Absolutely West Essex April 2024

The local artist loved by celebrities

The top locations for the new season

125

EDITOR

MARK KEBBLE

ART DIRECTOR

PAWEL KUBA

SENIOR DESIGNERS

MIKE ROBERTS

SUZETTE SCOBLE

MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER

CARMEN GRAHAM

JUNIOR DESIGNER

JOE MUNSEY

PRODUCTION MANAGER

DANICA BRODIE

GROUP SALES MANAGER - SOUTH

ABIGAIL GARDNER

MEDIA CONSULTANT

CLAIRE YATES

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

JERRIE KOLECI

CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER

ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS

CRAIG DAVIES

JAMES FUSCHILLO

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR

SHERIF SHALTOUT

For editorial enquiries please email: mark@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

Follow Us On Facebook @ABSOLUTELYESSEX @ABSOLUTELYWESTESSEX Twitter @ESSEXABSOLUTELY @ABSOLUTELYWESTE Instagram @ABSOLUTELYESSEX @ABSOLUTELYWESTESSEX

Website absolutelymagazines.com

LETTER Editor’s

ABSOLUTELY’S April issue highlights

When I was made redundant some three and a half years ago, I considered a career change. I had been working in journalism and publishing for two decades and was a little jaded. The question, though, was what to do.

5

I am already a qualified football coach with the FA, but the thought of standing on the sidelines in the wet and cold every day – and not just at the weekends, as I currently do – put me off. I love animals, so I decided to take a dog training course, and then I got my very own Romanian rescue dog and she is pretty much a full-time occupation.

Before I could consider any more, the wonderful people here at Zest Media offered me the opportunity to launch this magazine and the rest is history. But it's why I have so much respect for our lead profile this month, Alex Johnson, who became an exhibiting artist as she entered her 50s, and now has a big celebrity following. I hope you find her as inspiring as I did.

Zara Muse

The Essex artist loved by celebs (p18)

The Shoot Pretty in pink with Jane's SS24 collection (p40)

Wish LIST

10 things we Absolutely love

BY

COMPILED

PENDLE HARTE

SET IN STONE

Samantha Siu creates bold, intricately designed jewellery pieces that spread a message of goodwill and last a lifetime. Each piece is inspired by her travels. samanthasiu.com

LIPS INC

Estee Lauder's new Sabyasachi lipsticks come in gilded cases emblazoned with the Bengal tiger in celebration of India. Each shade is named for the Subcontinent: this is Bengal Rouge, £53. esteelauder.co.uk

RED HOT

Grace de Monaco's Ombre Sereine is intriguing and sensual as layers of bergamot, orange blossom and lavender mingle with deeper notes of leather and musk, £220. gdmonaco.com

PICTURE THIS

Petra Palumbo's modern collection of Del tiles features hand-decorated motifs spanning animals, food and all your favourite things. petrapalumbo.com

LEG WARMER

Legs in bright colours are a major trend and we love the selection at UK Tights, £4.99. uktights.com

EDITOR’S PICK

DARK ARTS

Fatso's rule-breaking dark chocolate comes in four delicious fl avour combinations. We love Morn'n Glory with its cornfl akes and marmelade, £6.75. sofatso.com

IN THE LOOP

Casa by Josephine Jenno's stylish scalloped tea plates in rosy red create a sense of occasion with a side of fun, £99 for four. casabyjj.com

SLOW BURN

Diptyque's Do Son pays tribute to the heritage of Vietnamese culture with a harmonious blend of tuberose, jasmine and orange blossom notes, and a new limited edition collection shrouds it all in red. diptyqueparis.com

FAR FLUNG

Vibrant colours, subtle geometries and exquisitely detailed patterns –this is the Pam Weinstock lifestyle. Shaped by far-flung travels, every print is an ode to continents roamed and each creation is testament to a deep love for photography and exploration. pamweinstock.com

CRIMSON JOY

For stylish lingerie in all colours, book in for a fitting at Amelie's Follies. And why not choose a whole new shade? ameliesfollies.co.uk

CULTURE

TOWNGATE THEATRE, BASILDON, 17 APRIL Coppelia looks to honour the classical ballet while expanding on the story to make it relevant to audiences today. This retelling explores the eccentric toy maker, Dr Coppelius’ intent behind creating a life-size clockwork doll, Coppelia, and the impact this has on his relationship with the community of villagers and on Swanhilda’s relationship with her fiancé, Franz. Fusing classical ballet with contemporary dance and hip-hop, Coppelia features a cast of 13 dancers. towngatetheatre.co.uk

PHOTO: ROGER ROBINSON

The Agenda

APRIL'S HOTTEST HAPPENINGS

AlasdairKing

2 APRIL, COLCHESTER ARTS CENTRE

With several viral internet hits, appearances on Mock The Week, two sensational children’s books and a sell-out UK tour earlier this year under his (vegan leather) belt, Alasdair Becket King is thrilled to be taking his total sell-out Edinburgh Fringe show “Nevermore” on tour across the UK. The multi award-winning stand-up comedian unravels some of life's shallowest mysteries: What are train guards actually guarding? Why wasn’t Jaws set in County Durham? Does his hair do that on its own?

colchesterartscentre.com

The Joy Of Puppetry

Until 30 June

COLCHESTER CASTLE

Embark on a nostalgic journey through the enchanting world of puppetry with Thunderbirds and Co: The Joy of Puppetry. This is a celebration of the art and legacy of early television puppeteers, including local legend Joy Laurey. The exhibition features a diverse collection, from Laurey’s beloved Mr Turnip puppet to your favourite Gerry and Sylvia Anderson characters, including from the iconic Thunderbirds. colchester.cimuseums.org.uk

EXHIBITION EVENT

Woof Fest

20 April

PARLOUR CAFE ROCHFORD

Get your tails wagging pooches, Woof Fest is returning to Essex. Once again the organisers will be raising funds for and supporting the amazing work of Spirit of the Dog Rescue. Join them on the day for flyball demonstrations, a dog talent show, a charity ra e and much more. parlour-cafe.co.uk

COMEDY

PHOTO: EDWARD MOORE

EVENT

Bootleg Beatles

19 April CLIFFS PAVILION

Regarded the world over as being the gold standard of tribute, the Bootleg Beatles return to Essex for another nostalgic whirlwind trip through the 60s. With fastidious attention to detail, the band manage to spectacularly recreate the sound and look of the Fab Four through each iconic phase of their illustrious career, with what can only be described as uncanny authenticity. Their rave reviews say it all.

trafalgartickets.com

WALK THIS WAY

Sparkle Walk 2024 returns in aid of Haven House Children’s Hospice

THE ART OF THE BRICK

Throughout March

THE BOILER HOUSE

The Art of the Brick: A LEGO® Art Exhibit, which immerses guests in the world of artist Nathan Sawaya, has opened in Shoreditch. The collection includes a great variety of sculptures including re-imagined versions of some of the world’s most famous art masterpieces, such as Michelangelo’s David, Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

theartofthebrickexpo.com

This Month’s Must See John Bishop C

omedy superstar John Bishop is getting Back At It – doing what he does best - with a new UK stand-up tour for 2024. After two years spent TV presenting, stage acting, podcast hosting, dog walking and decorating the spare room, John is getting back to the thing he loves most: standing on stage and making people laugh. trafalgartickets.com

Join hundreds of walkers on Friday 17 May and sparkle through the streets of Wanstead, Woodford and South Woodford for Haven House Children’s Hospice. Everyone is invited to join the evening sponsored walk and light up the streets with an array of sparkle to help raise funds to support seriously ill children and their families.

The iconic walk, now in its fifth year, has become one of the hospice’s most loved and talked about events, raising more than £170,000 since it started. This year, the walk has a refreshed route and will start in the grounds of St Mary with Christ Church in Wanstead Place. Each walker will also receive a finisher’s medal and glass of fizz at the Cuckfield Pub.

Reiko Murray, Senior Community and Events Manager at Haven House, says: “Our Sparkle Walk is a firm favourite in our hospice calendar. We love seeing hundreds of walkers uniting and stepping out for an evening of fun and fundraising.

“Each year it costs around £6 million to run the hospice and we cannot exist without the support of our local community. Your support means we can provide specialist care whenever and wherever families need us, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

Registration is £15 and walkers are asked to raise £120 in sponsorship. Register at havenhouse.org.uk/ sparklewalk24

2 MAY, CLIFFS PAVILION

PHOTO: RHIAN AP GRUFFYDD

POWER of the portrait

Absolutely uncovers the story of Alex Johnson, known as Zara Muse, the late blooming artist who is now one of the hottest names in the industry

Never give up on your dreams. For anyone who still harbours unleashing an innate talent, then Leigh-on-Sea artist Alex Johnson is someone who will inspire. She went through a traumatic life experience to come out the other side as Zara Muse, an artist in demand, which truly took o as she entered her 50s.

Art, she says, has always played a role in her life. “I’ve always loved drawing,” she says with a smile. “Coming from a very artistic family, painting and drawing were activities that were not just encouraged, but deeply integrated into our daily lives. My early years were filled with creativity and exploration, which laid the foundation for my artistic interests. There was always encouragement to express myself through art, and opportunities to explore di erent mediums and techniques were plentiful. This

environment of creative freedom and support was truly a blessing, allowing me to develop my skills and passion for art from a young age.”

Life, however, soon saw Alex’s art fall by the wayside. “While I was very career-focused from a young age, life’s responsibilities gradually took precedence, especially as I got older,” she explains. “Raising three children on my own while caring for my mother, who was battling cancer, meant that my hobbies, including painting and drawing, had to be put on hold. Time was a luxury I couldn’t a ord, but I never lost sight of my passion for art, which eventually played a crucial role when I decided to pursue it full-time.

“The period following my mother’s passing was a turning point for me,” Alex says. “It was essential to find something that was for my own well-being and happiness. Engaging in painting again became a therapeutic outlet, not just for my mental health, but also as a means to inspire my children. In a way, returning to art helped me rediscover the joy

and creativity that had been overshadowed by the challenges we faced as a family. It was about embracing happiness and finding a positive outlook on life again.”

Did she find it tough to get back into the swing of painting again? “Surprisingly, no. The process was incredibly calming. My approach wasn’t about carving out a new career path, but rather reconnecting with a hobby that brought me joy and peace. It allowed me to channel my creativity in a serene and fulfilling way, setting the foundation for my future endeavours in art.”

Alex describes her early pieces as “deeply personal” inspired “by the influential women in my life, like my mother” who held a special place in her heart. “These pieces were not just art,” she adds, “they were a reflection of my personal journey and the strong female figures that shaped it.

“My art is a tribute to the strength and beauty of women. I hesitate to confine my work to a single style, as it transcends typical

ALEX JOHNSON

“My art is inspired by the influential women in my life”

categorizations. My focus is on capturing the essence and strength of the female form.”

The next step was to show others the work. “The vulnerability of exposing your creative side can be daunting, but the positive feedback was both surprising and a rming. It was the encouragement from those early viewers that bolstered my confidence and motivated me to share my art more broadly.”

One of those people who saw Alex’s work was James Ryan, CEO of the Grove Gallery in London, who loved it so much that he o ered to host her debut collection. “James, along with the team at Grove Gallery, has been instrumental to my journey,” Alex says. “Without their encouragement and guidance, my path to success would have been much more challenging.”

The result was Radiance Resilience, which she staged at 51. “Rather than pressure, I

“I'm genuinely humbled that anyone appreciates my art”

felt a sense of exposure,” Alex says of the exhibition. “Sharing your art means opening up a part of yourself to public scrutiny, which can be incredibly vulnerable. However, I’ve learned to embrace this vulnerability as part of the creative process, pushing through it to share my work with the world.

“Seeing my work exhibited was an overwhelmingly positive experience, one that I believe would have made my mother incredibly proud,” she adds. “It was a moment of validation for my artistic journey and a testament to the love and dedication that went into each piece.”

Art is now a full-time preoccupation for Alex, who has become better known as Zara Muse, whose artwork is in demand from all corners, including the celebrity world. “I’m genuinely humbled that anyone appreciates my art, regardless of their celebrity status,” she smiles. “While it’s always a pleasant

surprise to learn of a well-known admirer, my primary joy comes from the connection people feel with my work. The fact that it resonates on such a wide scale is the real reward.”

How do her days tend to pan out now? “I’m fully immersed in my art, constantly working on new pieces, series, and commissions,” she says. “It’s a dream come true to be able to dedicate myself to my passion fully. Whether I’m in the studio or finding inspiration while walking my dog, Bridget, every day is a new opportunity to create.

“Leigh-on-Sea, with its beautiful beaches and stunning sunrises, remains a significant part of my life,” she adds about her surroundings. “Walking my dog Bridget on the beach is a daily ritual that not only provides inspiration, but also a moment of peace and reflection in my busy schedule.”

With a dream now realised, Alex is gearing up for the next steps – which involves seeing more of her work around our county. “I’m excited about the prospect of opening a pop-up shop in Essex. With the support of my new gallery partnership and the continued collaboration with Grove Gallery, I’m looking forward to what the future holds and the opportunity to engage with my local community in a new and meaningful way.”

zaramuse.com

SHE HAS PLENTY OF FAMOUS FANS

Craft and Design Show

Fri 3 – Mon 6 May

Buy unique handcrafted items for your home and garden.

Your visit supports our work as a charity.

10

OF THE BEST

To enjoy spring in ESSEX

See the new season bloom across the county thanks to this round up by Visit Essex

CULTURE

April is the perfect time to watch flowers bloom and take advantage of the warming weather. Immerse yourself in nature and watch the seasons change. Visit Essex, the county’s tourism organisation, has put together the top ten best places to get out and about to mark the changing of the seasons this April.

Shut Heath Wood Nature Reserve, Witham

If you want to experience walking through a carpet of bluebells, look no further than Shut Heath Wood in Witham. With 23 acres of woodland to explore, the reserve is truly a stunning sea of blue to see in spring. Take on winding woodland trails, see the woodland flowers bloom and bring along your four-legged friends for company for an unforgettable sensory experience. Remember bluebells are best enjoyed from the footpath!

Dedham Vale, Constable Country

Set by the River Stour, the Dedham Vale is the inspiration for Britain’s greatest landscape artist, John Constable; it is still known today as ‘Constable Country’. Hire a boat and glide down the gentle River Stour, taking in the flowering plants and trees beside the riverbanks. Or walk along countryside paths to see flowers and trees bloom and maybe a lamb or calf in the fields. There is also a popular three-mile circular walk between Dedham and Flatford if you want to take advantage of the warmer weather and really stretch your legs.

High Woods Country Park, Colchester

Sit by the lake and relax on the grass, taking in the peaceful surroundings. You can fish in the lake, set up a picnic or take the children to the play area. Waymarked paths lead you through woodlands, wildflower meadows and fields, where you can watch nature blooming. The park provides habitats for birds, mammals and insects, too.

Harlow Museum & Walled Gardens, Harlow

The walled gardens of Harlow Museum are a hidden gem, set in two acres of green space, divided into three historical gardens. Spring is the perfect time to see colours return to plants as they flower and watch the busy insects buzzing about moving from flower to flower. The Unusual Fruit Garden is home to unique fruits like quinces, medlars and figs, while the Peace Garden has a beautiful herbaceous border with stunning perennial flowers inside.

Hadleigh Country Park, Hadleigh

Home to mountain biking during the 2012 Olympics, Hadleigh Country Park in the south of Essex is the perfect place to dust o your bike and get out and active this spring. The park is also the ideal place to walk, where you can take in the flowering hedgerows, ponds and meadows. The park is one of the largest in Essex at 387 acres, and it is well-known for its panoramic views of the estuary and rolling hills. You can also enjoy the array of colours, with bluebells, archangel and celandine also coming alive in Hadleigh Country Park during springtime

ROWING IN THE DEDHAM VALE

A DEER AT WEALD COUNTRY PARK

AUDLEY END HOUSE & GARDENS, PHOTO COURTESY OF ENGLISH HERITAGE

Lee Valley, London/Essex/Herts

Lee Valley is full of plenty of great spaces to enjoy nature returning to life this spring. The Rose Garden in Waltham Abbey Gardens is a riot of colour and scents from the many varieties of roses growing in the gardens. For a burst of fauna and flora, Cornmill Meadows has stunning trees and plants along with dragonflies and even wading birds that pass through the valley in spring. Over at Myddelton House Gardens, you’ll find a range of rare and unusual plants in their botanical garden. Walk, run or cycle and take in the changing scenery along the way.

Weald Country Park, South Weald

Over 500 acres of woodland, lakes, meadows and open grassland await you at Weald Country Park. Famous for its wildlife, including fallow deer, mallard ducks and cattle, the park boasts spectacular views and an expanse of green space. Walking trails keep both adults and children engaged, with their Stick Man Sculpture Trail, based on the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson, and a new Discovery Trail that helps history come to life.

Audley End House and Gardens, Sa ron Walden

One of England’s grandest country mansions, Audley End House sits among spacious gardens. Take the whole family out this spring to see the flowers bring life back to the great outdoors. You’ll find a range of shrubs, herbaceous perennials and annuals in the Parterre gardens – there are 182 beds cut into the lawn! Once you’ve had a stroll, relax with a picnic in the spacious grounds,

BETH CHATTO’S PLANTS AND GARDENS

or let the children run around and enjoy being outdoors. While you’re visiting, go and see the horses in the stable block or the natural history collection within the mansion. Audley End House and Gardens also o ers discounted tickets to people who arrive by greener transport.

Beth Chatto’s Plants and Gardens, Colchester

Five types of gardens make up the awardwinning Beth Chatto’s Plants and Gardens. Originally an overgrown wasteland and deemed unfit for farming, Beth Chatto MBE transformed the place into a series of informal gardens. It’s a delight to see in the springtime, with an explosion of colour. Beth Chatto’s Plants and Gardens dedicate themselves to finding the right place for the

“It's a delight to see in the spring, with an explosion of colour”

right plant. In spring, you’ll find wildflowers growing in the Scree Garden and giant trillium thriving in the Woodland Garden. Pre-book your tickets to get a discount.

Admirals Park, Chelmsford

With landscaped garden areas and natural spaces that encourage wildlife, Admirals Park in the city centre of Chelmsford is a great place to see a variety of plants this spring. It is one of the most popular parks in the area, with a network of footpaths and cycleways, so bring your bike or head out for a walk. Stop for a picnic by the River Can and admire the blossoms on the rows of trees that line the park.

For more places to go to see spring bloom in Essex this April, head to visitessex.com

SCULPTURE AT HARLOW MUSEUM & WALLED GARDENS

PHOTO BY HARLOW COUNCIL

HIGH WOODS COUNTRY PARK

CRAFT WORKS

Celebrating two decades of Collect contemporary craft fair

LAt a time when contemporary craft has never been more sought after with an active buying market, Collect continues to o er an unparalleled opportunity to acquire new, museum-quality work from living artists internationally – all made within the last five years, and many commissioned especially for the fair.

Focusing on exclusivity, reputation, rich narrative and thoughtful curation – seeking variety and diversity in its content and vision, a line-up of close to 40 specialist galleries from across the globe, representing over 400 artist makers, have been selected by an expert advisory panel for this milestone edition.

Collectors, interior designers, art advisors and wider enthusiasts, will be vying with arts institutions, such as the Victoria & Albert Museum, to buy and commission the very best in contemporary craft. As well as the seasoned collectors buying at the luxury end of the market, Collect encourages visitors at the beginning of their collecting journey with works starting as low as £500 presented side by side with pieces ranging up to £50,000+.

aunched in 2004 as the first international fair dedicated to contemporary craft and design, Collect is committed and continues to raise the profile of exceptional contemporary craft to the collectors’ market on an annual basis.

The range of disciplines and materials at Collect spreads widely including ceramics, glass, lacquer, furniture, art jewellery, metalwork,

CHARLES BURNAND GALLERY

textile and fibre, wood and paper, and pieces embracing more unusual materials such as resin, mica, corn-starch and plastics – as well as reused, repurposed, and recycled materials.

Alongside the international galleries Collect Open, the fair’s platform for experimental proposals and installations by individual artists and collectives, will present 14 exciting new projects by artists hailing from Canada, Portugal, and from all over the UK including Northern Ireland. Collect Open participants are selected by a separate expert advisory panel and are invited to produce work that challenges material, social, political or personal perceptions.

“Reaching this milestone edition reinforces not only Collect’s pivotal position as the authority for contemporary craft and design, but also strengthens the capital as a leading cultural destination for the craft and design sector,” says Isobel Dennis, Collect Fair Director. “The fair has continuously pushed boundaries to bring the best in class of new artworks to the market allowing collectors to buy with confidence. The diverse range of galleries for this edition, representing the most exciting international artists making work today, provide yet again exceptional rich content to explore.”

Designed especially for Collect 2024, British textile artist Margo Selby, represented by Cynthia Corbett Gallery (England), will present a largescale hand-woven artwork, which will hang down the impressive, architecturally distinct Stamp Stair, a five-storey period staircase at Somerset House.

2024 marks 20 years of Collect as the leading authority on collectable contemporary craft and design, presented by the UK’s Crafts Council.

FROM LEFT: MAUD & MABEL, CAVALIERO FINN, CAVALIERO FINN

FROM LEFT: DESIGN-NATION, BR GALLERY, GALERIE REVEL

MARGO SELBY AND CRYSTAL LATIMER PRESENTED BY CYNTHIA CORBETT GALLERY AT COLLECT 2023 CREDIT DAVID PARRY, PA MEDIA

Set in the glorious surroundings of medieval barns, with over 100 Exhibitors, Catering, Licensed Bar and Live Music.

The Windmill at Chatham Green is hidden away in the beautiful Essex countryside, just outside of Chelmsford, near the city’s racecourses, where Michelin Star chef Tom Clarke and his partner Nancy invite you to discover exceptional modern cuisine, using foraged, seasonal ingredients.

The menu is kept short and changes frequently to reflect seasonality and sustainability, using only the highest quality ingredients.

With a dedicated restaurant area, the pub still remains a pub, where you can enjoy unique drinks, wines and a selection of real ales at the bar or on the terrace.

Monday - Wednesday closed

Thursday 6.30 pm - 8.30 pm

Friday 12 - 1.30 pm & 6.30 - 8.30 pm

Saturday 12 - 1.30 pm & 6.30 - 8.30 pm

Sunday 12 - 3.30 pm

www.thewindmillchathamgreen.co.uk | info@thewindmillchathamgreen.co.uk

The Windmill Chatham Green, Little Waltham, Chelmsford CM3 3LE

FOOD & DRINK

THE WHITE HART INN

At the White Hart Inn’s standout restaurant, head chef Ed Campbell has created a modern British seasonal menu using fantastic produce from the surrounding Mersea Island area, including seafood and oysters, fruit and vegetables grown on the island, and slow grown and rare breed meat from local farms. The current menu includes: treats like Richard Haward’s Rock Oysters with Lemon & Tabasco; Crisp Skate Cheeks, Sauce Gribiche, Curly Endive, Capers; and Chocolate & Espresso Tart, Jerusalem Artichoke Ice Cream, Miso Caramel. whitehartinnmersea.co.uk

WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news

Wine recommendations for the month

By THE WINE SOCIETY

Blanquette de Limoux Méthode Ancestrale, Antech NV

 £10.61

A delightful, sweet and e ervescent Languedoc white, fermented just once in bottle. Refreshingly light, low in alcohol and with a taste reminiscent of apples, this is perfect with fruit-based desserts such as apple pie as well as lightly spiced canapés.

Undurraga Cauquenes

Estate Carignan 2020  £9.95

From 60-year-old, unirrigated bush vines, this ripe black-fruit scented Chilean carignan maintains a wonderful freshness and firmness on the palate. Ideal with the fatty cuts of oxtail, shoulder of lamb or pork.

Bogle Vineyard California Chardonany 2021  £14.50

A proper California chardonnay, 50% aged in American oak for eight months to give rich vanilla and nutmeg spice. The other half is aged in steel to retain the fresh peach and lemon character.

Since it was founded back in 1874, The Wine Society has dared to do business a little differently. Bringing together a community united by a shared love of wine, The Society is a co-operative and owned by its members. This means there is no requirement to pump profit into annual dividends or bonuses for shareholders – all profits go back into the business. The Wine Society welcomes all wine lovers. Become a member today and receive £20 off toward your first order. thewinesociety.com

Food news and most exciting openings across the industry NOTES

By PENDLE HARTE

TASTING Streets ahead

SIX BY NICO

Experience the vibrant flavours and dynamic street food scene of Vietnam as Six by Nico in Canary Wharf unveils its newest six-course tasting menu, 'Hanoi'. The Six by Nico team have woven together their experience of Hanoi through a six-course tasting experience – prepare to be transported as you savour the unique flavours and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Hanoi's gastronomic story. sixbynico.co.uk

Fresh look

THE BUXTON

Head Chef Oliver Sharpe has taken the reins of The Buxton kitchen, marking a new chapter for one of East London’s favourite wine bars. It will now o er a hyper-seasonal menu alongside its natural wines, focusing on quality ingredients including produce from The Culpeper Family Group’s very own urban farm in Deptford, south east London. thebuxton.co.uk

Simple sushi

STICKS'N'SUSHI

Originating from Copenhagen, Sticks’n’Sushi fuses influences from Japan and Denmark. Helping demystify the cuisine of sushi, the menu is presented as a photo album featuring images of every dish. There are 12 outlets in the UK, including Covent Garden, Soho and Shoreditch. sticksnsushi.com

TAKE THREE

Chocolate treats for the Easter holidays

CHOCOCO

Chococo's Dino Easter egg is hand-decorated to look like a mottled dinosaur eggshell and cra ed in 47% Colombia origin milk chocolate. Avid paleontologists will discover mini origin milk, white and dark chocolate dinosaurs and ammonites inside. chococo.co.uk

GELUPO

Gelateria Gelupo will be reuniting with bakery and restaurant Jolene for tongue-in-cheek gelato ‘creme egg’ toasted buns, as well as tasty hot cross bun ice cream sandwiches. gelupo.com

HOTEL CHOCOLAT

Hotel Chocolat's Ostrich Egg is a decadent Easter egg filled with chocolates, truffles, pralines, caramels and more, £85. hotelchocolat.com

WONTON FEVER

POON'S WONTONERIA

Poon's Wontoneria is a residency at No. 23 Charlotte Street, Carousel’s “side hustle”. They serve exceptional fresh, premium-ingredient wontons and small plates, drawing on the rich culinary heritage of the Poon family name. We recommend the signature wind-dried meats rice bowl and shou si chicken. wontoneria.com

QUICK FIX

OCHRE

Ochre, the modern British restaurant in the National Gallery, has launched a new pre-theatre lunch menu. For only £18, guests can enjoy Cornish Mussels served with a cider, leek and cream sauce, fries and a drink. Or opt for fried pollock bun with gribiche mayonnaise and apple tarte tatin.

ochre.london

PHOTO: VEERLE EVANS

Easy bakes

Simple recipes for time-poor bakers

Words FLORENCE STANTON

Chocolate & Hazelnut

Pull-apart Loaf

Serves 8

Another chocolate for breakfast situation? Yes! This ‘pull-apart’ loaf, made of layers of pillowy bread dough sandwiched around chocolate hazelnut spread, is a real treat to eat while it’s still warm.

35 mins hands-on time

Resting and proving time: 1 hr 30 mins

Bake time: 40 mins

Total: 2 hrs 45 mins

INGREDIENTS

• 1 x 7g/¼oz sachet fastacting instant yeast

• 1 tbsp granulated sugar

• 250ml (8fl oz/1 cup) tepid water

• 55g (2oz) butter, melted, plus a little extra for brushing the finished loaf

• 200g (7oz/1½ cups) strong white bread flour

• 150g (5½oz/generous 1 cup) plain (allpurpose) flour, plus extra for dusting

• 3 tsp fine sea salt

• 200g (7oz) chocolate hazelnut spread

• 75g (3oz) hazelnuts, crushed a little flavourless/mildflavoured oil, for greasing

METHOD

1 Combine the yeast, sugar and tepid water in a large bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, stir and leave it to sit and let the yeast ‘bloom’ for 10 minutes (it should look bubbly).

2 Add the melted butter and both types of flour to the yeast mixture, along with the salt, and bring together. Once a shaggy dough has formed, knead for 10 minutes by hand on a floured surface, or 5–7 minutes in the mixer on medium speed, until it forms a smooth, springy ball. Lightly oil the bowl, place the dough back into it, cover with a clean tea towel and leave to rest in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

3 Lightly oil a 900g (2lb) loaf tin (pan). Divide the dough into about 12 balls then roll each ball of dough flat on a floured surface and top it with chocolate hazelnut spread in an even layer. Top with some crushed hazelnuts, saving some to scatter over at the end. Fold each piece of chocolatecovered dough in half, creating a

semi-circle. Place these pieces of dough in the tin with the folded edge at the bottom. Leave to prove in a warm place, covered with a tea towel, for 30 minutes.

4 Preheat the oven to 180°C fan (200°C/400°F/Gas 6).

5 Bake the risen loaf in the oven for 40 minutes until golden brown on top.

6 Remove from the oven, brush with some melted butter, sprinkle with the remaining crushed hazelnuts and serve warm!

7 The loaf will keep well for up to 2–3 days in an airtight container. Give it a 20-second flash in the microwave to reheat, if you like.

Goat’s Cheese, Fig & Walnut Tart

Serves 6

This is one of those recipes that may have you debating whether it totally fits into the savoury category, but it’s a wonderful thing for those who love a cheese course a er a meal or the cheese/fruit combination. There is added salt to keep it as a lunchtime treat, and this will sit amazingly as part of a lunch, perhaps alongside a Waldorf salad. 15 mins hands-on time

Bake time: 30 mins

Total: 45 mins

INGREDIENTS

• 320g (11¼oz) ready-rolled all-butter pu pastry

• A little flour, for dusting

• 125g (4½oz) goat’s cheese

• 100g (3½oz) crème fraîche

• 4 fresh figs

• 75g (2½oz) walnuts, coarsely chopped

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Handful of fresh rocket (arugula), to serve

METHOD

1 Preheat the oven to 180°C fan (200°C/400°F/Gas 6) and line a large baking tray with baking parchment (or a silicone liner).

2 Roll out the pastry on a floured surface to create a rectangle a little smaller than your baking tray – it should be about 1cm (½in) thick – and place it on the tray.

3 Mix together the goat’s cheese and crème fraîche in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Spread this mixture onto the pastry, leaving an edge of about 2.5cm (1in) around the border of the pastry to create crusts.

4 Thinly slice the figs lengthways and scatter them over the goat’s cheese mixture, then add the chopped walnuts.

5 Bake in the oven for 30 minutes, until cooked through and the edges are a rich golden colour.

6 Remove and leave to cool on a wire rack, scatter the rocket (arugula) over the top and serve.

Vegan No-bake Chocolate & Pistachio Bars (ti n)

Serves 8

Tiffin is another word for fridge cake or no-bake cakes. This recipe comprises lots of melted chocolate, biscuits and fruit folded together, then le to set in the fridge before slicing. This makes it really versatile, so do play with the flavours/ biscuits/add-ins. This will sit in the fridge for a few days, tempting you to come and take a piece every time you open the door.

15 mins hands-on time

Chill time: 1 hr minimum

Total: 1 hr 15 mins

INGREDIENTS

• 350g (12oz) dark chocolate, chopped

• 75g (2½oz) vegan butter

• 3 tbsp golden syrup (corn syrup) or light molasses

• 100g (3½oz) dried cranberries

• 150g (5½oz) digestive biscuits (or graham crackers), coarsely crushed

Topping

• 200g (7oz) dark chocolate, chopped

• 75g (3oz) pistachios, shelled and chopped

METHOD

1 Line a 20cm (8in) square brownie/baking tin with baking parchment.

2 Put the chocolate, butter and golden syrup (corn syrup) in a large heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water (making sure the bottom of the bowl isn’t touching the water) and stir until combined and glossy.

3 Turn o the heat, add the cranberries and crushed biscuits to the melted chocolate mixture and stir until combined. Pour this mixture into the tin and spread it out evenly, pressing to the sides.

4 Make the topping: melt the dark chocolate in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring regularly. Once melted, pour it on top of the biscuit base. Sprinkle over the chopped pistachios. Let it set in the fridge for at least an hour (overnight is fine). Once set, cut with a hot knife for perfectly smooth slices.

5 The tiffin will keep well for up to 5–7 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

“This will sit in the fridge, tempting you every time you open the door”

Recipes taken from Part-Time Baker by Florence Stanton, published by Carnival, £18.99

Sparkle this

SPRING

BERRY'S JEWELLERS

Add a touch of sparkle to your spring wardrobe with these gorgeous 18ct white gold marquise diamond flower drop earrings and matching pendant from Berry’s Jewellers. As the birthstone for April, the diamond is said to bring abundance to the wearer’s life along with clarity and balance, perfect if you’re planning a ‘life’ spring clean this season. Discover the stunning range of diamond jewellery at your nearest Berry’s boutique or berrysjewellers.co.uk

COLOUR

REEL

The latest collection from Jane – stocked at Fenwick – will welcome in spring in a bold and bright manner

JANEATELIER.COM

Cuff love

By CARLY GLENDINNING

BRIONY RAYMOND

Artimus Cu Hand Rendered in 18K Yellow Gold, Price on Request brionyraymond.com

ALEXIS BITTAR AT TOMFOOLERY LONDON

Rhodium Tone Plated Brass and Crystal Cu , £335 tomfoolerylondon.co.uk

18K

MARIE LICHTENBERG

CHRISTINA CARUSO

14K Gold Plated Torus Cu £295 christinacaruso.com

18K

SUZANNE KALAN

MARA

ASHAHA

18K Yellow Gold, Diamonds, Rubies, and Australian Opal Dehya Cu , £23,953 ashaha.com

HALLEH

18K Yellow Gold, Diamond and Black Enamel Door Knocker Cu , £11,425 halleh.com

NOUR BY JAHAN

Dancing Diamonds Bracelet, Price on Request nourbyjahan.com

embrace

YOU. a fresher

With personalised diagnostics, award-winning experts and cuttingedge treatment protocols, our medical weightloss, menopause, skin and laser, aesthetic and beauty clinics help you enhance your overall wellbeing, fitness, and image.

ALL EYES

LASHIFY

Inventors of the Underlash Technology™, Lashify is the world's first DIY lash extension system. Start with the brand's Control Kit, and then mix and match the Gossamer® sets to create your perfect lash look at home. An absolute beauty gamechanger. lashify.com

EXPERT IN THE N A TUR AL LOOK

EXPERT IN THE NATURAL LOOK Treat your mother to timeless beauty

a highly respected and much sought

Doctor Nyla is a skin specialist, trusted by TV personalities, well-known celebrity figures and some of Britain’s most familiar faces in the media industry. Founder and Medical Director of Doctor Nyla Medispa Cheshire is a highly respected and much sought after cosmetic Dermatology GP and is considered one of the top cosmetic doctors in the country. Having practised medicine for over 20 years and having personally delivered over 200,000 treatments with truly exceptional results, she has gained the admiration of the industry.

TRANSFORMATION FACELIFT TM

TRANSFORMATION FACELIFT TM

The Transformation Facelift TM is a bespoke treatment from Doctor Nyla, unique to her clinics and combining a variety of incredible anti-ageing treatments to make you look and feel 10 years younger in the space of only six weeks! The next generation, multiplatform transformational facial offered exclusively at Dr Nyla.This treatment offers nonsurgical skin tightening and lifting to treat all anti-ageing concerns – from textured, dull skin, to deep wrinkles and loss of laxity.

The Transformation Facelift TM is a bespoke treatment from Doctor Nyla, unique to her clinics and combining a variety of incredible anti-ageing treatments to make you look and feel 10 years younger in the space of only six weeks! The next generation, multiplatform transformational facial offered exclusively at Dr Nyla. This treatment offers nonsurgical skin tightening and lifting to treat all anti-ageing concerns – from textured, dull skin, to deep wrinkles and loss of laxity.

The treatment programme can combine a number of super technologies dependant upon your specific concerns such as Ultherapy, Exilis Elite radio frequency, Morpheus skin needling as well as tweaking with injectable enhancements where necessary, to give immediate & longterm results with minimal downtime.The skin will begin to feel smoother and tighter after the first treatment and results will continue to improve for up to six months.

The treatment programme can combine a number of super technologies dependant upon your specific concerns such as Ultherapy, Exilis Elite radio frequency, Morpheus skin needling as well as tweaking with injectable enhancements where necessary, to give immediate & longterm results with minimal downtime. The skin will begin to feel smoother and tighter after the first treatment and results will continue to improve for up to six months.

UNLOCK THE ULTIMATE BODY TRANSFORMATION

UNLOCK THE ULTIMATE BODY TRANSFORMATION

Are you ready to embark on a journey towards a transformed body that exudes confidence and radiance? Look no further than Dr Nyla Clinic’s groundbreaking Transformation Body Lift. This revolutionary treatment combines the power of CoolSculpting Elite and Emerald fat reduction lasers but combined with Em sculpt , ultrasound, and radio frequency needling utilising Morpheus to deliver incredible results that go beyond fat reduction, targeting loose skin, cellulite, and stretch marks.

Are you ready to embark on a journey towards a transformed body that exudes confidence and radiance? Look no further than Dr Nyla Clinic’s groundbreaking Transformation Body Lift.This revolutionary treatment combines the power of CoolSculpting Elite and Emerald fat reduction lasers but combined with Em sculpt , ultrasound, and radio frequency needling utilising Morpheus to deliver incredible results that go beyond fat reduction, targeting loose skin, cellulite, and stretch marks.

The Transformation Body Lift utilizes the latest advancements in technology to specifically target and reduce unwanted fat deposits permanently this treatment helps you can achieve a slimmer and more sculpted silhouette.Dr Nyla Clinic’s Transformation Body Lift is designed to tackle these common issues such as resistant stubborn fat and stretch marks by utilising Cryo lipolysis. It will permanently eradicate fat, as well as stimulating, collagen and elastin,, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and revitalized.

The Transformation Body Lift utilizes the latest advancements in technology to specifically target and reduce unwanted fat deposits permanently this treatment helps you can achieve a slimmer and more sculpted silhouette.Dr Nyla Clinic’s Transformation Body Lift is designed to tackle these common issues such as resistant stubborn fat and stretch marks by utilising Cryo lipolysis. It will permanently eradicate fat, as well as stimulating, collagen and elastin,, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and revitalized.

Choose Dr Nyla Clinic for the ultimate body rejuvenating experience. Reveal a more sculpted figure, smoother skin, and newfound confidence.Your journey towards the body of your dreams starts here.

Choose Dr Nyla Clinic for the ultimate body rejuvenating experience. Reveal a more sculpted figure, smoother skin, and newfound confidence. Your journey towards the body of your dreams starts here.

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare

By CARLY GLENDINNING

REVIEW

TRISH MCEVOY

TIME

EDITOR’S PICK

EIGHTH DAY

EIGHTH DAY, the doctor-led bioidentical skincare brand, has launched a new intensive moisturiser. Addressing the signs of UV-induced skin ageing, it gives you a noticeable glow, £225. net-a-porter.com

ULTRA VIOLETTE

Mixing makeup with your SPF risks ruining your sunscreen’s efficiency. Available in bronzing or illuminating, Ultra Violette’s new SKINSCREEN™ makeup hybrid protects as well as delivering an all over glow, £33. ultraviolette.co.uk

BODY SHAPING GLOW TIME SUN SAFE

IThe Power of Makeup® Lesson

IRÄYE X FLAVIA MORELLATO

IRÄYE has partnered with leading lymphatic drainage expert, Flavia Morellato, to create an exclusive body set harnessing the powers of Gua-Sha. Featuring the brand’s Shaping Body Cream, it harnesses the detoxifying benefits of lymphatic drainage massage, £125. irayeskincare.com

t’s been some years since my last makeup lesson, so I’m excited to brush up on my skills when I stop by the Trish McEvoy beauty counter in Selfridges in London. The American brand is one of the best kept secrets in the beauty industry, pioneering with its skincare and makeup products for over 40 years. Tucked in a corner of the store’s beauty department, I’m greeted by the lovely Becky. She explains that the lesson is based on levels, determined by how much time you like to spend in front of the mirror. As a toddler mum it’s all about speed for me, which puts me firmly in the ‘Level 1’ category. First Becky preps my face – cleansing, exfoliating, hydrating, and priming with SPF. A cosmetic dream team, Trish McEvoy and her husband Ronald Sherman (a dermatologist) were amongst the first to combine makeup with skincare in the ‘80s. Their expertise is evident in how amazing the products make my skin feel. Next, it’s time to play with some makeup looks. Becky shows me how to apply each product on one side of my face, and then I mimic it on the other. This ensures that I know how to recreate the look myself. She files each product in the Trish McEvoy Makeup Planner®, the brand’s genius makeup organiser. I usually hate it when anyone else does my makeup, but Becky does an amazing job. My skin is glowing and she’s made my eyes really pop. I leave armed with my very own Makeup Planner® (£35) loaded with my favourite products purchased after the lesson.

TRISH MCEVOY

Selfridges, Oxford Street trishmcevoy.com

19-69

INTERIORS

SHINE A LIGHT ON

FISHPOOLS

Fishpools is the south east's largest quality furniture store, with an established heritage dating back to 1899. With years’ worth of expertise and knowledge behind them, they are proud of their reputation for serving quality furniture, incredible value and first-class service across Essex. Inside, we see how they are celebrating their 125th birthday. fishpools.co.uk

ART OF GLASS

10 of the best... decorative glass pieces

By PENDLE HARTE

TRUE BLUE

The Buée Vase designed by Martin Hirth for Ligne Roset combines a modernist form with frosted glass, echoing architectural forms from the art deco period. £104 ariashop.co.uk

GOLDEN BROWN

Dar Lighting’s Leandra ceiling light and table lamp comes in a stylish tortoiseshell glass that creates a pretty mottled light effect. £118 darlighting.co.uk

TALL STORY

Pooky’s Loz glass lamp base was inspired by the shape of a vase, and then stretched to create this elegant piece. £199 pooky.com

EDITOR’S PICK

STAND OUT

This green glass arch vase has an interesting architectural shape and a vivid green hue. £33 thehappyblossoms.com

LIGHT HOUSE

Each part of Curiousa’s Wave chandelier is free-blown in the UK. Create a bespoke conbination of shapes and colours with the in-house 3D drawing serivce. curiousa.co

IN A SWIRL

HK Living’s Nude Swirl wine glass is hand-blown into a twisted design, forming a unique coloured glass every time. £11.50 roseandgrey.com

COLOUR POP

Jonathan Adler’s glassware collections include lots of bright options. We love the Stockholm Rocks glasses in blue, £26. jonathanadler.com

DRAW A LINE

Turkuaz Kitchen’s Betül Tunc has designed a collection for Anthropologie inspired by traditional Iznik patterns. We love the posy glass tumbers, £10. anthropologie.com

LIBRARY WALL

Coloured glass pieces at Raj Tent Club range from Moroccan Beldi drinking glasses to elegant mismatched caldlesticks. rajtentclub.com

HANDLE WITH CARE

Handmade in the UK by skilled artisans for Vaisaille, this elegant vase has been cra ed using traditional Murano techniques, resulting in a unique silhouette with two decorative handles. £645 libertylondon.com

MATERIAL WORLD

GEORGE SOWDEN

Sowdenlight's Shades ceiling lamps use the Sowden silicone shades which sets the lamps apart even before you turn them on; the colours and proportions are reshaped during use, spreading so , comfortable light. scp.co.uk

NEWS Updates from the industry IN THE

By PENDLE HARTE

INDIAN VIBE

BASKET CASE

GOLDEN EDITIONS

Sara Reddin's Golden Editions is inspired by her Ghanian heritage and memories of her mum's beautiful basketry and textiles. She works with Ghanain cra speople to keep the artisan traditions alive. golden-editions.com

LAURA STEPHENS

X BOMBAY SPROUT

Rug studio Bombay Sprout has teamed up with designer Laura Stephens to launch a collection of patterned jute rugs. Each rug is hand woven using traditional looms, and produced in Uttar Pradesh, where Bombay Sprout has worked with artisans for decades. bombaysprout.com

LEARNING CURVE

HOUSEOF

LINES OF BEAUTY

COLOURS OF ARLEY

Colours of Arley has launched a wallpaper collection featuring its signature stripes in so , chic colour combinations or vibrant bolds.

Pictured is Shutters & Pear, £175 per roll. coloursofarley.com

So en your interior with the natural elements of ceramic and linen in houseof's Flower ceramic table lamp. The sculptural ceramic base complements the flowershaped linen shade. houseof.com

TAKE A

SEAT

This year, furniture business Fishpools celebrates its 125th anniversary. Absolutely heads to their showroom to find out the secret to their longevity

Based on the Essex/ Hertfordshire border, Fishpools is the South East’s largest quality furniture store, with an established heritage dating back to 1899. With years’ worth of expertise and knowledge behind them, they have established a reputation for serving quality furniture, incredible value and first-class service.

As Absolutely was going to press, they were gearing for a very special 125th anniversary party at the end of March, so we decided to sit down with current managing director, Simon Fishpool, to discuss history, evolution and why they remain market leaders.

Q When Fishpools first launched in 1899, what did it o er?

A Fishpools was started in 1899 by Ernest Fishpool after he borrowed £85 to open his dream furniture store. At that time, Fishpools not only o ered furnishings, but it was a clothing store and a drapers o ering cloth and fabrics.

Q What have been the key dates in terms of evolution over the past 125 years?

A Starting with the opening in 1899 where it all began, Fishpools is still proudly family-run to this day. In 1902, the company expanded into its second premises at 162 High Street and takes over as solely a furniture business. A few years later in 1905, Fishpools expanded

for the second time, acquiring 113 High Street, which is the current site we’re on today.

Q Why do you think you have survived and thrived over this time?

A We have continued to innovate and invest into the latest products and trends from around the world, which has allowed our o ering to remain fresh and design-led for our customers. It means we are long-serving and knowledgeable experts in the interiors space. Finally, our outstanding customer service from our friendly sales team has resulted in loyal customers over the years, a premium delivery service and excellent aftercare.

Q Today, what does Fishpools o er?

A We are the South East’s largest quality furnishing store with a huge selection of on-trend furniture including sofas, dining ranges, bedroom sets and beds. We also o er a large collection of home décor, from lighting and rugs to pictures and di users.

Q What would we find in the showroom?

A Our 62,000 sqft showroom showcases the latest designs spanning a range of styles, meaning there is something for everyone. We o er a wide variety of stunning room sets, designed to inspire our customers from the start to the end of their shopping journey. Plus, our in-house co ee shop is a great opportunity to take a break with a co ee and a piece of cake.

SIMON FISHPOOL

Q Is there one element of the business that is more popular than others?

A Our customers travel from all over to visit our entire collection of products. Our large showroom is packed full of inspiration, with our sofas and dining collections remaining the most popular. Throughout the showroom, our displays are constantly evolving to make sure we o er the latest designs.

Q What's new for 2024?

A We have recently refurbished a new department within the store. Our new furniture department features a fresh new take on contemporary designs, and is full of new, on-trend and timeless products to suit an array of styles.

Q Are there particular products you are excited about bringing to market?

A We stock a vast range of quality consumer brands such as Cattelan Italia, Parker Knoll, Tempur and Vispring. Our latest addition, Eichholtz, features its own unique gallery within the store, showcasing the latest sofas, dining ranges and home accessories from this luxury furniture brand.

Q What kind of trends can we expect in homes this year?

A In 2024, earthy colours such as green, paired with natural materials like wood, will remain at the forefront as the demand for people wanting to introduce texture and elements of the outdoors into their homes will continue. Mid-century modern is a style that hasn’t gone away, pairing retro silhouettes with modern finishings.

Finally, to add eye-catching details into the home, we are seeing geometrics making a comeback through rugs and accessories.

Q How does your design service work?

A With years of experience in the interior industry, our designers will plan and design your ideal living space to the last detail. Our team uses a combination of mood boards and 3D drawings to help our customers visualise the designs, helping bring their concepts to life.

Q What can you tell us about the anniversary event you are holding in March?

A For our 125th anniversary, we will be hosting

an exciting event in our showroom on Saturday 23 March for all our customers, old and new. To celebrate this incredible milestone, we will be showcasing the latest collections in-store.

Q How do you see Fishpools evolving from here?

A We have always continued to grow and evolve our business, making sure we o er the latest products, whilst delivering on our outstanding customer service. Our mission is to bring our customers’ furnishing dreams to reality.

Find the latest collections and more at fishpools.co.uk

“Our large showroom is packed full of inspiration”

Dive into your DREAM

Why

an Origin indoor pool is designed just for you

Origin puts the control back in your hands with its clientled construction approach. From style and lighting to ambience and temperature, Origin ensures that every indoor pool they design and build reflects the unique vision and lifestyle of each client. An indoor pool o ers the mental and physical health benefits of swimming coupled with yearround luxury and privacy, transforming your dream of swimming at home into a reality. However, Origin’s indoor pools aren’t merely for swimming; they’re versatile spaces designed with function and aesthetics in mind, meaning you can create a whole new area at home for play, exercise and entertainment. Whether you envision a serene sanctuary for relaxation or a dynamic hub for family fun, Origin’s experts are committed to bringing your vision to life.

“Origin's indoor pools are not just for swimming, they are versatile spaces”

With decades of experience crafting awardwinning indoor pools and over 70 industry awards, Origin possesses the knowledge and expertise to design the perfect pool house. After all, swimming pool design is about creating harmony between your home and pool room, so it’s essential an indoor pool not only looks stunning, but also becomes a seamless addition to your living environment.

Owning a pool from Origin means embracing a lifestyle of comfort, relaxation, and joy. To truly get the most out of your swimming experience, your pool house needs to be well thought out and designed with your goals in mind. Indoor pools have special requirements that must be met to ensure each pool house is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional. The good news is, Origin does it all. They eliminate the need to employ separate architects, designers and companies by managing the whole process for you from concept to completion. Their team of experts will collaborate closely with you to create a swimming pool design that harmonises with your home, family and budget. With over 40 years of experience, Origin has completed countless pools and pool houses to a wide range of specifications, earning them a reputation for excellence.

So, whether you dream of a relaxing retreat or a space for the whole family to have fun together, Origin is ready to bring your vision to life in 2024.

COLOUR WAYS FRESH PAINTS FOR THE SEASON

RAINBOW HUES

FENWICK & TILBROOK

Injecting warm hues like honeyed beiges and blush pinks together with rich blues can transform a space. Consider incorporating hand-painted murals to add a touch of individuality and playfulness. Paint colours used: Rusty Rose, Tarnished Brass, Bridesmaid. fenwickandtilbrook.com

CLOUD BURST

CA'PIETRA

So , cool and calming, Maggie's Cloud is the perfect neutral shade in the Proper Good Paint™ collection for toning down accent walls or completing a naturally styled interior. capietra.com

RED ALERT

SOPHIE ALLPORT X COAT

Rockingham is a brick red paint with warm orange undertones. It's a deep shade that pairs well with a neutral such as Rutland Stone or use Hambleton Sage to add contrast. sophieallport.com

THE FEELING

FRANCESCA'S PAINTS

Eco company Francesca's Paints offers a bespoke mixing service with a focus on how colours make people feel. This is Esmerelda's Emerald Green. francescaspaints.com

TRUE BLUE

BENJAMIN MOORE

Benjamin Moore's colour of the year for 2024 is Blue Nova, an alluring mid-tone that features an enchanting duality, capturing the spotlight with endlessly classic appeal. benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk

RIGHT ANGLES

PORCELAIN SUPERSTORE

Featuring a geometric design and simple colour tones, these Ashford tiles are perfect for almost anywhere; they’ll look just as good in a modern bathroom as in a period hallway. porcelainsuperstore.couk

STAND OUT

BURLINGTON

Simplifying the signature elements of Edwardian design and blending them with modern performance, the Contemporary Upstand Basin is a stunning feature for any bathroom. burlingtonbathrooms.com

BRUSH OFF

SURI

The sleekest of toothbrushes, Suri looks good in your bathrooms and gives you the best clean teeth feeling. Accessories include a brilliant magnetic mirror holder, and there are colourways to match your space. trysuri.com

SHELF LIFE

WHERE SAINTS GO

This industrial style brass mirror has a roomy shelf for all essentials and adds a stylish vintage feel to any bathroom. wheresaintsgo.co.uk

IN THE PINK CA PIETRA

Ca Pietra's Deck Chair Porcelain tiles have a playful striped design available in vibrant summer colours. Lay in stripes or in a basket weave pattern on interior and exterior floors and walls. capietra.com

2 5

2

3

1

BRINGING YOU closer TO THE CARIBBEAN

Scattered across nine idyllic Caribbean islands discover 18 breathtaking resorts, designed exclusively for adults. Each resort is nestled along the shores of the most exquisite beaches, boasting crystal-clear waters and powdery soft white sands. Experience unparalleled luxury as you float effortlessly in captivating infinity pools or dive into a thrilling new watersport. And when it’s time to relax and unwind your luxurious private sanctuary awaits. The beauty of the World’s Leading All-Inclusive Resorts is that everything is included, allowing you the freedom to indulge in endless possibilities or simply enjoy the serenity of paradise.

0800 742 742 |

TRAVEL

A PASSION FOR AUSTRIA

INNSBRUCK

If you're heading to the Tirol to ski, why not stop over in Innsbruck? This beautiful city is often seen as simply a gateway to the mountains but it offers lots to do and see. Read more about this on page 78.

CALIFORNIA

dreaming

Absolutely checks in at an oasis in Palm Springs

By CRYSTAL MCCLORY

The Parker Palm Springs Hotel was built in the 1950s as the first Holiday Inn in California. The hotel was then bought in 1961 by Gene Autry to house his baseball team, and in 2003, hotelier Jack Parker took ownership and the resort was reincarnated as the Parker Palm Springs. Designed by Jonathan Adler, the eclectic vibe is cheeky, hedonistic luxury and colourful California glamour.

I first visited years ago and absolutely loved it, so I was keen to revisit the refurbished hotel. The reception area is like an art gallery – pink lip prints adorn the walls, with yellow pots, sumptuous velvet and a couple of knights in shining armour. We

walk down the hallway to our room along colourful graphic carpeted corridors with red doors, inspired by The Shining. Red rum!

Our Estate King suite is calm, quiet and comfortable with Pavilion shutters. In the ornate orange bathroom with gold fish taps are gorgeous products: Hermès, L’Occitane, Le Labo, and Bulgari. There’s a very welcome bottle of bubbles and a fruit platter in our relaxing room. The separate lounge has a table with orange chairs, white and black carpeting, comfy armchair and a sumptuous blue velvet sofa. The fruity-looking gold banana ornament is also on sale in the spa’s gift shop.

The gentle phut-phut of a sprinkler waters the luscious grounds. A screen of

plants and a bougainvillea creates privacy when sitting outside, and pink petals are scattered on the ground. Following the scented path to colourful 5-star diner Norma’s, the orange of the open-air terrace restaurant is a striking contrast to blue skies and towering green palm trees. Breakfast is served all day here, and the food is delicious and satisfying.

Taking refuge from the desert heat, the Parker has 13 lushly planted acres in a desert climate landscaping, the planting offering much needed shade and moisture. Walk the paths beneath arches of green to a spread of lawn, a fire circle, tiled fountain, fruit trees, herb gardens,

“THE RECEPTION AREA IS LIKE WALKING INTO AN ART GALLERY”

and a hammock strung between palm trees. There are 13 acres, 144 rooms, 12 villas, 225 palm trees, six fountains, 15 lemon trees, 18 orange trees, 10 grapefruit trees, one garden to table organic herb garden, and a seven-foot bronze banana sculpture with a heat warning for anyone getting too close to stop them burning their bits… So don’t straddle it just because Instagram made you do it!

We sip a ‘lemon drop’ at The Lemonade Stand by the pétanque courts, sitting on lemon wicker chairs in the shade. Thick with the heat of late afternoon and satisfyingly full, we head to lay by the cool pool with its ‘Giorgio Beverly Hills’ style yellow and white striped parasols.

If you’re feeling active there are four tennis courts, three saline pools, two Pétanque courts, one croquet lawn, one spa, one putting green, one fire pit, hammocks, bicycles, table tennis, giant chess, golf and hiking. Just typing it out is exhausting. The hotel offers eight types of accommodation, including fabulous villas,

FIND SHADE FROM THE SUN

THE NEW POOL AT PARKER PALM SPRINGS

THE FRONT DOOR TO THE HOTEL

hammock, and poolside rooms. The ‘Gene Autry Residence’ boasts Old Hollywood vibes with a secret screening room, two bedrooms, two baths, and a private treatment room.

Sta everywhere are friendly and welcoming and greet us by name so we feel completely at home. Counter Reformation is a ‘shrine to wine’, a tapas bar with a confession box to ‘repent and relax’. Mister Parker is fine dining at its best where the mood is divine, dark, decadent, and discreet, with a foxy maître d', the fantastic Mr Fox.

Design is eccentric and full of personality and style. A parliament of macrame 70s wise owls adorn the lounge wall. We not-so-wise ladies spin around on swing chairs. In the words of The Parker’s manifesto: ‘You are only young once... but you can be immature forever.’

Workshop is recommended for dinner, book the patio for alfresco dining in a

pretty courtyard or head inside the contemporary concrete bunker. Walking in from sunshine, to a brutalist interior with uber cool lighting, the music, sta and food create a welcome ambience and we soon settle into the vibe, watching the bartender making cocktails. This building was the desert’s first movie theatre in the 1930s to 1950s where famous actors came to hide out. I always did like a theme, so I wear a palm-print Whistles dress and drink a delicious ‘California Dreaming’ cocktail. Creative-minded chefs concoct dishes and enthusiastic sta bring di erent dishes. We enjoy a bright green English pea risotto, fresh black cod, chilli rice and carrot purée. The layers of flavours are incredible and an absolute taste sensation.

PSYC, a 17,000 sq ft spa that was built in the 80s as an archive sailors yacht club, feels like being in a Tommy Hilfiger

campaign. There are bold blue and white stripes, deckchairs, anchor motifs, life rings, rope chandeliers and sail motifs. Strawberry infused water or a thimble full of vodka on arrival. Sit in the steam room, toast in the sauna, swim in the saline pool, relax in the jacuzzi. Bliss.

Brunch is at busy Cheekys, lunch places close at 2pm so don’t head out too late. Take a piece of Parker home; visit Bon Vivant ‘vintage decorative accessories for the modern home’ for glassware and 70s crochet owl wall art. The Estate Sale Company has gorgeous vases and vintage ashtrays.

Palm Springs, Southern California –where the sun shines 300 days of the year.

To book, contact Abbotts Travel at 134 George Lane, South Woodford, E18 1BA on 020 8989 9445 or email info@abbottstravel.com

THE SPA

NORMA'S

THE HOTEL'S LEMONADE STAND

The

MAGIC

MOUTAIN

Skiing with small children is stress-free at Alpenrose in the Tirol

By CLIO WOOD

What’s the best way to go skiing with your kids? If your answer is “don’t” then I salute your strength of character to resist; if your answer is “there is no best way, it’s always exhausting?” then my friend, I have the hotel for you.

Alpenrose, one of five Familux Resort group hotels, is set in the Austrian Tyrol and it is the answer for a stress-free family winter holiday, and, frankly, at any other time of year too.

We recently visited as a family of four, with our daughters aged nine and two. After only three days, none of us wanted to leave. Alpenrose has everything that each family member could want or need and they do it with joy.

We arrive to an e cient and warm welcome, they know exactly who we are, a glass of fizz for the adults and a personalised water bottle and gummy

bears for the kids. There’s a step at reception so that little ones can see over the desk, and this is just a hint of the thoughtful touches to come.

Elsewhere, I’m usually apologetically asking for highchairs or a microwave, but Alpenrose has everything geared up for families. And I mean everything. Changing mats, nappies, wipes, bibs, colouring pencils at the table, rocking horses and games tables in the bar, kids cutlery and crockery, potties, buggies, baby monitor system, toys in the room, built-in bed guards... You name it (or forget it) and they’ve got it.

The room is huge, with a mini sink in the bathroom perfect for kiddy clean-ups, and the girls are exploring for at least 20 minutes before the usual snack demands. I call that a win. The room is spacious (the kids have their own room within the room) and has the comfiest beds we’ve slept in for a while.

We spend the first afternoon exploring the hotel; it’s worth taking your time over this. As well as a beautifully equipped kids club (from

six weeks to 10 years) there are the two pools (one with slides, naturally), gym, spa, a craft room, teen room, climbing wall, softplay, bouncy castle, basketball court, theatre… not to mention the indoor golf, go-karting and much more besides. In summer there are incredible outdoor playgrounds too.

Venturing outside, the main ski lift is just over the road; and while there’s a baby slope in the hotel itself (perfect for our two-year-old) the nursery slope for lessons is about a 10 minute walk away. Luckily if you’re signed up to ski school (which you can do at the hotel, naturally) they shuttle the kids in hotel minibuses. The ski shop is just next to the lobby too – so there’s no hassle over getting equipment or where to keep it.

And while you still might not get a chance to ski alone with your partner, you’re going to have a better chance here than most places. We only had trouble because our youngest (a nursery old-timer) refused kids club. And that’s ok – it is a family holiday after all.

Mealtimes at Alpenrose are a dream: laden bu ets for breakfast and lunch, with special kids options (sandwiches with smiley faces and a pancake machine the kids were obsessed with) at all times, plus gourmet dinner for parents in the evenings. They even provide bags to take snacks away for your daily adventures and a snack and drinks station is available throughout the day. So as with most ski holidays, you’ll probably leave feeling a touch fuller than when you arrived.

INNSBRUCK IS IN

If you haven’t been to Innsbruck, tag on a night or two there too: this fascinating city is small enough to walk around and charming enough to satisfy

“The main ski lift is just over the road and there’s a baby slope in the hotel itself”

fairytale fantasies. We took advantage of the Innsbruck card which included all our transport and entry to Lumagica and the Hofberg Palace, and if we’d had more time we could have entered any of 22 attractions, including the famous ski jump, the Swarovski museum experience, and cable cars getting you right to the peaks in minutes, one of which was designed by Zaha Hadid. There’s so much more to see – we’ll definitely be back!

THE LOWDOWN

STAY: We had an XL Room which had plenty of space for all of us urban-inn.com/ DO: Innsbruck card innsbruck.info/en/ sightseeing/innsbruck-card.html

STAY & DO: Alpenrose prices start from EU650 per night for a family of four, for their all-inclusive (breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack and dinner – 4-course gourmet menu, and non-alcoholic drinks). There is a 7-day kids' club from 8.30am to 9pm – separate for each age group, with agespecific indoor and outdoor programmes; wellness centre with indoor and outdoor pool, kids pool with slides, pirate ship, toddler pool; all other family activities and equipment; gym with cardio and training equipment, fitness studio.

hotelalpenrose.at

17th May

NOW RANKED 22nd BEST PREP SCHOOL

by The Sunday Times

Up seven places from last years rankings

EDUCATION

GLOBAL SPIRIT

MARYMOUNT INTERNATIONAL

SCHOOL LONDON

Marymount International School London is the first all-girls’ school in the UK to adopt the International Baccalaureate curriculum, which promotes independent and creative thought among subjects. Marymount is committed to an admissions process that uncovers the unique gifts and talents of every girl who applies.

marymountlondon.com

Simon Packham 84

Writtle University College 87

Robot STORIES

Bullying, EBSA and school anxiety are tackled head on in Simon Packham’s new novel for middle-grade readers

By LIBBY NORMAN

Simon Packham didn’t have to stray too far from personal experience for Worrybot, his new novel for the 9+ age group. At around age 12, he pulled o the considerable feat of avoiding school for a whole term by feigning illness. This was impressive acting, considering his mother was a trained nurse.

“The thing that brought me back – well I admitted what had happened – was I ended up in hospital having these tests. I suddenly felt guilty taking up a hospital bed,” he says. “I had to come clean and say what was happening at school.” With the wisdom of adulthood, Packham can marvel at how he clung to that time-honoured childhood code of silence about his big problem – bullying had made his school life a misery. “I’m certain my parents would have been sympathetic if I’d said anything, but it was a horrible secret I kept to myself.”

The young Simon Packham who played invalid so convincingly went on to become a successful actor, working for some 25 years on stage, film and TV (alongside the likes of Ben Elton and Judi Dench) before turning to writing in 2008. His books for young adults and children have earned him a reputation for tackling important themes with sensitivity and depth. In Worrybot he explores topical areas of concern for all parents and educators – anxiety, school avoidance, and bullying.

As a parent, he watched one of his daughters grow up managing anxiety and panic attacks and this – with her blessing – is the central theme. Josh, our protagonist, has a happy and loving home life. He has managed to control his anxiety with family and outside support, and a homemade cardboard robot with a slot where worries get posted. But when the family relocate for his mother’s job the anxieties flood back, and in his new school he is picked on by class bully Noah.

Unexpected support and friendship come in the

“There’s also a super-clever twist in this tale that encourages young readers to recognise both bullied and bully as victims”

shape of a real AI device – a ‘learning robot’ that enables a girl called Charlie to be in the classroom virtually. Josh and Charlie form a close bond because she empathises with his fears. Josh grows in strength and has the courage to return to the stage (stage fright was one of the triggers of his earlier troubles). That star performance in the school play with the real – not virtual – Charlie is a triumph and a turning point for both children.

There’s a super-clever and unexpected twist in this tale that encourages young readers to recognise both bullied and bully as di erent kinds of victim. Simon felt this was important. “For a long time, all I had was feelings of hate towards the bullies in my school but gradually, being a parent and getting older, I’ve realised that bullies aren’t very happy generally,” he says. “I think that was one reason one of the boys picked on me – I obviously had a happier home life than he did.”

While this is a complex and nuanced plotline, there is a satisfyingly old-school comeuppance for Noah. Simon’s editor was especially keen to see justice served. The character was fun to draw and specialises in a type of banter nearly all children and adults will recognise. “He reminds me of many of the bullies at school – not particularly the ones who bullied me, but some of the others. There’s certainly humour, if unpleasant, in his bullying,” says Simon. The robots (cardboard and AI) were what inspired the storyline and play a vital role – both in the title and through the narrative. Charlie has no physical characteristics other than robot animation and her disembodied voice for most of the book – it’s a great moment when she finally

appears in flesh and blood form. Meanwhile, Josh’s tattered cardboard bot stands as an enduring reminder of bad times behind.

There is one especially poignant moment when Josh retrieves his worrybot from under the bed, dusts it o and re-reads those worries he’d posted through its cardboard mouth – a great takeaway for any reader going through bad times. This is a point well understood by an author who still vividly recalls his own dark moments of childhood and empathises with children living through them now.

“All those things you worried about,” he says, “none of the things you worried about were actually worth worrying about.”

Worrybot, by Simon Packham, with illustrations by Lucy Mulligan (UCLan Publishing, £7.99)

SIMON PACKHAM

“From

“Pupils

Fielding QUESTIONS

Writtle University College hosted a range of guests to tackle issues with farming and the environment

Farmers, foodies, professors and a Grammy-nominated music star shared their views on the future of food at the Writtle Farmers’ Club conference at the start of February. The event took place at Writtle University College in Essex, the first UK higher education institution to o er degrees in regenerative agriculture.

Nearly a hundred members of the landbased community came together to discuss environmental issues and food security.

Keynote speaker, Tim Lang, a former hill farmer and Emeritus Professor of Food Policy at City University London’s Centre for Food Policy, said: “We’ve got to make farming the basic industry of Britain; if we don’t grow food what on earth are we doing? Britain has got a default assumption that other people will feed us, it was the Empire, then it was Europe. It’s time we

grow up and start growing our own food.”

Professor Lang’s talk on the role of civil food resilience focused on food policy and how it serves the environment, health, social justice, and citizens. He was joined by an impressive line-up of speakers, including regenerative farmer and entrepreneur Becky Mayhew, Writtle University College academics, and no-till farmers, John and Joanna Cherry, from the family behind popular agricultural event Groundswell.

Andy Cato, one half of the electronic music duo Groove Armada and co-founder of Wildfarmed, joined the panel to discuss a ‘farming reset’. Andy, who was awarded the 2020 Laureate Nationale for innovation in agroecology and the Chevalier de l'Ordre du Merite Agricole, said: “For a long time, I’ve been immersed in the practical di culties of farming that combines food and nature, and field to plate supply chains that can support it. So it’s fantastic to see that the dial is

moving and Writtle are leading the way, both teaching and bringing together people who are trying to make a positive di erence.”

In keeping with Writtle University College’s goal of ‘putting science into practice’, Josiah Meldrum, co-founder of Su olk company Hodmedod, delivered a talk on the viability of locally-grown food, and supplied ingredients for the conference’s sustainable lunch, including a hearty, protein-packed stew made from beans and other pulses.

Conference guests Terri Dawson and Emma Bickford, from The Wilderness Foundation, said: “It has been empowering to see a passionate group of people talk about a sustainable and more resilient future for food and farming. We hope to continue to learn from the experts and take this to inspire the next generation.”

For further information, visit writtle.ac.uk/farmers-club

WRITTLE FARMERS' CLUB SPEAKERS JOIN WRITTLE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE ACADEMICS

ANDY CATO

GLOVERS

£1,650,000 CM17

Durden and Hunt welcome to the market this Grade II listed, detached, four bedroom home, located on a large plot and complete with a detached self contained annexe and garage. Externally, the impressive property’s grounds feature a gated entrance, a notably large driveway, front lawns, pond, courtyard and a rear garden complete with patio areas and swimming pool.

Positivity & Property

James Hunt, co-founder of Durden & Hunt,

on

why

the start of 2024 is breeding confidence in the industry

Fears of house prices plummeting were widely reported last year, with the rise in mortgage rates only adding to the levels of uncertainty. Yet according to Zoopla research more than half of UK homeowners saw their home’s value stay the same or increase over the course of 2023.

The start to 2024 has seen more competitive mortgage rates, growing buyer interest and the Bank Of England holding the base rate, and so when we consider this alongside the Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn and Spring statements, the outlook remains relatively positive.

A number of the Chancellor’s plans are set to come into place, from cuts to the national insurance rate to April’s increase to the national living wage.

When it comes to property there are plans for £3 million to be spent on implementing a range of property tech measures that hope to improve the overall home-buying process (The Times). The intention is to speed things up and implement a range of projects such as those that will look to digitise property data held by local councils.

Further, the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme has been extended until June 2025 helping make it easier for fi rst-time buyers to enter the market by allowing them to secure a mortgage with as little as a 5% deposit.

For investors and developers, proposed reductions in capital gains tax, on residential properties, could help encourage further movement in the market.

So, whether you ’re a fi rst-time buyer looking to take your fi rst step onto the property ladder, a homeowner looking to upgrade to a new property, or a landlord looking to expand your portfolio, 2024 could be the year to make moves .

On the market

A stunning family home in the heart of Loughton

The Uplands, IG10

Durden & Hunt welcome to the market this expansive, four bedroom, detached home. Internally the beautifully presented property offers an open plan kitchen and living room, a large family room, separate office, boot room, utility room, downstairs cloakroom and three bathrooms, one being en-suite. Located on a corner plot, externally the property boasts a driveway and garden.

Asking price of £1,400,000

durdenandhunt.co.uk

JAMES HUNT

FORWARD PLANS

Ra ngers Accountants staged a special event at West Essex Golf Club promoting how best to sell your business

“The event at West Essex Golf Club was a truly valuable experience for business owners”

LEE PRESENTING HIS SEMINAR

Ra ngers recently hosted a highly successful seminar, Unlocking the Value: Preparing Your Business for Sale, at the prestigious West Essex Golf Club in Chingford. The event, which attracted over 60 business owners seeking to maximise the value of their businesses and prepare for successful sales, featured expert speakers Neil Ackroyd and Lee Manning.

Attendees had the opportunity to gain valuable insights into assessing

and enhancing the value of their businesses, understanding crucial factors influencing business value, and choosing e ective exit strategies. The seminar also highlighted the importance of thorough preparation for a successful sale and how to showcase a business in the best possible light. Furthermore, participants learned about the advantages of establishing an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) and how it can benefit both business owners and employees.

The event’s agenda included sessions on understanding business value, preparing a business for sale, and the benefits of an EOT, followed by a Q&A session. Ra ngers Accountants extends their gratitude to all participants and looks forward to providing further valuable insights in the future.

Ra ngers Partner, Lee Manning, comments: “We are delighted with the success of our seminar and are grateful to all the attendees for their active participation and insightful contributions.

“The event at the West Essex Golf Club was truly a valuable experience for business owners looking to enhance the worth of their enterprises and plan for

future sales,” he adds. “We thank everyone who joined us and contributed to the engaging discussions on business valuation, sale preparation, and the advantages of an Employee Ownership Trust. Your presence made this event a resounding success, and we look forward to sharing more valuable insights with you in the future.”

Everything Ra ngers do is about making a positive impact on the lives of their people and their clients. They go above and beyond to help their clients achieve their business and personal goals. They take pride in doing things brilliantly and they are focussed on delivering an outstanding service that gives their clients memorable magic moments. They want to stay one step ahead, so they continually find new ways to improve everything they do. They think big and they make bold decisions – and their expert advice certainly made this event at West Essex Golf Club one to remember.

RAFFINGERS

For more information about Raffingers Accountants and upcoming events, please visit raffingers.co.uk

THE EVENT WAS HELD AT WEST ESSEX GOLF CLUB

LEE MANNING

Offered to the market with no onward chain is this wonderfully positioned family home which offers five bedrooms, two reception rooms, garage and utility room, and enormous potential to both extend and improve. There is ample parking to the front and a rear garden measuring well in excess of 100ft in length.

Lower Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill Guide Price £595,000

A charming Victorian semi-detached property which is ideally situated for the Central Line Station, Queen Road and the green spaces of Buckhurst Hill. The property offers two reception rooms, a delightful mix of period features, fitted kitchen, ground floor shower room, two double bedrooms, great size bathroom and a south facing rear garden.

Don't worry

be HAPPY

Director of The OPRA Group, Adele Carnera, on the steps all business owners can take to make for a more harmonious workplace

My focus as the owner of a people services business is, obviously, people! There are so many things to consider for us all in our daily lives and as, for some, our daily lives are spent mostly at work, it’s important that my business concentrates our e orts on the health, wellbeing and welfare of those around us.

A particular spotlight for me at the moment is women’s health and specifically management of women’s health in the workplace. I’m not talking about extra days o for menopause or period pain without many probing questions (yet) or any bigger people policy changes, but just really simple things that can be implemented in every workplace today: free sanitary products and facilities, available fruit and water,

“It's important not to overlook the things that ease the lives of those around us”

and basic, useful breathing exercises.

I work in HR, so as a small business owner I have the advantage of insight into HR law, policies and procedures, as well as Employee Assistance Programmes and other free or low cost services that other companies may not be aware of. The OPRA Group have many medium, small and micro business clients that we support and share with, helping our Essex business community help each other. Our International Women’s Day 2024 campaign theme is 'Inspire Inclusion' and as the campaign says, when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. Women’s mental health is greatly impacted by hormonal cycles and changes, and by working with our wellness partners, The OPRA Group has been able to discuss these in more open forums. Through these partners we can recommend a range of support services, educational material and personal contacts that employers and employees can

access. Understanding between colleagues will promote a more engaged, productive workforce and absolutely improve daily communication.

We won an award for our wellness programmes in 2023 and are super excited for 2024. We have hit the ground running with new business, a thrilling new video strategy to roll out and new members of our team, and we have already won a Gold Innovation & Excellence Award for New Recruitment Company Of The Year – UK. The OPRA Group is also supporting National Apprenticeships Week 2024, Good Business Week 2024 and National Careers Week 2024 – also we’ve had some fun with our support for Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day!

What I am focussing on right now is that before we start on the bigger picture, it’s important not to overlook the things that each of us can do today to ease the lives of those around us theopragroup.com

THE OPRA GROUP HELPS TO MANAGE WOMEN'S HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE

ADELE CARNERA

MEN at work

Ali Naqvi

BUSINESS : Senior Associate Solicitor, Foskett Marr Gadsby & Head WEBSITE : foskettmarr.co.uk

Q Before working at Foskett Marr Gadsby & Head, what was your working background?

A As a student I studied physics, mathematics and economics, I developed a passion for debate from an early age and was captain of the Pakistan under 19s world schools debate championship and my University team at the World University Debate Championships. I came to London to study Law and practiced advocacy after being called to the Bar before cross-qualifying as a Solicitor. A career in Litigation was just following my passion for professional debate.

Q What inspired you to work at your business?

A I have always been inspired to practice law, particularly litigation. To be able to navigate a maze of statute, case law and real world practical considerations to obtain a favourable result for my clients is the inspiration, and there is no better feeling than getting a client a ‘win’.

Absolutely talks to three Essex leaders in their respective industries

Q What do you think makes you di erent?

A Prioritising integrity and ethical conduct, always. This is something that I think sets legal professionals apart as a profession, where we regularly have to consider issues of honesty, integrity, and ethics while also holding our client’s best interest as paramount. I personally don’t think the legal profession gets enough credit for the di culties this poses and what a large role this plays in our practice.

Q How was 2023 for you?

A It was a good year for me both professionally and personally. My son is now 3 years old, which are the best years! My daughter is 10 and I am completely devoted to her. Family life is good, although sometimes di cult to balance with what was a very busy and successful year professionally. We had the opportunity as a family to drive along Italy’s Amalfi Coast with its breath-taking views, something that was on my ‘bucket list’, and now done.

Q Outside of work, what are you looking forward to this year?

A Family life is a priority for me, and I am looking forward to spending as much time as I can with my family. The Pakistan cricket team is also touring England this year; I will be attending at Headingley and hope we don’t do too badly!

Colin Corrigan

BUSINESS : Managing Partner, Cooper Paul Chartered Accountants WEBSITE : cooperpaul.co.uk

Q What is your career background to date?

A After a career in industry, I joined Cooper Paul in 1998, retrained and qualified in 2001, and I am now the firm’s managing partner.

Q What has inspired you whilst working at Cooper Paul?

A In my time at Cooper Paul, I have enjoyed being part of a business that has been able to grow in structure and capability, yet at the same time has managed to hold on to its personal feel.

Q What makes your business di erent?

A Maintaining a close relationship with clients, colleagues and the broader community remains essential to the culture at Cooper Paul. In an ever-changing world, I think it is this commitment to the personal touch that stands us out from other accountancy practices.

Q How was 2023 for you?

A In 2023 we grew and enhanced our team and we were able to find that extra time to support our clients as they dealt with the challenges of inflation, high interest rates and skills shortages.

Q What are your plans for 2024?

A Our people remain at the heart of all that we do and my focus in 2024 is on continuing to give them the support and training they require to be ready to meet the needs of our existing clients and the next generation of clients in the years to come.

Q On a personal level, what are your hopes for 2024?

A Alongside my role at Cooper Paul, I am active in the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW). I am the Chair of ICAEW Essex and in this role I hope to continue to engage with Essex members and businesses to promote business in Essex and support the wider community.

Q Outside of work, what are you looking forward to this year?

A I always look forward to spending time with my lovely family and staying in touch with friends I have known sometimes for years, but often decades. I am also enjoying watching the continued rise of Leyton Orient up the football pyramid.

ALI NAQVI

“OUR PEOPLE REMAIN AT THE HEART OF ALL THAT WE DO”

Lord Stuart Poulton

BUSINESS : Stuart Poulton Ltd (The Family Funeral Directors) WEBSITE : poultonfunerals.com

Q Tell us about your business…

A I am part of the fourth generation of family funeral directors. I have been a funeral director for over 36 years. I started when I was 16-years-old full time, but helping with the family business in earlier years, alongside my father (Roger), uncle (Howard) and cousin (Christopher). The family business was sold many years ago, selling out to a worldwide company.

I started Stuart Poulton Ltd 18 years ago on my own against them, but carrying on with the Poulton family values with a saying: “One family looking after another the way it should be, we’re there because we care” which is from my heart!

Q What makes you di erent?

A We care, and when I say this we do, we want to make sure that everything you want is carried out, as each funeral is so very individual to each other. From di erent vehicles, co ns, even now to us, the funeral directors, wearing ties that are the favourite colour of the person that has passed away. We also at have time to talk, something big companies don’t do or have time for their clients, which I think is very sad. I’m also proud to be a member of the National Association Of Funeral Directors (NAFD) and, one of 19 in the country, a Guild of Master Craftsmen funeral director.

Q What do you love best about your work?

A Love is probably the wrong word. As in my profession I would say it’s a vocation to life. The biggest thing for me is after the funeral has taken place and the thank you cards we receive from the families. Thank you is sadly not a well-used word anymore, but when the families make the e ort and write the beautiful words inside the card, that just makes my heart sing with pride knowing I have made the families proud for my service and care.

Q What would you say has been the highlight for your business?

A That’s easy. I have carried on the Poulton family name, and I hope made my forefathers proud for where I am today.

Q How does work fit in with outside life?

A I have been a funeral director for over 36 years and 6’6” and a big chap, almost larger than life, so I’m not a person to be missed in public. So many people recognise me for carrying out a family funeral which is lovely, and because of the rapport I’ve had with families we become friends too. We are on call 24 hours a day after the o ce door is shut, so even outside work you never know if you could be called by families at any time.

Q In three words, sum up what kind of thing you o er your customers?

A I have four: honest, love, care and support.

COLIN CORRIGAN

LORD STUART POULTON