MAY 2023 / £3.95
PLUS ROYAL APPOINTMENT
Exploring West Essex's regal connections
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PLAYING BALL
The Chigwell soccer academy heading to Croatia
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DREAM BIG
The local charity reaching quite the milestone
Inspiration and ideas for your big day
THE BEST SUMMER PRINTS FOUND AT BOUTIQUES ACROSS ESSEX
From initial architectural design through to completion.
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EDITOR
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The online guides to inspirational living and what's on in Essex
ON THE COVERS
In my 44 years on this planet, Queen Elizabeth II was one of the few constants. Of course, there's my family, but then there was also the Queen. In no way would I call myself a Royalist, but there was always something rather comforting about seeing HM The Queen going about her state duties.
The football club I am now the chairman of also had an encounter with Her Majesty. Alan Woodiwiss, the man who founded my club 70 years ago, was the recipient of a well deserved MBE for services to the grassroots sporting community, and the picture of him receiving his medal always takes centre stage at every event we hold. Apparently, he told us, The Queen had great insight into grassroots football.
That is what makes this month monumental for so many. With the coronation of King Charles III upon us, it's the dawn of a new era that we probably never wanted to accept was coming. The whole of Essex looks like it will be coming together over the bank holiday weekend, and inside we have a sneak peek at what to expect across the county.
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Elsewhere, the Style Sisters are back and they are ready to revamp your home, we taste some award-winning wines in Halstead, and celebrate a milestone for The Dream Factory. May looks like it's set to be quite the month.
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ABSOLUTELY’S May issue highlights 3 2 Gardens
We get green fingers visiting some of Essex's finest open spaces (p88)
The architects pick out their five top Essex projects (p82)
From city to coast, we explore the best of the district (p24)
Hellessy's fabulous Beatrix denim dress features an asymmetric metallic fringe hem and a square neckline with adjustable straps, £857. hellessy.com
Orchard Moon's luxury kimono robes are as so as silk but completely cruelty free, made from sustainably managed woodland. They are designed in London and made in Europe, £260. orchardmoon.com
Terry De Havilland is a legend on the shoe scene and he's back with a collection of Icons. Expect his trademark platform sandal in a variety of shades and fi nishes. terrydehavilland.com
New colours from Nailkind for spring include the delightful Out of The Blue, a pastel lavender blue that's vegan too. nailkind.com
Daylesford's gorgeous gardening bunny is a lovely decoration for any kind of celebration. daylesford.com
Nitt studio is a unisex highend knitwear brand, taking its inspiration from the love of animals and nature. Each piece is made with high attention and technology and unique details which makes it timeless and iconic. nittstudio.com
Jo Malone London's Waterlily cologne has a dewy freshness that is enhanced with a fl ourish of jasmine sambac and neroli, £115. jomalone.co.uk
We're loving the Conran Shop's new cobalt blue iPhone accessories, which include a case, wireless charger and an airpod case. conranshop.co.uk
Blue is the new summer shade for Rosessence from Aubade, which also comes in black, cream, pale pink and red. Bra £105, tanga £49. ameliesfollies.co.uk
Bergs Potter's petrol-blue glaze makes a beautiful fi nish to the Copenhagen-based brand's lovely pots of all sizes. bergspotter.com
Immerse your family in creativity at Audley End Miniature Railway’s Craft Week, running from 27 May-4 June 2023. Their creative play will encourage children to connect with nature while also exploring fun ways to make new things. Four craft activities will be spread around the site, and each station will provide your child with the opportunity to create something that relates to the great outdoors. audley-end-railway.co.uk
Afew years ago, a new trend emerged in the wellbeing sector for decluttering. Based on the mantra ‘tidy house, tidy mind’ the revolution saw a rise in dusterwielding social media stars and influencers aiming to ‘spark joy’ with their Mary Kondo-esque home cleaning and organisation techniques.
Here in the UK, Essex friends Charlotte Reddington-Smith and Gemma Lilly realised a gap in the market for those who didn’t just want a clean and tidy home, but a domestic style makeover that focused not only on organisation but style.
“I suppose we’re a bit like the Trinny and Susannah of home makeovers, only a bit kinder,” says Gemma, referring to Trinny Woodalland Susannah Constantine, the stylists who presented BBC’s What Not to Wear in the early 2000s and were known for their straight-talking and often brash fashion advice. “We’re people pleasers,
me in particular,” adds Charlotte. “We just really enjoy making people happy.”
Since setting up Style Sisters in 2018, the Loughton duo have transformed hundreds of homes and when the bubbly pair are o duty, life isn’t much di erent. We sit down to chat the day after Mother’s Day, but instead of putting their feet up on the one day of the year it’s deemed more than acceptable for mothers to do so, they tell me they both spent the day rushing around after their kids and, believe it or not, cleaning. “Yeah I was helping my parents clean out their kitchen,” laughs mum-of-two Charlotte. “But then it’s what I enjoy doing so I can’t really complain. It was my kind of Mother’s Day!”
The Essex home stylists, who have become social media stars thanks to their dedication to creating colour-coordinated cupboards and closets for celebrities such as Rita Ora, Amanda Holden and Stacey Solomon, aren’t actually sisters, but best friends that met while they were in Sixth Form at West Hatch High School, in Chigwell.
“We weren’t actually friends back then, we knew each other as we did similar classes and
said hi, but didn’t really hang out together,” says Charlotte, explaining that it wasn’t until a few years later when they both fell pregnant at the same time that they re-connected.
“We were 21 and there weren’t many others our age having kids so we didn’t really have a clue what to expect,” adds Gemma. “When we found out we were pregnant within six weeks of each other, we bonded over baby stu and have been pretty inseparable ever since.”
Having followed similar creative career paths – Charlotte trained in interior design and Gemma as a fashion stylist, setting up the Bonnie and Clyde fashion boutique in Loughton before the pair joined forces – and keen for a job they could fit around bringing up their children, they decided to merge their two specialisms and launched Style Sisters.
“We started doing wardrobe detoxes, but it’s since evolved into styling of other rooms – often clients call us back to organise their playroom or kitchen,” says mum-of-one Gemma. “And you’d laugh at how many husbands think it’s all a load of rubbish at first, then end up asking us to sort out their wardrobe space, too!”
“We bonded over baby stu and have been inseparable ever since”
The pair’s success is also a prime example of the power and influence of social media – their first client happened to be a Love Island winner, who posted pictures of her wardrobe detox on Instagram and within hours Charlotte and Gemma were inundated with enquiries.
“It was like some sort of divine intervention,” says Gemma, remembering the experience. “Then, once we started doing some other well-known names, it just snowballed.”
“It was before lockdown and, at that time, no-one had that sort of access to behind the doors of these celebrity homes and people couldn’t get enough of the transformations,” Charlotte adds.
Now with 279,000 Instagram followers, Gemma, 35, and Charlotte, 36, count Michelle Visage, Georgia To olo, Rochelle and Marvin Humes, Gemma Collins, Kimberley Walsh, Jamie and Jools Oliver, Lisa Snowdon, Frankie Bridge, and Vogue and Spencer Williams among their client list, and regularly appear on ITV’s This Morning o ering their top decluttering tips. However, there are some hacks the pair don’t necessarily follow themselves.
“Decanting wouldn’t go well for me,” admits Gemma of the trend for transferring groceries
from packets and boxes into uniform glass containers. “Everything would just go o !”
“We’re realistic,” adds Charlotte. “There’s not a lot on Instagram that’s real so we try to delve deep into how our clients live their lives. We don’t want to create more stress, we’re there to eliminate it.”
In 2021, the pair published a book, Style Sisters: Helping you live an organised & stylish life, featuring their top home style advice and,
this spring, they launched their first product range – a “natural next step” for them.
Starting from just £8, the range, which is available from Next and Very, features boucle storage baskets and bags, slimline clothes hangers, foldable storage boxes and a children’s play box in a stylish mix of monochrome and soft neutrals to help minimise clutter.
“It’s a mix of products we struggle to find when looking for solutions for our clients and also more stylish versions of products already out there,” explains Gemma.
But the biggest challenge they tackle for their clients is space and making it more functional. “Spaces need to be easy to maintain and everyone will have di erent spaces to work with. Not everyone has space for a play room, for example, so it’s about making the storage solutions you have in your living room fit in with your style,” says Charlotte. “Unfortunately, as much as we’d like to, we can’t magic space, although I think some of our clients do think we have a magic wand!”
Follow Style Sisters on Instagram @stylesisters
“We don’t want to create stress, we are there to eliminate it”
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Q Tell us about your success in Artistic Aerial Hoop...
A Aerial Hoop is my big love when it comes to the aerial arts. For those of you who haven’t heard about aerial hoop: you get to perform acrobatic and dance moves on a ring of steel that gets suspended from the ceiling, and it feels a little bit like flying. It is super fun! In my aerial practice, I care a lot about movement quality and musicality. Being able to do aerial hoop for the rest of my life would mean real success to me. Beyond that I won the British national championships last year and got to join team GB for the world championships in Switzerland.
Q How did it feel to represent the UK at the world championships?
A It was a both humbling and exciting experience for sure. I got to join an amazing team of athletes who have been doing aerial for much longer than me, so I trained a lot in the preparation for it. Unfortunately, I came last, and I was really disappointed. But then I reminded myself that I really grew as an aerialist throughout my preparation; my body got stronger, my movements smoother... and the things I really care about in aerial dance, I did accomplish. My musicality was really spot on for example, and the audience loved my routine.
Q How does this specialism fit in with your burgeoning acting career?
A To me, aerial hoop and acting are just
two di erent ways of telling stories. Aerial hoop is maybe a bit more abstract, and of course extremely physical, and in acting I get to use my voice... But I love both and they go hand in hand and inform each other.
Q What can you tell us about The Colours Within, which you direct?
A The Colours Within is my next short film. It is an homage to colours, and a love story between two young women who see the world completely di erently: Clara, the character I will be playing, is a commercial dancer with an attitude. She is a tetrachromat. That means she has four cones for colour vision instead of the regular three. As a result, she sees more colours than most people. Clara meets her new makeup artist Lily, who has achromatopsia. Achromatopsia is a genetic condition where people are completely colour blind and only see in greyscale. Achromats also experience other
symptoms, such as extreme sensitivity to light. Both conditions are real. The two women bond and fall in love over their shared but completely di erent struggles with colour. I’m so excited to tell this story!
Q How long have you been based in Leighon-Sea and what do you love about it?
A I was based in London pre-pandemic, and when Covid hit I left the UK for a bit. When it was time for me to return, I wanted to be close enough to London for auditions and acting work, but also as much in nature or by the sea as possible. So Leigh is perfect in that sense. I’ve been here for one and a half years now and I love being able to go for a stroll by the seafront or exploring some of the countless cute cafés or charity shops with London only a train journey away.
Q Where are your favourite places to visit in the area, or in Essex generally?
A First of all, I love being so close to the sea. So my favourite spot is definitely the seafront.
I’m vegan and there is the Oaktree restaurant, and the food is so good. Highly recommended to anyone, vegan or not. Lastly, I love exploring the charity shops. I also run Motti by Malin (mottibymalin. com), a sustainable clothing line, and being as sustainable as possible with fashion and clothing is important to me. Shopping second hand is one way of making my
closet more sustainable and you never know, you might find something amazing for a bargain whilst supporting a charity.
Q What’s next for you?
A I am working on a feature film – a suspenseful murder mystery set on a yoga retreat. My character is a hot yoga teacher (as in, she teaches hot yoga). There will be an aerial sequence as well. And I’m going to go to Istanbul in Turkey to shoot a super exciting action film!
Follow at @colourswithinshortfilm
“I love being able to go for a stroll along the seafront”
The Tendring district covers a whole host of areas – Brightlingsea, Clacton-on-Sea, Dovercourt, Frinton-onSea, Harwich, Jaywick Sands, Manningtree, Mistley, St Osyth, Walton-on-the-Naze and surrounding areas – and as we approach the summer months it has plenty going for it.
With over 36 miles of stunning coastline, a diverse blend of picturesque villages, beautifully unspoiled country landscapes, wild coastlines and traditional seaside towns, there’s lots of activities to keep you occupied during your visit this summer.
Lots of exciting events are taking place in Tendring this year. The forces’ sweethearts, The D-Day Darlings, will celebrate the King’s coronation at the Princes Theatre, Clacton, on 8 May. Music fans will enjoy the
annual Harwich Festival, which runs from 22 June to 2 July and will showcase the very best of live music, theatre and art for all ages. Lovers of the countryside will be snapping up tickets to this year’s Tendring Hundred Show, which returns on Saturday 8 July for its 106th year, at Lawford House Park near Manningtree. The agricultural show is a treat for all the family, with plenty of animals and machines to entertain. If jets and planes are more your thing, head to Clacton seafront for the much-loved Clacton Airshow on 24-25 August and expect thrilling flight displays and a fun day out.
The Sunshine Coast has a vibrant arts and culture scene, alive with theatres, performance arts events, live music and exhibitions, many located in unique settings, such as Jaywick’s historic Martello Tower or the Naze Tower, Walton. For a traditional stage, Clacton’s two theatres guarantee plenty of joy and laughter for all the
family with David Bowie, Abba and Cher experiences at Princes Theatre. Also make sure you don’t miss Westcli Theatre’s fun-filled Summer Show in August.
History and heritage are in abundance throughout Tendring. Its coastal location provides a unique and varied heritage, from pre-historic artefacts, medieval buildings to Victorian villas, with many sites recognised as being of national significance. Follow the Mayflower Trail whilst exploring the story of the ship that took the Pilgrim Fathers to America and visit Master of the Mayflower, Christopher Jones’s house in historic
Harwich Old Town. Moving history forward, the sedate seaside town of Frinton-on-Sea has an abundance of Art Deco houses. The Round House, as its name suggests, is an entirely circular 1930s Grade II-listed property. This extraordinary house forms part of a collection of individually designed modernist houses on the Frinton Park Estate, designed by renowned architect Oliver Hill in 1934, and are a joy to see.
For more stand out architecture, head to ‘A House for Essex’ in Wrabness, which is an artwork with a di erence. This unique and incomparable house, overlooking the Stour Estuary, was designed by the county’s own Turner Prize-winning artist Grayson Perry, and is a wonder to behold.
Tendring’s nature reserves provide excellent opportunities for bird watchers
“There are over 36 miles of stunning coastline and a host of picturesque villages”
and wildlife enthusiasts alike. The area is known for its diverse range of dynamic natural environments which benefit from national and, in some cases, international conservation designations. Hamford Water National Nature Reserve, an area of international importance, is a sanctuary for both migrating and nesting birds at di erent times of the year. It also forms the setting to Arthur Ransome’s eighth book in his Swallows and Amazons series, the Secret Water. Close by is Holland Haven Country Park, which is managed to conserve the landscape, coastal grazing marsh and wildlife of the area whilst o ering quiet enjoyment for visitors. Its Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designation recognises the rare and varied flora located at the park.
The vastness of Tendring’s coastline is ideal for bathing in the summer sun. Take a stroll against the backdrop of the North Sea, along one of the
promenades, and breathe in the fresh sea air. The coastal towns always have stunning floral displays featured in the cli top gardens. Plus, there is the unique charm and character of the beach huts stretching along the coastline. There are plenty of opportunities for a dip and some open water swimming in the sea at one of the award-winning, blue flag beaches.
Away from the coast and countryside, the main towns o er a unique selection of independent shops and popular high street names, or if you are looking to whet your appetite, an array of
traditional country pubs, happening bars, restaurants, fish and chip shops, cafes and co ee shops o er a warm welcome.
Accommodation ranges from holiday parks, glamping and camping, bed and breakfasts to boutique and luxury hotel spas. For total relaxation from the nine-tofive, pay a pamper visit to Lifehouse Hotel and Spa, Thorpe-le-Soken. Nestled within 12 acres of peaceful English Heritage listed gardens, this hideaway provides a wide range of luxury treatments and healing body therapies to help you relax and unwind.
With excellent links by road, train and coach the Tendring District o ers an easy and quick escape to a di erent pace of life.
To discover more about the local area, visit essex-sunshine-coast.org.uk or visitessex. com. Or follow TheSunshineCoastOfficial on Facebook or download the Love Tendring app available for Android and Apple
“The area is known for its diverse range of dynamic natural environments”
With King Charles III’s Coronation set to light up Essex this month, Absolutely takes a closer look at a very regal county
Essex has enjoyed plenty of royal patronage recently, with visits from King Charles III and the Queen Consort granting city status to Southend and Colchester. As the nation prepares for the coronation, plus a bounty of bank holidays, Visit Essex gives us the lowdown on how to discover Essex’s royal connections.
For centuries Essex has proven a playground for urbanites to escape the city and enjoy the great outdoors. Back in the 12th century, Henry II made Epping Forest a Royal Forest, which gave the Crown the right to hunt deer on the land. It is also believed that both Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I hunted
in the forest, and in 1543 Henry VIII commissioned a stunning timber-framed building, which is now known as Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge. Hunting may now not be an option, but you can still visit the ancient forest, and walk or cycle through the forest's clearly marked routes. The Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge can also be booked for private tours from £5 per person.
Visitors to Epping can stay in the lap of luxury at nearby Delta Hotels by Marriott, on the edge of Epping Forest in Waltham Abbey. The hotel o ers guests a luxurious rest after a day exploring the forest. Facilities include a gym, indoor pool and a steam room. Standard king size rooms start at £140 per night.
Did you know, too, that Waltham Abbey is also believed to be the final resting place of King Harold. Famously killed in 1066 at the Battle of Hastings, Harold, who was also the Earl of Essex, owned large estates in Waltham and founded the abbey; it is said that only his heart was buried at Waltham Abbey.
Henry VIII first laid eyes upon Anne Boleyn when he visited Rochford Hall, near Southend, at the Boleyn’s family home. The hall is said to have had an underground tunnel that the King used to secretly visit Anne whilst he was still married. Once the pair had tied the knot they acquired the Tudor Mansion ‘New Hall’ near
Chelmsford in 1517 and renamed it Beaulieu Palace. The building later reverted back to New Hall and became a boarding school.
Henry VIII certainly left his mark on Essex and so did one of his wives. Anne of Cleves was the fourth wife of Henry VIII, and actually lived to tell the tale. As part of her agreeing to a marriage annulment, Anne was given an estate in Great Bardfield in north Essex. Fast forward several centuries and visitors to Great Bardfield vineyard can view her Grade I listed ‘Anne of Cleves’ barn, which is now
“It is believed both Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I hunted in Epping Forest”EPPING FOREST INGATESTONE HALL
an impressive wedding and wine tasting venue. Great Bardfield also hosts wine tasting tours around the estate’s vineyard. Tours of the vineyard run from May until September and cost from £18, including a wine tasting session in the Queen’s own barn.
The Great Lodge Barns at Great Bardfield o er stunning stylish accommodation available for those who may want to try more than just a sip of the vineyard’s produce. Prices start from £80 and include rustic elegance in a collection of timbered courtyard barns, such as the ‘cart lodge’ that is ideal for families or ‘Rose Lodge’ with four poster bed, perfect for a romantic break.
Historic Hedingham Castle’s connections to royalty date as far back as 1086, when William the Conqueror awarded the manor to Aubrey de Vere. The castle also boasts a royal visit from King Stephen’s wife, Queen Matilda, who visited the castle in 1152. Now everyone can experience a regal lifestyle at the castle with a night in their
newly-opened Royal Chamber. The suite o ers a four-poster bed, bathtub for two, plus stunning views over the estate, rivers and villages beyond. To experience life as a King in the Royal Chamber, prices start from £495 a night, including a bottle of champagne, chocolates and breakfast for two. Hedingham Castle is also open to the general public, tickets are priced £11 adults, £9 children and under fours go free.
Layer Marney Tower is the tallest Tudor gatehouse in the UK. Built by the 1st Lord Marney, who was a courtier for both Henry VII and Henry VIII, the tower is a magnificent feat of Tudor architecture, and Queen Elizabeth I is believed to have visited the home in 1579. Although not a hotel, visitors can stay at Layer Marney in the self-contained luxurious De Zoette Rooms, which boasts a four-poster bed, and kitchenette. Rooms are priced from £70 per night, or glamp in the beautiful grounds, starting at £450 for three nights.
Ingatestone Hall is another Tudor mansion well worth a visit. The moated manor house was built by Sir William Petre, Secretary of State to four Tudor monarchs and is still owned by the same family today. Today Ingatestone Hall is a fascinating window into history with guided and non-guided tours available of the hall and its gardens on certain days. Entry is £8.50 for adults and £4 for children 5-16 years old.
To discover more, visit visitessex.com
“Layer Marney Tower is a magnificent feat of architecture, the tallest Tudor gatehouse in the UK”
HASLERS FOUNDATION ANNUAL QUIZ
The best business brains from across the area have once again competed against each other in the ninth annual Haslers Foundation Charity Quiz. Held at West Essex Golf Club, Chingford, the event saw over 100 people turn out to raise money for the Haslers Foundation – the in-house charity of Loughton based Haslers Chartered Accountants. The Foundation aims to relieve poverty and financial hardship; relieve sickness and preserve health; and help young people throughout London, Essex, Hertfordshire and Middlesex. Woodford Athletic Club were the champions of the night and the quiz raised £7,815.
Round sponsors were Abrahams Dresden Solicitors, Aquabridge Law, Barclays Bank, Hightower Wealth Management, Meaby & Co, MCA Trust, SRM Wealth Management, Utilize and Weston Homes. There were also ra e prize donations from 8Rocks, Charles & Mike Distilling, Consort Insurance, Embryonix, Eric Ross Jewellers, Mangrove, Mike Seabrook, Oak-Tree Schools, O ce Needs, Tom, Dick & Harrys, and Weston Homes. The top ra e prize, a PS5, was won by Paula from the Frank Charles Give a Gift Appeal. The Foundation would like to make a special thank you to those who attended from the following charities: CHESS Homeless, Frank Charles Give a Gift Appeal, Haven House Children's Hospice, St Clare Hospice, and The Dream Factory.
Jon O'Shea, Chairman of Haslers Accountants and its Foundation, says: "We had another fantastic turnout again this year and we are astonished at how much this ever popular event helped us to raise for Haslers Foundation.
"None of this would have been possible without the support of the businesses that sponsored the event and took part, so a huge thanks must go to them. The
money raised at this event makes a massive di erence to local causes.
"Also, a huge thank you to those businesses that generously donated gifts to our ra e, which helped make the ra e a huge success."
This is just one thing that makes Haslers such a special company. They o er a complete service that parallels the “Big 4” accounting firms, but focused enough to work with you on a personal basis. Their Partners are all specialists in their chosen fields of expertise
consistently working together across matters, meaning you benefit from joined-up, Partnerled advice with broad skills and experience on all aspects of your financial a airs.
As a complete financial service centre, their work is uniquely integrated covering the full spectrum of a business lifecycle. As such their clients grow with them – for over 70 years they have been committed to providing high quality, personal bespoke services to help businesses prosper.
They are fully rounded business advisers assisting clients with the long term planning of their business. They ensure that client insight and feedback is at the heart of their service. They listen to clients and create value through their thorough understanding of their business and the issues they face, enabling them to provide bespoke solutions.
Their people, though, are their greatest asset – they have a culture that attracts and retains the best people. Their reputation of technical excellence, knowledge and capability is the result of a wide range of qualifications and experience held by their sta .
To find out more about Haslers and the Foundation, visit haslers.com
Church Street Tavern has launched a new daytime menu including brunch dishes, small plates and sharing platters – perfect for sharing or delicious as a light bite this spring season. The chic and contemporary bar and restaurant in the centre of Colchester prides itself on being a local hub, the perfect place to pop in for brunch while you’re shopping, a lunch meeting with friends or colleagues, for pre-theatre drinks before visiting The Mercury Theatre, or for dinner or Sunday lunch in the stunning dining room. churchstreettavern.co.uk
It’s nigh on a decade since Tu on Hall started producing wines from their Halstead farm and, now, their tight knit team are reaping the rewards
By MARK KEBBLE
Welcome to life on the vineyard.
Since 2014, Tu on Hall have been producing award-winning wines from their farm in Halstead, farmland which their family has been working for over 100 years.
Tu on Hall is at the heart of the Crowther family. Everyone plays their part – even their wines bear the names of daughters Amelie, Beatrice and Charlotte. The family all have parts to play in the running of the vineyard, the wine production and the warm welcome they extend to you.
“It was my great grandfather that started this, he was a farm worker who worked very hard,” Angus Crowther, one of the current members of the family overseeing operations at Tu on Hall, says. “He gave some land to my gran and in turn my father built the farm up, and I was one of the first people around here to take the plunge – 10 years ago we planted our first vines.
“Everyone told me I was mad,” Angus smiles, “it was a very good wheat field, so what do I know? When everyone is telling
you not to do it, it’s almost quite a good thing as others would not have done it. I am pretty pleased with what we have done and how we have gone about it so far.”
The family undoubtedly know this land; it’s seen the skills of over four generations of their family. “The team we have is amazing,” Angus says. “Pod, my wife, is in charge really, and we have Liz who is in charge of wine sales, Lesley the vineyard, and Raoul and his team of amazing Romanian workers. Lesley is 77, but his diligence and ability to get stu done in the vineyard is extraordinary.”
They pride themselves on bringing you quality wines, each a product of caring and crafting at every stage. They tend their vines and pick the grapes by hand. “I am my own worst enemy with the wine. If it’s not good enough, I can’t stand it,” Angus says. “I am the first judge of if it is good enough or not, so I work very closely with our winemaker to make sure it is good enough. When the masters of wine are tasting our wine and saying it’s amazing, and last year with the Rose it got the national gold, I was just incredibly proud that people who know what they are talking about love Tu on Hall wine and I think we are starting to get on the map because of that.”
Each bottle of Tu on Hall wine is the product of skilful crafting, hand-picked grapes and pride in what they do. They know their viticulture and the proof, you’ll find, is in the tasting. And, what could be more romantic than to hold your wedding ceremony in the gorgeous atmosphere of an English vineyard with picturesque views across the North Essex countryside?
In this month where we celebrate all things weddings, Tu on Hall is certainly a venue with a di erence. After your ceremony, you can enjoy the award-winning
English wines with your guests on their stunning terrace, then eat and dance in their beautifully converted 16th century barn before retiring to the onsite accommodation.
They o er a choice of four approved caterers and invite you to liaise with them directly to discuss your ideas, requirements and budgets so they can create a bespoke menu for your wedding breakfast and evening reception. As an alternative for your evening guests, they o er a list of recommended street food suppliers.
Who says a wedding day has to be just a day? It is so important to make the most of your celebrations after months of planning, so Tu on Hall are delighted to invite you to extend your wedding with a stay in their gorgeous on-site accommodation.
Just a stone’s throw from the Cellar Door (where they host tasting events) is The Farmhouse, which sleeps 12 and is the perfect place to relax and unwind with friends and family at the end of your dream day. The Poacher’s Hut and The Grain Silo are situated out in the award-winning vineyard just a short stroll away. Both sleep two and o er beautiful views of the vines to be enjoyed from private terraces, each with a firepit and a two-person hot tub.
It all amounts to a vineyard like no other. “We certainly bring a lot more attention to detail,” Angus states. “We are local, we are small, and each year will be slightly di erent. I just think it’s part of the attractiveness of the vineyard that we don’t have a single style. We are single estate, a lot of vineyards buy in grapes – we use the same grapes on site, from the same vineyard and that’s all we will ever do. It’s a little bit unique, but we will continue to do it.”
tu onhall.co.uk
“Everyone told me I was mad, but what we do is a little bit unique”
Recipes from the Indian diaspora in Modern Britain
Words SARAH WOODS
Serves 4-6
• 1 cup brown lentils
• 1 teaspoon whole coriander seeds
• 4 green cardamom pods
• Vegetable oil, for cooking
• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
• 5cm cassia bark
• 4 whole cloves
• 1 dried Kashmiri chilli (optional)
• ½ a star anise
• 1 large brown onion, finely diced
• 20g ginger, grated
• 20g garlic, grated
• 1–2 teaspoons minced green finger chillies, or to taste
• 2 teaspoons sea salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon garam masala
• 40g butter
• 1 tablespoon tomato purée
• 375ml water
• 150ml passata
• 3 x 400g tins of black beans, drained
• A pinch of Kasuri methi
• 1 tablespoon Greek yoghurt
• 2 tablespoons double cream
• Fresh coriander, to garnish (optional)
METHOD
1 First cook the brown lentils –you’ll need a large lidded saucepan. Read the packet instructions; don’t overcook them into a mush. You need three to four times the volume of water to lentils, so 3–4 cups of water. Bring to a rapid boil, then reduce to a simmer. Skim o any scum, and don’t allow the pan to go dry. Remove from the heat, and set aside.
2 Toast the coriander seeds in a dry frying pan and transfer to a pestle and mortar. Lightly grind and set aside. Add cardamom seeds to the mortar, with a pinch of salt to act as an abrasive, and grind to a powder.
3 Now make the tarka, the foundation of every curry. In a large sauté pan or similar, activate your whole spices – cumin seeds, cassia bark, cloves, dried chilli and star anise – in 3 or 4 tablespoons of oil on a medium to high heat. When the aromas waft up, tip in the onions, crushed coriander and cardamom, and reduce the heat. Give these at least 10 minutes or so to allow the onions to soften and become translucent.
4 Add the ginger, garlic and chillies, cook for a couple of minutes, then add salt and garam masala. Toast for 30 seconds, then drop in half of the butter. Once melted, add the tomato purée and give everything a good mix. You want a few minutes to
cook the purée out. Add some water, about 125ml, to help it on its way.
5 Pour in the passata and bring to the boil, then simmer for a few minutes. When you see the oil separating on the surface, it’s time to taste and make your adjustments.
6 Stir the cooked lentils and beans through the tarka. You’ll need extra water too, about 250ml. Ensure everything is mixed well, then bring to the boil and immediately reduce to a simmer. Taste again – you’ll probably need more salt. Add the methi, the rest of the butter, yoghurt and cream, holiding some cream back for a decorative swirl before serving. Allow to simmer for a little longer – say another 10 minutes or so.
7 Pair with whichever bread takes your fancy, or with rice. I serve it with black cardamom rice, charred aloo gobi, yoghurt and a crunchy slaw.
Serves 4-6 (as a starter)
• 3 large black aubergines
• Vegetable oil, for roasting and cooking
• Sea salt
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, plus extra for roasting
• 1 star anise
• 1 large brown onion, finely sliced
• 2 green chillies, split in half
• 7g ginger, grated
• 7g garlic, grated
• 0.5. teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus extra for roasting
• 150ml passata
• 1 teaspoon tomato puree
Garnish
• Labneh (or thick Greek yoghurt)
• Curry oil
• Finely diced red onion
• Dill fronds
• Pomegranate seeds
• Pomegranate molasses
1 Set your oven to 200°C fan.
2 Start by prepping the aubergines. Use the largest aubergine for presentation – put that to one side. Fire up the two largest rings on your gas hob, on maximum. Place the other 2 aubergines directly on the flames.
3 Back to the presentation aubergine: cut this in half from top to bottom. Dice one half into chunky 2.5cm pieces. Lightly score the other half around the entire perimeter, about 0.5cm from the edge, then score the middle in a criss-cross; don’t pierce the outer skin.
4 Keep an eye on the flaming aubergines. Use tongs to turn them and ensure each side is charred.
5 Place the diced aubergine in a large mixing bowl, toss with a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil, and season with sea salt and a sprinkle of cumin seeds. Gently massage the scored aubergine half all over with a scant amount of oil. Place it cut side up on a lined baking sheet and season with a little sea salt. Place the diced aubergine alongside it.
6 Your charred aubergines will be ready by now too. Lift these on to a separate lined baking sheet. Roast all the aubergines for 20 minutes, or until they are very soft when squeezed. The aubergine half and dice
may need an extra 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
7 Meanwhile make the masala. Heat 3 or 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a medium to large saucepan on a medium to high heat. Add the whole spices– cumin and star anise – and when they start to release their aromas, tip in the onions and chillies and reduce the heat. Cook the onions low and slow for 15–20 minutes, to lightly caramelize them. Add the ginger and garlic and let them cook out for a couple of minutes.
8 The aubergines should be ready to scoop out by now. First the presentation half: using a spoon, gently scoop out the flesh, being careful not to break the skin, and set aside. Next cut the charred aubergines in half from top to bottom, and gently spoon that flesh out too, discarding the charred exterior. Roughly dice the flesh, then place in a bowl and set aside.
9 Once the onions have caramelized, add the ground spices: turmeric and garam masala, and the salt. Toast these for 30 seconds, then add the passata and tomato puree. Increase the heat and bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 7–8 minutes.
10 Stir in the aubergine flesh (this is often referred to as caviar) and the diced pieces. Mix thoroughly and simmer for 5–10 minutes or so.
11 Smother your serving plate with a thin layer of labneh or Greek yoghurt. Place the empty presentation aubergine half on top and load it up with the hot bhurtha. Garnish with finely diced red onion, dill fronds and pomegranate seeds. Drizzle with curry oil and pomegranate molasses, and tuck in with toasted charcoal sourdough, naan or crispy seeded lavash flatbread.
Serves 4 (with leftover tikka for wraps)
Green/hariyali marinade
• 30g fresh coriander leaves
• 15g fresh mint leaves
• 50g young leaf spinach
• 10g ginger, grated
• 10g garlic, grated
• 1–2 teaspoons minced finger chillies
• Juice of 1 lime
• Vegetable oil – a few generous glugs
• 250g Greek yoghurt
• 1½ teaspoons sea salt, or to taste
• 1½ teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 level teaspoon ground turmeric
• 6–7 skinless and boneless
chicken thighs
Rice salad
• 1 large red pepper
• 1 red onion
• 2–3 charred baby leeks (optional)
• Vegetable oil, for cooking
• Sea salt
• A sprinkle of cumin seeds
• 1 sweetcorn cob
• 250g cooked black rice
Dressing
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Juice and zest of 1 lime
• 1 small clove of garlic, grated
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• A pinch or 2 of sea salt
• ½ teaspoon light brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon Kashmiri chilli powder
• ½ teaspoon chilli flakes
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh coriander
• ½ teaspoon pomegranate molasses
Garnish
• Fresh coriander and mint leaves
• Red chillies
• 65g pomegranate seeds
• Finely sliced spring onions
• Charred lime wedges
1 Start with the hariyali marinade. Blitz the coriander, mint, spinach, ginger, garlic, chillies and lime juice in a blender along with a few generous glugs of vegetable oil –enough to make a thick paste.
2 Put the yoghurt into a large mixing bowl and stir in the green paste, then mix in the salt, garam masala, ground cumin and turmeric thoroughly.
3 Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces, place in the marinade, cover and leave to marinate in the fridge, overnight ideally or for at least 2–3 hours. Preheat the oven to 200°C fan. Cut the pepper and red onion into 2cm chunks, coat sparsely with oil, season with sea salt and a sprinkle of cumin seeds and roast until slightly charred at the edges – about 20-25 minutes.
4 Place the sweetcorn under a very hot grill, and grill until cooked and golden all over with a hint of a char. Hold the corn upright, and slice o the kernels. Discard the core and set aside.
5 Whisk all the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside.
6 When you are ready to bring the dish together, cook the chicken under a grill on the highest setting to recreate that fierce tandoori heat; you want a little char without burning.
7 Toss the rice and vegetables (including the charred leeks, if using) with the dressing in a large bowl.
8 Serve your sizzling green chicken tikka on top of the rice salad, adorned with the various garnishes. Divine!
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All food freshly made to order. Set Menu o ered Wednesday to Saturday Lunch: 2 Courses for £20.00 and 3 courses for £25.00
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BALMAIN X BEYONCE
This bustier in hammered metal by the sculptor Elie Hirsch comes with matching spiked bracelets and is worn here with a pareo skirt and gloves in black nappa lamb leather. It's all part of Balmain's new Renaissance Couture Collection, with each look inspired by one distinct strand of the overall genius that sets apart Beyonce’s seventh solo album. balmain.com
By CARLY GLENDINNING
CRYSTAL HAZE JEWELRY
THELMA WEST
18k Rose Gold and Brown Ceramic Asscher 8 Earrings with Diamonds, £POA thelmawest.com
ROBINSON PELHAM
Orb Midi and Third Eye 14k Gold Diamond Single Hoop Earring, £1,020 net-a-porter.com
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The Coral Earrings, £340 theysso.com
NAK ARMSTRONG
18k White Gold Earrings with White Diamonds, Aquamarine, Labradorite, and Andalusite, £41,200 nakarmstrong.com
REZA
18k Yellow Gold and Diamond Longue Earrings, £48,000 worldofreza.com
ELLA STERN
Sero Earrings, £230 ellastern.com
EMILY P. WHEELER
18k Yellow Gold and Enamel Cheshire Earrings with Morganite, £38,300 emilypwheeler.com
MIPHOLOGIA
Pearl Earrings in Gold, £122 miphologiajewelry.com
Weddings at Greenwoods Hotel and Spa
Exclusive hire of our Garden Suite, Gazebo and Garden Terrace
Alcoholic Reception Drink Per Adult
3 Course Wedding Breakfast followed by Tea and Coffee
Half Bottle of House Wine Per Adult Glass of Prosecco for toasts
House DJ
Evening Buffet of Sausage and Bacon Baps with Wedges
Bridal Suite Night of Wedding
Single Organza Chair Sash on our Chiavari Chairs
£8,995
Price based on a minimum of 60 day guests and 100 evening guests Any Remaining date in 2023
Little Mistress, available at Next stores across Essex, have a range of gorgeous dresses and jumpsuits perfect for weddings, holidays and the races
Weddings / Parties / Business Events and so much more...
A choice of historic, traditional and contemporary surroundings, a range of wonderful rooms accommodating 10 to 200 guests, picturesque riverside location, beautiful gardens & superb catering.
behind
new collection Diamonds and Rust is
image of the wild, freespirited woman of the Sixties.
aura, mystical moments, wild roses, sweet scented candles, blaring music and fearless dancing into the night. An inspiration that finds its voice in Joan Baez’s soundtrack Diamonds and Rust. Turn on the soundtrack and get into the vibe. lihihod.com
La Maison Couture x Tomasz Donocik's beautiful Busia Collection will raise funds for the Earthbeat Foundation. lamaisoncouture.com
Merve Bayindir's new millinery collection breaks bridal boundaries and caters for a new age of brides. All pieces are handmade. mervebayindir.com
Dried flowers remain the uber stylish choice and Shida Preserved Flowers' wedding collections are exquisitely curated to work with all colour themes and styles. These beautiful natural flowers last up to a year and will make a strong statement on the big day. shida.florist
Our recommendation for wedding fizz? Historic French producer Champagne De Saint-Gall has arrived in the UK and the Premier Cru Rosé is delicious. de-saint-gall.com
Elizabeth Scarlett's wedding pouches have either ‘bride’ or ‘bridesmaid’ embroidered onto the luxurious velvet base in beautiful script lettering. A great gift for a bride or her bridesmaids. elizabethscarlett.com
Eres' Oisive range offers a delicate and refined silhouette. Made of silk satin and Leavers lace, the pieces come in a soft, sunny colour palette: Calcaire, a rosy beige; Canisse, a fresh sand yellow; and Muscade, a chestnut brown. eresparis.com
Authentically handcrafted in Spain, these romantic, satin, striped and embroidered espadrilles have high and mid-height rustic, jute wedges that are comfortable and sure-footed for sandy beaches and lush lawns everywhere. penelopechilvers.com
Aspiga’s first bridesmaid collection features chic, pretty and understated dresses in this season’s on-trend lilac and navy. They are simple tea dresses designed to be worn beyond the wedding, perfect for all summer occasions. aspiga.com
Rich in texture, Ella Stern's Molten Sow Ring is set with aqua, pink sapphire, yellow sapphire, citrine and star set diamond sides in 9ct recycled gold. ellastern.com
Everybody knows that the coolest brides wear Terry de Havilland. The classic platform sandal comes in all shades and metallics. terrydehavilland.com
Q Before Ri Ri’s launched, what were you doing?
A Promotional work, lash extensions and the occasional acting job as I did train as an actress in 2010. I worked mainly for Coca Cola. I had the pleasure of working on the Olympic Torch Relay in 2012 on the performance squad travelling the country on the iconic Coca Cola Float.
Q Why, back in 2013, did you want to open your own shop?
A I had been saving with my then partner to buy a house. We were disagreeing on where we wanted to be based so I just said if the perfect shop came up I would gamble my life savings and set up shop. It had always been a dream of mine to own a boutique, but never a plan. The very next day I walked past the estate agents looking at potential homes and the lady put the advert for my shop into the window. It was scary having said what I said just the night before. We went and had a look the very next day and I decided to jump in with two feet. I knew absolutely nothing about running my own business so I have had to learn along the way, but to be in business almost 10 years on, with multiple stores, is something I am very proud of.
Q How much of a gamble was it for you?
A Massive! I put every penny I had saved into setting up Ri Ri’s and it obviously meant I had to put our plans of buying a house on hold. Luckily it paid o and we managed to buy our own place a few years later. I do think if I hadn’t taken the plunge I would probably still be doing promo and or working for someone. I do feel ever so lucky I took the leap of faith.
Q How did it feel when you first opened your doors?
A Petrified but excited. I had the sheer determination to make sure it paid o . I worked six days a week, 13 hour days as I used to do my current lash clients before work from 8.30am, open shop at 10 and then more lash clients after closing until about 9.30pm. I was determined to make it work and cover my costs.
Marking our weddings special, Ria Carroll talks about a decade in business, Miss World and why Billericay was the perfect match
RIA CARROLL
Q From day one, what did you o er?
A We originally started out selling a bit of everything. Party wear, lounge wear and a bit of prom. Prom very quickly became our 'thing' and within three years we were a “Prom Shop”. I then ventured into Bridal during Covid (an extremely silly time to do so), but we made it out ok and we recently opened Rivers Bridal in February. It has been crazy busy ever since.
Q How have you evolved over a decade?
A We naturally evolved, which has been the most amazing thing. It’s all just fallen into place and I am so proud that we now have such a lovely reputation throughout the UK. We get people travelling to us from all over, we have even had people fly in from Ireland to shop with us.
Q During the time you established Ri Ri’s, you also had your Miss World experiences
– how do you look back on that time?
A I delved into pageantry because I was selling so many dresses to pageant girls, so thought why not me? It was such a crazy year and I am so grateful for my experiences.
There were 74 countries at my finals in China and to be able to represent my country as Miss England was just incredible.
Q What services do you o er brides to be?
A We o er a super exclusive VIP one to one shopping experience. You have the whole boutique to yourself with your bridal party and we promise to make it the most magical and fun shopping experience ever. Our bridal experts are passionate about their roles and they love making brides' dreams come true and we aim to do that with every bride that walks through our doors.
Q How do you help putting brides at ease?
A We always start by getting to know the bride and her party. Firstly by them giving us as much information as possible, not only about their big day, but about herself in general. This is very important. Her likes and dislikes are top of the list as this will help us pick out some dresses based on her preferences. We find by listening to the brides and then personally helping them with picking their styles is so beneficial because we do know our
dresses so well and can sometimes see how amazing they will look in certain dresses before they’ve even tried them on. Always keeping in mind the styles that will suit their body shape helps to get brides in dresses they love and feel comfortable in straight away. We want to make sure we are doing everything right for them.
Q Who are the designers you work with and why have you chosen them?
A Evie Young, Phoenix, Rachel Allen, Maddison James, and Danielle Couture. We love our designers and have chosen them as their styles are so varied. We cover all styles/themes/vibes across the labels, which is great as we have most brides covered whether you want beach vibes/boho chic or big classic ball gowns. We’ve got it all!
Q How did the TV side of your business come about and do you love doing that?
A We are approached all the time for di erent TV shows and we’ve been lucky to have been involved with some really amazing shows. It’s definitely brought customers in from further afield and it’s put us on the map for sure. We have been in talks about us having our own reality TV series in the past on a few occasions, so I would like to think we might have some more TV shows in the future.
Q What’s big for weddings in 2023?
A We are seeing a lot of plain satin structured designs with pearl detailing, which I just love! It’s 100% my vibe so I just now need to find a potential husband so I can wear one.
Choosing the perfect wedding ring is an important decision that will stay with you forever. It’s a symbol of your love and commitment to your partner, and it’s important to get it right. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide on the perfect wedding ring. Here are some top tips to help you, from the experts at Baker Brothers Diamonds.
Choosing a wedding ring is not something that you should leave until the last minute. You should start looking for your ring at least three months before the wedding day. This will give you enough time to explore all your options, compare prices, and find the perfect ring that suits your taste and budget.
Your wedding ring should reflect your personal style. When choosing a ring,
consider what type of jewellery you normally wear. If you prefer something simple and classic, a traditional gold or platinum band might be a perfect choice. If you love unique and bold, consider something with diamonds or coloured gemstones. At Baker Brothers, they o er a wide range of wedding rings in di erent styles, including classic, modern, and vintage-inspired designs.
The metal you choose for your wedding ring will play a big role in how it looks and feels. Gold and platinum are the most popular choices for wedding rings. Gold is a classic choice and comes in di erent colours such as yellow, white, and rose. Platinum is a popular choice for those who want a
durable, naturally white and hypoallergenic metal. Remember, your wedding ring is something that you will wear every day, so it is essential to choose a ring that suits your lifestyle. If you have an active lifestyle, consider a ring that is durable and scratch resistant, such as platinum.
If you’re considering a diamond set wedding ring, it’s important to choose the right diamond. The 4Cs of diamonds – cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight – all play a role in the overall quality of the stone. At Baker Brothers, their expert diamond specialists sit and help you choose the perfect diamond for your wedding ring, based on your preferences and budget.
Getting the right size for your wedding ring is essential for your comfort and the longevity of your ring. It’s important to have your finger measured by a professional to ensure the perfect fit. Baker Brothers o er free sizing for your convenience, ensuring that your wedding ring fits perfectly on your finger and against your engagement ring.
Wedding rings come in a wide range of prices, and it’s important to choose one that fits within your budget. At Baker Brothers, they o er a wide range of wedding rings at di erent price points, so you’re sure to find one that fits your
budget and your style. They are also able to work with you to create something unique due to their established connections with renowned UK-based goldsmiths. Choosing the perfect wedding ring is a big decision, but with these top tips, you’re sure to find the right one for you. Whether you’re looking for a classic gold band or a unique diamond ring, Baker Brothers has a wide range of options to choose from. They pride themselves on their commitment to quality, excellence, and customer satisfaction, and they look forward to helping you choose the perfect wedding ring to symbolise your love and commitment.
bakerbrothersdiamonds.com/weddings
“Cut, colour, clarity and carat weight all play a role”
That Amazing Place is a 5* rated wedding venue and one of only a handful of country houses to o er exclusive use of the venue for your wedding day. This means that their 15th century country manor house with stylish and contemporary interiors is exclusively yours for the day and night of your wedding. Licenced for civil ceremonies, there is a choice of elegant ceremony rooms and during the summer months couples can choose to say their vows alfresco, beneath the outdoor gazebo next to the lake.
For dining, there are no minimum guest numbers and the maximum capacity for a traditional seated wedding breakfast is 150 guests. With a picturesque location and breathtaking views of the grounds and lake, That Amazing Place o ers the perfect backdrop for your wedding day. From the long driveway up to the house on arrival, to enjoying reception drinks on the patio with views of the lake, all of your guests will enjoy the stunning
scenery That Amazing Place has to o er. New for 2023, and situated within the grounds of That Amazing Place, is their bridal preparation accommodation, The Wedding Lodge, which has been lovingly renovated for the ultimate pre-wedding night experience. The stunning large house has four double bedrooms (sleeping up to eight guests), one bathroom, one shower room and one downstairs toilet. There is also a large kitchen/dining room, lounge, bridal preparation room, hair/make up room, and a beautiful large garden (perfect for relaxing drinks the night before the wedding and beautiful photos the following morning).
The bridal party will be able to access this house the night before the wedding and relax with a takeaway and maybe a bottle or two of prosecco! They can then get ready there the following morning, with hairdressers and make-up artists being able to arrive early to ensure enough time to get ready, before moving over to the wedding cottage in the main venue prior to the ceremony.
This house has a totally separate entrance to the venue itself, so does not a ect the exclusivity that a wedding couple has on their wedding day. In addition to this, if it is not being used on the night of the wedding, it will be possible to book this out for extra accommodation for your guests on the wedding night itself.
This is such exciting news and we are sure this new addition will enhance the journey for the bridal party and make the whole “getting ready” experience totally stress free.
thatamazingplace.co.uk
That Amazing Place in Harlow has a new addition for 2023 that makes the venue extra special
CHANEL
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By PENDLE HARTE
I’m not a gym person. Never in my life have I spent more than 15 minutes in a gym, and when friends talk about the gym, I zone out. Gym-going is one of the things that I just don’t do, like owning a dog, or watching football. It’s for other people. But, I used to think that having children and caring about your garden was something other people did, until I did them too. Also: baking cakes, mountain biking, unblocking the sink. I do all of those things now. Obviously, things change. And in middle age, the gym begins to beckon. The combination of lockdown, working from home, a sedentary job and my advancing years is an unfortunate one, leaving me wondering what was happening to my clothes. They just didn’t feel quite right. Maybe they had shrunk in the cupboard. I must have known, subconsciously, what was going on because somehow I found myself in the gym standing on a scanning machine in my bare feet. The F45 phenomenon is wellknown – everyone I have talked to has heard of it, but I hadn’t (it’s for other people). F45 is
a global phenomenon originating in Australia, and the popular signature 45-day challenge is designed to deliver tangible results in just six weeks. Could I become that person?
The journey starts with a body scan that delivers alarming results: my body fat percentage (high), muscle mass (low), visceral fat level (also high – and this is the bad one, an indicator of future stroke, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other nasties). Plus, of course, weight (almost 10kg more than I was used to). The scanner delivers me an overall score: 64 out of 100, which is worse than it might sound, because the best scores are in fact over 100. The message is clear: I am a candidate for the challenge.
My first class at the Chelmsford studio is eye-opening. The instructors give us a brief demonstration, in a very upbeat way, of each movement to come, and they all look harmless enough. There are nine di erent stations, and the idea is to do 40 seconds of work, then 20 seconds of rest; three sets in each station, then move on to the next one. Equipment includes kettlebells, dumbells, barbells, ybells, resistance bands, sandbags.
Sta are so friendly and encouraging that the whole thing seems like it’s about having fun. But once we start, it’s a di erent story. Each of these harmless-seeming exercises is not harmless at all. To start there are jumps and burpees, which make 40 seconds into an eternity. One exercise involves running sideways across the room – again, looks fine, but feels torturous. And then there are the weights. Even the lightest weights defeat me. I’m easily the worst in the class. But because each exercise is relatively brief, with small breaks in between – and because the whole thing lasts just 45 minutes including the intro and warm-up – I manage to get to the end. Simona, the lovely instructor, texts me after I leave to check if I’m ok. She admits it was a hard class, because "the cardio ones are the worst".
F45’s winning formula is all down to psychology. Everything is geared towards pushing you hard, but not so hard that you give up. So I’m back the next day, for a resistance workout that focuses on the upper body. It takes me a while to get the hang of the circuit – it’s faster than yesterday’s and
seems to be over quite quickly, but then I see we have to do it again. Almost instantly I’m experiencing extreme arm fatigue, even though I am lifting much lighter weights than everyone else. Still, I’m not humiliated, though I’m grateful for the lack of mirrors in the room. There’s another congratulatory text when I get home, and I’ve been added to a Whatsapp group where people share ba ing screenshots showing their progress graphs.
Each class has an aspirational name that makes it sound more glamorous than the reality. Miami Nights, for instance, might
imply a pool party on Ocean Drive, but in fact it’s sweating in a basement in Brighton. Foxtrot is not a dance. Mont Blanc is not downhill. But it’s all part of the winning F45 psychology, which clearly works. There are no clocks, but screens show a live countdown of how much of the session is left. With class content changing on a monthly basis, there’s enough variety so that it’s never boring– and the idea is that if you’re doing the Angry Birds class, say, then so is everyone else in the F45 world. Classes are the same everywhere, so if you want to continue training as you travel, you could visit the nearest F45 franchise, as if it were an AA meeting.
The challenge also includes a nutrition plan, which is much better than it sounds, and there’s an idiotproof app that gives you a menu for each day (three meals plus two snacks) including recipes and even a shopping list that you can add straight to your supermarket order. Obviously there’s no
sugar – and no alcohol – and the focus is on protein, but the recipes are in fact pretty good and you’re even allowed (some) carbohydrates and sweet treats, most of them featuring oats, peanut butter and protein powder.
After about five classes, it’s getting easier and I’m choosing heavier weights. Two weeks in I’m no longer in pain the next day, At class 21, I realise that I’m finding it quite manageable (though the class after that wipes me out). The progress is clear: my posture is better, my shoulders feel freer and my clothes feel more normal. After six weeks, it’s time for another scan and results are impressive. My body fat percentage is down, my muscle mass is up. I have lost several kilos of fat and gained significant muscle. And mentally? Having completed four sessions a week for six weeks, I’m not ready to stop. I’m now o cially a gym person.
F45training.co.uk
“F45’S WINNING FORMULA IS ALL DOWN TO PSYCHOLOGY ”
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The birds are chirping, the rain is falling, and the pollen count will soon be rising, which can only mean one thing: spring has sprung. With the change in the weather comes a new set of seasonal fruits and vegetables bursting with fresh ripe flavours and textures, not to mention antioxidants, minerals, flavonoids, and key nutrients your body loves. The days are getting longer, the air is getting fresher, and everyone seems to feel happier. The season's changing marks a time for all things to come alive and experience renewal.
The next time you head to the supermarket or the farmers’ market, don’t forget to pick up these five spring superfoods and take advantage of them both in flavour and in a healthy function.
Whether you eat them cooked, raw, or juiced, beets are nutritional powerhouses, chock-full of cancer-fighting antioxidants and potassium. Plus, they’re high in folate and iron, both of which are essential nutrients during pregnancy. Beet fibre is excellent for improving bowel function and reducing cholesterol – and according to a study from the American Heart Association, beet juice may help lower blood pressure.
This peppery root is available all year round, but it’s at its prime in the spring.
By KAREN CHESTER
Radishes are well-known for their antibacterial, antifungal and detoxifying properties, making them an excellent addition to your clean diet. Try to include a variety of radishes of all types, including purple, black, ninja, and watermelon.
This deliciously sweet fruit is a great choice that appears in late spring, and the first batches are always the sweetest. Strawberries are a rich source of phenolic antioxidants, which have been found to help reverse inflammation, aid in weight loss and protect against heart disease. They’re also loaded with vitamin C, which promotes immunity, folate and fibre. What’s even better, strawberries are super low in calories – only 49 calories per cup and are especially good and decrease your risk of a springtime cold or flu.
The delicate green stalks are nutrient superheroes. Asparagus is packed with vitamins that are essential for strong, healthy bones; vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant that helps keep the eyes, heart, lungs, kidneys and other organs healthy; and thiamin, which helps maintain brain and liver function. It’s low in calories and carbs and has the benefit of being a natural diuretic, meaning it can enhance your cleansing process. One cup has only 27 calories, more than a quarter of which are from protein.
The next time you make a salad, skip the iceberg lettuce and go for arugula instead. It’s got eight times the calcium, five times the vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K and four times the amount of iron. Like other cruciferous vegetables, arugula contains glucosinolates,which lab studies suggest may fight cancer. A review of 31 studies found that people who ate the most cruciferous vegetables decreased their risk of lung cancer by 17-23%.Try arugula raw or tossed with olive oil and lemon. Or pile it on top of pasta or pizza.
For more information, call 01245
363889
Q How did you come to launch Lab Tonica?
A Prior to launching Lab Tonica I worked in the advertising industry. There was one particular day when I was working late on a pitch and drinking my fifth cup of chamomile tea, when I became struck by how old fashioned and dated most herbal tea packs look. In that moment it became clear to me that there was a gap in the market for a modern herbal brand aimed at a younger, more style conscious audience. With my second baby on the way, it felt like the perfect time to embark on a new direction. My journey also reginited childhood memories of the stories my mum would tell me about her maternal grandmother, Louisa. She was locally renowned in her village as a healer, and she would
“create things in the garden” to help people with their ailments. I like to think that some of her magic and passion has perhaps been passed down to me.
Q What makes herbs so powerful for wellness?
A As humans we are at our most balanced and in tune with the ebb and flow of life, when we work in unison with plants and nature. Living in urban towns and cities removes us from this natural state of being and so I am on a mission to bring back the simple healing power of plants.
Q How are your products developed?
A I wanted Lab Tonica to have the kudos and feel of a boutique perfume brand, but with a more joyful colour palette and down
to earth tone of voice. In terms of product collections, knowing what barriers people struggle with and need natural support with felt very clear to me. We have a huge endemic of stress and sleep problems in the UK, so it was vital I created a collection formulated to support this.
Q How important is sustainability to the brand?
A As a small business it is hard to be the best at everything, but we strive to continuously improve, innovate and evolve. That is why we have zero plastic in our tea packaging, and everything in the box is made from plants. Even the tea bag, inner bag and ‘glue’ that seals the tea bags –everything is compostable. labtonica.co.uk
Enhance your outdoor dining area with a beautiful parasol. The East London Parasol Company's stylish creations were inspired by Keralan temple umbrellas, and founder Lucy Ferguson works with local artisans to design a range for exporting. eastlondonparasols.com
Design is
Spatial Design Architects, who have a HQ in Brentwood, has been a progressive company for over 20 years since launching in 2002. They have explored many forms, materials, and eco-friendly solutions in this time – and along the way have racked up a whole host of awards and recognition.
“We specialise in creating unique homes, larger-scale residential and mixed-use schemes as well as a community sector project,” says the founder, Brendon Robins, of the award-winning RIBA chartered practice. “Spatial Design Architects o er a turnkey solution with all services associated to deliver residential, commercial, community and mixed-use developments.”
It was just over a decade, in 2012, that Spatial Design Architects obtained its RIBA chartered practice accreditation. “This demonstrates to clients and the construction industry in general that our practice is committed to design excellence and customer service. We have been recognised through various awards – both nationally and internationally,” says Brendon. “Our work is mainly UK-based, but has also expanded to include projects in Europe and South Africa. Underlining our core values is a pride in professionalism, experience, and a detail-driven design process, able to cater to your exact requirements – be
Spatial
an award-winning architects based in Brentwood. We chat to the founder, Brendon Robins, about 20 years of success
it through innovative contemporary architecture, or environmentally conscious sustainable architecture.
“At Spatial Design Architects we have a clear ethos; no matter the scale or type of project we are dedicated to delivering a professional service and client satisfaction. We set down standards on design, detail, and delivery, so that we can incorporate our philosophy of design typology, perform clarity in our service and make improvements in delivering di erent construction techniques and procurements on site. Our clients are very important to us. We care about our service, value of the design and the attention to detail that we deliver.
“Our portfolio of work is a great insight into both our current projects, and the
projects we’ve delivered for residential and commercial customers since 2002,” Brendon adds. To highlight exactly what he means, here Brendon has picked out five projects – three completed, two on-going – that truly highlight what Spatial Design Architects have brought to the industry.
BEACH HOUSE
Southend-on-Sea: 786m² New Build Contemporary Home “The existing site incorporated a moderate sized 1950s detached dwelling with fantastic estuary views. The brief was for a replacement five-bedroom house with large open plan living space, indoor swimming pool, gym and play/ entertaining spaces over four floors.
“Since the project was completed the Local Building Control Authority ‘LABC’ suggested that we submit the scheme for their ‘Building Excellence Region Housing Award’ in 2020 – this was successful and won the ‘Best Individual New Home, East Anglia Region’.
“We were also contacted by the UK Property Awards, to submit the scheme for their regional architecture single residence award, and this too was successful and won the ‘Best Architecture Single Residence East of England’ award and qualified for the UK Award. Subsequently the ‘Beach House’ won ‘Best Architecture Single Residence UK’ award and ‘Best International Architecture Single Residence’ Award, an amazing achievement to have such a successful submission and win four awards for this beautiful house that our clients believed Spatial Design Architects could design, detail and deliver.”
MORETON BAY
Romford: 3,390m² New Build 42 No. Apartments Development
“The developers required a full architects’ service, from conception through to completion – co-ordinating all consultants information and being a team leader for 42 apartments within two blocks.
“The proximity of the two blocks sited side by side were designed with zinc sawtooth windows facing the rear car parking areas, to overcome any overlooking. This intuitive design was supported by the planners.
“We have worked closely with many consultants to deliver this project and the ‘Secure by Design’ planning condition was a challenge to meet, however we have secured our client a development that will be awarded a ‘Secured by Design’ GOLD AWARD from the Met Police.”
“We care about our service, value of the design and the attention to detail”
Essex” 450m² New Build Contemporary Home
“The project was a replacement dwelling in a secluded plot surrounded by mature trees and a well landscaped garden. The client’s brief was for the design not to be of traditional typology. Features consisted of underground parking with a green roof, walk on roof lights above the basement within the patio, striking corner oriel windows and full height glazed entrance.
“The main design feature was the large, cantilevered master bedroom that provides a covered canopy area for alfresco dining and a retreat from the sun.
“The clients are so pleased and overwhelmed with the outcome, they have given Spatial Design Architects endless positive feedback throughout.”
OAKS & PINES
Great Warley: 2 No. 378m² New Build Contemporary Houses
“Spatial Design Architects were contacted by our client to undertake the design and gain planning permission for two contemporary family homes each over three floors, inclusive of basements. The site was a former professional greyhound dog training centre, and the development was restricted by the former building’s heights and existing building volumes, due to its location within the metropolitan greenbelt. However, with our greenbelt development strategy we have gained planning permission and undertaken the demolition and clearance of the site over the last six months.
“The project is currently on site and more information to follow on this exciting project.”
Brentwood: 562m² New Build Mixed Use Development
“Spatial Design Architects were contacted by our client to undertake the design and gain planning permission for the redevelopment of this site, a prime positioned plot in Brentwood High Street.
“SDA were responsible for co-ordinating the heritage and daylight-sunlight consultants for the design stages and planning submission – the scheme incorporates 13 flats and commercial ground floor space. The challenge was to create a contemporary development within Brentwood’s conservation area and provide a high street design that was sympathetic with the local heritage assets in proximity to the site.
“Spatial Design Architects have been supported by Brentwood planning department and the planning committee members by gaining planning permission for this exciting development.”
spatialdesignarchitects.com
“We specialise in creating unique homes, largerscale residential and mixeduse schemes”OAKS & PINES HUNTERS YARD OAKS & PINES
How to refresh your home and garden for spring thanks to the latest launches from BoConcept
Bright, birdsong-filled mornings; sun-dappled afternoons; and evenings that stretch out beautifully – spring is a wonderful time of year. It’s only natural, then, that we should want to celebrate it and capture some of the season with a new look around the home.
With more than 70 years of experience designing and producing furniture, BoConcept have plenty of tips and tricks when it comes to home design once spring arrives.
The living room often sets the tone for your whole home, so if you want to invite spring in, there’s no better place to do it. Giving pride of place to spring flowers like dahlias and hydrangeas, in a stylish vase, will definitely bring the outdoors inside.
If you introduce some brilliantly white furniture, not only will you make the most of the spring light, but those flowers will provide a stunning splash of colour by contrast. And
carefully chosen statement furniture can do the same. For instance, you might pair a whitewashed bookcase with a soft green or slate blue armchair. What could be better than sitting back with a book on a spring evening? Whatever additions you make to the living room, white and blue are refreshing colours for the spring. They bring to mind the sea and all things nautical, instinctively relaxing us.
The sun floods in through your window early in the morning – and, as it sets, the sun leaves a show-stopping blend of hues in the evening. Spring certainly shows bedrooms in their best light.
To match nature’s mood outside, you need to make changes inside. It’s time for light colours and materials. Think linen cushions and rounded, carefree forms that verge on the bohemian – nothing too sharp. Of course, rattan furniture is a classic spring look, while lighter, distressed woods also conjure images of spring getaways. Aside from aesthetics, however, there are practical issues to consider. First and foremost is comfort. Higher temperatures mean that you’ll want lighter, more breathable fabrics and throws on your bed, which extends to the sheets underneath.
Yet you might want to go the opposite way for your curtains: sunlight flooding in at dawn isn’t always great for a good night’s rest. If you’re a light sleeper (no pun intended), blackout curtains are a must. Don’t worry, they’re not all burgundy or grey; you can find them in all kinds of lighter tones.
The flowers are blooming, the weather is fresh, and you can hear wildlife all around – spring really is your garden’s time to come alive. There are countless excuses to enjoy your garden during the spring. Perhaps you’re having friends over for the first barbecue. You could be indulging in a leisurely weekend breakfast. Or maybe you’re simply taking advantage of the weather to work from home in an outdoor lounge. And if you can give your outdoor space a sizzling springtime makeover,
you might never want to go back indoors. Outdoor furniture serves a whole range of purposes. It might even have to double up as dining furniture and a place to work. After all, many people now find themselves working at the kitchen table, so why not do the same outside? Whatever you need garden furniture for, light-coloured dining chairs, tables, and loungers suit spring vibes better. And white looks especially good in contrast against the deep greens of garden plants, shrubs, and trees. Don’t worry if your favourite outdoor furniture is a darker shade, though – simply swap it all back around once the cascading leaves of autumn arrive.
If you’re lucky enough to have a large outdoor space, there’s no end to the ways you can bring a springy feel to your garden. One of the most fun ways is with the addition of a beach hut-style shed, which will be just as practical as it is Instagrammable.
If you’re thinking a little smaller than that, some understated garden lighting can really make a di erence, while a firepit will add a rustic feel and keep those long spring nights going – anyone for marshmallows? Or, for a more immediate transformation, how about a new side table and a few well-positioned plant pots?
The coming of spring provides us with a welcome opportunity to change up our decor. Outside, it’s mainly about making the space as comfortable as possible – while sprinkling those whites and light shades about, if you can – so that you’ll be outdoors and taking advantage of the spring as much as possible.
Inside, too, lighter hues are the way to go: for furniture, textiles, and any other additions you might make. And if you’re looking for some further advice, BoConcept’s freeinterior design servicecan guide you on the best ways to turn your home into a place where spring lives
Stores located at Battersea Reach, Harrods, Finchley Road, Notting Hill, Tottenham Court Road, Westfield London, Fenwick Brent Cross, Kingston, Guildford and St Albans. boconcept.com
“THE COMING OF SPRING PROVIDES A WELCOME OPPORTUNITY TO CHANGE UP OUR DECOR”
Exploring five of Essex’s finest public gardens
Enjoy a day out exploring the spacious grounds and estate of one of England’s grandest mansions, Audley End. Whether you’re exploring the servant’s wing, state rooms, stables, kitchen garden or beautiful grounds, you’ll discover what life was like above and below stairs at a Victorian country house.
Take a stroll around the idyllic gardens to see the work of the influential ‘Capability’ Brown who swept away the remnants of a declining formal garden to create extensive views, a serpentine lake, and more natural planting. Don’t miss the elegant garden buildings, such as the bridge of the River Cam, which are the work of Robert Adam, and also look out for the beautifully restored parterre and the walled kitchen garden, which is run entirely on organic principles.
Perfect for a dog walk or a day out in the fresh air with the family, there are acres of spacious parklands to wander around. Admire the stunning views of the Essex countryside
while your little ones wear themselves out playing hide and seek and exploring the grounds. See if you can spot the mature tree collection, including a stunning Cedar of Lebanon next to the house planted in 1762.
Beth Chatto OBE was an award-winning plantswoman, author and lecturer. Her work at the Gardens in Colchester began in 1960. She took an overgrown wasteland of brambles, parched gravel and boggy ditches, transforming it using plants adapted by nature to thrive in di erent conditions: right plant, right place. An inspirational, informal garden has developed.
Beth transformed desolate wasteland that was deemed unfit for fruit farming into a series of gardens. The landscape varied dramatically so that each garden within the garden has become an example of working with nature to find the right plants for the right place.
The Gravel Garden was once a car park, and was originally set up by Beth and her team as an experiment. Now, it is famous for the fact that it is never watered. Despite being situated in one of the driest parts of the country, not being irrigated, and having poor, freedraining soil, it has become renowned for its spectacular display of drought-tolerant plants.
The Scree Garden showcases a large collection of alpines typically found growing naturally on stony, mountainous slopes. The free draining, nutrient poor soil of the Scree Garden provides the perfect conditions for alpine plants to thrive.
The Water Garden includes a series of ponds and moisture loving plants. It's a fantastically serene area and deserving of a visit on a hot day as the temperature by the water is several degrees cooler than the rest of the Gardens.
The Woodland Garden is full of shadeloving bulbs, perennials and shrubs planted underneath a dense canopy of tall oaks, creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquility; and last, but not least, the Reservoir Garden is an open area, redesigned recently in the Beth Chatto style.
From transforming landscapes and panoramic views to superb ornamental horticulture, the popular Dry Garden and wild woodlands – RHS Garden Hyde Hall has inspirational planting for every visitor. The Hyde Hall Gardens Trust was set up in 1976 and then in 1993 the garden became the responsibility of the Royal Horticultural Society, having been bequeathed by the Trust to ensure its future survival. Under ownership of the RHS a number of modifications were made to accommodate growing visitor numbers.
One of the first major garden projects was the installation of a 45-million litre (10-million gallon) reservoir to provide the garden with all its irrigation needs. To further promote its water-e cient ethos, a Mediterraneanstyled Dry Garden was added to showcase a range of drought tolerant plants. The Dry Garden was completed in the spring of 2001 –following one of the wettest winters known.
Creating the Queen Mother's Garden in 2002, a complete renovation of the old Pig Park was undertaken. With the approval of Her Majesty The Queen, The Queen Mother’s Garden has been built as a lasting tribute to The Queen Mother who, as Patron of the RHS, had a long and deep interest in plants and gardening. Today this area has an informal, relaxing style throughout, with meandering paths and rambling roses.
Work then began on an Australian and New Zealand Garden. Designed around mature eucalyptus trees, the area has an authentic Antipodean feel with many native plants such as kangaroo paws, and
“IT HAS INSPIRATIONAL PLANTING FOR EVERY VISITOR TO ENJOY”
tree ferns. Project work continued with the redevelopment of Hermione’s Garden, which is now a true plantsman’s garden with many detailed and unusual species. As a lasting tribute to Hyde Hall’s original owners, the area was renamed to The Robinson Garden. Work at this Essex garden continues at a monumental pace.
Thomas Phillips Price, the last owner of Markshall Estate, could see the global importance of growing our understanding of nature, biodiversity and sustainable land management. With his strong ties to Kew Gardens, he wanted to ensure that nature is always protected, valued and managed sustainably at Markshall Estate. In his will, set out in 1927, Thomas Phillips Price decreed that, upon the death of his wife, Mary, Markshall Estate should be left to the nation for ‘the advancement, in
the interests of the nation, of agriculture, arboriculture and forestry’. The charity was formally approved four decades later in 1971, following Mary’s death in 1966. It is Price’s mission, written almost 100 years ago, which the current custodians follow today. Marshall Estate are champions of landscape conservation and sustainability. Their work focuses on the protection, preservation, and restoration of the natural environment and habitats through the ways in which they manage the land and work with the local community to create a landscape where both people and nature can thrive. They take people on a journey that encourages them to see the world di erently and make positive changes for nature. Through their work, their conversations, and their relationships with their members and visitors, they strive to increase awareness and understanding of environmental, ecological and nature conservation issues.
With some remains of the Augustinian Abbey founded by King Henry II in 1177 still visible, the cloister entry, Abbey gateway, precinct and chapter house walls and the stone bridge over the Cornmill Stream provide an indication to what was once one of the largest Augustinian Abbeys in the country. Today, you can enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Rose Gardens or take yourself and the family on a trail to explore hundreds of years of history as you discover intriguing artworks. Walk just a little further and you enter a very special habitat – Cornmill Meadows, which supports an amazing variety of dragon and damselflies. Cornmill Meadows is one of the best examples of semi-natural floodplain grassland remaining in the park. The mosaic of rivers, ditches and pools make this a fantastic place to see a variety of wildlife throughout the year. Hay meadows, woodland and a network of glades and rides can be found in the adjacent tree park. Spring and autumn are excellent times to visit to see waders passing through the valley, with the possibility of interesting species such as Ru and Black-tailed Godwit as well as Redshank and Common and Green Sandpiper. Summer provides one of the best places in the region to see dragonflies, with over half the UK species found here. In late summer the woodland glades can be worth scouting on a fine evening for large numbers of Migrant Hawker Dragonfly. Follow the circular Dragonfly Discovery Trail which takes in a variety of habitats.
Come and view our new range of home o ces /studios or grab a bargain in our ex-display sale.
Q Tell us a little bit about your business…
A Tuckwells is a John Deere dealership operating out of 10 outlets across Su olk, Essex, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Kent and East Sussex, providing agricultural, ground and turf care and forestry machinery, as well as parts, service, arboriculture equipment and more. We pride ourselves on providing premium machines, brands, equipment, and great customer care.
Q What would you say you are known for?
A We’re known for our John Deere machinery across the range, from domestic ride on mowers, professional turf care equipment and agricultural machinery as well as our expertise. We also sell a vast range of brands such as Stihl, Trimax, Yamaha, BCS, Yanmar, Jenson and many more, meaning we can find a machine that suits you.
Q What makes your business di erent from the competition?
A Tuckwells provides lawnmowers and other equipment to leading golf clubs, football clubs and Royal parks across the east and southeast, so we can o er homeowners that same machinery and knowledge. We also have an experienced, highly trained aftersales team, providing servicing and advice to keep your garden equipment in tip-top condition. We are always looking at the future, helping our customers become more e cient and more economical.
Q What’s new from your business in 2023?
A Our Ardleigh showroom now includes a wide range of ride-on mowers, push mowers, chainsaws and pruning equipment, as well as utility tractors for larger gardens. Plus, you can browse country clothing in our Out and About store at the same time!
Q If we could only buy one thing from your business, what would you suggest?
A Whatever the size of your garden, the best investment you can make is in servicing; an annual service at the beginning or end of the season will ensure your mower or chainsaw starts first time and gives you the smoothest cut and the finest results. Product-wise, for larger gardens, a John Deere 4066R compact utility tractor is the ultimate dream. It is extremely versatile and capable of handling most attachments meaning it is suitable for every job!
tuckwells.com
For over 50 years we have been creating beautifully-crafted products from wood. Every project is as individual as our client’s brief and designed to complement the home it is for, whether it is a period property, a barn conversion or a contemporary residence.
For more information call 01206 735287/01473 365167 or visit www.hall-brothers.co.uk
Imagine being able to enjoy a relaxing cup of co ee and a chat with a friend looking at the garden. Planning an important family celebration with several generations getting together alfresco? Or reading the weekend newspapers in the fresh air on a sunny Sunday? With Hall Brothers’ range of verandas, all of these are possible – without worrying about the weather.
A growing emphasis on the benefits of outdoor living and socialising in the fresh air, together with our unpredictable weather, having watertight cover can make all the di erence between enjoying an occasion without having to rapidly head indoors for cover.
Over the last couple of years, more and more people are choosing to merge the
interior of their home with the outside, adding a stylish undercover area so that they can enjoy the garden all year round.
As a third-generation family-run business, at Hall Brothers they have been designing, creating and installing a wide range of beautiful products to enhance your home for more than 50 years. A commitment to quality, working with first-class materials and using traditional craftsmanship skills are at the heart of their company values. Whether it’s windows or doors, staircases or conservatories, each project is designed to complement your home whether it’s a listed village property, a barn conversion or a contemporary house.
The same exceptional attention to detail applies to their verandas, which are bespoke and designed to suit your space, your home and your lifestyle –from creating a small area for alfresco dining for two through to larger settings for more extensive entertaining.
Starting with a patio or concrete base, their designs work around your individual property with a space at the back, an L-shape around the side or a combination of the two.
Using only high quality hardwood timber which can be painted to colour co-ordinate with the exterior, the roof will be designed to complement the style of your home, following a lean-to or pitched structure. Handrails can be used to demark the space or the veranda can be open-sided to merge seamlessly with the outdoors.
Toughened safety glass means that the veranda maximises the natural light available as well as providing a watertight covering that will protect against even the heaviest downpour and give some shade from the sun. There’s also an option for tinted glass for additional sun protection.
And, in general, the addition of a veranda doesn’t require planning permission, which makes for a straightforward project without undue delays.
So why not make the most of your space and create an attractive outside area that will bring pleasure to you, your family and friends for many years to come? Hall Brothers: contemporary style created by traditional craftsmen.
hall-brothers.co.uk
36-38 Hatch Lane, Chingford London E4 6LQ
London today to explore all our mattresses. One of our knowledgeable staff members can help you find the right mattress and will tell you more about our delivery options.
A durable outdoor Bluetooth speaker with a True360 omnidirectional sound. The Beosound Explore’s grab-and-go shape, optimised weight, and integrated carabiner clip make it extremely portable. Its unique cylindrical form, together with high-performance drivers and amps, deliver the power and acoustical volume necessary for your listening pleasure while camping or hiking.
To take advantage of this o er, please produce this advert at either of our stores shown below.
020 8524 1821
020 8529 5345
bedsbedsbeds.net
Thinking about getting a swimming pool? There's nothing quite like having your own private oasis to escape to, but where do you start? With so many options and decisions to make, it can be overwhelming. That's where Origin can help.
At Origin, they do it all. From the initial design phase to construction, maintenance, and even upgrades and refurbishments, they're there every step of the way. They have over 40 years of experience in the industry and have built a reputation for delivering high-quality, bespoke swimming pools and spas – plus they’re passionate about swimming.
One of the many things that make it easy to go with Origin is their personalised
approach. They understand every client is unique, and they take the time to listen to your needs and desires. They'll work with you to create a design that perfectly fits your lifestyle and budget, whether you’re looking for family fun or a place of well-being, exercise and relaxation. And if you're not sure what you want, don't worry, they'll guide you through the process and provide expert advice along the way.
But it's not just about the initial build. They also o er comprehensive maintenance services to ensure your pool stays in top condition. Their team of qualified service engineers can tailor a maintenance package to meet your specific needs, whether it's routine maintenance, upgrades, or repairs. If you ever want to make improvements to your pool, they can help there too. They o er a range
of refurbishment and upgrade services, from enhancing the energy e ciency of your pool to upgrading essential features such as pool covers and filtration systems. They'll help you keep your pool looking and functioning like new for years to come.
A swimming pool can not only add value to your home, but to your home life as well and Origin know the importance of the decisions which need to be made along the way. As a future swimming pool owner you get to decide what you need from them. They’ll work with you to create a pool that enhances your life.
So if you're looking for a hassle-free way to get your dream pool, look no further than Origin. With their personalised approach, comprehensive services and passion for swimming and family fun, they make it easy to go with them. Get in touch today and find out how you can live the life you want with Origin.
originpools.co.uk
“THERE'S NOTHING QUITE LIKE HAVING YOUR OWN PRIVATE OASIS TO ESCAPE TO”
TOLLY
THORNBACK & PEEL Del Blue Rabbit and Cabbage Tea Towel, £11.95 annabeljames.com
JACQUARD FRANCAIS
Pink Woven Cotton Tea Towel, £19 home-landing.co.uk
ABIGAIL BORG
Strala Peach Tea Towel, £14 abigailborg.com
How the humble teatowel became a style statement
By PENDLE HARTEEDITOR’S
TORI MURPHY Harbour Stripe Tea Towel, £32 torimurphy.com
VILLAGE GREEN HOME
Rolling Green Hills Tea Towel, £12 villagegreenhome.co.uk
TORI MURPHY Tapestry Tea Towel, £32 torimurphy.com
THORNBACK
WE LOVE CUSHIONS Sweet William Botanicals Tea Towel, £12.99 welovecushions.co.uk
THE FOREST £ CO Cotton Stripe Stool, £242 theforestandco.com
THE SECRET LINEN STORE Sid Stripe Natural 100 Linen Bedding, £115 secretlinenstore.com
ANTIPODREAM Retro Fun Stripe Organic Cotton Duvet Cover, £109 antipodream.co.uk
ELOISE HOME Ikat Stripe Fabric in Red Pale Pink, £125 eloisehome.com
ROCKETT ST GEORGE Set Of 4 Colourful Stripe Side Plates, £62 rockettstgeorge.co.uk
FERMOIE Pink York Stripe Small Cushion, £13 fermoie.com
JOULES Stripe Medium Storage Canister, £15 puretabletop.com
SOFAS & STUFF Clavering 3 Seater In Flemish Linen, £3,800 sofasandstuff.com
EDITOR’S PICK
COX & COX Blue Stripe Vase, £75 coxandcox.co.uk
TORI MURPHY Tablecloth Scallop Stripe Claret, £175 torimurphy.com
A fresh vision. A personal approach. A respect for nature’s calendar. A passion for stories. A sense of nostalgia.
Celebrity Cruises have been renowned for their trips to many of the world's most scenic spots, including the Galapagos Islands. For seven glorious days, you'll follow in the footsteps of Darwin, viewing this realm through the eyes of certified naturalists, making discoveries on shore excursions in small groups of travellers. Read more on page 108.
Words by SANDY CADIZ-SMITH
The Tuscan countryside subtly seduces at every step. The gently rolling hills, silvery olive groves, glossy emerald vineyards, medieval hilltop villages, and avenues of statuesque cypress trees create the complete picture of Tuscan splendour. A breathtakingly beautiful land that feels comfortingly familiar as the location of many a film set. The perfect bucolic setting for indulging in la dolce vita to the fullest.
Our charming destination is Palazzo Cheto, just over an hour’s drive from Florence airport and 20 minutes from the gorgeous ancient town of Siena. The final approach through a tree-lined avenue led to a magnificent villa on a hilltop. Originally a 13th-century monastery, Palazzo Cheto has been superbly and sympathetically renovated and has nine individually decorated bedrooms, plenty of living space inside and out, and breathtaking views at every turn.
Our cares soon melted away at Palazzo Cheto. We awoke to a cacophony of birdsong and the sight of the mist swirling through the hills in ghostly gossamer clouds. A
sumptuous breakfast was served in the large dining room (the villa comes with a chef), where we planned our dream-like days. We lounged beside the large swimming pool with plenty of dips for cooling, went for energising walks in the nearby forests, and lazed in the sunshine in many of the spaces around the vast landscaped gardens. We devoured plates of delicious local dishes created by our skilled private chef using seasonal local ingredients. Lunch was served in the shade of the gazebo with breathtaking views towards Siena. We sipped our apertivo beside the pool taking in the sunset views and savoured al fresco dinners and local wine in the inner courtyard with its twinkling fairy lights.
Speaking of wine, when we could tear ourselves away from our palatial Tuscan paradise for a moment, we enjoyed winetasting at nearby Estate Montechiaro in the most picturesque of settings surrounded by vines and olive trees. We also visited the charming ancient town of Siena. It’s built over three hills with the majestic Il Campo at its heart – the square famous for the Palio horse race, contested by representatives of the city’s historic contrade (districts) every summer. Siena is a real feast for
“The perfect bucolic setting for indulging in la dolce vita to the fullest”
Tuscany Now & More is a luxury villa company that offers outstanding hand-picked Italian holiday rental properties in Tuscany and beyond. Each property is personally inspected by one of the team from Italy, who spend several weeks every year visiting the villas and their surrounding areas. Personal service ensures guests can be matched to their perfect villa, and the entire trip can be tailor-made to suit their needs, including unlimited 24-hour concierge services.
tuscanynowandmore.com
the senses with its diverse architecture, incredible artworks, cobbled streets lined with artisanal boutiques, aromatic pastry shops, and tempting restaurants serving tasty local dishes. We explored the streets on foot to absorb the art and culture before soaking up the friendly Tuscan ambiance over a fabulous lunch at Osteria Il Vinaio. A veritable feast of antipasti in many forms, homemade pasta with sublime sauces, and more of that local wine. There are other exciting ways to experience glorious Tuscany, as we discovered when we took to the skies. We awoke early to meander through the winding lanes to our hot air balloon waiting in a nearby dewy field with its multi-coloured balloon ready for inflation. We bravely clambered into the basket and, with a woosh of flames, magically ascended high into a world of perfect stillness and gasp-inducing views that seemed to go on forever. On landing, we were greeted in a field surrounded by olive trees with chilled Bellinis and a spread of local delicacies from pastries to prosciutto. The perfect ending to an exceptional experience. No matter what your perspective, whether it's exploring the beautiful landscape, enjoying the warm welcome across a delicacy-laden table, or flying high hot-air balloon style, Tuscany certainly delivers in its inimitable style. Living la dolce vita indeed.
tuscanynowandmore.com/ villas/palazzo-cheto
“Lunch was served in the shade of the gazebo with breathtaking views towards Siena”
NOW RANKED 22nd BEST PREP SCHOOL by The Sunday Times
Up seven places from last years rankings
You'll always remember the islands that time forgot. In the Galapagos, modern explorers come eye to eye with ancient tortoises, comical birds, and other amazing beasts plus landscapes as fantastical as the animals.
Celebrity Cruises sailings get you up close and personal with the wild wonders of this one-of-a-kind, bucket-list destination on the journey of a lifetime. Few places in the world have remained as unspoiled as the Galapagos Islands, and you’ll be spoiled wildly while you visit them.
For seven glorious days, you'll follow in the footsteps of Darwin, viewing this realm through the eyes of certified naturalists, making discoveries on shore excursions in small groups of travellers. Get closer to the natural world than ever before with environmentally conscious, low impact travel. With a host of activities, adventure is yours for the taking, and coastal explorations, snorkelling and guided experiences bring every island to life. One day, you’ll find yourself hiking from white sand beaches to black lava flows. Next, you’re snorkelling among the sea turtles, marine iguanas, and sea lions.
Completely oceanic, the Galapagos Islands are truly a world apart. Located 600 miles o the coast of Ecuador, this archipelago of unspoiled, isolated
islands will welcome you with its rugged charms and evolutionary wonders. With nearly two decades exploring the region, Celebrity Cruises know the best places to see and give you the best ways to see them. Spot tortoises and bluefooted boobies in their natural habitat. Hike otherworldly volcanic landscapes. Each evening, you'll return to the luxurious, 100-guest, all-suites ship Celebrity Flora, designed exclusively for sailing these islands, and the first and only resort at sea in the region to receive a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Rating. On board relax and enjoy luxury: Sunset Lounge jacuzzi, Observatory, glamping and open-air hideaway cabanas on The Vista. The Penthouse, Royal and Sky Suites all feature an innovative outward-facing concept, designed to ensure the destination remains the centre of your focus.
Enjoy gourmet dining with fresh locally sourced ingredients for a delicious alfresco lunch or dinner under the stars. Revel in stylish design. Sink into exquisite bedding. Bask in the breathtaking views.
Celebrity Cruises Galapagos adventures are blissfully all-inclusive, making your trip as convenient, relaxing, and memorable as possible with stunning accommodation, inspired food and drink, unlimited Wi-Fi – all delivered with superlative service. There’s a di erence between visiting and experiencing. Simply landing on a beautiful island is one thing. Getting to know its science, history, and secrets is quite another.
So join Celebrity Cruises for a rare, unforgettable, life-changing experience.
Contact Abbotts Travel for more details on 020 8989 9445 or email info@abbottstravel.com
“Few places have remained as unspoiled as the Galapagos Islands”
BRENTWOOD SCHOOL
Brentwood School educates over 1,900 pupils from ages 3 to 18, providing an all-round educational opportunity and delivering a first rate academic experience. It is renowned for its rare co-educational system using the Diamond Model, which means boys and girls are taught together until the age of 11, separately from 11-16, and together again in the Sixth Form.
brentwood.essex.sch.uk
Campioni was founded in 2016 to provide fun, high quality football training for children - home and awayand has its roots in Essex, as one of the team writes
By HAYLEY SMITH
hilst holidaying in Sardinia, former professional footballer Andy Johnson and his children were casually kicking a football around each morning at the resort’s football pitch when, before long, they were joined by other holiday makers for these spontaneous training sessions. The excitement and enthusiasm from parents watching their children casually being coached by a former Premier League and England international was quickly recognised by the resort managers and AJ was invited back the following year to launch an o cial football training opportunity for guests in partnership with the resort. After being introduced to AJ by a mutual friend, I joined him to manage the overseas operation and the Campioni Soccer Academy was born.
Since the age of 19 I have organised events. For 12 years I worked within the TV industry hosting international events with broadcasters and celebrities, then upon having children, I worked closer to home delivering fundraising events for our local children’s hospice Haven House.
After a year of managing Campioni overseas (we also partnered with two other five star resorts in Croatia and Portugal during this time) and now having three children myself, I recognised the need in West Essex for professionally run and, most importantly, safe school holiday clubs – a club where parents are
W100% confident that their children are receiving ultimate care whilst having fun with friends. I partnered with Chigwell-based Colebrook Royals FC to launch the school holiday care provider Campioni Soccer Academy Essex, which now successfully runs during every half-term at di erent venues around Chigwell and also at Campion School in Hornchurch and at Heybridge Swifts FC in Malden. We are also now an approved Bright Horizons child care provider too, which I’m thrilled about. I have the pleasure of working with many former professional players and managers who hold UEFA Licensed coaching badges, ensuring that the standard of coaching is the best possible in the area. At Campioni, our coaches are not only passionate about coaching but they are patient, understanding, caring and fun, all character traits required when working with children. Every coach is carefully hand-picked by myself to ensure that our safe and professional reputation within the area is continuously met. We work hard to ensure that every child who joins us is happy, that they improve in their game and that their love for football grows every time they attend one of our camps or weekly training sessions. Our #motivationmonday small group football training sessions are also going from strength to strength, launched by former professional player and manager Adrian Whitbread with Elite Training sessions. We now have Monday night sessions at Debden Park School across all age groups and we recently welcomed former West Ham and Chelsea Academy
UEFA Coach and FA Tutor Andrew Morgan to the Campioni coaching team – these weekly sessions work on each participant's individual development and complement their team training. We love nothing better than to hear from the parents on a Monday that their child has stood out during their Sunday match and that people have commented on their improved performance. Win, win!
During the pandemic and due to the restructuring at two of our European partner resorts, we now only operate from May to October, overseas at Sun Gardens Dubrovnik, an award-winning luxury family resort in Croatia. The unique o ering of our football holidays encapsulates a child’s dream and seeing the delight of children (and parents) meeting their heroes and having the chance to casually chat with them and hang out just doesn’t get boring.
Campioni’s strapline is to “Train like a pro” and when you watch a coaching session, you see that the Campioni footballers aren’t just trading on their names. Their passion is football, and passing their skills and tactics onto the next generation is simply what they love to do.
This year, being a West Ham fan, I am thrilled that Stuart Pearce MBE has agreed to deliver two weeks of training for us during May half-term and then in July, and two more ex-England internationals – Liverpool legend John Barnes MBE and Manchester United legend Wes Brown – will return for their third time to coach with Campioni in August.
I am very proud to have created a positive and fun environment for everyone to enjoy and this year in Croatia choreographer to the stars Aimee Azari will deliver a Campioni Dance Academy for children who wish to stay active and dance their way through the summer! Running at the same time as the football camp, we now have something to o er for the whole family.
A week spent with Campioni on our football holidays is very special. The concept attracts like-minded families who share our family values. When I read our amazing customer testimonials, I honestly shed a tear!
campioni.co.uk
Saturday, 23 September 2023
8.30am - 1.00pm
Forest - Where People Grow
“A must-see option for parents wanting an education that’s so genuinely rounded you could make hoops from it”
Q Could you give us a potted history of Saint Nicholas School?
A Saint Nicholas School was established in 1939 and quickly built up a reputation for its outstanding pastoral care, excellent behaviour and high academic standards. A move to nearby Hillingdon House in 1977 and a substantial building programme in recent years allowed for gradual expansion of the school to its present size of 500 boys and girls, aged three months to 16 years of age. The school has recently achieved a grading of ‘Excellent’, in all areas, from the Independent School Inspectorate and boasts superb facilities including extensive outdoor learning spaces.
Q How long have you been Head at the school and why originally did you want to work there?
A Saint Nicholas is my third headship and I feel privileged to be returning for my second spell at the school, this time as Headmaster. I returned in April 2022, after an eight-year absence where I was Headmaster of both Thorpe House School in Buckinghamshire and Leehurst Swan School in Salisbury. I have always felt that Saint Nicholas has a unique o ering and philosophy, and one of its great points of di erence is the journey it facilitates for its pupils, within a nurturing, family environment. It was this journey, now from three months of
age since the opening of our new Rocking Horse Nursery, that first attracted me to the school. Being a Headmaster is on a par with being a dad, just with a great many more children, and it has been my great privilege to watch many children journey through the school and, since my return, welcome them back with their own children.
Q Does Saint Nicholas have a particular ethos behind its teaching philosophy?
A At Saint Nicholas School, our pupils are at the heart of everything we do. We recognise the uniqueness of each child and it is our privilege to guide them on the road to discovering their talents and achieving their true potential. While the academic core skills are at the heart of the school, Saint Nicholas School is dedicated to teaching pupils how to learn, instilling key learning skills, such as initiative, resilience, collaboration, teamwork and independent thinking. To achieve this goal, ‘Saint Nics’, as it is a ectionately known, has a committed and dedicated sta that know the pupils well and who tailor the journey of each pupil so they can achieve to their own best; preparing them fully for the next phase of their lives.
Q At Little Saints, how do you look to instil a love for learning?
A We make learning fun and engaging and our ‘Little Saints’ experience a balance of child and adult-initiated activities which promote learning through play. Each child has a ‘key person’ who is responsible for a small group of children and our ‘excellently graded’ education is founded on the individual needs of each child. The dedicated outdoor learning spaces – we have a Forest School and a large muddy discovery area set within our stunning grounds – are a real strength of our provision and we recognise the importance of these areas and the learning opportunities they a ord to enrich our children’s experiences.
Q What curriculum do pupils follow as they progress through the age groups?
A The pupils follow the national curriculum, which we adapt to provide more challenge and engagement. Pupils choose their GCSE options at the end of Year 8 and we have been delighted to be able to introduce new GCSE subjects this academic year, which include Astronomy, Business Studies and Photography. As pupils embark on their GCSE subjects a year earlier in Year 9, it provides our highly-skilled teaching sta with the opportunity to enrich, enhance and expand on the current national curriculum.
Q How important is the co-curricular provision at Saint Nicholas?
A At Saint Nicholas we strive to o er the pupils a broad and exciting range of experiences that they may not normally access outside of the school environment. Our co-curricular provision was graded as ‘Excellent’ in our recent ISI inspection and includes sporting clubs, baking, yoga, gardening, debating and a Law Society, to name but a few. Co-curricular visits and residential trips are particularly close to my heart, as they provide pupils with
opportunities to unlock qualities and skills that they would not usually access via the classrooms. This year, Saint Nicholas pupils have visited Berlin and Seville, been skiing in France, participated in Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and discovered the ‘adventurer within themselves’, on outward bound trips to Norfolk Lakes and Avon Tyrrell.
Q As we approach the end of the school year, what are you still looking forward to?
A The summer term is by far my favourite, because we have a great number of events that bring the whole school community together. Sports Day, the school production, the Summer Fayre, Don’t Fret Live (a music concert that is entirely pupil led) and Speech Day are all events where governors, sta , parents and pupils come together and celebrate pupil performance and achievement. These events are always eagerly anticipated and I am left feeling humbled that I lead a remarkable school that makes such a big di erence in the lives of all that are connected to it.
saintnicholasschool.net
“I lead a remarkable school that makes such a big di erence in the lives of all that are connected to it”
After successful admissions events, the Oak-Tree Group of Schools is entering another busy period of conducting tours and tasters for families hoping to secure a place in the schools’ popular Early Years departments.
The Oak-Tree Group’s Early Years Foundation Stage includes Lower Kindergarten, Upper Kindergarten and Reception. Children can start school from the term in which they turn 3 and are able to attend on a part-time or full-time sessional basis during the Kindergarten years. School is full-time from the start of Reception.
Here the Heads of the Oak-Tree Schools talk about the benefits of an independent Kindergarten.
I feel that one of the main benefits of
an Oak-Tree Early Years education is the availability of resources, with some lovely areas that foster learning and development. In addition to their dedicated classrooms and outdoor learning spaces, Early Years children also have access to specialist areas such as the school libraries, music studios, ICT suites, playgrounds, catering facilities and school halls.
We can’t talk about the benefits of an independent Oak-Tree Early Years setting without talking about the smaller group sizes. A nursery attached to an independent school often has below-average class sizes. This means that more resources are available and keyworkers are able to consider the individual needs of each child. We consider this highly important at these early stages of children’s education where we see such rapid development.
Children in the Oak-Tree Group benefit from an enriched learning experience. As we are schools and not standalone nurseries, we aim to provide a more structured learning environment in which the children are encouraged to learn through play. There is a focus on developing language and communication skills, through which so much learning takes place. The curriculum is structured to allow an excellent balance between teacher-led and child-initiated activities, but it is tailored to enable children to work towards achieving the Early Learning Goals with various regular topics, activities, trips and visits.
Starting in a Kindergarten attached to an Oak-Tree school usually enables parents to secure a place automatically for their child in Reception. Our Reception classes fill up quickly. We get to know and form strong relationships with the children right from the start of their school year, so there is far more continuity for them when passing from one year group to another. We also establish relationships with parents from the very earliest opportunity, which develops trust and open dialogues as the children continue through the school.
To find out more and book a tour of the Early Years departments at the Oak-Tree Group,visit oaktreeschools.co.uk
Brentwood School is delighted that four students have received o ers from Oxford or Cambridge Universities. O ers are also coming in for the eight students who have applied to study Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science (MDV) subjects, while other students have been o ered places at prestigious institutions such as the University of Music and Performing Arts, Graz and the Wilkes' Academy of Performing Arts for Musical Theatre.
The four students holding Oxbridge o ers are: Henry O'Hara, Medicine and Surgery, Wadham College, Oxford; Benjamin O'Riordan, History, St John’s College, Cambridge; Abigail Rice, Economics, Queens’ College, Cambridge; and Jacob Stephen, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Emmanuel College, Cambridge.
Tim Sellers, Director of Sixth Form, says: “The School has supported 182 post Sixth Form applications this year, primarily through UCAS. This consists of 172 current students and 10 former students. We have supported eight students with MDV applications and these students are currently interviewing at a range of universities, with o ers being held from Oxford, St George’s and Surrey. Six students are applying to international universities, ranging from the US, to Europe, Hong Kong and Australia, all of which are still in the application process.”
Brentwood School is at the forefront of independent education, providing first class opportunities for its pupils. Brentwood o ers extensive co-curricular opportunities, including excellence in sport, music and drama, the largest optional Combined Cadet Force in the country and a high level of participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.
brentwood.essex.sch.uk
BUCKHURST HILL
IG9
GUIDE PRICE
£1,650,000
Situated in the heart of Buckhurst Hill is this stunning four bedroom mid-Victorian four storey property. The property o ers many fine features such as a superb open plan kitchen / living space, two further reception rooms, three bathrooms, main bedroom with dressing area, garage, o street parking and a delightful 110ft south facing garden with "ZenPod" home o ce.
A stunning and contemporary new home on the prestigious Monkhams' estate, with high specification throughout.
At nearly 6,500 square feet this property is large, and delivers the level of accommodation you would expect. There’s a large family kitchen, reception spaces and five en-suite bedrooms. But what you remember are the extras, such as the swimming pool with its green e ect wall and glass ceiling, along with gym, steam room, and sauna; then there's the full sized snooker room and home cinema to enjoy. All this is supplied to an immaculate level of finish and dressed to impress.
There's a bar and kitchen, hot tub and covered dining. A personal favourite feature is the opportunity to view your collection of cars from within the hallway space; floor to ceiling windows allow your visitors to ogle the garage space and its contents. Everyday shopping facilities and amenities can be found on the Broadway being only 0.6 of a mile away and includes co ee shops, bars and restaurants and a dry cleaners. It's here that you will also find Woodford tube station o ering a swift journey into Liverpool Street. The choice of local schooling at state and private level is one of the main reasons buyers choose to live in this area. Schools include Bancroft and Chigwell Private School, Woodford Wells, Woodford County High School for Girls and Woodford Green Prep School. For outdoors pursuits you are spoilt for choice given that Knighton Woods and Epping Forest are on your doorstep. Walkers, runners, mountain bikers, horse riders and excitable dogs are a popular sight in Epping Forest. Or for those that prefer a more stationary hobby, why not catch up with family and friends at the Kings Oak pub or one of the delightful tea huts.
PRICE
£3,750,000
SELLING AGENT
Savills Loughton
020 8498 6600 savills.co.uk
This home has a street presence that hints at the surprises to come, but it still hugely impresses
It is a pattern that repeats itself time after time, but spring is one of the most popular times of year to market and sell a home.
Traditionally it presents an increase in those looking for a property which assists in procuring the best possible price with the quickest turnaround.
This year, with the uncertainty of the end of 2022 giving way to a more stable market, the pent up demand for moving with perhaps more realistic pricing seems to be securing optimised and motivated buyers.
When it comes to the appeal of the home itself, and that all important first impression, spring cleans have likely taken place and bank holiday DIY completed whilst gardens have bloomed and bright sunshine has appeared, all helping to showcase both the inside and outside of a property at its very best.
Further, spring’s warmer, dryer and longer days o er practical and favourable viewing conditions with
A stunning property on the market with Durden & Hunt: Regents Drive, IG8, Guide Price of £1,500,000
JAMES HUNT
buyers not having to battle with dark, cold or wet and as such are likely more willing to leave the comfort of their homes, which often leads to less cancelled viewings. Additionally all parties tend to be motivated to finalise ahead of the height of summer, with its possible holidays and heatwaves, or the new school year.
Don’t forget it's as important as ever to be informed. Maybe you’re ready to sell now or maybe it's only just begun to be an idea. Either way booking in a free, no obligation market appraisal of your property, with one of our agents, could help to firm up your decision and plan for the immediate future and beyond.
durdenandhunt.co.uk
Durden and Hunt welcome to the market this exceptional five bedroom detached home located on the prestigious gated development on Repton Park.
Internally this immaculate property benefits from a spacious living room, modern large kitchen with separate utility space, followed by an additional reception room, office space and downstairs WC.
The first floor consists of three bedrooms, two master suites both with luxury en-suites, walk in wardrobe and one benefiting from a balcony. The second floor consists of two additional well proportioned bedrooms which are complemented by a family bathroom. Externally this property offers both front and rear beautiful gardens, double garage and private parking. It is also ideally located close to local shops, schools and amenities as well as excellent transport links including M11, A12 and Woodford tube station. Repton Park was originally Claybury hospital and was developed sympathetically by Crest Nicholson.
James Hunt, co-founder of Durden & Hunt, on a positive outlook for the spring property market
A wonderfully attractive and substantial detached family home which sits on a stunning gated plot on the Monkhams Estate, offering six bedrooms, four reception rooms, three bathrooms, and is ideally situated for well respected state and independent schools, the Central Line with Epping Forest just a stone’s throw away.
An absolutely stunning three bedroom Victorian property situated in one of Buckhurst Hill’s most sought after turnings. The house offers first class accommodation throughout, with a spacious lounge / dining room, bespoke kitchen / breakfast room, three well appointed bedrooms, luxury shower room and a south-facing rear garden.
•Variable rate savings account
•Interest calculated daily and added annually
•Minimum balance £100 up to £250,000
•Only available to open via Harpenden Online
Ateam of 13 adventurous accountants and tax professionals from Loughton firm Haslers will participate in this year’s Nuclear Races – Rush Race to raise money for their in-house charity, the Haslers Foundation.
Competing in the ‘BIG ONE’ on 14 May, the team will take part in a gruelling challenge that will see them tackle natural and man-made obstacles, putting their fitness to the test.
They will have to face death slides and para-plunge zip lines at the 12km lake
zone course to raise money for the Haslers Foundation. To date, the Foundation has provided more than £208,000 to support a wide range of local and national causes. Its three main goals are to relieve poverty and financial hardship, relieve sickness and preserve health, advance in life and help young people.
The team taking part in the challenge include:
Kyle Toby, Joseph Southgate
Harrison Pleasance, Henry Payne
Beckie Hardy, Connor Lynch
Ian Dorren, Jon O'Shea
Joshua Mills, Jack Warren
Meg Abery, Georgia Miller
Charlotte Fuller
Together they hope to raise thousands of pounds for the Haslers Foundation, which will, in turn, be used to help a variety of worthy causes in future.
Jon O'Shea, Haslers’ Chairman and a participant in the upcoming race, says: “We are all excited to be taking part in this tough challenge and have begun training for this wet and wild event.
“The money we raise for the Foundation will allow us to continue to support some amazing charities, both locally and throughout the UK, that change the lives of people and communities.”
If you would like to know more about the Haslers Foundation or make a donation to the team’s charity challenge, please visit haslers.com/about-us-accountantsessex/haslers-foundation
The Dream Factory was created by Avril Mills BEM, Honorary Freeman of The Borough of Redbridge, in 2008, in memory of her son Oliver Mills who died of Leukaemia at the age of nine. Avril herself grew up in Clayhall and moved to Epping in 1983, and her children Emma, Oliver and Josh went to Epping Uplands School.
Sadly, Oliver was diagnosed in 1990 with Leukaemia and was treated at three London Hospitals – Barts, The London and Great Ormond Street. At the beginning of January 2008, The Dream Factory was itself a dream. Avril knew what she wanted to do and was prepared to work hard to make it happen.
While Oliver, a big EastEnders fan, was having treatment in hospital, Avril arranged for him to meet Ross Kemp, Martine McCutcheon, and Sid Owen. Liking the idea, she went on to make a wish for another child who had always wanted to meet the Arsenal team. Before Oliver died, he expressed the wish to grant dreams for children when he grew up and so The Dream Factory began. Avril was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2014 for her services to children and young adults.
Today, the Dream Factory grants dreams to children and young adults between the age of three to 25 years, who su er from life-threatening, life-limiting conditions or have severe disabilities – and last month they hit an enormous milestone as they granted their 600th dream.
The 600th dream recipient was the lovely Ethan Hough from Chelmsford, Essex. Ethan is eight-years-old and has been diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bone Disease). Ethan has had eight breaks in his legs and one of his femurs has a flexible rod
in it. When Ethan has a break he requires the use of a zimmer frame or wheelchair, as due to the frequency of the breaks, Ethan cannot walk distances, as his muscles never get the chance to build up strength in them.
Ethan is a huge Arsenal fan, and his dream was to meet some of the players including his idol Bukayo Saka. The Dream Factory arranged for Ethan to go to Arsenal FC to watch a game and meet some players including Bukayo. Ethan also received some spending money and Arsenal goodies to take home.
Avril Mills BEM says: “Ethan is such a brave young man, and we are so privileged and honoured to have granted your dream as our 600th dream – the smile on Ethan’s face when he met his idol Bukayo Saka said it all!”
For more information about The Dream Factory and how you can donate, visit yourdreamfactory.org
The Essex-based charity has reached an outstanding milestone by granting their 600th dream
why everyone is talking about…CHARITY FOUNDER AVRIL MILLS
