Absolutely Essex September 2022 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

News and views from the best Essex schools SPECIAL Season CHANGE PREPARE FOR AUTUMN WITH THE LATEST FROM JOSEPH AT ZEE & CO STYLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT PLUS FINLAYSONSHANE Why the Leighon-Sea actor is living the dream • SALT OF THE EARTH The ﬁnest people and places in Maldon • TASTE OF THE SEA Visiting The White Hart Inn, Mersea Island

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ON THE COVER Joseph AW22 (joseph-fashion.com)collection 69 54 SEPTEMBER 2022 CULTURE 16 SHANE FINLAYSON The Leigh-on-Sea star on living the dream 20 NICOLA MATTHEWS What inspires the Essex author 22 MALDON Why it truly is the salt of the earth FASHION & BEAUTY 34 BLUE BOUTIQUE The global backing for the Sa ron Walden shop 36 JEWELLERY Nine of the best for pearls 38 THE SHOOT The autumnal collection from Joseph FOOD & DRINK 54 THE WHITE HART INN Mersea Island's fab new destination 58 RECIPES Sri Lankan inspiration in the kitchen 63 WINE CELLAR Il Vino on making the most of the sun EDUCATION SPECIAL 66 BACK TO SCHOOL Why there is nothing to be concerned about 69 TALKING HEAD Insider views at Woodford Green Prep 73 SPORTING CHANCE How schools are creating the stars of the future ABSOLUTELY-WESTESSEX.CO.UKABSOLUTELY-ESSEX.CO.UK The online guides to inspirational living and what's on in Essex ABSOLUTELY Contents 38 9ABSOLUTELY magazines

EDITOR MARK KEBBLE ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNERS MIKE SUZETTEROBERTSSCOBLE MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER CARMEN GRAHAM JUNIOR DESIGNER KAI NICHOLLS GROUP SALES MANAGER - SOUTH ABIGAIL GARDNER MEDIA CONSULTANTS CELIA GREGORY, CLAIRE YATES, TANIA TOOHEY FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS CRAIG DAVIES, LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT Follow Us On Facebook@ABSOLUTELYWESTESSEX@ABSOLUTELYESSEX Twitter@ABSOLUTELYWESTE@ESSEXABSOLUTELY Instagram@ABSOLUTELYWESTESSEX@ABSOLUTELYESSEX Websites absolutely-westessex.co.ukabsolutely-essex.co.uk For editorial enquiries please email: mark@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries: please call 07862 004024 or email: celia@zest-media.com or please call 07861 994764 or email: claire@zest-media.com Studio G06, Wenlock Studios, 50-52 Wharf Road, London N1 7EU; 020 7704 0588 Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved. and bar owned by Terence and Caroline Howard and offering classical British dishes with a European influence using only the best locally sourced ingredients The Creek Flag Hill • Greta Bentley • Colchester • Essex - CO7 8RE Tel: 01206 586435 or 01255 thecreekgreatbentley.co.uk317950 The Creek is a multi award winning family run restaurant Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date on what’s happening, new dishes, booking availability & more. We look forward to welcoming you with a smile.

Rather conversely, I have an inadequate teacher to thank for me writing this welcome letter. You see, at school I loved history and heading into my A-levels, the plan was to study just that at Bristol University. However, my A-level course was nothing like the global history and world war focuses of my GCSE that saw me come away with an A grade. It was based on economic and social history, which was fine, but was delivered in such a dry way that I found myself bored rigid in pretty much every lesson. Unsurprisingly I flunked my A-level exam and my plan to become the next Dan Snow was put on hold. It was then that I recalled my English teacher from Years 9-11, who was frankly a bit strange, but a mighty fine orator. He always said I'd make a good writer, but I shrugged it off – then in my 'clearing' desperation I decided that I'd give it a go and enrol in a journalism course. The rest is, indeed, history. This means the education special we have created for this issue is important to me, and I am sure to many others, featuring the best Essex has to offer. Happy teaching. LETTER Editor’s Autumn Eats Where to go in Essex to make the most of the September harvest (p29) 1 Education Special We take a look at the forward thinkers in our local schools (p81) ABSOLUTELY’S Septemberhighlightsissue 23Maldon Picking out a whole host of reasons why the area is a must visit (p22) 5 FinlaysonShane The Dreamboy on his ambitionsacting(p16) TrendInteriors The latest must-have for the home (p103) 4 MARK KEBBLE EDITOR 11ABSOLUTELY magazines

Wish LIST COMPILED BY PENDLE HARTE 10 things Absolutelywelove RAINBOWMAGIC Iris means rainbow in Latin, and this necklace has a rainbow of precious stones featuring Aventurine, Blue Jade, Green Jade, Rose Quartz, Amazonite, Iolite, Carnelian, Dyed Ruby and Peach Moonstone, all strung on a recycled sterling silver necklace. £100 nuehoops.com FRESH STRIPE Desmond & Dempsey's Medina striped pyjama set in bright shades of coral, blue and red is a joy to wear. £120 selfridges.com NEW WEAVE For a twist on the classic French market shopper we love this Cella bag with neon orange trim by Kuwaiti designer Folklore. £457.39 folklorethelabel.com ORANGE CRUSH Nail Kind is a new Danish nail polish brand that's not only vegan and cruelty-free – but it's also long-lasting and easy to apply. nailkind.com EDITOR’SPICK 12 ABSOLUTELY magazines

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Bat Walk - 24 September Pumpkin Trail - 22 October to 31 October Dark and Twisted Tales for Adults - 28 October Not So Spooky Stories for Kids - 28 October Scan to find out more Celebrate Autumn Colour at Markshall Estate www.markshall.org.uk • 01376 563796 • Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1TG

Shane Finlayson 16 • Nicola Matthews 20 • Maldon 22 CULTURE 16 SEPTEMBER, CHARTER HALL Russell Kane will be bringing to town his gutpunch funny, searing, award-winning take on the two years we’ve just gone through. Hailed as the The Guardian's number one comedy performance to come out of 2020, this high-octane show brings nuclear-energy belly laughs and pant-wetting observations, which prove laughter really is the best medicine. colchester-events.co.uk/event/russell-kane RUSSELL KANE 15ABSOLUTELY magazines

By day, Shane worked as an assistant manager of a gym in a hotel and by night he unleashed his energy in local Essex clubs. “I adored Justin Timberlake and Usher; they were huge inﬂuences. Suddenly I found myself being scouted to dance in Ibiza, so I did a season working with [DJ] Judge Jules and for [nightlife entrepreneur] Wayne Lineker.”

Raunchily performing in nationwide clubs and sell out tours is the stu of dreams for the 33-year-old who always dreamed of a career in dance. “I grew up loving music and dance,” he says. “I loved Michael Jackson and I used to go clubbing and wanted to be like Channing Tatum from Step Up or Justin Timberlake. “I wanted to be a dancer when I was young, but I grew up on a council estate and this was not an easy career path. I remember visiting a college to look at courses, but I was told I needed to do tap and ballet – to start from scratch. Knowing what I know now I wish I had done it. I got lucky. Dreamboys isn’t easy to come by.”

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Shane returned to his gym job, but left after six months to pursue topless modelling and stripping on the weekends, after he was introduced to it by Katie Price’s ex-husband Kieran Hayler. “I was ﬁtting bathrooms by day and stripping at night. I was spotted by a Dreamboys agent who put me forward for the theatre tour show, which involved 130 shows a year – so I did that full-time.”

Shane Finlayson is no stranger to hard work. The Essex-based model and self-taught dancer has been oiling his sixpack to perform as a Dreamboy for seven years. Without a traditional background in performing arts or dance, Shane believed that hard graft would pay o . “After a 10-minute audition in London, I was given a chance,” he recounts. “I went through six weeks of rehearsing, seven days a week. The first year I really struggled – if you muck it up you can ruin the whole show. The boys in the show have worked with the likes of Kylie Minogue, Rita Ora and performed with the original cast of Thriller. I used to come in early and take extra time to get it right. Three years later everything clicked into place. “It's crazy awesome,” he adds with a grin. “When you first go on stage that first 30 seconds is such an adrenaline rush when the music kicks in and the lights come on. But it can be scary sometimes. We’ve had drunk women mobbing the stage and had to be escorted o stage – waiting 30 minutes before leaving the changing rooms!”

LI LIVING THE DREAM

From ﬁtness trainer to joining all male stripping troupe Dreamboys, Essex’s Shane Finlayson explains why acting is the ultimate ambition NATALIE

After school, Shane studied bricklaying, carpentry and plumbing for two years at college – a career he decided was not for him. “I just didn’t like it,” he shrugs, “and, at the time, I was into my ﬁtness and basketball so I got a normal job working night shifts in TK Maxx and paid to return to college to complete my Level 1 and 2 in ﬁtness so I could work in gyms.”

ABSOLUTELY magazines 17 “We've had drunk women mobbing the stage and had to be escorted o ”

CULTURE • INTERVIEW 18 ABSOLUTELY magazines

“The relationship [ultimately] didn’t work. She was living up north and doing well on Coronation Street and I wanted to be down south. We thought we’d give it a go, but it lasted two months. I am a real family person, so it was di cult being away from them.”

THE BOATYARD

Shane is ﬁrmly settled with his now girlfriend Shannen in Leigh-on-Sea, where most of his family live. “We’ve just celebrated our ﬁrst-year anniversary,” he grins. “I never thought I'd settle down and be with someone, but I want to get married and have a family. I can see this with Shannen. She knows my family well and she supports me in everything I do, so we’re building foundations.”

Our interviewee’s top Leigh-on-Sea spots

The Broadway My girlfriend and I get up around 6am and wander down to the beach. We aim to complete about 10,000 to 12,000 steps a day. Magic Monkey, Leigh-on-Sea We love going here for dinner and drinks. Boatyard, Leigh-on-Sea This is such a great spot by the estuary for lunch.

WITH GIRLFRIEND SHANNEN

The Dreamboys tour is various dates, see more at dreamboys.co.uk/tour OFFERS UP TOP SEAFOOD FindsFinlayson’s

LEIGH-ON-SEA IS HOME MAGIC MONKEY'S FOOD IS A WINNER

HE LOVES LIVING BY THE WATER AT LEIGH-ON-SEA

Seven years on and Shane, a part-time model for brands such as I Saw It First, Ann Summers and Lark Weddings, is ready to move into acting. He recently dipped his toe into various projects including a short Irish film, Belfast the Divide, which won Best Director at the DAFTAs. In 2020 he played Tad in Love Island: The Mobile Drama, an immersive, real-time, 25-day fictional version of Love Island for mobile. “I grabbed these opportunities during lockdown,” he says. Shane also appeared in Celebs Go Dating: The Mansion, E4’s hit dating show. Single for six years before he signed up, he admits he still wasn’t convinced he was ready for romance. “Holding down a relationship has been tough with the job I do. I stayed single because I saw a lot of dramas the boys went through. Partners are not always comfortable with topless dancing.” But Shane found romance with Coronation Street star Kimberly HartSimpson. “Celebs was great fun, I wasn’t sure at first, but my grandad told me to go for it. I wasn’t expecting to find Kim.

As for his career, Shane is seeking his next acting role. “I’m chatting to directors and producers, getting my contacts together in the acting business. The dream would be to star in a British gangster ﬂick. I am a fan of Tom Hardy, Vinnie Jones, and Jason Statham. The ultimate dream would be to work with Guy Ritchie. My mum would love to see me in the soaps,” he laughs.

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DEDHAM IS A FAVOURITENICOLA LOVES AUTUMN IN EPPING FOREST Get to know… NICOLA MATTHEWS AUTHOR FROM KIRBY-LE-SOKEN

Q How would you describe the book?

A I live on the Walton backwaters. It is such a haunting place, especially when a mist rolls over the water. It’s a perfect place to get the imagination going. I have known the facts of Kitty’s life for many years, it is a local folk story. We moved here nine years ago, so the backwaters became my regular stomping ground. It was the thought that Kitty walked and worked these lands 300 years before me. The landscape would have changed, of course, but the essential nature of it would remain; the tide washing over the mudﬂats and receding to reveal a landscape of silver muds, ﬁelds where seagulls squark after the harvest and the vast open skies. It was this sense of shared experience of the landscape that inspired me to write Kitty’s story.

A It is interesting that you ask this question, because it is something I have wrestled with. It is inevitably historical fiction, taking place in the first half of the 18th century. But in many ways that is happenstance. Kitty’s story is a very human story. She is a woman who finds herself torn by family relationships, by the constraints of the age and by her own inadequacies. It starts on a day in harvest, when Kitty is beginning to see that the life she has always lived and loved is beginning to change. It has been said that it is a story of coming of age, it certainly starts that way. Soon the loves, tragedies and inevitabilities of life mark her steps. The expectations of the

Q What inspired you to write a book based on Kitty Canham?

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A I have lots of fond memories of laughter amid the craziness of weekly rep. We put on ABSOLUTELY magazines 21 Epping Forest has to remain a favourite place even though I don’t get there often. Wivenhoe is a gem, it is a place of artists and writers and you can’t beat a drink on the quiet quay on the Colne. It is my second home. And, of course, my own backwaters, there is no place like it. Oops that is four.

Q How long have you lived in Kirby-leSoken and what do you love about it?

Q Can you pick out your three favourite places in the area, or further aﬁeld in Essex?

“It is a story of a woman's life and indomitableherspirit”

seven plays in eight weeks. It was bonkers. But sometimes actors who had no time to over-think came up with something brilliant. With the wisdom and understanding I have gained over the years, I feel I would have made a much better job of it.

Q You are also a sculptor too – how does that ﬁt in with your writing?

CULTURE • PROFILE age and her desires rarely coalesce, but her ﬁghting spirit takes her to unexpected places which lead her far from home. I suppose it is a story of a woman’s life, the di culties women have faced through the ages and the indomitable spirit of one such woman.

Q You ran Frinton Summer Theatre for 20 years with your husband Seymour. How do you look back on that time?

MARKSHALL ESTATE

A The sculptures I worked on for my finals at University were all about story. They were rather tortured heads with images of people scribed into them. It was a reflection of all of our lives and the imprint others leave upon us. Also, the creative process flows across disciplines. To me it is about solving problems. You do something and see where it takes you, then you find a need to alter direction, so you step back and think again, sometimes unravelling, sometimes adding, and sometimes introducing other unexpected elements. It is a fascinating process and common to all the artistic disciplines.

QUIET TIMES AT FRINTON BEACH

A Dedham has to be one of my favourite places. The stour and its history make for a magic place. The Tudor Rose tea room in the village is a favourite place by itself.

A I would always recommend Epping Forest for an autumnal walk. The autumn planting at Markshall, Coggleshall is fabulous and the woodland is always lovely. But you can’t beat a walk on Frinton beach when all the summer visitors have made their way home. Nicola Matthews is the author of Kitty Canham (Hall House Press, £8.99, eBook: £2.99), available now from Amazon. Find out more at nicolamwrites.com

Q Are there any Essex outdoor spots you love as we head into autumn?

A We returned to the area ten years ago. It is a beautiful area. I love the backwaters, the beach, the proximity to Colchester and all the local communities, so close in distance yet distinct in nature.

Why we love… MALDON

Unsurprisingly, the sea plays a key role in the past and present of Maldon – but there’s plenty more catering to all tastes

ST MARY'S CHURCH AND THAMES BARGE

Just 40 miles from Central London, and you are in a di erent world, where the red sails of traditional wooden sailing barges peep through the morning mist, Vikings and Saxons once fought to the death on a narrow island causeway, and orderly rows of vines produce some of England’s finest winemaking grapes. Welcome to the Maldon District – it’s Essex, but not as you know it. A short hop from the capital by road or rail and you could be exploring 75 miles of coastline, including unique, unspoilt saltmarshes beloved of film directors; enjoying the plentiful local food, wine and ales; or exploring the ancient and recent history that makes this maritime district so special. The Maldon District features two estuaries, the Crouch and the Blackwater, and its population grew around its ports – the Domesday book recorded significant populations in Maldon, Burnham-on-Crouch, Tollesbury, Goldhanger and Bradwell-on-Sea, where fishing and merchant trade built small, resilient communities. The sea is still in people’s blood out here – the district has the country’s largest collection of seaworthy Thames Sailing Barges, moored up along Maldon’s Hythe Quay or picking up passengers for a sail around the islands. Meanwhile, yachts gather at Fambridge Yacht Haven, ferry craft head out to see the seals or cross to Wallasea Island, and houseboats line the sea wall at Burnhamon-Crouch. The District’s most famous exports also come from the sea – both Maldon Oysters and the famously large crystals of Maldon Salt originate in the waters of the Blackwater estuary. For those who love walking, the Saltmarsh Coast Trail stretches the whole length of the Maldon District’s coastline and beyond, starting at the

OSEA LEISURE BEACH HUTS, HEYBRIDGE WISEMANPAULAPHOTO: WISEMANPAULAPHOTO:

22 ABSOLUTELY magazines SALT OF THE EARTH

Along the way it takes in the best of what the district has to o er but don’t worry, and now a wedding venue, with incredible views from the roof; the Blue Boar, a 14th century coaching inn with a cobbled courtyard; and a short walk along the river, Beeleigh Abbey, a 12th century former monastery with elegant gardens open to the public and a beautiful weir nearby. Around the coast, Bradwell-on-Sea has a wild beauty even in the depths of

MCGAHANTOMPHOTO: ESSEXAERIALPHOTO: ELLUMJACKPHOTO:

STATUE PROMENADEMALDONBYRHTNOTHOF PARK you don’t have to walk; roads, trains and buses also link the points together. Maldon town has something for everyone. Promenade Park is a great family day out, with the Splash Park, beach huts, adventure golf, play equipment, tennis courts, sandpits, crabbing and model boating lake and petanque on site, and the picturesque Hythe Quay just outside. Stop for a selfie at the statue of Byrhtnoth, the Saxon hero whose sense of fair play inadvertently cost him the Battle of Maldon in 991 when he allowed the Vikings to start crossing the low-tide causeway to Northey Island. The battle is marked in the stained-glass windows of nearby St Mary’s Church – the Saxon “Fisherman’s Church” that used to double as a lighthouse, with a fire on top of its tower to guide ships home. The streets of Maldon are alive with history. Don’t miss the 600-year-old Moot Hall that has been a prison, courthouse hamlet of Salcott-cum-Virley and ending at South Woodham Ferrers. The first stop is the marshland village of Tollesbury with its back-in-time seawater lido, marina and quaint wooden sail lofts, set on stilts to beat the spring tides. The saltmarshes here, unchanged for millennia, are a film-maker favourite – The Essex Serpent, Great Expectations, Liar, The Mercy and The Woman in Black have all made use of this stretch of coastline. The 75-mile Saltmarsh Coast Trail hugs the coastline past the 600-acre RSPB nature reserve at Tollesbury Wick and along the sea wall to Heybridge Basin, through Maldon, and right around the coast to Burnham-on-Crouch, before heading up the Crouch Estuary past acres of vineyards.

CLAYHILL VINEYARD TOLLESBURY

ABSOLUTELY magazines 23 “The saltmarshes at Tollesbury are a ﬁlm-makerfavourite” CULTURE • AREA FOCUS

24 ABSOLUTELY magazines THE LOCK TEAROOM, HEYBRIDGE BASIN STOW MARIES GREAT WAR AERODROME War military airfield with hangers full of vintage aircraft and occasional flying days. For your holiday base you can choose from yurts or Thames Sailing Barges, accessible chain hotels or quaint inns. Tea rooms abound – try The Loft in Tollesbury, in an historic sail loft, Vintage Rose in Maldon with its fabulous cakes or The Lock at Heybridge Basin, part of the Tiptree Tea Room group from jam company Wilkin & Sons. For a great pub lunch or evening meal try The Bell at Woodham Walter, the Oyster Shack in Burnham-on-Crouch or the Ferry Boat Inn at North Fambridge. In Maldon, Cafe Brazil has exciting Brazilian street food and Dante’s o ers gourmet tasting menus, while in Burnham you could enjoy Asian food at Ruam Thai or a platter of seafood at The Ship Inn to finish your day. For sea and sky, history and culture, local food and home-grown wine, head to the wilder side of Essex To discover more about Maldon head to visitmaldondistrict.co.uk, and for the latest news on where to stay and events, head to visitessex.com winter, with a cockleshell beach and the rugged Saxon chapel of St Peter-on-theWall, a pilgrimage site for nearly 1,400 years, on the shore. It feels like the ends of the earth, and it’s worth the e ort. Two big family attractions complete the tour. Mangapps Railway Museum in Burnham-on-Crouch o ers the chance to ride in a classic carriage pulled by a steam or vintage diesel engine and explore the history of the local railways. While just up the road, the internationally important Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome is an incredibly well preserved First World “For sea and sky, history and culture, head to the wilder side of Essex” CULTURE • AREA FOCUS MANGAPPS RAILWAY RIVER CROUCH AT BURNHAM-ON-CROUCHESSEXAERIALPHOTO:PHOTO:CHRISVOISEY DISTRICTMALDONVISITPHOTO:

1 The Old Iron Works, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4LE Telephone: 01621 841300 sales@wickham-flooring www.wickham-flooring.co.uk.co.uk Local Flooring SpecialistContactus or visit the showroom for a huge selection of carpets and flooring Specialist Amtico One Supplier 133mm in height x 190mm_133mm in height x 190mm 23/06/2021 15:56 Page 1

Golf for ladies is thankfully on the increase. I often hear people say that golf is boring – on the contrary, it is not only great fun, but is great for your ﬁtness, reduces stress, releases endorphins, and burns up calories, all while you’re having a great time with your friends. Fancying a game, we took a trip to Abridge Golf Club, in Romford, and joined their ladies for a friendly competition. Abridge is one of the most beautiful private courses in Essex with a superb 18-hole, par 72 Championship Golf Course, ﬁrst designed by Henry Cotton. Facilities at Abridge include a 300-yard driving range, 18 putting green, chipping area and practice bunker, making it the perfect club to enjoy a game of golf. Justin Webb, the club manager who greeted us, would love to invite the ladies of Essex to Abridge for a free lesson to see what A

ABSOLUTELY magazines 27 CULTURE • SPORT

ABRIDGE

“Abridge features a superb 18hole, par ﬁrstChampionship72GolfCourse,designedbyHenryCotton” Abridge Golf

to all, as one

person SHOT

I couldn’t recommend the course and club more. It has all the facilities you need and is perfect for beginners intrigued by the game, and the more experienced amongst you who want to work on your handicap. So why not pop down for a free lesson or just to catch up with your friends over a very good lunch – you never know, you might just get hooked. GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Epping Lane, Stapleford Tawney, Romford, RM4 1ST, 01708 688396 abridgegolf.com MANAGER JUSTIN WEBB Club is welcoming of Absolutely’s out in

By TANIA TOOHEY it is all about and just give it a go (they are also o ering Academy lessons too). We played Texas Scramble in groups of four. This takes the best of the four shots, making it more of a team game. The weather was cooler than it has been recently, and the ladies were all lovely company, and after a good three and a half hours we were ready for the 19th hole and a well-deserved drink and lunch. We chose to have lunch in the new Clubhouse restaurant, where they have a good selection of wines and beers and an extensive menu with a special dish of the day. The other option is to enjoy a drink on the patio overlooking the 18th hole.

THE LADIES OF ABRIDGE GOLF INTO THE SWING OF IT CLUB

TAKE

writers ﬁnds

Nestled in the beautiful village of Stoke-by-Nayland, The Angel Inn makes for a perfect luxury getaway. The newly refurbished restaurant and gardens offer modern British dining, with a la carte and tasting menus available lunchtime and dinner. Join us for an experience.unforgettable Polstead Street, Stoke-by-Nayland, Suffolk CO6 4SA angelinnsuffolk.co.uk / info@angelinnsuffolk.co.uk

For a ﬁne dining treat, Greyfriars in Colchester o ers a range of yummy food, with Mersea Rock oysters available all year round, and Colchester Native oysters served from October to March. Or, if you head down to the Galvin Green Man, owned by the Michelin Star-winning Galvin brothers, you will ﬁnd a menu that consists of tasty, seasonally sourced dishes. Scrumptious strawberry jam is always on the afternoon tea menu at the Tiptree Tea Room in Sa ron Walden, with fresh strawberries harvested from the Tiptree fruit farm.

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DELICIOUS DRINKS Fruit is bountiful in rural Essex, and as grapes are harvested, you can sample the delectable sparkling wines on o er from the Sa ron Grange vineyard. Or if you head over to Crouch Ridge vineyard, you can make use of their large decking area and experience stunning views of the River Crouch. Relax while sipping on a glass of award-winning wine, made from cool climate grape varieties. If beer is more your ﬂavour, grains are harvested each autumn and Billericay

he seasons are changing, the Essex countryside will soon be dotted with orange and yellow hues as the leaves change colour, and farmers are out collecting their crops. Visit Essex, the county’s tourism body, provides an insider’s guide on the best places to enjoy the freshest food this autumn.

Where you can delight in harvest treats in Essex this autumn “Essex is known for its advantagelocalprowessagriculturalandeateriestakeofthis” OYSTERS ARE BIG AT THIS TIME OF YEAR CREAM CROPof the TIPTREE TEA ROOM

THE TASTE OF LOCAL ESSEX Essex is known for its agricultural prowess, and local eateries take advantage of fresh local produce at their disposal. Seaside shacks in Leigh-on-Sea o er fresh ﬁshermen’s catches and delicious cockles, while the Samphire Restaurant at the County Hotel in Chelmsford serves up delectable seasonal dishes with locally sourced ingredients.

on o er on Saturdays. Or enjoy a wide selection of spirits made from scratch in a nearly 200-year-old barn at the English Spirit Distillery in Great Yeldham.

ESSEX IS PERFECT FOR FORAGING provides two-hour brewery tours and tasting, which involve a full explanation of the brewing process and all ingredients involved. Or take a trip to Brentwood Brewing Company, where the tap room always has ﬁve di erent draught beers on the bar. For those who enjoy a crisp gin, East Coast Distillery, Walton-on-the-Naze, makes the most of Essex’s vast coastline by foraging local coastal botanicals to create their tasty gin. tours

COGGESHALL

are 30 ABSOLUTELY magazines

CROUCH

GO FORAGING The expansive Essex countryside is full of wonderful, natural bounty. While walking through the woodlands, you could pick up some fresh, tasty blackberries to take home and bake in a pie or eat along the way. Also, look out for nutritious beech nuts, rosehips, damsons and sloes, which are in abundance on the hedgerows, so why not try your hand at homemade gin. To discover more, go to visitessex.com/food-and-drink “All over Essex, farmers' markets showcase the very best local produce” MARKET RIDGE

Brewing

Free

SPRUCE UP YOUR MEALS WITH LOCAL PRODUCE Foodies love the seasonal produce on o er at the county’s growing number of farmers’ markets and farm shops. All over Essex, farmers’ markets showcase the very best of local produce, and this autumn, look out for freshly picked apples, pears, potatoes and purple sprouting broccoli. A great place to visit is Blackwells Farm Shop in Coggeshall, which o ers a range of traditionally grown seasonal fruit and vegetables, high-quality meat and cakes from their in-house bakers.

colchester-medical-aesthetics.com 15a High Street, Colchester, Essex CO1 1DA | info@colchester-medical-aesthetics.com | 01206 575155 | 077 3704 3608 OFFERPROMOTIONAL on EMsella Pelvic Floor Therapy and EM Sculpt body contouring Book in September and have a 50% discount oﬀ your treatment Colchester Medical Aesthetics Clinic offers a wide range of aesthetic treatments for face and body including: • Laser hair removal • Anti wrinkle injections • Dermal Fillers • Injectable Platelet Rich Fibrin(IPRF) • Medically led weight management • Radio frequency for laxity and cellulite treatment • Laser treatments • Aesthetic Gynaecology All treatments carried out using the very latest equipment and technology and much more Discover a Younger Looking You Enhance your skin and build collagen with Morpheus8 An offer exclusive to Absolutely Essex readers is a free prp treatment with your Morpheus8 treatment8 until end of September 2022

Blue Saffron Walden 34 • Jewellery 36 • The Shoot 38 FASHION ROSE TINT STELLA MCCARTNEY These Cut-Eye sunglasses in shiny milky pink with solid light rose lenses are made of sustainable bio-acetate with stylish gold rivet details. £260 stellamccartney.com ABSOLUTELY magazines 33

34 ABSOLUTELY magazines Looking at how fashion destination Atterley is casting a light on our local Essex boutiques FEELINGBLUE HAYLEY ATTRIDGE

tterley.com is a fashion destination celebrating and redeﬁning the boutique experience in one seamless platform, providing access to a community of 400+ independent retailers, shoppable online and in one place.

The customers and local area continually inspire Blue Boutique. “Community is so important to us and got us through the pandemic. We've grown it through hard work and determination and we want to make our customers feel special and loved. We've also done some great and honest social media videos! We like to be real and not intimidating on our socials, and we hope that shines through in what we do.” And community is what independents such as Blue and Atterley have in common. The fashion platform, beloved by inﬂuencers and industry insiders alike, puts supporting local communities at the forefront of everything they do.

Atterley works with independents to give customers access to new, known and niche labels curated by some of the world's most talented fashion buyers – such as Hayley.

ATTERLEY Discover Blue Boutique on atterley.com, who curate a thoughtful selection of labels and pieces with a passion for bringing customers the best in fashion

One of Atterley’s Boutique Partners is Blue, a womenswear boutique run by Hayley Attridge, located in the market town of Sa ron Walden. Hayley had no experience before diving into the world of retail, just a love of fashion and an eye for new and exciting labels.

findingprocesstheofup-and-cominglabelsandsourcingnewstyles” FASHION • PROFILE

French, European and Scandinavian brands like Mos Mosh, Shoe the Bear and Des Petit Hauts take centre stage at Blue, highlighting casually chic pieces suitable for everyday wear. Hayley loves nothing more than pairing customers with pieces that leave them looking and feeling great. “I adore the process of ﬁnding up-and-coming labels and sourcing new styles. I love the buying process,” says Hayley. “I often look at pieces and know exactly what my customers will like.”

ABSOLUTELY magazines 35

Hayley always had a deep love for fashion and dreamed of opening up her own boutique. In 2011, she ﬁnally bit the bullet and opened up shop. “I love discovering new brands and research a lot via fashion magazines, social media and discoveries via buyers, friends and whilst out shopping or on holiday,” states Hayley. “I always have in mind certain types and groups of women that I want to please when I am buying, so in a way, I am buying for them. There are some staple classics and designers that we stock and are timeless, like Devotion Twins, Philip Hog, 0039 Italy, Anna Beck Jewellery and Rosemunde, but then we adore discovering new and sustainable brands such as The Jacksons, Mishky, Woden, Compania Fantastica and the bestselling ranges from Black Colour Denmark and the Soya Concept range.”

“I adore

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Jewellery from the depths of the ocean

Double Gold Pearl Small Baroque Earrings, £1,000 jessiethomasjewellery.com

THE ALKEMISTRY Pearl & Bead Anklet, £395 thealkemistry.com

36 ABSOLUTELY magazines FASHION • JEWELLERY

JOSEPH-FASHION.COMZEEANDCO.CO.UK For autumn, JOSEPH – stocked at Zee & Co in Loughton – transitions into the cooler season with a truly versatile collection Seasonal change

Code expires 9th October 2022. Prices may vary, see website for current price. † Subject to age and status. *Subscription required. LIST PRICE £1,599 OUR PRICE£799 800IC INDOORCYCLE ABESSEX0922 Try Before You Buy Expert In-Store Advice Never Beaten on Price 0% Finance Available † DISCOVER OUR RANGE OF TREADMILLS, BIKES, CROSS TRAINERS, RACKS, WEIGHTS & BARBELLS Head to Fitness Superstore Chelmsford today to ﬁnd your favourite racer bike!

Essex Charity Walk 44 • Beauty Notes 47 • Products 49 HEALTH & BEAUTY SLEEPBEAUTY SLIP X ALICE + OLIVIA You’ll have the most luxurious sleep of your life thanks to this whimsical collaboration between Slip Silk and Alice + Olivia. Some of the beauty brand’s multi-award-winning products, including the eye mask, a hair wrap, scrunchies, and a pillowcase, have been decked out in the designer's Spring Paisley print, from £39. slipsilkpillowcase.co.uk 43ABSOLUTELY magazines

ABSOLUTELY magazines THISWALKWAY Want to get ﬁt and help raise money for a good cause? A unique trail linking the West Essex area awaits 44

ABSOLUTELY

The Forest Way, The Flitch Way, Harcamlow Way and the Sa ron Trail and leads you through some of the best walking in the area.

Accuro is a small charity supporting local children, young people and adults with disabilities in West Essex by providing services that are fun, safe and inclusive. These services reduce social isolation and empower members by providing accessible social and leisure opportunities that allow members to develop life skills, gain conﬁdence and self-esteem and make friends. For more information about the Accuro 50 Challenge, or to purchase the route guide, visit accuro.org.uk/50. The guide costs £8 and all proceeds go directly to Accuro. The Accuro 50 Route Guide is the comprehensive guide to the Accuro 50 and includes detailed route guidance with useful alternatives and professionally-drawn maps

During his speech about his experience walking the 50 Mile Accuro 50 Route across three days, Simon told the crowd: “This was quite a challenge, but it was a wonderful three days. I honestly believe with a bit of planning and training, almost anyone could do it. You get amazing views and get to see a lot of the beautiful countryside that you maybe don’t even know is on your own doorstep.”

Daniel Galati, Manager Director at Mullucks, added: “As supporters of Accuro, there was never any question we’d be involved in Accuro 50. It covers our patch, so we will be putting in a team to either walk it in relay, or some of our braver colleagues will be taking on the whole walk. A great challenge that will raise awareness of the services Accuro o er and raise all important funds.”

he Accuro 50 is a 50-mile, long distance walking route in West Essex conceived to link the whole region, from Loughton to Sa ron Walden, where Accuro runs services. The idea of the Accuro 50 is to raise the proﬁle of the charity, and encourage support through challenge sponsorship.

HEALTH & BEAUTY • PROFILE GREAT EASTON THAXTED'S WINDMILL EPPING FOREST 45

magazines across both Epping Forest and Hatﬁeld Forest; unspoilt villages and thriving small towns; a homage to the Countess of Warwick, Edwardian socialite and socialist; beside the tranquil River Chelmer from Tilty to Thaxted; and Audley End, one of England’s grandest stately homes Accuro (Care Services) celebrated a successful launch event for the ‘Accuro 50’ at Redchurch Brewery in Harlow. The evening kicked o with presentations from Matthew Punshon, Chair of Trustees, and Sue Fishpool, Fundraising Manager at Accuro, who talked through the challenge, the inspiration and ideas that bought the Accuro 50 to life and how supporters can get involved.

The route can be walked in either direction and in sections of any length of your choice. Highlights will include heading Talking after the event, Sue Fishpool says: “We’re delighted to launch the Accuro 50, a 50-mile, long distance walking route in West Essex conceived to link the whole region, from Loughton to Sa ron Walden, where Accuro runs services. The idea of the Accuro 50 is to raise the proﬁle of the charity, and encourage support through challenge sponsorship.”

The section on the Flitch Way is fully accessible to wheelchairs and buggies so everyone can take part in some way.

The Accuro 50 challenge walk largely follows the established long distance routes

Also speaking were Peter Aylmer of Trailman Publications, who put together and published the Accuro 50 Route Guide, and Accuro 50 challenger Simon Dewhurst, who was the ﬁrst to take on the Route in October 2021 as part of the planning process.

“You get to see a lot of knowyoucountrysidebeautifulthatmaybedon'tabout”

The latest in luxury makeup and

skincare HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

CHANEL Chanel’s newest nail collection includes six exclusive shades of polish, in a range of vibrant pastel shades. They are being launched alongside two new additions to Chanel’s nail-care product range, designed to nourish and fortify your nails, so you can make the most of these summer colours, from £25. chanel.com NARS Two of the brand’s most iconic shades, Orgasm and Laguna, have met in a moment of pure passion. This limited edition palette of the much-loved blush and bronzer duo has been launched just in time for summer, but with its irresistibly so and blendable application, you’ll still be glowing well a er the season ends, £37. narscosmetics.co.uk

Perfect Pairing With the rate that taketoolshigh-qualitychanges,technologybuyinghaircanreallyitstollon your wallet and on the environment. Sometimes a product may only be state-of-the-art for a matter of months before something newer and more exciting comes on the market. So for those wanting to keep up with the latest in styling, but also wanting to keep their budget, and environmental impact in mind, Cloud 9’s recently launched subscription service may be the perfect solution. For as little as £4.99 a month, you will have access to the brand’s award-winning styling tools, all you need to do is select the device that works best for you and pay a single annual fee. You can choose from Cloud 9’s core collection, which includes favourites such as the Touch Iron, Original Iron, Wide Iron, Airshot and Curling Wand. The device is shipped straight to your door and should a newer version ever catch your eye, you will be given the option to switch or upgrade after two years. You won’t need to feel guilty about wastage, either, because Cloud 9 will either recycle or refurbish the products that are returned at the end of their life. FACE HALO Leave face wipes ﬁrmly in your past, there’s a whole new way to cleanse. The new ‘Face Glow Skin Set’ by Face Halo will rejuvenate your skin in a few simple steps. It includes three tools; a makeup remover, a deep cleanser and an exfoliator, that work together to thoroughly cleanse and exfoliate your skin, £20. facehalo.com

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ABSOLUTELY magazines 49 HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND These products will have your skin looking summerholiday ready in no time BRONZEBOTTLE CHANEL Les Beiges Illuminating Oil, £70 chanel.com EDITOR’SPICK JAMES READ Click & Glow Gradual Tan Drops, £25 jamesreadtan.com BY TERRY Tea to Tan Face and Body Bronzer, £59 byterry.com OSKIA Adaptive Tan Mist, £57 oskiaskincare.com FENTY BEAUTY Body Lava Body Luminizer in Who Needs Clothes?!, £46 fentybeauty.com JAMES READ jamesreadtan.com NARS Laguna Bronzing Creme in Laguna 2, £32.50 narscosmetics.co.uk SKINNY TAN Wonder Serum Gradual Tanner, £24.99 skinnytan.co.uk DR. HAUSCHKA BronzingTranslucentTint, £20 drhauschka.co.uk

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THE ACROPOLIS OF RHODES Get Going Olympic Holidays have an awardwinning, dedicated island-hopping team to plan your trip

RHODES & HALKI A 7-night Island Hop package starts from £639pp* including return ﬂights with baggage, accommodation, all ferries and private car transfers between the ferry ports

Skopelos, known for its starring role in the ﬁlm Mamma Mia and its breath-taking scenery, is adored by artists, walkers and hikers. With a more laid-back atmosphere and beautiful architecture, Skopelos has over 100 tiny chapels that are dotted around Skopelos Town. Combine Skiathos and Skopelos for a holiday that reﬂects the contrasting characteristics of Greece. These pairings of island hops are just a taster of what is on o er when booking an island-hopping holiday.

HALKI HARBOUR

hen it comes to Greece and its islands, it can sometimes be di cult to decide where to spend well-deservedthat break. Although some islands might be similar in many aspects, there are also those that di er signiﬁcantly in terms of size, atmosphere, popularity, and scenery. Maybe it’s an action-packed itinerary with the wild nightlife you are after, or perhaps a quest for authenticity, hidden gems, and deserted beaches for a more relaxing retreat. Olympic Holidays can provide fantastic bespoke island-hopping itineraries that showcase the contrasting characteristics of the Greek islands. Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands. A luxurious, cosmopolitan feel engulfs the island while it still stays true to its fascinating history with a multitude of cultural attractions and a mesmerising UNESCO-protected Old Town. As one of the most popular Greek islands, there are plenty of great restaurants selling the freshest local and international cuisine and resorts with a buzzing nightlife. Halki promises a little more peace and relaxation and is where time really has stood still, a place to discover “authentic Greece” and where friendly locals welcome visitors like long-lost friends. With a few beaches and minimal transport, Halki is perfect for those looking for an insight into the Greek way of life. Rhodes and Halki make for the perfect pair on an islandhopping holiday, ideal for those wanting to experience two di erent sides of Greece.

*Terms and conditions apply

Skiathos boasts more than 50 sun-kissed sandy beaches which are among the best in Greece. The charming capital of Skiathos Town has chic nightlife, a lovely old town with charming shops in a maze of alleyways and a beautiful waterfront o ering an array of bars, boutiques, and restaurants.

Exploring Olympic Holidays islandhopping trips, from Rhodes to Halki, and Skiathos to Skopelos

SKOPELOS ISLAND

• olympicholidays.com

TRAVEL • PARTNERSHIP

THEDOUBLEFUN

• SKIATHOS & SKOPELOS A 7-night Island Hop package starts from £755pp* including return ﬂights with baggage, accommodation, all ferries and private car transfers between the ferry ports

ABSOLUTELY magazines 51

There are so many island combinations to choose from and Olympic Holidays can help create that perfect contrast; tailor-made to suit your needs.

IL Vino Our new tasting room is now open for private and corporate events. Carefully selected outstanding wines from around the world, paired with delicious meats & cheeses for a truly memorable experience. Give us a call to discuss your requirements. 28 Queens Road Buckhurst Hill  020 8504 8799

The White Hart Inn 54 • Recipes 58 • Wine Cellar 63 SAUSAGE & CIDER FEST, COLCHESTER The Sausage and Cider Fest, a one day food and drink event in Colchester, will take place at Lower Castle Park on Friday 16 September 2022. The Sausage and Cider Fest 2022 will feature over 30 different ciders, from traditional craft producers as well as from more well-known brands. Attendees can enjoy around 15 different types of sausages from food suppliers and street food stands. sausageandciderfest.co.uk BANGERPROPERDRINK&FOOD 53ABSOLUTELY magazines

54 ABSOLUTELY magazines

The White Hart Inn in Mersea Island has

re-opened completely transformed. We meet the man behind the reincarnation IngredientsFresh MERSEA OYSTERS - SMOKED, BLOODY MARY, ROCKAFELLA

A I really enjoy doing the bars because I think they set the tone. The bar at Church Street Tavern was brand new and people love it. And the bar at The White Hart Inn is brand new and I spent more on it than Church Street Tavern and it beneﬁts so much for it. I had an idea of what I wanted it to be like from a very early stage. Our ﬂoor is pretty cool too – a mix of tiles and herringbone oak.

After months of work and a £1m investment, The White Hart Inn in Mersea Island opened this andtasteful,transformedsummer,intoacontemporaryeye-catchingvenue minutes from the sea. It has been brought back to life by local hospitality leader, Piers Baker of Baker Hospitality, which also owns the award winning pub, restaurant and rooms The Sun Inn, Dedham and Church Street Tavern in Colchester. Absolutely spent some time with Piers to ﬁnd out what to expect with his latest venture.

Q What was it about The White Hart Inn that inspired you to take it over? A I was approached by a local businessman, who owned the freehold of The White Hart

A It wasn’t particularly challenging. In part because a lot of the outline plan had been done by the time I got involved and in part because of the quality of Stroods who oversaw the project. The most challenging aspect was the multitude of decisions needed to be made from paint colours, bathroom ﬁttings, tiling, cutlery, bar counter, kitchen kit…

A Thank you! The structure of the menu is the same – we have a casual element that works well for lunchtimes and passing trade. Then we have a regularly changing main menu of seasonal dishes using lots of local produce. Our service systems are the same and the drinks lists broadly the same, except for one or two curated cocktails. The feel of the building is unique, but hopefully people who know all will see a connection to our other sites.

Q How challenging was the renovation?

A I wanted the look and feel to be timeless, not trendy or faddy. Because the building was derelict and then rebuilt in part, it was tricky to get a feel for what it should be. But as each brick was put in place, it started to talk to me and I hope I have found a look and feel that respects the building and area. It’s not ﬁnished, we will continue to tweak it as we grow into it.

A It really is great. I always knew what I would get with Eliot as he has worked at The Sun Inn and Church Street Tavern on and o for the past seven years and has grown each and every year. He works extremely hard and sets a high standard for all to follow. He is fantastic at teaching new, inexperienced chefs all aspects of ingredients and kitchen

FOOD & DRINK • INTERVIEW PIERS BAKER SUTTON HOO CHICKEN, BABY VEGETABLES, BREAD PUDDING, CHICKEN SKIN MAYONNAISE

Q I am a huge fan of both The Sun Inn and Church Street Tavern, so are there similarities at The White Hart Inn to those two?

Q Before you started, what did you want to achieve with the look and feel?

Q Do you have a favourite element of the design?

55ABSOLUTELY magazines Inn, in October 2021. He was keen to work with Baker Hospitality on the basis of our reputation and because he liked our two existing sites and thought it would be a good ﬁt for Mersea. I could immediately see the opportunity the site o ered. The White Hart Inn had huge potential and ticked all the boxes we were looking for in a third site: a beautiful location close to the sea, a village feel on the high street opposite the church green, and a great island community.

Q How great is it to have Eliot Craven as your head chef?

Q Do you have a favourite dish right now?

ROMAINE INSIDE THE WHITE HART INN 56 ABSOLUTELY magazines

A It is close enough for me to get to easily so I can spread my time equally. All our main suppliers are close to it. And we are lucky to have a lot of Mersea people as customers as our two other sites. And it’s beautiful driving over the Strood each day – lifts the soul!

A Like our other sites, I don’t really try to think of any one type of person. Pubs and restaurants are for all and I would want all to enjoy them year round. We’re doing what we love and hope those that visit from wherever and whenever will enjoy it too.

A I used the feedback we get at The Sun Inn as a steer and also what I like in a hotel room. Massive, super comfortable beds. And equally large, powerful showers with large basins. I found a story for each room

A I love the Smoke Eel dish with Kombu Custard and dashi broth. It is simple, but the ﬂavours are complex, textures really interesting and is something I would order on anyone’s menu because it is di erent.

Q Why is Mersea Island the perfect location?

“We will have lots of oysters, raw and plain, so you can order as many as you want” (its name) and then sought colours, fabrics and furniture I thought helped tell that story.

for two to share. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are naturally within our menu rather than after thoughts. The menu will change every six to eight weeks with minor changes in between. It will continue to evolve, be exciting and delicious!

Q Do you see yourself as somewhere for tourists or locals, or both?

And try to over-deliver in every area of them.

FOOD & DRINK • INTERVIEW T-BONE STEAK HAKE,

Q What’s next?

A We have a few tweaks here and there to make at The White Hart, but generally I will be working hard to enhance our training and development of our teams ensuring they have everything they need to give our guests the best possible experience when they visit. There are tough times ahead in terms of cost pressures and I want to make sure our business is equipped to deal with it. Then who knows! whitehartinnmersea.co.uk best practices. He brings along front of house with him. His menus are exciting and embrace the spirit of the sort of food I believe in – fresh, seasonal and delicious. What can we expect from the food o ering at The White Hart Inn? A Lots of oysters! We will always have on raw and plain so you can order as many you want. But we will also feature them in dishes. Currently on as a starter three di erent ways – smoked, with Rockafella gratin and with Bloody Mary. They come from Richard Haward each day, only half a mile down the beach from us. There are two other daily ﬁsh dishes as well as three steaks: skirt, ribeye and a 900g T-Bone BROCCOLI, TURNIP, GNOCCHI

ANCHOVY,

Q How did you approach the accommodation?

The perfect place for Bottomless Brunch/Lunch or an unforgettable evening meal Grand runk oad, High oad, South oodford ondon B el 0 0 0 6 Mob 0 6 www.gtrrestaurant.co.uk mail manager gtrrestaurant.co.uk resh from winning Dining xperience of the ear at the ondon urry wards 0 , South oodford s Grand runk oad have expanded their beautiful range with a new three-course Brunch menu, designed to celebrate their ethos of fresh ingredients, prepared with ancient cooking techniques. Kickstart your Bottomless Brunch/Lunch with a chilled glass of Prosecco, Aperol Spritz or their very own Twisted Bloody Mary Available on Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays from 12pm - 2:30pm and priced at £29.50pp (£47.00 for Bottomless option - 90 minute cap). “A trip down the Grand Trunk Road is well worth the journey’’ - London Evening Standard M D G D S A timeless, gastronomic journey of delicate flavours from Kabul to Kolkata

Spice GIRL Recipes and stories celebrating authentic Sri Lankan cooking Words CYNTHIA SHANMUGALINGAM 58 ABSOLUTELY magazines

Coconut dal with kale Serves 4 In war or other times of national crisis, dal is rationed out by the Sri Lankan government as one of life’s essentials. Cooked with lemongrass and, if you can get it, pandan leaf (which adds a warm, vanilla ﬂavour) as well as coconut milk, turmeric, curry leaves, garlic and lime, this dal is distinctively light and restorative, and is worlds away from its Indian counterparts like black dal makhani made with cream, or tarka dal made with butter. There is no other dal quite like it, and I encourage you to try adding roasted squash or pumpkin or roasted sweet potato. This one is one of the ways my mum would cook it when she was too short on time to make a separate kale curry. She’d simply stir the leaves in very close to the end of cooking so they retained their bright green ﬂavour and nutrients.

• 1–2 green chillies, sliced • 1 garlic clove, peeled and sliced • 7 or 8 fresh curry leaves METHOD

2 In a bowl, whisk the eggs together with the salt and turmeric until frothy. Set aside.

6 Pour the whole temper, oil included, onto the cooked dal. Squeeze lime over it and sprinkle over the chilli ﬂakes, if using, just before serving, and black pepper.

4 Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan, wait 30 seconds for the oil to get hot, and then pour in the eggs. Keep cooking over a medium heat and use a spatula to pull the edges in as they set, tilting the pan to spread the uncooked egg around. Continue this motion of pulling the edges in and tilting all around the pan, until the omelette is almost set, which will take around 2–3 minutes.

5 In a small frying pan, make the temper. Heat the oil over a mediumhigh heat (careful, it will splutter a little). When hot, add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally for 3–5 minutes until it starts to turn golden brown. Add the curry leaves, mustard seeds and cumin seeds and cook for a couple of minutes until the curry leaves are bright green. Be careful not to burn the spices!

•

5 Fold in half and serve, dusting generously with peppercumin and a little extra salt.

• A pinch of cumin seeds • A pinch of black peppercorns • 3 large organic or free-range eggs • 1 tsp salt, or to taste, plus more to serve • ¾ tsp ground turmeric • 2 tbsp coconut or vegetable oil • ½ red onion, peeled and finely sliced (or a nice alternative is 2–3 spring onions, chopped into 2cm pieces)

1 For the pepper-cumin salt, toast the cumin seeds and peppercorns in a small dry frying pan over a medium heat for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Transfer to a bowl to cool, then blitz in a spice grinder or mini food processor until ﬁne, and keep aside for later.

This is a favourite breakfast dish; one my mum cooks when she’s taking orders for breakfast at the weekends from her grandson, Thierry, who may be only six but knows what’s up. You can have it on its own with something fresh like a little dill, lime and watercress salad, perhaps with some so white bread, too. It’s very easy and quick: just so ened onions, a little garlic, curry leaves, turmeric and green chillies. Don’t skimp on seasoning, with plenty of salt, black pepper and cumin – an amazing mix called milagai seeraham in Tamil.

INGREDIENTS

59 FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES ABSOLUTELY magazines

3 Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a frying pan around 20–25cm wide over a medium heat. Add the onion (or spring onions), green chillies, garlic and curry leaves. Allow to cook, stirring occasionally, for 4–5 minutes, so that the onion softens; don’t allow it to crisp, and don’t cook past the point that the chillies and curry leaves are still bright green.

3 Drain o about 80 per cent of the liquid. You don’t want it to be too wet and soupy because you’re adding coconut milk.

4 Stir in coconut milk and kale and allow to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until the kale is bright green. Take out a little kale to try; it shouldn’t taste raw, but should be soft with a ﬁrm bite. Remove from the heat and transfer to your serving bowl.

•

INGREDIENTS For the dal • 300g red split lentils or toor lentils 3 garlic cloves, peeled and halved lengthways • 1 lemongrass stalk, bruised • 1½ tsp salt, or to taste • ½ tsp SL curry powder Optional: 4cm piece of pandan leaf • 1 tsp ground turmeric • 100ml coconut milk • 3–4 small handfuls of kale (approx. 200g) ½ lime • Optional: 1 tsp chilli ﬂakes For the temper • 1 tbsp coconut or vegetable oil 1 small red onion, peeled and ﬁnely sliced 10 fresh curry leaves ½ tsp mustard seeds ½ tsp cumin seeds METHOD Pour the lentils into a saucepan and rinse loosely under the tap then drain well. Cover the lentils with water until they’re submerged by about 5cm. Add the garlic, lemongrass, salt, SL curry powder and pandan leaf, if using. Bring to a boil over a medium-high heat. Skim o any scum and turn the heat down, so the lentils are simmering. Add the turmeric and simmer for 12–15 minutes until the SriturmericLankanomelette Serves 1-2 lentils are tender. There’s no need to stir here, you can basically forget about them except to check they’re not bubbling too vigorously.

Ravana cake Serves 10-12 60 ABSOLUTELY magazines

• 125g

3 Brew the co ee and pour it into a large jug. Allow to cool for a minute or two, then stir in the 125g coconut oil and let it melt. Then mix in the kithul jaggery syrup. Slowly pour the coconut co ee into the well you made in the ﬂour mixture and whisk together until everything is combined.

4 Add the lightly beaten eggs a little at a time, whisking until it’s all used up and you have a thin batter.

8 When the cakes have cooled completely, carefully turn them out of their tins and peel o the paper.

7 While the cakes are cooking, make the icing. Beat the coconut butter until softened and then whisk in half the icing sugar. When smooth, add the rest of the icing sugar and whisk again, until all the sugar is combined and it’s nice and thick and smooth. Add a little more icing sugar if it’s too loose or a little more coconut butter if it’s too thick for your liking.

• 500g icing sugar • 250g fresh strawberries, green tops removed, halved • 150g coconut ﬂakes

5 Divide the batter between the two cake tins. Although this feels weird, drop the tin a couple of times onto your kitchen counter from a height of about 30cm. It forces the air in the mixture to come to the surface.

I love chocolate devil’s food cake and for a Sri Lankan chocolate cake, I didn’t just want a devil like any other. I wanted the King. Ruler of Ancient Lanka, the demon-king Ravana wasn’t just a garden variety devil with a red trident and fire, hopping from foot to foot like he needed the toilet. Ravana was the kind of hot demon your husband is stressing out about you meeting for lunch. He did have ten heads which is a little freaky I’ll concede – but he was also a magnificent musician, a warrior, a scholar and, by the rhapsodical account of ancient Tamil poet Kamban, a very good-looking guy with a lot of cool statement jewellery. Ravana wrote: Eating beef causes to infect ninety-eight new diseases to human beings’ and if this bit of 2000 BC veganism wasn’t ahead of its time, I don’t know what was. King Ravana was a lover and a fighter, most famous for kidnapping the beautiful married Princess Sita (under the pretext of asking her for lunch) and keeping her in Sri Lanka trying to persuade her to cheat on her husband. And

Extract taken from Rambutan by Cynthia Shanmugalingam, £26, Bloomsbury

METHOD

1 Preheat your oven to 180C/ fan 160C/Gas mark 4. Grease two 20cm sandwich tins with coconut oil and line the bottoms with greaseproof paper.

2 Put the ﬂour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder and bicarbonate into a large bowl and whisk to combine and add air to the dry ingredients. Make a well in the middle.

FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

9 To assemble, spread just less than a quarter of the coconut icing on top of one of the cakes. Cover in fresh strawberry halves. Place the other cake on top and spread with a layer of icing then cover the sides as well. Coat with coconut flakes. so this recipe is an imagining of a devil’s food cake with Ravana’s kind of irresistible sexiness, the kind designed to tempt the most loyal of wives. Strawberries for passion, chocolate for hotness, coffee for the late night musician and coconut for an island boy environmentalist with a love of plants. the cakes coconut oil, plus extra for greasing • 250g plain flour • 225g caster sugar • 50g cocoa powder • 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp baking powder • 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda • 350ml freshly brewed strong co ee • 2 tsp kithul jaggery syrup (or maple syrup if you can’t find it)

INGREDIENTS For

• 2 large organic or free-range eggs, lightly beaten For the icing and filling • 250g coconut butter or coconut ‘bliss’

6 Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean. Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack still in their tins.

Channels, Pratts Farm Lane East, Little Waltham, Chelmsford CM3 3PT (Entrance by the Park & Ride) View menus, events & book online at: channelsestate.co.uk The ultimate summer destination bar and restaurant in Chelmsford Telephone: 01245 440 005

LAST OF THE SUMMER WINE

63ABSOLUTELY magazines FOOD & DRINK WINE

A wonderful blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier with a splash of Chardonnay, Pino Gris and Bacchus. Crisp and clean with a light minerality that sings English strawberries and raspberries. Good acidity with zesty grapefruit nuances and hints of peach, cranberry and mulled spice. folc Rosé 2021, Kent, England  £20 100% Aglianico. An intense and crystal-clear rosé, with delicate floral overtones layered with wild strawberry and raspberry notes. Crisp and refreshing, with nuances of cherry and wild red fruits surrounding an uplifting finish. Feudi di San Gregorio, ‘Visione’ Irpinia Rosato 2021, Italy  £20 100% Cabernet-Franc. The fruit-driven nose is full of cassis and raspberry notes, while on the palate there are ripe red fruit flavours, which are held together by a light and fresh acidity, supple texture and soft, rounded tannins. CabernetLanglois-Chateau,Saumur Rosé 2019, France  £14

ll Vino is the premier independent wine merchant in West Essex, oﬀering a selection of outstanding wines, champagnes, and cognacs and cigars from around the world. Il Vino is now oﬀering customers private and corporate wine tasting events at their shop in Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill. ilvino.co.uk

WINE CELLAR news

writes about why we should be enjoying

he waning days of summer are always bitter-sweet (although we may be sweltering in an Indian Summer by the time you’re reading this!).

The founder of Il Vino rosé

Having left behind fast-paced City jobs at the age of 30, Elisha Rai and Tom Cannon founded folc just three years ago in 2019 and they have already won a hatful of awards including Gold at the 2021 Independent English Wine Awards and one of the only two medals for still English rosé at the International Wine & Spirits Competition, along with two further silver medals from WineGB and the International Wine Challenge competitions. In 2022, they have also been awarded three further medals at the Harpers Wine & Spirits competition, including the prestigious "Star of Kent" award, and are now the highest scoring still English rosé in the country.

For me, this is the wine of the summer for 2022 and will always bring back some great memories whilst waiting for next summer to come around.

By TONY LONG Tony Long’s three picks for September

as the seasons change

Memories of holidays, BBQs on the beach and garden parties late into the night are still fresh, and rosés are often the wines that recall those halcyon days well after the weather has become cold and dark. Rosé has often struggled to get serious recognition from the wine community and, even then, it’s usually only the topend Provence rosés that receive any real critical acclaim. However, most people would argue (myself included) that rosé isn’t there to be taken too seriously and with such a wide variety of styles, it’s simply a matter of ﬁnding ones you like and gettingon with having a good time. And it’s certainly not just the prerogative of the South of France to make these delicious, easy drinking summer wines. Across Europe, rosé wines are made in a variety of styles and are every bit as enjoyable. From the Loire Valley in France to Campania in Southern Italy, di erent grape varietals are showing just how wonderful rosé wines can be, but one country that may not come to mind so quickly is England. However, a combination of more favourable climate conditions and growing expertise has meant that English wines are excelling in all departments, and nowhere is this demonstrated better than at the recently established folc winery in Kent.

GRAPE

Forest is a large, vibrant independent school for more than 1,450 boys and girls aged 4-18yrs, o ering outstanding academic progress and personal development. Forest bene ts from a tremendous location: surrounded by ancient forest but situated within a wonderfully diverse part of North-East London with 30 acres of grounds. Forest - Where People Grow 0208 520 1744 | E17 3PY | www.forest.org.uk | admissions@forest.org.uk Open Day Saturday, 17 September 2022 8.30am - 1.00pm

WOODFORD GREEN PREP SCHOOL Woodford Green is a co-educational prep school of more than 380 pupils from 3 to 11 years offering a superb route to equip children with the skills and knowledge they will draw on throughout their lives. Discover more on page 69. wgprep.co.uk CLIMBERSHIGH In sectionthis BACK TO SCHOOL p66 TALKING HEAD p69 SPORT IN SCHOOLS p73 SPEECH & LANGUAGE p78 NEWS & VIEWS p83 TUTORING p89 SPECIAL ABSOLUTELY magazines 65

The ﬁrst day of a new academic year means di erent things to parents all across the county – but are not alone

you

MEMORY TEST By SUE LAIDLAW 66 ABSOLUTELY magazines

My youngest daughter finally graduated this week (it was delayed one year due to the pandemic), but this graduation proved to be a significant milestone. Our little girl properly launched into the real adult world. Reflecting on this moment, I realised, with a degree of surprise that, as parents, we have had a full stretch of over 80 terms of school years non-stop. As young parents, people always said to us, and no doubt have said to you, too “enjoy the moment – it will go in a flash”. We accepted the comment, but perhaps didn’t really believe as we carried on wrangling our tired and squabbling children or wiping yet another runny nose. Realistically it is obviously di cult to enjoy every single moment. The moments when you say to each other that one day we will look back and laugh at this, but actually this really has proved to be true. On Tuesday, I ran the film of the last 26 years through my mind as each graduate walked across the impressive stage. I saw our first daughter standing at the front door, school bag in hand, ready to go to big school; I saw again the moments when our children constantly surprised us – the solo singing that we didn’t know about until the Carol Service; the day that one of them mentioned that she had told the Ofsted lady what she thought of her school (I hope it was complimentary); the little 10-year-old who was always running around like a headless chicken and then we saw her standing on the start line at the borough sports day in the middle of the pitch in Twickenham Stadium. It’s not just about successes, there are plenty of big learning curves, nights pondering and worrying that starred in my memory film too!

But now, with the wisdom of hindsight, I feel able to reassure the many parents that we speak to each week at Laidlaw Education. However di cult, joyful, successful, stressful things may seem at the time, they really do work out. Loving parents find a way. It is rather like looking out of an aeroplane window over the patchwork of fields that we see coming into Gatwick. Everything meshes together and, oh what a ride it is! Reflecting this week, I have felt a little melancholy –how lovely it would be to do it all again.

So, at the start of another academic year, I, too, will whisper in your ear, whatever stage of education your child might have reached – starting Nursery, o to Senior School, Sixth Form or stepping in to University life – fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the ride. Even the bits that are di cult, worrying or where you simply don’t know what to do for the best, when you look back, you will see a bigger picture – and you probably wouldn’t want to change too much, after all. Have a wonderful new term, combine the work and the play – and enjoy all the small and precious moments that you will share with your children.

Sue Laidlaw is founder of Laidlaw Education LLP, and her team o er educational advice, lessons and courses for children of all ages through their centres, including Laidlaw Hall supporting children with special needs, and the Laidlaw Virtual Academy. Book courses and ﬁnd out more by calling 020 8487 9517 or visit laidlaweducation.co.uk di cult things may seem, they really do work out”

EDUCATION • FEATURE “However

September is here again! A new academic year, and new changes of class, of school and even of family routine. There is excitement, apprehension and that feeling of another new start. New academic years have been like punctuation marks throughout my life – school days, university days, teaching days, days on the school run and teaching days again – and so it all keeps turning. Throughout the past decades, I have written countless articles about the return to school in September. There have been articles about new starts, settling your children into their new routine, embracing new opportunities, letting them go and so much more – but this year is di erent. For this new academic year, it’s time to write as a parent who has probably felt every emotion that every parent reading this will have felt or will feel in the future. This time, it’s time to share my reﬂections.

ABSOLUTELY magazines 67

The best start in life for your child The Avenue, Boreham, Chelmsford, CM3 3HS newhallschool.co.uk | 01245 236 192 | admissions@newhallschool.co.uk New Hall School Open Morning: Saturday 24 September A Catholic independent ‘diamond model’ boarding and day school for girls and boys aged 1-18 Sixth Form Open Evening: Tuesday 11 October

Q What do you love most about your job?

A We are a thriving co-educational prep school of more than 380 pupils from 3 to Woodford Green Prep School Headmaster, Jonathan Wadge, on a WWII lucky escape, 11+ success and being known as The Red School

11 years o ering a superb route to equip our children with the skills and knowledge they will draw on throughout their lives. We successfully prepare pupils to go on to a range of outstanding schools at 11+, including City of London, St Paul’s, Bancroft’s, Chigwell and Forest, as well as a range of grammar schools and others further aﬁeld. Our provision is such that each week an amazing 200 individual music lessons take place, plus a wide range of sports ﬁxtures and educational visits. Everything we do is geared towards giving children opportunities for personal development. Their personalities and collaborative problem-solving skills will be key in their futures.

Q Do you like the fact it is known locally as The Red School? What’s the story behind the distinctive uniforms?

Q Could you o er us a potted history of Woodford Green Prep School?

A Yes, absolutely. Our red blazers go back to the founding days of our school. Recently we have welcomed several Old Reds (alumni) back to visit us. Having attended in the 1940s, they distinctly remember the red blazers and the symbolism of putting on the blazer to be ambassadors for our school values. This rings equally true today.

A I love the creativity of the children’s ideas and the curiosity that motivates them. There is a great team e ort

EDUCATION • TALKING HEAD

JONATHAN WADGE

A This year marks 90 years since our school was founded by Miss Norah Read. Initially established as a co-educational school of approximately six pupils, it soon grew quickly, enjoying the premium reputation that continues to this day. The school relocated in 1935 from where Hawkey Hall now stands to its current site nearby, where it has remained to this day. It was lucky that we did relocate, as the original site was bombed during WWII. Today, what does the school o er?

69ABSOLUTELY magazines Colourful JOURNEY

Q What curriculum do you follow at Woodford Green Prep?

ABSOLUTELY magazines70

A Our curriculum is bespoke to the needs of the children. We adapt quickly to the ever-changing world around them. The curriculum is broad and exciting, with technology and outdoor activities being key. However, as exciting as our curriculum might be, it is the pastoral care and careful nurturing that are the foundation for happy and successful learning.

A As the lessons are so varied, it is impossible to label anything as typical. One minute I might walk in on a class researching on their laptops, the next I might see children going round the school on a specially designed treasure trail. What is seen in all classrooms is the children being inspired to take on new challenges that take them out of their comfort zone, yet are brilliantly rewarding.

from our whole school community and so any opportunity to celebrate their hard work and success is a privilege.

A We were able to put on a range of special events during the Covid lockdowns, but to see the full range of curriculum events and educational visits return has been very satisfying. In particular, some of our whole school events such as our special Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration were memorable occasions. “Pastoral care and careful nurturing are the foundation for happy learning”

Q What are you looking forward to ahead of the new academic year?

Q Can you describe a typical classroom scene?

EDUCATION • TALKING HEAD

A The ﬁrst day of term is always so special, with new faces joining us and seeing everyone moving up into their new classes. Whilst schools are full of planned activities and carefully tracked learning, they are essentially about people; so seeing all our pupils, parents and sta together again brings a smile to my face every time

For more about Woodford Green Prep’s Open Day on Saturday 24 September, 10am-12 noon, call 020 8504 5045 or visit wgprep.co.uk

Q What were the highlights of the last school year?

WOODFORD GREEN PREP

St. Aubyn’s School For further information please contact the Admissions Registrar registrar@staubyns.com02085041577 Bunces WoodfordLaneGreenEssexIG89DU www.staubyns.com bravely fortiter faithfully ﬁdeliter happily feliciter centralagesindependentco-educational3-13lineWoodford Registered Charity No: 270143

7+ ENTRANCE EXAM & ApplicationsSCHOLARSHIPnowopen For further information and to request an application form please email registrar@ahsprep.co.uk AH.indd 1 22/10/2021 16:18 Tel: 0208 504 5045 Email: admissions@wgprep.co.ukwww.wgprep.co.uk Nurture Curiosity Creativity Excellence Join us at our next Open Event 24th September 2022 10am - 12 noon Register interest via - www.wgprep.co.uk Independent Co-educational Day School For 3 - 11 YearsAssisted Places Available from 7+ see our website for further details Independent Co-educational Day School For 3 - 11 Years Come and meet our sta and pupils, and experience this ‘powerhouse with a heart’ for pupils aged 4-18 0208 520 1744 | E17 3PY www.forest.org.uk | admissions@forest.org.uk Open Day Saturday, 17 September 2022 8.30am - 1.00pm Forest - Where People Grow

n the foreword to the 2014 Ofsted report

‘Going the extra mile: Excellence in competitive school sport’, the then Chief Inspector of Schools Sir Michael Wilshaw namechecked Alan Wilkinson, PE teacher to a keen would-be footballer called Mo Farah. Wilshaw noted that it was Wilkinson who steered the Olympic legend away from the beautiful game based on a hunch that the lad would go much further on the running track.

The tendency still when we talk about school sport is to think of the classic team games – rugby, hockey, netball, cricket, and so on. While these remain core, the menu of sports opportunities in independent schools is far richer and broader, and ultimately feeds into success at national and international events. Sports directors recognise that not everyone is a natural for mainstream team

Independent schools go way beyond the classic team sports, to bring on the champions, and also help every pupil ﬁnd their sporting spirit

No one can have any doubt of the positive inﬂuence that a steer in the right direction has on potential elite sportsmen and sportswomen, but the Ofsted report was highlighting the broad opportunities independent schools o er, how this impacts whole-school culture as well as sporting success – and also considering how all schools might improve sporting achievement.

Fantastic GAMES ABSOLUTELY magazines 73 EDUCATION • FEATURE By LIBBY NORMAN BRIGHTON COLLEGE STUDENTS PLAY BEACH VOLLEYBALL ON SUSSEX'S MOST FAMOUS SEAFRONT

club in Years 5 and 6 – provided they can swim well in deep water – and it’s become a really popular sport, with six friendlies against local opponents each year. When they get to senior school, there’s the opportunity to compete in all age groups within the Schools League and the English Schools Swimming Association national event. Teams are coached by former international competitors and have been on overseas tours. As it happens, Team GB remains one of the most successful competitors in Olympic Water Polo historically, but the last time we carried home gold was 1920, so there’s plenty for young people to play for.

Medals apart, this is why the rich diet of sports and the quest for excellence in many competitive arenas is a positive thing. After all, most young people hang up their rugby boots and hockey stick when they leave school. But a spot of sailing or beach volleyball on holiday or a round of golf or clay pigeon shooting at the weekend is there to be enjoyed for many years to come

Merchiston has a great tradition in another Scottish sporting invention, with a highly regarded Golf Academy that enables talented players to pursue their sport without compromising on their education. The school approach is broad – it has a winning reputation in many individual and team sports – and with a clear focus on bringing on all the talents. It is fortunate in its facilities and location, so sailing (at a club on the Firth of Forth) and shooting on its own range and within the grounds are both popular. These are two sports in which Team GB has an excellent track record at international events.

74 ABSOLUTELY magazines EDUCATION • FEATURE

Like Brighton College, Dulwich also has form in fencing. Recently, it celebrated the achievements of Old Alleynian Oliver Lam-Watson, who was part of the silver and bronze-medal winning GB wheelchair fencing teams at the Tokyo Paralympics. Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh honoured a win in the Olympic arena even more recently. Merchistonians Hammy McMillan and Grant Hardie won silver for curling at the Beijing Winter Olympics. Notably, the women’s curling team led by Eve Muirhead (alumna of the independent Morrison’s Academy in Crie ) brought home gold. These were the only two medals for the nation from Beijing, and so all the more likely to generate interest and enthusiasm for the sport of curling among young people over the next few years.

FENCING AT BRIGHTON COLLEGE

WATER POLO IS A DULWICH COLLEGE STRENGTH MERCHISTON OFFERS A RICH CHOICE OF SPORTS, INCLUDING SHOOTING games, and it could be the individual tests and endurance challenges – or the less usual team sports – that ignite a student's enthusiasm. A drive for excellence is really important here, but so too the fun factor. For instance, Brighton College makes full use of its beach access by hosting the annual Independent School Beach Volleyball Competition. O season, the school hones team skills in its double-height sports hall, but once the summer comes, students head down to Sussex’s most famous seafront for proper play. Dulwich College may not be on the waterfront, but its students also love water polo. Boys are introduced to it as a lunchtime

“Brighton College hones team skills in its sports hall, but once the sun comes out, students head down to the seafront”

“A splendid school, catering for bright children and those who will seize opportunities.” Good Schools Guide High Road, Woodford Green, IG8 0RF | 020 8505 4821 | www.bancrofts.org AUTUMN OPEN EVENTS FOR ENTRY 2023: 16+ Thursday 29 September 5.30pm to 7.30pm 7+ Saturday 8 October 10.00am to 12 noon 11+ Saturday 12 November 9.30am to 1.00pm Please book on https://www.bancrofts.org/admissions/open-days/

EDUCATION • EXAMS

RESITS ARE AN OPTION Students have the option to retake exams if they don’t meet their grade requirements, and many schools and colleges allow you to retake GCSEs alongside A-levels. Maths and English retakes are compulsory if your child hasn’t achieved a pass (grade 4). Students can ask their destination college if they can continue studying these subjects with their A-levels to avoid delaying sixth form life. Although a specific date hasn’t been announced yet, there will be an opportunity to sit an exam in the autumn or the summer of 2022. Your child will have other education obligations at this time, so it’s a good idea to only retake the most important exams – this should not be a vanity exercise. Private resits are also an option, but you’ll need to arrange these on behalf of your child and then encourage out-of-school GCSE revision. We estimate 5-10 hours of tutoring would be enough to help a student get over the pass mark if they were on the cusp of achieving a grade 4, so you may need to sacrifice other commitments to fit this in.

toenvelopeanopennotdoeschildyour“If world”theofendthenotit's9s,gradestraight

If you feel that your child has received unfair grading, there is the option to appeal. It may be worth providing the college/ sixth form with examples of work where your child has achieved higher grades, to demonstrate their ability to achieve on their desired course. We have previously done this on behalf of a student who was on the borderline of a grade 4, enabling them to resit their exams in November while at college.

At the time of writing, GCSE results day is here once again, so here is some advice on what you can do if your child doesn’t quite get the results they/you had expected.

DON’T STRESS! This year students will receive a Teacher Assessed Grade which will be based on assessments and mock exams taken throughout the year. Although this grade is determined by teacher judgement, every e ort has been made to ensure that this is a true reﬂection of your child’s ability, with further moderations taking place with exam boards. If your child does not open an envelope to straight grade 9s, it's important to consider that this is not the end of the world. This year GCSE results are imminent... but what to do if your child doesn't get the grades?

NUMBERS

By JOSH BLACKBURN GAME is like no other, students have been under added pressure from missing lessons, a lack of peer interaction and loss of extra teaching support. Most important is their mental wellbeing and that they’ve got what they need to move to the next stage of their academic lives.

LOOKING AT THE EVIDENCE

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT There are programmes and extra teaching support available to children who haven’t passed core subjects or who have missed out on lessons this year. If you ask the school, your child could receive extra support via one of the government’s pandemic programmes, which could help support them with retakes in autumn. Ultimately, it’s about getting over the line and moving onwards and upwards.

ABSOLUTELY magazines 77 TLC LIVE Josh Blackburn is education specialist at online tutoring ﬁrm TLC Live. tlclive.com

78 ABSOLUTELY magazines

There’s now some evidence to support the idea that this has led to an increase in speech and language issues. “I CAN undertook some research last year, published in a report called

Speech therapist Amy Loxley, a Lead Speech & Language Advisor for the children’s communication charity I CAN, believes lockdown deprived children of many of the usual routes for developing communication. “Even that requirement to stay close to home and have limited contact with others has deprived children of a range of social experiences,” she says. “This is the range of experiences you have in early life where you’re exposed to new words.”

We ﬁnd

Parents often wonder if their child’s development is on track, but one of the most problematic areas is speech and language. out about sources of support

Children do, of course, develop at di erent paces. But on top of existing concerns about the impact of screen use in early years, now we have nearly two years of intermittent lockdowns to contend with. This is raising concerns among experts as well as parents about speech, language and communication skills – especially for our youngest learners.

There isn’t a parent on the planet who doesn’t worry at some point if their child is on track. Milestones are monitored and alarm bells ring when other children appear to have key skills your child is struggling with.

Speech DELAY

A FIRST PRACTICAL STEP FOR PARENTS CONCERNED ABOUT SPEECH DELAY CAN BE TO TRY SOME SIMPLE TECHNIQUES AT

For more guidance and support about speech, language and communication, visit I CAN’s talking point for parents at ican.org.uk

EDUCATION • COMMUNICATION

“Parents don’t always have to read all the words in the book. They can even just talk about the pictures and about what the child is interested in,” says Amy. “Relate things in the book back to their experiences – it’s all about drawing those connections for your child.”

WARNING SIGNS One of the big questions for parents is: do I need to seek help? While no-one wants a label on their child, the fundamental building blocks need to be in place. “Language skills underly all skills, so even when children learn to read and write, that’s based on them understanding and using spoken language,” says Amy. I CAN runs a free phone advice service where parents can talk to a speech and language therapist. Typically, parents ring for advice because they have noticed that their child uses less words or simpler words and sentences than their peers. It could be that a child’s speech sounds jumbled or muddled up, so that it’s hard to understand. Less commonly, parents may recognise their child is having trouble understanding what is said to them – often this isn’t spotted so early. It might be trouble following an instruction, for instance, or a teacher reporting that the child doesn’t listen in class or isn’t getting work done when asked. The issue here can become complicated by how adults view this failure to do what’s asked. “Sometimes that’s interpreted as something else – people think it’s a behaviour problem, when it’s actually the child not understanding language.”

‘Speaking up for the COVID generation’. We found in that research that there are 1.5m children in the UK who are at risk of not being able to speak and understand language at an age-appropriate level,” says Amy. Certainly, referrals for communication di culties have increased – noted by both the Department for Education and speech therapists. I CAN develops intervention programmes used in mainstream schools, as well as running two specialist schools for children with complex language di culties. A lot of their work with mainstream schools centres on Developmental Language Delay (DLD). This is a condition unconnected with any other conditions that can cause lifelong issues speaking and understanding others. “It a ects 7.6% of children, so is actually quite common,” says Amy. The other key group that I CAN works with is children who have language di culties due to environmental factors – in other words, the setting they are in. This group is much larger in areas of disadvantage. “One in ten children across the UK has a di culty with speech and language, but that can rise to one in four in areas of disadvantage,” says Amy.

GETTING SUPPORT If parents are worried and believe they may need expert support, the team at I CAN can explain the steps for getting a speech therapy referral via the NHS or privately. Usually, the ﬁrst recommended step is approaches to try at home. They include going a bit slower when you are talking and making comments rather than asking questions – a technique to open up dialogue without putting undue pressure on a child. “Children do pick up on that feeling when parents are particularly anxious or worried and are trying to get them to do something,” adds Amy.

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Although lockdown hasn’t helped any of our children, the good news is that parents can make a real di erence to build both speech and understanding. Chatting and playing are vital, says Amy, and also a really good way to spot potential issues. Taking time and choosing the right language level are vital, which means choosing simple, age-appropriate words and keeping things light and open. “It’s about talking with children rather than talking to them – you’re trying to get them into a back-and-forth interaction,” says Amy. As to screen time, expert guidance suggests that the less children have in early years the better. TV (or other devices) is never a substitute for the learning provided by good old-fashioned play and interaction. That said, children love screen time, and so watching an age-appropriate programme with your child and discussing what’s going on with them is a way to make this an active experience that builds communication skills. The other great route that helps children get into speaking and understanding language is books, using the same sharing approach.

NOW RANKED 22nd BEST PREP SCHOOL by The Sunday Times Up seven places from last years rankings Open Day 16th September 2022

rentwood Preparatory School’s dreamthatkindprovidesdevelopmentmulti-millionaward-winning,poundnotonlythePrepwiththeoflearningspacesmostschoolscanonlyof,italsoopensupa world of opportunities for its young pupils. The planned growth of the Middleton Hall Lane Prep School enables Brentwood to o er a breadth and depth of academic courses and co-curricular programmes that few schools in the country can match, while maintaining that small school feel. Headmaster Jason Whiskerd explains: “However large or small a school is, it is really important that every child feels that they are known and that they are valued. We listen to what the children tell us about their experiences at school and respond accordingly. We have expanded our Pastoral team, with an additional Pastoral Mentor; we’ve also introduced Heads of Year, which allows more scope for year teams to get to know their pupils.” Following three years of growth, Brentwood Preparatory School has reached its sweet spot, achieving the optimum balance between pupil numbers and outstanding facilities. “The growth of the Prep School was well planned and enables Brentwood to o er a breadth and depth of academic courses and cocurricular programmes that few schools in the country can match,” Mr Whiskerd continues. “This growth has been supported by an expansion of our facilities (most obviously the new Prep buildings, but also in our future plans for the site) and sta ng, to ensure that class sizes remain small and that we continue to o er individual and personalised care and provision. “We’ve also added two new Houses so that more pupils than ever before have opportunities to [take part] in our

EDUCATION • FOCUS

brentwoodschool.co.uk HEAD JASON WHISKERD LESSONS ARE FORWARD-THINKING ABSOLUTELY magazines 81 BRENTWOOD PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Growing GAINS

Brentwood School: small school feel, big school opportunities vibrant House programme. Our cocurricular programme now o ers even more opportunities to the children and we are extremely proud that every child has had the opportunity to represent the school in the major sports. Our academic enrichment programme now takes place within the timetable so that every child has access to a rich and varied programme. This was not the case before we expanded the roll and I know that the children are the main beneficiaries of this approach. “And finally,” Mr Whiskerd concludes, “whilst we have grown as a school, we have also reduced the pupil to sta ratio quite significantly over time. This really has helped in maintaining that personal and individualised experience.”

YourStartsJourneyHere 01787 474040 admissions@gosfieldschool.org.uk www.gosfieldschool.org.uk Open Mornings: Saturday 1st October 2022 and Saturday 18th March 2023 A CO-EDUCATIONAL INDEPENDENT THROUGH SCHOOL PRIVATE TOURS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

MAKING THE GRADE Bancro ’s congratulates its 2022 leavers on achieving an excellent set of A-level results. In common with schools up and down the country, Bancro ’s saw the number of top grades return closer to pre-pandemic levels with a superb 45.1% of A-levels being awarded an A* and 93% A* to B grades. Almost a quarter of the year group achieved three or more A*s with a super talented nine gaining four A*s each. The pupils’ pre-result nerves, o en fuelled by scare stories about this year’s results, were soon replaced by obvious joy at achieving the grades necessary for their post-school destinations. The vast majority of the year group have secured their places at their ﬁrst-choice university and will

83ABSOLUTELY magazines EDUCATION • NEWS

Futurebrightis Sixth Form students at New Hall School in Chelmsford are celebrating ‘stellar’ A-level results. A record 54% of grades were at A*/A, with a further record set with a quarter of all grades at the highest level of A*. Once again New Hall announced a 100% success rate overall in 396 A-levels sat. The Head Girl & Boy have secured places at Cambridge and Oxford, with the Deputy Head Girl & Boy achieving their first choice offers from Oxford and Durham respectively. Principal, Katherine Jeffrey, says: “We are extremely proud of all our students’ successes. We are delighted to hear that so many of our students have secured places at their first choice universities, including competitive Russell Group university courses in subjects such as Law, Engineering and Medicine. The university and apprenticeship places that New Hall students have gained reflect the holistic education that the school offers, from Humanities to Languages.” newhallschool.co.uk

The latest from schools across Essex, including exam success stories

NEWS

EDUCATION be heading to the likes of University College London, Durham, Exeter, Manchester, Edinburgh, Warwick, Nottingham and York. Particular congratulations to the seven Bancro ’s students who have successfully achieved their Oxbridge places and to the 15 who are off to read Medicine. bancro s.org Built performto At Gosfield School you will find a community of happy pupils and dedicated staff. Their aim is to ensure that all the young people not only fulfil their academic potential, but develop into wellrounded, confident and caring individuals. Pupils range in age from 2 to 18, all of them growing at their own pace, enjoying the beautiful surroundings and excellent facilities. As well as superb parkland and sports fields, pupils benefit from wellequipped classrooms in the lovely Georgian Manor which houses the Senior School or the purpose built Prep School and Nursery. Work is currently being finished on the Sixth Form Centre and the building of a new Performing Arts centre, featuring a 320-seat theatre. gosfieldschool.org.uk

At Colchester Prep & High School, we are creating the change-makers of the future. Combining a forward-thinking STEAM-based curriculum with a global perspective and a deep sense of social responsibility, our teachers embed a love of learning in every child whilst nurturing inquisitive minds who will shape tomorrow’s world. • Open Morning - Saturday 1 October 10am - 1pm • Year 7 Taster Day - Wednesday 12 October • Year 5 Creative and Performing Arts Event - Saturday 15 October 9.30am - 11.30am A co-educational independent school for ages 2 to 16

ABSOLUTELY magazines 85 or satisfy their thirst for knowledge. In the busy worlds of adulthood and parenthood, it can be di cult to ﬁnd time to attend in-person classes. Learning online in your own home solves this problem by removing the commute and making sure all the materials you need can be accessed at the click of a mouse.

NO MORE SNOW DAYS

As we saw during the national lockdowns, E-learning can save countless hours of lost schooling. External factors that once may have prevented children from attending lessons such as snow or ﬂooding are now a thing of the past. E-learning means no one ever has to miss out on their education due to factors outside of their control.

With Swish Fibre you can get lightningfast Full Fibre broadband directly to your home, no matter how many devices are connected. So you can be learning online while others in your home are watching TV or gaming – you'll still be able to work and learn without disruption or delay.

Visit SwishFibre.com to ﬁnd out moreE-learning – it's a phrase that few of us had even heard of a couple of years ago. But since a global pandemic forced schools and universities to move online, E-learning has become a mainstay of education for people all over the world. Like most sudden changes in education, E-learning has been met with some scepticism. But rest assured, as the world continues to change, learning online is here to stay. Rather than trying to deny it, we should be embracing it as a tool which makes education easier to achieve for many people. Here’s why.

EMBRACING E-LEARNING

Sitting in the classroom isn’t the only way

IT PREPARES YOUNG PEOPLE FOR REMOTE WORKING Just as children have always been taught how to dress for job interviews and behave in an o ce environment, they now need to be coached on how to act in a remote working environment. Zoom meetings may be new, unfamiliar territory for those already in the work force, but for people who’ve grown up with E-learning, the challenge of meeting and working with people through a camera is a familiar one.

Of course, E-learning isn’t completely infallible. To learn online you need a fast, reliable broadband connection – one that won’t cut out during a class discussion on Zoom or bu er during a streamed lecture.

IT REMOVES BOUNDARIESGEOGRAPHICALANY Found the perfect course, but it’s only taught at an institution hundreds of miles away? This is no longer a problem with E-learning. By moving online education has become accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live. This isn’t solely an issue of convenience either. People from developing countries can now access education online that wasn’t previously available to them. All they need is a laptop and an internet connection.

IT FITS AROUND YOUR LIFE Remember, E-learning isn’t just for school children. Plenty of adults have turned to online classes to earn qualiﬁcations

to improve yourself... EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

“When you visit Coopersale Hall, you will see that our children are happy and conﬁdent. They care about each other and have an excellent global awareness. We have an outstanding team of sta who are passionate about the learning and wellbeing of the children in our care and work together to bring out the best in them.” coopersalehallschool.co.uk

The new senior department will continue the school’s high standard of education, with small class sizes that enable more personalised learning. New facilities are currently being built, including several senior classrooms, a senior library, Science Lab, Art/DT Studio, ICT Suite, o ces and support rooms. Matthew Hagger, Group Managing Principal, says: “There has been huge demand for a senior department at Coopersale Hall for a number of years not only within our own community, but also in the local area. I am delighted that we will ﬁnally be able to respond to this demand. We’re certainly in for a busy 18 months ahead!”

“We value the close working relationships we foster with our parents to ensure that our pupils become capable, caring, responsible and enthusiastic young people who have the opportunity to make a positive di erence to the world.

GROWING GAINS

andothereachaboutcarechildren“Our awareness”globalexcellentanhave

oopersale Hall School in Epping has independentCurrentlyforexcitingunveiledrecentlysomeplansthefuture.an prep school for children up to age 11, from September 2023 the school will be welcoming its ﬁrst Year 7 pupils as it starts the journey of becoming the third ‘all through’ school in the Oak-Tree Group. There will be a phased introduction of senior pupils over several years, with the aim of having a full senior department up to Year 11 from September 2027. We take a closer look at how Coopersale Hall School is preparing to mould even more of the next generation

EDUCATION • FOCUS

ABSOLUTELY magazines 87

Moreen Barnard, Head of Coopersale Hall School, says: “I feel very privileged to be the Headmistress of Coopersale Hall. Our excellent resources, highly committed sta and extensive grounds enable the pupils not only to achieve, but also to develop their talents and skills in the academic subjects, sports or creative arts.

• Independent Co-Ed Day School in Old Harlow for pupils aged 2 to 16 • Academic excellence combined with great pastoral care • Small class sizes 2 1 01279 429910 • www.saintnicholasschool.net SAINT NICHOLAS Nurture. Strive. Achieve. Saint Nicholas School

Some children are fully booked with tutor sessions from Reception onwards, while others might sign up for a few sessions preGCSE. There are countless reasons why we might consider a tutor for our children, but for us a ﬂexible approach appealed to my reluctant Year 8 daughter. She was prepared to engage with a few one-to-one sessions to help with speciﬁc areas, but she wasn’t keen on committing to a regular schedule. Some parents would, of course, say that these decisions should lie with adults; for me, I’m not sure. I don’t want to put my daughter under pressure, but nor do I want her to feel totally at sea in her maths lessons. Like countless dyslexic children, the support she receives at her (inner With online tutoring options growing fast, Absolutely co-opts a student keen to get some help to road test Cognita’s new teaching platform

Online tutoring existed pre-pandemic as a lesser option, but now it’s the obvious choice and makes in-person sessions seem like a hassle. Why travel somewhere when

“Each tutor is a qualiﬁed teacher, a subject immersedwho’sspecialistfullyinthecurriculum” TEST

London state) school is patchy, and she struggles with most subjects to varying degrees. It’s been this way since primary stage, and now, in the years leading to GCSE, we agree that it’s time to take action.

TUTOR

you can study from your own bedroom? Online feels more like regular homework and less like an extra activity, while for tutors who might have spent the day teaching at school, an online session in the evening is a far simpler prospect than traveling to a pupil’s house. Cognita is the UK’s largest independent schools group and its online tutoring o ering spans Year 3 to GCSE. Each tutor is a qualiﬁed teacher, a subject specialist who’s fully immersed in the curriculum. The process is simple: pick a subject and a year group on the website and a list of potential tutors appears, with photographs of smiling, approachable-looking faces and an informal ‘get to know me’ biography. It’s an accessible approach that fully recognises the personal nature of the pupil/tutor relationship. It also works

ONLINE TUTORING AT HOME CAN BE FITTED IN LIKE REGULAR HOMEWORK By PENDLE HARTE ABSOLUTELY magazines 89 EDUCATION • TUTORING

“She came prepared with a list of speciﬁc questions directly related to her lessons in school, and the session served as a thorough catch up”

OFFERS Ongoing support as well as specific catch-up or revision AGES Year 3 to GCSE COST £55 per hour, including unlimited access to the digital learning platform. First session free SUBJECTS Maths, English, science, 11+ preparation PROGRESS Feedback a er every session and a mini parents' evening at the end of a block of six sessions cognitatutoring.com well in presenting tutors as relaxed and personable, which is especially relevant for a reluctant child who perceives many teachers at school as "strict" or "shouty". We booked four sessions: two English and two maths/science. An informative welcome pack arrived instantly, along with a preliminary form with some background questions about my daughter and her aims. Already familiar with Microsoft Teams, L entered her first session easily and was quickly put at ease. Her tutor introduced herself to both of us, and told us about the school she taught at (highlighting its excellent exam results – perhaps more for my benefit). She asked us about our aims for the sessions and whether we had specific goals. Our aims were nonspecific; L wanted to catch up and gain confidence in class. She said that she’d been enjoying poetry and so a single session based around one of Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes ensued. After 45 minutes I was called back and given clear feedback from the session by the tutor. All sessions are recorded, so children can go back through bits they’re unclear about, and parents can examine the whole thing if they like. L was left with some clear tasks and pointers to consider before the next session. This meant she came prepared with a list of specific questions directly related to her lessons in school, and the session served as a thorough catch up on issues that had ba ed her in Macbeth. L reported feeling comfortable and not "stupid" as she sometimes does when putting her hand up in class.

Similarly, the combined maths/science sessions were able to focus on speciﬁcs. Ratios had caused L much distress in class, but she emerged with a vastly improved understanding and attitude –less fear. Children often develop blocks about subjects and refuse to engage, and it’s situations like this where a tutor can provide a new viewpoint and a fresh start. Cognita’s commitment is clear. Signing up for weekly sessions gives children unlimited access to a digital learning platform, and they’re able to contact the tutor via chat between sessions. Homework is targeted and manageable. Communication is impressive, and tutors were ﬂexible when we needed to move the timing of a session. We’re not in the market for a weekly commitment right now, but we’ll be dipping in and out of tutoring as needed. For this, our verdict is that Cognita is perfect.

TutoringCognita EDUCATION • TUTORING 90 ABSOLUTELY magazines

Space to thrive Independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 2–18. Nursery open all year round We seriouslyhappinesstake Senior and Sixth Form Open Day Saturday 17 September 2022 Friday Snapshot Senior -30 September 2022 Senior - 7 October 2022 Senior - 4 November 2022 Sport Information Evening Wednesday 28 September 2022 Sixth Form Information Evening Wednesday 5 October 2022 Year 7 Transition Quiz Friday 7 October 2022 Creative & Performing Arts Info Evening Wednesday 12 October 2022 stjos.co.uk To register please visit stjos.co.uk or email admissions@stjos.co.uk

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INTERIORS Interior News 94 • Real Home 96 • Trend 101 OFF WALLTHE CURIOUSA & CURIOUSA Curiousa & Curiousa have added new designs to their Siren wall light range, layering colourful hand-blown glass with luxury UK vintage chinaware. Based on a selection of vintage pieces that work beautifully with their hand-blown glass, each combination is truly unique. curiousa.co.uk 93ABSOLUTELY magazines

This stylish Trestle Table (£599) has a central, pedestal base made with spindle rods, giving the table a tactile edge and adding a sense of light. The Motion dining chairs are sleek, with a streamlined metal frame and a curved back rest that's shapely and supportive; the back rest and seat are upholstered in corduroy velvet for a tactile ﬁnish. Set of 2, £199. johnlewis.com

JOHN LEWIS HOME

UDALL Rebecca Udall has collaborated with textile designer and illustrator Isla Simpson to create a limited-edition collection of bed linen. Italian woven cotton sheets feature ruﬄe borders and ribbon-tie closures to add a touch of the whimsical. rebeccaudall.com SHEET

TABLEMUSIC TALK

94 ABSOLUTELY magazines NOTES INTERIORS Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

95ABSOLUTELY magazines MINI MODERNS Mini Moderns have created their fi rst ever range of towels, each design created with a strong narrative based on personal memories, their passion for mid-century design, and popular culture. minimoderns.com STORY TIME Carafes TAKEFIVE MIMMO STUDIOS Recycled Glass Carafe, £22 mimmostudios.com DIPTYQUE Designed to cleanse, degrease and descale, this versatile solution delivers a thorough clean while enveloping your space with the French Maison’s delicate perfume. Combining effectiveness with a respect for nature, it’s housed in a refillable glass bottle. £32 libertylondon.com CURIOUSA Curiousa & Curiousa have added new designs to their Siren wall light range, layering colourful hand-blown glass with luxury UK vintage chinaware. Each combination is truly unique. curiousa.co.uk FANCYFRESH SEE THE SIREN TRUFFLE TABLESCAPES Emerald Dappled Carafe, £90 truffl etablescapes.co.uk INTERIORS • NOTES ROSE & GREY TortoiseshellCarafe,Glass£32 roseandgrey.co.uk SOFT STORE CO Green Tortoise Jug, £32.99 so store.co JOHN LEWIS ANYDAY Colour Pop Glass Carafe, £12 johnlewis.com

96 ABSOLUTELY magazines WAR Nestled in the heart of Loughton is a property like no other, one that has links to WWII, Epping Forest and helicopter travel STORIES By MARK KEBBLE

Later in the war the property continued to be a safe house for important enemies of the Nazi regime. Between December 1945 and January 1947 it was used by the Red Cross for evacuees and became home to the ‘Loughton Boys’ – a group of young Holocaust survivors. By 1949, the house was back in private residential use.”

“The house is a perfect mix of modern living, but with all the character you would expect in a period home,” Tim adds. “The owner has done a great job in bringing the major internal features to a contemporary standard with its features, including an indoor swimming pool and leisure facilities, as well as a ﬁve-car garage that has potential for further development subject to planning. There are also two landing spots for helicopters.”

It's one of the reasons it piqued our interest, but as Tim highlights about the unlisted property, it has quite a history attached to it. “Holmehurst was built between 1864-65 in the Victorian Gothic revival style for Theophilus Westhorp, a shipping magnate originally from Harwich,” he takes us back. “It has had various owners over the years, but it was during WWII that it played an important – if not always widely known – role. It was here that in 1940 the Sudetenlanders, who were ﬂeeing the Nazis, met to establish the Loughton Declaration, their plan that following an Allied victory Czechoslovakia should be re-established as a federal state, with Sudetenland as a nation within that federation.

urrounded by Epping Forest on all sides, Holmehurst is a house and country estate that has been tucked away from sight for more than 156 years – until now. “It is very unusual and rare for a house of this stature to come to the open market,” says Tim Phillips, part of the Country Homes Department and Head of O ce at Savills Bishop’s Stortford. “It’s one of the last remaining country estates in Metropolitan Essex.”

“It's rare for a house of this stature to come to the open market”

The latest owner has been there for 23 years and much has been improved with the property. Externally, it remains a magnificent sight: it features a stuccoed elevation with tile and gabled roof, delightfully standing in its own grounds, and is entered through its own security gating. Every inch of this house has been meticulously restored to its original splendour with almost all original features in place. Each of the ground floor rooms benefit from ornate cornicing, and having c.3.5 metres ceiling heights and huge sliding sash windows allows plenty of light to flow through. The versatile configuration of this property caters for all of the modernday requirements of a large family.

ABSOLUTELY magazines 97 INTERIORS • FEATURE

The outdoors certainly plays a key role in what makes Holmehurst so special. It is situated within its own private and secluded environment in grounds of approximately four hectares and is boarded on all sides by Epping Forest. “With approximately ten acres of manicured landscaped gardens and pristine woodland, including a beautiful private ﬁshing lake, tennis court, barns and an original Victorian coach house, there is a staggering amount of land surrounding Holmehurst,” Tim adds. “There is also an orchard, organic vegetable plot with fruit cages and chicken coop. In addition, the grounds have planning permission for a four-bedroom property with a separate driveway and garaging.”

Although giving the appearance of being in a rural location, in practice Holmehurst is within easy walking distance of both Buckhurst Hill and Loughton Central Line “There is amountstaggeringaofland” stations, giving access to the City and Canary Wharf within 25 minutes. There is also a mainline train station one mile away to gain access to Central London in the same time. There are several good private schools nearby and with access to the M25 and M11 motorways, 30 minutes from Stansted airport and 20 minutes to London City airport, the position of this estate is unsurpassed. Holmehurst already has quite a wonderful story attached to it, but the latest chapter it all set to be written. As Tim quite rightly concludes: “This is a property that often only comes up once in a generation.” Holmehurst is on the market for a guide price of £13.5m with Savills. Find out more by calling 020 7075 2800 or visiting savills.com

98 ABSOLUTELY magazines

INTERIORS • FEATURE

Unsurprisingly, given its size, there is a lot to talk about when it comes to the accommodation. “Along with ten bedrooms and seven bathrooms, there are a range of reception rooms including an impressive entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, study and drawing room, along with a games room and wine cellar,” Tim lists. “A morning room and kitchen/breakfast room sit at the heart of the house, while a personal favourite is the ballroom, which is very special indeed. The indoor pool complex meanwhile includes a gym, sauna, jacuzzi and two changing rooms. A separate three-bedroom lodge features three bathrooms, a kitchen, utility room, sitting room/dining room and study.”

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SET FOR A NEW SEASON

“Oranges and reds combined with blues and purples can create the perfect balance between

andsummerwinter”

t’s time to get into the autumn mood. Think soft cosy fabrics, warming colours, and memorable patterns. Our favourite way to do this is by including warm autumnal patterns in our interiors through accessories like throw cushions, blankets, or rugs. There’s the benefit of adding a calming autumnal aesthetic as well as warming up your home for the colder months ahead. Maybe you’re not ready to let go of summer quite yet, in that case you can look at adding rich floral patterns to your space with cushions or throws. Dark floral patterns can remind you of spring, but with a range of burgundies or oranges, these patterns capture the essence of autumn. There are so many di erent options when it comes to choosing floral patterns as they can range from large to small flower sizes. Brocade patterns add an elegant yet cosy twist to a space. The ornate swirls in this pattern can add both texture and movement. Brocade patterns are a great choice for throw cushions in both the bedroom and the living room. They encourage comfort and add a sense of luxury. In one of our projects, we used silvery brocade patterned throw cushions to add a cosy touch to a modern bedroom. It’s a versatile pattern in that it comes in a wide range of styles and colours. Geometric patterns are fun to mix and match to create a warm autumnal aesthetic. These patterns can be used for a variety of accessories from cushions to rugs. Many geometric patterns have sharp angles and lines that come together to form a close-knit and cosy design. If you

By SARAH BARCLAY choose multi-coloured geometric patterns for your space, try using an autumnal colour palette to add warmth. Oranges and reds combined with blues and purples can create the perfect balance between summer and winter in your home. You can’t go wrong with striped patterns. Stripes are as ﬂattering to spaces as they are in fashion. Although they may seem like a simple choice, they are customisable in terms of line spacing and thickness, as well as whether they’re diagonal or vertical. You could get a monochromatic pattern with one or two autumnal colours, or you can go all out with the autumn aesthetic and choose a wider range of colour. Keep in mind that the colour you choose should complement the colours you have in your room to bring the design together. Remember that the right pattern for your space will be determined by the size of the pattern, colour combination, and texture of the fabric. If you’re not sure where to start, an interior designer will be able to help.

ABSOLUTELY magazines 109 INTERIORS • TREND

How to use autumnal patterns to warm up your home

BARCLAY INTERIORS Sarah Barclay is the founder of Barclay Interiors based in Ascot – for more information, visit barclay-interiors.com

Fully furnished new homes Part exchange available Bespoke options Elvington Residential Park is an exclusive development of brand-new park homes in the picturesque countryside of York. Situated on the outskirts of a quaint Yorkshire village and only 5 miles from the City of York, our park is perfectly located for those looking for a rural setting with the luxury of modern city living. Spanning over approximately 3 acres of private grounds, this setting is perfect for outdoor lovers with access to unlimited countryside walks, a series of woodland trails and passage to the River Derwent. Our homes are contemporary and practical, allowing residents to enjoy the perks of a low maintenance home with all the modern luxuries. We want you to feel right at home with everything you need in one place as part of your new lifestyle and with thoughtful storage solutions, you don’t need to worry about downsizing. A higher quality of living near the city of York for the over 50’s Elvington Lane, Elvington, City of York, England, UK, YO41 4AX 01904 395157 • info@elvingtonresidentialpark.co.uk ELVINGTON RESIDENTIALPARK

ABSOLUTELY magazines 111 L ocated on one of Loughton’s most sought-after roads is this beautiful detached four double bedroom family home. Externally the rear garden has well-kept borders, and at the far end of the garden there is a large outer building with electricity currently being used as a gym with plumbing already installed. There are two side accesses with the front driveway o ering ample o -street parking. ELLIOTT JAMES PRIME RESIDENTIAL 020 8016 5333 ejpr.co.uk PROPERTY HILLCRESTROAD £1,725,000 GUIDEIG10PRICE

Basildon t: 01268 271 110 Gravesend t: 01474 369 955 Chelmsford t: 01245 492 424 Brentwood t: 01277 216 800 Hornchurch t: 01708 470 756 Dagenham t: 0208 592 1038 Ongar 134 High Street Ongar, Essex CM5 9JH | ongar@balgoreshayes.com | 01277 369 925 The award winning Balgores Hayes Ongar ofﬁce is located in a prominent position on the High Street. Our professional team is led by Director Paul Hayes MNAEA and backed up by Associate Director Joe Hayes MNAEA who can both offer years of experience and expert local knowledge. The team will be on hand to offer an outstanding service to those looking to purchase or sell a property in Ongar and surrounding areas, making Balgores Hayes a superior choice of estate agents in the locality. When it comes to marketing your property, we have a range of tools including modern, attractive window displays to ensure that your home is given maximum exposure and is showcased at its best. We use professional photography to provide the most beautiful images of your home and these are used to create premium listings of your property on popular portals including Rightmove and Zoopla. WE LOVE WHAT WE DO. WE LOVE TO MAKE THE BUSINESS OF SELLING AND LETTING YOUR HOME AS SIMPLE, SUCCESSFUL AND STRESS-FREE AS POSSIBLE.

Romford t: 01708 755 507 Upminster t: 01708 259 539 Loughton t: 0208 502 1559 South Woodham Ferrers t: 01245 323 729 Ongar t: 01277 369 925 Wickford t: 01268 763 477 balgoresproperty.comBridgeRoad,Moreton Detached Grade II listed home Balgores Ongar | Guide Price £820,000 Great Stony Park, Ongar Three bedrooms, exclusive gated development Balgores Ongar | Guide Price £850,000 Meadow Rise, Blackmore Four bedrooms, spacious and versatile Balgores Ongar | Guide Price £875,000 Station Bridge Mews, Ongar Four bedrooms, exclusive gated development Balgores Ongar | Guide Price £1,200,000 Larkshall Road, Chingford Four bedroom end of terrace Balgores Loughton | Guide Price £800,000 Osprey Road, Waltham Abbey Five bedrooms Balgores Loughton | Asking Price £750,000

The Avenue, Loughton £1,600,000 Elliott James are delighted to bring to the market this spacious ﬁve-bedroom detached family residence located within walking distance to Loughton Central Line Station, the High Road with its wide selection of shops / eateries and o ers versatile living accommodation, perfect for a growing family looking to transition into a larger home. To the front of the property there is a well-maintained front garden, side access and driveway with electric car charging point. The rear garden is approx. 140ft long and beneﬁts from a patio area which is perfect for entertaining. 3D WALKTHROUGH

Luna Court, Loughton £475,000 Elliott James are delighted to o er this luxury twobedroom, two-bathroom apartment developed by Crest Nicholson in 2018. Situated within easy walking distance of Loughton High Road, Central Line Station and local amenities. Further benefits include private balcony with far reaching views accessed from the living room, secure video entry phone system, two allocated parking spaces, communal roof terrace and lift to all floors. Longfield, Loughton £1,300,000 Elliott James are delighted to bring to the market this beautifully presented family home situated in a quiet cul-de-sac location. The property has been finished to a very high specification by the current owners and occupies a wide and secluded plot. To the rear of the property is a landscaped garden which is perfect for alfresco dining in the summer months.

The Penthouse, Chigwell £1,695,000 Elliott James are delighted to bring to market this superb three-bedroom penthouse apartment in Westwood House boasting almost 2,300 square feet, spectacular golf course views and a high specification throughout. Located on Chigwell High Road, this property is also within walking distance of Chigwell Parade, local fashion and social amenities as well as Chigwell Central Line Station o ering access into The City within 35 minutes. The penthouse was designed to an exceptionally high standard with bespoke specifications to include underfloor heating, white Corian work surfaces, ZIP Celsius Cube Hydro tap, Miele ovens, Ne integrated dishwasher, Caple wine cooler and many additional bespoke specifications to meet the expectations of today’s discerning purchasers. Further benefits include air conditioning throughout, two dedicated parking spaces with extensive storage units to the rear in the underground car park and beautiful communal grounds.

3D WALKTHROUGH3D WALKTHROUGH 3D WALKTHROUGH

www.ejpr.co.uk | Follow us on social media | Search ‘ejpr165’ 0208 0165 333 | 165 High Road, Loughton IG IO 4LF

Regency Apartments, Chigwell £10,000PCM • Approx. 3,000sq. Ft • Penthouse Apartment • Three Bedrooms, Three Bathrooms • Three Parking Spaces • Spacious Balcony 160 Manor Road, Chigwell £2,650PCM • Available Now • Two Bedrooms • Penthouse Apartment • Furnished • Underground Parking Connaught House, Loughton £2,700PCM • Available Now • Two Bedrooms • Two Bathrooms • Unfurnished • Private Parking Oak Hill Close, Woodford Green £3,100pcm • Five bedroom • Unfurnished • Available September 3D WALKTHROUGH 3D WALKTHROUGH 3D WALKTHROUGH 3D WALKTHROUGH “

www.ejpr.co.uk | Follow us on social media | Search ‘ejpr165’ 0208 0165 333 | 165 High Road, Loughton IG IO 4LF CALL TO ARRANGE YOUR MARKET APPRAISAL AT THE TOP OF OUR GAME ANNABEL KABEL GRACE PERRY ELLIOTT LAWLOR NICOLA LAWLOR FREDERICK CASSFORD HOLLY DUNCANTAMARA CITROEN REBECCA HAWES JAMES LAWLOR HEIDI FOSTER JAKE LATCH ROBERT GUNN “ It is with great satisfaction that we announce the successful exchange of contracts on one of the area’s most prestigious properties. Packsaddles, Avey Lane, High Beech is a trophy property and an impressive acquisition for our purchaser who will undoubtedly continue to improve the property and unlock exceptional untapped potential. With over 11 acres of landscaped grounds with commanding views over Epping Forest, this property is an exceptional buy. We are a company with a proven track record of success that specialises in marketing prime residential homes and we are particularly proud to have been associated with this ﬁne property. We recognise the e ort and thought that is needed to promote properties of this nature and welcome enquiries from owners of similar properties who may be considering a move. We act with the utmost integrity and discretion and work collaboratively with our clients to achieve exceptional results. We welcome all new enquiries and informal discussions at your convenience. Packsaddles, Avey Lane £3,795,000 - EXCHANGED

STRONG “A market”normalisedmeansdemandsupplybetweenbalancebetterandamore FOUNDATIONS

But hold tight, because with a better balance between supply and demand, a more normalised property market is beginning to emerge. Its arrival means that sellers must be realistic when deciding on asking price, and as such, it’s important to do the research to ensure a property is competitively listed. By doing this, they will then be in a strong position to take advantage of the greater choice of properties coming to market. There can be little doubt that these are interesting times for the property market and knowing how best to position your property can be tricky. But thanks to our wealth of experience and expert knowledge, we are perfectly positioned to o er advice. Just pick up the phone and give us a call. We are always happy to help.

PROPERTY • INSIGHT

HUNT PROPERTY

HAYLEY

As we slowly inch towards autumn, the season of mellow fruitfulness, it’s fair enough to say it’s so far been a pretty fruitful year property-wise, with house prices up an average of 11 per cent on 2021. Add to this the fact that an increased volume of sales has more recently joined high activity and confidence, and then the picture becomes an even more positive one. However, there are now signs that things are starting to slow down, with the Nationwide recently reporting house price growth of just 1 per cent, while the Halifax posted a negative growth of minus 0.1 per cent. Not that these figures should be cause for concern – they’re far from dramatic and have long been anticipated. The continued buoyancy of the market is incredible when you consider the hurdles we’ve faced and, indeed, continue to face. We’ve rode out Brexit uncertainty and a global pandemic, and now have a huge cost of living crisis and record inflation to contend with. No wonder the Bank of England has again hiked the interest rate, but at just 1.75 per cent, it’s still nothing compared to the 7.2 per cent average of the last 40 years. Sadly, the impact of this will fall most heavily on first time buyers, whose payments could rise by as much as 20 per cent on earlier in the year. When you also factor in the cost of living and inflation, the option to buy rather than rent will become even further out of reach for many.

As we head into a new season, there are reports of a slowdown in the property market – but, says Hayley Hunt, this is nothing to worry about SERVICES Hayley Hunt is the founder of Hunt Property Services located at 732 Chigwell Road, Woodford Green, Essex, IG8 8AL 020 8502 7667 huntpropertyservices.co.uk HUNT

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Hills Road, Buckhurst Hill Guide Price £1,250,000 Epping New Road, Buckhurst Hilll Price Range £650,000 to £685,000 A simply stunning Victorian property which offers a wonderful mix of both period and contemporary features. There are four double bedrooms, two reception rooms and a superb open plan kitchen / living space which opens onto the south facing garden. There is also an attached garage, and the house is situated in a gorgeous spot, looking onto the Duck Pond with St John’s Church beyond. A wonderfully stylish townhouse which offers superb family accommodation. The house is ideally situated for the highly regarded St Johns Primary School, Queens Road’s boutique shops and Epping Forest with the Duck Pond close by. Features include a superb kitchen/diner, a spacious ﬁrst ﬂoor lounge, four well appointed bedrooms with an en suite to the master.

Focusing on small to medium-sized developments allows them to put all their focus and attention into the finer details that make a house a home. Their unique styling and build quality go handin-hand with a first-class service that previous buyers have attested to. They understand location is key, which is why they develop contemporary properties in sought after areas, ensuring they fit seamlessly into their surroundings. They’re not the type of company that likes to follow trends. Their aim is to stay ahead of the curve, push boundaries, and redefine what it means to be a luxury home developer. Working closely with their customers allows them to have a final say in the finished look of their new property. They believe that a house should reflect who you are and what you want to get out of it. Each plot is designed individually to maximise space and improve functionality, with colours and textures chosen to complement. Seven Developments’ homes are developed with care – not just for homeowners, but with the environment and community in mind. Their particular interest is in modern technology and sustainability, and they take pride in their eco-friendly approach to housebuilding. They’re committed to preserving and planting new trees and sourcing materials responsibly. Solar panels and air source heat pumps come as standard on all new build properties. These products are a great way of reducing the carbon footprint of each development, making your new home more environmentally friendly. Developing with the environment in mind allows them to produce energy e cient homes that are future proof. Sleep easy knowing that your property is built to help save the planet using the very best technology whilst having incredible functionality throughout.

sevendevelopments.co.uk

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THE KITCHEN AT MILL VIEW

When it comes to the development of your new home, withcollaborateDevelopmentsassuredrestSeventhebest people in the industry. Their carefully selected team of designers and suppliers means you get a prestigious new property that exudes excellence in every aspect. Being an Essex-based property developer with over 30 years’ experience provides them with the know-how and expertise to acquire land, achieve planning permission, and build expectational homes to an extremely high speciﬁcation. With their impeccable attention to detail and bespoke ﬁnishes, as well as

their focused approach to customer care, Seven Developments has quickly become well-recognised in the industry.

SEVEN UP Absolutely takes a closer look at Seven Developments, the builder of luxury homes MILL VIEW A 3D FLOOR PLAN OF MILL VIEW PROPERTY • FOCUS

LOUGHTON New luxury listing for Hunt six bedroom ﬁve bathroom three reception family residence in one of Loughtons most sought after roads Stanmore Way. Guide Price £2,400,000 Hunt Property Services is an independent boutique estate agency with a portfolio of luxury properties for sale and rent in London and Essex. We are also the agent for Repton Park, an exclusive gated development in Woodford Green, where founder and Director Hayley Hunt has been a resident for over 20 years. Our award winning team of experts will provide you with an outstanding bespoke service to guide you through every aspect of buying or selling a property. We have also been recognised for providing excellence in property renovations, proudly winning Woman in Build Award two years running. The Hunt team are available for consultations, market appraisals and viewings seven days a week.

T his stunning property just under 6000 square foot is set over two floors, with beautiful large rooms throughout. Boasting an indoor pool off the kitchen with bi-fold doors open to the garden to enjoy inside outside swim time. Ground floor hosting a spectacular fully integrated kitchen family room with large breakfast bar lounge and dining area, also offering bi-fold doors to a low maintenance very private garden. Six double bedrooms on the first floor with four of those being en suite. Master is a spectacular size with its own lounge and dressing area and en suite with freestanding bath and walk in wet room. High level of security throughout this private home which sits behind high gates and mature trees but still benefiting from an abundance of natural light in all areas. Double integral garage and ample parking on private driveway.

t almost goes without saying that location is, and will always be, one of the most important factors to consider when moving home; whether you are relocating to the house next door or thinking about a move across country.

AREAS OF INTEREST Durden & Hunt co-founder, James Hunt, on why location, location, location remains key in property

If you are considering moving to a new village, town or city, take a trip there and walk around and get a feel for it before you start viewing properties.

It’s good to feel connected, whether to family and friends' homes or work and play places. Check transportation options, from train and bus routes to A roads and motorways, to see how easy it will be for you to get where you need to go. If you’ll be commuting each day, trial the journey one morning to see how it easy, or di cult, it may be. How close the local shops and high streets are could be another factor to consider as you’re likely going to want to know how quickly you can get a pint of milk or newspaper on a Sunday morning.

Do you have pets or love long walks in the countryside? Think about where the nearest outside spaces are for you to explore and embrace the great outdoors.

“Each element needs to align to your way of life before you take your next steps on the property ladder”

durdenandhunt.co.ukINVESTIGATE LOCAL OUTDOOR SPACES MAKE SURE LOCAL

JAMES HUNT

If you have, or are planning a family, schools and extra-curricular activities can help to shape your little one’s future, so look into local facilities and Ofsted reports and ensure they will suit your needs.

Here are a few suggestions of things to consider when it comes to location.

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From schools to shops, transport links to countryside spaces, each element needs to align to your way of life before you take your next steps on the property ladder. Don’t rely on other people’s opinions or the property’s description to sell, or dissuade you on an area; try to educate yourself by doing your own research.

Of course, each of these will need to balance between your desires and your budget, so if I can leave you with one piece of advice, be open. You may fall in love with a property that doesn’t quite tick all your location boxes, but by being open and prepared to compromise, even if it’s just a little, you won’t be limiting your search and may be surprised at what you ﬁnd. SCHOOLS SUIT YOUR NEEDS

PROPERTY • FOCUS

A I am based in Colchester, Essex, which was recently granted City status as part of the Queen’s Jubilee. It is the oldest recorded town and is constantly growing with new homes/ shops/attractions etc. I enjoy the area as it is busy, vibrant, but not as busy as London, which is only 50 minutes away on the train. It creates a nice work/home life balance. johnfowlers.co.uk

Q Tell us about the practice you work for?

Q Did you know early on what type of law you wanted to specialise in?

A It is a medium high street firm based in Colchester which has several o ces in Essex. I have worked here for seven years and gained a lot of confidence, experience and skills while working here. As I qualified

businessandbackground,theirinspirationwhatmakestheirsospecial

RACHAEL HIGGINS at John Fowlers I feel a sense of achievement to still be able to work here. The sta are fantastic and it is a great place to work.

A Conveyancing is a very practical area of the law and moving house/purchasing land is a great achievement for many. To be able to help families, ﬁrst time buyers or people in ﬁnancial need buy, sell or transfer ownership of property can be very rewarding as people’s homes are very important to them. It is a very busy and fast-paced area of law, but also rewarding.

A Originally, I always loved the idea of being a criminal lawyer, I think this is fairly common when you study as it’s the most exciting area of law and you hear of interesting legal cases and stories. After graduating and working in a law ﬁrm I began enjoying the fast-paced sector of conveyancing and as I had also worked in the banking industry this tied in nicely to the ﬁnancial side.

We meet four local legal experts to discover

A I ﬁrst studied Law at A-level, it was a new course my sixth form o ered and I found it exciting as the prospects it could lead to career wise in the future appealed to me. I continued studying at university and this cemented that it was something I wanted to continue doing in my future.

Q Where are you based and what do you love about it?

Q When did you ﬁrst develop an interest in law?

Q What do you love best about your job?

A I studied law at Anglia Ruskin University. I then worked at a couple of ﬁrms as work experience as well as at Chelmsford Court with the judge for a trial! I qualiﬁed at the practice I work at now and have gained a lot of experience and knowledge.

Q Before working at your existing practice, what has been your background in law?

TAKING the STAND

POSITION : Legal Executive BUSINESS : John Fowlers LLP Solicitors

128 ABSOLUTELY magazines HigginsRachael

Q Did you know early on what type of law you wanted to specialise in?

LEGAL • PARTNERSHIP

Q Tell us about the practice you run? A I am co-founder of Talem Law, a boutique law ﬁrm established in 2017 and specialising in employment law and SEND law. My particular focus is on disability in the classroom and workplace. I co-founded the ﬁrm to work around my autistic son, who was also the inspiration for my second practice area.

A As a teenager, probably from watching too many legal dramas on TV! As I grew older, I began to appreciate how our daily lives are governed by the law, from driving our cars to entering into contracts when we purchase goods. This made me realise that it was important to understand our legal rights.

A The variety is a real highlight. I am currently enjoying designing workshops on disability discrimination in the workplace and an HR process on how to make reasonable adjustments.

Q When did you ﬁrst develop an interest in law?

POSITION: Partnership Member, Family Arbitrator BUSINESS : Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP

A We are a virtual law ﬁrm, so I have ﬂexibility about where I work on any given day and when I work! This is particularly important to me as a working mum. talemlaw.co.uk ABSOLUTELY magazines SIMON OSBORN

A It was only during my training contract that I knew I wanted to specialise in employment law. I had completed 12 months in employment law seats and knew this was the area for me. I didn’t know that I would later add Special Educational Needs (SEND) law to my area of expertise too.

POSITION: Director and Co-founder BUSINESS : Talem Law Q When did you ﬁrst develop an interest in law?

Q Before working at your existing practice, what has been your background in law? A I started as a trainee solicitor in 1982. My whole working career has been in the law.

Q Tell us about the practice you work for? A FJG is an expanding law ﬁrm o ering the whole range of legal services across Essex, and has recently expanded into Su olk. It is people focussed, looking after the development and welfare of its lawyers and support sta to MANDY AULAK enable them to achieve their maximum potential, and on achieving the best possible outcomes for its clients.

A I was drawn to family law because I am interested in people, understanding how they have found themselves in their current circumstances and helping them ﬁnd a way out of their di culties so that they can move forward with their lives.

Q Did you know early on what type of law you wanted to specialise in?

OsbornSimon

129

A I started my career over 22 years ago in the City with Linklaters, followed by a successful career at a niche employment law practice before moving to Pinsent Masons where I got to experience inhouse lawyer life via secondments to the Carphone Warehouse and RBS. I then took the plunge to become an inhouse employment lawyer at the Royal Mail where I remained for four years.

A I had no idea what I wanted to do when I was at school, and decided to study law because of the number of potential careers it would open up for me. Fortunately, I discovered that I had a natural interest in law and followed it through by taking my solicitors exams.

Q Before running your existing practice, what has been your background in law?

Q What do you love best about your job?

Q Where are you based and what do you love about it?

Q What do you love best about your job? A People. I enjoy the fact that we can assist people who are facing something outside their previous experience, help them to make sense of it and achieve an outcome that enables them to move forward into a new stage of their lives. These days much of my role is passing on knowledge and mentoring other members of the family team to enable them develop and achieve their maximum potential. g.co.uk Mandy Aulak

At the time of reading law, I had not decided which area of law I wanted to specialise in. The ﬁrm that I trained with was a specialist

ChoudhuryHasina

POSITION : Senior Associate Solicitor BUSINESS : Thompson Smith and Puxon

A I joined Thompson Smith and Puxon Solicitors in September 2021. Thompson Smith and Puxon is a LEXCEL accredited, Legal 500 recommended practice with 17 Legal 500 recommended lawyers. The firm has a long history in North Essex and has ambitious plans to grow further over the next few years. I work in the firm’s Clinical Negligence department and I represent Claimants who have su ered injuries through medical negligence. I advise clients on all aspects of their Clinical Negligence claims. I have worked on a number of high value cases involving spinal injury, brain injury and wrongful birth. I have a particular interest in cases concerning obstetrics and gynaecology, general surgery, orthopaedic, cardiology and fatal accident involving complex cases for financial dependency.

A Having lived in Bangladesh, for the ﬁrst ten years of my life, I grew up in a society where I witnessed a lack of justice. I remember watching documentary programmes on TV with my mother, where people were subjected to injustice, and treated inhumanely. Wealthy people were able to “buy” justice and medical treatment, whereas poor people were denied basic human rights. I was around ten years of age when I developed a burning desire to enter a profession where I would have an opportunity to help people and ensure equality.

A Making a di erence to people’s lives. I feel that I make a valuable contribution to turn my clients’ lives around, helping them to come to terms with the changes in their lives and help them to move on. tsplegal.com

Clinical Negligence ﬁrm and there I was given the opportunity to learn and develop my specialism in this ﬁeld. In 2019, I became a member of AvMA’s Specialist Clinical Negligence Panel and of the Law Society Clinical Negligence Panel.

ABSOLUTELY magazines LEGAL • PARTNERSHIP

Q Did you know early on what type of law you wanted to specialise in?

Q When did you ﬁrst develop an interest in law?

Q What do you love best about your job?

A I have always been interested in medicine and biology and working in the ﬁeld of clinical negligence has enabled me to discover a unique union, where I found an opportunity to learn about basic medicine and work alongside some of the greatest clinicians in the country.

ENSUREHELPWHEREPROFESSIONICOULDPEOPLEANDEQUALITY”

130 HASINA CHOUDHURY “I DEVELOPED A BURNING DESIRE TO ENTER A

Q Tell us about the practice you work for today?

CITY CHANGEMAKEPEOPLELOCALRATESREGIONALQUALITYTHETOBTMK N 03300 585 222 (24/7-local rate) E info@btmk.co.ukwww.btmk.co.uk (live chat-24/7) MARCUSBAUM Offices in Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea, Rayleigh and London