Absolutely Essex September 2021 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

ESSEX

Essex SEPTEMBER 2021 / £3.95

SEPTEMBER 2021

SPECIAL News and views from all the best schools

Helen

SCOTT ABSOLUTELY-ESSEX.CO.UK

The BBC Radio Essex presenter on getting people to open up

P LU S : MERCURY THEATRE Inside Colchester's revamped cultural hub MAKING A SPLASH The successful evolution of Weeley's Albion Bath Co WANDERING THROUGH TIME Investigating Hedingham Castle's grounds

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STAY I N B E D The ultimate luxury is taking time to unwind in a bed so comfortable that you never want to leave

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BRING THE LITTLE ONES The unique experiences. The memories made. The sound of laughter. The moments you treasure. The ultimate staycation. The Dorchester.

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LONDON +44 (0)20 7629 8888 DORCHESTERCOLLECTION.COM

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents SEPTEMBER 2021

52 C U LT U R E 14 HELEN SCOTT

INTERIORS 46 NEWS & VIEWS

20 MERCURY THEATRE

48 THE ALBION BATH CO

24 HEDINGHAM CASTLE

52 AL FRESCO ATTRACTION

FOOD & DRINK 30 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

FA S H I O N & B E A U T Y 68 KATIE VALE

32 OMAR ALLIBHOY

72 THE SHOOT

38 RECIPES

85 BROOKSIDE AESTHETICS

BBC Radio Essex has never sounded so good

The stage is set for Colchester

Why the estate is just as historic

News from the industry

On his Tapas Revolution coming to Essex

Dishes from The Social Pantry

The latest from the industry

Adding a touch of luxury to our bathrooms

Regatta Garden Furniture's latest designs

The Essex milliner on a rollercoaster year

A B S O L U T E LY- E S S E X .C O. U K The online guide to inspirational living that helps you stay one step ahead of the crowd and gives you the chance to win exclusive prizes.

Go back in time at Zee & Co

Why men are facing up to the facts

O N T H E C OV E R Helen Scott

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

EDITOR MARK KEBBLE DIGITAL EDITOR LAYLA TURNER ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNER MIKE ROBERTS SAMANTHA SCOTT MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN MAGAZINE MANAGER CELIA GREGORY 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

HAPPY HOUR 2 Cocktails For £10 Wednesday - Friday 6pm - 7pm

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The Creek

We b si t e

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

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NITIN KHANDHIA

Welcome Nitin Khandhia, managing director at BTMK Solicitors, reﬂects on why being grounded has had its advantages

THE EDITOR'S September issue highlights

rom my personal perspective, if there is a positive to come out of the pandemic and what we have faced together over the past 18 months, then it’s an appreciation of where we live and the surroundings that are on our doorstep. The sheer variety of landscape and changes of scenery that we’ve been able to call upon during those dark moments should make us all feel very appreciative of our county and where we call “home”. For quite some time, I know that many of our friends (myself included) have felt the excitement of having Southend Airport on our doorstep for those fantastic weekend golf trips to the Algarve, or the convenient ski-trips via Geneva. I’m sure that Southend Airport will redevelop and thrive again over the next few years. However, the last 18 months have seen us all turn to long coastal walks through Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea and Thorpe Bay, the morning coffee meetings shared over a walk rather than in a coffee shop, and it’s a part of Essex that I hope those in other parts of the county feel as excited to explore as the locals do. Until our local airport re-emerges, we’ve got all of these beauty spots right here, within a few minutes from home. Yes, I know, we just need the weather… The Essex spirit is unshakeable; it’s the best place to do business, to work, to live and to enjoy great times with our friends and families. The last 18 months have been hard for many of us, the most difficult times we’ll ever face, but the positivity we’ve all shown is incredible, with more restaurants, bars and hospitality venues opening than ever before. Essex will be back, stronger and fitter than ever.

Albion Bath Co

A dip into the history of this Weeley business

Katie Vale

The Essex milliner on a rollercoaster year

Mercury Theatre Why Colchester is buzzing about the re-opening

Tapas Revolution Catching up with founder Omar Allibhoy

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

L I L AC TIME

Aspiga's mission is to work responsibly towards a more socially and environmentally conscious future, putting people and the planet first. That’s why they only partner with ethical suppliers, using the best sustainable materials to design beautiful, contemporary and stylish pieces that are intended to last, such as this Carella embroidered organic cotton midi dress. £135 aspiga.com

PURPLE HAZE

The Tadi Blouse by Christian Wijnants comes in a classic check pattern, printed on a summer-ready lightweight fabric cut to a loose fit. It’s finished with a stand-up collar and tie-up details at the cuffs. £410 couvertureandthegarbstore.com

EDITOR’S PICK

U LT R A V I O L E T

G O W I T H T H E F LOW 'Henley 1870' is a new design that incapsulates Henley, the River and Hobbs. All hoodies and t-shirts are made from recycled materials. hobbsofhenley.com

Urbanears' Luma wireless headphones not only sound great and connect seamlessly, but they come in a wide range of unusual hues. Our favourite is this ultra violet. £79.99 urbanears.com

PENDLE HARTE

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

C O L O U R WAY British designer Jessica Russell Flint creates vibrant, entirely unique hand-illustrated prints, with luxury products ranging across accessories, clothing, sleepwear and homeware. Inspired by life’s eccentricities and with a love for colour and texture, Russell Flint transforms the ordinary into designs like you've never seen before. jessicarussellflint.co.uk

S TA R Q U A L I T Y

French brand Louisa Bracq is new to the fold at Amelie's Follies with its range of stylish shapes in all cup sizes ameliesfollies.co.uk

D R ES S TO IMPRESS

This stunning dress ring is crafted in 18ct white gold and features a beautiful marquise cut amethyst with a partial diamond set rub-over surround. £595 bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

LOCK D OW N

T WO TO N E

The new shade in Mustard's colourful locker collection is lilac. Here's the Lowdown in lilac. £249 mustardmade.com

Bella Freud's new Baby Blue jumper in merino wool with two colour jacquard is high on our autumn wishlist. £295 bellafreud.com

WRITE ON

The new collection reinvents Caran d'Ache's iconic 849 ballpoint pen with an array of new shades including this stylish violet. £39.99 papersmiths.co.uk

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C U LT U R E

SET THE MOOD NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP 18 SEPTEMBER, MARKSHALL ESTATE

Challenge yourself as you photograph the stunning surroundings of Markshall Estate at night, with instruction from professional, Bryan Shaw. The acclaimed photographer will guide you through the key principles of photography at night, and help you put your learning into practice, giving you the confidence to take what you have learnt out into the Essex landscape. markshall.org.uk/whats-on

Agenda 12 • Helen Scott 14 • Mercury Theatre 20 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The Agenda

S E PT E M B E R ' S H OT T E ST H A P P E N I N G S

EV E N T

Beekeeper for a day 12 September COPPED HALL Eric Beaumont is an experienced beekeeper, who manages 40 colonies and is currently chairman of Epping Forest Beekeepers Association. This workshop will take you inside working beehives to discover the world of the honeybee and its management, demonstrate equipment required by a bee-keeper and give an overview of the bee-keeping year. coppedhalltrust.org.uk

EV E N T

Wanstead Vintage WA NSTE A D U NI TE D R E FO R M C HU RCH • 4 SEPTEMBER

Following on from their succesful event back in June, the team behind Wanstead Vintage return with another glamorous event at the start of September. Expect two halls ﬁlled with genuine, affordable vintage fashion and accessories, alongside furniture, homewares, collectables, haberdashery, vinyl and brocante items. wansteadvintage.com

F I L M

Nightflix 13 September-3 October C O LC H E ST E R Grab your pretzels, biersteins and Lederhosen! NightFlix Drive-in cinema is bringing a taste of Germany to its Colchester site with its ﬁrst Oktoberfest festival. As part of the week-long festivities, the venue will be showing beloved 80s classic Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, famous for its German parade scene set to Twist and Shout by the Beatles. nightﬂix.co.uk

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CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS

EV E N T

Ongar Market 5 September H I G H S T R E E T, O N G A R Ongar Town Forum have announced the revival of the tradition going back to Saxon times of a market in Ongar. Following a successful initial event in August, the market will continue on the first Sunday of the month. A variety of stalls will be in the Pleasance car park - next to Chipping Ongar Library in the High Street - from 10am until 2pm. A proper market for locals and visitors alike. visiteppingforest.org

PAST LIVES The pick of Essex events during Heritage Open Days

CHELMSFORD CATHEDRAL

On this virtual tour, the Dean of Chelmsford will give us a real insight into the history of the building and its purpose from medieval times to the present day. The tour finishes at the highest point of the cathdral, the spire, so it's sure to be one to remember. chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk

CHELMSFORD CATHEDRAL

EV E N T

HAVEN HOUSE AUTUMN BALL

This Month’s Must See

29 September LO N D O N M A R R I OT T H OT E L TV stars Mark Wright and Rochelle Humes will be among a string of famous faces to attend Haven House Children Hospice’s annual Autumn Ball. The auction will take centre stage with prized lots including a one-week stay for 10 guests at the magnificent Azzurra Castle on Grenada in the West Indies. havenhouse.org.uk

ALL SAINTS CHURCH

Explore this beautiful Tudor church in Brentwood, with wonderful views out over the surrounding countryside. A relaxed and informal open day, offering the opportunity to find out more about some of the fascinating stories in All Saints' past. all-saints-east-horndon. co.uk/index.asp

W H E R E TO BE L ONG 9 S E PTEMBER • HARLOW PLAYHOUSE

his is the tender, moving autobiographical story of artist and performer Victor Esses’ journey to find home. Esses is Jewish-Lebanese, Brazilian, and gay; this is an exploration of how to find your place in a rich and complex world of identities. What actually is home? If we had to leave where we live today, where would we go and what would we take? Expect a powerful performance. harlowplayhouse.co.uk

BOURNE MILL

This film, specially made for Heritage Open Days, takes you on a guided tour of this remarkable building, Colchester's only National Trust property. It is presented by local historian Peter Evans. Bourne Mill was originally built as a fishing lodge by Thomas Lucas in 1591. nationaltrust.org.uk/bournemill

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

There’s something about

HELEN Broadcaster, influencer, LGBTQ ambassador, and local girl – meet Helen Scott, who tells Absolutely Essex about the power of not giving up By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

nown for being the familiar voice we hear on BBC Radio Essex, Helen Scott has no limitations when it comes down to her career, the milestones she wants to reach and the glass ceilings she wants to break. “It all stems from my childhood,” she says. “My mum was a renowned dancer and ran a successful dance school in Essex, and my dad was a photographer who photographed live musicians, such as Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones. So, it was inevitable that I would end up doing something in the entertainment industry. “I started dancing from the moment I could walk,” Scott continues. “From the age of seven I trained at a performing arts college, and from the age of 16, I got a scholarship to a dance college – I was the youngest in my year group.” It was during this period in Scott’s life where she began discovering her true identity. “During that time, I realised I was gay, right at the beginning of my entertainment life. Things have changed since I was 17 – things were so different. In the entertainment business, gay men were very commonly seen, very much celebrated in fact. We all love a camp guy, being widely accepted on our television. However, I had never seen lesbians on TV, magazines or movies. And if you did, it was always fitting the typical stereotype, or they were portrayed in a negative light. “I was 16, this is when you start truly

coming into your own,” she adds. “I was becoming my own woman. I felt that this is where I should start to be understanding who I am alongside discovering who I was. This was hard, especially being in an environment where it was full of straight women. It was difficult, but it was also like taking a breath of fresh air.” What strikes me throughout this interview is Scott’s awareness of how she is perceived that truly shaped her career. “I am so lucky to have this lovely story, but I also do not take my privileges for granted,” she says. “I am white, blonde and fit the typical ‘fem’ stereotype, so I managed to dodge abuse in the street or people making homophobic comments. I realise that this is, sadly, a rare coming out story.” It didn’t take long for her work to flourish. “After dancing, I had a successful career as a performer. Quickly, I found that I like to be in control of my own life, and I like to be my own

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

SHE LOVES EVERYTHING ABOUT ESSEX

“I'm purposely open about a lot of topics. I want to promote the ideas of therapy and vulnerability” boss. Performing didn’t give me this. I moved quickly into performance management, I started a group on Facebook called The Hustle with 55,000 members helping people in the industry find jobs. It really was just a safe space for performers to help their career. I then started my own entertainment company as I became very established in the dance world. I ran this with my mum. And then I discovered the cabaret world. Proud Cabaret club were running a competition to find the next cabaret star. Long story short, I won the competition and was offered a contract to burlesque for Proud Cabaret.” Little did Scott know that this would be the turning point in her career. “All the hosts sing at Proud. One night the host called in sick, so I was asked to host. This is the night that changed my life forever.” With a beaming smile, she continues: “The very next day, I rebranded myself as a presenter – with little to no experience, I badgered anyone to give me an opportunity. I hosted dance competitions, and started to build up my reputation from there.” Over that summer, Scott hosted many Pride events before landing her job at the BBC. “I hosted BBC Essex Radio for nine months – my dream job. After my contract with them ended, I began freelancing, and I’m set to have another radio show with them called ‘Queer Essex’, alongside launching an all-female members club, and developing my own production company.” With over 17,000 followers on Instagram, alongside her presenting and radio career, Scott also takes her role as influencer and ambassador for the LGBTQ community extremely seriously. “It started out by me just wanting to get to 10,000 followers for work purposes, and then along the way on my social media journey, I found the most

amazing community who are my friends. For my social platform, I want people to know they are amazing. I want them to come to my page or watch my stories and feel happy. I want to make them feel like they can achieve anything. And alongside it, fortunately I am able to be an ambassador in the queer space, and share that love is love. “I’m purposely super open about a lot of topics,” she continues. “I want to promote the ideas of therapy, vulnerability, insecurities – I speak about it all. Everyone should go to therapy if they can. Think

about it like this – you go to the gym to keep your body healthy, why shouldn’t you go to therapy to keep your mind healthy?” Whilst taking on many roles in her career, at the centre of it all Scott’s ambition to spread her light and positivity remains untouched. As an ambassador and campaigner for the LGBTQ community, and promoting her ‘you can be anything you want attitude’, it’s plain to see that Scott will not stop until she has everyone believing they can be anything they have ever wanted to be. Helen Scott – we salute you.

SCOTT IS KEEN ON GETTING PEOPLE TO TALK ON HER RADIO SHOW

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THE COMPANY SHED DOES GREAT SEAFOOD

Q When did you first take up sailing? A I was very lucky to be born in Brightlingsea

Get to know…

HANNAH STODEL F O U R T I M E S PA R A LY M P I C SA I LO R A N D T H R E E T I M E S WO R L D C H A M P I O N

and lived there throughout my early years surrounded by the water. Both of my parents were accomplished sailors and members of Brightlingsea Sailing Club. Mum narrowly missed out on selection to the 1988 Olympic Games in Korea, and dad raced at world level, too. It all started with my parents really, I grew up with them racing so sailing was a family hobby. I started competing from a young age and at 13 I became the youngest ever winner of the BT YJA Young Sailor of the Year award for my achievements at the Mirror World Championships. Luckily, I went to Royal Hospital School (royalhospitalschool. org) on the Essex/Suffolk border next to Alton Water. It was the dream school for me because sailing is part of the sporting offering there, I could do what I loved and go to school at the same time. Luckily, they were super understanding and supportive of my ambitions to race at a very high level and allowed me to incorporate taking time off for racing internationally with my studies. Q Growing up around the Essex coast, what beaches did you enjoy most? A I love going back to Brightlingsea and dog walking around the beaches there. Bateman’s Tower and Point Clear are iconic spots there. Also, Mersea Island is absolutely great for an adventure – it’s not far from where I live in Colchester now so I often throw the dogs in the car and set off for long walks around there. Apart from when I attended Loughborough University in the Midlands, Colchester is the furthest I’ve lived away from the coast! Q How did you first get a chance to compete at the Paralympics? A I have a momager who is very supportive and always on the lookout for various opportunities! At the age of 15 I was on the able-bodied racing circuit and I didn’t

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CULTURE • PROFILE

THE BEACH OF MERSEA ISLAND

“There is just something so comforting about Essex, there is so much of everything” consider disability sport as an option. Then I got invited to train with Andy Cassell, the Atlanta 1996 Paralympic Gold medallist in the Sonar class, for a weekend in Cowes, Isle of Wight. That changed everything and put me on the path to Paralympic sailing. Q How would you sum up the

experiences of competing at the Paralympics in 2004 and 2008? A I was very young at my first Olympic Games in Athens in 2004 (aged 18) and found it quite overwhelming, but an amazing experience. My nerves were not too bad – I think I didn’t fully take it all in that I was actually at the Olympic Games. I’d had a lot of experience at World Championships too that I took confidence from. Q Tell us about the Vendée Globe… A It is an extraordinary race around

the world, solo, non-stop and without assistance, so certainly quite a challenge! It’s a battle to get to the start line thanks to the pandemic and the times we’re living in at the moment. Getting sponsorship is challenging, but I’m not going to give up on

THE ICONIC BATEMAN'S TOWER

FINGRINGHOE WICK NATURE RESERVE

my dream of becoming the first disabled sailor to compete in the Vendée Globe. I’m going to keep pushing forward and doing my best to make it happen in 2024. Q When you head off on the

around the world trip, what will you miss most about home? A I love where I live and will miss the area and my friends and family, and my dogs. There is just something so comforting about Essex, there is so much of everything – the sea, the woods, I can get out on my bike and train in the countryside, it’s just such a comfortable place to live. Q Have there been any outdoor

spots that have been a godsend during the various lockdowns? A Absolutely, I’ve felt immensely grateful to have plenty of beautiful woodland and local beaches nearby. Fingringhoe Wick nature reserve is a favourite, as well as Mersea Island’s Cudmore Grove country park. Q Can you pick out three local

haunts you can’t get enough of?

ROYAL HOSPITAL SCHOOL

A The Company Shed in West Mersea is

an amazing seafood restaurant and firm favourite. One of my favourite local shops has to be Fenwick on Colchester’s high street. I have fond memories of feeling very fancy browsing in there as a youngster when it was called Williams & Griffin! The Peldon Rose is a lovely pub restaurant, and a great place to enjoy, particularly if you need to wait for the Strood to not be flooded at high tide when going to Mersea Island.

Q Do you have a local secret or any

interesting stories about where you live that you are willing to reveal? A Some Colchester locals are surprised to learn that there’s a little ferry that takes you from Brightlingsea to Mersea Island. When you don’t have access to a private boat, it’s a lovely thing to do on a sunny day. hannahstodelracing.com

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CULTURE • FEATURE

Temperatures

RISING

Colchester’s Mercury Theatre has reopened after two years away and is already thrilling those passionate about the arts

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CULTURE • FEATURE THE CAFE BAR

W XXXXXX IMAGE THE CAPTION THEATRE XXXXXX SPACE

hen Mercury Theatre, led by executive director Steve Mannix, and executive producer, Tracey Childs, announced its opening season in the company’s extensively refurbished venue to great fanfare, it was the culmination of two years of closure following the Mercury Rising transformation, a three-year campaign that raised over £11.3 million to reimagine the theatre and improve accessibility throughout. The season opened in July with Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville, directed by the company’s creative director Ryan McBryde, and will be followed in October by the UK premiere of Merlynn Tong’s Antigone directed by Dawn Walton OBE. Also launching this season is Mercury Originals, a programme of ground-breaking new plays, showcasing the voices of local writers. The first production is a world première of Sirens by award-winning playwright, Kenny Emson, with future productions to be announced. The year concludes with the return of pantomime, Aladdin by Andrew Pollard and directed by McBryde, with Great British pantomime award-winning Antony Stuart-Hicks and Dale Superville in the cast. The Mercury have also commissioned Joel

Horwood to write an adaptation of Stephen King’s novel The Green Mile, which will receive its world premiere on the Colchester stage in 2022, ahead of a national tour. Visiting the Mercury Theatre today, it’s astonishing just how different it looks and feels. The refurbished venue includes a transformed bigger and brighter foyer space that is open all day with a new café bar, redeveloped main auditorium with additional seats, new rehearsal room, revamped and extended backstage facilities, improved interval experience by doubling the number of loos, and most importantly for the first time the building will be accessible throughout. The new community space and dance studio is equipped to support the best new talent, and in addition, the company continues its commitment to sustainability including through the introduction of a ‘bring your own cup policy’ to reduce single-use plastic, as well as increasing the building’s energy efficiency with the expansion of LED lighting, converting to 100% renewable electricity and the implementation of solar panels. Talking to Steve Mannix about the long journey to this day, he says: “Having come so far in such a challenging period, we are beyond thrilled that we are welcoming our audiences and returning to making a A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • FEATURE

vital contribution to the local economy of Colchester. We are extremely thankful to our funding partners and we look forward to working in partnership with Colchester Borough Council, other local arts and heritage organisations, and the local business community to help the town’s economy recover from the devastating impact of the pandemic. The public have been incredibly generous in their support of our fundraising efforts throughout REHEARSAL ROOM

our Mercury Rising campaign, for which we truly thank them. We continue to value this wonderful support and will need our local community behind us more than ever as we open our doors and provide a true Mercury welcome.” Talking about the shows themselves, creative director Ryan McBryde adds: “We can’t wait to put on a show and welcome everyone to come and see all of our new facilities and events. We’re looking forward to reinventing old stories and conjuring up bold, new ones. Stories that electrify, stir and enrich; stories from fresh voices that demand to be heard; stories that enable us to identify with one another. “It’s not just about the shows,” he continues. “We want to breathe life into our spaces all day long. We want to see parents enjoying coffee and cake in our café bar whilst their toddlers enjoy morning story-time. We want to see our senior citizens learning to Lindy Hop in our brand new dance studio, school choirs singing their hearts out on the terrace, families picnicking in the Roman wall garden, professionals hot-desking in our office, and our young company rehearsing in the creative learning space.” Amy Vaughan, director of East of England, Arts Council England, was

also present to add her thoughts. “The Mercury has gone through an absolutely amazing transformation thanks to National Lottery funding,” she says. “I’m excited by its reopening plans, which really help establish it as much more than ‘just’ a theatre – creating a welcoming hub for the community to enjoy, whether they are seeing a performance or not. I look forward to seeing the space come to life with visitors from near and far.” The revitalisation has enabled the Mercury Theatre to expand its community and engagement work with its Taking Part activities, including a 10-week acting programme, an inter-generational community choir, a musical theatre dance class and family sing-a-longs. They also launch Senior Social Club, a weekly inclusive space, for those over 55, to forge new friendships whilst participating in creative classes. Mercury Young Company (MYC) returns with an additional age group, 18-25, and they introduce new activities for young people including tots classes, weekend drop in sessions and summer school opportunities. In addition, the company’s Artist Development Programme continues with How To, monthly masterclasses led by professional theatre practitioners;

MERCURY THEATRE PICS BY SIMPLY C PHOTOGRAPHY

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CULTURE • FEATURE CHURCH STREET TAVERN

COMMUNITY CHANGER The Church Street Tavern is one example of how the Mercury Theatre is bringing together the local area

“WE WILL REINVENT OLD STORIES AND CONJURE UP BOLD, NEW ONES” Connects providing a regular space for art professionals to connect; and Reads, supporting new writers, and providing a platform to share new work. The building has been converted by Phelan, and is designed by Colchester Borough Homes and Purcell. Supported by Arts Council England, Colchester Borough Council, Essex County Council, South East Local Enterprise Partnership and European Regional Development Fund, plus generous public and private donations. Colchester Borough Council has been a key partner in the success of the Mercury Rising project providing £1.5 million towards the initiative, securing £4m of Arts Council Funding and working with the Design Team from Colchester Borough Homes, who also managed the delivery of the improvement works. Additional support from other funders included Essex County Council (£1 million), South East Local Enterprise Partnership (£1

Piers Baker, owner of Church Street Tavern, says: “The Mercury is so important to our town - for employment, culture and diversity. We want to be able to play a supporting role in providing a great experience for people when they make a return to the new Mercury and the improvements around Balkerne Gate and Church Street.

DRESSING ROOM

million), the European Regional Development Fund (£978,000), NESTA (£400,000), over £600,000 from national and local Trust and Foundations, and £665,000 from local residents, audience members and sponsors. The project has also benefitted from support from the Government’s Kickstart Cultural Recovery Fund (£864,000). A real community effort for what will undoubtedly become the centre of Colchester’s creative output for many years to come. mercurytheatre.co.uk

“The Mercury Theatre was one of the reasons why we chose the location for Church Street Tavern in 2014,” he continues. “The food offering often plays second fiddle to the theatre experience, rightly so in some respects, but we wanted to contribute to an all-round great night out that includes excellent food.” Opened in 2014, Church Street Tavern sits around the corner from the Mercury Theatre. A 19th century building and former Savings Bank, the bar, lounge and restaurant serves a mixture of drinks as well as freshly prepared, seasonal food. churchstreettavern.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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KEEPING THE PAST ALIVE Demetra Lindsay, owner of Hedingham Castle, on the work that goes into preserving the pride and joy of Essex By MARK KEBBLE

and the restoration of the Dovecote. Today, the gardens are a beautiful, calming place to wander and enjoy.

Q Hedingham Castle is such an iconic landmark, but do you feel people really know the history behind the estate too? A It’s impossible to visit the estate and not be drawn in by its heritage. We really try to encourage guests to absorb as much of its history as possible during their visit, with information inside the Keep and guidebooks available in the café. Our interactive medieval events, such as Jousts, are also a brilliant, fun way to tell people the story of Hedingham and show visitors how the estate may have looked all those years ago.

Q What part of the estate do people often talk about when visiting? A Of course everyone loves the Keep, which is almost 900-years-old and one of the best kept examples of Norman architecture in the country, but the lake is also a popular spot for picnics and wildlife watching, and the view from the bottom of the lake back up to the House is just spectacular.

Q How has the medieval park evolved into

Q Do you have a favourite

the landscaped gardens over the years? A In 2008, a 12-month restoration of the gardens started, to include a formal pond, planting of the Rhododendron Walks, the re-planting of the front terraces

element of the estate? A The bluebell woods are magical. When the carpet of purple takes over the woodland in April/May each year, it’s just breathtaking.

“The gardens are a beautiful and calming place to wander and enjoy”

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CULTURE • OUTDOORS

Q Are there many hidden secrets that you implore people to seek out? A So many! Wander through the woodland and pick out a tranquil picnic spot in the dappled sunlight, or cross the little bridge to the Dovecote and see if you can spot the initials of its creator, Sir Robert Ashhurst, in its brickwork. Built in 1720, the Dovecote housed the estate’s doves, which supplied both meat and eggs for the household. The 460 original nest boxes are still visible today. Q As we head into autumn, what truly stands out in the gardens? A The colours are just magnificent. Golds, reds and oranges take over the estate and the gardens take on a completely different atmosphere. Q Do you love hosting events in the grounds? A Absolutely! It’s been so quiet these past 18 months due to the pandemic, so being able to welcome visitors again for our Summer of Events has been just wonderful. The estate thrives on having people here and it’s our job, and privilege, as custodians, to share its history with others and to keep it relevant today. Q Are you keen on encouraging children to explore and learn more about nature at Hedingham Castle as well as its history? A Education is a huge passion of ours at Hedingham and it is essential to make historic places current and interesting to people today. We regularly hold nature trails around the estate for families to enjoy throughout the seasons; the Easter trail is always popular, and we were recently lucky enough to become home to a pair of nesting Peregrine Falcons and were able to livestream from their nest, which was very exciting. We’ve also installed an Escape Room at the very top of the Keep this year, which is immersive fun for children and adults alike, and a fantastic way of getting families and the younger generation involved.

SUCH AN IMPRESSIVE SIGHT

Q How much work goes into preserving and nurturing the estate? A Safe to say it is a full-time job of many. The Keep is like living with a rather demanding great aunt who always wants something else. We may make various plans for the year and then it gets to December and we’ve completed a whole other list of tasks instead! Most recently, we have replaced the entire first floor in the Keep and we are currently renovating the top floor.

Q How can people help with Hedingham Castle's upkeep? A Spreading the word of Hedingham Castle is so invaluable to us. Our wonderful visitors literally fund our ongoing (and never-ending!) restoration of the estate and without whom we wouldn’t be here, so we are hugely grateful to all those who come and enjoy the estate, our events and weddings throughout the year. hedinghamcastle.co.uk

THE BANQUETING HALL

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THE ALL-ELECTRIC BMW iX3 PREMIER EDITION. DISCOVER THE FUTURE AT INCHCAPE COLCHESTER BMW.

The new BMW iX3 Premier Edition – winner of What Car? Best Large Electric SUV 2021- seamlessly combines an adventurous nature, comfort and performance, with innovative fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. Spacious and practical, the Premier Edition leads a new generation of sports activity vehicles, packaged for the first time with an all-electric engine – making it perfect for families, sporting pursuits and business. Efficiency elevates all the attributes you would expect from our pioneering SAV, with its powerful high-performance battery giving the BMW iX3 an outstanding range of 282 miles*. It is now available at Inchcape Colchester BMW. Contact us for more information or to book a test drive on 01206 931983.

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Inchcape.co.uk/bmw *These figures may not reflect real-life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. Figures shown are for the comparability purposes. Only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. Plug-in hybrid vehicles require mains electricity for charging.

CULTURE • MOTORING

On the ROAD

How do electric cars fare on a long journey? We take Audi’s new e-tron to Devon By PENDLE HARTE

DESTINATION: DEVON

AUDI E-TRON

e all know the feeling: your phone’s on 12% and you know you need to get an uber later. Will you make it? Imagine that feeling, only on a motorway, with traffic ahead, and you’re in an electric car that’s on less than half charge. The anxiety is real. We have taken a brand new electric car to Devon to see whether electric cars are a viable option on a long drive. The new top spec Audi e-tron has a range of 235 miles on a full battery and our destination, Saunton in north Devon, is 217 miles away according to Google. So we should be fine, right? We’re borrowing the car through the sleek new subscription service Onto and when they call to talk through the charging systems, my assumptions are all quickly shown to be wrong. I’d breezily assumed that there would be a simple network of charging stations – I’d noticed them around, on lampposts, at motorway service stations – and that we’d simply plug and go. Well, not quite. The network is significantly more complicated than that because it is in fact made up of several rival networks, of varying reliability, with incompatible actual plug connections and different tariffs. How naive I was. This isn’t a planned economy, after all. Navigating the charging networks inevitably requires you to install lots of different apps on your phone. The best network for reliability and presence, anecdotally, is Tesla’s, but it’s not open to outsiders.

WHY SUBSCRIBE TO A N E L E C T R I C V E H I C L E S E RV I C E ?

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Charging the Audi to 80% should only take 20 minutes when you find a good charger. But hooking it up to your house, assuming you can park right outside, is hopeless – we slung a cable across the pavement (a trip hazard) and left the car plugged in for more than 12 hours, only to achieve a negligible amount of charge. Fast-charging points are clearly the only option, as an Audi spokesperson explained. “The rule of thumb is: when charging begins at a battery level of 5%, then ten minutes of charging time, ideally at a fast-charging point, is sufficient for up to 110 kilometres or 68 miles of range; after nearly 30 minutes, 80% has been achieved; a full charging process takes around 50 minutes.” So we install Zapmaps and look out for Instavolt, which was the recommendation (the other recommendation was to avoid bp pulse). The main thing is that you always need a plan

Onto’s EV subscription is the alternative to traditional car ownership. It’s easy: order your ideal electric car online and it will be delivered in just 72 hours. The fee is all-inclusive of insurance, 1,000 miles, and charging at over 11,000 points, and there’s no deposit. You can stop renting the car after just one month, so there’s no commitment, but in fact most customers keep their cars for over 14 months. And best of all, it’s sustainable: Onto is the UK’s largest electric vehicle subscription service. It helps drivers easily and affordably start their EV journey. on.to

B. Just because there's a nearby charging point, there’s no guaranteeing that it’s a) free, b) working or c) on the right network. So you need to think flexibly, work with your maps and come up with alternative strategies, and an element of planning is involved. It’s good to plan a lunch break somewhere with a charger, for instance, and factor in some time spent waiting for it to be free. Ultimately, we make it to Devon problemfree, stopping twice to charge just in case. Like making your children go to the loo before leaving the house, it’s better to be safe. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FOOD & DRINK

WELCOME RETURN THE CREEK

Since The Creek St Osyth’s reopening after lockdown 1.0 (and every lockdown thereafter), the acclaimed restaurant has gone on to adopt a two or threecourse set menu priced at £23.95 or £29.95 instead of the regular a la carte format. This provides great value and has proved extremely popular, and Absolutely Essex is delighted to hear they have been busier than ever before. thecreekgreatbentley.co.uk

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WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news Wine recommendations for the month

TASTING NOTES

The latest food news and most exciting openings this month By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

By IL VINO

Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia 2018, Bolgheri, Tuscany  £58 Characterised by a lively ruby red colour, Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia 2018 is a wine of great aromatic complexity. In the glass, aromas of berries, blackberry, raspberry and red cherry are accompanied by ﬂoral hints of wild rose and spicy notes of pink pepper and liquorice.

Guidalberto 2018, Bolgheri, Tuscany  £45 An impressive release that speaks volume of the pedigree of Tenuta San Guido’s wines. Guidalberto is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. A voluptuous nose charged with blackcurrant, black cherries, damson notes is reined in by mineral, almost balsamic hints of black olive, mint, tomato leaf and fresh black pepper.

Il Bruchiato 2019, Bolgheri, Tuscany  £29 Il Bruciato 2019 is intensely ruby red in colour. Its nose expresses notes of small dark fruit, sweet spices and tobacco. Its well-structured palate is harmonious and very pleasant to drink. Fresh fruity notes dominate the ﬁnish giving the wine a lush, sweet character.

Il Vino is the premier independent wine merchant in West Essex, offering a selection of outstanding wines, champagnes and cognacs and cigars from around the world. Il Vino will also soon be offering customers private tasting events at the shop in Buckhurst Hill.

ilvino.co.uk

Pure theatre C H U R C H ST R E E T TAV E R N

Church Street Tavern is open for delicious pre- and post-theatre drinks and dining. The lunch and dinner menu features steamed mussels, Caeser salad and more substantial dishes like Highﬁeld’s Farm Duck Breast and steak aged for a minimum of 45 days and from rare breed animals. Vegetarians will enjoy dishes like Roast Crown Squash, Mushroom Orzo, Kale and Chestnut Pesto, and a vegan menu is available too. churchstreettavern.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

MEAT YOUR MATCH Enjoy the best burgers in town

TASTE OF SPAIN T H E D U K E WA N S T E A D

Disco fever KING'S OAK

The Duke is Wanstead's neighbourhood pub and dining room, voted in 2016 as TimeOut's favourite pub for Leyton, Leytonstone and Wanstead. Their Fat Boy Burger – bacon, beef fat mayo, secret onions, pickles, mature cheddar – is to die for. thedukewanstead.com

The King's Oak in Epping Forest kept us going over the last 18 months with their fabulous pods, but now the party is moving indoors. From 4 September, they will be launching their Disco Dinners, which features a two-course meal and a glass of bubbly for £35 per person, with a DJ then keeping the spirits up late into the night. Best get moving. kingsoakhotel.com

DAYGUSTATION

Summer holidays may not be quite back to normal, but luckily we have the likes of Daygustation who stock a range of products from Spanish specialist Brindisa including Torres Truffle Crisps, Perello Olives and the king of hams – acorn fed Brindisa Jamon Iberico. Look out for their fabulous range of alcoholic and nonalcoholic offerings too. daygustationwines.com

T H E FA R M H O U S E With its crowd-pleasing menu, sharing feasts and Sunday roasts, and a shop filled with local specialities, The Farmhouse Restaurant Essex offers something for everyone. The menu is a crowd pleaser, and we do love The Farmhouse: hand pressed double beef patty & house sauce with crispy lettuce. thefarmhouseessex.com

D R I N K I N G

LOCAL

Balance the budget SORTEDFOOD

SORTEDfood is a social media movement dedicated to cooking, and the perfect option for students in search of tasty, easy to cook meals on a budget. They have the mission to empower people with the passion, knowledge, skills and tools so that they can conﬁdently cook with whatever they have available. sorted.club

PIG & WHISTLE

L OA D E D B U R G E R S As the name suggests, this restaurant in Loughton does not shirk on portions, nor does it on the sheer choice of burgers. Take your pick from Beefy, the Codfather, Big Bird, Ribiculous, Beefy and, our favourite, the Fully Loaded (and that's only scratching the surface). loadedburgers.co.uk

The Pig & Whistle has recently transformed their drinks menu to include Chelmsford based wine, gin and vodka as well as Essex based soft drinks. Handy considering they're Essex’s newest wedding venue, receiving their license just before the ﬁrst lockdown. pigandwhistlechelmsford.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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OMAR ALLIBHOY

“I want to make Spanish cooking as popular in homes as Italian or Indian food” 32

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FOOD & DRINK • INTERVIEW

Q Talk me through where your love of food came from? And when was the moment you realised you wanted to turn your passion for food into a career? A My first memory was my mum baking a crème caramel in the kitchen and it was since that the spark for great food began. I always helped her in the kitchen and as she says, I became the head chef of the home when I was eight. I’ve never wanted to be a football player or an astronaut, I had no doubts about wanting to be a chef. Q You founded the Tapas Revolution

TAPAS TALK

Absolutely Essex chats to Omar Allibhoy, the culinary mind behind Tapas Revolution, which is now open at Lakeside Shopping Centre By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

SMALL PLATES GALORE AT TAPAS REVOLUTION

restaurant group, with the ambition to promote true Spanish cuisine in the UK. How and what do you do now to continue to compete with other tapas/ Spanish restaurants in the UK? A We don’t compete against others as Spanish cuisine remains very niche and there are not many tapas bars in the UK. We continue to be true to our roots, our tradition and doing things well. Our food is fresh, the provenance of our ingredients and drinks are very important to me, our sourcing is second to none, and our team is fun and welcomes everyone with true Spanish hospitality… For us it’s really important that all our guests feel like they are on holiday in Spain the moment they come to our restaurant. Q Let’s talk about your cooking book, Tapas Revolution. Talk me through the ambitions behind it, and what you wanted your audience to gain from it? A I want to democratise Spanish cooking and make it as popular in homes as Italian or Indian. Our food is simple, tasty, healthy, affordable and easy to make, yet it hasn’t been discovered by so much of the population. Everyone loves Spain, but when it comes to cooking at home, they simply pass on it. I would like to change that as

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FOOD & DRINK • INTERVIEW

OPENING IN STYLE

“Apart from the fabulous taste of the food, it is the socialising aspect of tapas that is a winner” they are missing out. One of the important aspects of my books [Spanish Made Simple included] is that no matter which page you open you will be able to find all the ingredients in the six major supermarket chains in the UK and you will not need obscure ingredients that can only be found in a Spanish deli in Central London.

Q For anyone wanting get into cooking

Q There’s so many amazing Spanish

recipes, how did you choose which recipes you wanted to include in your book? A In my book inspiration comes from everywhere: recipes that I tested hundreds of times, recipes from my family or that I learned professionally and remastered them for the home. I always have so many other recipes I can’t fit in each of the books that I end up in need of writing another one! Q From your book, what are your

favourite three dishes to cook?

A Pan con tomate, gambas al ajillo and

tortilla de patatas. I am a classic at heart!

Q What do you think makes Spanish tapas so unique and special? A Apart from the fabulous taste of the food, it is the socialising aspect of tapas that is a winner. Trying seven tapas instead of a big bowl of pasta makes it so much more entertaining, sharing from the same plate enhances conversation, it connects people and the world needs a good dose of it.

Spanish cuisine, what are the main pieces of advice you would give? A Each recipe has its own little trick that makes it special and brings it to the next level. Use good Spanish extra virgin olive oil and lots of garlic and you will make a good start! Check Tapas Revolution or The Spanish Chef YouTube channel for endless recipes and those tricks. You will be able to follow the recipes with ease after watching the videos. Q Now that we are coming out of

lockdown, what’s next on the cards for yourself and Tapas Revolution? A We just want to do what we do best, which is to serve our lovely guests in our restaurants, cook them the best Spanish tapas and paella, and make sure they have a memorable time getting together with their loved ones. It is that simple. TA PA S R E VO LU T I O N Tapas Revolution Lakeside Unit 6, The Boardwalk, West Thurrock,Essex RM20 2ZP tapasrevolution.com

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PAUL COASDALE

Restaurant overview Nestled on The Street in quaint Little Dunmow, the Flitch of Bacon Inn offers a fantastic dining experience within their cosy listed building setting. Once a country pub, it has been restored to include a comfortable dining room, sunny garden terrace and boasts three sumptuous bedrooms. Chef patron, Paul Coasdale, celebrates creating natural British dishes.

The menu At lunch time there is a six-course tasting menu available, or for those wanting something a little quicker the restaurant also offers a daily lunch menu with choices over three courses. Evening dining offers a nine-course tasting menu only and on Sundays there is a traditional roast offer.

The Flitch of Bacon. This is a 12-day salt chamber aged pork belly, which is slowly cooked and then glazed with miso and Bovril, served with a sweet corn salsa, roasted hand dived scallop and ranch dressing. Always a winner!

Special offers There are offers available for various times throughout the year and these are featured on their website and monthly newsletter (you can sign up for this on their website). The

current offer for September is for lunchtimes and the threecourse choice menu offer. For those that book for lunch on a Wednesday or Thursday through September, they will receive a delicious glass of Nyetimber sparkling wine on arrival. (Guests need to quote Absolutely Essex offer when booking).

Quirky facts Not many people realise that the restaurant is the only restaurant or pub named The Flitch of Bcon in the world. The name comes from the ancient ceremony unique to the area of Little Dunmow. Also the Flitch of Bacon is the first restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star in Essex.

D ESTINATI O N DINING

FOOD & DRINK • PROFILE

FLITCH OF BACON DUNMOW

Number of covers The restaurant can accommodate 44 covers within the house, with another 40 places in the terrace where a more informal menu is served during summer months.

Popular dishes There are many popular dishes, but the restaurant also prides itself on a daily and weekly change of menu. One dish that always remains, however, is the restaurant signature dish, the one the restaurant is named after,

Perfect for top quality British cuisine and a comfortable overnight stay too

The Street, Little Dunmow, Dunmow, Essex, CM6 3HT 01371 821 660 flitchofbacon.co.uk

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Serving

ST Y LE Alex Head from The Social Pantry's recipes for Falcon Enamelware Wo r d s A L E X H E A D

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Brussel Sprout Taco with Smokey Chipotle Serves 6

INGREDIENTS •4 00g Brussel sprouts, prepped and cut in half •2 tsp chipotle chilli paste •3 tbsp soured cream •½ red onion • 1 00ml white wine vinegar •5 0ml water •2 5g sugar • 1 lime, cut into wedges • 1 tsp honey • 1 -2 green chilli, thinly sliced • 1 bunch coriander, chopped •2 5g roasted peanuts, roughly chopped •6 small tortilla wraps •L ight olive oil •S ea salt

METHOD 1 To make the pickling liquor, combine the vinegar, water and sugar in a small pan. Heat gently to dissolve the sugar before turning the heat up. When the pickling liquor comes to a simmer, remove from the heat. 2 Slice the red onion thinly from root to tip, place in a heatproof bowl and pour over the still warm liquor. Allow to cool at room temp. 3 To make the chipotle soured cream, mix 1 tsp of the chipotle paste into the soured cream and set aside. 4 In a non-stick frying pan, heat 2 tbsp oil on a medium-high heat and fry the brussels sprouts until golden, after 3-5 minutes add in a splash of water, 1 tsp chipotle paste and the honey. Mix well on the heat for another minute, then season well with sea salt. 5 Warm the tacos in a dry pan and drain the pickled red onion. 6 Build the tacos by layering up chipotle soured cream, sprouts, green chilli, red onion, coriander and finish with a squeeze of lime and chopped peanuts. 7 Enjoy!

METHOD

Roasted Broccoli Steak

with Zero Waste Herb Stem Chimichurri Serves 8 – 10

INGREDIENTS •2 heads of broccoli • 1 banana shallot, finely diced •2 green chilli, finely diced • 1 bunch parsley, chopped • 1 tsp red wine vinegar •3 tsp olive oil for the dressing, plus extra to cook the broccoli •M aldon salt •2 5g toasted sunflower seeds, roughly chopped •5 0g fresh spinach leaves

1 Cut each broccoli in half directly through the stalk. Then cut down the side to trim off excess florets so that the steak sits flat as a piece. Keep the trimmings and set aside. 2 Mix together the shallot, green chilli, parsley and sunflower seeds, season with lemon zest, juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil and salt. Set aside. 3 Preheat the oven to 160C fan and heat up a griddle pan until it is really hot. 4 Cook the broccoli trimmings in a little veg stock until soft, drain (reserving the liquid) and blend with the spinach to keep it a bright green. Season and place in a bowl over ice to cool down as quickly as possible. 5 Once the grill is hot, drizzle the broccoli with a little oil and salt and chargrill the broccoli steaks until they have deep black lines on either side. Place on a baking tray on baking paper and cook in the oven for 8-10 minutes. 6 To serve the broccoli steaks, spoon on some broccoli puree, and chimichurri and garnish.

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

INGREDIENTS

Wild Rice with Sautéed Leeks, Green Beans, Summer Pea and Pesto (salad) Serves 8 – 10

• 2 cups wild rice • 6 cups of water • Maldon salt • 1 large leek • 250g green beans • 1 pack, frozen peas • 1 tub green pesto • 1 bag rocket

METHOD 1 Firstly, rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs completely clear. Place the rice and cover with 3x as much water and 1 tsp salt; using cups is an easy way to measure. 2 Cover with a lid and place on a medium-high heat, bring to a

simmer and cook for 40-45 minutes. 3 Meanwhile, slice the leek and sauté slowly in a pan with olive oil and salt until soft 15-20 minutes. Set aside to cool. 4 Prepare a bowl of iced water. 5 Put a pan of salted water onto the boil, prep the green beans and asparagus tips, and blanch for 2 minutes. Add the frozen peas right at the end for 30 seconds and drain. Refresh in the iced water. 6 When ready to mix the salad, coat the wild rice in the pesto, mix in the cooked, cooled veg. 7 Add rocket and serve.

falconenamelware.com

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CAMPFIRE GIN

From the Distillery of the Year 2021 The multi-award winning gin range to share with friends around the campfire.

Visit Puddingstone Distillery on Fridays & Saturdays for gin tastings FREE delivery on orders over £35 at puddingstonedistillery.com Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 4NT

CAMPFIRE GIN SHOP TAS TINGS TOUR EVENINGS EVENTS

Visit our gin distillery on Fridays & Saturdays

V a

Ts&Cs – offer applies to all orders that include a 50cl bottle or 3 x 10cl gift pack

PUDDINGSTONE DISTILLERY THE HOME

CA M PF IR E GIN

Visit our gin distillery on Fridays & Saturdays Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 4NT FREE delivery on orders over £35 at puddingstonedistillery.com

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

DRINKS CABINET What to drink this month By PENDLE HARTE

REVIEW

KEY NOTES N O. 3 G I N No.3 Gin’s refreshing balance of juniper, citrus and spice makes it the perfect addition to this season’s drinking occasions. As the only gin to have been awarded World’s Best Gin four times, No.3 promises a superior taste experience, every time. From garden parties to sundowners, these crisp cocktails are bursting with flavour, simple to make, and sure to impress.

£36; no3gin.com

FRENCH SPRITZ ST G E R M A I N Known as the 'barman's ketchup' for its versatility, St Germain is said to improve any cocktail. This elegant elderflower liqueur contains as many as 1,000 elderflowers per bottle and it makes a mean spritz.

Cocktail o’clock

The Mayfair Townhouse x Acqua dei Parma By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

he super stylish Dandy Bar in The Mayfair Townhouse is mixing cocktails inspired by a new partnership between Möet Hennessey and Acqua di Parma. Named for the dandy characters of Mayfair’s past and present, the enigmatic yet intimately cosy atmosphere of the Dandy Bar is an exceptional space that is certainly worth the journey in from Essex. Effervescent Italian bar manager Pierpaolo Monaco has carefully created a selection of new cocktails inspired by the summer fragrances of Acqua di Parma's Blu Mediterraneo range and the liqueurs and champagnes of Möet Hennessy, including the Amalfi (paired with Fico di Amalfi), Calabria (paired with Bergamotto di Calabria), and Capri (paired with Arancia di Capri). You will also receive a complimentary sample of each fragrance and an invitation for a complimentary fragrance consultation at the Acqua di Parma Barbershop at Selfridges, complete with a special gift.

AMALFI COCKTAIL RECIPE

£25.99; stgermain.fr

CAUSE A STIR

LO C K D OW N L I Q U O R New to Lockdown Liquor's fold of smallbatch, premium blended cocktails is the delicious lychee Martini - silky, not too sweet nor too strong, it's a joy to sip. Add a whole lychee for the full effect.

£25 for 500ml; lockdown-liquor.com

Pour the below ingredients: - 30ml Sabatini Gin - 25ml Mancino Amaranto - 25ml Fig Liquor (Brand from Ischia Island) - 4 Drops of Coffee Bean • Top off with soda. • Serve in a champagne coupe and enjoy.

THE MAYFAIR TOWNHOUSE 27-41 Half Moon Street, W1 themayfairtownhouse.com

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INTERIORS

H OT DESK J O N AT H A N A D L E R

Working from home is no reason to give up on style, as Jonathan Adler's Channing Desk shows. The name says it all: a reference to Margo Channing, Bette Davis's character in All About Eve. The sleek silhouette is fabulous for a small space. £1,950. jonathanadler.com

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INTERIORS N OT E S Ideas, designs and styles for your home By PENDLE HARTE

SILK CUT BEAUVAMP

BeauVamp is an independent, British lighting brand specialising in traditional hand stitched, silk lampshades, combining traditional sewing techniques with vintage-inspired design and contemporary style. Founder Alice offers a completely new take on the old fashioned lampshade, drawing and designing her own shapes into humble, hand-sewn lampshades of the early 1900s. beauvamp.com

MAN OF PARTS

The Man of Parts collection is intended to reflect a contemporary way of living, rather than a single aesthetic and features products by a selection of the world's leading designers including Yabu Pushelberg, whose Via del Corso chair is a mix of soft curves and lightness on floating feet. manofparts.com

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INTERIORS • NOTES

TA K E FIVE Cutlery sets CIELSHOP Gold cutlery place set, £25 cielshopinteriors.com

WA R M UP

SHINE ON

CASTRADS

ORIGINAL BTC

Pebble is a new statement pendant handcrafted in Stoke on Trent from the finest bone china. Combining centuries-old manufacturing techniques with the latest in technology, this is an intricate and intriguing piece. £1,499 originalbtc.com

There's no more stylish heater than Castrads' Mercury 4 Column radiator in beaten brass with Windsor valves and Whitworth wall stays. Though there are lots of equally stylish colours and finishes to choose from too. castrads.com

HOUSE DOCTOR Ox titanium cutlery, from £8 quinceandcook.co.uk

CULT FURNITURE Four piece cutlery set in copper, £39 cultfurniture.com

COX & COX Cutlery set in gold, £65 coxandcox.co.uk

IN THE LEAD WATT WATT

REBECCA UDALL Four piece bamboo handle cutlery set, £68 rebeccaudall.com

Sick of ugly extension leads? We all are. The solution come from Wattwatt, who have designed a range of colourful, pretty ones in endless combinations. Chunky cloth braided cables and premium plugs will look good even tangled. From £36. watt-watt.com

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INTERIORS • FEATURE

Making a big

SPLASH The managing director behind Essex-based The Albion Bath Co on how they changed the bathing landscape By PHIL ETHERDEN

hen we launched The Albion Bath Co in 1996, our mission since conception has been to create the ultimate in luxurious bath tubs that combine the best qualities of cast iron, but with modern technology. Back in 1996, after looking at the market, it was clear that only two materials were available at the time: acrylic and cast iron. Acrylic, which is a soft plastic, became popular in the 1970s due to ease of manufacture and low cost. However, acrylic’s properties fell short of what the customer wanted, whether it was an issue with its strength, overall look, or the fact it was easy to scratch. These shortcomings remain true to this day. Cast iron baths have been used for over 120 years. Although often considered as the ‘real thing’, cast iron has many drawbacks, such as excessive weight, incredible heat loss from the bathing water and are also prone to surface chipping. Homeowners also found that liquid cleaners would ruin the white interior surface. So, after two years of intensive development, I formed a new unique material: Iso-Enamel. This was developed from an amalgam of special minerals and stone powders, which ensures that our baths will retain heat in the bathing water, giving bathers

the ultimate luxurious experience for longer. It is also less than half the weight of cast iron – so customers can have the cast iron look without having to spend hundreds on reinforcing their bathroom floor. Believe it or not, the average weight of an Albion tub is a mere 70kg. There are a few other factors that I believe make us really stand out. Every single Albion Bath is hand-made in our UK-based factory. We are passionate about preserving manufacturing in the UK. By being involved at every stage of a product, from conception to final creation, we can ensure we produce the highest quality products. We are also proud to sell directly from our Essex showroom, which allows us to cater for specific needs and requests so that each Albion product has a personal touch, something that is often lost in today’s internet age. As I’ve already mentioned, our Iso-Enamel baths really make us unique. The material will happily stand up to all cleaning products, even limescale removers, with no fear of discolouration, scratching or chipping. Over the years it has allowed us to faithfully recreate the shapes of iconic classical bath designs that other manufacturing materials simply cannot accommodate. We are also able to colour match the exterior of our baths to any of the Farrow & Ball or Dulux Trade colours, offering endless scope for interior design. In addition, we also offer our exclusive ‘burnished’ finishes A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Need more storage, a home office or dining pod? CEDAR GARDEN ROOMS, BBQ CABINS AND PODS with ten year guarantee, be the envy of your friends and neighbours

Don’t buy a garden building until you have visited Harveys extensive show site at Rayleigh

Harveys Quality Garden Buildings Woodside Garden Centre, A127 Arterial Road, Rayleigh, Essex SS6 7TZ 01268 775770 | harveysgardenbuildings.co.uk

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INTERIORS • FEATURE

“For a luxurious, spa-style bathroom a beautiful, deep, freestanding bath is a must” in gold, iron or bronze. These luxurious metallic finishes are ideal for adding a sense of glamour in any bathroom. For a luxurious, spa-style bathroom a beautiful, deep, freestanding bath is a must. The bath is still the focal point of the bathroom and, where space allows, we find that a fullsized bath is usually the first choice for our customers wanting to create a luxury space. Freestanding baths are available in many styles, single or double ended, along with many possible feet or plinth options to choose from. There are also a great range of versatile, over-bath shower systems available meaning one can achieve a luxurious spa-like feel, which is still practical for family life too. At Albion, we’re always looking to push the boundaries of bathing enjoyment. We wanted

to get the fun factor of a freestanding tub into a small bathroom – so the Tubby roll top bath was born. With its generous depth, you can get fully submerged, but at only 1,200mm long, it can grace a small space that may otherwise be redundant. Amazingly, the Tubby has created a trend for putting a small bath into bedrooms. I guess its testament to the appeal and versatility of this lovely bath tub. As well as the fabulous Tubby collection for small bathrooms, we also offer a large range of freestanding baths and roll-top designs for standard sized spaces – with some up to two metres in length. The flagship tub is the Aegean ‘bull nose’ style freestanding bath that goes up to 1,800mm in length and harks back to the original Fire Clay bath of the early 20th century. We are developing three new larger models to complement our Torre range. Currently our Tubby Torre collection is available in three lengths of 1,195, 1,300 and 1,400 (mm) long, and our new models will extend the range up to a size of 1,810mm long. These will be launched later this year, so keep your eyes peeled. We are proud to produce our baths, shower enclosures and furniture at our Essex factory in Weeley. In our showroom customers will discover a selection of baths ranging from luxuriously large roll-top baths to the more

THE FACTORY IS IN WEELEY

compact Tubby. The showroom boasts a superb assortment of brassware, heating and storage to cater for every bathroom, large or small. From traditional to contemporary designs, our expert team are always on hand to advise and help you select the best option for you. Iconic designs, British manufacturing and high-quality handmade products have all been key to the success and growth of The Albion Bath Company. We will build on these strong foundations and continue to lead the way in innovative iconic designs. I love designing and presenting new products, it’s my favourite part of the business, so let’s just say the future is looking exciting! The Albion Bath Co The Factory, Highbirch Road, Weeley Heath, CO16 9BU 01255 831605 • albionbathco.com

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Comfort

zone

Profiling Regatta Garden Furniture, who have proudly been supplying rattan garden furniture for over 25 years

egatta Garden Furniture is a family-run business celebrating over 25 years in business. With a strong ethos on customer service they always ensure they offer the very best products, prices and guarantees. Their price match promise is second to none, with the assurance that they will match or beat any legitimate quoted price. Regatta also are proud to offer the exclusive Kensington Firepit & Grill

collection. It has been designed and crafted to enhance your outdoor living experience. Constructed from high quality cast aluminium with a stylish contemporary design, the collection comes complete with a ten-year guarantee, the range is hard wearing and will give many, many years of enjoyment. They offer the largest selection of garden furniture on display anywhere in the UK and boast the largest range of stock of outdoor garden furniture including loungers, gazebos, garden tables and chairs. They also

THE BALMORAL COLLECTION

THE HENLEY CORNER UNIT

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INTERIORS • FOCUS

THE SAN FRANCISCO 5-PIECE SOFA SET

“They offer the largest selection of garden furniture on display anywhere in the UK” stock conservatory cane furniture, parasols, swing seats, steamer chairs, party tents and gas barbecues. Free delivery is available on all orders over £400, terms and conditions apply. With the prospect of an Indian Summer on the horizon, take note of the ranges across these two pages to make the most of your outdoor space. R E G AT TA G A R D E N F U R N I T U R E London Road, Witham, Essex, CM8 1ED Hoverfields Avenue, Wickford, Essex, SS12 9JA 01245 209624/01268 724959 • regattafurniture.com

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S L E E P

T I G H T

Your bedroom should be your sanctuary and a place where you can unwind. Here’s how you can make it a welcome respite By MARK KEBBLE

Sleep easy CA R PE DIEM BEDS

 Carpe Diem Beds’ Sandö is the perfect combination of sleep innovation and beautiful design. Its three spring systems – including the patented Contour Pocket System developed together with the Spinal Unit at Sahlgrenska University Hospital – form perfectly to your body, providing you with completely weightless sleep, while their Swedish handcraftsmanship and multitude of design options give a truly customisable, unique design to your bed. carpediembeds.co.uk

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INTERIORS • TREND

Natural wellbeing TEER & CO

 These beautiful 2D and 3D Wall Panels bring warmth and nature into any bedroom and interior. Shown here is the Pyramid model from the 3D Edge Series. Pyramid presents an equilateral triangle profile with no symmetry and the surface is refracted at three different angles. The natural character and specific form of these stunning wall panels brings the outdoors in whilst improving the microclimate and the acoustic properties of interiors. teerandco.com

Top drawer L OA F

 You can never have too much storage, particularly when you have children and/or pets causing havoc in your bedroom. This Dinkum under bed storage in washed oak from Loaf is perfect to hide away toys and other messy paraphernalia without impacting on your bedroom's design and look. Created on wheels, it's simple to use, so no frantic pulling and pushing to complete the clean living look. loaf.com

Add va va voom

T H E F R E N C H B E D R O O M C O M PA N Y

 With smart tapered legs and beautiful ornate carving, the Provencal pretty white bedside table from The French Bedroom Company has two handy drawers for storing all of your bedside articles. Hand-carved from mahogany, this French bedside cabinet is finished in antique white, co-ordinating with all of their Provencal furniture and mirrors. frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

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Hall Bros. (Essex Life) August 2021.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2021 09:21 Page 1

Outdoor Living

Traditional craftsmanship, first class products For over 50 years we have been creating beautifully-crafted products from wood. Every project is as individual as our client’s brief and designed to complement the home it is for, whether it is a period property, a barn conversion or a contemporary residence. For more information call 01206 735287 / 01473 365167 or visit www.hall-brothers.co.uk

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INTERIORS • TREND

Best of British

T H E PA I N T E D F U R N I T U R E C O

 Conceived, designed, engineered, manufactured, painted and finished entirely in the UK, the Oxford Painted Bedroom Furniture collection is a modern interpretation of classic British design, beautiful to behold and exceptionally well made. The collection is available in a wide choice of standard pieces with bespoke sizes available on request, and may be finished in a beautiful selection of contemporary colours. paintedfurnitureco.co.uk

Fall in love READING BEDDING

 The Kiss Me is a stunning new addition to the Hestia® Upholstered Bedframe collection, available at Reading Bedding. The Hestia Upholstered Bedframe collection offers stunning handmade bedframes, as well as stools, ottomans, chaise longues, bedroom chairs and bedside tables to act as the perfect complement to your luxurious Furmanac bed frame. reading-bedding.co.uk

Hex appeal AT K I N & T H Y M E

 Keep it simple with a black stained mango wood unit featuring a contrasting brass finish for a hint of utility chic. A fantastic option for master bedrooms as well as guest rooms or teen spaces, Atkin & Thyme's Hex Bedside Drawers are a classically understated design that will complement any interior style. atkinandthyme.co.uk

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INTERIORS • TREND

Soft centred TEXTURED LIVES

 Inspired by nature and following Textured Lives' ethos of creating designer bedding for comfort and easy living in the home, this beautiful fern embroidery has a relaxed aesthetic whilst being on trend for today’s interiors. It is produced in a neutral colour palette that can suit most soft pastel bedrooms for that calming ambience we all need at home. texturedlives.co.uk

Grey days SHARPS

 This Shaker Slate Grey wardrobe from Sharps covers all the bases you need in a bedroom, all wrapped up in a wonderful to look at design. Featuring a clothes rail, drawers for fold up clothing, and plenty of shelves to use for whatever your heart desires, all bedrooms need something this eye-catching and compact. sharps.co.uk

Coast to coast DUNELM

 Dunelm's AW21 Coastal Global Bedroom will get you dreaming of the sea. The bedroom collection includes a Seagrass mirror, Giselle five drawer chest, a Wolston three light cluster fitting, Coastal ceramic vase lines, Jax Global duvet, Wicker headboard, Joseph dining bench oak effect, Jonah denim mix rug, Ecomix ball shaped table lamp, and Jax embroidered cushion. dunelm.com

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INTERIORS • TREND ERCOL Forli chaise, £3,185 ercol.com

HEAVENLY HOMES & GARDENS Orange cotton runner, £62 heavenlyhomesandgardens.co.uk

COSY COCO Khatim rug, £396 cosycoco.com

MADE BY HAND One-off Penguin Books jug, £45 madebyhandonline.com

MADE TO LAST Hipster pendant light, £190 made-to-last.co.uk

THE HAPPY BLOSSOMS Origami vase, £33 thehappyblossoms.com

EDITOR’S PICK

AUDENZA Lola curvaceous velvet armchair, £657 audenza.com

HK LIVING Ceramic 70s noodle bowl, £11 folkinteriors.co.uk

HUBSCH Orange and black glass bowl, £19 fiveanddime-interiors.com

EDITOR’S PICK

BURNT ORANGE

LIGNE ROSET Pukka lounge chair, £1,605 chaplins.co.uk

The shade of the moment By P E N D L E H A R T E

THE RUG RETAILER Oh So Sisco Burnt Orange by Matthew Williamson, £645 therugretailer.co.uk

LIVING IT UP Arthur bed, £989 livingitup.co.uk

ROOM FOR ROOTS Bohemian hanging planter, £11 roomforroots.co.uk

BOMBAY DUCK Picado Embroidered Cushion £58 orangefrogboutique.com

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The best EcoDesign woodburning stoves and gas ﬁreplaces on display

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INTERIORS • TREND THE VINTAGE LIST Champagne saucers with fern design, £79 for six thevintagelist.co.uk

KAYU HOME Yala hammered wine glass, set of four, £36.95 kayuhome.co.uk

NATALIA WILLMOTT Pair of red cut glasses, £56 nataliawillmott.co.uk

POLKRA Set of six handblown coloured glass tumblers, £42 polkra.com

PASOLUNA Pink recycled glass handmade wine glass, set of two, £19.95 pasoluna.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

TOM DIXON Puck coupe glass, £70 for two tomdixon.net

FERM LIVING Ripple champagne saucers, set of two, £39 utilitydesign.co.uk

SIR/MADAM Rialto glass coupe set of two, £60 iamfy.co

RAISE THE BAR All the loveliest glasses for sipping from

EDITOR’S PICK

By P E N D L E H A R T E

HAY Tint tumblers, set of two, £25 hay.dk

BROSTE Smoke White Wine Glass set of four, £44 silvermushroom.com

SUNDAY LIVING Rose cocktail glass, £12.50 sundayliving.co.uk

CASA CELVA Murano shot glass, £38 for four casacelva.com

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FA S H I O N

ASK ALEXA

MULBERRY X ALEXA CHUNG

Mulberry has launched an exciting new design collaboration with a long-time friend of the house and the woman who inspired one of its most iconic bags: Alexa Chung. Mulberry x Alexa Chung is the latest chapter in Mulberry Editions, in which collaborators make their mark on the house’s design DNA. mulberry.com

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NICE AND KNIT How the new season is all about dreamy doubles and classic knits By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

OLIVER BONAS Pink ombre knit tank, £45 oliverbonas.com

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FASHION • TREND GANNI Stretch stripe trousers in phantom, £195 ganni.com

GANNI Stretch stripe jacket in phantom, £325 ganni.com

SHRIMPS Milton vest in hazelnut, £250 shrimps.com

PRIMARK

eptember is by far one of the best months for fashion. It’s a time of transition, and 2021 is looking into the fashion archives and bringing back all the nostalgic classics we’ve been craving. Plenty of designers have made a case to create a more emphasised look when it comes to pairing pieces together: this month prepare to be invested in some classic co-ord pieces, with Ganni’s take on tailored two pieces, and Baum Und Pferdgarten’s denim on denim aesthetic. The vintage knit has also made a return this season, but not in the traditional classic ‘grandpa’ sense. Designers such as Stine Goya, Simone Rocha and Molly Goddard give us knitwear with a nostalgic twist, playing on colour, tone and size. Fashion will always look back to the past to give us the present, but this September in Essex, we are encouraged to embrace the combination of the old and the new.

Blue wave crop-top, £12 primark.com

BAUM UND PFERGARTEN

EDITOR’S PICK

Clariette sweater, £159 baumundpferdgarten.com

BAUM UND PFERGARTEN Camia trousers, £179 baumundpferdgarten.com

RIXO Rebecca floral sleeveless crochet dress, £325 rixo.co.uk

SIMONE ROCHA Sculpted vest with back button detail, £495 simonerocha.com

MONSOON Anastasia floral midi dress blue, £99 monsoon.co.uk

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KATIE VALE

Q&A

View from the

TOP

Some 15 years since launching her business, Essex milliner Katie Vale looks back on how times have changed

by MARK KEBBLE

Q Have you always had an interest

in fashion and hats in particular?

A I’ve always loved fashion, even as a

girl I loved picking out clothes to wear. But I didn’t find millinery until my mid 20s. Prior to that I had a totally different career as a dancer; I had some significant injuries and had to retire early, and then I was at a loss of what to do next.

Q How did you then go on

to train as a milliner?

“I have over 60 different designs available, from small fascinators to large show-stopping hats”

A I started making hair clips and jewellery

for myself, and I really enjoyed it. So that Christmas I asked for a week’s course in millinery, just so I could learn how to make a fascinator for myself. I went for a week’s course with Rose Cory, milliner to the late Queen Mother. It was a life-changing week and after that I made the decision to train fully. I spent the next six years with Rose in her London studio, learning the traditional art of millinery from the most well-known and respected milliner in the world.

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FASHION • Q&A

Q It’s 15 years since you launched

Katie Vale Designs – how do you look back on the early days? A Fondly. I was so excited and eager to learn. If I thought back then that I would end up running my business as successfully as it is now I’d not believe you. Q What do you think makes

you stand out? A I make to order; I have over 60 different designs available from small fascinators to large show-stopping hats. Ladies pick out the style that they want and then I make it in the colour of their choice. It is a fully bespoke service, at affordable prices. I have some beautiful and unique designs that can transform any outfit. Q How do you tend to work with a client? A Ladies book an appointment and come

to my studio with their outfit. They get the

chance to try on lots of different styles, and choose something perfect for their face shape, hair style, outfit and occasion. We will then pick fabrics and work out what is the best colour combination for their design. Then, six weeks later, they have their bespoke piece ready for them. Q Do you have a favourite creation? A My favourite creation is always the

piece I’m currently working on! That being said, the piece that I wore to Royal Ascot this year is still out on display and I try it on occasionally. I was really pleased with how it turned out, it was technically a difficult piece to make, as well as being very dramatic.

Q How has business been over

the past 18 months or so?

A Awful! There’s no way to sugar coat it.

From the minute we went into lockdown on 23 March 2020, my business stopped. It was like someone had turned the tap off; people cancelled orders, postponed collection of pieces and we in the wedding sector are still waiting for it to return to what we had before. I had a studio in Barleylands Craft Village for ten years, but had to move location as I couldn’t stay there without any customers. It’s been an incredibly stressful time, everything I have worked on disappeared overnight; but I know that I am not the only person affected and I also know that in the grand scheme of things A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FASHION • Q&A

“The past year has taught me us milliners need to stick together”

a huge amount of shoes and bags in both ivory and coloured to match an outfit too. Q How long have you been based

I’m alive, a lot of people have lost their lives, which puts everything into perspective. I am slowly building my business back up again, but it has changed a lot, and behind the scenes, how I run my business has definitely changed. Hopefully it’s only positive changes for my clients though who still get a bespoke and personal service; and to date, all of the ladies I’ve seen have said they actually prefer my new work space. Q Why did you start stocking

Rainbow Club shoes and bags?

A For many years ladies would ask where

they could get matching shoes and bags to complete their outfit, I would always tell them to find a Rainbow Club stockist. I never thought I would be able to become a stockist, I don’t have the biggest studio space and assumed they would only allow “large businesses” to hold their range. But once I contacted them they were over the moon to have me on board as a stockist. I have actually become one of their leading premium UK stockists, I sell

in Essex and what do you love best about where you live? A I was born and bred here, so a true Essex girl at heart. I love the authenticity of people in this area. I have briefly lived in other areas in my 20s, but there is something special about Essex and its residents. It’s a friendly, fun, bold and light-hearted county that is also very proud and protective of its people too. I love it. Q What’s next for Katie Vale Designs? A In May, myself and another milliner

launched the British Millinery Association; we allow people from all over the world to become members and we have created a community for milliners. A lot of milliners are lone workers, and the past year has taught me that we need to stick together and help each other where we can. We hope the Association will be somewhere to offer guidance for our members. For Katie Vale Designs itself, I will continue to grow my business in a new post-Covid world. On one hand I feel like I’m starting from scratch, on the other I am just growing what was already established; either way I love a challenge and I am excited for what the future holds.

katievaledesigns.com

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TIME t r a v e ll e r

The latest collection from Camilla, stocked at Loughton’s Zee & Co, takes inspiration from some of history’s glamorous periods CAMILLA .COM / ZEEANDCO.CO.UK

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

LIP SERVICE BITE BEAUTY Sought after beauty brand Bite has launched in the UK to give skin minimalism a whole new aesthetic. It's a clean, highperforming beauty range fuelled by superfood ingredients to provide all the things our skin craves. bitebeauty.com

Beauty Notes 81 • H Beauty 83 • Vie Aesthetics 86 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

FOCUS

PERFECT

EDITOR’S PICK

Blend

Tria Woman on offering much-needed support

p l s LO N D O N ™

B y M A R I A N N E GAU T I E R

September is the perfect time for a hair transformation, and it has never been easier with the help of plsLONDON™. The brand stocks Russian Remy cuticle hair – the finest hair extensions on the market, for a seamless and smooth finish that effortlessly blends in with your own hair.

plshair.co.uk

Smile Wide C R OW N WO O D D E N TA L

Change your life with a new smile. CrownWood Dental will be holding a Dental Implant Open Day on 2 October. Here you will be able to have a free 30 minute consultation and meet their team. It’s the permanent solution for missing teeth so you can eat, smile and laugh with confidence. crownwooddental.co.uk

EYE C O N TAC T CHANEL

The art of self-expression is encouraged with Chanel’s 2021 edition of The Eye Collection, by way of ultra-resistant, longwearing products. Highlighting our eyes is a way of enhancing our natural beauty, keeping things simple with the skin and asserting your personality on the eye.

SHARE THE LOAD eptember again… another school year is upon us and for those of us with children, getting back into a routine can seem like such a relief after a long summer of finding ways to keep the kids entertained! However, for some, the reality of the back to school routine can feel like a merry-go-round of school drop offs, after school clubs, birthday parties, play dates (and that list goes on), which all have to be navigated alongside the usual routines of housework, shopping, cooking and work. All this pressure can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and not being good enough, especially when, at the end of the day, we are winding down with a glass or two of wine in front of the TV, only to start the next day with industrial strength coffee in order to get going once again. A lot of this behaviour can contribute to feelings of anxiety, which is one of the most common problems that women will come to see me about. Women will often state that they have too much on their plate and this is causing them to spread themselves too thinly – leading to feeling guilty that they “should” do better, or more or both. But there are many ways that we can alleviate our anxiety and make our busy lives more manageable and less overwhelming - come and speak to us and we will support you with whatever life has thrown your way.

TRIA WOMAN

The Stables, Penn Street, Amersham, Bucks, HP7 0PP, 07792 972943 marianne@triawoman.com triawoman.com

chanel.com

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The magic of Anti Ageing and Relaxation

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FOCUS

“Harrods is taking retail renovation to new heights”

Devotion to

BEAUTY

Why Harrods’ new opening at Lakeside Shopping Centre is revolutionising the way we shop all things beauty By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

e’ve all seen the luxury that is a department store beauty hall, but Harrods has given this a whole new meaning. H beauty at Lakeside Shopping Centre is a 23,000sq ft space that provides an open plan, expansive space for customers to experience the finest in beauty. Here, you’ll find the super brands alongside the pioneers of the new generation. From the legacy bands such as Chanel, Dior, Charlotte Tilbury and Creed; to pioneering, new generation beauty brands such as Huda Beauty, Kylie Cosmetics and The Ordinary. In an attempt to re-energise the high street store experience, H beauty has created an experiential shopping environment, where the store gives an interactive and 360-degree adventure. The way in which we

shop for our favourite skincare and beauty bag essentials has never looked so different. Browsing now has a new lease of life, giving consumers an experience where you have the opportunity to walk around and engage with the shelf to shopping cart journey. Along your journey, you will come across the Skincare Station, where customers have the opportunity to be treated to facials from the foremost skincare brands. ‘Magic Mirrors’ allows customers to virtually try on a host of different make-up products and colours, explore their creativity and to simply have a little play around in this adult-sized beauty fun fair. Next up is ‘The Playtables’, which offers access to dry hair styling and endless demos and consultations for all those looking to revamp their look. If providing all of the above doesn’t make your heart throb with excitement, Harrods also wants to make your shopping experience a whole lot easier. Aside from the beauty phenomenon that is H beauty, a click and collect service is also available for customers who shop online at harrods.com, and you can receive and try on their goods in the changing rooms. It’s pretty obvious that H beauty is every Instagrammer’s dream, so it’s only fitting that the new Champagne Bar is an Instagram worthy space to sit, sip and celebrate with friends in between shopping. Harrods is taking retail renovation to new heights, using their authority in the beauty sphere to change the way we shop, for the better. H B E AU T Y Level 1 (Ground Floor Intu Lakeside Shopping Centre), West Thurrock, Grays RM20 2ZP. harrods.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FOCUS

“Men are now spending more time in front of the bathroom mirror than ever before”

FACING FACTS No longer the secret it once was, men's grooming has gone mainstream By KAREN CHESTER

he secret’s out – men are now spending more time in front of the bathroom mirror than ever before. Whether it’s grooming a beard, plucking eyebrows or applying moisturiser, men’s daily beauty routines have evolved. Millennial men are using and buying skincare products far more than ever before. As a result, just over one million of them (34% of all millennial men) now use skincare products and enjoy skincare treatments. There has been a noticeable shift in attitudes towards manscaping and grooming and men are, on the whole, growing more conscious of anti-ageing. There is a difference between the way men like to purchase skincare products, compared with their female counterparts. Men want hassle-free shopping, without having to compare and contrast hundreds of options. They also

want straight-forward explanations of how to use the products they choose. The other difference between the sexes is that men want a simpler routine and don’t necessarily want the myriad of different products that women often use on a daily basis. Guys are happy to have a few great items that work well daily, which can all be applied easily. At Brookside Aesthetics, we try to make sure we provide our male clients with a stress-free three-step process: cleanser or facial wash, moisturiser and SPF. The growth in treatments for men is of course not shocking when you realise how the male grooming market has grown. According to statistics from UK online beauty site Treatwell, male Brazilian blow-dries are up by 200%, and waxing is up by 85%. Treatments for excessive sweating are some of the most popular treatments with our male clients at Brookside Aesthetics. We also provide and specialise in a vast number of skincare concerns for acne, pigmentation, rosacea, dry skin, scarring, sun damage and anti-ageing for our male clients. Because of the higher levels of testosterone in men, the male skin tends to be oilier and more acne-prone. Treatments like High-Performance Microdermabrasion that targets breakouts and Fractional RF for tightening pores are some of the best options to deliver clearer looking and acne-free skin. At Brookside Aesthetics we think the future of men's skincare will be a combination of general skincare at home with increased popularity of treatments such as Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peels, Vascular Treatments and even Cosmetic Injections for anti-ageing. Looking after your skin and trying to look and feel the best possible will, in the future, be important to both sexes. And we can’t wait! BROOKSIDE AESTHETIC S Karen Chester is the founder of Brookside Aesthetics, who are based in Chelmsford. Find out more by calling 01245 363889 or visiting brookside-aesthetics.com

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B o d y o f W O R K

Vicky Grammatikopoulou, CEO of Vie Aesthetics, talks about their Essex roots, what makes them stand out and the in-demand treatments right now By MARK KEBBLE

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • INTERVIEW

Q When Vie Aesthetics first opened

in Southend-on-Sea in 2013, what did you want to offer? A We wanted to offer a safe and medical, yet luxurious space for clients to have cosmetic treatments performed by trusted medical practitioners. We wanted to provide the perfect balance between a professional clinical environment and a luxury spa. Q How would you say you have

evolved in the years since?

A Since first opening in 2013, our core

values and ethos have remained the same; however, we have evolved in a number of other ways. We have evolved as a business that is in the position to offer not just cutting-edge and advanced treatments, but a whole experience of luxury, as well as personalised journeys for each of our clients. We are proud to have grown into our fully-operating clinics in London, Essex and Germany, and one soon-to-be opening clinic in the heart of London. Our team has also evolved not only in size but in expertise, members of our team who started with us when we first opened have now excelled into managerial roles and are helping the company grow even further.

Q What makes you different

from the competition?

THE RAYLEIGH CLINIC

“OUR DOCTORS USE THEIR MORAL COMPASS TO GUIDE THEIR CONSULTATIONS”

A While there are some brilliant non-

surgical clinics in our industry, our values and USPs make us different from the competition. The core values of our clinics are ‘Excellence, Safety, Care, Innovation and Responsibility’. We take pride in offering excellence in our award-winning customer care and experience. We provide the utmost VICKY GRAMMATIKOPOULOU

safety and care in our practice and each of our clinics. We offer the latest innovative treatments in the industry and are key opinion leaders for a number of brands and treatments that are available. We are proud to be responsible for looking after our clients and employees alike. Such values are exercised in our everyday practice that takes place in each of our clinics. We are unique in that our clinics are doctorsonly, our practitioners have all come from medical backgrounds working in the NHS. As a result, our doctors use their moral compass to guide their consultations and treatments rather than business acumen. We offer transparent services and put our client’s best interest at the forefront of every consultation. Our doctors never recommend a treatment just because; we review our client’s medical history, their reasons behind opting for certain treatments and guide them in the way that will serve them best. Q What kind of experience can we

expect at your Rayleigh clinic?

A Our Rayleigh clinic is our headquarters

location, when visiting us here you can expect a warm welcome from our friendly front of house team. As you step inside each

of our clinics you are met by a spotless and bright interior that boasts some gorgeous pieces of artwork. Our signature scent from the comfort zone sends aromas around the clinic and you will be met with a wide range of informative materials to help you get to know the treatments and services that we have to offer. Q What kind of thing do you offer

to help with mental wellbeing?

A As a medical and cosmetic clinic, we know

that mental wellbeing is just as important to look after as your physical wellbeing. Our wellness clinics take care of just that. Our International Coaching Federation (ICF)-certified life coach offers focused help to assist individuals with reaching their specific goals through structured conversations. We encourage our clients and online audience to speak about mental health and wellbeing, and always offer an open door should anybody need a safe space to discuss their own mental wellbeing. V I E A E ST H E T H I C S 78 London Hill Road, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 7HP 01268 778615 • vie-aesthetics.com

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School fees insurance will help cover future costs should you or your spouse die or suffer a terminal illness

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F A M I L Y

A DOG'S LIFE SOUTHEND DOG TRAINING

It was a decade ago that Anthony Thorne decided to turn his love for dogs into a business and Southend Dog Training was born. Their work has caught the imagination of dog owners all over the county and beyond, and Thorne's approach to our beloved pets puts them first, rather than what society thinks these dogs should act like or do. It has resulted in too many success stories to recount, but find out more on page 93.

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BEAR

NECESSITIES With Essex stockists dotted all over the county, we look at the story of Merrythought and how they are celebrating a very special anniversary

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FAMILY • FEATURE

“NOW 100 YEARS LATER, IT'S WONDERFUL TO SEE HOW EDWARD IS STILL ENJOYED BY ADULTS AND CHILDREN”

THE MERRYTHOUGHT FACTORY IN THE 1930S

he story of Merrythought began in 1930. William Gordon Holmes, owner of a spinning mill in Yorkshire called ‘Holmes & Laxton’, recognised the opportunity to make premium soft toys from the luxurious natural fibres they sourced. He found a beautiful brick foundry building in Ironbridge, home of the industrial revolution, and with the help of a team of skilled local seamstresses, Merrythought was born. The first collection was designed by Florence Atwood, a remarkable pattern maker who overcame many challenges associated with being deaf and unable to speak, to create some of their most iconic designs. This included the original Merrythought and Magnet teddy bears, which still have a strong influence upon the designs they create today. Their heritage is something they are

immensely proud of, and the original factory in Ironbridge remains Merrythought’s home to this day; a magical place where each teddy bear is brought to life using the finest materials and traditional craftsmanship that has been handed down four generations. The current team is lead by Sarah Holmes, great granddaughter of founder Gordon Holmes. As the years have gone on, Merrythought have become known for their commemorative bears that have proved to be hugely popular. For example, Merrythought created special commemorative teddy bears to mark the birth of Prince George of Cambridge, with a bear also created to celebrate the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s first child, Archie, a later addition to the series. Merrythought was also commissioned to produce exclusive Royal Baby teddy bears for the official Buckingham Palace Shop, with number one of each limited edition being gifted to the respective young Prince or Princess. Now, the UK’s oldest remaining teddy bear manufacturer will celebrate the 100th birthday of Edward, Christopher Robin’s much-loved childhood bear who became the inspiration for Winnie the Pooh. Purchased from Harrods, Edward Bear was given to Christopher Robin by his mother Daphne as a first birthday present on 21 August 1921. Daphne’s husband and Christopher’s father, AA Milne, was so enamoured by the partnership he witnessed between a boy and his bear, that he began to write stories about their journey through life together – and the stories of Winnie the Pooh were born. Now a century later, an adorable quartet of Edward bears created by Merrythought is charming a new generation of children and adults across the world. To celebrate this special bear’s 100th birthday this year, Merrythought is also giving away a free commemorative gold-plated keyring with the purchase of every original 18in Edward bear, until the end of 2021. Originally created by Farnell in 1921, Edward Bear was brought to life again for

SARAH HOLMES

the 2017 Goodbye Christopher Robin film after Merrythought, which owns the Farnell brand, was asked to recreate the bear that featured throughout the award-winning film. Fourth-generation managing director Sarah Holmes says: “These very special bears have been handmade in our factory in Ironbridge using the same traditional skills and natural materials as Christopher Robin’s original Edward Bear, all those years ago. “We are thrilled to celebrate the 100th birthday of the bear which inspired AA Milne’s Winnie the Pooh. At its heart is the beautiful story of how a teddy bear captured a little boy’s imagination and how much joy and companionship children can find from teddy bears and soft toys. Now 100 years later, it's wonderful to see how Edward is still enjoyed by so many adults and children alike, and we’re proud that he continues to be hand-made in Britain.” It’s storybook stuff – just like Merrythought itself. merrythought.co.uk

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FAMILY • PETS

PUPPY LOVE We meet Southend dog trainer turned Tik Tok sensation, Anthony Thorne By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

Q Where did the inspiration come from to start up Southend Dog Training? A I started it ten years ago. I love dogs and realised I had a talent for training dogs. Over the years it slowly progressed and I began building a reputation and posting lots of free content on social media. Then what happened was, my now business partner Ev, needed help with his dog. Long story short, his background is very technical, so he thought it made sense to start up a website so that people could access our training from all over the world. We haven’t looked back since. When lockdown hit, we turned to Tik Tok content and hit 1.1 million followers. That is basically Southend Dog Training in a nutshell. Q Which dog training techniques do you consider the most effective, and why? A A balanced philosophy. In dog training, you have sides. There are too many labels in dog training. My first and foremost philosophy is that you simply train the dog that is in front of you. You use the tools and methodology that best fit the dog in front of you. It is not a one size fits all programme. You do what’s best for that dog, whilst causing the least amount of stress. What works for one, doesn’t necessarily work for the other. I don’t really ask too much about the history of the dog – as long as it is fit and healthy, that’s all that matters, because a lot of owners make the mistake of misdiagnosing their dog. The owners are always asked on the first meeting what would they like to achieve and what would make them happy, and I work from there. I make my own assessment then and there. Q How do you decide on a training program for each dog? A There’s fundamentals as to why dogs react and it is because things are neglected during puppyhood. For example, a lot of

people’s definition of socialising is incorrect. The reality is, taking your dog to as many puppy classes/day-cares isn’t the best way to socialise. That can create more problems than you know of. Socialising isn't just about how many dogs and people you meet. It’s about quality. Remember – quality over quantity. Look at a puppy as a sponge. Everything your puppy experiences will start to shape its future. Fix the foundations and communications first, then you can start to address the more serious issues. Q What’s next for Southend Dog Training? A We get hundreds of messages from people all over the world asking for our help. So, when everything goes back to normal, I plan to do a European tour, and eventually a world tour. The whole point is to help as many people as possible.

SOUTHEND DOG TRAINING contact@southenddogtraining.co.uk 01702 96 55 10 southenddogtraining.co.uk

3 TOP TIPS What are the most common mistakes you notice pet owners making with respect to disciplining their dogs?

•

SOCIALISING Stop making them meet every single person. Do not overwhelm the puppy. Quality over quantity.

•

SOCIAL IGNORANCE Teach your dog to be calm, and take your dogs to many different sites, places and smells.

•

ROUTINE Find something the breed was designed to do within reason – engage the brain, and then teach them.

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FAMILY • LEGAL

HOME FOR C H R I ST M A S Atwells suggest the simple steps you can take to move in by the festive season

s summer draws to a close and the nights get longer, you may feel the pull to setting up a cosy home to host your own Christmas. The run-up to the festive season is the busiest time of year for the property market. Everyone wants to be settled into their new home in time for the turkey to be on the table. To give yourself the best chance of making that a reality, it’s important to get some expert help. Jade Nunn, who specialises in conveyancing for Attwells Solicitors, recommends you make this a priority. “People often don’t realise how long this process can take,” she says. “Typically, conveyancing spans 8-10 weeks, so you need to allow that much time

to make sure the process is as easy and stress-free as possible.” And given that the run-up to Christmas is one of the busiest, it’s crucial that you get organised to ensure you get into your new home by the 25th. With that in mind, Atwells have put together a checklist to help you move into your new home with ease: 1. Communicate clearly to everyone involved that you would like to be moved in before Christmas. This will ensure everyone will be working towards the same goal. 2. The earlier you instruct a solicitor, the better. Attwells’ ‘Move Ready’ service – which gets much of the paperwork out of the way early – smooths the process to ensure a faster move. This is free of charge

provided you instruct them to do the conveyancing at the same time as going to market with your estate agent. Getting this organised first, reduces the chance of the sale falling through by 50%. 3. Ask your solicitor and agent to keep you updated weekly with the progress of transactions involved. You should also respond to any communication from your team on the same day to avoid missing any important documents that could cause a delay. 4. Prepare your property for viewings. Sometimes a lick of paint or a deep clean can make all the difference. Decluttering your house will not only make your property more attractive at viewings, but also helps you to be organised when it’s time to pack. 5. Once you have found your dream home it’s vital to book a survey before going ahead with the purchase. You’ll also need to check that you have the right insurance for the move. 6. Find a reliable removal company and check availability for your desired date - book in advance if possible. 7. Pack gradually. The things from the same room should be packed into the same box and labelled with the name of the room. Essentials should be packed last and labelled alongside Christmas items. 8. Get your Christmas shopping done early. Once you’ve wrapped and ribboned the presents designate some labelled boxes for them so they’re easy to find in your new home. To find out more about ‘Move Ready’ or to receive a conveyancing quote, call Attwells Solicitors on 01473 229 200 or visit attwells.com

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SPECI A L

Inside this section O P E N DAY T I P S p 9 8 COLCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL p101 D O F E AWA R D p 1 0 2 GROW2KNOW p106 LEITH’S COOKERY p113

ALL THEY N E ED CO LC H E ST E R H I G H S C H O O L

Inside this education special, we find out how Colchester High School has engaged in the Edtech revolution to give their pupils the best chance in the 21st century workplace. It’s yet another example of how this school is ahead of the curve.

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Judgement DAYS

With real life open days back on, here’s some valuable advice about the dos and don’ts when parents are invited in past the school gates B y S U E L A I D L AW

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EDUCATION • OPEN DAYS

“One well-known personality, dressed in a scarlet suit and full of rather loud questions, made us realise it wasn't the school for us”

ou’ve done your homework: looked at websites, made a rather long shortlist and, where required, booked your places for the round of Autumn Term Open Day events. So how can you maximise the opportunities afforded by visiting school open days? Although a few schools will grant an individual visit, most of them, particularly during the Autumn Term, will be large en masse events. Be prepared for the fact that you may well be shown around in a relatively large group where there may be limited time to talk to the present pupils. Some schools will adopt a more flexible approach to the visit, where you are given a map and are free to wander at will amongst the well organised classrooms. When you arrive you will be greeted by a member of staff and some pupils. If you are to have a guide for your visit, this will be a (well chosen) pupil who will, hopefully, be a good ambassador

for the school. Having said that, try not to be too influenced by that one specific pupil; try to speak to a few. Many a parent has left a school feeling enormously impressed or, alternatively, taken aback and rather demoralised by the child who has shown them round. It goes without saying that every school will showcase the best of what they do – carefully chosen exercise books, wonderful choirs and gym displays, and cookery demonstrations all impress parents and show what can be achieved. Try to look beyond the obvious. If possible, poke your nose through the window of a classroom that is not on display, and look at the displays on the walls of the unadorned classrooms. Another interesting and worthwhile observation is to look and listen to other fellow parent visitors. Are they the sort of people that could become your friends? With three children and a long teaching career behind me, I have been involved in scores of open days. On one very telling moment, when visiting a prospective school for one of our daughters, I was instantly struck

by the group of parents in which we were amassed. One well-known personality, dressed in a scarlet suit and full of rather loud and confident questions, was amongst the group – wonderful school as it is, it wasn’t the school for our family and this particular situation seemed to be the embodiment of all our thoughts! Invariably, if you are comfortable in the school environment, your children and family are likely to feel the same way. Trust your instinct and the small voice inside your head. Open Days provide a wonderful opportunity to explore facilities, meet staff and pupils and get a sense of a school. What is most important is to be wise about finding the most appropriate environment for your child – one in which to thrive, grow and enjoy.

Sue Laidlaw is founder of Laidlaw Education LLP, who offer educational advice, lessons and courses for children of all ages through their centres and the Laidlaw Virtual Academy. Find out more at laidlaweducation. co.uk or call 020 8487 9517

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EDUCATION • FOCUS

Tomorrow's WORLD How Colchester High School is embracing the Edtech revolution to ensure their pupils are ready for the future

olchester High School was founded in 1882 by Ferdinand Gröne, who was committed to providing an education that prepared pupils for both life and their future careers. This ethos is very much at the heart of a CHS education today. Combining a forward-thinking and innovative STEAM-based curriculum with the introduction of new technology and educational platforms, whilst nurturing a global perspective and a mindfulness for social responsibility, Colchester High School ensures that their pupils have not only the skills for the 21st century workplace but the aspirations to be the global change-makers of tomorrow’s world.

Starting with the notion of ‘Dream Big. Start Small. But most of all Start’ (Simon Sinek), the pioneering spirit of the staff and pupils at CHS, together with Cognita’s global commitment and investment in the roll out of one to one devices (for all pupils in Year 3-11), has enabled pupils to not only receive an uninterrupted educational provision during the pandemic, but to benefit from the use of technology to support and enhance their learning and to provide them with the skillsets required to become the technological pioneers of the future. Utilising the full suite of Microsoft Educational platforms, CHS has provided opportunities for their pupils to develop digital proficiency and to take greater initiative and ownership for their own

learning. With unlimited access to online information and knowledge, their pupils are confident absorbing information online and from multiple sources, allowing them to explore a subject in greater detail. All pupils are experienced in the use of Office programmes (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) and course management tools, such as OneNote. This has helped pupils and teachers to organise subject materials, set and submit assignments, and receive real time online and verbal feedback. Pupils from Reception to GCSE have also collectively and cooperatively worked to generate their own digital portfolios using age-appropriate platforms such as SeeSaw, Flipgrid, and Book Creator to become the creators and producers of learning contents. Within subjects such as the Creative and Performing Arts, pupils have also been able to demonstrate the digital manipulation of images (including layering, transparency and re-scaling) and the use of digital art and inking applications such as Paint 3D and Fresh Paint. At CHS they are also proud to be early adopters of advanced technologies in education, notably AS Tracking, Century Tech and Learning by Questions which, using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, allow their teachers to identify and fully support learners’ individual needs. To ensure that Colchester High School remains a leader in the Edtech revolution, all staff have undergone training through the Microsoft Education Centre to gain industry standard accreditations and qualifications, becoming Microsoft Innovative Experts. Colchester High School is currently awaiting accreditation to be a Microsoft Showcase School. Colchester High School Wellesley Road, Colchester, Essex, CO3 3HD 01206 573 389 colchesterhighschool.co.uk

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Lasting

LEGACY Among the many touching tributes to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh was the outpouring of warmth about the DofE Award scheme, which began life in 1956 and continues to change lives By LIBBY NORMAN

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EDUCATION • ROOTS LEFT DofE Award students, including at Gordon’s School, Surrey. Also shown, the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh visiting Gordon’s

he Duke of Edinburgh's Award (or the DofE as it is almost universally known) is a life-changing journey for many young people. The outpouring of warmth from its fans – many of whom had been on the DofE Award journey themselves – made it clear what a huge legacy Prince Philip leaves behind in this regard. The statistics bear this out, with over 6.7 million participants and 3.1 million awards achieved in the UK since its inception. DofE has global reach now, with programmes run in more than 130 countries and territories worldwide. Internationally, there were around 1,800 young people embarking on their DofE journey every day in 2017, and with something like 1.3 million worldwide participants in that year. In some places, it is known by different names, but the general framework has stood the test of time and works for young people in all settings and circumstances. It started small, although the ambition was big. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award began life in 1956, with the challenge to young people to: "attain standards of achievement and endeavour in a wide variety of active interests". A less formal description of the DofE's overarching aim, given somewhat later by HRH himself, puts it rather more succinctly and rather well: "It's what I like to describe as a do-it-yourself growing up kit". The Duke of Edinburgh was influenced in the idea by Kurt Hahn, a German-Jewish emigre to the UK, pioneering educator and founder of Gordenstoun. (Hahn, incidentally, was also one of instigators of Outward Bound.) As a former pupil at Gordenstoun, and one who had thrived in an environment

where students were encouraged to test and challenge themselves, Prince Philip could see the benefits of encouraging physical activity, service and leadership training. Lord John Hunt – the Army colonel who had led the first successful ascent of Everest in 1953 – was the first Director tasked with designing and bringing the programme to life. The original design consisted of four sections: rescue & public service, expeditions, pursuits & projects and fitness. Initially, it was known as the 'DofE for boys', but within a year it was announced that girls would be invited to participate. Three years on, the scheme became a charitable trust and the International DofE Award was established in 1988. Over the years, DofE has become a mainstay within independent schools across the land, with universal appreciation of both its testing nature and its ability to bring out the best in all young people and build their confidence for life. And here the focus is on 'all' because the elements that make up the scheme play to different strengths. The athletically minded may love the expeditions and physical challenges, but equal value is placed on volunteering and building skills. It is also incredibly adaptable to suit the individual.

Today DofE Awards schemes in state schools and academies outnumber those in the independent sector. Schemes are run by employers and endorsed by many more – including Google, Burberry and ITV – as a marker of a young person's transferable 'soft skills'. Schemes have been tailored to suit young people with disabilities – in 2014 ao.com employee Melissa Dempsey became the first person from a business running the scheme to complete the Expedition section using a wheelchair. Over 725,000 young people from disadvantaged backgrounds did their DofE in 2019/20. Notably, the scheme has been made available to those in Young Offenders' Institutions, enabling young people who have lost their way to develop skills and self-confidence – and take back control over the direction of their life. After the announcement of The Duke of Edinburgh's death, DofE participants and Award holders from across the UK helped launch a new fund in his memory. The Living Legacy Fund is designed to give a million more young people the opportunity to achieve a DofE Award. CEO of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Ruth Marvel explains it thus: “We are also focused on engaging those young people who face greater disadvantage as our impact research shows these young people have most to gain from a DofE experience.” Find out more about The Duke of Edinburgh's Award's Living Legacy Fund at dofe.org

“IT'S WHAT I LIKE TO DESCRIBE AS A DO-IT-YOURSELF GROWING UP KIT” HRH THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH

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EDUCATION • CREATIVE

“Start your journey towards a career in the creative industries”

Musical YOUTH

The Academy of Contemporary Music offers courses for creatives of all types

re you musical? Or maybe creative in another way? There’s a college that can teach you how to earn a living from doing something that you love. Start your journey towards a career in the creative industries at the place where all creativity matters. The last 18 months have demonstrated the importance of the arts. While the pandemic restricted the lives of millions, we found solace in our favourite music, performances and video games. The live music industry is the fifth biggest economy in the UK and the gaming industry is projected to be worth some £7 billion by 2024, so all creativity matters. ACM is a place where creativity is nurtured and celebrated. Building on a 26year history, ACM provides a place where

musicians, technicians, engineers and game developers can be taught by industry professionals. With courses in performance, artistry, songwriting, business, technical services, music production, game development and more, they have study options at both Diploma and Degree level, making it a great alternative to attending a traditional College or University. With campuses in Guildford, London and Birmingham, ACM is also home to Europe’s largest recording facility, Metropolis Studios. With artists such as Queen, Amy Winehouse and Michael Jackson having made Metropolis their workplace over the years gone by, and a current client list that includes Stormzy, Drake, Clean Bandit, Elton John, Adele, Madonna, Kylie Minogue and Beyonce, ACM’s students can work in the very studio environments in which their favourite tracks have been recorded, and learn from the same Grammy award-winning team that have helped produce them. It’s not just all about the music, though. This September, they launched the ACM Games Academy, working with pioneers like Supermassive Games, Alienware, UKIE, TIGA and more. The ACM Games Academy is the perfect place to start your career as a game designer, programmer or project manager. AC M acm.ac.uk/open-days

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EDUCATION • COMMUNITY

GREEN Strength

Grow2Know emerged from a community gardening project after the Grenfell Tower fire. Its mission is to create a green legacy for the North Kensington community and for young people everywhere

he impact of the Grenfell Tower fire will be felt for generations to come, but in all the grief and anger that surrounds the events of June 2017, there are stories of hope and community resilience. Grow2Know is one among them, and it grew from a simple need to do something positive in the aftermath of the fire. Grow2Know co-founder Tayshan Hayden-Smith can still clearly describe what life felt like in the days and weeks after the fire. “I had been living beneath Grenfell Tower all my life – I have many memories around it growing up. After the fire the community went into shock. We didn’t know what to do with ourselves,” he says. Inevitably, with the national and international press descending in the immediate aftermath, there was

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confusion. “You have the community and then you have the whole world,” says Hayden-Smith. He says many in the community turned to art as a means of processing raw emotions, with projects offered locally – including at the Maxilla (Maxilla Hall Social Club). He tried it himself with his son and nephew, but it wasn’t the right fit. Then something unexpected happened. “We saw this barren, neglected patch of land and we just decided that was something we were drawn towards.” Tending it and improving it began as the smallest of actions. Hayden-Smith says: “I wouldn’t even call it a decision. It wasn’t as if we sat down and decided: ‘let’s do up this space’. We just went in there and thought ‘oh, this feels good’ – it was our art.” From there, in an organic process, this small patch of common ground morphed into an informal community project. Local plant

shops and nurseries donated plants and the local community started to join in. It was, says Hayden-Smith, a lovely moment during an adverse time to realise what was happening. “Residents and community members would either come past and share a smile or share a conversation and it just brought light to a lot of people’s day. Then you would get some people that would offer their time. They would jump in for five minutes and that would turn into ten, and then all of a sudden they were spending the day with you in this space.” What was also life-affirming was the wide range of people who started to join in. “There were completely different backgrounds and demographics,” says HaydenSmith. He describes the garden as being without barriers, with the majority of helpers being quite young – late teens and twenties initially. Then some community elders got involved, also younger children when

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ALL IMAGES The Grow2Know team have attracted support from across the community – with all age groups joining in

“You can link anything in life to horticulture so why is it not at the forefront of our education?”

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EDUCATION • COMMUNITY

ALL IMAGES Grow2Know's Morley Heart Gardens is both a memorial garden and a place to socialise and relax

the project spread to an area behind the Maxilla. “Every week there would be a different group of people.” There was no formal structure or overarching master plan to these activities – and Hayden-Smith says this made for a conflict-free zone, with a shared activity that pulled down potential barriers between strangers and age groups. “One thing about gardens is that it’s hard to have conflict in that space – when you plant a plant, what can you argue about!” If the project to beautify the spaces close to Grenfell Tower brought positivity to people’s lives in the aftermath of the fire, it also sparked something stronger – the desire to build on what they had already created. Grow2Know was established in 2020 as a means of building a more permanent legacy in order to honour those lost at Grenfell. “It’s important that people remember what Grow2Know grew from – the 72 people we lost that night in June 2017,” says Hayden-Smith. Launched as a non-profit, its board of directors comprises Hayden-Smith, with

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“One thing about gardens is that it's hard to have conflict in that space – what can you argue about”

horticultural might from garden designer and TV presenter Danny Clarke (AKA The Black Gardener) and agriculturist and chef Ali Yellop. Advisors include the renowned and nine times Chelsea Gold winning garden designer Cleve West. The plan is to green up areas of the city, but the brief is far wider. Grow2Know believe that they can use gardening as a platform to enable communities and their young people to thrive. The team also want to promote horticulture – showing its possibilities to the community and encouraging them to have a relationship with plant and produce growing and the land itself. HaydenSmith says that lockdown has profoundly changed our relationship to green spaces, but it taps into a host of existing issues – from food security and green infrastructure to a better environment to foster mental and physical health. “You can link anything in life to horticulture, so why is it not at the forefront of our education? Why is it not at the forefront of our conversation when we talk about our environment?” Projects so far include a small garden at Morley College, a local further education provider. It was built with “the smallest budget” and incorporated a tree planted earlier in honour of Grenfell Tower victims. The brief was to create a space that felt more like a memorial garden, but also a place to relax and socialise or contemplate in the sunshine.

Despite the small budget Morley Heart Gardens is now transformed into a welcoming retreat with a permanent reminder of its purpose via artist Carrie Reichardt’s stunning mosaic-dressed wall. The next and much bigger plan is to create a garden for Chelsea Flower Show – sponsorship permitting. It will be called the Mangrove Garden, in honour of the Mangrove Nine – local heroes who mounted a landmark court challenge against the police in 1970 that highlighted racial injustice. Through the garden the team at Grow2Know hope to bring resources back to the local community and also educate young people about an important black history and civil rights milestone for London and the UK. More than that, they would like to open up the possibilities of gardening to young people from all backgrounds and all environments. “If children see people who look like them doing something amazing, then hopefully they will take some inspiration from that,” says Hayden-Smith. “We need to educate our young people so that they can come up with solutions to the problems we’re facing, and also come at things from a more creative standpoint. Greening up London is very much part of that – if we can do it here, where it’s so built up, we can do it anywhere.” Visit grow2know.org.uk

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Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate An Excellent rated (ISI) school welcoming children aged 3 months to 19 years. Find out how we can help support your child to achieve their aspirations in our unique prep, middle and senior four-school model. Call to arrange a private tour or join us at our next open day on 2 October 2021. www.qe.org

Shortlisted for Independent School of the Year for Performing Arts and Independent Prep School of the Year.

“To be the best that I can, with the gifts that I have.” www.qe.org | admissions@qe.org | 01423 333330 | York YO26 9SS

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Enterprising HURST COLLEGE A look at Hurst College’s recent successes By EVE HERBERT

urst College’s Young Enterprise team, Plants with Purpose (PwP), won the Sustainability Award at the regional Young Enterprise final. As event winners of the overall county title and the Digital Skills Award, PwP went forward to the regional competition against six schools from Kent, Surrey and Hampshire, three of whom won awards. As well as winning the Sustainability Award, PwP only just missed out on going through to the national finals. The Hurst team also made the final of the JA (Junior Achievement) competition, the European version of YE, as one of only five UK teams selected to take part. Earlier in the year, PwP took part in a Dragons’ Den event and won the Business Plan Award and the Dragons’ Den Award. The

dragons praised PwP for having the best produced video, a standout logo, impressive website, good market research, cohesive brand identity/packaging/channel marketing as well as a professional business plan and presentation. PwP’s product was a range of herb planting kits packaged in a reusable fabric bag, with a choice of Thyme, Lavender, Mint, Chamomile and Rosemary. “This is a phenomenal achievement. Covid made the whole process of building and running a viable business more difficult than usual. PwP have achieved financial success and been recognised by Young Enterprise, JA Europe and Dragons’ Den for the quality of their product and the exemplary way they have managed their company,” says Jan Leeper, head of careers, Hurst College. In other news, Hurst College’s director of diversity and inclusion, Jami Edwards-Clarke, won the

“Hurst's team went forward to the regional competition against six other schools”

EDUCATION • FOCUS

Outstanding INDEX (Inclusion and Diversity Excellence) Leadership Award at the Boarding Schools’ Association Awards 2021. Jami was appointed last year, alongside her responsibilities as a boarding housemistress and PE teacher. Under Jami’s leadership, the support from staff and pupils to drive the movement forward has been overwhelming. She created pupil and staff D&I platforms to share and develop initiatives under the mantra #Be#Yourself@Hurst; and led the team in organising support for the numerous D&I events including Black History Month, Disability Awareness Week and Pride History Month involving pupils, staff and their families. The judges said: “Jami has shown exemplary leadership and management. These results are visible in the impact of her strategies and the clear emphasis placed on stakeholder voices.” In response Jami said: “Pupils and staff have been the engine throughout. Despite a global pandemic what has been achieved is more than impressive. This award isn’t about me, it’s about the College, with everyone embracing the challenge. The journey isn’t over, but we can be really proud of what we have achieved.” H U R ST C O L L E G E College Lane, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex, BR6 hppc.co.uk

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EDUCATION • EXTRA CURRICULAR

FOOD SKILLS

Leith’s School of Food and Wine offers classes for children of all ages. Absolutely sends a student By PENDLE HARTE

“There are more ambitious classes for children with an interest in serious food”

obody wants their child to be the one that arrives at university not knowing how to boil an egg. While some children seem to absorb kitchen skills by osmosis, others manage to bypass them entirely. In my house we have both. There's a 12-year-old who can comfortably produce not only cookies and bakes, but also actual dinner, and takes an active interest in salad dressings and the espresso machine – and an otherwise competant 15-year-old who has to ask how to turn the oven on. Brilliantly, Leith's cookery school has devised classes for all abilities, designed for children up to the age of 16. There are more obvious ones for smaller children, focusing on cakes and biscuits, but there are also more ambitious ones for children already showing an interest in producing serious food. We enrolled the foodie 12-year-old in a holiday session focusing on street food for teenagers. Though she was willing, she wasn't exactly delighted, expecting it to be babyish. But as it turned out, she was the youngest one there, and several of the others had been attending sessions in the previous days. They were keen cooks. The menu was impressive and global: Korean beef bulgogi involved marinating steak (freezing it for 15 minutes first, to firm it up, and slicing it thinly) then stir-frying it quickly. Pork and ginger spring rolls in lettuce wraps required lots of chopping of vegetables, soaking noodles and frying pork mince, then carefully constructing the lettuce wraps. Chickpea flatbreads

were a simple recipe and one that we will return to, essentially flour, tinned chickpeas, water, yeast and spices. There's a focus on basic kitchen skills – being careful with heat and knives, for instance, and separating raw meat from cooked, and participants come away with a certificate and recipe sheet at the end. Courses in October include Italian cookers for teenagers and a plant-focused session with Jenny Chandler. Courses are added regularly; check online for details. leiths.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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AU T U M N 2021 WITH

YO U N G S O L E S . LO N D O N

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SPECI A L ISSUE

absolutely-mama.co.uk

In this section:

Sleep truths

Advice from an expert •

Buggy news

The lowdown on Leclerc Baby

JUMP ARO U N D Absolutely Mama loves the new Mama by MORI maternity collection, created to support you through every stage of your journey and celebrates the changes to our bodies that motherhood brings. We love this super stylish and flattering jumpsuit. babymori.com

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BOUNCER BLISS Mesh – Grey Beige

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m a m a SLEEP

S L E E P T I G H T A sleep consultant explains why parents don’t need to accept sleep deprivation… By KAREN MILLER

ou can forget about sleep now!’ is a very common phrase that new and expecting parents are sure to hear over and over again from friends and family. It’s commonly accepted that once you have a child, sleep deprivation is the norm and something you just have to learn to live with. We seem to have made little progress over the years when it comes to advice around babies’ sleep. Phrases such as ‘Sleep when the baby sleeps’ and ‘It’s just a phase’ as well as ‘Get used to being exhausted’ are simply not helpful. The truth is, sleep is a biological need, not a luxury. The consequences of getting less than seven hours sleep a night on someone’s physical and mental health are much more serious than people realise. More than 1 in 10 women in the UK suffer with postnatal depression, according to the NHS, and up to 1 in 10 new fathers are also suffering. More needs to be done to educate new parents on the links between sleep deprivation and mental health issues. In his book ‘Why We Sleep’, Matthew Walker talks about how sleeping less than six to seven hours a night demolishes your immune system, more than doubling

your risk of cancer. He explains that insufficient sleep is a key lifestyle factor as to whether or not you will develop Alzheimer’s disease. It also contributes to all major psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety and suicidality. Most shockingly, Walker discusses how drowsy driving, which are accidents caused by sleep deprived drivers, exceed those caused by alcohol and drugs combined. As a sleep consultant, I know that many parents feel guilty for reaching out for support and wanting their child to sleep. Many are even suffering with severe anxiety as a result. The loss of control and exhaustion some mothers feel spending all day trying and failing to get their baby to sleep, only to be up all night as well, is frankly miserable. Added to that is the pressure of having to potentially go back to work on little to no sleep, with many expressing that they don’t know how they will cope, but they feel like they have little choice. Not only does it affect the mother’s ability to function as a parent but it can

“Sleep is a biological need, not a luxury”

also impact your relationship. Many couples end up sleeping in separate rooms and miss having their evenings to spend with their partner. Weekends are mostly spent with dads trying to carry some of the burden, so mum can catch up on some sleep, but where does that leave you as a couple? It’s becoming more acceptable to reach out and ask for help for things like breastfeeding, for example, with lots of support available, but when it comes to sleep there seems to be this unwritten rule that you just have to accept it. Mums feel judged for expressing their concern over their child’s sleep and many do not admit to using a sleep consultant, for fear of others thinking they are being selfish for wanting a good night’s sleep. But what can you do to help your child sleep more soundly?

Sleep Environment Creating the right environment can help promote the sleepy hormone, melatonin, which helps baby to settle and stay asleep. Use black out blinds to keep the room as dark as possible and keep the temperature between 18-20c. Night lights are great for toddlers when they become scared of the dark around age three, and avoid white/ blue light which can block melatonin.

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m a m a SLEEP

Awake Windows Avoiding the dreaded overtiredness makes all the difference in how well your child sleeps. To do this, don’t rely on tired signs as some babies don’t have any. Instead find out what their ideal awake windows are for their age and stick to those. Put them to sleep within that window of time, not after, and this will help to ensure they settle quickly.

Sleep Props

all, especially if baby is over four months they may settle themselves back to sleep. The most important thing to remember is there is no right or wrong way for getting your child to sleep – but it is possible for them to sleep well. Sleep isn’t something for the select lucky few who have ‘good’ babies, it’s important for everyone to be able to function properly. It’s time to make sleep a priority because there is a reason why everything is better after a good night’s sleep.

Consider which sleep associations you’re comfortable with. Dummies are great for newborns but can become an issue after four months. Use positive sleep props like comfy toys, swaddles and white noise.

Don’t Rush In Overnight – stop, listen and then react. This will help you to learn what type of cry it is. Are they genuinely hungry? Do they need help to calm down or are they just tired? Sometimes we don’t need to go in at

Karen Miller is a Baby and Toddler Sleep Consultant and founder of Asleep At Last

asleepatlast.co.uk @karenmiller_asleepatlast

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m a m a BRAND

FOUR WHEELS GOOD Mama quizzes the brains behind buggy brand Leclerc Baby

Q Tell us about Leclerc Baby. What

makes your buggies special?

A Being a parent doesn’t mean that you

“We want parents

to live their most beautiful life and enjoy every moment of it”

have to radically change your lifestyle. At Leclerc Baby we want parents to live their most beautiful life and enjoy every single moment of it. With the Leclerc Baby pushchairs, we make parenting much easier and safer. With the one-touch folding systems, Leclerc Baby offers a smart solution that allows you and your child to travel ultra-light, compact, and above all very safe. The one-touch folding mechanism allows you to fold and unfold using just one hand. If you travel by car this means that you can hold your child in one hand and fold or unfold with the other hand without leaving your child unattended on the street for a moment.

Q Who is the Leclerc Baby

buggy designed for? A Leclerc Baby strollers are designed for parents with a sense of quality and design. Those who want to do no concession to comfort and quality and are looking for an all-in-one stroller solution that they can use in any possible location. Q What’s new from your brand? A Next to the MF Plus collection (£359)

and the award-winning Influencer collection (£399), Leclerc Baby is about to launch their Hexagon collection (£539). These exclusive pushchairs are designed by famous Dutch fashion designer

Christian Lagerwaard and are a real eye-catcher. These pushchairs are based on the same auto-fold mechanism but are customised using the highest quality of velvet and leatherette. The pushchairs can even be ordered with personalized embroidery of your child’s name. Q How does the buggy suit urban life? A The Leclerc Baby pushchairs are great

for people who love to travel or for people with a city lifestyle. If you travel by air, the pushchair can easily be placed in most overhead lockers. The ultra-compact size also allows you to travel comfortably by public transportation. With a broad range of accessories, the Leclerc Baby pushchairs can be seen as all in one – 0 to 5 years solutions. The pushchair can be used in combination with an easy-to-store carrycot or changed into a twin/duo combination using the Leclerc Baby twin/duo adaptors.

Q What should we be

looking for in a buggy?

A A pushchair should make parenting a

bit easier. It should fold and unfold easily and it needs to be light and compact for travelling. At the same time, it should have all characteristics of a traditional buggy or pram such as comfort and safety. With integrated mesh in the seat, reflective shoulder pads and a five-point magnetic buckle belt Leclerc Baby proves to take safety very seriously. Of course, design plays an important role when choosing a pushchair as well, but at Leclerc Baby, we believe that the current popularity of our brand is mainly caused by the quality and safety standards of our products.

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

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PROPERTY

HALL LANE RM14

£2,500,000 GUIDE PRICE

his gorgeous, six-bedroom Georgian country home retains original features including wooden beams and high ceilings combined with tasteful, modern finishing throughout. Set over three floors and boasting an approx. 4,300sqft on a 1-acre plot, the property offers a secluded, countryside feel whilst still offering convenient access for the M25 and local town centre.

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balgoresproperty.com WHAT SETS US APART FROM OUR COMPETITORS AND PROVIDES ONGOING SUCCESS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS IS OUR ENDURING PASSION FOR BEAUTIFUL PRESENTATION.

ost importantly, we truly believe in the power of stunning professional photography to promote and sell your property.

Whether you are selling or renting a small studio apartment, a two bedroom cottage or a large detached family home, we will make sure your home is meticulously photographed. Not only do we make sure that the outside of your home is shot beautifully, we take the same care photographing the interiors and pay special attention to all of the lovely details that set your property apart. We don’t stop there. All of our photography goes through a rigorous selection and quality control process where we make sure we have selected the very best shots. We think you’ll appreciate the difference so if you’re looking to showcase your property in the best light to potential buyers, Balgores are here to help. Get in touch with us today.

4.6 out 5 | Rated Excellent

Basildon t: 01268 271 110

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Brentwood t: 01277 216 800

Chelmsford t: 01245 492 424

Dagenham t: 0208 592 1038

Gravesend t: 01474 369 955

Hornchurch t: 01708 470 756

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Brindles, Emerson Park

Nelwyn Avenue, Emerson Park

A stunning ﬁve bedroom detached family home, boasting over 2,270sqft of living accomodation. Offering multiple en-suites and a well maintained rear garden.

A well presented six bedroom, detached family home, boasting over 2,000sqft of living accomodation. This property offers three reception rooms, an en-suite to the master bedroom and a 60ft rear garden.

Balgores Hornchurch | Asking Price £1,100,000

Balgores Hornchurch | Guide Price £1,000,000

Redden Court Road, Harold Wood

Cottis Close, Langdon Hills

This five bedroom, detached home is perfectly located for nearby travel links and has been fully refurbished throughout. Offering gated parking, four en-suites and over 2,400sqft of living accomodation, this home is not to be missed!

Located in a quiet cul-de-sac neighbourhood, this five bedroom detached family home offers a secluded, leafy rear garden overlooking a nature reserve and is conveniently located for local amenities and schools.

Balgores Romford | Asking Price £1,100,000

Balgores Basildon | Asking Price £800,000

Loughton t: 0208 502 1559

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Ongar t: 01277 369 925

Romford t: 01708 755 507

South Woodham Ferrers t: 01245 323 729

Upminster t: 01708 259 539

Wickford t: 01268 763 477

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Wickham Bishops, Essex Guide Price £4,850,000

Kelvedon, Essex Guide Price £3,500,000

An outstanding light and spacious family home in a convenient, rural setting

A handsome Edwardian country house set in stunning grounds

Mark Davies

John Seward

Director

Associate Director

01245 254618

01245 254606

mark.davies@struttandparker.com

john.seward@struttandparker.com

Over 50 Offices across England and Scotland, including prime Central London.

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Chelmsford, Essex Guide Price £1,300,000

Terling, Essex Guide Price £1,250,000 NEW PRICE

An impressive New England style family home set within a prestigious development

Four bedroom house with independent annex located in an idyllic setting

Stephen Howard Associate Director 01245 254626 stephen.howard@struttandparker.com

/struttandparker

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@struttandparker

struttandparker.com

27/08/2021 10:08

PROPERTY • INSIGHT

XXXXXXXX • XXXXX

IS THE PRICE RIGHT?

Hayley Hunt, of Hunt Property Services, analyses recent market reports and has a tip for sellers

hat a crazy summer to date, with Zoopla predicting a record 1.5m property transactions this year – that’s up 45% on last year! The unexpected consequences of the pandemic and the stamp duty concession following right on the heels of that Brexit-related stalling industry pushed the market into a frenzy. You may recall recently Nationwide reported a whopping 13.4% annual rise in house prices. Well according to the more conservative Halifax, who reported a 9.6% annual increase in May, the monthly figure actually fell 0.5% last month – leading to a slight reduction in the annual rate of growth. This is probably good as things, including the

“To prospective sellers, make sure you act decisively” 128

property market, start to return to normal. But the frenzy, where 38% of properties sold over the asking price, is far from over yet and we are as busy as ever, as people realise that you can actually lead the lifestyle you want without being chained to the office. Demand is still very high and there is a race for space, especially for properties with gardens and room to work from home. One of the problems this frenzy caused was gazumping, where a seller accepts a higher offer from a second buyer prior to exchange of contracts, even though they have already agreed terms with someone else. Although this is unlawful in many countries, it’s not in the UK and, according to comparethemarket.com, 39% of buyers in the last 12 months admitted they had successfully secured their home by outbidding another buyer whose offer had already been accepted. That means over a third of arranged sales fell through for disappointed buyers. We certainly don’t encourage gazumping, and, as the market begins to settle down, would urge

our sellers to avoid the temptation to upset an arranged sale in most instances. In terms of the rental market, according to Goodlord, average annual rents have risen by about 8% this year, quickly reflecting the rise in house prices. They say that the average void period between tenancies in England is now 16 days, down from 22 days a year ago, although in many cases we find this is only a day or two. So that’s great news for property investors. So the main message this month is, once again, to prospective sellers. If that’s you, then do act decisively here. This market simply cannot last forever. It won’t be long before we say goodbye to this extraordinary summer, perhaps interest rates could rise a bit to keep check on inflation, along with potentially higher levels of unemployment – there could be some redundancies announced, not only as furlough comes to an end, but also as the real effects of Brexit are felt across the economy. If you think that you might want to move house in the next couple of years, ideally bring it forward if you can. And if you need to get a feel for what your property might be worth right now, please do call us without any obligation – you might be pleasantly surprised!

H AY L E Y H U N T Is the founder of Hunt Property Services based in Woodford Green huntpropertyservices.co.uk

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

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25/06/2021 11:35

WARLEY HQ BRENTWOOD

A new way of living

SHOW APARTMENTS & MARKETING SUITE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! STARTING FROM £260,000 The iconic former Ford building in Warley, Brentwood converted to 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments. Residents have access to flexible workspaces, wellness features and communal gardens. All apartments come with a parking space. Eagle Way, Warley, Brentwood, Essex, CM13 3BW

CALL 07958 228 343 whq@hamptons.co.uk

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Computer generated imagery is indicative only.

27/08/2021 10:26

Fiat/Ford Chausson Range

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New for 2022 BURSTNER RANGE

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27/08/2021 10:00