Absolutely West Essex May 2022 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

WEST ESSEX

West Essex MAY 2022

SPECIAL Inspiration and ideas for your big day

MAY 2022

Ferne

MCCANN

ABSOLUTELY-WESTESSEX.CO.UK

THE BRENTWOOD REALITY TV STAR ON HER ESSEX ROOTS, BEING HERSELF AND PARTNERING WITH AN ICON PLUS MUSIC MATTERS The inspiring story of Soundlab Studios in Loughton ROYAL OCCASIONS Prepare for the Queen's Jubilee in West Essex GOLDEN TIMES Prestige and craftmanship at Luxe Watches in Epping

ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT

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INFO@RKSIGNATURELIVING.COM 020 8532 5959

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NEW BUILDS, EXTENSIONS, COMPLETE RE-MODELS & INTERIOR DESIGN. From initial architectural design through to completion.

RKSIGNATURELIVING.COM

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Bring kids together for summer fun! Host a Play Date this July and raise money to help seriously ill children being treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Sign up now for your free Play Date pack:

gosh.org/playdate

*Any donation(s) received in relation to the GOSH Charity Play Date event(s) will be used to fund the Play Services at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust. Our target for this appeal is to raise £101,250. In the event that additional donations are received over and above our target and/or the needs of the hospital or patients change, we reserve the right to redirect funds for use against the hospital’s most urgent needs. Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. Registered charity no. 1160024.

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents M AY 2 0 2 2

89 14

C U LT U R E FERNE MCCANN

FOOD & DRINK 60 TALBOOTH RESTAURANT

SOUNDLAB STUDIOS

65 LIBERTY WINES

ROYAL OCCASIONS

On her exciting new partnership

Inside Loughton's music haven

The best Jubilee events in Essex

Celebrating 70 years of the Dedham venue

Raise a glass to a special dish

WINE CELLAR

A new column starts with a rosey outlook

FA S H I O N & B E AU T Y 28 THE SHOOT

HOMES & INTERIORS 83 INTERIORS PROFILE

33 LUXE WATCHES

87 GARDENS

Find your look with Free People

We chat with the Epping experts

53 BROOKSIDE AESTHETICS What to avoid when it comes to sun and skin

The world of Raspberry Interior Design

Our pick of the best accessories available to buy

89 TREND

Why we can't get enough of curves in the home

A B S O L U T E LY- E S S E X .C O. U K A B S O L U T E LY-W E S T E S S E X .C O. U K The online guides to inspirational living and what's on in Essex

O N T H E C OV E R West Essex: Ferne McCann Essex: Free People

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The Creek is a multi award winning family run restaurant and bar owned by Terence and Caroline Howard and offering classical British dishes with a European influence using only the best locally sourced ingredients

EDITOR MARK KEBBLE ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNERS MIKE ROBERTS SAMANTHA SCOTT MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER CARMEN GRAHAM JUNIOR DESIGNER KAI NICHOLLS GROUP SALES MANAGER - SOUTH ABIGAIL GARDNER MEDIA CONSULTANTS CELIA GREGORY, CLAIRE YATES FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS CRAIG DAVIES, LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT

For editorial enquiries please email: mark@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries: please call 07862 004024 or email: celia@zest-media.com or please call 07861 994764 or email: claire@zest-media.com

Studio G06, Wenlock Studios, 50-52 Wharf Road, London N1 7EU; 020 7704 0588

Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date on what’s happening, new dishes, booking availability & more. We look forward to welcoming you with a smile.

Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved. Social icon

Circle Only use blue and/or white. For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

Fo l l ow Us O n Fa c e b o o k @ABSOLUTELYESSEX @ABSOLUTELYWESTESSEX T wi t t e r @ESSEXABSOLUTELY @ABSOLUTELYWESTE In s t a g ra m @ABSOLUTELYESSEX @ABSOLUTELYWESTESSEX

The Creek

We b si t e s

Flag Hill • Greta Bentley • Colchester • Essex - CO7 8RE

absolutely-essex.co.uk absolutely-westessex.co.uk

Tel: 01206 586435 or 01255 317950 thecreekgreatbentley.co.uk

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NATASHA LUCY

Welcome Natasha Lucy, the founder of Natasha Lucy Clinics, on why we should all be celebrating ourselves a little bit more

Ferne McCann

THE EDITOR'S May issue highlights

Homes Profile

Spending time with Raspberry Interior Design

Why she has that Fridays feeling

s the weather warms up and we emerge from our winter cocoons, we start thinking about spring cleaning – both our houses and our image. There’s something about the sun shining that makes us feel good and want to look good too. I live in Chigwell Row and the summer is such a lovely time to be a resident there. I love the local community that Chigwell Row offers – it feels like you really do live in a village. As the owner and medical director of an aesthetics and skincare clinic, it’s my job to make my patients look and feel fantastic in my clinic – my second home – as well. But I am a true believer that beauty really does come from confidence. You must feel good too. And I can’t help feeling that we really should be celebrating ourselves more. Recently I was asked why I dislike the term “antiageing”. It’s such a negative phrase. We shouldn’t be “anti” anything. Ageing really is such a blessing. I bring this sentiment to my work. My ethos has always been less is more. At Natasha Lucy Clinics (natashalucyclinics. com), we’re not “anti” your age. We want to celebrate your age. We’re about making you look (and feel) the best version of yourself, whether you’re 30 or 60 years old. Ultimately, I want all of my patients to look in the mirror and be happy with the person they see smiling back at them. And that is why I love what I do. So, let’s all celebrate ourselves just that little bit more.

Spring in Essex

The best places for this season

Wine's World Il Vino introduce a new drinks column

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

PENDLE HARTE

C A N DY CRUSH Esme is an arty, comfortable, elegant dream of a dress. Inspired by the bold kimono shapes and with clever wrap dress detailing, Esme is a beautifully innovative yet simple design. She has roomy sleeves, an adjustable wrap front and a luxurious midi skirt. £165 palava.co

SHERBERT DIP Designed with an interior corset, Anouki's pink top is crafted from tulle and features a strapless silhouette, sweetheart neckline and ruched detailing. £470 koibird.com

EDITOR’S PICK

LIGHT HEART ENGLISH ROSE Cubitts' Belgravia collection takes inspiration from iconic English gardens. Three feminine frames are shaped and sculpted between geometric and organic curves. cubitts.com

The Phileas rechargeable cordless lamp is useful and stylish both indoors and out. £115 pooky.com

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

A D D S PA R K L E This is a great example why it is pretty in pink, indeed. From Galio, this is a pink sapphire and diamond ring in 18ct rose gold. £2,500 galio.co.uk

R OS E GA R D E N Penelope Chilvers has launched a lifestyle collection of tablecloths and napkin sets, plus a pink shopper tote bag, all printed on 100% washed linen and made in Portugal. penelopechilvers.com

CHECK OUT Australian brand Kip & Co's colourful bedding collection includes this oral pink and golden brown check tartan linen, which will continue to soften over time. antipodream.co.uk

CLOCK THIS This is a truly beautiful watch from Baker Brothers Diamonds. It's a Gucci G-Timeless with Pink Motherof-Pearl Feline Motif Dial. £243 bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

PINK L A DY Dame Zandra Rhodes has teamed up with silk weaving house Gainsborough to create a bold new range of fabrics. There's lots of pink, naturally. gainsborough.co.uk

PINK FIZZ Lingerie by Carol (Carols of Bishops Stortford Ltd) is a family run business in Thornwood, Epping that has over 35 years of experience in lingerie. Their latest collection includes this PrimaDonna Madison Full Cup Pink Diamond Bra. £90 Brickfield House, High Road Epping, CM16 6TH, 01279 505535 By appointment only booked through lingeriebycarol.co.uk

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JOIN US AT THE

KINGSCLIFF

BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH Join us for 2 hours and enjoy one of the following options 3- Course meal unlimited prosecco/ draught beers - 60.00pp Afternoon tea unlimited prosecco- 40.00pp

TO BOOK please email MEV@THEKINGSCLIFFHOTEL.COM

or call us

on 01255 818800 private dining available in the pod booking via our website

THE KINGSCLIFF

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THE GEORGE HOTEL

THE MILL HOTEL

HOLLAND ON SEA

COLCHESTER

Bathed in natural light, with sweeping sea views, the restaurant at the Kingscliff makes the most of its coastal credentials. Menus feature seafood with the ﬁnest, locally sourced ingredients. Cosy up at the bar when it’s chilly outside, or bask on the landscaped terrace when the sun shines.

The George ensures Colchester’s heart is always simmering with regional ﬂavour. Award-winning local suppliers contribute to a vibrant menu with seasonal produce, with perfect pairings to wash them down from the stylish bar serving cocktails or local draught lagers and ales as well as an extensive wine list.

Our seasonal dishes are paired with a hand picked list of new and old world wines, while the bar bristles with an enticing selection of local ales from our friends at Nethergate brewery just a short walk from the hotel. Soak up the rustic ambience of the restaurant’s working waterwheel.

T: 01255 812343

T: 01206 57849

T: 01787 375544

SUDBURY

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C U LT U R E

R OM A N S E A SON CASTLE PARK, COLCHESTER

Castle Park Theatre has announced a brandnew season of open-air theatre in Colchester’s Castle Park with a series of productions that celebrate the town’s Roman heritage. It begins with a sideways look at the classic Hollywood epic, Ben-Hur, on 3–14 May, and we're excited by The Boadicea of Britannia Street from 17-28 May. colchester-events.co.uk

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“I have always learnt from my mistakes. I take the highs with the lows”

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

t h a t F R I D AY FEELING As Ferne McCann becomes the face of an entertainment institution, we talk to her about the importance of being relatable and her love for all things Essex By BETHAN ANDREWS

hen you think of Essex and its famous residents, for many, Ferne McCann is one of those that will spring to mind. And it turns out that she couldn’t be more of an ambassador for the county, oozing with pride for the place and with an inherent Essex want to come across as down-to-earth, no-frills and real. It’s unsurprising, then, that her latest career move is as a UK ambassador for Fridays, a brand that is laid-back and known for attracting a wide audience. The American-inspired food and cocktail chain, previously known as TGI Fridays, has undergone a major rebrand, and McCann will be a recurrent face and presence in their restaurants. “I’m so excited about working with Fridays,” she enthuses. “I started out not really knowing what I wanted to do in terms of career and then, as you grow

and you gain life experiences, it becomes important to take on partnerships that align with you. Fridays is a place that brings the vibes – it really gives you that Friday feeling any day of the week. I feel like it’s a place that ticks all the boxes as you can take the kids, have a date night or go with the girls. There’s something for everyone.” As we chat, it’s clear that McCann’s daughter Sunday is the absolute centre of her universe, and there’s a nice feeling of this partnership with Fridays and her life with Sunday coming together perfectly. Fridays can start McCann’s weekend off to the best start, and Sunday and family time can close the weekend. Don’t be surprised if you see something done around an Ice Cream Sundae in the restaurants at some point either. For McCann, one of the most exciting elements of the new brand partnership is that there is going to be one in her neck of the woods. “I know that they are opening one in Chelmsford this month, which is the heart of Essex and right on my doorstep,” she beams. “It’s supposed to

be amazing and I’ve seen how beautiful and Instagrammable the aesthetics of the rest of the new restaurants are. To all my fellow Essex peeps, this is very exciting.” McCann tells me that she will now only work with campaigns that feel totally aligned with her. “Fridays is very much a place that fits with my family and my lifestyle,” she says. “I’ve got so many amazing memories from going to the restaurant when I was younger. We’ll be celebrating Sunday’s birthday in the Chelmsford one!” Importantly, too, it fits with her busy lifestyle: 2022 sees McCann filming the ninth series of First Time Mum, which she does all by herself with Sunday, she’s bringing out a new affordable beauty range with Poundland, and she's getting into playing tennis. As we chat about only taking on work that feels aligned, I wonder what else McCann would say her career and experiences have taught her? “I’ve learnt so much, and there have been times in my life that have been quite exposing. I’m one of these people A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW HARWICH WAS ONE PART OF ESSEX SHE FEATURED ON TV RECENTLY

LEIGH-ON-SEA IS A POPULAR DESTINATION

who’ve always learnt from their mistakes and I take the highs with the lows,” she says. “I’m very much someone who wears my heart on my sleeve, but I’ve really learned to be myself. When you’re unapologetically you, no one can say anything about that. I love getting to know everyone whether it’s the people I work with, the people who watch my show or the people eating in Fridays on the table next to me. I don’t see myself as any different to anyone else. People say I’m warts and all, and I pride myself on that. When you start to self-edit, you come under fire.” Speaking of being unapologetically yourself, it really is The Only Way is Essex when it comes to McCann as her love, loyalty and Essex blood really stands out. “I’m really proud to be an Essex girl,” she smiles. “There are so many stereotypes from wearing white

stilettos to dancing around your handbag, but I feel Essex people are really warm, hard working and some of the most intelligent and creative people. We get very defensive and we’re really proud of our county.” McCann laughs as she tells me that it’s less about Sugar Hut nowadays and, instead, all about the amazing open spaces the county has to offer and the brilliant opportunities for young families. “I’m so lucky being from Brentwood with two country parks that are just stunningly beautiful,” she says. “I live a stone’s throw from South Weald so throughout the pandemic I felt so lucky to be able to go on the most amazing walks. Thorndon is next level, too – you’ve got the Stick Man Trail and the Gruffalo Trail, so being a parent, it’s wonderful and I love it.” Recently, McCann worked with This Morning on a piece that went around the hidden gems of Essex and it showed her that there’s even more than she already knew to love about the place she calls home. “It’s just such an amazing county,” she smiles. “I went to some amazing vineyards, you can go seal watching in a little boat from Harwich. For me, my memories of having a day out is to go to good old Southend, the cockle sheds or Leigh-onSea and it just screams Essex – I love it.” It doesn’t look like McCann will be moving away from the county anytime soon, that’s for sure. “Brentwood is home for me, I feel like I can breathe when I’m

MCCANN IS A FAN OF ESSEX'S GREEN OPEN SPACES

here,” she says. “It’s a calming, lovely place and that’s because of the people and the countryside. My day to day life is in Essex, my daughter goes to school here and my family and friends are just round the corner. I feel like I have a very normal life here.” There’s a raw honesty that shines through with McCann, and it’s refreshing to see that years of being in the public eye hasn’t made her detached from reality or any less of an everyday person. In fact, quite the opposite, and the sense of normality that surrounds McCann is something she’s worked hard to make sure comes through – as she says, it’s important to her to be relatable. In that sense, she really is a reality star. Follow Ferne McCann on Instagram @fernemccann

WITH DAUGHTER SUNDAY

SHE'S DELIGHTED TO BE PARTNERING WITH FRIDAYS

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STATE OF THE ART EQUIPMENT AT THE STUDIOS

Q What is your background

in the music industry?

A I was super lucky to land a job at Abbey

Road studios when I left college at 17. Mostly working in the tape library, I didn’t get too much experience in the studio on sessions, but just being around all those stars in such an iconic building every day was inspiring! Eventually, I started putting on gigs in my local town of Loughton and recording bands on my laptop in garages and bedrooms. Q When did you open Soundlab Studios and

what did you want to offer from day one?

A Soundlab has been open for almost 13 years

now. It started off as just pub talk “yeah, I’m gonna open a studio one day” and after a few conversations with long time family friend and super music enthusiast, and now business partner Pat Wallace, Soundlab was born.

Get to know…

JAMES HORWOOD CO-FOUNDER OF SOUNDLAB S T U D I O S , LO U G H TO N

Q Why Loughton for the location? A I had always lived in Loughton, and had to

travel into town for band practices and gigs, or down to Chelmsford and Southend, where they have music venues and rehearsal studios. There has just never been any sort of music hub in Loughton or in this part of Essex. Q Do you get a lot of local talent

through your doors?

A We do. We get plenty of bands coming in

to rehearse and the recording studio gets a wide range of artists and musicians. We have recorded rappers Santan Dave and Jay Hus, and rock bands like We are the Ocean and Eliza and the Bear. We like to cater for the amateurs just as much as the professionals though. We get many budding singers and young bands starting their journey here, as well as recording parties and podcasts. If it’s audio related, we can help you!

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • PROFILE

THE SOUNDLAB STUDIOS RECORD SHOP

Q I believe you opened a record shop

recently. What kind of things do you sell?

A Indeed we have. Closing the studio during

the lockdowns gave me time to start another passion of mine – vinyl! It was an idea of a friend of mine to open a shop upstairs above the studio, and what an amazing idea it has turned out to be. I have been buying as many records and collections as possible, and over two years now we boast a nicely stocked shop of around 7,000 records, ranging from funky disco to reggae, punk and metal, to hip hop, garage and house, we even have a Bollywood section. Like the studio we try to cater for everyone. Q How long have you lived in the area? A I lived in Loughton for my first 35 years

of life. Born and bred! From the first family home in Forest View Road, to my first flat opposite Morrison’s on the High Road, Loughton will always be home. I have recently moved to Epping, as that is where my wife is from and we have started a family, but I don’t think I will ever move too far away. Q What do you love about your area? A Well we have the best of both worlds really.

Being able to jump on a tube and in half an hour be in the centre of London, possibly the best city in the world with all its attractions,

A BAND REHEARSING AT THE STUDIOS

THE DELIGHTS OF EPPING FOREST ARE ON HIS DOORSTEP

“We like to cater for the local amateurs just as much as the pros” and then to escape to the suburbs where we are surrounded by Epping Forest, where it is green and beautiful. You can really notice the change in air quality when you get off the tube at Loughton station away from the big smoke. Q What places do you love visiting? A We love going for family walks around

Fishers Green in Lee Valley, that has to be one of our favourite places, so much nature and beauty. We are so lucky to be surrounded by so much beautiful forest, lovely spots and walks can be found anywhere and everywhere. We also love our local park on Stonards Hill, with Julie’s Café. I would have to mention the Last Post on Loughton High Road, so many of my youthful years were lost in there and some very great memories with friends. Also I guess I would have to mention Soundlab, which has been a huge part of my life for 13 years and keeps me very much tied to Loughton and the local area. I have a great deal of pride that we are still here and providing a musical hub to our local community.

BEER AND A BURGER AT THE LAST POST

Q Finally, how do you see the future

of Soundlab Studios panning out?

A We are in the process of agreeing a new

lease with the council at the moment to extend our stay here. We hope to help and inspire a new stream of young talent and bands coming through, and give them a place to go and hone their skills and sounds and produce some great music for them. The record shop will grow and grow as the demand for vinyl seems to grow almost daily. We really recommend anyone to come and have a rummage. I would like to put on some local live music events too if the world does get back to some normality, along with record fairs, with another dream to one day have a small local music festival. soundlabstudios.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • AREA FEATURE

CAMBRIDGE LODGE

his spring there’s so much to look forward to, including Jubilee festivities as well as extra bank holidays, so fill your free time with fun things to do. Visit Essex, the tourism body for the county, has the inside track on the best places to stay and go, so avoid the bank holiday traffic and stay close to home.

LIVE LIKE A QUEEN

AUDLEY END HOUSE

R o y a l

O C C A S I O N S

The county has so much to offer as we head into May and June, as Visit Essex highlight in this seasonal round up with a regal twist By MARK KEBBLE

Why not get the royal treatment and live like a Queen at a luxury hotel, minicastle or a luxury glamping site? Stay in your own little stateroom in one of GreyFriars Hotel’s (greyfriarscolchester. co.uk) luxuriously appointed rooms. For those who love their culture, each room at this Colchester institution reflects the history of the hotel, which ranges from 17th, 20th and 21st centuries. The hotel has undergone significant restoration ready for you to relax in rolltop baths and spend time in one of the impressive suites fitted with stunning chandeliers. Nearby is the stunning Essex coast, with Mersea Island and its paddleboarding, kayaking and world-renowned oysters. Room rates at GreyFriars start at around £150 for two people with breakfast. Be queen bee and book an exquisite minicastle at Cambridge Lodge, surrounded by ‘Capability’ Brown designed gardens, at Audley End House, Saffron Walden (englishheritage.org.uk). You will be following in the footsteps of royalty as visitors to the House have included Queen Elizabeth I and James I. Spend your days transported to Victorian England by exploring the impressive stately home at Audley End, and wander through the tranquil gardens. The luxurious lodge sleeps four and is self-catering. Prices vary depending on the duration and time of your stay. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • AREA FEATURE

LEE VALLEY GLAMPING

TALLISTON HOUSE

Make camping fit for little and big Princes and Princesses by glamping at Sewardstone in the Lee Valley. Cocooned amongst the trees are warm and cosy heated wooden cabins, offering accommodation for up to four people. Perfect for little explorers to discover nature trails. The Peaky Pods have kitchens and bathrooms, bedding, and towels. Prices start from £320 for three-four nights.

ANYONE FOR TEA? There’ll be tea parties across the nation as we all get together to mark the Queen’s Jubilee. Tiptree Tearooms have nine outlets across the county ready to serve you the perfect afternoon tea. A beautiful spot to stop and sip your cuppa is Tiptree’s Essex Rose Tea Room in Dedham. The tearoom is open seven days a week and serves lunches too. Rest your feet, delight your tastebuds in melting scones and add lashes of tasty Tiptree jam, which comes with the royal seal of approval. Do you want to know a secret? Talliston House (talliston.com) is hosting a secret tea party to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s historic reign. The private house is opening its doors for exclusive vintage tea parties for just eight guests at a time in the afternoon and evenings from 2-5 June. Enjoy opulent surroundings, with music and decorations, whilst eating a sumptuous high tea, served on the finest china with fizz and canapes

to start. For four hours, guests have exclusive use of the entire magical place known as ‘Britain’s Most Extraordinary House’. Cost is £32.99 per person. Get tea party ready and know how to handle dining occasions like royalty. The excellent English Cream Tea Company (englishcreamtea.com) offers a private afternoon tea etiquette masterclass by expert Jane Malyon via Zoom. She will show you amongst other informative tips the order of eating the food and the right way to properly hold your teacup. Emphasis is on how correct manners, rapport and showing consideration to others enhances the whole experience, fit for classy occasions. It’s fun and you need never be afraid of knowing which knife or fork to pick up ever again. A one-to-one Zoom coaching session costs £59.95.

MERSEA ISLAND

BEACONS OF LIGHT Jubilee Beacons will be lit in the evening of 2 June 2022 to commemorate HRH The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee. Lighting up the skies and seen for miles, the beacons will celebrate the Queen’s 70-year reign. Be part of the community and join in the fun as beacons are lit across the county. The Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, Jennifer Tolhurt, will light the beacon at Tollesbury and there are others at Heybridge, Burnham-on-Crouch and Maldon, which will be lit from 9pm. visitessex.com/whats-on/jubilee

TIPTREE TEAROOM

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K I N D R E D T A T T O O w w w . K I N D R E D T A T T O O . C O . U K

S T U D I O @ K I N D R E D T A T T O O . C O . U K

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Hall Bros outdoor living advert designs April 2022.qxp_Layout 1 05/04/2022 09:31 Page 1

Outdoor Living Traditional craftsmanship, first class products 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

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CULTURE • CHARITY

HOST YOUR OWN FUN AND GAMES

L E T T H E G A M E S B E G I N ELEANOR'S TIME AT GOSH HAS BEEN HELPED BY THE PLAY TEAM

his July, Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH Charity) will challenge children, family and friends to come together in the name of fun to raise money to support seriously ill children treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). Taking place for the first time this year, GOSH Charity Play Date will involve people across the country hosting a Play Date at home, in a garden, at a park, school or nursery on a day of their choosing during the month of July. Guests will be asked to make a small donation to their host before joining in with the fun.

We take a closer look at GOSH Charity Play Date: play time that changes lives

The concept is simple, but the impact your fundraising will have could be huge. Anyone who signs up to host a Play Date will receive a fundraising pack complete with stickers and print-at-home bunting, posters and invitations. Also in the pack will be a collection box and a QR code to direct guests to the host’s fundraising page. And if that’s not enough, there’ll be plenty of game ideas available on the GOSH Charity Play Date website. Each donation will help fund GOSH’s dedicated Play team who help children make sense of their treatment and recovery through games and other activities. Play is a vital part of a patient’s hospital stay and ensures they feel in control, calm and informed every step of the way. It simply allows children to be children during what can be a difficult and worrying time.

ELEANOR AND THE PLAY TEAM Eleanor, now seven, was admitted to GOSH at three-years-old and was diagnosed with hyperinsulinism, a rare condition where the body produces too much insulin. She knows first-hand how much the Play team, funded by GOSH Charity, support children during difficult times. Eleanor says: “I like the Play team because they set up lots of fun things

for me to colour in and make. I’ve made a t-shirt for my brother, I’ve done cupcakes, I’ve done lots of crafts and I’ve made a lion head to scare the nurses with! The Play team helped me feel better about my treatment because they made it really fun.” Eleanor’s mum, Rebecca, adds: “The Play team are an essential part of our visits to GOSH. Eleanor’s first question about any upcoming visit is when she’ll get to see the Play team. They bring fun, laughter, distraction and support to Eleanor and our family. “The wonderful doctors and nurses work to better the treatment of Eleanor’s illness. The Play team work to better Eleanor’s experience of being at GOSH and having to face the tests and treatments we hope will improve her quality of life.” G R E AT O R M O N D S T R E E T H O S P I TA L C H I L D R E N ' S C H A R I T Y Keen on being part of the action? Sign up to host your own Play Date at gosh.org/playdate Any donation(s) received in relation to the GOSH Charity Play Date event(s) will be used to fund the Play Services at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust. The target for this appeal is to raise £101,250. In the event that additional donations are received over and above the target and/or the needs of the hospital or patients change, they reserve the right to redirect funds for use against the hospital’s most urgent needs.

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FA S H I O N

HEADS UP HELEN KAMINSKI

The latest Helen Kaminski hats are handcrafted, respectfully made and designed with effortless, timeless style in mind. Each piece is a unique investment in slow burn artisanal craftspersonship. helenkaminski.com

The Shoot 28 • Luxe Watches 33 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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express YOURSELF

Free People’s SS22 collection, found at Fenwick Colchester, will bring out that individual spirit in you FREEPEOPLE .COM / FENWICK.CO.UK

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More Than Just A Venue

EXCLUSIVE USE MANOR HOUSE WITH WEDDING COTTAGE & 14 ROOMS SLEEPING 31 GUESTS Hubbards Hall Drive, Off Churchgate Street, Old Harlow, Essex, CM17 0NH For more information please contact 01279 354455 enquiries@thatamazingplace.co.uk www.thatamazingplace.co.uk

W E D D I N G S A T T H E TA L B O O T H R E S TA U R A N T I N D E D H A M Discover this stunning modernised 18th century listed building within riverside gardens that gently curve along the river Stour in Essex.

Tailor made weddings / unique riverside setting / exceptional food / exclusive hire / dedicated staff Find out more and take a virtual tour at www.milsomweddings.com or email us weddings@milsomhotels.com

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FASHION • Q&A

THEY HELP SERVICE YOUR TIMEPIECE

JED BRAILEY AND OSCAR STRONG

About TIME

Oscar Strong, Sales Manager, and Jed Brailey, Buying Manager, explain what makes Luxe Watches in Epping so special By MARK KEBBLE

Q Luxe Watches opened in Epping in 2019. What do you love about the area? A Oscar Strong (OS): We love the local feeling in both Buckhurst Hill and Epping. Epping as a place is a breath of fresh air – we tend to do lots of meetings in town and it’s so nice to get off the train and see so much green when we get back! The community feeling is also really great to be a part of – it feels really close knit. Q What kind of experience can we expect at your showroom on Epping High Street? A OS: Everyone is treated like a VIP, whether you are coming to have your watch battery replaced, collecting an order or just wanting to have a browse. Our retail area is designed so the cabinets have QR codes so you can either browse on our iPads or view more information as you wander around. You will always be offered a cup of tea and we love hearing stories behind your watches, especially when they are heirlooms. One of our customers came

to sell his watch, which was actually a limited edition Rolex Air King designed and engraved for a small number of RAF pilots. Q What brands do you stock? A Jed Brailey (JB): As we are an independent

pre-owned specialist, we have access to every brand so we have a huge choice in terms of what we stock. Our regular bread and butter brands include Rolex, Cartier, Omega, Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille, but then we also get cool pieces from Chopard, Bovet, Blancpain, IWC, Jaeger le Coultre. Then the collectors love a Patek Philippe. Cartier is popular with women. Q How can we sell our own watches to you? A JB: If it’s a Rolex, we have created a really

simple tool on our website that will give you a market valuation in 60 seconds. We will then ask the watch and any documents to be sent in for inspection within seven days and we will issue a quote. All other brands you are welcome to complete the form on our website – it’s not as quick as the Buy My Rolex, but our team will make a market valuation within 24 hours. Q What else makes you stand out? A OS: The experience our customers

get is on par with that of a luxury retailer such as Harrods, however we are local and we will do our utmost to source our stock from within the UK. Q What’s new for this summer? A OS: This year we have seen the release

of the 50th Anniversary Royal Oak models from Audemars Piguet. These releases are extremely on trend, with beautiful, bright and bold colours such as Blue, Green and Salmon Pink – these fantastic dials will explode in the summer sun! 020 3397 1596 • luxewatches.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The Essex Wedding Awards

Best Venue 2020

A M A G I C A L D AY The stunning grounds of Down Hall are the perfect setting for your wedding, whether lavish or intimate.

t: +44 (0)1279 731 441 e: weddings@downhall.co.uk downhall.co.uk

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House STYLE

SPECI A L ISSUE a b s o l u te l y - w e d d i n g s .c o . u k

COUNTRY HOUSE WEDDINGS

Country House Weddings’ stunning venues and teams are exclusively dedicated to weddings – it’s all they do. Their venues are not hotels or corporate event centres, they have been handpicked and refurbished specifically as perfect wedding venues. They offer exclusive use of the house and grounds – it’s your very own country house for the day. countryhouseweddings.co.uk

In this sect ion C O U N T R Y H O U S E W E D D I N G S 36 B R A X T E D P A R K 38 K I N G S O A K H O T E L 45 T H E W E D D I N G D R E S S 47 V A L E N T I N E S M A N S I O N 49

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LEEZ PRIORY, ESSEX

WEDDED BLISS Here are six reasons why you should choose a Country House Weddings venue

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WEDDINGS • PARTNERSHIP

ST AUDRIES PARK IN SOMERSET

“You have exclusive use: it's your very own country house for the day”

CLEARWELL CASTLE IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

ountry House Weddings offers six hand-picked wedding venues, chosen for their picturesque settings and opulent interiors, and designed solely with weddings in mind. From castles to country estates, a wedding-day dream can be created for all.

E XC L U S I V E LY W E D D I N G S

GOSFIELD HALL IN ESSEX

As the name suggests, Country House Weddings’ stunning venues and teams are exclusively dedicated to weddings – it’s all they do. Their venues are not hotels or corporate event centres, they have been handpicked and refurbished specifically as perfect wedding venues. They offer exclusive use of the house and grounds, the venues are exclusively yours from midday to midnight– it’s your very own country house for the day.

AWA R D -W I N N I N G C U S TO M E R S E RV I C E They pride themselves on providing outstanding customer service to their couples, starting with their Personal Wedding Managers who are there to hold your hand from six months before your day, right through the day itself - they even sleep at the venue so that they are there in the morning to see you off. Country House Weddings has no fewer than 25 industry accolades between their six venues from the industry’s two largest and most prestigious awards: the UK Wedding Awards and the British Wedding Awards.

VA S T E X P E R I E N C E

With six venues and over 30 years of experience holding weddings, you can entrust Country House Weddings with your special day. Since this family-run business was started in 1989, they’ve held over 15,000 weddings

in their venues. Their flagship venue, Leez Priory, was one of, if not the first Country House in the UK to get a licence to hold civil ceremonies – so they like to think they know a thing or two about running weddings.

C U L I N A RY M A S T E R C L A S S

Country House Weddings offer outstanding food and drink delivered by a dedicated in-house catering team. Their chefs are employed and trained to provide the perfect wedding banquet – it’s their primary focus. Their menus and recipes have been developed and refined to ensure that they are the perfect fit for wedding banquet service.

A M P L E O N - S I T E AC C O M M O DAT I O N

There is plenty of space to breathe, exclusively for you and your guests. Their venues can sleep between 40 and 100 guests within their onsite accommodation. Let us not forget about their honeymoon suites. Adorned with four-poster beds, luxurious features and fittings and a perfect large bath or hot tub to soak in at the end of the day, the honeymoon suites are designed to provide a night as memorable as your day.

YO U CA N K E E P T H E PA R T Y G O I N G

Because one day often isn’t enough, Country House Weddings have been developing their increasingly popular “Night Before” and “Day After” offerings. These food and accommodation packages are designed to keep the party going and are being rolled out across multiple venues, including Clearwell Castle, Gosfield Hall, St Audries Park and Leez Priory. You will be able to spend the night before and/or the day after your wedding relaxing with your nearest and dearest, while a dedicated waiting and bar team will ensure you have everything you need. info@countryhouseweddings.co.uk • countryhouseweddings.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Scene SETTING THE

Located majestically in 500 acres of

greenery, Braxted Park is said to be one

of the most beautiful venues in Essex

SAYING I DO

Braxted Park are licensed for civil ceremonies and offer a variety of different sized rooms, the most popular one being the Orangery, an exceptionally pretty room overlooking the mature gardens of the main house and can accommodate 160 of your loved ones. Ceremonies can also be held within the picturesque setting of the Knott Garden, if your preference is for an outdoor wedding, but the options do not stop there. Also situated within the grounds of the Estate is the beautiful parish church of All Saints, Gt. Braxted, and Rev. Ann-Marie Renshaw would welcome the opportunity to discuss the options available to you. If you are looking for a more personalised celebration, Braxted Park’s back lawn lends itself to being the perfect backdrop for an outdoor wedding hosted by a celebrant, Pujari or Imam. A celebrant

led wedding is a personalised ceremony and can incorporate elements such as ring warming, hand fasting or sand ceremony. It can take place anywhere: fields, woodlands, perfectly manicured lawns, the choice is yours. Ask your Pujari to marry you under a stunning Mandap, with the meadow field as your backdrop, or ask your Imam to hold your Nikah, surrounded by ancient trees.

A FIZZY TIPPLE OR TWO?

Enjoy welcome drinks amongst the splendour of the four landscaped gardens, with intricate planting and cascading water features all creating the most romantic and photogenic backdrop. To create a beautiful ambience, you have a choice of recorded music, gently played through subtly placed speakers on the walls, or inviting a musician to play live for your guests.

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WEDDINGS • VENUE

EXCLUSIVELY YOURS

Offer them a drink from the wide selection, perhaps a Pimm’s for a summer wedding or mulled wine for those winter months, all accompanied by mouth-watering canapes. The Walled Garden Pavilion is a superb location for a wedding reception. With a fully stocked bar, offering every refreshment you would hope to find, a 24ft black and white dance floor and state-of-the-art lighting, by night, the venue is transformed, creating the ultimate party setting.

A COMFORTABLE STAY

Overnight accommodation is available for the Bride and Groom in Braxted Park’s Garden Cottage, with an additional 12 beautifully restored en-suite stable rooms available for your nearest and dearest. Enjoy a peaceful cafetiere of coffee on your private terrace the morning after your wedding or join your family and friends in the breakfast room, where you can enjoy a sumptuous selection of croissants, fresh fruit and breads. Local accommodation is also available and only a short distance from the Estate.

Being an exclusive use venue means you will not be sharing your special day with anyone else, the only people on the estate will be those you want there, making your day all that more special. It also means that you can cherry pick your favourite elements of Braxted Park to make your day unique to you. Having an intimate ceremony in the Knott Garden, but would like to move indoors for your welcome drinks? The Orangery is just as beautiful for a fizzy tipple and nibbles to celebrate your nuptials. Looking to have a large wedding of more than 160 guests? Why not consider the Walled Garden Pavilion where you can host 350 people for your ceremony.

“Exclusively from their family to yours”

LOVE BLOSSOMS AT BRAXTED

Each wedding is uniquely planned by the wedding coordinators and organised to the finest detail to ensure a truly memorable day. They are extremely proud of their reputation and the exceptional service they provide for their weddings. Their team is small, personal and dedicated to ensure that your day is the best it can be. The possibilities are endless at Braxted Park and they want to reflect you as a couple and everything that stands for. B R A X T E D PA R K Braxted Park Estate, Great Braxted, Witham, CM8 3EN 01621 892305 braxtedparkweddings.co.uk

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WEDDINGS • PARTNERSHIP

Greece

IS THE WORD Island Hop Your Way to Saying… I Do

hether you’re looking to plan your very own Mamma Mia! style wedding, simply want to escape a deux or celebrate with a small number of friends and family, look no further than the Greek Islands, scattered like gems across two clear seas. Each with their own vibe, views, charm, cuisine, jaw dropping sunsets and beaches… But where do you start trying to figure out where to go? Well, top tip: don’t just limit yourself to one island. Island hopping is taking off and is by far the best way to combine a dream wedding and honeymoon in one fell swoop, and there really is something for everyone – big, small, budget or blow-out. Numerous companies sell the Greek Island idyll, but very few are specialists in co-ordinating a wedding, honeymoon, island hop combo, but Olympic Holidays can provide just that. Whether it’s a religious, civil, symbolic or same-sex wedding, their dedicated team can coordinate the lot. Take Santorini for example, with its Instagram-worthy archetypal properties built into the cliffs,

instantly recognisable whitewashed facades, blue-domed churches and spectacular sunsets. It’s arguably one of the most romantic of all the Greek Islands and once the nuptials have taken place, is perfect to combine with an island hop over to Mykonos, Naxos or Paros. There’s also Rhodes, with its rich classical heritage and 300 days of sunshine a year, just a short hop from more intimate island gems such as Karpathos, Halki, Symi and Kos. These smaller islands provide the perfect escape for newlywed couples to start their lives together. If you dream of a barefoot wedding with sand between your toes, The Princess Andriana on Rhodes provides just that. Sunset weddings don’t come much better than at the Santorini Gem with magnificent views of the Santorini Caldera, a large volcanic crater off the island’s coast or the Amada Colossus on Rhodes, overlooking one of the finest beaches. For charming chapel weddings, there's Rhodes’ very own St Sophia, perched high on a hill or Aghia Fotini at the Pyrgos restaurant on Santorini. Or for a truly traditional affair, St Pauls Chapel or the Kalithea Spa in Rhodes with its beautiful gardens, mosaic and marble floors won’t disappoint.

THE LOWDOWN Olympic Holidays olympicholidays.com have an award-winning, dedicated wedding team to help you plan your big day. RHODES & KOS A 14-night wedding and honeymoon Island Hop package starts from £8,216 per couple including the wedding and 7 nights on an AI basis at Princess Andriana Resort & Spa and 7 nights at Ikos Aria on an AI basis. SANTORINI & MYKONOS A 15-night wedding and honeymoon Island Hop package starts from £8,910 per couple including the wedding at Santorini Gem, 8 nights at Cliff Side Suites on a B&B basis and 7 nights at the Myconian Ambassador Hotel & Thalassa Spa on a B&B basis. Prices above include flights, luggage, all transfers.

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WEDDINGS • VENUE

Set the SCENE Head to the Lake District for a wedding venue that has it all

torrs Hall is a beautiful and unique destination – arguably one of the most spectacular in the Lake District, if not the whole of the UK. It's rarer than you'd think to find such a strikingly elegant building, with private and peaceful lake frontage in the Lake District. Built in 1797 for a Yorkshire gentleman as an alternative to holidaying in the Swiss lakes, he chose the best location on Lake Windermere. The Grade II* listed building is wrapped in 17 acres of grounds, enjoying miles of views both north and south. His choice of location was equally appreciated by Tatler, who rated it one of the 101 Best Hotels in the World, 2022. The

Sunday Times listed it as one of the Top 80 British Hotels, 2021 – and it’s still working its magic. With three grand period rooms licenced for your ceremony, and three outside spaces, you’re spoilt for choice – whether it’s just the two of you, or with all your friends and family taking exclusive use. Newly licenced in 2022, the Boathouse Terrace is a unique ‘just for two’ venue, where the unusually large terrace with hot-tub, seating area, firepit and lily pond border the lake, with spectacular views north up Windermere to the central mountains. The luxuries of the Boathouse interiors match the location for your wedding night. Requiring a key code for its private grounds, and private parking, it really is something special and very exclusive. The Garden Pavilion, wrought in lacy ornate ironwork, is romantically pretty, and with the lake behind is a photogenic location for your vows. It’s also a top spot for sunset proposals. Newly licenced for ceremonies in 2022 is the South Lawn, between the hotel terraces and

the lakeshore, where woodland to either side ensures privacy. It’s overlooked by the restaurant, conservatory, and drawing room. Exclusive use maximum number of guests is 60-80, and you can speak to them about the possibility of a marquee on the south lawn. Storrs has a very characterful bar – The Tower Bar, reclaimed from Blackpool Tower itself, a piece of high Victoriana in rich wood and stained glass, it adds another dimension to your celebrations. Menus are devised totally to your tastes by their head chef and team. Storrs Hall is easily accessible, being 30 minutes from junction 36 of the M6, two miles south of Bowness on Windermere – home to Windermere Lake Cruises, who will provide a private lake tour directly from their jetty, for the entertainment of your guests. They also have extensive private parking, and eight VendElectric EV charging points, and helicopter landing is available on the south lawn. For wedding enquiries, email weddings@storrshall.com or call 015394 47111 / storrshall.com

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This is our home; experience the best of Greece and Cyprus for your special day.

r u o y g n i t Crea r e t f a r e v e happily

Whilst you do the dreaming, we will take care of your wedding day wish-list in bringing your ideas and dreams to life! Wedding destinations include Cyprus, Rhodes, Zante, and Santorini Our wedding venues include quaint chapel settings, local town halls, beautifully manicured hotel gardens, by the beach or even out at sea Ceremony options we can assist in planning – civil (legal), symbolic, same sex, renewal of vows and religious Dedicated Wedding Co-ordinator in the UK and in resort Award-winning; voted the Best Large Holiday Company for Weddings and Honeymoons at the British Travel Awards consecutively in 2018, 2019 and 2020

For more information call 020 8492 6789 email weddings@olympicholidays.com or visit olympicholidays.com/weddings OLYMPIC Absolutely HOLIDAYS.indd London Weddings43 Advert_Final.indd 1

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AWARD WINNING WEDDING VENUE IN THE HEART OF EPPING FOREST ESSEX LICENSED FOR CIVIL CEREMONIES IN THREE FUNCTION ROOMS / FABULOUS PACKAGES AVAILABLE

QUOTE WE22 FOR A MASSIVE 10% DISCOUNT ON OUR TOP ROYALE PACKAGES ON ANY REMAINING DATES UNTIL 31ST MARCH 2023

AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING 7 DAYS A WEEK BY APPOINTMENT ONLY COME & VIEW OUR VENUE IN FULL WEDDING SPLENDOUR WEDNESDAY 8TH JUNE BETWEEN 4PM & 8PM REGISTER BY EMAIL OR PHONE KINGS OAK HOTEL, PAULS NURSERY ROAD, HIGH BEACH, ESSEX, IG10 4AE

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WEDDINGS • VENUE

Royal

OCCASIONS Why The Kings Oak will make any wedding extra special

he Kings Oak in High Beach occupies a truly enviable location at the highest point in Essex and at the epicentre of the beautiful Epping Forest. Surrounded by an abundance of natural flora and fauna, with a view overlooking London and the Home Counties, it offers a delightful arena for a destination event. The Kings Oak is the perfect venue for any type of party or celebration and is a wedding and events venue with the WOW factor. It offers a truly unique experience with a touch of glamour in the heart of the Forest. Licensed for civil ceremonies in three stunning suites – The Oak Lounge, Beach

Club Marquee and Kings Room – all of which offer a different atmosphere and lay out, suitable for different cultural celebrations and couples who like an eclectic mix of traditional and modern. Their dedicated events team, headed by Paula Silkman as Events Manager, are on hand to offer their Bridal couples their expert advice and guidance to create the perfect wedding day. They have fabulous Wedding Packages starting from £4,200 to their Royale Exclusive Packages at £10,500 (Sun to Fri) and £13,650 (Sat). If you are looking to get married within the next year and are ready to book, they are currently offering 10% saving on their KO Royale Packages for any weddings before 31 March, 2023. To see this amazing offer, view their packages on their website.

The Pool and Pool Gardens offer a touch of Marbella inspired luxury. This beautiful outdoor space consists of a 100ft 1930s original Lido set amongst the magnificent mature trees of the Forest. With poolside dining, loungers and Champagne beds, decked terraces and chandelier lit pagodas, you are transported to an oasis of calm and beauty. The Beach Club Marquee has a starlit ceiling and lavish white lounge seating and boasts a spectacular view over the pool and gardens. The elegant Oak Lounge has been lovingly restored to its former Victorian glory with ornate corniced ceilings, crystal chandeliers and grand floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Forest. The Kings Suite is a stylish and stunning party space for all kinds of celebrations and has a state of the art lighting system that allows the room to be bathed in a fabulous array of colour to suit your chosen theme. Fast becoming renowned as the 'Best Of Essex' and full of glitz, glamour, and sparkle, The Kings Oak is truly a hidden jewel in the crown of Epping Forest. K I N G S OA K H OT E L Paul’s Nursery Road, High Beach, Essex, IG10 4AE 020 8508 5000 info@kingsoakhotel.com kingsoakhotel.com

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MARC

DARCY

- AWARD WINNING BRITISH FORMALWEAR SHOP ONLINE AT WWW.MARCDARCY.CO.UK SALES@MARCDARCY.CO.UK | 0161 710 0000 | 271-291 BURY NEW RD, MANCHESTER, M7 2YN MARC DARCY.indd 46

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WEDDINGS • THE DRESS

Dream

DRESSES

ay & Grace is a fashion-forward bridal boutique owned and run by former fashion designer Emilie Crease. Their team has carefully curated a selection of bold and beautiful gowns, hand-picked from five international designers all offering the bride something a little bit different. This season they are showcasing modern and sophisticated dresses designed for a bride with a young spirit who is looking to add a little fun to her wedding day style. This year cements the shift that has been emerging from fuller lace gowns to plain, cleaner styles, a trend that was further catapulted into our consciousness by the choices that Meghan Markle and Nicola Anne Peltz made on their wedding days. Some brands that do this look so elegantly and are firm favourites at May & Grace are Canadian brand Mikaella and Londonbased designer Savin. Having unveiled a host of variations on the restrained on-trend look that’s one of their trademarks, the new 2022 collection does not disappoint. The gowns available are a perfect balance between classic silhouettes and the latest bridal trends and start at £1,000 and go up to £4,500. To really appreciate these stunning dresses, you need to see them up close, feel their fabrics against your skin and try them on. The best way to do so is by booking a visit to the intimate May & Grace boutique, the perfect relaxing haven for brides. During your bespoke bridal appointment, one of the expert bridal stylists will help you find the wedding dress of your dreams. M AY & G R AC E info@mayandgrace.com 01428 288012 mayandgracebridal.com

Glorious gowns at May & Grace

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Say

at the beautiful

‘I Do’

Valentines Mansion

• Grade II* Listed wedding venue • Set in beautiful historic gardens • Choice of ceremony rooms • Easy to reach by road, rail & tube • Car parking on site @ValMansion

@ValMansion

@valentines.mansion

Call us to find out more on 020 8708 8100 • www.valentinesmansion.com • Emerson Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 4XA.

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WEDDINGS • VENUE

Valentines

DAY

This stunning Grade II * listed venue will

“Valentines Mansion provides the perfect location and backdrop to your special day”

PHOTO: MINI & ME PHOTOGRAPHY

estled in a pretty corner of the award-winning Valentines Park in Essex is where you’ll find Valentines Mansion – a Grade II* listed wedding venue with a rich history spanning over 320 years. Impressively restored, with the perfect mix of traditional and contemporary styling, the historic building boasts four elegant ceremony rooms, a grand staircase, 18th century Venetian window, ornate fireplaces, a romantic balcony and stunning gardens. Located on the borders of East London and Essex, Valentines Mansion provides the perfect location and backdrop to your special day. With flexible packages, choose Valentines Mansion for your ceremony only, or make the mansion yours for the day with exclusive hire. For the ceremony, take your vows with up to 70 of your nearest and dearest – the Mansion is ideal for romantic and intimate weddings. For the reception, up to 120 of your family and friends can gather to help you celebrate your special day. The Holcombe Room, Gallery, Morning Room, and the Drawing Room inside of Valentines Mansion are all licensed for marriages and civil partnerships. The Holcombe Room is ideal for small and intimate ceremonies of up to six guests, and the Gallery and Morning Room have a maximum capacity of 40 guests each. The largest ceremony space, The Drawing Room, can hold up

PHOTO: TYLER MADE PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: INSTINCT WEDDING

ensure your wedding is extra special

to 70 guests to witness your vows and boasts ornate fireplaces and a picturesque balcony overlooking the gardens and wider park. With their exclusive use option, you’ll enjoy having the building all to yourself, just add your personalised touches to make it even more special, including flowers, décor and caterers. Exclusive hires are also treated to a red-carpet entrance, use of their sumptuous bedchamber for the bride to add her finishing touches, a dedicated wedding coordinator, and use of the Victorian kitchen for post ceremony drinks and canapes. The gorgeous historic gardens look fantastic anytime of the year – whether you're dreaming of a summer wedding or magical winter celebration, you'll be sure to capture lots of picture-perfect memories at Valentines. Take a stroll through the walled garden, 18th Century Rose Garden, Old English Garden and along the Long Water – all beautiful backdrops for your wedding photographs. Valentines Mansion is fully accessible throughout and easy for you and your guests to get to. Call 020 8708 8100 or visit valentinesmansion.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

B E E G LOW GUERLAIN The newest lip balm to join Guerlain’s lip care collection takes advantage of the restorative nourishing and healing properties of honey. Each lipstick has been infused with Eosin, an active ingredient that responds to the natural PH of the lips to produce a shade that is truly unique to you, £32. guerlain.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FOCUS

FACIAL MISTS ARE USEFUL DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS

S K I N

D E E P

Think the sunshine is ideal for your body? Karen Chester, founder of Brookside Aesthetics in Chelmsford, suggests being aware of the pitfalls

he summer season can bring us a lot of skin damage, from a chilling afternoon cocktail session with our friends or having a relaxed weekend in the sun on a glorious beach, which could increase our risk of photodamaged skin (skin changes caused by sunlight exposure). In addition, pigmentation appears thanks to overexcited melanocytes (more on those later), which spells out that the summer months can be a dermatological disaster. Let me share how you can help safeguard your skin and youthfulness with tips and tricks from Dr Aamer Khan and Lesley Reynolds from Harley Street Skin Clinic.

detrimental impact on your skin’s dermis layer. Alcohol deprives the skin of vitamin A, which means the hero vitamin you rely on to speed up skin cell turnover will be powerless, leaving you with a dull complexion. As many of us can relate to being partial to a piña colada when the sun is shining, cocktails mixed with juice or sugar can exacerbate skin ageing. As Dr Khan says: “Glucose attaches to vital proteins, like collagen, forming free radicals, leading to premature skin ageing.” Since alcohol decelerates skin cell turnover, choose products that brighten your complexion. Acids gently slough away dead cells, often producing results overnight. Try to fill your plate with rich foods, such as leafy greens, avocados, and blueberries that are all high in antioxidants.

ONE TOO MANY

HYPERPIGMENTATION

When upping the alcohol you consume on a lovely summer’s day, it can have a

Dark splodges appeared on your face almost overnight? They are called

hyperpigmentation. “It’s the result of excess melanin,” Dr Khan explains. “There are several types of hyperpigmentation; two, in particular, are more common during summer. Lentigos, aka freckles or sunspots, appear randomly on parts of the body exposed to a lot of sunlight.” The second type is melasma. “Melasma presents light to dark brown patches on the forehead, cheeks, chin and upper lip. It’s linked with hormonal changes, such as pregnancy and menopause, and taking the contraceptive pill. Sun exposure exacerbates it by sending melanocytes – these are cells responsible for creating melanin into overdrive.” If you’re unsure of the type of pigmentation you have, Lesley Reynolds advises seeing a skin specialist as “they will save you from wasting money on products that won’t work”. For hyper-pigmentation that’s purely sun-induced, vitamin C serums will help prevent it from worsening.

PARCHED SKIN Think skin resembling sandpaper is just for winter? “While the air is more humid during summer, which has a hydrating effect, sunlight can dehydrate your skin,” Reynolds says. “The sun also reduces your skin’s capacity to hold on to water by reducing oil levels between cells on the top layer of skin.” Unlike dry skin, which is lacking in oil, dehydrated skin is lacking in water. So, it’s essential to know the difference. Just as your clothes get lighter in summer, so should your skincare. Ghost your heavy creams and look for facial mists you can spritz on through the day. These work to offer hydration little and often. Finally, try to drink two litres of water a day and eat water-rich foods such as watermelon to keep skin hydrated. Harley Street Skin at Ballingdon Hall are offering complimentary skin consultations with Lesley Reynolds to all Absolutely readers throughout the summer months. See more at harleystreetskinclinic.com or call 01787 376479

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

Q What are the treatment

options for breast cancer?

A Breast cancer treatments and surgical

techniques have advanced in recent years. Treating the cancer remains the priority, but your surgeon also tries to maintain the appearance of your breast as much as possible. Oncoplastic breast surgeons use plastic surgery techniques during breast cancer surgery to achieve the best aesthetic outcome.

The treatment options for breast cancer include: • Lumpectomy: If the cancer is relatively small compared to the size of your breast, your surgeon usually recommends that you have a lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy. This is when the lump and some normal surrounding tissue are removed, but not the breast itself. The surgeon considers the placement of the scar and tries to make sure that the breast shape is maintained.

OFF YOUR

CHEST

Miss Tasha Gandamihardja, Consultant Oncoplastic Surgeon at The Holly Private Hospital, on your questions about breast health Q What signs should I look for

when checking my breasts? A It is vital to check your breasts regularly and look and feel for any unusual signs. These include: • A lump, thickening or swelling in your breast or armpit; • A change in the size, shape or feel of one or both breasts; • A change in the position of the nipple, such as turning inwards; • Fluid spontaneously leaking from either nipple; • Constant pain in your breast or armpit; • Skin changes in your breast, such as dimpling like the skin of an orange, a rash or redness.

• Mastectomy and reconstruction: If your surgeon recommends a mastectomy (removal of the breast), they give you the option of breast reconstruction. This can be performed during the cancer operation or at a later date. To make a new breast shape, the surgeon can use a breast implant or tissue from another part of your body (such as the fat from your abdomen). • Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone treatment: You may have these treatments to kill cancer cells and minimise the risk of the cancer coming back. This depends on the type of cancer, whether it has spread and your general health.

Q What should I expect if I am referred

to a One-Stop Breast Clinic?

A At a One-Stop Breast Clinic, you have

all the tests needed to diagnose your breast symptoms during the same visit. A consultant breast surgeon asks about your symptoms in detail and performs a thorough breast examination. If needed, you have an ultrasound scan, a mammogram (X-ray of the breasts) or both. The surgeon explains the results to you straight afterwards. This saves time and reduces the anxiety of waiting for results. Sometimes, a small sample of breast tissue is taken and sent to a laboratory for testing. This is called a biopsy. You get the results at a separate follow-up appointment, which is usually a week later.

MISS TASHA GANDAMIHARDJA

T H E H O L LY P R I VAT E H O S P I TA L Most changes in your breasts are not a sign of cancer, but it is best to report them to a doctor without delay. To make an appointment with Miss Gandamihardja at The Holly Private Hospital, please call 020 3504 8481

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Centre of Excellence for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine We diagnose and treat thousands of patients each year from professional sports people to patients with chronic arthritis and more common orthopaedic conditions.

✓ Fast access to orthopaedic consultants,

spinal surgeons, sports medicine doctors, podiatry consultants, musculoskeletal physicians, radiologists and physiotherapists.

✓ Advanced treatment options based on the latest evidence and research.

✓ Onsite diagnostics and physiotherapy. ✓ Outstanding nursing and an exceptional support team.

✓ Excellent patient outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Specialists appointments from

£200* For appointments call 0203 432 5527 For self-pay prices call 0203 740 9770 or email selfpay@theholly.com The Holly Private Hospital, Buckhurst Hill, Essex, IG9 5HX

theholly.com *Subject to availability

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

XXX IMAG

• Follow a regular exercise programme. • Always use good footwear and equipment. • During the driving setup, rotate the lead leg out to the side, 20 to 40˚, in order to reduce the amount of twisting and pressure on the knee during the final stages of the swing. • Use a ball retriever.

A GOLFER'S SWING PUTS PRESSURE ON THE KNEE

INTO THE SWING OF IT

Mr Sunil Kumar, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon & Sports Physician at The Holly Private Hospital, on a common but painful condition: Golfer’s Knee Q How common are knee injuries for golfers? A Second, to the lower back, the knee is the

most commonly injured joint in golf. This is because the golf swing places a tremendous amount of torque on the structure of the knee. Studies show that it would actually be less stressful to jog the 18 holes of golf than play them! The force that the golf swing exerts on the knee is more powerful than the force exerted on the knee of a jogger. The golf swing actually exerts a force on the knee that is 4.5 times the golfer’s body weight on the forward knee and 3.2 times body weight on the other knee. This happens very quickly since it only takes approximately 0.23 seconds for a pro-golfer to complete the downward swing and 0.82 seconds to complete the upward swing. The downward swing is therefore about 3½ times faster and produces the highest percentage of injuries in amateur and pro golfers alike.

The top three golf-related injuries are: • Meniscal and ligament tears; • Tendonitis and tendinopathy; • Provocation of degenerative change/osteoarthritis. Q How can I avoid golf-

related knee injuries?

A Problems are related to the amount of

rotation through the body that is required during the backswing and follow-through. Ensure the muscles in your hips, low and mid-back are flexible. By allowing full rotation to occur through the back, hips and knees, you can minimise stress.

Q What’s the best advice for

maintaining healthy knee joints? • Eat healthily and maintain an ideal BMI. • Make sure you do proper stretching and strengthening exercises.

Q What’s the best advice on returning to play after a knee injury? • Maintain a more upright stance. • Practice at a driving range with wedges and short irons only. • Start with short swings, working up to a full swing progressively. • Use spikeless shoes with arch supports. • Stretch and do strengthening exercises, including icepacks. • Knee braces give good temporary relief, but are not ideal in the long-term, as they can weaken muscles and affect proprioception. Cycling and rowing are best in the recovery phase. Q If I go to see a knee consultant what can I expect to happen? A X-rays are good for investigating fractures and the severity of osteoarthritis in the knee. MRI scans are better at assessing soft tissue injuries, including ligament, tendon and meniscal disorders. Arthroscopy is a day case procedure undertaken under general anaesthetic, which allows formal evaluation of the internal structures of the knee and cartilage repair, removal of loose bodies and meniscal surgery. Recovery time is usually a week to two weeks. Golf can be resumed in a progressive manner at four weeks. Golfers with significant arthritis may require a total knee replacement and custom (3D printed) knee replacements are now available, which allow a bespoke fit, resulting in a more rapid recovery and hopefully a better functional outcome. One can usually return to gentle golf at six weeks, progressing as the pain and function improve.

T H E H O L LY P R I VAT E H O S P I TA L Mr Sunil Kumar is available to see patients who wish to pay for their own treatment and those with private medical insurance. To make an appointment please call 020 8936 1201

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IL Vino Our new tasting room is now open for private and corporate events. Carefully selected outstanding wines from around the world, paired with delicious meats & cheeses for a truly memorable experience. Give us a call to discuss your requirements.

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FOOD & DRINK

THE PERFECT PAIRING HOUSE OF PIPER-HEIDSIECK

Since its founding in 1785, the House of Piper-Heidsieck has proven its innovative prowess in selecting and blending wines of exception. Now, chef Eric Geoffroy, from Piano des Chefs in France, has created a dish to complement the flavours and aromas of Piper-Heidsieck Essentiel Blanc de Blancs: Tartar of John Dory, leche de tigre and fresh herbs. Discover the full recipe on page 65. piper-heidsieck.com

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ANDY HIRST IN THE TALBOOTH KITCHEN

Platinum PICKS Andy Hirst, executive chef at Talbooth Restaurant in Dedham, looks back on 70 years of ﬁne dining and what the future holds for the Essex institution

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FOOD & DRINK • INTERVIEW

THE BEAUTIFUL SETTING IN DEDHAM

Q When Le Talbooth first opened 70 years ago, how different was the food offering? A Very different! When Paul Milsom’s father Gerald ‘discovered’ the Talbooth in 1952, it was a tea room so scones and cakes were most likely the order of the day. Q What would you say have been the major changes since and when did they happen? A The one thing about the Talbooth Restaurant (and the rest of the group for that matter) is that it is always evolving. During the time the Talbooth Restaurant has been under the ownership of the Milsom family, it has undergone several changes, but most importantly any changes are always sympathetic to this amazing building. Q How great has it been to

be based in Dedham? A Location is always key and none more so than with the Talbooth Restaurant, set

beside the River Stour in the heart of the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, closely linked to the artist John Constable. In fact, the Talbooth features in one of Constable’s paintings ‘The Dedham Vale’, which is currently hanging in the National Gallery in Edinburgh. Q Do you feel you have a real loyal local following? A We are so lucky to have such a loyal following, we are now looking after the children and grandchildren of families who have been coming to the restaurant for many years. Over the last two years, people have flocked to the restaurant, we look after them and they feel safe, and the outside dining on the terrace beside the river is second to none. Q Into 2022, how would you sum up the menus on offer? A Going into 2022 our philosophy in the EXPECT FINE DINING AND SOME SPECIAL SWEET TREATS

“The passion for food in this brigade of chefs is like no other” kitchen remains that sourcing the best ingredients and cooking them to perfection is what sets us apart. The passion for food in this brigade of chefs is like no other that I have experienced. Simple, tasty, well executed food that at times challenges diners is what really works at this amazing restaurant. Q Where do you source your produce? A We use a number of different suppliers

based in and around the Essex/Suffolk border. Vegetables from Anglia Produce, Dedham Vale beef supplied by Direct Meats, to crab and oysters from Mersea to name a few. We do source ingredients from further afield, such as hand dived scallops from the Orkney Islands; plucked from sea beds in the morning, placed in an overnight train and served in the restaurant the next day. Q What are the most popular dishes right now? A The Talbooth is known for its riverside setting and we have always sold a phenomenal amount of seafood. Our current best seller is a fresh crab tartlet accompanied with cantelope melon, kimchi mayonnaise and pickled bok choi. The dish tastes so clean and fresh, a must try when visiting the restaurant. Q Is there a dish you particularly love at the moment? A There is actually and I can’t claim it as one of my own! After heading up the brigade in the Talbooth kitchen for eight years, I was promoted to executive chef last year with Jamie Jackson taking over as head chef. During his first tasting, he put up a paprika seasoned cutlet of Dingley Dell pork that is incredible. Rich deep flavours that excite and challenge the taste buds all at the same time. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FOOD & DRINK • INTERVIEW

“British restaurants are now amongst the best in the world and we wanted to reﬂect this in our name” MERSEA CRAB TARTLET

Q What kind of ambience do you want to offer for diners visiting? A We always strive to offer the best service coupled with the best food and wine, this makes for a relaxed and informal atmosphere in unrivalled surroundings. In the summer, it’s all about riverside dining, while in the winter the building takes on a different ambience with its wealth of beams and log fires. Q Looking ahead, the Platinum Festival

in May looks really exciting. Why did you want to hold something like this? A To have been in business for 70 years is quite an achievement and something that we

Q Are you also looking to do a

re-brand for the restaurant?

A With the Talbooth Restaurant

ANDY HIRST

are very proud of and wanted to celebrate. The fact that our celebrations run parallel with The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee does of course help! We love to have fun and felt everyone is definitely ready to party in 2022. Q What are the highlights? A Each event was chosen as part of the

restaurant’s seven decades, so each party is special. For me, it is definitely our final party, the VE Ball (on 7 May) where we will be joined by the Army Band, Colchester. During the Festival we will be raising funds for ABF, The Soldiers’ Charity – the official Army Charity. We will be holding a silent auction during the week culminating in the final auction at the VE Ball on the Saturday night so we’re hoping to raise a whopping amount for the charity and add to the £50,000 already raised at two previous parties.

celebrating 70 years in 2022, we are of course looking back over the last seven decades, but it is also the time to look forward with the continued development of two of our fabulous properties in Dedham. When the Milsom family bought the Talbooth in 1952 and Maison Talbooth in 1969, France was the dominating influence in international hospitality, hence the use of French in the name. Seventy years on this is no longer the case: British hotels and restaurants are now amongst the best in the world, and we wanted to reflect this in our name. I suspect Gerald Milsom would have described this as our version of Brexit!

Q Talbooth Restaurant has always

been seen as Milsom Hotels & Restaurants’ flagship restaurant. Do you see this as continuing to be the case in the years ahead? A The Talbooth Restaurant will always be the flagship of the group for many reasons such as the beautiful building, the unique setting beside the River Stour and the fabulous food, but above all it holds a special place in everyone’s hearts. See more about the Platinum Festival at milsomhotels.com/talbooth-restaurant

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THE PERFECT VENUE FOR PRIVATE HIRE 154 High Road | Loughton | Essex T: 0208 508 0526 E: info@tngtapas.co.uk www.tngtapas.co.uk @loughtontapasbar T and G TAPAS.indd 64

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FOOD & DRINK • DRINKS

Tartar of John Dory,

leche de tigre and fresh herbs Serves 4

NOTE PERFECT Piper-Heidsieck Essentiel Cuvée Blanc de Blancs is great with seafood – so here's an accompanying dish for inspiration

ince its founding in 1785, the House of PiperHeidsieck has proven its innovative prowess in selecting and blending wines of exception. As the quintessence of PiperHeidsieck champagnes expression, Piper-Heidsieck Essentiel Blanc de Blancs boasts a precise, fresh and mineral profile. The nose expresses fresh notes of yuzu and lime, lightly underlined by touches of white flowers, acacia, almonds and toasted bread with a mineral finish. A perfect wine profile to pair with seafood. Chef Eric Geoffroy, from Piano des Chefs, has created a dish to complement the flavours and aromas of Piper-Heidsieck Essentiel Blanc de Blancs: Tartar of John Dory, leche de tigre and fresh herbs.

I NG R E DI E N T S - 320g of John Dory ﬁllet cut into 5 mm pieces - 200ml of eggs - 200ml of coconut milk - 1/2 red onions - 1 clove of garlic - 1 stick of lemongrass - 3 limes - 2 tins of fresh coriander - Salt and chilli pepper

M E T HOD Leche de tigre 1 Quickly blend the coconut milk with the coriander, lemongrass, garlic and onion, a pinch of salt and a pinch of Espelette chilli in a blender. 2 Strain the mixture and add the juice of the three limes. 3 Set aside in a cool place. Finishing and presentation 1 Season the tartar with olive oil and salt. 2 Place the fish in a soup plate. 3 Pour the leche around and some fresh herbs on top (coriander, oyster leaf and vene cress). 4 Add a dash of olive oil and a pinch of fleur de sel. 5 Enjoy without delay. Visit piper-heidsieck.com to discover more

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FOOD & DRINK • WINE

WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news Rosé recommendations for the month

Studio by Miraval 2020, Provence  £16 / £35 magnum This rosé is a very delicate, pale pink colour. The palate has a lovely texture coupled with ﬂavours of apricot, peach and citrus.

BRAD PITT WITH MARC PERRIN IN THE VINEYARD

WINE CELLAR

HITTING ALL THE RIGHT NOTES Welcome to a new column from the founder of Il Vino in Buckhurst Hill on all things wine

By TONY LONG

ack in 2011, the purchase of Chateau Miraval by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie for a reported $28m propelled Rosé wines from relative obscurity to the top of the summer drinks charts. Chateau Miraval is situated in the village of Correns in the Var region of Provence amidst one of the most stunning landscapes in the South of France. The wines themselves are produced in partnership with the much-respected Famille Perrin and have received critical acclaim from some of the world’s most prominent wine critics. Miraval’s magnificent cascading stone walled terraces have been perfectly restored

THE RECORDING STUDIO INSIDE

Miraval Rosé 2020, Provence  £23 / £49 magnum The wine has a beautiful pale, petal-pink colour, with bright nuances. It exudes aromas of fresh redcurrants, rose and zesty lemon.

to their traditional form and the estate is cultivated without using herbicides, pesticides, or chemicals that can affect the fruit. And whilst Jolie recently sold her stake in the business, Pitt has put even more time, effort and money into what he says has become his passion. A part of the chateau contains a music recording studio built by a previous owner, French jazz pianist and composer Jacques Loussier, in the 70s and has seen the likes of Pink Floyd, AC/DC, The Gypsy Kings, Wham!, Chris Rea, Sting, Sade and many other great bands and artists record there. Following the launch of Miraval Rosé in 2012, Studio by Miraval was released in 2019 in homage to the recording history of the chateau and work is currently nearing completion on the redesign and refurbishment of the recording studios, which Pitt is doing in partnership with French music producer Damien Quintard. As we head towards summer lunches and BBQ parties with sunshine, music and family and friends, the selection of wines on the right offer a perfect choice for anyone who likes their Rosé with plenty of juicy summer fruits, a delicate floral freshness and zesty citrous notes.

Maison Saint Aix 2020 Rosé, Provence  £18 A lovely pale, salmon pink colour with beautiful, shiny reﬂections. The nose is quite delicate, fruit-forward, clean and complex.

Chateau La Coste Rosé 2021, Provence  £26 / £57 magnum Pale, aromatic and ﬂoral, with delicate red fruit notes. On the palate, you can ﬁnd a dominance of white fruits, vine peaches and pear.

Domaines Ott Chateau Romassan Rosé 2020, Bandol  £40 A brilliant light peach hue and a lovely aromatic intensity. The nose is fresh and fruity with hints of peach and grapefruit. Il Vino is the premier independent wine merchant in West Essex, offering a selection of outstanding wines, champagnes, and cognacs and cigars from around the world. Il Vino is now offering customers private and corporate wine tasting events at their shop in Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill.

ilvino.co.uk

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Saint Nicholas School • Independent Co-Ed Day School in Old Harlow for pupils aged 21 2 to 16 • Academic excellence combined with great pastoral care • Small class sizes

SAINT NICHOLAS

Nurture. Strive. Achieve. 01279 429910 • www.saintnicholasschool.net SAINT_NICHOLAS.indd 68 Untitled-1 1 St Nicholas School - Absolutely West Essex A4 Ad_Final.indd 1

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E D U C AT I O N

FULL OF VOICE This month we take a closer look at Forest Prep School. The classroom curriculum is enhanced by a tremendous range of cocurricular opportunities which are seen very much as an essential aspect of a Forest education. Clubs and activities range from kick-boxing to Musical Theatre and the sheer variety available is extraordinary. Read more on page 73.

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EDUCATION • FEATURE

SIGN of

things to come Exploring ways of communicating in education and the wider world B y S U E L A I D L AW

f there is one thing that we have all realised over the past two years, it is the absolute need for all of us to find new ways of communicating. At Laidlaw Education, we are constantly exploring ways to communicate with children in our teaching – not always just by speech and voice. However, it became very clear that, when face masks were required to be used, for many children and adults, communication became harder; facial cues were hidden as well as the ability to watch the articulation of a teacher, particularly for younger children and those with specific needs. We have all come to understand even more how important it is to explore new ways of communicating with each other. Against this backdrop, the annual Deaf Awareness Week, which takes place from 2-8 May, has caused me to reflect. This special week aims to promote an understanding of the importance of social inclusion around the deaf community. It highlights all the positive aspects of living with deafness, but also raises awareness of the isolation that deaf people can sometimes experience. Indeed, you may not be aware that

there are over ten million people in the UK who are living with some form of hearing loss. If your autumn Saturday evenings included snuggling up on the sofa to watch BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing, you, like me, will have shared the joy of watching EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis’ wonderful dancing and perfect rhythm, knowing that she was the first deaf contestant on the show.

“There are over ten million people in the UK with hearing loss” She and her professional partner, Giovanni Pernice, won the show but have, more importantly, shone a very bright, creative and positive light on promoting the positivity of the deaf community. Ayling-Ellis’ inspirational personality led to a significant increase in people wanting to learn Sign Language, for example. Equally moving is this year’s Oscar winning movie, CODA. Coda stands for Child(ren) of Deaf Adults and the film tells the story of 17-year-old Ruby Rossi (Emilia Jones) as the only hearing member of a deaf family in Massachusetts. The film's exploration of the deaf community is real and authentic, even though the plot is fictious. Alongside Emilia Jones, who spent many months learning to sign for the part, deaf actors Daniel Durant, Troy Kotsur, and Marlee Matlin star as the rest of Ruby's family. Kotsur has made history as the first deaf man to win an Oscar as Best Supporting Actor. You may not want to learn Sign Language yet, but we can all be more aware of what we can do to embrace everyone in the way that we communicate.

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Forest is a large, vibrant, co-educational independent school that offers outstanding academic progress and personal development, award-winning pastoral care, and an engaging and comprehensive co-curriculum. Forest benefits from a tremendous location, surrounded by ancient forest but situated within a wonderfully diverse part of North-East London with 30 acres of grounds. Forest - Where People Grow 0208 520 1744 | E17 3PY | www.forest.org.uk | admissions@forest.org.uk

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NOW RANKED 22nd BEST PREP SCHOOL by The Sunday Times Up seven places from last years rankings

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EDUCATION • TALKING HEAD

in the country. With easy access by tube, train and road, Forest is a hidden gem in a surprisingly peaceful setting in the middle of one of the oldest forests in the country.

Budding

ACORNS

James Sanderson, head of Forest Preparatory School, on an all round approach to education that sets their pupils up for an exciting future

Q Could you give us a potted history of Forest School? A Forest School opened its doors in October of 1834 and 22 boys joined the school on its very first day. It was founded by several local dignitaries who wanted to offer an education to the young men of the district. Since the original pupils began their education at the school, Forest has grown over the years from a boysonly school, through the introduction of girls and the Diamond model, to a fully co-educational school from September 2022, and a pupil roll getting close to 1,500 pupils, boys and girls, equally mixed.

The Prep School has been around for circa 100 years, referred to either as the Junior School or as the Preparatory School, and is currently at its largest R-Y6 configuration with 336 pupils aged 4 to 11. We share all the Senior School’s main facilities, from sports venues through to our ‘Harry Potterstyle’ Dining Hall. Pupils get to know the whole site so that when they transition to Year 7, the move is virtually seamless. Forest sits inside the North Circular Road, we have pupils from all over northeast London and we are one of the largest and most diverse independent schools

Q How would you say the Prep School has evolved in recent times? A The Prep School is now in its first year of fully occupying the brand-new building that was built over the top of the previous provision. Gaining specialist classrooms as well as fully modernised and up-to-date form rooms, the new build has meant that we are able to offer the gamut of the Prep School curriculum and co-curriculum, all within the familiar Prep School setting. It had been 50 years since the Prep School had been the subject of significant works and we are very grateful for the investment the Governing Council decided to make in the future of the school’s younger pupils. Q What can you tell us about the Prep School curriculum? A We have a balanced curriculum that is taught by inspirational teachers who really love their subjects. Unusually in the Primary Phase, we have a significant number of specialist teachers, offering music, drama, dance, humanities, economics, Mandarin, computing, art, engineering, philosophy, mindfulness, musical instruments, PE and games, and of course our form teachers inspire pupils in their core subjects of maths, English and science. Our pastoral curriculum is also very important, adding greatly to the character of the school with a chance to take those issues often covered only in a PSHEE lesson to another level, inviting debate and discussion about those topics that are all about the pupil, their bodies and their feelings. We draw every pupil in via the Rights Respecting scheme, as Eco Warriors, as Faith & Belief Advocates and as young people with a voice. Our co-curriculum is second-to-none with an outstanding range of activities A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • TALKING HEAD

“It is not the destination postForest School as much as it is the voyage of discovery of themselves and their interests” JAMES SANDERSON

and clubs that excite and engross all of the pupils in the Prep School. From the smallest RAK group to a fully-staged musical and a cast of 120, there is something for every pupil to discover. Q When pupils move into the Senior School, what are they prepared for? A Pupils all know the school well and have automatic progression into the Senior School, as long as they are making good academic progress. A massive advantage of already being in the Prep School is that our curriculum aligns with the curriculum in the Senior School and work done at a younger age will continue as pupils get older. There are many

opportunities to acclimatise themselves as the time for transition gets closer. Q Do you have many pupils who start with you at 4 and remain through to Sixth Form? A A surprisingly large number of pupils begin their education at Forest at age 4 and are still with us 14 years later, completing their upper sixth. What is also very interesting is the range of destinations, post-school, that Forest Prep pupils will follow. It is not simply the nearest redbrick university, it can be music college, drama school, art foundation courses, medicine, dentistry as well as of course Oxford, Cambridge and other prestigious

destinations in the UK and abroad. Although it may seem a little bit clichéd, it is not the destination as much as it is the voyage of discovery of themselves and their interests. The breadth and depth of the foundation that these young people have by starting their education in the Prep School certainly leads them to all sorts of different paths and it is once again that individualism that we prize above all. F O R E ST P R E PA R ATO RY SCHOOL Snaresbrook, E17 3PY 020 8520 1744 forest.org.uk

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Nurture

Curiosity

Creativity

Excellence

Independent Co-educational Day School For 3 - 11 Years

Join us at our next Open Event Find out what all the noise is about!

Tel: 0208 504 5045 Email: admissions@wgprep.co.uk www.wgprep.co.uk

Daiglen Preparatory School PERSEVERE & EXCEL A modern education in a traditional environment for boys and girls aged 3-11

7+ ENTRANCE EXAM & SCHOLARSHIP Applications now open

For further information and to request an application form please email registrar@ahsprep.co.uk

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Find out more: 02085047108 admissions@daiglenschool.co.uk www.daiglenschool.co.uk

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KIDS & EDUCATION • FOCUS

Testing

TIMES

Building a positive approach to exams

his summer's GCSE, A-level and IB exams are set to go ahead for the first time since 2019. That means this year’s A-level and IB cohort will become the first to sit sixth form exams without having taken formal GCSE papers in Year 11. New research from private tuition and home-schooling company Enjoy Education finds that in light of exam cancellations over the last two years, exam anxiety is one of parents’ greatest concerns. The research, which surveyed 1,500 parents of schoolaged children, found that nearly two thirds of sixth form parents are worried that their teenager hasn’t sat national exams before, while 29% of students negatively impacted by returning to school this year are struggling with exam anxiety. After two years of disrupted education, it’s more important than ever that exam students this year feel confident and prepared for their exams – and we all have a role to play in helping them feel ready this summer. The research finds that despite the growing worries around exams, there is a bright side.

Lockdown learning has helped parents to feel closer than ever to their children’s learning, empowering parents to make decisions to help their children and teenagers feel confident ahead of exams this year: 61% of those surveyed said they had learnt something new about the way their child learns, while 60% feel they previously had misconceptions about their child’s learning style. “As the research shows, there are unique pressures surrounding this year’s exam cohort and we are committed to making sure students have the support they need,” says Enjoy Education founder, Kate Shand. “If your teenager is facing exams, they will likely need more help this year navigating the path positively and with confidence, which is why we’re offering all parents free consultations to make sure the right content, revision and exam strategies are in place during these final months.” Book your free Revision and Exam Consultation with an expert consultant at Enjoy Education to help your teenager build a positive and achievable revision plan for exam success this summer. enjoyeducation.co.uk

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bravely fortiter

faithfully fideliter

happily feliciter

St. Aubyn’s School For further information please contact the Admissions Registrar registrar@staubyns.com 020 8504 1577

co-educational independent ages 3-13

Bunces Lane Woodford Green Essex IG8 9DU www.staubyns.com

central line Woodford Registered Charity No: 270143

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EDUCATION • NEWS

EDU CATION NEWS The latest from schools across Essex

A diverse education

Wor thy cause

New Hall School students and staff marked Neurodiversity Celebration Week in March with a series of events. The week’s celebrations at the leading Catholic day and boarding school in Chelmsford are in recognition of the fact that all people’s brains work differently, that we are all unique and each of these differences should be valued. Events were designed to be informative while demonstrating the school’s solidarity with anyone who might be neurodivergent. A colourful display of umbrellas, decorated with details of students’ individual talents and ‘superpowers’, is now suspended in the school’s cloister. newhallschool.co.uk

Avon House Preparatory School in Woodford Green hosted a community cake sale in aid of Ukraine last week. As a Unicef Gold accredited school, the Rights Respecting School Council met to discuss ideas on how to support Ukraine’s humanitarian effort and decided that a fundraising bake sale was the best idea for the whole Avon House family to participate in. The response from within the school community was huge with an enormous quantity of cakes and cookies to sell, so much so that the sale ran over two days. The school collected over £950 in sales and donations to send onto the DEC Ukraine Appeal run by the British Red Cross. avonhouseschool.co.uk

WO R L D O F OPPORTUNITY The Oak-Tree Group is made up of Braeside in Buckhurst Hill, Coopersale Hall in Epping, Normanhurst in North Chingford and Oaklands in Loughton. They all offer smaller, nurturing environments with a more personalised service and targeted support, each catering for between 200 and 300 pupils with average class sizes of between 12 and 18. The Oak-Tree Group delivers outstanding results with private school fees that are both competitive and excellent value for money. The benefits that a private school provides are well worth the cost for many families. For more information and to book a tour of the schools, take a look at oaktreeschools.co.uk

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D R I V I N G

E X P E R I E N C E S

AT G O O D W O O D

G O O DWO O D . C O M

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INTERIORS

R E D HOT M A N O R L A N D S CA P E S

Manor Landscapes’ expertise and experience covers all aspects, from driveways to paving, garden buildings and decking, through to lighting, planting and lawns. One of the more popular features is cooking and hosting alfresco. They have created sleek modern outside kitchens and dining areas, to more traditional brick pizza ovens and stone worktops. themanorlandscapes.co.uk

Raspberry Interior Design 83 • Garden Accessories 87 • Trend 89 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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BEOVISION CONTOUR

TIMELESS DESIGN AND AWA R D - W I N N I N G S O U N D Heighten your home entertainment with the elegant Beovision Contour, a timeless design, minimalist TV that combines the crisp visuals of OLED with exceptional audio performance. Take your viewing experience to another level by trading in your current TV for a BeoVision Contour*. For a limited time, you can enjoy a £500 trade-in on a 48" or £600 on a 55". Contact one of our stores below to find out more. Bang & Olufsen of Chelmsford 16-18 New London Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 0SP Telephone: 01245 266117 Email: chelmsford@bang-olufsen.co.uk Web: bang-olufsen.com/chelmsford Bang & Olufsen of Colchester 61 High Street, Colchester, Essex CO1 1DN Telephone 01206 763344 Email: colchester@bang-olufsen.co.uk Web: bang-olufsen.com/colchester *Trade-in saving only valid when purchasing a BeoVision Contour complete with either wall bracket or floor stand and remote control. Offer valid until 31st May 2022. The offer is not available in conjunction with any other offer.

For The Haslers Foundation

Wednesday 29 June 2022 | 6.30pm-10.00pm @Metropolitan Police Sports Club, Chigwell Haslers are inviting businesses and professionals from across Essex and surrounding areas to take part. Tables of up to 10 people and tickets are £35 per person, including a complimentary tea and coffee. ary r arrival drink, delicious hot meal fo ry ffollowed llowed by b te

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INTERIORS • INTERVIEW

FRUITS O F

T H E I R

L A B O U R

Tracey Hatch, one half of the mother and daughter team behind Raspberry Interior Design, on keeping things in the family By MARK KEBBLE

ost of us have probably spent far too much time in buildings with the family over the past two years, but for Tracey Hatch it’s where design creativity bubbles away. After all, she teamed up with her daughter Abby to give us Raspberry Interior Design. “Abby has always been creative,” Tracey says, “but it took her a few years working in the City behind a reception desk to realise she wanted a more creative job. When she asked the question, ‘What do you think about me giving up work to train as an interior designer?’, my response was, ‘What took you so long?’” The duo are celebrating a recent move to The Barn in Ingatestone, which is the latest chapter on what has been a flourishing existence for Raspberry Interior Design. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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THE MOTHER AND DAUGHTER TEAM

The name, says Tracey, came about because “I wanted something that was colour and was a bit tongue-in-cheek. My nephew was sitting blowing raspberries whilst I was trying to think of a name and that’s how we decided”. It’s a playful approach that spreads to how the two work, making sure their clients feel at ease every step of the way. “Warmth and personality,” Tracey adds about their design style. “We like mixing old and new, and definitely love injecting some colour. If clients have an old chair or a piece of furniture that is sentimental, we enhance it and include it in our designs. We like our work to reflect their personalities. People are becoming braver and realising that using deep wall colours can add warmth – get the balance right by introducing other layers and you will create a stunning

backdrop to the rest of your furnishings. Bold, large scale patterns are most certainly appealing if used in the right way.” You can see what Tracey means with the projects featured here, and much of their work is based around Essex. “That’s great because Essex has a variety of properties,” Tracey enthuses. “We can be working on a project involving a listed cottage on the outskirts of Ongar, a contemporary new build in Shenfield and an Edwardian terrace in Chelmsford. Each property is different, each project is different, each client is different – and that’s one of the reasons we love our work so much.” The partnership clearly works, and with their latest move to Ingatestone, you sense this will be the launchpad for much more from Raspberry Interior Design. “We are naturally evolving all the time,” Tracey smiles. “We have grown each year, steady and strong. We both call our work our ‘happy place’. We feel blessed to not only love our work so much, but to also work together. The core of both of our tastes and styles are very similar. Abby is right up there with the trends, which rubs off on me, whilst I have a wealth of practical knowledge – boring things like soil pipes and load bearing walls – which I can help Abby with on her larger projects.” While most of us were climbing the walls being cooped up with family during the lockdowns, there’s a playful undertone to how day to day life pans out at Raspberry Interior Design. “I like the office cool, whilst Abby likes the office hot,” Tracey laughs. “Abby brings in biscuits, which I find hard to ignore, especially around 3pm. We have to tell each other ‘for the next few hours I am going to ignore you’, otherwise we chat and get distracted.” And outside of work? “If Abby and I are out in a restaurant or bar, we spend the first 30 minutes discussing the décor – not so great if the rest of the family are there too!”

“WE LIKE MIXING OLD AND NEW, AND WE DEFINITELY LOVE INJECTING SOME COLOUR”

raspberryinteriordesign.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Flintshire Solid Oak Bed Frames Available from stock for Quick Delivery

Grosvenor Bed Frame

Glynne Bed Frame Double 419 King 449

Double 499 King 519

Gladstone Bed Frame Double 399 King 439

www.bestpricebeds.co.uk | Tel. 01379 855456 or 855461 22 Redenhall Road, Harleston, Norfolk, IP20 0ER BEST PRICE BEDS.indd 85

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INTERIORS • GARDENS

G A R D E N P A R T Y FABULOUS ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE

S TAT E M E N T P I EC E HYPERION TILES

Transform your outdoor space with a unique statement underfoot featuring one of Hyperion Tiles’ striking patterned and plain Ca’ Pietra tiles collections. Avenue Rivoli tiles in porcelain, £42 per sq m hyperiontiles.co.uk

G I M M E S H E LT E R

DEN KIT CO

The Cottage Garden Den Kit was designed to capture creative imaginations, encourage resourcefulness and innovation, provide escape and sanctuary, and most of all supply hours and hours of simple fun. £45 thedenkitco.com

RAIN PROOF CELI NA DIGBY

Celina Digby's outdoor bench seat pad is water resistant and practical. These durable, practical removable covers are two-sided and come in a variety of prints. £69.99 celinadigby.co.uk

I V Y L E AG U E DA N E T T I

The Ivy Corner Bench is a statement garden piece, creating a social hub for outdoor dining. With a detailed rope back and practical matt finish, this bench is the perfect way to modernise any outdoor space. £1,679 danetti.com

HANGING OUT

LEISURE PLA N

With Kida, from Dedon, Stephen Burks has designed a hanging lounge chair as delightful to look at as to use. leisureplan.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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LOUR GUIDE

LOGO VARIATIONS

creative space

for creative people

PRINT C:1% M: 53% Y: 91% K: 0% WEB #F38E32

Untitled-7 1

LOGO ONLY NO TEXT FOR PROFILE IMAGES

10/12/2021 14:47

PRINT C:96% M: 72% Y: 46% K: 40% WEB

#10384F

local independent gallery andBACKGROUNDS gift shop dedicated to WHITE VERSION FOR DARK promoting local artists and makers from across East Anglia We have a lot of upcoming events during 2022, see our website for more details www.wonky-wheel.co.uk Makers’ Market 4th June 2022, Ten curated makers and artists will have their artwork on display at Finchingfield Guildhall, 10am to 4pm.

The Green, Finchingfield, CM7 4JS | info@wonky-wheel.co.uk Opening times: Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm, Click and Collect on Monday and Tuesday, Closed Sunday

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INTERIORS • TREND DAVID HUNT LIGHTING Scallop pendant, £POA davidhuntlighting.co.uk

ROSE & GREY Blue twister side table, £310 roseandgrey.co.uk

ORIGINAL BTC London table light, £615 originalbtc.com

CULT FURNITURE Century medium coffee table, £279 cultfurniture.com

EDITOR’S PICK

CIELSHOP Cane curved screen black, £475 cielshopinteriors.com

NEW WAVE

THE RUG RETAILER Orange retro rug, £71 therugretailer.co.uk

Curves and scalloping deﬁne the new look By P E N D L E H A R T E

FIONA HOWARD Sway wallpaper, £69 fionahoward.com

POOKY Murphy table lamp, £110 pooky.com

ERCOL Heritage loveseat, £870 ercol.com

THE HOUSE OFFICE Kastan curved edge console table, £221 thehouseoffice.co.uk

SWEETPEA & WILLOW Evernest curved sofa, £4,465 sweetpeaandwillow.com

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Woodford Green

Guide Price £875,000 A beautifully presented three bedroom family home which retains much of its original charm and character. The property sits on a good size plot on the Monkhams Estate with an attached garage, so plenty of scope for extension if desired. Kings Avenue is ideally placed for access to Woodford Central Line station and shops at The Broadway.

Brancepeth Gardens, Buckhurst Hill

Guide Price £1,100,000

A superbly presented detached family home offering four double bedrooms, three bathrooms, two reception rooms, a contemporary kitchen / dining room, and situated just a short walk from Queens Road and backing directly onto Lords Bushes.

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PROPERTY

MAGDALEN LAVER, ONGAR CM5

£POA

aplen Estates is delighted to present Wynters Cottage, a Grade II listed house situated in the picturesque village of Magdalen Laver. Parts of the building date back to the 1500s and boasts original period features. Featuring five bedrooms, two bathrooms, a stunning bespoke kitchen and family room, the main house offers prospective buyers a turn-key home with fully fitted furniture.

CAPLEN ESTATES

020 3937 7733 caplenestates.com

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Ongar 134 High Street Ongar, Essex CM5 9JH | ongar@balgoreshayes.com | 01277 369 925

WE LOVE WHAT WE DO. WE LOVE TO MAKE THE BUSINESS OF SELLING AND LETTING YOUR HOME AS SIMPLE, SUCCESSFUL AND STRESS-FREE AS POSSIBLE.

he award winning Balgores Hayes Ongar ofﬁce is located in a prominent position on the High Street. Our professional team is led by Director Paul Hayes MNAEA and backed up by Associate Director Joe Hayes MNAEA who can both offer years of experience and expert local knowledge. The team will be on hand to offer an outstanding service to those looking to purchase or sell a property in Ongar and surrounding areas, making Balgores Hayes a superior choice of estate agents in the locality. When it comes to marketing your property, we have a range of tools including modern, attractive window displays to ensure that your home is given maximum exposure and is showcased at its best. We use professional photography to

Basildon t: 01268 271 110

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Brentwood t: 01277 216 800

Chelmsford t: 01245 492 424

provide the most beautiful images of your home and these are used to create premium listings of your property on popular portals including Rightmove and Zoopla.

Dagenham t: 0208 592 1038

Gravesend t: 01474 369 955

Hornchurch t: 01708 470 756

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balgoresproperty.com

Spurriers Farm Barns, Norton Heath

Park Farm, Ingatestone Road

Four bedroom, detached barn Balgores Ongar | Guide Price £800,000

Grade II listed home, 3.25 acres (STLS) Balgores Ongar | Guide Price £1,600,000

Stewarts Cross, School Road

Oakdale, Brentwood Road

Delightful semi-detached cottage Balgores Ongar | Asking Price £875,000

Detached period home Balgores Ongar | Guide Price £675,000

Manor Road, Chigwell

Newlands Road, Woodford Green

First floor luxury apartment Balgores Loughton | Guide Price £1,100,000

Three bedroom detached bungalow Balgores Loughton | Offers In The Region Of £900,000

Loughton t: 0208 502 1559

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Ongar t: 01277 369 925

Romford t: 01708 755 507

South Woodham Ferrers t: 01245 323 729

Upminster t: 01708 259 539

Wickford t: 01268 763 477

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Upminster 63 Station Road, Upminster, Essex RM14 2SU | sales@balgoresupminster.com | 01708 259 539

WE LOVE WHAT WE DO. WE LOVE TO MAKE THE BUSINESS OF SELLING AND LETTING YOUR HOME AS SIMPLE, SUCCESSFUL AND STRESS-FREE AS POSSIBLE.

et Balgores Upminster get you moving. Experience outstanding property sales and lettings services from an independent, multi award-winning agent with outstanding local knowledge and a wealth of experience. Our Upminster branch is headed by Martin Gibbon FNAEA and Richard Burns MNAEA, who between them have over 45 years’ experience in the industry. Our highly trained property consultants are renowned for their professionalism and eye for detail. We offer a unique, transparent service with ﬁxed marketing schedules and milestones which are discussed at regular face to face meetings in the comfort of our clients’ homes. Our Upminster ofﬁce is in a fantastic location,

Basildon t: 01268 271 110

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Brentwood t: 01277 216 800

Chelmsford t: 01245 492 424

opposite the busy train station on the high street, meaning your home will beneﬁt from an extremely high footfall shopfront.

Dagenham t: 0208 592 1038

Gravesend t: 01474 369 955

Hornchurch t: 01708 470 756

29/04/2022 14:13

balgoresproperty.com

Pettits Lane, Romford

The White Lodge, Havering-Atte-Bower

Five bedrooms Balgores Romford | Guide Price £1,100,000

Five bedrooms Balgores Romford | Asking Price £750,000

Moor Lane, Upminster

Billers Chase, Beaulieu Park

Six bedrooms Balgores Upminster | Guide Price £800,000

Five bedrooms Balgores Chelmsford | Asking Price £1,200,000

C E R E S C O U R T

Ceres Court, Hornchurch 8 luxury apartments, ready winter 2022 Balgores Hornchurch | POA

Loughton t: 0208 502 1559

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Ongar t: 01277 369 925

Romford t: 01708 755 507

South Woodham Ferrers t: 01245 323 729

Upminster t: 01708 259 539

Wickford t: 01268 763 477

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3D WALKTHROUGH

Packsaddles, Loughton

£3,795,000

A rare opportunity to acquire a most prestigious and exceptional Country residence. Set in a commanding elevated position surrounded by extensive private rolling grounds of approx. 11 acres with magnificent views over forestland and beyond. This exceptional property offers a splendid array of spacious living accommodation. Elegant reception hall, principle panelled double sitting room with adjacent dining room, Orangery Lounge, Conservatory Day room, Kitchen and utility room, Television room, Gymnasium / Steam Room and cloakroom and a Double Garage with pet utility room. Extensive grounds extending to approx. 11 acres featuring paddock and landscaped grounds including stable Block and ménage, hard floodlit tennis courts, swimming pool, spa and large ponds with extensive water features.

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3D WALKTHROUGH

Algers Road, Loughton

£1,400,000

A unique opportunity to purchase a detached house set on a plot of approximately 0.6 of an Acre in the heart of Loughton. The property is set in the middle of Algers Road, The Avenue and Spring Grove, Loughton and is accessed via a private driveway from Algers Road. The current residence is a three bedroom detached house, with two receptions rooms and a double detached garage with a total SQFT of 1,162 and is in need of modernisation. The plot has a variety of end uses subject to planning.

0208 0165 333 | 165 High Road, Loughton IG IO 4LF www.ejpr.co.uk |

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3D WALKTHROUGH

Bancroft Avenue, Buckhurst Hill £1,100,000

• • • • •

3D WALKTHROUGH

Four Bedrooms Detached House Circa 1800 sq ft Fantastic Location Off-Street Parking

3D WALKTHROUGH

Station Approach, Theydon Bois

Crossfields, Loughton

£1,800PCM

£2,350PCM

• • • • •

Available May Two Bedrooms Unfurnished Duplex Apartment Balcony

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Available Now Three Bedrooms Unfurnished Modern Throughout Driveway for Three Cars

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AT T H E T O P O F O U R G A M E

ELLIOTT LAWLOR

JAKE LATCH

NICOLA LAWLOR

HOLLY DONALDSON

JAMES LAWLOR

HEIDI FOSTER

ANNABEL KABEL

FREDERICK CASSFORD

GRACE PERRY

HOLLY DUNCAN

REBECCA HAWES

WILL PURKISS

CALL TO ARRANGE YOUR MARKET APPRAISAL

3D WALKTHROUGH

Forest Road, Loughton

Grange Crescent, Chigwell

£1,850PCM • Available May • Three Bedrooms • Two Bedrooms • Excellent Condition • Unfurnished

£4,500PCM • Available Now • Five Bedrooms • Four Bathrooms • Unfurnished • Fantastic Location

0208 0165 333 | 165 High Road, Loughton IG IO 4LF www.ejpr.co.uk |

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Knighton Drive, Woodford Green

• 4 bedrooms detached • Monkhams Estate

Woodberry Way, North Chingford

• Backing onto cricket pitch

£1,400,000

Wood Lane, Woodford Green Guide Price £675,000 - £725,000

• Fully detached

• 4 bedrooms family home • Fully detached • Quiet residential road • Close to Forest

• 6 bedrooms family home • Recently renovated and refurbished • Finished to a high standard

£1,400,000

• Exclusive location

Higham Road, Woodford Green Guide Price £900,000 - £1,000,000

• 5 bedrooms family home • Period property • Edwardian • Close to station

Elm Grove, Woodford Green

Kings Avenue, Woodford Green

The Sqaure, Woodford Green

• 2 bedroom cottage

• 4 bedrooms

• 2 bedroom cottage

• 3 reception areas

• Close to Central Line

• Modern fitted kitchen

• Attractive garden

• Kitchen-diner

• Courtyard garden

• Close to Central Line

• Monkhams Estate

• Close to Woodford station

£1,600 pcm

£2,750 pcm

£1,500 pcm

0204 553 0707 3 0 T he Avenue, H i gh a ms Pa r k, E4 9L D

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WE’RE DIFFERENT BECAUSE YOU’RE DIFFERENT

Higham Road, Woodford Green

• 3 bedrooms maisonette • Rare to the market

Park View, Chigwell

• 3 bedrooms family home • Gated development

• Attractive building

£600,000

The Hollow, Woodford Green Guide Price £800,000 - £900,000

• Share of Freehold

• 4 bedrooms detached house • Luxury kitchen diner • Sunset Avenue location • Quiet Cul-de-sac

• Double garage

£695,000

• NHBC building warranty

Elm Grove, Woodford Green

• 2 bedrooms Victorian home • Period Cottage • Close to station

Guide Price £550,000

• Short walk to woodland

Hermon Hill, Wanstead

Jubilee Court, Queen Mary Avenue

Lechmere Avenue, Chigwell

• 1 bedroom

• 2 bedroom

• Newly refurbished

• Balcony

• Recently refurbished

• Own front door

• Secure gated parking

• Large kitchen diner

• Close to Snaresbrook Station

• Close to South Woodford station

• Well maintained garden

£1,350 pcm

£1,250 pcm

£1,900 pcm

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Hunt Property Services is an independent boutique estate agency with a portfolio of luxury properties for sale and rent in London and Essex.

We are also the agent for Repton Park, an exclusive gated development in Woodford Green, where founder and Director Hayley Hunt has been a resident for over 20 years. Our award winning team of experts will provide you with an outstanding bespoke service to guide you through every aspect of buying or selling a property. We have also been recognised for providing excellence in property renovations, proudly winning Woman in Build Award two years running. The Hunt team are available for consultations, market appraisals and viewings seven days a week.

REPTON PARK Hunt are proud to offer to the market this three double bedroom three bathroom first floor apartment set within the prestigious gated development Repton Park

Guide Price £775,000

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xceptionally spacious three double bedroom, three bathroom, first floor apartment which is the top floor for this particular period block Bartholomew House, boasts high ceilings, sash windows and spectacular views of the incredible open grounds and surrounding forest.

This property offers a large open plan lounge with a contemporary integrated kitchen and spacious dining area. Grand entrance hallway with dressing area and small office space. Master bedroom benefits from the special views this apartment offers which is beautiful to wake up to, also a fully fitted dressing space and an en-suite with twin basins, large bath and shower. Two further doubles one with en suite and one family shower room guest WC. This contemporary property boasts two private parking spaces and has a very large loft space available to purchase. Set within Repton Park with CCTV, 24 hour concierge, night time security and Virgin Active spa, gym and pool. Sole agent & Chain Free.

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BETTS LANE, NAZEING £2,000,000

THISTLEY GREEN ROAD, BRAINTREE 4 3 5 5 £1,150,000

PRINCES ROAD, BUCKHURST HILL 4 £1,500,000 4

Fairview Road, Chigwell £3,500 per month

LEADEN CLOSE, LOUGHTON £575,000 3

Brandesbury Square, Woodford Green £2,500 per month 3

The key to your future

Sa l es ■ Lettings

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A TYPICAL BABY BANK

THE TEAM

LITTLE

treasures

We ﬁnd out more about william rose Highams Park sponsoring Baby Bank to help local families facing hardship

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PROPERTY • FEATURE

“Baby Bank is a charity helping families in Waltham Forest and nearby areas facing hard times or a crisis”

full potential, which is why Baby Bank is so important to them. Baby Bank doesn’t receive any funding relying solely on donations to support their vital work. The current Baby Bank wish list is for: • Nappies, baby wipes and all baby essentials; • Single and double buggies; • Good condition or new baby clothing; • Books and toys for under 5s; • Good condition or new moses baskets and mattresses. BOOKS ARE A KEY PART OF THE OFFERING

s a fly on the wall in the william rose Highams Park office you would, naturally, expect to hear deep conversations and discussion on topics such as trends in the local property market, rental costs and property maintenance. It may though come as a surprise to hear amidst all this business talk a lot of chat about their families too, particularly as Assistant Sales Manager Ben and his wife Faye recently welcomed Lottie, a new bundle of baby joy and sister to Henry, aged 3, into their family. Jay and Adrian, both the founders and directors of william rose, having children of their own are very

family committed and this instantly attracted them to sponsoring Baby Bank, a charity helping families in Waltham Forest and nearby areas facing hard times or a crisis. Baby Bank was set up in 2013 by Lloyd Park Children’s Charity founder and now Chief Executive, Pauline Thomas MBE. Since its conception hundreds of local children have received help from Baby Bank. Baby Bank works like a food bank, but for baby essentials – they collect new and pre-loved items for new-borns to 5-year-olds from the local community to give to families who are in urgent need of help. Waltham Forest is the tenth poorest borough nationally and the seventh most deprived of London’s 33 boroughs. Children living in poverty struggle to reach their

Whilst receiving essential items is fantastic, money donations are always gratefully received as this enables the purchase of new nappies, wipes and food – just a £5 donation could buy 44 nappies. If you would like to know more, donate essential items, donate money or even volunteer please visit tlpcc.org.uk/baby-bank/ where you will find full details. Alternatively, simply drop off any of the above wish list items into the office: william rose, Highams Park, 30 The Avenue, E4 9LD, and william rose will match all donations made. If you know of a family needing help or require help yourself please get in touch via their email babybank@tlpcc.org.uk. WILLIAM ROSE 30 The Avenue, Highams Park, E4 9LD 020 4553 0707 william-rose.com

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PROPERTY • FOCUS

JAMES HUNT

S P R I N G C L E A N A LIGHTING SCHEME CAN REALLY ADD AMBIENCE TO AN OUTDOOR SPACE

ach year, spring proves to be a particularly popular time to sell a property, with buyers looking to purchase and settle into their new home in time for the summer months. This being said, around this time, any outside space, whether it is a garden, balcony or terrace, can be a fantastic selling feature helping prospective viewers imagine themselves relaxing there, in the fresh air, after a long day at work. So, although the warm weather is not quite guaranteed yet if you’re thinking of selling your home, it’s worth taking the time to spruce up the outside. Start small. Giving the area a simple clean and tidy can make a big

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James Hunt, the co-founder of Durden & Hunt, offers his top tips on how to make full use – and show off – a garden at this time of year

difference. You might be surprised at how transformed your space can look by jet washing the patio or pruning and trimming overgrown plants and shrubs. Think about the space as a whole. Consider rearranging existing furniture to create dedicated areas that have a clear purpose to showcase how functional and spacious it is and the opportunities it presents. Perhaps move the BBQ closer to the dining space or move your outdoor sofas neatly around a fire pit for a chill out zone. A handful of weatherproof cushions or rugs could add colour and texture to the space, creating an inviting and welcoming feel. Lighting is key to creating an atmosphere both inside and out so be prepared for viewings at dusk with a

selection of solar powered lights. Also, don’t forget safety lights; if you’ve been putting off installing perhaps now is the time. Additional space is always beneficial and larger gardens present an opportunity to add a multi-purpose outbuilding that can inspire a variety of uses, from a home office or gym to storage or play room. If you have had your heart set on a new piece of outdoor furniture, which will work in your next home, consider investing now – you can then take it with you when you move. Remember, if your home doesn’t sell ahead of summer, these are easy but impactful updates that you, and your friends and family, can enjoy in the meantime. durdenandhunt.co.uk

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Bermuda Garden Furniture

IN STOCK

Save up to 25% OFF this Spring!

Discover Quality Furniture, Flooring, Beds & Accessories In-Store!

Felix - Sofa Collection

Tiago - Rug Collection

Marcato - Bedroom by Nolte Möbel

Peartree Road, Stanway, Colchester, Essex CO3 0LA

01206 765444 www.hatfields.com

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Tag us on Social Media #HatfieldsAtHome

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PROPERTY • PARTNERSHIP

NEW DOOR

OPENS

Attwells offer some vital advice on what you should do if you inherit a house By ELIZABETH HENDRY

nheriting a house can be exciting, but it can bring with it many complications without the right legal support in place. With this in mind, we have set out what you should do in this situation. Initially, the Executors of the estate will need to obtain a Grant from the Probate Registry to enable them to deal with the sale or transfer of the property. They will also be responsible for informing the house insurance company that the property is unoccupied following the deceased’s owners death. Typically, when you inherit a home you should get a new insurance policy or get

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the current one rewritten and you will usually have around 30 days to do this. However, if the home has to go through Probate, it may take longer and you won’t be able to put your name on the insurance policy whilst this is happening. It’s worth speaking to the previous insurance company to ask them what coverage options you have. It is vital to ensure that you still have insurance on the home until you can get a new policy in your name. The terms of how the property is gifted under the Will may have an impact as to whether it is tax or mortgage free. If this is the case, then the estate would settle all

liabilities from the cash assets. If you are unsure if there are any unpaid mortgage payments then you can either request a credit report on the deceased’s finances or check the home’s title. Checking the home’s title will also reveal if there are any other payments that need to be made. Once these checks have been done you can then start thinking about what you want to do with the inherited property. You could choose to move into the property if you can afford to, but it’s important to think carefully about the property’s expenses and bills and how much they would impact your finances. If you are not the sole heir to the property and you inherited with other people, then in order to move in you would need to buy them out of their shares, which could increase your mortgage. If you can’t afford the upkeep on the property then you could choose to sell it, which may be the most straightforward and beneficial option. Alternatively, you could rent it out, which may be a good idea if you are looking for some extra funds each month. However, being a landlord is hard work and it may just be simpler to sell the property and start afresh. AT T W E L L S S O L I C I TO R S Attwells Solicitors are Property Law and Probate experts, to receive a quote call 01206 766 333 or visit attwells.com

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PROPERTY • COLUMN

OFF the FENCE

Hayley Hunt reviews the local property market and suggests it’s time for many to make a call

NOW IS AN IDEAL TIME TO MOVE

pring is finally here, but as far as the property market is concerned, it doesn’t quite feel that way. We are still experiencing an acute shortage of stock and although this might be easing slightly, there’s still a fair way to go if that 14.3 per cent annual house price growth (as reported by the Nationwide) is to be tempered. From a homeowner’s perspective, this growth might sound like wonderful news, but as past booms have shown us, it’s really not sustainable and besides, at the end of the day, it’s all relative. Indeed, if you are a homeowner, looking to upgrade in the current market, I’d recommend you get your skates on because your higher cost purchase will rise more than your lower cost sale in cash terms. However, there are factors at play that suggest this strong sellers’ market could soon moderate, not least of which is the uncertainty caused by the dreadful situation in Ukraine. Add to this higher interest rates, rising inflation, a record increase in the cost of energy and continued import/ export difficulties, then it’s quite likely that buyers will reconsider their budgets. Okay, so this hasn’t happened yet, but I strongly suspect it will as summer approaches. The effect of this could mean more stock becoming available, which can only be a good thing for the many frustrated potential buyers. It may also result in sellers who’ve been sitting on the fence finally coming to market knowing that there’s a greater selection of properties for sale. Who knows, with the worry of missing

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ENERGY PRICES MAY HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE MARKET

the market removed, we might even see a return of real people moving house for real reasons – now wouldn’t that be nice! Finally, a quick word about landlords, who must be delighted by the recently reported four per cent increase in rent during February and March. It brings the average rent up to a record £1,097 while void periods have shrunk by 11 per cent. What’s more, for the first time in six years, more landlords are buying rather than selling, largely because those wanting to sell due to the less favourable tax regime have already done so. So in summary, everything is pointing towards an active summer, and if you want a slice of the action, then call us today for honest advice on how you can best take advantage.

HAYLEY HUNT

H U N T P R O P E R T Y S E RV I C E S Hayley Hunt is the founder of Hunt Property Services located at 732 Chigwell Road, Woodford Green, Essex, IG8 8AL 020 8502 7667 huntpropertyservices.co.uk

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