ABS ESSEX NOV 22

TAG HEUER BOUTIQUE LAKESIDE SHOPPING CENTRE

ThisboutiqueispartoftheWatchesofSwitzerlandGroupLimited

EDITOR MARK KEBBLE

ART DIRECTOR

PAWEL KUBA

SENIOR DESIGNERS MIKE ROBERTS SUZETTE SCOBLE

MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER CARMEN GRAHAM

JUNIOR DESIGNER KAI NICHOLLS

PRODUCTION MANAGER DANICA BRODIE

GROUP SALES MANAGER - SOUTH ABIGAIL GARDNER

MEDIA CONSULTANTS

CELIA GREGORY, CLAIRE YATES, TANIA TOOHEY

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

Iowe some of my ex-colleagues an apology. Probably around a decade ago, I truly hated working on any festive issues. A quirk of the publishing world meant we were discussing turkey and trimmings, and parties and presents, in September – so when Christmas actually came around, I felt I had already lived it. So every time the Christmas issue planning meeting was called, I was a right old Scrooge and know I killed the good vibes. You live and learn. A lot has happened in the ten years since – especially the last couple of years, in particular – that anything that is designed to put a smile on your face should really do just that. Even though this isn't the actual Christmas issue, we have produced a special section looking at the early events in November to kick off the festive season in Hertfordshire. You see, I love it so much I do two festive issues now.

Elsewhere, we have more good vibes to share. Francesca Allen has the honour of being the first person to appear within these pages twice as she opens her second Loughton business, and you can't help but smile when looking at the creations by Ricky Paul Flowers. There's also a mini weddings special to help make your big day stress free. Cheers!

Interiors

Ricky

Brentwood

Francesca Allen

Getting personal with this month's cover star (p18)

MARK KEBBLE

HEADS UP

This Frida Kahlo planter will appeal to lovers of monochrome and lovers of Frida alike. Which is probably most people. £15 sassandbelle.co.uk

There's a lot of monochrome at Koibird for AW22, and of course it's not what you might expect. Knitwear comes in the form of feathered mini skirts, for instance, with matching cardigans. koibird.com

COMPILED BY PENDLE HARTE

LET IT SHINE

Think monochrome, but make it sparkle, and you have these fabulous heels by Sebastian Milano. sebastianmilano.com

SILKY TOUCH

Showcasing a curated collection of mono Dalmatian illustrations by award winning fashion illustrator Emma Cowlam, Just Add Style's sophisticated 'Fashion Hounds’ skinny scarf is the perfect fashion accessory. £50 just-add-style.com

LINE UP

We're draping tactile throws over everything in preparation for winter, and this monochrome stripe one is a favourite. £65 coxandcox.co.uk

LONG LASTING

From the Yoko Classic Collection

natural black Tahitian pearls are set in 18ct white gold and are designed to last through the generations. £395

ABOUT TIME

Time is just time. It's what you do with it that counts. bremont.com

BLACK OUT

Conceptual shapes and playful volumes make up the look for Cos this winter – and fans of monochrome will appreciate that there are lots of stylish black pieces. cos.com

PAPER WHITE

Made from an eco-conscious papier-mâché material of recycled paper pulp, natural gum and chalk powder, this vase features a beautiful offwhite fi nish, complemented by a hand-painted black Aztec pattern. £200 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

GREY SCALE

This reversible silk fringed scarf features intricate monochrome illustrations on one side and a punchy pattern on the other. £270 pierrelouismascia.com

Ricky & his team of amazing oral designers provide the most creative and luxury orals and Christmas decorations, from huge oral sculptures, and bespoke luxury wedding owers, Ricky, and the team pride themselves on being the best in the business, working with celebrity clients, luxury venues and events and soon to feature in a new Channel 4 series Ricky and his team are in high demand.

Get Intouch with the team today to add some Ricky Paul sparkles to you event.

Now based in our new Loughton wedding and event studio

0208 504 6999

88-90 Forest Road, Loughton, Essex, IG10 1EQ events@rickypaul owers.co.uk | rickypaul owers.co.uk

HARRY HILL

NOVEMBER

CLIFFS PAVILION, SOUTHEND-ON-SEA Harry Hill is back with brand-new amazing jokes in an all-singing, all-dancing one-man spectacular. Audiences will meet Harry’s new baby elephant, Sarah, and Ian, The Information Worm, and Harry will also be joined by Stouffer the Cat, his famous sidekick. “I hadn’t realised how much I missed performing live until lockdown stopped me from doing it,” says Harry. “It’s great to be going back on stage.” southendtheatres.org.uk

Francesca Allen has garnered many column inches over the last three years, and also many compliments for her business Bonnie and Clyde, but the greatest honour surely is that she is the first interviewee to appear twice within these pages – apt recognition considering her second outlet, Cloud Eighteen, has just opened in Loughton.

“It actually started as just a small o ce for my sister and I,” Francesca says on the boutique. “We ran the business online, so I am happy that we have opened a shop for people to actually be able to come in store and see the items in person and shop. I think one to one interaction when shopping is so important, it gives a whole di erent experience that is personal to you.”

The stunning jewellery on o er at Cloud Eighteen is perfectly timed, too, for Absolutely’s wedding special later in this

GETTING

By MARK KEBBLE

issue, and marks a departure from Bonnie and Clyde’s clothes-orientated appeal. “It’s accessories and bags only,” Francesca says on the idea behind Cloud Eighteen. “The only thing even close to clothing would be our diamante bras, but they are not exactly everyday wear! Bonnie and Clyde is for your everyday, night out kind of shop. Whereas Cloud Eighteen is more something special, a great place to buy gifts for loved ones, and we also have some homeware in there, such as candles, vases and bookcase décor.”

The one thing that does link the two is the fact they are both in Loughton. “I think the High Road is great, full of wonderful cafes and shops,” she says on that fact. “It still feels buzzy and people like to shop local, which I think is amazing. Online shopping is practical and easy for those who work, however you do really miss out on the whole experience, which we really encourage our sta to give. Also, when I am there I love getting to know someone, what they

like, where they’re going, so you can really tailor a whole experience to one individual and once I know that person I could pull things I know would be of their taste. I think people genuinely appreciate that and want to come back. And,” she grins, “I also love a good chin wag! I drive all the way to London and hold out for my co ee from the local organic shops in Loughton High Road. Woodstock does the best co ee and banana cake. Also Organico make lovely salads too, and Fred and Dougs in Epping has got to be my favourite place for lunch locally.”

People wanting to get to know Francesca is something she has to deal with ever since starring in Love Island three years ago. “I do, yes,” she says about getting recognised from the show. “It still surprises me this far down the line, considering I haven’t done anything too related, although I am still in the press at times and my Instagram account is still active. [Love Island] feels like a lifetime ago. It was a great experience

Love Island star Francesca Allen reveals all about her second business in Loughton, dealing with fame and an impending wedding

“Love Island feels like a lifetime ago. It was a great experience that I am grateful for”

that I am grateful for and I still have friends from that series and learnt a lot about myself. I also laugh at the fact I went there for love and turns out it was right here in front of me the whole time.”

Today, Francesca is engaged to long-time family friend, Ed Crossan, and the two have moved out of Essex and into the capital.

“I won’t lie, it’s not easy,” Francesca says on juggling her businesses and home life. “The commute to work is no longer ten minutes down the road. I can do so much for Cloud Eighteen from home, but I still go to the shops as I just love the vibe.”

She is also very active when it comes to supporting local Essex charities, and has recently started holding events in aid of Haven House Hospice. “I love children,” she says, “it’s amazing how strong and resilient they are to the world and I think a lot of these children are really inspiring, also their families too. I think by going to their stores I am helping with awareness

and perhaps showing people that these places are a great to shop in. I have, and always will, stick my head in a charity shop. You get some great finds in there and some that are so unique, and even better the money goes to helping these families and their children.”

Despite the busyness of the two shops, Francesca is clearly one not to rest on her laurels and has many strings to her bow that may come in useful in the future. “I was really into art, textiles and media,” she says on her younger self.

“I always loved clothes, I would always be helping my friends with outfits and sewing and creating. At Cloud Eighteen, we also o er ear piercing and I am also trained to do that, and I really enjoy it.

“We do hope to expand and be in London stores too,” she says on the future of Cloud Eighteen. “We are always looking for new designs too, new ideas. We are currently starting to add a few

luxury items into our brand, using Moissanite stones, so perhaps this could be something we would create more of in the future. But we also love being the a ordable, fun brand as I too personally love switching up my jewellery pieces as well as having luxury items, and that’s what makes Cloud Eighteen so good.”

And how about Francesca the person, what does the future hold? “Hopefully a wedding and then lots of babies,” she laughs.

cloud-eighteen.com

SHE WILL HAPPILY TREK TO LOUGHTON HIGH ROAD FOR A COFFEE

FRANCESCA IS A FAN OF SALADS AT ORGANICO

MOISSANITE STONES COULD BE A PART OF CLOUD EIGHTEEN'S FUTURE

The Unplanned

In 2010, Amanda Murray was forced to take over the reins of her late father’s steam railway in Essex, which he’d set up in 1964 following his life-long passion for steam. Unfortunately, in his later years dementia took hold. The only thing that continued to fire up his brain, and he found enjoyment in, was watching his engines run.

Amanda, already the founder of a highly successful eponymous interior design agency with a large and thriving o ce, found herself in the position of having to balance the books to keep it running – and keep her father’s legacy alive – or shut it down forever.

Over the next ten years, Amanda has not only reversed its fortunes, the Audley End Miniature Railway has become one of the most significant and loved visitor attractions in Essex, enjoyed by tens of thousands of families every year.

Amanda recognised that in order for the railway to survive, and preserve the

unique woodland site, the attraction needed be run on a more commercial basis. The train ride is the magic, but using her creative skills, Amanda has added a fairy walk, a children’s outdoor theatre, bespoke adventure playground, and woodland café serving local delights.

Against professional advice at the time, Amanda also upgraded the rolling stock with 14 new, hand-built carriages which, despite eye watering expense, ensure the complete comfort and safety of her public visitors.

Amanda has an extremely talented “steam team” – many of whom have worked on the railway all their life, often following in the footsteps of a parent, or even grandparent who worked for her late father.

Together they are continuously creating exciting, imaginative and dynamic seasonal events, running throughout every school holiday. The multiple forms of entertainment on site require a diverse bed of talent including catering,

By EMMA CARBONI

costume making, theatre design, storytelling, engine driving and engineering.

The Christmas event has become an iconic sell-out success, with other events including Halloween, Easter, Enchanted Summer Festival, Nature Week and more.

Having built up two successful businesses, Amanda’s success is born from passion, grit and determination – and hard work 24/7. She is not afraid to learn from mistakes and would urge other entrepreneurs to soak up the blows, of which there have been many, in order to achieve success. She has lots to say about adapting, remaining flexible and being confident stepping into a man’s world and picking up the reins.

Amanda is not one to rest on her laurels and never stands still – plans in the pipeline for next year include an exciting new shop and visitor centre, closely followed by a new large café. Full steam ahead, indeed.

With its famous festive event on the horizon, we take a look back at how Amanda Murray came to run Audley End Railway

SANTA

Q What inspired you to launch Ricky Paul Flowers back in 2010?

A After working for one of London’s most creative floral design companies providing flowers for the fashion, media and PR industry as well as delivering flowers to VIP and celebrity clients, I decided it was time to set up my own business. With my previous love for theatre and set design I wanted to showcase my work with a theatrical feel: huge floral hot air balloons and flamingos, unicorns and vibrant florals are what we are all about at Ricky Paul Flowers.

Q How did you want to be di erent?

A Floristry is an art form that you have to put your personality into. We see so many stunning flowers for weddings and events across the industry, but often in similar designs that are in trend from year to year. I love to think outside the box and create something di erent, we don’t feel we have much competition as we are unique in our approach to floral design. Bespoke sculptures, Swarovski crystals, feathers and many other elements go into our designs, so we don’t always focus on just the florals.

Q How does a typical commission come together?

A We are usually asked to come up with designs for floral installations, and working with the most amazing team our combined skills give us the edge on our competitors. From initial consultation at our new design studio in Loughton, we inspire our clients with our fabulous ideas, providing cad designs and artwork.

Q What have been your three favourite commissions to date?

A Back in 2019 we designed a huge bespoke 8-metre tall Christmas Bonsai tree for Sketch London with golden sculptured birds, glass baubles, waxed real roses and huge golden lanterns. We even featured in architectural magazine Dezeen’s top 10 Christmas trees in the world for 2019. My second favourite installation was a festive collaboration with Vivienne Westwood for Aqua Shard in 2018 to design the florals and decorations to sit alongside the Christmas tree, with thousands of fairy lights and hand painted butterflies all made by team Ricky Paul and hundreds of stunning white hydrangea, all against the backdrop of the London skyline. I must of course include our stunning floral poodles, with over 4,000 freeze dried roses and Swarovski crystals and stunning fresh flowers, they looked incredible and became a real talking point.

Q What do you love about Loughton?

A We used to be based in East London, however during lockdown I decided to move the business to a temporary studio closer to home and reassess what direction I wanted the business to go. We opened a shop for a year in Buckhurst Hill that proved very popular. Flower sales were slow, but as we started getting a lot more enquiries from clients in the West Essex area

for private parties, bat mitzvas and Christmas installations, we realised that being slightly further out of central London wasn’t an issue for the business, with good access to the M25 for wedding and event venues across the south east. We decided we needed a much large premises so we have now moved into our lovely new studio with adjoining warehouse on Forest Road, Loughton.

Q What are your three favourite places in the area, or further afield in Essex?

A Epping Forest is the reason we moved to Buckhurst Hill. Having two Frenchies, the forest is essential and such a wonderful part of the area, and the fact you can jump on a tube and be in central London so quickly gives us the best of both worlds. Buckhurst Hill has some amazing restaurants, but by far my favourite is Tandoor at The Chambers, it’s a lovely local restaurant with delicious food. Further afield I love visiting Mersea Island,

“Christmas allows me to be super creative”

a wonderful dog-friendly beach with lovely beach huts and a good selection of bars and restaurants serving fresh seafood.

Q As we approach the festive season, what are you looking forward to most?

A Christmas is by far our busiest time of year. I love Christmas as it allows me to be super creative, our installations get earlier each year so thinking outside the box is vital as a fresh tree won’t last long enough in a hotel. This year we have some amazing designs from huge oversized urns filled with festive florals to bespoke golden trees and magical flying unicorns all with added Ricky Paul sparkles. We can’t wait to share the designs with you. We will also be o ering bespoke house installations, entrances with huge arches and wreaths with gorgeous decorations and twinkly lights, so get in touch with our event team to discuss your festive décor.

rickypaulflowers.co.uk

HE LOVES EPPING FOREST

MERSEA

Why we love… BRENTWOOD

With excellent transport links, there’s no reason why you can’t head to this Essex town to enjoy beautiful outdoor spots, history and entertainment

Brentwood o ers something for everyone, particularly families with a range of parks and a wonderful new splash pad and adventure play at King George’s Playing Fields.

A range of walks ensures it is possible to visit the villages that make up Brentwood including West Horndon, Herongate, Doddinghurst, Hutton, Ingatestone, Mountnessing, Blackmore, Navestock, Kelvedon Hatch, Stondon Massey and South Weald.

Home to innovation and unprecedented woodland, nearly 90% of the borough is woodland or green space, much as it was in the time of the Romans who created the London Road on their way through

to Colchester and Henry VIII who used to hunt across this land. From the high point at Warley, it is still possible to see the ever-changing London skyline ahead with its array of famous buildings a view that is only possible from here.

Known for its links with the Armed Forces, many of the buildings of the Essex Regiment reflect this connection, with the Ford Motor Company making the old Army base its new headquarters in the 1950s. As times change so too has the purpose of the post-modern building which has undergone a radical transformation into luxury apartments with famous Ford cars still visible in the reception area.

Travelling through the borough is a constant delight with the plethora of trees o ering a barometer on which

season is ending and which is beginning.

Shenfield Common is an open space where each year the Strawberry Fair takes place celebrating local strawberries and cream, of course, entertaining children and adults with rides, and a whole range of local produce and food.

INGATESTONE HALL

All the villages have their own hubs of community activity particularly in the lead up to Christmas with local shops making the most of the opportunity to celebrate and share their unique o erings. Ingatestone has its own Christmas Fair on 11 December, which sees people from all over Essex come to take part in this traditional event, enjoy a glass of wine or a speciality co ee while perusing the independent stores for ideal gifts. This is preceded by the Artisan Market on 12 November.

Lighting Up Brentwood takes place on 26 November, where around 15,000 people come to see the street entertainment, Father Christmas, dance troupes and the light switch on. From here many make their way to Crown Street, one of the town’s oldest lanes, which is renowned for its array of charming independent shops. Brentwood’s charity shops support many local causes, including Saint Francis Hospice and the Dogs Trust, and are a must-visit according to many Instagram

influencers who visit regularly to share their purchases, bargains and tips.

With the Merrymeade Tea Rooms hosted in an historic Edwardian building o ering afternoon teas on vintage china, from here it is easy to walk to Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, which is home to more than 500 rescued animals, and serves vegan food at its café. Old MacDonald’s Farm has expanded over the years to o er everything for families from petting zoos to children’s rides.

Brentwood in particular has come to epitomise the Essex entrepreneurial

spirit with many choosing the borough for new businesses, with recent openings including cafes, an electric bike shop, speciality dog grooming venues and the traditional high street brands.

Miss Willmott’s Gardens at Warley Place are maintained, although the main grand house is now just ruins. At one time 140 gardeners were employed by this innovative woman who is still seen as one of the greatest gardeners of her time. The unfussy nature of the garden and the spectacular panorama created by blankets

“All villages have their own hubs of community activity particularly in the run up to Christmas”

GRUFFALO TRAIL

BRENTWOOD - THORNDON COUNTRY PARK, PHOTO BY TIM HOWSON

OLD MACDONALDS FARM

of crocuses, bluebells and da odils is a wonder to behold. Gardening and exploring the natural surroundings o ers a free and healthy way to explore the area with farm shops open most of the year providing local produce, food and lifestyle wares. Calcott Hall Farm opens daily with fruit, seasonal vegetables, fresh baked cakes, eggs and meat available. For entertainment, The Brentwood Theatre features local and touring productions of well-known musicals and dramatic plays as well as their popular annual Christmas show. In June the borough celebrates local talent with its own Art Trail, where artists show their work at venues and shops for all to admire. The Brentwood Centre is home to national sport events, thanks to the close connection

with Barry Hearn’s Matchroom Sport company which is based in the borough, including the 2022 BetVictor English Pool Open in December.

Throughout Brentwood the play areas in the parks have undergone a huge £7m renovation allowing families to meet and play on some of the most inclusive and modern play equipment around free of charge. During the summer months the Family Fun Days o er a host of entertaining rides, bouncy castles, Punch & Judy shows for free and for adults there are two municipal golf courses including

Hartswood, which is an esteemed course that wanders through the native woodland in spectacular fashion.

Located just outside of London, but with fast train services from Brentwood station and Shenfield station which now includes the new QE11 line Brentwood to the City, Brentwood is brilliantly connected for a day trip or a longer stay.

To find out more head to visitessex.com, or Discover Brentwood’s website at discoverbrentwood.co.uk

HOPEFIELD ANIMAL SANCTUARY

FAMILY FUN DAYS AT WARLEY

THORNDON COUNTRY PARK

BRENTWOOD PARISH CHURCH

ATTENDS

MARY HONYWOOD COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE LAUNCH

Markshall Estate was delighted to be approached by the o ce of the Lord Lieutenant of Essex and The Coggeshall Society, to arrange a blue plaque

to honour the life of Mary Honywood. Launched in 2020, the Lord Lieutenant’s Essex Women’s Commemoration Project pays tribute to individual Essex women whose historic achievements deserve to be more widely recognised.

The first to be acknowledged by this project was Colchester-born Margaret Cavendish (1623-1673), whose commemorative plaque was unveiled adjacent to St John’s Abbey Gate in Colchester, in September 2021. Now it is time to pay tribute to Mary Honywood (1527-1620), once resident of Marks Hall, for her support of Protestant martyrs.

Along with her father and sister, Mary corresponded regularly with prisoners who, during the reign of Mary Tudor, had been incarcerated for their religious beliefs. One such person was Rev Dr John Bradford, prebendary of St Paul’s, whom Mary visited frequently. She attended his execution in 1555 at which it is recorded that, “the press of spectators was so great that her shoes were trodden o , and she was forced to go barefoot from Smithfield to St Martin’s before she could buy replacements”.

There is something else about Mary that, for her era, was quite remarkable. By the time she died in 1620 she had reached the grand age of 93. She had lived to see the birth of 16 children, 114 grandchildren, 228 great grandchildren and 9 great great grandchildren – an impressive total of 367 descendants born during her lifetime. Little wonder then that one of her descendants would later remark that Mary had established “a lively, important and numerous new branch of the family”.

GIFT Wrapped

ESSEX EVENTS

The countdown starts now... Christmas starts early in the county, from markets for unique gifts, to family friendly attractions. Read more over the page.

CHRISTMAS GIFT FAIR

RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Creephedge Lane, Rettendon, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 8ET

11-13 NOVEMBER

If you're looking for unique Christmas gift ideas, this three-day fair will help you find the perfect presents with its wide range of stalls selling beautiful gifts and tempting food.

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE AT HOPEFIELD ANIMAL SANCTUARY

Brentwood, CM15 9BZ

FROM 12 NOVEMBER

Enjoy a breakfast or brunch with Santa. This Magical Christmas Experience is perfect for the whole family – go along and make some wholesome memories together.

COLCHESTER CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH ON 2022

16 NOVEMBER

The Christmas Colchester's Christmas lights will illuminate the town from Wednesday 16 November, with the grand switch-on marked by a Festive Light Parade through

the town centre. The parade will start at the Mercury Theatre, move along the High Street (which will be closed to tra c), and finish at Firstsite, which will be open into the evening with a programme of activities, entertainment, and films for all the family to enjoy. Colchester's Christmas lights will spring to life as the parade passes them.

BRAINTREE COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS EVENT

19 NOVEMBER

Head to Braintree town centre for a Christmas Street Market starting from 9am, with a host of festive activities throughout the day ahead of carols around the Christmas tree at dusk. Highlights of the Christmas Street Market will include mulled wine and traditional festive delicacies to enjoy within the food court area complete with seating, and festive gifts will be on sale so shoppers can get ahead with their shopping. The weekly market will run alongside the street market with seasonal produce on o er while shoppers are also encouraged to explore the exciting range of independent shops within the town and support small businesses.

ENLIGHTENED HYLANDS 2022

FROM 22 NOVEMBER

For the third year, Enlightened returns to Hylands Estate in Chelmsford this winter for a season of magical illumination for all the family. The grounds of the estate will once again be transformed into an awe-inspiring outdoor trail of discovery filling the beautiful landscape with a series of mesmerising light installations and interactive fun. The route is bursting with features that will delight and sprinkle a little magic on the senses. The route begins at the Writtle entrance to the Estate where a full host of festive catering will be available. Enchanted music leads guests along winding pathways, grand vistas, and intimate enclosures and with every turn there is the opportunity to discover a new illuminated piece.

CHRISTMAS FAYRE BURNHAM ON CROUCH

27 NOVEMBER

Start your Christmas shopping early at this festive fayre. There will be a variety of stalls including jewellery, candles, wine and other Christmas gifts. They will be serving tasty treats and winter warming drinks

for you to enjoy whilst looking out over the beautiful River Crouch. They will also be running a charity ra e to raise money for AgeUK, so be sure to pop down and enter for your chance to win some fabulous prizes.

DOWN HALL

With the most wonderful time of the year just around the corner, luxury Essex property Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate is delighted to announce its festive calendar of special menus, events and dining parties and packages. Christmas is a time for celebration, so why not celebrate your sweet tooth with a quintessentially festive spread care of Down Hall’s Christmas Afternoon Tea. Start with a selection of freshly made finger sandwiches, made with ingredients from the hotel’s Kitchen Garden, before enjoying warm scones and homemade festive cakes.

A truly magical brunch experience awaits younger guests, as Santa will be parking his sleigh and making several surprise visits to Down Hall in December handing out gifts. Early risers can enjoy a very special brunch with the man himself, where adults can delight in a delicious menu of eggs Benedict and smoked salmon with scrambled eggs, whilst kids can hit the sweet station for wa es and American pancakes with a selection of toppings and sauces. Alternatively, make an occasion of it with afternoon tea featuring freshly made finger sandwiches and homemade festive cakes. As we enter December, look out for more events at this Essex favourite.

Find more festive listings at visitessex.com

“START YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EARLY WITH A VARIETY OF STALLS SELLING JEWELLERY, CANDLES, WINE AND MORE”

All the

cooked meats, and Dingley Dell’s artisan selection of air-dried meats. On the shelves you’ll find a large supply of traditionally grown seasonal veg and fruits. Plus, a variety of products from local producers, such as Peter Watts Winery, Two Birds Spirits, Maldon Salt Company, Bradfields Farm Dairy, and Laura Rose Candles.

The Blackwell family has been farming in the Coggeshall area for four generations. The ethos of the award-winning Farm Shop, Butchery and Deli is to support local producers and farmers with over 90% of the produce being sourced from within a 30-mile radius.

The high-quality meat within Blackwells butchery counter is either sourced from its own farm or local farmers known and trusted by themselves for their good husbandry skills. The friendly, knowledgeable butchers are always on hand to help with cuts of meat and are always happy to help source the more unusual meats.

Beside the butcher's counter you will find the delicious deli counter, which is brimming with cheeses, traditional hams,

The talented in-house chefs produce a selection of seasonal pies along with soups, sausage rolls, pasties, and dishes such as beef lasagne, cottage pie, Moroccan lamb stew, and lasagne. For those with a sweet tooth, the in-house bakers create delicious cakes, pastries, and desserts.

Christmas is coming and on the Blackwells' website you will find a new section called ‘Christmas Shop’. Their chefs have created a variety of fantastic starters, trimmings, desserts, and party foods, saving you all the hassle at home. They have also included a selection of the finest roasting joints, classic hams and gammons, and must-have partridges and pheasants. Blackwells Catering is on hand as well, helping to create the perfect menu for events and functions.

Head Chef Mark Woodward and his team are committed to working alongside customers when planning a menu.

In short, Blackwells have your Christmas covered.

How Blackwells will help you serve up a Christmas dinner to remember

“The butchers are always on hand to help with cuts of meat”

Timefor

CHEER

With the festive months soon upon us, Silent Pool has a range of gifts for all budgets. Whether it is Silent Pool’s Gin Copa Glass Gift Box for the one you love, serving a pre-dinner drink using their Luxury Gift Tin or gifting the ultimate secret Santa gift, the Citrus Gin G&T Pack – there’s something to suit all occasions. We take a closer look at the options…

G&T / RARE CITRUS G&T PACK

The perfect stocking filler. This gift pack contains a Silent Pool Gin/Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin Copa Glass, a miniature Silent Pool Gin/Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin and a Fever Tree Indian Tonic Can to serve up the perfect double Silent Pool Gin & Tonic.

Silent Pool Gin G&T Pack / Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin G&T Pack is available for RRP £15.

UPCYCLED BOTANICAL CANDLES

Scented candles each inspired by botanicals found in Silent Pool’s gin. Housed in used Silent Pool Gin bottles as a part of their upcycling scheme, which gives the gorgeous bottles a second time to shine. Filled with 100% natural essential oils and environmentally friendly soy wax. The best way to decorate your Christmas dinner table.

Available in four scents: Rose, Elderflower & Honey; Bergamot & LavenderJuniper & Cassia Bark; Orange, Mandarin & Bergamot. Silent Pool Gin Upcycled Botanical Candles are available for RRP £24 from Silent Pool Distillers.

SILENT POOL GIN LUXURY GIFT TIN

Luxury handcrafted gin made from 24 botanicals with the aim of capturing the essence of the Surrey Hills. A contemporary London Dry gin with floral top notes, perfectly served in a G&T with Indian tonic, garnished with an orange slice.

Silent Pool Gin Luxury Gift Tin is available for RRP £40 from Silent Pool Distillers.

GIN & COPA GLASS GIFT BOX

A remarkable gift box that includes a bottle of Silent Pool Gin with a pair of premium Silent Pool Gin Copa Glasses. A great gift for your G&T fan.

Available in the classic Silent Pool taste or citrus-infused. Silent Pool Gin & Copa Glass Gift Box is available for RRP £68 through Silent Pool Distillers.

DARTINGTON CRYSTAL 8 LITRE WITH 8 CRYSTAL GLASSES IN LEATHER DISPLAY CASE

Silent Pool Gin and Dartington Crystal have collaborated to create an eight-litre one-of-a-kind Dartington Crystal bottle of gin and glassware. It is the world’s most exclusive gin in a crystal bottle and glass set.

The hand-blown, bespoke Dartington Crystal bottle and the eight glasses that go with it took master craftsmen more than 80 hours to etch by hand. The leather case for the bottle and glasses was designed and built by luxury trunk makers Franck Tressens of Ephtee. Available for RRP £25,000 at Silent Pool Distillers.

Find out more about all at silentpooldistillers.com

Silent Pool are well-known for their gin, but it’s their Christmas range that is getting us talking

CHRISTMAS COCKTAIL? DON'T MIND IF WE DO

SILENT POOL'S CHRISTMAS GIFT SET

TIME for PAMPERING

Richard Bazlinton

BUSINESS: Market Place Dental

POSITION: Principal Dentist

Q Tell us about your business?

A Market Place Dental is an independent practice. Our small, friendly team takes pride in providing a personal service of meticulous dentistry for patients of all ages. Our patients have their own dedicated dentist and hygienist to ensure they receive a high level of individually tailored care, delivered with continuity and consistency.

Q What do you enjoy most about your day to day work?

Harriet Baverstock

BUSINESS: Talbooth Spa

POSITION: Spa Manager

Q Tell us about your business?

A Talbooth House & Spa is the perfect spot to step back, relax and indulge, we combine a modern spa experience for day guests, residents and locals and can create some tailor-made packages for hen party and birthday celebrations.

Q What do you enjoy most about your day to day work?

A We have a great team, and I love the products we use such as Elemis, The Gel Bottle, OPI, Nouveau Lashes, Lycon, Delilah, OXYjet, 4Tmedical and Loggique. Talbooth House & Spa is an oasis of calm within the natural beauty of the Dedham Vale.

Q Which treatment do you think is perfect for the Christmas period and why?

A Profhilo Treatment awakens and stimulates your collagen and elastin production to help treat skin that is lax, crepey, thin or sun damaged. This treatment has amazing results from increasing 12 times the amount of collagen and elastin in the skin to having more lasting e ects than regular non crossedlinked hyaluronic acid. A wonderful pre-season pamper or an ideal Christmas gift, RRP £300.

milsomhotels.com/talbooth-spa

A There are so many things. I love the variety working in general practice brings; no two days are ever the same. Because I tend to see my patients every 6-12 months, I get to be a part of people’s lives. As an established practice, many of my patients have been with us for over 50 years! Being able to work with our patients and help them achieve the outcomes they are looking for never gets old. A new smile can be life changing.

Q Which treatment do you think is perfect for the Christmas period and why?

A People usually want treatments that can provide a quick result ready for Christmas events. Teeth whitening is easily the best Christmas treatment for a high-impact result. Injectable facial aesthetics are also a great choice to help rejuvenate those smiles. We o er both Six Month Smiles and Invisalign, also a popular choice as patients make New Year’s resolutions to improve their smile and be ready for the summer with straighter, whiter teeth.

greatdunmowdentist.com

Christmas shouldn’t be all about stresses and strains. Have a breather and think about yourself with these Essex experts

RICHARD BAZLINTON

TALBOOTH SPA'S OUTDOOR POOL

Natasha Lucy Clinic

BUSINESS: Aesthetic, Cosmetic & Wellbeing Clinic

POSITION: Owner

Q Tell us about your business?

A My ethos has always been “less is more”, placing an emphasis on exceptional pre and post patient care. Myself and my team o er a unique, facial rejuvenation experience that o ers a range of premium and bespoke cosmetic and skincare treatments in a relaxing, professional environment, designed to make you feel at ease.

Q Which treatment do you think is perfect for the Christmas period and why?

A HydraFacial is a rejuvenating treatment that bridges the gap between beauty and aesthetics and is suitable for all skin types. Six distinctive facial rejuvenation procedures combine in one single treatment where skin is infused with antioxidants, peptides and hyaluronic acid.

I want to give readers of Absolutely a special o er for January to start the new year looking refreshed. For a total of £449* (£100 o the normal price) you can enjoy a HydraFacial, Profhilo treatment and a B12 Vitamin boost through IV therapy when using the code: WESTESSEX.

Q Do you have any other festive tips?

A Let’s face it, winter wreaks havoc on our skin causing it to look dull, dry and tired, with fine lines and wrinkles exaggerated thanks to a combination of cold air outside and artificial heat inside. Treat your skin to a winter boost and start the new year looking refreshed and revitalised.

natashalucyclinics.com

Moona Malik

BUSINESS: Improve Your Smile Dental Practice

POSITION: Practice Manager

Q Tell us about your business?

A We are a thriving and established dental practice in Woodford Green, and have served the local community since 1986. Our team is made up of experienced and dedicated professionals who genuinely care about their patient’s experience. In our state-of-the-art, covidsafe practice you can be assured of a warm welcome, and if you are an anxious patient, lots of tlc! We o er the full range of dental treatments, from general and family dentistry to more advanced dental and cosmetic treatments.

Q Which treatment do you think is perfect for the Christmas period and why?

A Teeth Whitening can make a big di erence to your confidence when

you smile. And the Christmas period is a time for lots of smiling with family and friends! Christmas parties, lots of photos, maybe even a Winter Wedding. It also makes a great gift with a personalised Whiter Smile Gift Voucher! With guidance from your dentist at Improve Your Smile, our Professional Home Teeth Whitening System can safely bring a youthful brightness back to your teeth and you’ll have complete control on the colour change. It’s important to remember that only a dentist can legally help whiten your teeth.

Q Do you have any other festive health and beauty tips?

A Don’t use your teeth as tools to tear sellotape or crack nuts open and avoid Christmas to ees! Remember to brush and floss your teeth after over-indulging.

improveyoursmile.co.uk

NATASHA LUCY

UNIQUE TASTE

RARE CHAMPAGNE

Newly released Rare Rosé Millésime 2012 expertly balances three distinct families of sensations: floral, fruity, and spiced. Combining aromas and freshness, this third vintage rosé from Rare Champagne adds a new dimension to the Maison’s style. Inside we have some recipe pairings to make the most of this launch. rare-champagne.com

WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS

We head to Billericay to meet Darren Bennett, the restauranteur and executive chef of a local institution

By MARK KEBBLE

Q How long has The Magic Mushroom been open for now – and why the name?

A I was working in another restaurant in Essex and in 1996 one of the chefs where I was working told me that the restaurant was for sale on a Saturday evening. I went to the restaurant on the Sunday and bumped into the owner of Barleylands – we had a chat and I signed the contract on the Sunday and resigned from my current position on the Monday. The rest as they say is history…

The original restaurant was called Barleylands, but in 2000 I changed the name to The Magic Mushroom – I wanted the name to be di erent and be a talking point.

Q Why is Billericay perfect for you?

A Billericay is the perfect home for the restaurant as it is central to neighbouring areas. Our diners come from all over Essex, which is testament to our high standard of food, relaxing ambience, and excellent customer service.

Q What kind of atmosphere are you looking to create at the restaurant?

A The Magic Mushroom Restaurant

o ers first class, freshly cooked food from contemporary menus with a traditional influence for lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea.

Q How would you sum up what the menus o er?

A We currently o er an A La Carte Menu (Weds to Sat), Set Lunch Menu (Weds to Fri), Set Dinner Menu (Weds & Thurs), Table D’Hote Menu (Fri), Daily Specials, Collection Menu (Weds to Sun), Sunday Lunch and Afternoon Tea.

We ensure that our menus use produce that is in season, so we change them about four times a year. When we introduce a new menu, we always have a comprehensive vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free option for our diners including our afternoon tea menus. This improves the restaurant’s sustainability and attracts new diners to the restaurant.

We get some amazing feedback on our vegan menus and have noticed a huge increase in demand for vegan and vegetarian options over the last four years. Catering for specific dietary requirements is one of the reasons our clients love coming here.

Q Are there certain dishes that you believe makes you stand out?

A The most popular dish is always the Chilli Fish Chowder. If it is taken o the menu, diners ask for it to be reinstated!

Q What kind of private functions can you host?

A The restaurant o ers a private dining area and a function room, with its own entrance, bar, and facilities, which is perfect for weddings, events, parties and celebrations, award ceremonies, conferences, launches, business networking, private dining, baby showers, and wakes.

I recognized that there was a shortage of venues in the borough, and I wanted people to stay in Basildon rather than have to travel further afield. The restaurant and function room can now comfortably seat up to 180 covers.

Q How do you make private events extra special?

A The key is that we o er a discreet service, tailored to our customer’s needs, o ering exquisite food and outstanding customer service.

My team and I have worked with many brides and grooms to ensure their wedding day is a special day at The Magic Mushroom. The team work with the couples to cater for their needs and requirements and encourage bespoke packages rather than supply standard packages that other venues usually o er. This also applies to other private events that we host.

Q What are you most proud of at The Magic Mushroom?

A I am immensely proud of the fact that after 25 years The Magic Mushroom is still the success it is and is always changing and evolving with times and trends.

We are lucky to have a core base of loyal regular diners, some of which have been dining with us since we opened 26 years ago! When we re-opened after the various lockdowns, we have had lots of new faces dining with us, which was great. Some ordered the Collection Menu during lockdown and others have just heard about us through word of mouth. We do take our reputation extremely seriously and we are renowned for our customer service, of course our fantastic food, but also our lovely sta and the ambience of the restaurant.

magicmushroomrestaurant.co.uk

MASALA CONFIT DUCK LEG WITH COCONUT DAHL

PAN-FRIED COD

What to drink this month CABINET DRINKS

By PENDLE HARTE

ONE DROP

ONE GIN

One Gin's brand new butterfly bottle has a unique twist –remove the labels and the bottle transforms into an elegant carafe, simply engraved with the word ‘WATER’ helping to reduce the number of bottles that never get recycled. 10% of their profits go towards sustainable water programmes in the world’s poorest communities, via The One Foundation – and it's a delicious gin too, with a delicate hint of sage. thespiritofone.com

ORGANIC ROSÉ

DOMAINE BOUSQUET

Argentina’s organic winery Domaine Bousquet has released the 2022 vintage of its Premium Rosé, one of the world's most sustainably produced rosés. A blend of Pinot Noir, Syrah, Pinot Gris and Viognier, the wine is unoaked to allow the fruit to shine through. domainebousquet.com

RUM BLEND

EQUIANO RUM CO

The Equiano Rum Co. creates unique blends of rum from around the world. The world’s first African and Caribbean rums is a neverbefore-seen blend of two cultures and two distilleries from two continents. They pledge 5% of global company profits and $2 of every bottle sold through to ground level freedom and equality organisations. equianorrum.com

Behind the bar

Aperol on a City rooftop

By EVE HERBERT

Aperol was created in 1919 in Paduaby the Barbieri brothers, specialists in liqueur production since 1880. They had the revolutionary idea of creating the lightest of liqueurs, an aperitif with an alcohol content of only 11%. Aperol is an infusion of precious herbs and roots in a perfectly balanced combination, its unique bitter-sweet taste deriving from a secret recipe that has remained unchanged over the course of time. One of the secrets for success is freshness: liqueur manufacturing is completed in one day and the day after the trucks are ready for shipment. Aperol Spritz is one of the most appreciated aperitifs in Italy and is the best-selling branded cocktail in the UK, in addition to being enjoyed as the 6th most popular cocktail globally. The serve is made by mixing Aperol with Prosecco and a splash of soda in a wine glass full of ice and a slice of orange. Light, sparkling and refreshing, it’s the ideal drink for starting the evening and for any social occasion.

Overlooking St Paul's Catherdral, Madison's rooftop has transformed into an Ibiza-themed paradise with an influx of plants, palms, and touches of boho chic furnishing, along with a dedicated Aperol bar. Choices range from the classic bittersweet Aperol Spritz, through to limited-edition inspired creations from Madison. A cold Aperol Spritz is the perfect accompaniment while relaxing in the sunshine on the iconic Madison rooftop.

RECIPE PARINGS

The Chef Mélanie Serre rustles up a starter, main and vegan course to accompany a bottle of Rare Rosé Millésime 2012

Breton lobster carpaccio

beetroot and soft spices Starter

INGREDIENTS

• Breton lobster

• Yellow, pink and red beetroot

• Beetroot curry

• Beetroot sorbet

• Lime

• Sumac

• Espelette pepper

PREPARATION

1 Boil the lobster in a court-bouillon for four minutes. Shell the lobster and cut it into thin pieces.

2 On a plate, alternate cuts of lobster with slices of raw beetroot until a beautiful circle has been made.

3 Dress with olive oil and lime zest, then season with fleur de sel, sumac and Espelette pepper.

4 Add a little beetroot curry and a quenelle of beetroot sorbet at the centre.

Red cabbage gazpacho with guacamole and fresh herbs

course

Candied lamb with prunes, radish and radish greens pesto

course

INGREDIENTS

• Red cabbage

• Avocado

• Lime

• Coriander

• Olive Oil

• Curly endive

• Pomegranate

• Radish

PREPARATION

1 Blend a red cabbage. In the blender, mix the red cabbage juice with a tablespoon of mayonnaise, a tablespoon of red wine vinegar and gluten-free whole wheat bread.

2 Prepare the guacamole by crushing a ripe avocado with a fork. Add olive oil, lime juice, and fresh, finely cut coriander. Season.

3 Garnish the bottom of the plate with guacamole. On top, add Frisée salad, pomegranate seeds, slices of radish and chopped coriander.

4 Pour the gazpacho all around the plate.

INGREDIENTS

• Lamb shank

• Red radish

• Blue meat radish

• Red meat radish

• Pruneaux d'Agens, stones removed

• Roasted almonds

• Olive oil

• Grated parmesan

PREPARATION

1 Colour the lamb shanks in a frying pan, then slow-cook in an oven with lamb broth, spices and citrus zest.

2 Prepare the radish greens pesto, blending the washed greens and mixing with olive oil, roasted almonds and ground parmesan.

3 Finely slice the various colours of radishes into di erent shapes.

See more at rare-champagne.com

RED CABBAGE GAZPACHO

BRETON LOBSTER CARPACCIO

CANDIED LAMB

Q

A

Dress to IMPRESS

Interview MARK KEBBLE

Q What inspired you to open Wardrobe?

A I became increasingly frustrated as I entered my 40s that I couldn't find clothes that were cut for real women, not girls in their 20s. I wanted clothes that were well made, a little unique and nice to wear. Without entering into the real designer market there wasn't much around at that time.

Q Why in Great Dunmow?

A I lived just outside Dunmow. I had three teenagers when I first opened the shop so it had to be a practical distance from home and it had a lovely village vibe, but is easy to access from lots of larger areas.

Q Have you evolved in any way over the years?

A We have evolved massively over the years as we have seen what customers are looking for. The ethos was to always o er well made good quality pieces with a unique twist that you could adapt from day to evening. I'm at great believer in making Wardrobe work for you. I don't believe in having items sitting in the wardrobe for 'best' you, you should be able to add accessories and di erent shoes to wear most pieces all the time. We add in new brands to freshen things up and bring in di erent styles. We are always looking to improve what we o er.

Q Have there been tough times, such as during the various lockdowns?

A Yes, Covid was very tough and there were definitely times in those very early days when I wondered if we would ever reopen again. We kept our presence alive during all the lockdowns with our social media and I used to do weekly live sessions online, showing customers di erent brands we had in store, and we delivered items to customers. We had just received all our spring deliveries before lockdown, so we had to do something to sell some of it. It was obviously tough as no-one was going out and no-one knew when they would be going out again or

Nikki Antony, founder of Wardrobe in Great Dunmow, on her ethos, surviving Covid and getting ready for Christmas

going to events again. When we reopened the support from our customers was amazing.

Q Today, what’s your ethos?

A To o er a high level of personal service. To find the best products suitable to our customers which we think o er best value for money and will o er wearable sustainable clothing.

Q How do you decide on the brands you stock at Wardrobe?

A We go to lots of trade shows and showrooms each season to find the brands we feel suit us best. It's been lovely this summer as we have been able to go back to Europe and do the shows there as well. We look for brands which aren't in every shopping centre and High Street to bring something di erent to our customers.

Q Are there any particularly exciting launches for AW22?

A We were excited to launch two new brands for AW22, More & More and Sita Mura. It's

the first season in the UK for More & More so we are excited to see the response it gets, it's beautiful fabrics in little dresses and jackets and some great knitwear. Sita Mura has done a few seasons in the UK to date and is made up of vintage looking dresses in the most fabulous silk prints and some quirky knitwear which teams in with the dresses and skirts.

Q With the festive season upon us, do you have any fashion tips to get the right look?

A From a personal viewpoint I always try to stick within my own style. Evening and party wear is something we don't wear all the time, so if you buy something really out of your comfort zone you are sometimes so worried if it's really you. Classic shapes always look the best. Elegant, simple and stylish will always attract the most comments and they will be pieces that you go back to again and again.

Q How do you see the future of Wardrobe panning out?

A I'm excited for the future, our customer base is growing. Lots of customers find us through word of mouth recommendation, which is fantastic. We have returned to pre-Covid trading levels, which is just amazing after the previous two years. We are now o ering personal shopping appointments in the evening for customers to look at special occasion wear, which has been well received.

wardrobe-uk.com

JOSEPH RIBKOFF

NIKKI ANTONY INSIDE WARDROBE

Linked-In

Loop in on this season's biggest trend

By RACHEL HOGG

BAKER BROTHERS DIAMONDS

Double Oval Link Rose and White Gold 7.5” Bracelet, £750 bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

DAVID YURMAN

Pavé Chain Necklace in 18-Karat White Gold, £27,750 davidyurman.com

DIOR

Color Dior Earrings in Pink Gold, £13,200 dior.com

Unity Recycled Gold Chain Necklace, £1,695 kimai.com

PDPAOLA

Signature Chain Earrings, £124 pdpaola.com

YVONNE LÉON

18-Karat Yellow & White Gold Diamond Ring, £1,640 net-a-porter.com

STONE AND STRAND

Sparkle Chain 10-Karat Gold Diamond Earrings, £400 net-a-porter.com

POMELLATO

Necklace Iconica in Rose Gold, £29,300 pomellato.com

BAKER BROTHERS DIAMONDS

Contemporary 7.75” Yellow Gold Elongated Open Link Bracelet, £450 bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

Head

TENTERS

EMMA DODI

CAKES

Since founding her business in 2016, Emma Dodi has designed unique cakes and handpainted macarons that are both luxurious and visually spectacular. emmadodicakes.com

These 'something blues' may bring a little luck to your wedding day

CO

The Celebration Collection by luxury childrenswear designer, Pepa & Co, has been designed for life’s most memorable moments. The line features a selection of timeless styles alongside a range of complementary accessories. pepaandcompany.com

BENVENISTE COUTURE

The ‘Thea’ dress by Benveniste Couture is a full-skirted dress made in a luxurious cotton satin. The soft romantic print and elegant cut make it the perfect outfit for a garden ceremony, £5,300. bnvcouture.com

DUNE LONDON

Dune’s Wedding Collection offers an exquisite range of beautifully crafted bridal shoes and accessories. The 'Daliah Satin Ankle Tie Wedding Shoes' have a luxurious satin tie that wraps elegantly around the ankle, and if you look underneath, you may find a little something blue, £155. dunelondon.com

AZAZIE

Azazie knows that no two bridesmaids are alike, which is why their range of bodyinclusive dresses has been designed with easy alteration in mind and is available in a variety of colours and fabrics. azazie.com

LAVENDER GREEN

Lavender Green Flowers has built a reputation as one of London’s most trusted florists and have been commissioned by some of the country's top historic houses. Their expert team of florists and designers has been bringing brides' visions to life for nearly three decades. lavendergreen.co.uk

ANNOUSHKA

These exquisite drop earrings feature the winged silhouettes of doves, the talismanic symbols of love. Each pearl represents purity and hope, whereas the tranquil aquamarines not only embody vitality and loyalty but mark the age-old tradition of something blue, £9,900. annoushka.com

JW PEI

The ruched Gabbi bag is this season’s chicest wedding companion, £75. jwpei.co.uk

LEOCÉ COUTURE

This stylish blue silk nightdress has the power to make you feel dressed up even as you wind down, £60. leocecouture.com

MICHELLE OH

This bespoke ring by London-based designer Michelle Oh is made of recycled white-gold and conflict-free stones, £POA. michelle-oh.com

VENUES Dream

TALBOOTH HOUSE & SPA

Step into a luxury home away from home and breathe in the incredible atmosphere. With 12 magnificent bedrooms, Talbooth House & Spa is an exquisite venue for smaller weddings. Located in north Essex, Talbooth House & Spa is a stylish and iconic country house hotel that o ers the most picturesque, peaceful and intimate of wedding venues in Colchester. The hotel and grounds are the perfect size for up to 40 wedding guests and provide the ultimate backdrop for a very special day with your closest friends and family.

TALBOOTH RESTAURANT

Set beside the natural beauty of the River Stour lays one of the finest wedding venues in Colchester, Talbooth Restaurant, where you can enjoy your special day in stunning surroundings.

Providing a magical setting for any wedding, whether dining in the riverside restaurant or dancing in the Marquee on the upper terrace, the setting is picture perfect. The restaurant has a civil ceremony licence for up to 130 people in the River Room. This is a beautiful room which looks out onto the river Stour, terrace and perfectly manicured lawns. By getting married in the River Room followed by a wedding breakfast in the marquee, it means that the wedding party has exclusivity of Talbooth Restaurant during the day from their ceremony until early evening.

KESGRAVE HALL

If you’re looking for a beautiful Su olk wedding venue in the countryside, you’ll love Milsom’s Kesgrave Hall. A magnificent Georgian mansion nestled in 40 acres of impressive parklands; it is the ultimate elegant environment to create your very own wedding wonderland. The surrounding Su olk landscape provides an incredible backdrop, with vast blue skies, sweeping lawns and stunning sunsets.

HENGRAVE HALL

Surrounded by 350 acres of sweeping lawns, meadows, and an impressive lake, Hengrave Hall is one of Su olk’s finest wedding venues. This romantic wedding venue can be intimate or grand, formal or casual, the choice of celebration is yours. Come and discover the grandiose architecture that awaits, with sumptuous accommodation for you, your family and friends.

Nestled within the grounds, a stone’s throw away from the Main House, there lies the quaint medieval church of St John the Lateran, where dreams can come true and promises are made.

The Banqueting Hall, Library and Dining Room are all licensed for Civil ceremonies. So whether you’re looking for an intimate occasion or a grand a air their ceremony rooms are suitable for all.

Find out more by calling the Milsom Weddings team on 01206 321102 or email weddings@milsomhotels.com

Four reasons why

Milsom Hotels can ensure your big day is extra special

MILSOMS KESGRAVE HALL

PHOTO: EMILY TYLER

PHOTO: BUSHFIRE PHOTOGRAPHY

When the happens Magic

For something a little more unique for your big day, Valentines Mansion has introduced new twilight ceremonies

Make your special day even more memorable with the new twilight ceremonies at Valentines Mansion. More than 300-years-old, Valentines Mansion is a beautiful Grade ll* listed building set inside Valentines Park, in the London Borough of Redbridge.

Perfect for couples dreaming of a fairytale winter wedding, the new twilight ceremony o er is available between October and March and transforms the mansion into a magical space to take your vows in.

Choose from either the Drawing Room or The Morning Room, both decorated beautifully with candles for the most romantic of ceremonies, and featuring a stunning light arch for you to stand hand-in-hand by.

The beautiful and historic balcony in the Drawing Room, ideal for ceremonies with up to 70 guests, comes alive with stunning lights – another picturesque spot for photographs of your big day. The Morning Room is perfect for smaller gatherings of up to 40 guests, and is a gorgeous space on the ground floor overlooking the historic gardens and award-winning parkland.

As an added bonus, you’ll not only get extra time compared to a daytime ceremony, but you’ll also have the grand staircase to yourself, adorned with candles and ivy for you to capture picture perfect memories on.

Located on the borders of East London and Essex, Valentines Mansion is easy to reach by road, and has ample car parking available (charges apply). It’s also easy to reach by rail and tube and is just a 5 minute walk from Central & Elizabeth Line Stations.

EXCITING ARRIVAL

An American beauty giant has finally arrived on UK shores. As of last month, what used to be feelunique.com has officially become sephora.co.uk. This exciting online launch will be accompanied by the opening of the country's first in-person store in the spring of 2023. sephora.co.uk

NATURE CALLING

Witches, highwaymen and art

by Grayson Perry: take a walk on the wild side in Essex

FOREST

GRAYSON PERRY'S HOUSE OF ESSEX

Autumn is the perfect time to ramble in the countryside, kick up the leaves and wonder at nature’s burnished palette – and get fit at the same time. Visit Essex, the county’s tourism organisation, is encouraging people to discover the miles of diverse rural walks that Essex has to o er.

WALKING WITH WITCHES

The Walls at Manningtree is a stunning short walk along an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The Stour Estuary, and its gruesome history includes the 17th century witch trials, led by the Witch Finder General and Manningtree resident, Matthew Hopkins. The walk also passes Mistley Towers, now looked after by English Heritage, ‘Old Knobbly’ one of England’s oldest and largest oak trees, as well as quaint tearooms, pubs and even a shop selling wine and vinyl.

THE FLITCH WAY

The former trainline that linked Bishop’s Stortford to Braintree is now a 15-mile path suitable for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The route is a haven for wildlife: mammals, birds, flowers and insects, with the path passing the ancient royal hunting grounds of Hatfield Forest.

TURPIN’S TRAIL

The famous highwayman, Dick Turpin, was born in Hempstead and worked as a butcher in nearby Thaxted. There are three linked trails which take in places with a Turpin connection, via a six-mile circular walk of Great Sampford to Hempstead, which passes the Bluebell Inn, the birthplace of Turpin. The walk passes rivers, fields, ancient churches and is a wonderful stroll through the Essex countryside.

THE ESSEX WAY

The Essex Way is the county’s epic 81-mile route across Essex, starting in Epping and ending on the coast at Harwich. The walk showcases the true diversity of the county as it passes through ancient woodland, fields and meadows, river valleys, historic buildings and beautiful villages and towns. The 81-mile trail is easy to break down into manageable sections with many natural breaks that are not far from bus stops or train stations. Highlights include a ramble through meandering Constable Country and the magnificent views of the towering cranes sitting majestically on Harwich’s skyline.

WRABNESS CIRCULAR WALK

Between Manningtree and Harwich is the hamlet of Wrabness. Starting at Wrabness train station, the two-mile walk will lead you to Grayson Perry’s masterpiece, ‘A House for Essex’, a dwelling dedicated to ‘Julie’, Grayson’s woman of Essex. The path then leads down to the banks of the Stour Estuary and into Wrabness Woods, an Essex Wildlife Trust nature reserve, passing through fields and meadows. To extend the route there are plenty of additional

paths and don’t forget your binoculars; there are migrating birds to discover.

CHELMER AND BLACKWATER NAVIGATION

The 18-mile Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation links the county town of Chelmsford to the River Blackwater at Heybridge Basin. The walk starts in the urban city, but soon enters the unspoilt Essex landscape, following the course through 13 locks. Visitors can treat themselves to a special pint at the end of the walk in Heybridge at one of the pretty lock-side pubs or enjoy an afternoon tea at the Tiptree Tearoom.

CONSTABLE COUNTRY

Walk in the footsteps of historic artist John Constable in an area much-loved for the painter’s romanticised view of the Essex countryside. Starting at Manningtree station, the walk meanders along the River Stour for two miles until Flatford Mill, which Constable immortalised in his painting of The Haywain. A further one and a half miles takes you to the delightful village of Dedham. Here you can relax, hire a rowing boat, stop at one of the village’s fine eateries, or wander around its independent stores.

To discover more head to visitessex.com

“The Essex Way is the county's epic 81mile route”

CONSTABLE COUNTRY, DEDHAM

CHELMER

SWANS AT MANNINGTREE

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare

By RACHEL HOGG

Liquid

SISLEY

Sisley is adding another shadow to their popular range of multi-use, versatile eye products. The new Ombre Éclat Liquide collection is a range of six liquid eyeshadows, with a rich and easily blendable texture. They can be worn alone for a subtle wash of colour, or layered to build up to your desired intensity, £38. sisley-paris.com

Lingerie

Lips

LA PERLA

The latest collection of lipsticks by La Perla was inspired by the luxurious lingerie the brand is most known for, and they are almost too beautiful to use. Available in six essential shades and finishes, each lipstick is etched with an intricate lace design and housed in a refillable rose gold case, £47. beautybylaperla.com

SHEDDING LIGHT

CHANEL

Gabrielle Chanel’s tweed creations first entered women’s wardrobes nearly a century ago, and now Chanel’s makeup studio has drawn inspiration from this emblematic fabric for its newest collection. Les 4 Ombres Tweed is a limited edition re-imagining of the brand’s iconic eyeshadow quad and is available in four unique colour harmonies, £67. chanel.com

There is a common myth suggesting that natural lashes are damaged by lash extensions. As a trusted beauty expert and lash technician of almost 20 years, I would like to set the record straight. Your natural lashes will not be damaged from lash enhancements! So, if our lashes aren’t damaged by lash extensions, why do we find them on our pillows, on our carpets, in the fridge? Naturally our lashes fall out. It’s as simple as that! Just like the hairs on our head, our lashes shed – in fact, each lash has a cycle of roughly six weeks. We don’t notice our natural lashes shedding as they are smaller and finer. However, with a longer, thicker, darker extension adhered to the natural lash, we will of course notice it more – but there is no evidence to suggest that those lash extensions are causing damage to your natural lashes. When a lash sheds, a new one grows in its place, hence the need for maintenance. Despite all of this, lash enhancements do need to be applied in the correct way and performed by a trained technician. If you have experienced premature lash loss, just remember – a new lash will grow back. Taking breaks from lash extensions is also recommended from time-to-time to maintain healthy eyes and lashes. I’d suggest to anyone looking to get lash extensions, to do so with a reputable salon or brand.

Feel the ENERGY

Feeling tired all the time, can’t function normally, and your sleep becomes excessive and di cult to manage… You don't need to accept exhaustion as usual, especially if you have a clean bill of health. Minor changes will increase your energy level and help you to stop feeling tired all of the time.

PRIORITISE YOUR SLEEP

Sleep is as essential to your health as proper eating and exercise. Sleeping too little or less than seven hours per night is the most common cause of exhaustion. In addition, it leaves you feeling tired, and a lack of sleep has also been linked to an increased risk of severe accidents as well as a host of health issues.

Another often-overlooked energy-zapper is the snooze button. It’s so tempting to grab those extra nine minutes, but it's not enough time to reach restorative sleep. You’re better o getting up right away when the alarm clock rings.

On the flipside, studies have shown that routinely sleeping more than nine hours each night is associated with an increased risk for diabetes, headaches, and obesity.

FUEL WITH PROTEIN

If your usual breakfast is a mu n, doughnut, bowl of sugary cereal, or – even worse –nothing, you’re likely to feel the e ects just a few hours into your day. Filling your body

with a heavy dose of carbs leads to a spike in blood sugar, followed by a crash that can make you feel desperate for a nap.

If you have time, scramble eggs for breakfast. If not, spread peanut butter on a piece of whole-wheat toast, enjoy a bowl of yoghurt with fruit, or grab a protein-enriched bar or smoothie. Instead of an afternoon candy bar, have apple slices with a small piece of cheese. Work protein into every meal, and grab snacks that balance carbs with protein.

LIMIT CAFFEINE AND ALCOHOL

Ca eine, like co ee, tea, fizzy drinks, energy drinks, or even chocolate, can a ect your sleep by keeping you awake longer and shortening your restorative stages.

Do your best to watch your ca eine consumption; the FDA recommends no

more than 400 milligrams (about four or five cups of co ee) per day.In addition, since ca eine's half-life can range from as little as two hours to as long as 12 hours, try to avoid ca eine within six hours of bedtime.

Alcohol can also interfere with good sleep, disrupting the duration of your sleep as well as your ability to fall and stay asleep. Researchers found that even consuming alcohol six hours before bedtime can increase wakefulness during the second half of sleep.

DRINK MORE WATER

Dehydration can lead to increased sleepiness, fatigue, and irritability, and many people don’t drink enough water throughout the day. Reach for a glass of water before reaching for an afternoon snack, and sip water before and during exercise, and drink a full glass after your workout.

FIND TIME FOR FUN

Fun and laughter are great energisers, so do your best to shake up your routine and indulge in a favourite activity each day, even if only for a short time.

Stress, negativity, and depression are huge energy-suckers. If you are overwhelmed with gloomy thoughts, you might consider talking to a mental health professional.

Stress, ca eine and health –the founder of Essex-based Brookside Aesthetics on how you can pack a punch every day

Riad

By PENDLE HARTE

Arriving in Marrakech is exciting. The new town feels almost like it could be anywhere – apart from the characteristic Moroccan red stone –with its wide streets, tra c and international hotel chains, but entering the Unesco World Heritage site that is the kasbah, you’re immediately struck by an intensity of small, narrow streets and lots of people. We’re staying at La Sultana, just inside the Medina, and it’s a haven of calm compared to the bustle on its doorstep. Doormen in red capes and fez hats usher us from the taxi down a sidestreet and into the hotel. Despite its small entrance, La Sultana is a sprawling hotel made up of five riads knocked together, each with its own character and di erent look. It’s a beautiful space, elaborately decorated in the

Marrakech to Oualidia: from the city to the beach in Morocco

Moroccan style – think patterned tiles and mosaics, wood carvings, inlaid furniture, palms, colourful lanterns and lots of stylish arches and marble columns. Our rooms are spacious and decorative, with balconies overlooking a cacti-filled courtyard with a water feature. Despite only having 28 rooms, it’s a confusing, labyrinthine space anchored by the restaurant at the centre. On the roof there’s another restaurant, and a bar, which is a dreamy, plant-filled place to sit and take in the views over the rooftops.

We’re only in Marrakech for three days, and it’s not enough. We spend our time wandering around the souks, shopping and browsing, and marvelling at the snake charmers in Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. A visit to the Jardin du Marjorelle with its amazing cactus garden is a highlight with its vast cacti set against an intensely blue-painted studio building, and the neighbouring Yves Saint Laurent museum o ers a fascinating insight into the designer and his glamorous life in the city.

Food at La Sultana is excellent and very elegantly served– for breakfast there are strawberries and pineapple served with rosewater alongside delicious Moroccan pastries and – our favourite –Moroccan eggs benedict with olives. La

Sultana’s philosophy of “Terroir Cuisine” showcases Moroccan produce with local and ethically-sourced meat and fish. The cuisine prides itself on heritage Moroccan products like Sa ron from Taliouine, some salt from Zerradoune, cumin from Alnif and Argan from Souss.

From Marrakech, it’s a three-hour drive to La Sultana’s sister property on the Atlantic coast in Oualidia. This is a town known for its oysters and its surf, popular with holidaying Moroccans but not so well known for international tourism, so it feels quite remote. Approaching La Sultana via a winding road, we don’t know what to expect, but when the building appears it has a fairytale quality, a beautiful stone fortress with domed, thatched rooftops overlooking the lagoon. Lush gardens, beautifully designed with palms, cacti and colourful flowers surround a beautiful pool with luxurious loungers, while a restaurant on a wooden deck overlooking the seafront is a dreamy spot. Inside the building are only 12 rooms, and ours is vast, with its own terrace and hot tub. We spend three happy

days lounging by the pool, eating seafood, and bird watching – the lagoon is an exceptional site, home to flamingoes, storks and herons among other species. This is a quiet spot, but lots of excursions are o ered for those more restless than us, and surfers can cross the lagoon to get to the main beach. At night, the building and gardens are lit with countless colourful lanterns, creating a magical feel and a memorable vision. As a contrast to busy Marrakech, Oualidia’s La Sultana is an excellent spot.

LA SULTANA MARRAKECH

La Sultana was included in the launch of Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s Considerate Collection. Rates start from £350 per night. For more information visit, lasultanahotels.com

“

La Sultana is a haven of calm compared to the bustle on its doorstep”

THE LAGOON IN OUALIDIA

POOLSIDE AT LA SULTANA

LA SULTANA OUALIDIA'S BEACH RESTAURANT

ONE OF THE SOUKS IN MARRAKECH

Mis

& Wine Lunch

Glass

Chef's

pate,

Mince

ROAD

By PENDLE HARTE

Coasting down the motorway in the comfort of a brand new Land Rover is the ultimate in luxury.

Driving from Essex to Dorset for the bank holiday weekend isn’t an enjoyable ride, as the millions of us embarking on the same journey would doubtless agree, but driving this kind of car makes it as bearable as it could ever be.

Climate controlled, comfortable, reliable, in good working order, full of petrol and fully charged, this is the dream, car-wise.

Of course it’s not actually our car. In the spirit of exploring other forms of transport and alternatives to car ownership, we are, for the moment, car-free. Not for us the endless admin and direct debits, the

fretting over fuel prices or the angsty knowledge that just sitting outside in a residents’ parking space is causing wear and tear even when the car’s not in use. Largely we get around Essex on bikes, public transport and taxis, which works fine for our family of four but it’s not a policy that includes weekends in Dorset. For this, we have found a solution and it’s even better than car hire. Now we are using The Out, which is why we’re in such a stylish vehicle.

Our friends are impressed when we turn up in the new Discovery Sport. It’s slick and compact, and ULEZcompatible thanks to its hybrid engine. And if hiring a car is normally quite a hassle, requiring pick-ups and drop-o s at peculiar locations with queues and, quite often, disagreements about car

models and supposed upgrades, the new service from The Out is a world away from any of that. This is simply an app, and a simple one at that. You just upload your details, choose a vehicle from a range of highly desirable Land Rovers and Jaguars (The Out is owned by Jaguar Land Rover, cleverly providing an alternative to actually buying a vehicle) and select a time slot for delivery. Our car arrives on the dot, delivered to the door from its Edgware Road base by a driver who gives us a brief intro into its many functions and then vanishes. We spend the weekend in Dorset, and on our return the car is picked up the same way, on the dot and with a smile. Easy. If you’re looking for access over ownership, this is the way to go.

theout.com

of us can get by without owning a car, but what about when we want to get out of town?

OAK-TREE GROUP

It is an exciting time to be part of the Oak-Tree Group of schools. This popular group of independent schools is known for its outstanding teaching, excellent exam results and remarkable pastoral care. The start of the Autumn Term has seen the arrival of Gretchen Copeman, the new Head of Oaklands School in Loughton, who is excelling in her new role, and for Coopersale Hall School, 2023 will see the first arrival of senior pupils. oaktreeschools.co.uk

MAKE A

PLEDGE

By SUE LAIDLAW

Are you taking the Veg Pledge this month? You may or may not know that Veg Pledge is an initiative founded by Cancer Research UK to invite you to ditch meat for a month. Not only is it a way to help raise funds for the charity, but also to educate and remind us of the importance of vegetables and fruit for our health, as well as helping the environment.

Whilst some of you reading this will already have vegetarian or vegan diets, some families may be interested in taking part in Veg Pledge. For others, it may not be suitable or recommended – or it may not be something with which you wish to participate. Whichever group you and your family might fall into, it is a good reminder of how important it is for our children to enjoy not only eating vegetables, but also to be involved in growing and cooking them – and, indeed, taking part in family mealtimes.

Children love to see things grow. Most families will have had experience of their small children growing cress seeds on cotton wool or blotting paper and seeing how quickly it grows. Even three-year-olds can harvest their crop of cress and eat the results of their labours in a sandwich.

As children grow older, why not provide a small patch in the garden, a window box or even an old bucket and let them buy a few packets of vegetable seeds. Such a seemingly simple task can bring joy, reward and also a sense of responsibility. If you don’t look after your seedlings or forget to water them, you quickly learn what happens! A couple of Christmases ago, I was given a wonderful surprise present of a beautiful wooden herb “theatre”, three tiered shelves with accompanying pots on which to grow herbs. I also shared the childlike joy of looking after my array of herbs and, sadly, learned what happens if you forget them for a few days.

If you want to bypass the growing phase, another idea is to go to the supermarket with your children and find a new and interesting vegetable each week. When our youngest child was little, that is exactly what we did. It is amazing how many weird, wonderful and interesting fruits and vegetables lurk in supermarket racks that often go unnoticed – some were delicious, some not so delicious – and for others, we had to research how to cook them. It was a short, but fun phase and we both learned about all sorts of unusual fruit and vegetables.

And then, of course, comes the cooking and the eating. If you can find time,

An initiative by Cancer Research UK aims to get us all eating more vegetables - and here’s how you and your family can enjoy the process too

even occasionally, to involve your young children in helping to prepare a meal (or, as they get older, cook an entire meal for the family), it is surprisingly rewarding – and educational – for all involved.

As we all know, eating together as a family, whatever the age of our children, is an important time together. Even though they are all grown up now, our increasingly

rare, family dinners are a highlight for us all. The dinners may be more sophisticated, the palates more discerning and certainly the glasses are filled with wine now, but those times are always special for Family Laidlaw.

So, take a few minutes to consider your Veg Pledge, not only for such an important cause, but also for the health benefits, the learning and the fun that it can bring to your family.

Sue Laidlaw is founder of Laidlaw Education LLP. Sue and her team o er educational advice, lessons and courses for children of all ages through their centres, including Laidlaw Hall supporting children with special needs, and the Laidlaw Virtual Academy. Find out more at laidlaweducation.co.uk or call 020 8487 9517

“Children love to see things grow”

Q What was your background prior to becoming Head of Oaklands School?

A I have taught almost all primary year groups in my career and have experience working in both the state and independent sectors. Most recently, I was Deputy Head of Braeside School, another member of the Oak-Tree Group for children up to 16.

Q What attracted you to the Headship at Oaklands School?

A The opportunity to lead a successful school such as Oaklands comes along very rarely. My entire career has been devoted to teaching. To be able to say I really do love my job is fairly unique and many people don’t have that luxury. No day is the same and each comes with its own challenge, but in my new role I am able to inspire both teachers and pupils to take risks, aim high, take on new challenges and progress.

Remaining in the Oak-Tree Group of Schools was particularly important for me. We have the best of both worlds as individually we are smaller, nurturing schools and then together we share ideas, pool resources and compete on a much larger scale.

Q Were there any immediate challenges you faced?

A Not really, as I already knew many of the systems and processes the school uses and my handover spanned the entire Summer Term. It has been a pleasure getting to know the Oaklands community.

Q How would you describe the school?

A Oaklands is a long-established, family school with an outstanding reputation that has been in the hands of the Hagger family since 1982. It continues to be a very popular choice for many parents in the local area.

The children here are happy and enjoy learning. We instil a strong sense of self in our pupils and this enables each one to succeed. We also have beautiful grounds and make extensive use of them with outdoor activities, sports and Wild Woods lessons and clubs.

Q What are you looking to develop at Oaklands?

A My ethos is based very much on creating courageous, honest children who are unafraid to take risks and believe in themselves.

I encourage all pupils to aim high and to be curious about the world around them, asking questions every step of the way. I also firmly believe that children should understand that failure is also part of learning and being resilient in all aspects of life is essential.

Absolutely catches up with Gretchen Copeman, the new Head of Oaklands School in Loughton, to discover why this was a role she just had to take

GRETCHEN COPEMAN

Q What do you o er at Early Years?

A Oaklands has a large, thriving Early Years department. Each year group has its own rooms and dedicated outside play areas so they can grow and develop as they move through this phase of their education. Early Years children learn through play and we have a large team of highly skilled sta who are experts at providing opportunities for children to learn both in the classrooms and outdoors.

Q How does the curriculum evolve from there?

A Children progress through Key Stages 1 and 2 in smaller than average classes. This ensures that all children have a

voice in the classroom. Our teachers are supported by an army of teaching assistants so we can support the children further individually or in smaller groups. We have created an exciting curriculum that allows us to tailor our lessons to meet individual needs.

Q What would we find in a typical classroom?

A There is a buzz of activity in our classrooms with children working in pairs, groups or individually. Our displays are interactive and the children use them to access additional information. Most of all in our classrooms you will see children excited to learn and engaged in inspiring activities

Q How has the new school year gone so far?

A Like every academic year, this one is flying by! Pupils have settled back into their new classes and progress can be seen in all year groups. We have given out numerous awards in assemblies and our many sports teams have competed in a variety of fixtures. The families, children and sta have been so welcoming that it feels as if I have always been at Oaklands. We have already been on several trips, had visitors in our assemblies and welcomed our families to numerous events. Like many primary schools, we are now planning for Christmas with a number of seasonal performances.

Q What are you looking forward to?

A We have so much to look forward to this year. We have many events, performances and competitions throughout the year.

Many Year 6 children will be going on our ski trip at Easter next year and I can’t wait to hear about their adventures. We have other residential trips later in the year too, providing many opportunities to be independent and learn new skills. We also have many sporting and musical events this year for children to challenge themselves and showcase their talents. Watching the children grow, learn and achieve so much will be wonderful.

take happiness

ADDING THE PIECES

Bancroft’s School is well known for its academic successes with stellar results in public exams, but there is far more to the school than just gaining A*s. Balance is one of the core values of the school and both the Bancroft’s Head, Simon Marshall, and the Head of Bancroft’s Prep, Joe Layburn, are fervent supporters of the co-curriculum. They believe that the experiences o ered to Bancroft’s pupils outside of the classroom have a vital role to play in allowing children to develop their own particular talents and ensure they grow into happy, balanced individuals.

Simon says: “We aim to provide an atmosphere in which each child can flourish and we believe that children succeed when they take full advantage of the huge range of di erent opportunities we provide. Our pupils challenge themselves and learn by taking part wholeheartedly in school life.”

The activities programme across the school is hugely diverse, catering for all interests. At the Prep School (ages 7 to 11) some of the more unusual include Music Videos, Radio Production, Magic Card Tricks and Zentangle. Bancroft’s also encourages pupils to start and run their own societies to cater for their own particular interests, so Year 12 pupils have started up clubs

as diverse as Suturing, Philosophy, Ethical Eating and Fantasy Football. Music, Drama and Sports are all well catered for as well as outdoor pursuits, with thriving Cub Pack, Sea Scout Troop, Combined Cadet Force and provision for the Duke of Edinburgh Award. One of the most popular activities in the Prep is chess. Starting with one coach, Lorin D’Costa, an international player and coach to the Women’s National Team, and 20 keen pupils, chess has now expanded to three visiting coaches – all international players – and 100 children receiving coaching each week. Lisa Life, Prep School Deputy Head, says: “The children just seem to love it and respond to the passion of their coaches. Although it is an individual sport, you need to come together as a team at tournaments.”

Recently 14 girls from Bancroft’s Prep took part in the Southern Semi-Final of the English Chess Federation's National Schools Girls' Championships (U11). Forty-five teams from 20 schools competed in an intense day of chess. Schools represented included Highgate, City Juniors, North London Collegiate and Woodford Green Prep. The Bancroft’s A team finished a fantastic first, and next year will represent Bancroft’s in the National Finals. All 14 girls loved the experience of playing tournament chess and it was a day full of smiles as well as medals and trophies.

bancrofts.org

Exploring the co-curricular at Bancroft’s School, especially a recent success story with the game of chess

“Our pupils challenge themselves and learn by taking part wholeheartedly in school life”

Putting their best feet FORWARD

News on how New Hall School Preparatory Divisions pupils helped to raise £2,000 for charity

More than 480 pupils from New Hall Preparatory Divisions strode out last month in support of Cancer Research UK.

Dressed in grey, pink, blue and purple, the colours associated with Cancer Research, the 4–11-year-olds completed their walk around the school’s 70 acres with teachers and student helpers to raise around £2,000 for the charity.

The walk was organised by Year 11 students Imogen Ottley and Eleanor Gould as part of their Higher Project Qualification. Imogen says: “We chose CRUK as our charity both to raise awareness of their work and to highlight

the fact that, in the UK, one in two people born after 1960 will be diagnosed with some form of cancer during their lifetime. This means that all of us are likely to be a ected by cancer in some way during our lifetime, whether directly or indirectly.”

Eleanor adds: “This was an occasion for all of the pupils in the Preparatory Divisions to come together at the start of the term, raising money for a very good cause and having fun doing so. Judging by the enthusiastic chatter everyone enjoyed their time outdoors!”

Sam Twomey, Head of the Preparatory Division, says: “Imogen and Eleanor have done an amazing job co-ordinating this walk and selecting a cause which has an impact on so many people. We are very grateful to parents for donating £5 per child in support.”

Alongside its successful academic programme, New Hall School encourages students in charitable work and giving, holding fundraising events throughout the year in support of a range of charities and running the successful New Hall Voluntary service, with which all students are involved during their time at the school.

In addition to this, New Hall also has an excellent music and performing arts provision and fantastic sports facilities and training programmes. The boarding and day school for students aged up to 18 has a Catholic foundation and ethos, which welcomes those of all backgrounds. The strong pastoral care structure at the school supports students in their endeavours, allowing them to achieve success in a wide variety of fields.

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LAP OF LUXURY

BANG & OLUFSEN

The luxury retailer, Bang & Olufsen, has just undergone an extensive refurbishment at the Chelmsford store in New London Road. The store originally opened in December 2000, and has served the Essex area well for the past 22 years. The showroom has been completely redesigned to allow a much more interactive experience with the entire Bang & Olufsen range.

bang-olufsen.co.uk

Lap of LUXURY

Anew luxury listing for Hunt Property Services in Loughton, this six bedroom, five bathroom, three reception family residence is located in one of Loughton’s most sought after roads near to the high street, local schools and transport.

It measures almost 6,000 square foot set over two floors, with beautiful large rooms throughout. Boasting an indoor pool o the kitchen with bi-fold doors open to the garden, it’s perfect to enjoy inside outside swim time.

The ground floor is a very rich space, hosting a spectacular fully integrated kitchen family room with large breakfast bar lounge and dining area, also o ering bi-fold doors to a low maintenance, very private garden.

The six double bedrooms are on the first floor, with four of those being en-suite. The master bedroom is a spectacular size with its own lounge and dressing area and en-suite with freestanding bath and walk in wet room.

There is a high level of security throughout this private home, which sits behind high

gates and mature trees, but still benefits from an abundance of natural light in all areas.

To find out more, we chatted to Hayley Hunt herself to see what makes this home so special…

Q What’s the first thing that catches your eye?

A The wide frontage and secluded driveway set behind the electric gates. How private the house is, its corner position sitting behind high gates and mature hedges o er complete private living.

Q Inside, what further surprises are there?

A The indoor heated pool with glass wall looking into the spectacular sized kitchen family room, both these areas with black titanium bi-fold doors opening to the garden to enjoy inside outside time are fabulous.

Q Do you have a favourite room?

A I am sorry but I have two! The kitchen/ family room leading to the swimming pool is wonderful, however the master suite is an incredible space with its own lounge area dressing room, grand en-suite bathroom

with freestanding bath and walk in wet room. This bedroom also has three sets of bi-folds which benefits from an abundance of light throughout and being able to take in the views of your own beautiful garden. Watching the sunsets that will come through those huge windows is a huge plus.

Q How would you sum up the interior design?

A It’s very tasteful and simple, which in turn will provide a blank canvas for any potential owner to get into.

Q What do you make of the entertaining space?

A It’s certainly a party house! Access to the garden from the family room/conservatory and swimming pool gives you lots of scope to have fun. If cooking for your guests is your thing then the kitchen will not disappoint. With two enormous reception rooms this house is made for entertaining

Q How much outside space is there?

A To the front there is an amazing driveway

for at least five or six cars and to the rear garden there is a very spacious private garden with lots of space to entertain.

Q Is the property in a great location?

A The house is located in one of Loughton’s premier and highly sought after addresses. It’s a very peaceful location, it's in a corner position down a cul de sac, so it's very secure and just o the main motorways and Loughton high street for all things needed.

Q Who would the home suit?

A A professional family looking for space and yet enough rooms to be private whilst at the same time still able to sit and eat with the family in the kitchen, before going for a quick swim before bed. This home is perfect for anyone looking to add their own style. It's full of great potential being a blank canvas and huge rooms and set over two floors.

For more on this property, call 020 8502 7667 or visit huntpropertyservices.co.uk

Ease the

It’s the most wonderful time of the year... but it can be challenging. Christmas seems to get more complicated and stressful every year, so we have laid out a few digital tricks to help your day run a little smoother.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE DEALS

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are two of the biggest shopping events of the year. People generally fall into two camps when it comes to these discountcrazy days – they either love scanning their favourite shops for deals, or hate the days and everything about them.

The end of November might seem a bit early to be buying Christmas presents, but for the forward-thinkers it’s a great time

to snap up discounted presents for the family. Just make sure you can keep them hidden for a month! Speaking of which...

OPEN SOME PRESENTS EARLY

We are not suggesting you tear through the wrapping paper and ruin the fun of Christmas morning, but some gifts can benefit from a bit of advanced planning. Have you bought a new laptop for your mum? Or maybe a PlayStation is sitting under the tree, waiting for the kids.

This kind of tech takes a while to set up, so rather than dealing with the little ones moaning all morning while the right games download, or struggling to cook Christmas dinner while simultaneously helping set up the new laptop, open them a few days early and do the set ups. You’ll thank us when you’re enjoying a relaxed Christmas morning in peace.

CALLING DISTANT RELATIVES? SCHEDULE A ZOOM

There’s no getting away from it, 25 December is a busy day. What should be a day of relaxation is usually packed with cooking, tidying up wrapping paper, watching Christmas TV and... maybe a little bit of champagne. It's the same for almost everyone, and it can seriously mess up those happy yuletide phone calls – especially if you’re calling someone who lives in a di erent time zone.

It might sound neurotic, but getting a schedule sorted in advance can make things much easier. Drop people a text or email a few days earlier letting them know you’re going to call them at a certain time to make sure you can actually get hold of them.

UPGRADE YOUR INTERNET

There’s no better time to see just how much your home would benefit from lightning-fast fibre broadband than the festive season. Worried about bu ering during your Christmas films binge or the internet slowing down when all the relatives join your Wi-Fi network? You can avoid it all by upgrading to Full Fibre broadband from Swish.

Swish's 10,000Mbps-capable broadband (*speed test taken on 28 May 2021. See SwishFibre.com for full details) is the fastest available in the UK – and to help you through the Christmas period, you can get the first six months for free when you take out an 18 month contract.

SWISH FIBRE

Make sure nothing slows your Christmas down this year. Join the world of Full Fibre and super-fast broadband by visiting SwishFibre.com

HAVE A BALL FERM LIVING

The Era Chandelier is an elegant statement lamp inspired by the clear lines and geometric shapes of the Art Deco movement.

With three opal glass globes resting effortlessly on a light, powder-coated iron structure, the chandelier has a feminine feel. £588 royaldesign.co.uk

SKIN DEEP LIGNE ROSET

The characterful Kufu lamp is made from recycled leather and comes in two neutral shades. It's set to so en with age and cast a warm, organic light. ligne-roset.com

IN A SPIN TOM RAFFIELD

Handcra ed from sustainably sourced FSC oak or walnut wood, the Semper Pendant features a centralised, cylindrical wooden frame secured by a solid brass axis and two rotating outer timber layers. £345 tomraffield.com

GLOW UP ORIGINAL BTC

Alma is a collaboration between Original BTC and Swedish interior designer Beata Heuman. This beautiful china pendant features hand-painted detail and creates an ambient glow. £489 originalbtc.com

SOUND CHOICE BOCONCEPT

Simplicity and minimalism combine in the Stockholm pendant lamp. Designed with hand-coloured glass and a heavy marble base, add warmth to your dining table. £729 boconcept.com

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BACK TO BASICS

In need of a home revamp? Try Cult Furniture

Interior transformations don’t have to be grand a airs. If you’re in need of a home revamp ahead of those long cosy evenings, but are worried about budgeting this winter, Cult’s got the answer. Every day can be an add-to-cart day, with the new Essentials Collection. This range of designer-inspired dining sets, compact furniture, lighting and home accessories is curated for those who need a cost-e ective way to add a splash of style to their homes. With prices starting from only £29 you can start saving on designs that are far from basic.

A great way to add some instant wow factor is with statement dining chairs. The Rayner Scandi-inspired dining chair (from £59) is a great example and is available in a range of fabrics to suit any home interior, from trendy boucle to sumptuous velvet. Perfect for adding a wallet-friendly touch to your dining room.

Bringing a luxurious focal point to your dining area is key and a table can bring all the practicality of eating together as a family, plus it acts as a place to display flowers and home accessories. First, you need to scope out the size of your dining area. The Milton range is a great go-to, with its classic mid-century style with walnut finish, it is completely timeless. Available as a four-seater (£299) or there is an extendable option that seats six to eight people (£499). For the extra savvy shopper, you’ll love the full dining set consisting of a table and four dining chairs for under £500.

If your kitchen is crying out for some love, why not inject some colour by adding some fun stools? The Regent kitchen stool range (from £49) boasts a plush padded seat and is perfect for a comfortable perch at any breakfast bar.

Adding home decor is a cheap and easy way to show some personality in your home. From rugs and lighting to art and decorative vases, you should never underestimate the power of accessorising. The Neeson rug (from £39) will elevate any living space, bedroom or home o ce.

Creating a cohesive look in your home is often overwhelming. Our top tip for picking your palette is to start with a few key colours and go from there. Then tie in home decor that matches the tones in your furniture. Have fun with texture, look for sumptuous fabrics like flu y boucle and velvet, as these will always pair well with woods, metals and even concrete, whilst bringing some warmth to the space.

The Cult Essentials range has a coste ective style to suit everyone, and with 24-hour delivery on all in-stock products, your dream home makeover is within reach. Cult’s London showroom is a great place to start, brimming with ideas to elevate your interior at a ordable prices.

showroom

- 813, Wandsworth Road, SW8 3JH +44 (0) 20 8150 3257

THE

THE REGENT KITCHEN STOOL

THE RAYNER DINING CHAIR IN IVORY WHITE BOUCLE, £69

Located in the highly prestigious Chigwell Grange development and set behind electrically controlled gates, Elliott James are delighted to bring new to the market this stunning five double bedroom executive family home, which o ers spacious contemporary living. A focus on design and attention to detail means that every room is naturally bright and beautifully airy and fi nely appointed.

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 present to the market this contemporary four double bedroom three bathroom two reception townhouse set within the prestigious gated development of Repton Park.

Guide Price £1,150,000

This special family home is both cosy and stylish throughout, offering luxury spacious accommodation over three floors. Bespoke kitchen with white quartz surfaces and fully integrated high-end appliances. Grand entrance hallway with a stunning glass doorway and white porcelain floors with underfloor heating.

Converted garage is now a ground-floor lounge. Magnificent large reception room with feature fireplace and terrace overlooking the beautifully manicured gardens of Rosebury Square. Two further double bedrooms and a family bathroom. Principal bedroom with en suite shower room and separate dressing room. Bedroom two with en suite shower room.

Enjoy safe silent living in this peaceful haven with 300 acres to enjoy. 24hr concierge, nighttime security guards, Exclusive adult only Virgin Active Spa Gym and beauty salon. Sole Agent Chain Free.

Regents Place, Loughton £1,150,000

Elliott James are delighted to o er to the market this exceptional four bedroom family home in a highly regarded gated development. Great Woodcote Park is a private development, which o ers well-maintained landscaped greens and ornamental duck ponds, with 24/7 manned security/concierge, and is well-located for highly-regarded state and private schools. Externally, at the front there is a large driveway o ering o -street parking for several vehicles and access to an integrated garage, whilst to the rear, the garden is secluded and laid with lawn further benefiting from side access.

Elliott James are delighted to bring exclusively to the market this immaculately presented three bedroom semi-detached family home located within catchment for the popular Staples Road Primary School which has recently undergone a full renovation by its current owners. Harwater Drive is a highly sought after tree-lined road, only moments from the picturesque Epping Forest and local amenities.

Longfield, Loughton

O ers in excess of £1,200,000

Elliott James are delighted to bring to the market this beautifully presented four bedroom family home is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac location close to the center of Loughton. The property has been finished to a very high specification by the current owners and occupies a wide and secluded plot and is within a 10 minute walk to Loughton Central Line Station.

The Elliott James Team is delighted to exclusively o er the opportunity to acquire this NEW BUILD three-bedroom detached property with imminent occupation. Burlington Place is located in a peaceful cul-de-sac and o ers easy access to a number of wellregarded state/private schooling options.

ers in excess of £400,000

*OFFERED CHAIN FREE* Elliott James is delighted to bring new to market this immaculately presented two-bedroom apartment located in heart of Loughton. Situated just moments from Loughton Central Line Station and the High Road, this property is ideal for commuting into London.

3D WALKTHROUGH

Harwater Drive, Loughton

Burlington Place, Woodford Green

Hetton House, Station Road, Loughton

We are of course well acquainted with high value properties in our area and have perfected the art of discreet and e ective sales. However, with a surge for demand in luxury homes to let we are developing a whole new level of personal concierge marketing to satisfy our clients exacting needs. It is fair to say that if someone is spending upwards of £10,000 per calendar month on renting a property, it needs to be special. Fortunately, we have excellent relationships with many owners of these types of property, and it is common for us to ask the question "we know you are not moving but would £12,000 per calendar month for two years be of interest?" Unsurprisingly we often get a very positive response.

This spacious 1930’s property has been lovingly extended by the present owners to create a superb home for any growing family. Features include two reception rooms, an eat-in kitchen, study, five bedrooms, two bathrooms and a great size rear garden. An excellent location for schools, Queens Road’s shops and the Central Line station.

This attractive mock tudor 1930’s terraced property has been superbly transformed and extended by the present owners to create an absolutely stunning family home. Features include a top floor principal bedroom with en suite, three further bedrooms, family bathroom, two reception rooms and a stunning bespoke kitchen. The property is ideally positioned just a short walk from Buckhurst Hill Central Line Station and the green spaces of Epping Forest and Roding Valley Nature Reserve.

Rous

Buckhurst Hill

Chestnut Avenue, Buckhurst Hilll Guide Price £750,000

adds up

They say that fortune favours the brave and we think that will be especially true for people entering the property market over the next few months. Following the chancellor’s so called ‘mini’ budget, it appears that everyone has got the jitters, resulting in a further hike in the base interest rate and its knock on e ect on mortgage rates, with several companies going as far as to withdraw their mortgage o erings. This in turn has led to the view that house prices are set to plummet in the not too distant future, but is this really the case?

Undoubtedly increasing mortgage costs and the wider cost of living crises will place downward pressure on home prices, with the Halifax recently reporting that the average house price was down 0.1 per cent in September, but the idea that prices are set to plunge is simply that – a headline-grabbing idea, and one that is unlikely to materialize upon closer inspection of what’s actually happening.

First o , remember Kwasi Kwarteng cut stamp duty with no tax now to be paid on properties up to the value of £250,000 (which has remained since Jeremy Hunt has taken over as Chancellor), a doubling of the previous threshold, while the threshold for first time buyers has increased to £425,000, up by £125,000. Of course the benefits of this are partially o set by rising interest rates, meaning that some buyers may not be able to a ord as much as they had hoped and will therefore buy a cheaper or smaller property, but this is unlikely to result in a drastic pull down in prices.

A far more realistic scenario is that the febrile market we’ve experienced over the past two years, where the massive imbalance of supply and demand has forced the national average house price up by more than 20 per cent, will start to slowly taper o and we will return to what we consider to be a more ‘normal’ and far more sustainable market.

For anyone feeling nervous, we are here to support, encourage and advise, with the focus on getting you moving, whatever the market is doing. Also, being local means that we have our ears to the ground and know exactly who’s buying, who’s selling and putting the two together. What’s more, we also o er a full renovation and refurbishment service that can transform your property.

HUNT PROPERTY SERVICES

Hayley Hunt is the founder of Hunt Property Services located at 732 Chigwell Road, Woodford Green, Essex, IG8 8AL 020 8502 7667

Hayley Hunt o ers up her November market update, casting an eye over the fall out from the government’s mini budget

HAYLEY HUNT

Buying a home, particularly for the first time, can be a daunting prospect; however almost every house purchase that takes place follows the same process, even if the timings di er.

Once you’ve found the house of your dreams, and your o er has been accepted, the first step is to instruct solicitors, or conveyancers, so they can begin working on your behalf. When it comes to selecting these, and in fact mortgage brokers, it is always worth opting for the most highly recommended option you can a ord to ensure you receive the best service throughout.

Following their instruction, you’ll enter the pre-contract stage which typically takes

two to three months but, as there are many steps here, has been known to take longer.

During this time your solicitor will undertake their ‘searches’, which are enquiries made to local authorities about the property and land it sits on; here they are looking for things such as access disputes or environmental issues. This is also a good time for a survey of the property itself which will look to identify anything that may cause problems in the coming years, such as subsidence or damp. Delays can arise if any concerns are reported, however your solicitor will be on hand to o er guidance on these. Alongside these your mortgage lender will carry out their own checks to make sure they agree with all valuations and then confirm your mortgage o er.

Once searches are back and any

raised enquiries have been resolved contracts are drafted and a date to exchange will be set. At this point you will also agree a completion date; this is commonly a week after exchange, but can be extended to a mutually agreeable date if either party needs.

When the exchange has taken place, and you have a completion date confirmed, you can begin to book in removal vans and consider insurances, but we’d never recommend committing to these until the dates have been agreed by all parties.

As with any large purchase information is key and being prepared and aware of the steps can help to ensure a smooth process before you begin the next chapter of your life in your new home.

James Hunt, co-founder of Durden & Hunt, outlines the steps you will have to take before moving into your dream home

JAMES HUNT

why everyone is talking about…

WYVERNWOOD

How the Enchanted Lost Kingdom of Wyvernwood is casting its spell in Essex

Aunique adventure park, set in more than 20 acres in Alresford near Colchester, has opened its magic portal to an Enchanted Lost Kingdom, providing the perfect family day out.

Wyvernwood has existed in this quiet and beautiful countryside location for centuries and has only been recently rediscovered by the outside world. This autumn, it will be possible for visitors to come and see this Enchanted Lost Kingdom and experience the magic and awe themselves.

Wyvernwood’s Experiences Director, Nick White, explains: “Wyvernwood is like no other visitor attraction in the UK. It o ers an extraordinary world full of wonder and is perfect for children aged 2 to 12 and their families to explore for the day. It will give them the opportunity for a digital detox while connecting with nature.”

There are numerous play areas and adventure activities, including a 9-metrehigh Enchanted Castle, a Captain’s Galleon, Goblins’ Tunnels and Dragon Karting. There is a ‘Little Kingdom’ for smaller children and a birthday party tepee for youngsters to celebrate with their friends.”

The awesome inhabitants of Wyvernwood play a central role in their guests’ experience as they search the Kingdom for adventurers to help them solve puzzles, decipher riddles, and take on quests such as finding missing treasure. “Wyvernwood is where magical and mystical creatures live and thrive,” says Nick. Guests will enter through a Magic Portal into another world, a world inhabited by fabulous fairies, fierce dragons, wise wizards, menacing goblins, a warrior princess and a heroic captain.

“Children can scale the castle walls, set sail in the galleon, find missing treasure, soar with the dragons and flutter with the fairies. They can also make their dreams come true at the Magic Wishing Well and, if they dare, we want them to discover what lies deep within the goblins’ lair,” adds Nick. “Once families have explored the adventure activities in the Castle Grounds, they can venture along the Dragon Trail, past the huge maize maze, to the Wellbeing Woods where they’ll discover the Land of the Fairies, find the Captain’s Campsite, and help Merlin create magic potions in the Wizard’s Domain.”

Find out more by visiting wyvernwood.co.uk