveal their hands, beginning with the player to the left of the last player to call. Players use a combination
of their pocket cards and the community cards to form a five card poker hand. The player who shows the best hand wins! Although sometimes players with the same hand split the pot.
The Hands... High Card – As it sounds, the highest card available that does not pair.
The Jargon...
One Pair – 2 cards that match, for
Blinds: The blinds are forced bets posted by players to the left of the dealer, directly to the left is the small blind, and left of the small blind is the big blind (double the small blind). Blinds are raised throughout the game they exist because Texas Hold ‘em is frequently played without an ante (fee for first two cards which every player has to pay), allowing a player to fold their hand without placing a bet. The blind bets introduce a regular cost to take part in the game, thus inducing a player to enter pots in an attempt to compensate for that expense.
example 10 and 10
Two Pair – As it sounds, 2 pairs of
cards, for example 2 and 2 with 7 and 7
Three of a Kind – 3 cards that match, for example 4, 4 and 4.
Straight – 5 cards of any suit that run consecutively like 7, 8, 9, 10, J.
Flush – All cards in your 5 card hand are the same suit.
Poker Face: A blank expression that does not reveal anything about the cards being held. (Also used outside the world of poker.)
Full House – Using all 5 cards by
Pocket Pairs (when two of a player’s private cards make a pair) and their references
Four of a Kind - 4 cards that
Aces - Pocket Rockets or American Airlines Twos - Deuces Threes - Crabs Eights - Snowmen Queens - Ladies Kings - Cowboys
Straight Flush - A combination
Other popular private card references: Ace and King - Big Slick King and Jack - Kojak Jack and Five - Jackson Five
combing a 3 of a kind and a pair, 7, 7, 7 with 2, 2. match, Q, Q, Q and Q.
of a straight like 7 to J that is also all the same suit.
Royal Flush - The highest possible straight flush, 10,J,Q,K,A.
Split Pot – This is when 2 or more players end up with the same hand.
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Raj Consultancy Ltd, 27 Sowrey Avenue, Rainham, Essex, RM13 7LX
01708 502999 07751 448 213 www.rajconsultancy.co.uk registered in England No 5466798
ENTERTAINMENT
Top of the
Apple TV
Apple has just redesigned its Apple TV unit making it one of the most compact units in our line-up and although small in size its packed full of features. From instantly renting the latest HD film releases to watching TV, steaming music & photos from your computer or videos from youtube . Apple has got the media side of your home entertainment system all wrapped up. Being able to sync to iTunes and be in full control from your iPhone or iPad this is an Apple fans dream.
We rate it 7/10 www.apple.com
FreeSat
With no subscription and no so called catches the Freesat offering has got to be a no brainer. A massive 150 channels for free including HD and pause, record and rewind. Did I mention that it’s free?
Although it does not boast fancy features, it is free and gets a well deserved 8/10 www.freesat.com
boxes P
laying, pausing and rewinding live TV seemed like a thing of the future but is now standard on many TV media boxes. With so many companies claiming to be the best, where do you turn? RM has picked and prodded the top 4 to ensure you get the best veiwing experience!
Virgin Tivo Box
According to 'Virgin Media' it’s 'The best way to watch TV, ever! With 500 hours of recording, record 3 programmes whilst watching a 4th, a 'Wish List' that automatically records your choice of programmes whether it’s a new series or a one off special, while still getting the old favourite of pause and rewind live TV. The best addition however must be being able to remote record straight from your smart phone. With all this going on you may think Virgin Media have forgotten about the channels but no, you still get all the top HD channels, including Sky Favourites, Catch up TV and hundreds of on demand movies, shows and entertainment from the web.
Well worthy of a 9/10 www.virginmedia.com
Sky+ HD
The Sky+ HD 1TB box claims to be the 'Ultimate in TV viewing experience' with all the benefits and four times the storage. This said, it still only has 240 hours of recording capacity, thats less than half the storage available on the Virgin Tivo box. The Sky+ HD 1TB box still has the flexibility so you can watch what you want when you want, with the massive library of Sky TV on demand. 50+ stunning HD channels and the amazing Sky 3D at no extra cost.
We are giving it a slightly disappointing 6/10 www.sky.com
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ENTERTAINMENT
K
ing of the Jungle and Queen of the pantomimes, is there anything Christopher Biggins can’t do? Well apparently not! RM caught up with everyone’s favourite entertainer to talk to him about his latest oneman show, An Evening with Christopher Biggins at The Queens Theatre, his amazing career and to get a little culinary advice!
e k a m … x e s s e E h t r o f way
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! g n i k
ENTERTAINMENT Congratulations on your first solo show. What made you decide to embark on a one-man tour? Thank you! Well I was asked to do it because I have done them successfully on cruise ships before and it was suggested to me that I should take it out to a theatre audience. So, what can we expect from your show? I’ve had a very varied career and met some wonderful people from Joan Collins to Frank Sinatra and everybody in between. I have a lot of anecdotes, a lot of things that I’ve done and we have a surprise question and answer segment in the second half, which I think will be really fun! Will there be any risqué antics? There will be a few risqué things, although I can’t possibly let those go. It’s just been such a fun career and I would like to share it with people. Here at RM we’re all excited about your arrival to Essex but what made you decide to play at the Queens Theatre? I have played at the Queens Theatre before, a long time ago when it was the original building, so I have very fond memories and also we are doing theatres which aren’t huge so it fits into that category very nicely. You have many glamorous celebrity friends, including Joan Collins. Will any be making a guest appearance? They might make the odd appearance but will definitely be talked about Which celebrity numbers do you have in your phone? I’ve got Joan Collins, Cilla Black, Barbara Windsor, Paul O’Grady, Ian Mc Kellen and a few more but that’s all I can remember! You are the Queen of pantomimes, but what has been your worst experience in panto? It was on stage in Brighton, and a little boy out of six children was looking a little pale and I was a little worried about him. I said to him don’t worry it’ll all be over soon and as I turned away I heard this terrible sound, I looked back and he’d thrown up all over the stage! So I said to him don’t worry and he threw up again! So we were knee high in vomit! Errgghh! That is bad but is that worse than eating
a kangaroo penis on ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me out of Here?’ Yes much worse! What was it like living in that jungle? Well when people ask me about the jungle I have fond memories and I loved every moment of it. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world and I’ll never do it again! It was unbelievably tough but it was a wonderful experience, one which I will never ever forget. If you could go back in the jungle with any 2 people of your choice who would it be? Right. Definitely the Queen and Bette Midler! Well I love the Queen and I’d love to know more about her and also get down to the nitty gritty and have a swim with her in that terrible pond! Do all those things and find out what she’s really like. Bette Midler would be such a hoot, such a laugh, she’d be fantastic and she could sing to us. What impact did being crowned King of the Jungle have on your career? It was the highlight of my career. I went to a school to hand out awards and I said to the children that awards are very important and it is marvellous to try and achieve things that you didn’t think you could do. I said my biggest award was winning the jungle and that was exactly it. To come out to find the whole country was behind me was the most extraordinary experience. Well we certainly voted for you! And you seem to be the champion of reality TV too winning Come Dine with Me as well! Would you consider doing any other reality shows in the future? No, no! I wouldn’t do Big Brother. I hate that! No I think I’ve done my fair share of reality TV shows. So, do you have any culinary advice to share with the RM readers? When in doubt, go out and buy it! Probably the best advice we’ve ever been given! Would you like to have your own TV show? Personally here at RM we think you’d be fantastic and have come up with a few ideas. We have: Big It Up With Biggins, Bottoms Up With Biggins, Biggins Big Night In or Bare All With Biggins! Haha! I like that! I like Bottoms Up With Biggins! I would like to have my own TV show, I really would.
You have appeared in many sitcoms over the years such as Porridge and Some Mother’s Do ‘Ave Em. But which would you say had the most impact on your career? Well Porridge without any doubt. Porridge is still being shown 35 years later and it is the most incredible series because of Ronnie Barker and also because of Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais who wrote the most fantastic script. It is an extraordinary and brilliant series. What was it like working alongside great comedy actors such as Ronnie Barker? It was fantastic, brilliant. I mean Ronnie Barker was a wonderful comedy actor and very generous as well. And if he felt someone else would read his lines better, he would give it to them. He was brilliant like that. Did they give you any words of wisdom? No, but I learnt a lot from Ronnie Barker. He was the star of the show but the show meant more to him than his position so I have always felt that it very important to treat the show as a whole and not just selfishly hog everything. I learned that through Ronnie Barker and I think that is very wise. If you take something like pantomime, which I do every year, I want to have really good people all around me to make the show good, I just don’t want to dominate everything. And finally, looking back over your career, which would you say was your proudest moment and which would you say was your craziest? Well I think my proudest moment would definitely be winning ‘I’m a Celebrity’ and the craziest would have to be all the different things I’ve been able to do, but there is tons of stuff !
You can catch Christopher Biggins at The Queens Theatre, Hornchurch on Sunday 2nd October at 7.30pm. For tickets contact the box office on: 01708 443333.
www.queens-theatre.co.uk
Other dates include: 4th October, The Lights Arena, Andover 9th October: Royal Winchester Theatre, 26th October: Camberley Theatre,Surrey 27th October, The Elgiva Theatre, Buckingham
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ENTERTAINMENT
Get your
! f f o s rock By Monique Hall
W
hatever your musical taste, garage, house or techno, the lavish, opulent and always entertaining clubs of Essex are sure to keep you partying away well into the early hours. These aren’t just clubs, they are decadent, stylish, the pulse party emporiums, and here at RM we’re giving you the top 5. So get ready to go hard or go home...
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The Sugar Hut
As integral to the infamous The Only Way is Essex as the characters themselves, The Sugar Hut has played a huge part in the cult programme and is a regular feature thanks to Mick and Kirk Norcross. Look beyond the fame of this place however, and you’ll find a devilishly charming and diverse venue; Inspired by the east, the Hut promises its guests ‘enchantment, mystery and hospitality of the highest international standards’, very suave! Every Saturday the venue plays host to some of the best promoters and DJ’s promising to bring real house music to Essex. With an inclusive private members area, fine dining restaurant and a courtyard, the sugar hut is more than just a clubbing experience. Particularly fancy is the Sugar Hut Black Card, which gives you free entry all year round and entry to the Krug VIP room.
You should get yourself down there on...
Saturday nights: The Only Way is Sugar Hut. Ross Byrne lights up the main room, with Liam Bone looking after the Karma Bar and Matt P dishing out those classic Soulful tunes in the Gallery Bar.
ENTERTAINMENT
Buddha Lounge
Another popular, eastern-inspired and decadent nightclub, previously known as the Opium Lounge. Visit this Essex clubbing Mecca and sip drinks whilst dancing in a Buddha filled haven. The decor takes inspiration from opium dens and the smoking houses of Marrakesh, providing the chicest of surroundings for your big night out. The Buddha Lounge offers some of the best club music in Essex, artists have ranged from Boy George to the Ibiza Pukka Up crew, adorned with boudoir seating and embellished Moroccan beds and cushions, is living proof of the extra mile that Essex clubs got to please the punters.
You should get yourself down there on...
Friday 9th September 10.30pm, Essexvip.com Launch Party The very best in Old Skool House and Garage.
Faces
A popular celebrity haunt, but without the pretence. With two rooms, Faces offers a multitude of genres and eager dancers, with Thursday night offering R’n’B, Electro House and Dubstep and Saturday nights featuring commercial dance, R’n’B club classics, funky house and funky electro house.
Drinks range from reasonably priced vodka and cokes, to magnums of Laurent Perrier depending on whether you’re skinted or minted. It was be an understatement to say Faces is well equipped; with five bars, two main rooms, and a white cage-like VIP area besides the main dance floor, the club is more than ready for to cater for the clubbing masses.
You should get yourself down there on... Every Sunday: Sunday Sessions R’n’B and Funky House night.
Deuces
The rookie of the bunch, but by no means the least swanky, Deuces prides itself on being the ‘self-proclaimed’ most current trendiest bar and nightclub in Essex. Co-owned by Mark Wright and Jack Tweedy, the clubs music offer is refreshingly different to its competitors with a mixture of soul and funk, rare grooves and funky house assigned to the ones and twos.
You should get yourself down there on...
Saturday nights, the clubs signature and most popular night. Guestlist is advised!
Club 195
Club 195 guarantees it has something suitable for all types of clubber; even David Haye has chosen Club 195 as his venue of choice for a night out with the lads. Other celebrities to sign Club 195’s visitor’s book include Jude Law, Rio Ferdinand and Tamer Hassan, firmly securing the clubs world class standards. The crème de la crème of club 195 has to be their exclusive booths including the Black Suite, the VIP Private Room and the Cocktail Bar. Trés magnifique!
You should get yourself down there on… Every Friday: To find what your missing.
When it comes to heading out it’s not just about wacking on a pair of old heels and hoping for the best anymore - this is high flyer clubbing. As dance music has gotten bigger, the clubs have gotten sleeker, and you might find yourself facing a lonely walk home if you’ve got trainers on, so smart shoes chaps! Essex offers a one of a kind exclusive clubbing experience; great songs, swanky decor, and if you’ve got the money, VIP booths galore ensuring that you get A-list treatment. See you on the dancefloor…
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ENTERTAINMENT
Radios
e t i r u o v Fa
e l c Un So, lets start from the beginning! How did you get into DJ-ing and producing?
Well I had no interest in Dj-ing at all. I was brought up in a house were my mum and dad listened to The Beatles, Cliff Richard, Barry Manilow and all of that, so I never grew up in a DJ household. In 1991 I went to a rave with my cousins, Raindance at Jenkins Lane, and I didn’t know what to expect. I walked in and straight away I felt like this is what I want to do. After that my whole life changed.
Was that your main inspiration to make you think..’Yeah that’s what I want to do?’
E
very Friday he pumps our airways with his banging basslines, Old Skool tunes and Jungle rewinds, but this month, RM has managed to tie down Rinse FMs 106.8 Uncle Dugs just before he jets off to Ibiza talking records, raves and an unexpected exclusive. This is what we got….
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The rave at Raindance was the first experience. My cousin knew a DJ, Lloyd Anthony, who worked at a record shop in Ilford called Music Power. Being quite close to my cousin I used to go with him to those events. Being only a little kid, I was in awe of Lloyd and I always thought I’d love to do that. In 1991, I bought a set of decks and I’ve DJ-ed ever since!
So where did your name originate from?
Years ago I didn’t have a DJ name, it’s the hardest thing in the world to come up with because
ENTERTAINMENT
everything you think of sounds crap! It came from my last name, so my first DJ name was Dug-e, as in those days everyone had an ‘E’ at the end of their name. My nickname has always been Dugs to my friends, but when I got onto Rinse FM and I was running it, many of the artists on there were younger than me, and this one guy, DJ Frenzie, used to call me Uncle Dugs, it’s kind of just stuck!
been an even worse place. Andy C is another exciting DJ, to listen to and to watch. The Heartless Crew has a good DJ, Fonti. They know how to make people move, but there are not many DJs that I would pay money gladly to watch!
just like ‘wehay’ and stopped both my records! I had a bit of a go at him but I could see by his face he thought, what have I done! So I just rewound my records and carried on!
When and where did you have your first gig and big break?
You DJ the only legal Jungle and Old Skool radio show at Rinse FM, what can RM readers expect from your show? Well, every week without fail I do my intro, which is my green onions, Booker T and The MGs which I talk over, and then I tell you what’s coming up throughout the show. I do two hours of music where I pick a different era each week from 1988 to 1998 and I try to stick to years. I talk about stuff from that era, my memories or other people’s memories. I try to educate people. It’s my chance to be a nerd and give people the stories I know. The last hour of the show is put aside for interviews.
Even though I love my Old Skool I run a label, with Slipmatt and Billy Bunter, for hip hop, break beat, drum and bass and a bit of everything. My current favourite tune is a tune called Underground by a young kid called Jack Light. He is someone who is on our label; it’s Jack Light featuring Spyder. We’ve had loads of established artists come through our label but this kid here, at 17 has been around for a couple of years. It hasn’t been the right time to bring him out, but now his time has come. I say in the next two years, everyone will know him; he’ll have a chart success! That’s your exclusive right there!
I got my first pirate radio gig in 1995. Not sure if it was my first big break, but it made me take DJing more seriously. Before that I just DJ-ed in my bedroom for my mates. Off the back of that I got a few small bookings, nothing major. My first gig was in Oscars, on the pier in Clacton, that was my first proper gig. I got paid £10!
You are one of the best DJs, but what do you think it takes to make a good DJ?
First and foremost, capital letters, VIBE! If you haven’t got vibe you’re not going to make it as a DJ! Vibe covers all things, like the selections you play, it’s so important. I say this a lot but two DJs can play the same selection, one can make the dance floor go mad and the other will be boring. It’s just about someone’s personality coming though when they DJ, it’s about the impact and tunes you play.
Rinse FM is the only legal Jungle and Old Skool radio show, why do you think that genre of music is one of the only genres that are still underground and illegal?
So, what’s your tune of the moment?
Vinyl/CD/MP3. What do you prefer?
Vinyl! I’m one of the few DJs left that still uses vinyl. I use CDs to play my jingles, but for as long as I am able to play vinyl, I’ll always play vinyl!
What was the first record you bought?
My followers really don’t realize how much I love them for their support, and how much it helps me. I’m now followed by loads of fans. I embraced Social Media as soon as I come across it, from the MySpace thing to Facebook and Twitter. I’ve also been the one on all the forums.
It’s a very specialist genre. The funny thing is, although it’s so specialist, but whenever I play it they love it! I mean, I played at a garage event, I came out and put my jungle on, played my first tune and the gaff went off ! It doesn’t get as much love as other genres, but I play it in so many different places; garage raves, drum and bass raves, and I never get a bad reaction. It never clears the dance floor, it’s feel good music. The old jungle tag never went down very well, it was picked on a little bit and had a bad reputation for certain things that happened in the past, its always been the thing that jungles was frowned upon, but I’m finding it’s making a return.
So who are your favourite DJs, past and present?
What is the weirdest thing someone has tried to do to get your attention?
You can catch Uncle Dugs every Friday from 11am to 2pm on Rinse FM 106.8 online at: www.rinse.fm or follow him on Twitter @UncleDugs!
You get lots of love on Twitter, how much has Social Media escalated you as a DJ?
My favourite DJ to watch is EZ even though he plays different music me. When I watch him DJ, he amazes me. Sometimes I’m watching him and I don’t even know what he’s doing to make stuff happen! If he wasn’t a DJ, the world would have
I’ve had people come up and stop my records! With jungle there are all these rewinds and I was playing at Revival, my very own event. I’m there, playing my set and this geezer comes up, I was so caught up in the moment, but I looked up and this geezer was
Boomtown rats ‘I Don’t Like Mondays’. First rave record I ever bought was, I think, T99 ‘Anastasia’ and that was when I worked in Mc Donald’s in Romford! I’d been to my first rave and I wanted to be a DJ so on my break I went out a bought it with my first pay packet.
And finally, what has the future got in store for Uncle Dugs?
Well, our label is important to us and Jack’s future is important to us, but for my personal future, as long as I’m healthy and happy, everything else is a bonus!
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ENTERTAINMENT
What’s
on... By Haydn Squibb
Get yourselves out and about this month with the RM guide to What’s On. Have you got an event you want to promote? Then call 01708 475789 or email editorial@rmmagazine.co.uk Tinchy Stryder, Towerlands, Braintree & Great Dunmow, 26th Nov, 5pm: World wide pop star, Tinchy Stryder best known for his chart topper ‘Number 1’ with N-Dubz, is making is way down to Essex to do his part for Charity. Lloyd Wade from X Factor, and straight talking Essex boys, Missing Andy, to name just a few, will be joining him. Be sure to grab your early bird tickets to this excellent event, and catch Tinchy doing what he does best. www.essex-live.co.uk
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ENTERTAINMENT
Food Frenzy – Cupcake Making, Hylands House, Mon 12 September, 6.30pm to 9pm: Cupcake making is becoming hugely popular, and Hylands House is giving you the great opportunity to jump on board. Within a small group, you will learn to bake with different flavours and textures, and then decorate using different techniques. Of course you get to take home your finished masterpieces! For more information go to www.chelmsford.gov.uk
25th Chappel Beer Festival Tuesday 6th to Saturday 10th September: The Famous Chappel Beer Festival returns for the twenty-fifth year, at Chappel in this September, organised alongside the East Anglian Railway Museum and our friends from the Campaign for Real Ale. Over 400 beers will be available, featuring beers from small local breweries and rare pints not normally available in Essex. For more information call 01206 242524 or visitc www.earm.co.uk for more information.
The Elvis Years, Queens Theatre, Sun 4 – Mon 5 September at 7.30pm: Kombou has been crowned the Best Elvis performer in the World by Gracelands in Memphis, having starred in the smash West End hit Jailhouse Rock The Musical, he is now embarking on a two night showing at The Queens Theatre. He will be supported by a talented cast of top West End performers who have appeared in a large number of shows. The two hour show it captures the musical life of a legend through songs, featuring over 40, capturing Elvis Presley’s extraordinary story from the early rock ’n’ roll days through the incredible movie era, and the outstanding Vegas years. For more information: www.queens-theatre.co.uk
Classic and Vintage Car Show, Hedingham Castle, Sun 11 September, 10am to 3pm: Head over to Hedingham and up take the chance to view some of the regions finest classic and vintage cars. This day out is not just for the car enthusiasts, as the fantastic event offers the opportunity for a great family day. Work your way around the amazing castle grounds and admire the extreme variety of vehicles. Take a pit stop at the Castle Inn to refuel yourself whilst your children can play outdoor games. Why not get your car involved? Admission: Adults £8.00 , Concessions £7.00, Child £6.00, Family £28.00 Classic Car entry is £4.00 per car if booked in advance – please email jo@hedinghamcastle.co.uk for a booking form
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ENTERTAINMENT
Essex spectacular B
arleylands Farm was the place, a sunny weekend in August was the time and the Essex Spectacular was THE event. Ok so 2 out of 3 was not bad, the weather, unlike the event was a let down, with hot air balloons grounded and the winds a gale.
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With two children in tow we arrived with some ‘wows’ and ‘look at that’; the fields full of entertainment went on and on and their little eyes did not know where to look. As we walked up to the entrance gate it was awash with colour from a vast selection of bouncy castles, slides and rides, already this was a promising start and we were not even in the door. Not knowing what else to expect I managed to slip by all the rides using this as an end goal for the kids, with a fortunate result we arrived at cars, cars from what felt like every manufacturer, there must have been 150+ from Audi R8’s and Mercedes SLS to VW Campers and everyday models. You could get in, look around and feel for yourself what owning one of these supercars might be like, and the best thing there was no long queues or pushy salesman to spoil our fun. Dads fix over, we moved onto the balloon area and although the wind was up we still got a display of a tethered balloon, needing two landrovers and a tractor to keep it grounded. My hat goes off to the guys operating these giant beasts as one wrong move and it could have all been over. The wind was not always against us as the kite flying condition were superb and the stunt flying
team made the most of weather performing their great tricks and fascinating running commentary. After all this excitement we were getting hungry, so off to the food tents and catering stalls. We had a great choice and ate extremely well. Resisting the Pimms, lead us nicely into the trade areas where local businesses offered their wares. I must admit I could not keep my hand in my pocket, offerings came in all shapes and sizes with Tuff Turf grass being of great interest, the very tempting Essex Hot Tubs, and lots for the home. The Queens Theatre made an appearence showing us what they had coming up this year. Onto the last stop, the bouncy castles. I was initially disappointed that there was an extra charge to enter, but the kids went mad. They had a fantastic time, running from one bouncy castle to a giant slide, onto another castle, then the swing, and back to a castle. The madness continued as the entertainer came out, music pumping, playing games, telling jokes and giving prizes away. All in all a great day for the whole family, not knowing where to attack next.
Final thoughts: If I did not have to work on Sunday I would have been back for another day of fun, can’t wait for next year.
ENTERTAINMENT
Morning Parade By Haydn Squibb
T
hey have been dubbed the biggest band of 2011 by both, us here at RM and Xfm, but Steve Sparrow, lead vocalist and guitar, stated that this just wasn’t a big thing for them, and they’re already aiming higher! Morning Parade hail from Harlow, and have been together a mere three years yet they have already achieved so much. Describing themselves as ‘Euphoric Rock’ they are truly that. With edgy songs, and their own twist on Indie, these five men are bound to go far. When they got talking about how they managed to make it as a signed band, they shocked us by
agreeing that “London is a Graveyard for bands. Groups should try and move as far away as possible when it comes to gigging, and trying to make a fan base. A few gigs in your local isn’t always a bad thing as it gives your parents time to show you off to the neighbours, but it’s best to start big, as that’s where you want to be.” Morning Parade had never played in London until recently when they became signed by Parlaphone. Steve also advised unsigned bands to write as much as they possibly can, as not all of it will work out, so they need to be bulletproof. “Critics and fans will always have something bad to say, so grow a thick skin and learn to handle it, take it in our stride.” Morning Parade have just released their debut single ‘A&E’, and this is the start of many big things to come from them, after they’ve completed their current tour, and their album. Their next tour is supporting ‘The Wombats’ and they hope to draw inspiration and tips from them
to make their own tour even bigger and better than before. Steve said he wants people to feel “overwhelmed” after seeing Morning Parade play a gig, just as he does after seeing his favourite band ‘Elbow’ play. Once the questions had stopped, and we were all just having a little chat, it appeared that Morning Parade were on the MySpace featured band spot. This excited the band slightly, although they tried playing it cool, saying “It’s quite a strange thing at first, seeing your faces on various websites and billboards, but you do gradually get used to it.” ‘We describe Morning Parade as our baby; we spent a good few years teaching it to walk and talk, and now it’s on it’s feet, we’re trying to make it run.” Highly intellectual for a band from Essex, we really do think.
A&E is out now, followed shortly by their untitled album, be sure to pick both up.
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