Absolutely Essex August 2021

ESSEX

Essex AUGUST 2021 / £3.95

AUGUST 2021

Parenting SPECIAL

Introducing Absolutely Mama

Pixie

LOTT

ABSOLUTELY-ESSEX.CO.UK

On her Essex roots, training the next generation and album number four P LU S : 10 TOP INFLUENCERS The Essex residents shaping how we live our lives TRAIN GAME How Audley End Miniature Railway inspired a new children's book GROUNDS FOR SUCCESS Chelmsford's ever-evolving Hylands House

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents AUGUST 2021

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72

C U LT U R E 14 PIXIE LOTT

INTERIORS 44 STUDIO LV

18 TOP 10 INFLUENCERS

48 OUTDOORS FURNITURE

22 HYLANDS HOUSE

56 PALOMA FAITH

FOOD & DRINK 26 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

FA S H I O N & B E A U T Y 70 DESIGNED BY SPORTS

28 CHANNELS ESTATE

72 THE SHOOT

34 RECIPES

86 BROOKSIDE AESTHETICS

The role Essex played in shaping her career

The Essex voices you need to listen to

Exploring the scenic setting

News from the industry

Chelmsford's dining destination

Delectable dishes inspired by plants

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The Essex friends changing interior design

Make the most of the summer garden

The singer on her new interiors range

Changing how we look at sportswear

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

Get set for garden parties

Leading the way with beauty's evolution

O N T H E C OV E R Paloma Faith

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Beautiful timber windows & doors

EDITOR MARK KEBBLE DIGITAL EDITOR LAYLA TURNER ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNER MIKE ROBERTS SAMANTHA SCOTT MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN MEDIA CONSULTANT CELIA GREGORY BRAND PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER NAVINDER LALL FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS CRAIG DAVIES, LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER

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MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT

For editorial enquiries please email: mark@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 07862004024 or email: celia@zest-media.com

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

absolutely-essex.co.uk

Wandsworth | Crouch End | Dulwich

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KATIE TRAXTON

Welcome

Katie Traxton, founder of Good Vibes Only, waxes lyrical about the talent living and working in Essex

THE EDITOR'S August issue highlights

I

f one positive thing has come out of the pandemic, it has to be the growing sense of community. Born, raised and a resident of Essex, I’ve witnessed everyone rally round to support one another through the toughest of times. Maybe I’m biased, but I think there’s a certain Essex spirit that’s unbreakable no matter what we go through individually or together; a spirit to build, to inspire and to support one another.

This month, Absolutely Essex gave me the opportunity to dive into the hotbed of talent we have on our doorstep in the county and come up with a top ten to watch (see more on page 18).

The people I’ve chosen, whether born in Essex, or having moved to the area later in life, all share that same indefatigable spirit and tenacity.

As events have unfolded since the first lockdown, so many of us have taken a step back to reflect on what matters to us and how we can make a difference. Recently, I jumped off the cliff that is starting my own business.

Fortunately, I’m not alone because I’m surrounded by some of the finest talent I’ve ever worked with. Good Vibes Only is a new talent agency for stars of British sport and entertainment looking to break barriers by being creative, inclusive and working together.

I hope that as you’re reading this, you’re pausing and thinking about what adventures you’d love to embark on. My advice (for what it’s worth) is go for it.

We only live once and each day is precious, so don’t doubt your instincts. Take that leap and, remember, you’ve got a whole community behind you.

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Fashion Trend Why we are bold and brave this summer

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Dog Walks

We pick five of the best for your pup

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Interiors News The latest trends and looks for the home

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Channels Estate

The Chelmsford restaurant where local produce is key

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

PENDLE HARTE

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AMELIE'S FOLLIES Prima Donna Swim's Melanesia bikini is colourful and comfortable, and the trusty Amelie's Follies fit is guaranteed. With vibrant colours, textured fabrics and always well fitting and supporting designs, there are no better bikinis out there. ameliesfollies.co.uk

MURANO GLASS These individual Murano Tumblers are inspired by the classic Murano 'Goto' glass.

Each one is handblown by master glass blowers on the island of Murano. £20 casacelva.com

P E A R L LOW E

M I C H A E L P L AT T

Rose is a beautiful vintage-inspired 50s swimsuit made from the finest Liberty Print stretch swimwear fabric by seamstresses in Somerset and designed by vintage queen Pearl Lowe. £195 pearllowe.co.uk

Colouful jewels are the signature at Michael Platt and this blue topaz, amethyst and diamond dress ring is a bespoke creation from the in-house goldsmiths. michaelplatt.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

BA K E R B R OT H E RS DIAMONDS This diamond line bracelet is crafted in 18ct white gold and set with 0.70ct of dazzling diamonds in a pyramid style setting. This stunning bracelet has a tongue and groove fastening with two figure-of-eight safety catches. This elegant diamond line bracelet has a length of 7.2" and a width of 2mm. £1,550 bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

ANTHROPOLOGIE

CHRISTIAN DIOR

Traditional art meets avant-garde in designer Jyoti Sharma's line of heirloom-inspired pieces. Blending contemporary trends with conventional silhouettes, Bhanuni by Jyoti exhibits a deep love of design and celebrates her Indian culture in each colourful garment. Ronika Maxi Dress, £198 anthropologie.com

Channel the 90s with these Dior Inclusion sunglasses. The green lenses offer a fun twist to sun protection and are an on-trend accessory for the summer. £365 the-eye-place.co.uk

S AY E There's a leather version of the Modelo 89, but these vegan models offer the better colours with this cool pastel collection. £125 sayebrand.com

URBAN F LOW E R CO This limited-edition floral bouquet was designed by UK rapper and songwriter Professor Green and independent London florist Urban Flower Co. to challenge stereotypes around men gifting blooms to mates. £40/£80 funnyhowflowersdothat.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

S E P J O R DA N The multi-coloured keffiyeh scarf features mixed hand embroidered patterns. Each scarf is hand-embroidered in Jordan and each one is unique. £65 sepjordan.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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C U LT U R E

WARM WELCOME MICHAEL LANDY, UNTIL 5 SEPTEMBER FIRSTSITE

Colchester’s Firstsite is now hosting a major exhibition of new works by Michael Landy that explore the urban myths, received wisdoms and stereotypes about the county of his birth, Essex.

Welcome to Essex features a series of ambitious commissions, including a sculpture over 8 metres high called Essex Man (after Edward Collett). firstsite.uk

MICHAEL LANDY, ESSEX MAN (AFTER COLLET), 2021. BASED ON AN ORIGINAL DRAWING BY EDWARD COLLET, FIRSTSITE, 2021. PHOTOGRAPH BY JAYNE LLOYD

Agenda 12 • Pixie Lott 14 • Essex Influencers 18 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The Agenda

AU GUST ’S H OT T E ST H A P P E N I N G S

EV E N T

Classic & Vintage Car Show 22 August HEDINGHAM CASTLE Always a highlight in the Hedingham calendar, this show features a huge range of vintage, pre 1940s classic, classic and modern classic vehicles. This show is a must for all car lovers and the perfect way to spend a Sunday. hedinghamcastle.co.uk

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Summer Exhibition F I NC HI NGF I E L D GA L L E RY • U NT IL 31 AUGUST

Local award-winning artists Stephie Butler and Vandy Massey started painting together in a shared virtual studio during lockdown early in 2020. Towards the end of that summer, the Uncontained painting emerged from an exuberant collaborative painting session in the somewhat overgrown garden, which you can see alongside wildlife paintings at this exhibition. wonky-wheel.co.uk

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FA M I LY

Eco Tots 10 August EPPING FOREST Aimed at 18 months–4 years, Eco Tots will see children spend time outside discovering the natural environment with its woodland, grassland and ponds.

Sessions will help your child connect with nature and develop personal skills including confidence, independence, resilience, communication, and creativity. field-studies-council.org

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CULTURE • WHAT'S ON

MU S I C

Olly Murs 29 August C O L C H E S T E R C A S T L E PA R K Olly Murs will be setting off on a huge 25 date UK tour this summer, with the final show of the tour seeing him in Colchester for his homecoming spectacular show on bank holiday Sunday 29 August. The show aims to put a smile back on the face of the country as he will perform his biggest hits, including tracks from his recently certified triple platinum album Never Been Better. ollymurs.com

TO

MARKET Take a trip to one of London’s famous markets

BOROUGH MARKET

Easily one of the most famous markets London has to offer and open seven days a week, traders of Borough Market include Bath Soft Cheese Co (the perfect pitstop for cheese lovers), authentic Mexican pantry Changarro and Cartwright Brothers Vintners Ltd, a family run wine merchants. boroughmarket.org.uk

F I L M

NIGHTFLIX

This Month’s Must See

Throughout August C O LC H E ST E R Luna Cinema may well be the famous drive in cinematic experience, but we have our very own market leader in the form of Nightflix in Colchester. It's a great site, and they have a fabulous roster of films planned for August, which include fan favourites Black Widow and Dirty Dancing. nightflix.co.uk

QUEENS PARK FARMERS’ MARKET

W R I T T L E JA Z Z F E ST I VA L

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8 AUGUST • WRIT TLE

eaturing two stages this year, festival season truly gets back into full swing with this festival that brings together some of the finest musicians in jazz. Names on the bill include Nicola Farnon, Snowboy & The Latin Section, The Neil Angilley Trio, Aspyrian and The Fellowship, including the festival's very own Zak Barrett on saxophone (pictured). If that's not enough, expect food stalls and top entertainment too. writtlejazzfestival.co.uk

Queens Park farmers' market is a family-friendly offering that opens every Sunday, come rain or shine. Both adults and children alike love the market, and a bustling crowd attend every Sunday to sample the delectable poultry, seasonal vegetables and flowers that are on offer. lfm.org.uk

CAMDEN MARKET

Some may think of Camden Market as solely a tourist attraction, but the fact is the food and experience remains unmatched. The street food offering is vast, with favourites including Wok Boy and El Pollote Fried Chicken, and there are a number of independent shops and craft boutiques to browse. camdenmarket.com

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

LIT TLE THINGS IN LIFE As festivals make a welcome return, Pixie Lott discusses her own musical comeback and why Essex will always be close to her heart

By MARK KEBBLE

W

e have all had to sacrifice things we love since the first lockdown was announced back in March 2020 – seeing friends and family, eating out and live events to name a few. Whilst we had brief moments of respite in between the darkness, music is one industry that has suffered more than most. It has only been recently that gigs have started to take place again, albeit as government experiments to track the spread of Covid, and festivals – finally – are shaping up to resume just in time for the end of summer.

We may have lost behemoths like Glastonbury once again this year, but there are some gems worth seeking out and travelling for – most notably, Camper Calling festival, taking place in Warwickshire at the end of August, which features a stellar line up including Manic Street Preachers, Supergrass, Embrace, plus one Pixie Lott.

Victoria Louise Lott was born in January 1991, where she immediately picked up the name millions would come to know her by.

“I was born seven weeks early, so I had that nickname as a baby from my mum,” she

says about the Pixie moniker. “My brother and sister caught on, and then everybody called me it at school.” Although she spent her early years in Kent, it was in Essex – and at Brentwood County High School – where her talents for the stage were soon turning heads. Aged just 14, she performed in the West End and also as Louisa von Trapp in BBC One’s Celebrate the Sound of Music, and was soon the subject of a bidding war by rival music labels.

She was still at school studying for her GCSEs when she started recording her debut album, as well as writing for other leading singers at the time. In June 2009, she released her debut single, Mama Do, which started an unprecedented run of singles and album successes. In the same MERSEA ISLAND BEACH IS A FAVOURITE HAUNT

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

RAGLEY HALL HOSTS THE CAMPER CALLING FESTIVAL

“It is our aim to help give young performers the opportunity I had starting out” year, she featured as a supporting act for The Saturdays on their ‘Work’ tour, as well as alongside Rihanna’s ‘Last Girl On Earth’ tour the following year. Her debut album, Turn It Up, went on to be certified doubleplatinum, and was followed up by second album, Young Foolish Happy, in 2011, and her self-titled third album hit in 2014.

Amongst the albums were six Top 10 hit singles in the UK. Alongside her musical success, the singer has also tried her hand at acting, and has become somewhat of a television personality. As well as now being a coach on The Voice Kids, Lott has also appeared as a guest judge on The X Factor UK, a guest panellist on Celebrity Juice and a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing (Series 12).

But, since 2014, fans of Lott’s music have had to be very patient indeed whilst waiting for something new. “I can’t believe it has been so long and how quickly time passes,” she says on the musical gap.

“Since then, alongside my writing, I started focusing a little more on acting and did my first play [Breakfast at Tiffany’s, in 2016].

I set up my performing arts school for aspiring performers in Chelmsford, which is now back open, and I am absolutely loving being a coach on The Voice Kids.”

There seems to be a real sense that Lott wants to help develop the next generation of musical and acting stars, and her academy in particular has seen many a success story with students going on to star on both stage and screen. It also keeps Lott connected to the county that played such a key role in the early days of her career. “I moved to Essex when I was about 14 because my mum is originally from [the county],” she explains.

“I live in London now, but would love to move back one day to be nearer to the family. There are so many beautiful places and I absolutely love the Essex countryside. I was looking at a house once in Wickham Bishops, which is a lovely little village. I love Mersea for the beach.”

The Chelmsford academy, aptly named Pixie Lott Academy, is a family-run performing arts school with a strong faculty of staff. Of the academy, Lott explains: “It has always been a dream of mine to start a school with my family and it is our aim to help give young performers the opportunity I had starting out.”

The academy is also a great example of how Lott has never really stepped away from the world of entertainment, despite the seven-year gap to her last album.

“All of my interests are pretty much in the creative world,” she enthuses. “I love dance, drama, fashion and beauty, but music will always be my number one. I do have a passion for meditation though.

That is the thing that really helps me to stay in a positive place or help me out when I am feeling low. I have missed performing so much, but I have kept busy with writing, and I did a little shower series on Instagram where I was taking people’s song requests and singing them in the shower. As much as I like being in the shower, the stage is going to be better!”

LOTT LOVES THE ESSEX COUNTRYSIDE

For her fans, there’s good news too when the subject turns to album number four. “I have been working on it for the past few years,” she says, “and I’m so excited to say that it’s nearly ready and I can’t wait for people to hear it. It is a departure from my earlier stuff and definitely more raw and live, so it will be the best to perform live. My recent writing is more mature, live, organic and authentic.” It sounds like visitors to Camper Calling will be in luck.

Whilst the days of All About Tonight and Cry Me Out may be over, fans will surely be excited to hear what Lott brings out next. The pixie, it seems, has grown up.

SHE CAN'T WAIT TO GET BACK ON STAGE

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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U n d e r t h e I N F L U E N C E Ten influencers you need to know about in Essex right now B y K AT I E T R A X T O N

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CULTURE • FEATURE

“Helen Scott's Instagram is colourful, honest and full of inspiration and positive energy” @HELENSCOTTUK 17k followers

Presenter known for her evening show on BBC Essex, Helen Scott (pictured left) tackles topics aimed at a younger audience from celebrity news and social media trends to burning cultural issues like Black Lives Matter and her own personal journey as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. This vibrant influencer is an active committee member of LGBTQ+ youth homelessness charity @aktcharity with a colourful, honest Instagram full of inspiration and positive energy. She describes herself as ‘your big gay sister/best friend in one!’

OLIVER ADKINS TAKES US AROUND THE WORLD

@ESSEXROCKSTAR 21.9k followers

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@THISGIRLCANORGANISE 165k followers

Nicola Lewis, or TGCO, offers a professional home organising service (don’t I need that!), top tips on how to win at life and more. This bubbly, fun-filled, motivational feed brought to you by the author of Mind Over Clutter can brighten your mood in a flash and keep your life in order at the same time. Seemingly with a permanent smile, Lewis isn’t stuck in an Instagram version of reality. She shares life’s ups and downs, but tackles both with optimism and a customarily sunny disposition. What more could you ask for?

NICOLA LEWIS

@THE_MUMBLING_ PHOTOGRAPHER 38.9k followers

If a picture can tell a tale of a thousand words, each of @the_mumbling_ photographer’s images takes you on a full blown adventure. Essex resident Oliver Adkins provides a whirlwind tour of the globe and more, sharing hidden treasures and cultural clues from the 75 countries he’s travelled to. This explorer/photographer will have you yearning for your first foray abroad after lockdown within seconds of scrolling. Under water, in the air, shooting the seven wonders of the world or the big five in their natural environment, this channel has something for everyone – and you get the sense there’s only more to come.

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@ALLFROMFERN 45.2k followers

Fern Andrews hails from Buckhurst Hill and is founder of her own fashion label, All From Fern. Based on her personal style, she models the original handmade outfits she designs across her channel. Her pieces are customised, eye-catching and uniquely Fern. Her can-do outlook shines through and is contagious, encouraging her community to believe in themselves and pursue their passions like Fern has.

A role model for any aspiring young entrepreneur, Andrews started creating her own clothes at only 16 years of age and has gone from strength-to-strength since.

A mix of art, beauty and business, @essexrockstar offers lifestyle insights and the best of modest fashion, specialising in make-up, henna and hijab matches.

With looks for every occasion from bright bold tones, through natural shades to eye-popping sparkles, this Dagenhambased influencer shares photos, reels and step-by-step video tutorials that show you how to recreate each mood plus links to where to find the original products used.

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@DRLEAHTOTTON 29k followers

Founder of award-winning Dr Leah Skin Clinics (@drleahclinics), this Northern Irish entrepreneur won The Apprentice in 2013 before launching her Essex clinic in Loughton in partnership with Lord Alan Sugar. Recognised for her work to improve regulation and standards in the cosmetic industry, Leah’s Instagram offers a few beauty tips and tricks, but mainly focuses on her lifestyle with sneak peeks into her behind-the-scenes work and private life. The mix of business, fitness and friends makes her warm channel both interesting and inspiring to follow.

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@SHAYNELOVESFOOD 81.2k followers

Content creator, entrepreneur and foodie Shayne Williams will leave your mouth watering with his recommendations. Mixing full English breakfasts with healthy keto lunches, there’s something for everyone and always a guide to where to source the treats he shares. Portion control isn’t an obstacle in the colourful culinary world of this food-lover, and you’ll struggle to ration yourself on his content too. The mesmerising quality about his bright grid of sumptuous treats only scratches the surface, because Williams also posts honest, motivating vlogs about his personal relationship with food and keeping fit.

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@LADYNADIAESSEX 204k followers

Love coach, best-selling author and mum to Ezekiel, Nadia Essex is no filter in only the best of ways. She shows us all aspects of her life, offers dating tips and generally keeps us coming back for more with her channel’s feel-good vibe. While Essex may be the source of wise words for us all, she gives a strong sense that whatever your troubles, you’re in it together with advice and positivity for every occasion. She’s real, relatable and seems to have an endless supply of exceptionally cute baby pics.

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@DONTJEALOUSME 359k followers SHAYNE WILLIAMS' POSTS WILL MAKE YOU HUNGRY

“Nadia Essex gives a strong sense that whatever your troubles, you're in it together”

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@JAMMI.DODGER 181k followers

Jamie Raines has over 800k subscribers on YouTube as well as a growing Instagram community who he openly talks about gender identity and his personal gender transition with. This psychologist and LGBTQ+ activist lets us share in special life moments with his partner Shaaba, aka @sherbertlemon007, and Alfie the (adorable) puppy and his cute if uncooperative cat. Now is the perfect time to follow Jamie, since with his and Shaaba’s wedding postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic, you’ll be just in time to see the best of their big day later this summer!

‘Husband, father, actor, author, artist,’ it seems like Tolu Ogunmefun, who’s also a keen and successful sportsman and comedian, can do it all. With Dont Jealous Me starting as an online comedy series in 2008, Ogunmefun’s YouTube channel now has over 177k subscribers.

His Instagram shows more of the family guy off camera, giving a peek into the lifestyle of the man behind the laughs and what’s important to him, including moments of reflection that draw attention to important cultural issues from mental health to gender and racial equality.

G O O D V I B E S O N LY TA L E N T Katie Traxton is the founder of Good Vibes Only Talent. See more @goodvibesonlytalent or by visiting goodvibesonlytalent.com

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XXXXXXXX • XXXXXXXX

NADIA ESSEX

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Space to

EXPLORE Lorraine Thorne, Hylands House manager, takes us behind the scenes of running this Essex landmark location that is open to all

W

e have plenty on this August.

We have a brandnew musical adaptation of the Rudyard Kipling family favourite, The Jungle Book, on the back lawn of Hylands House. This outdoor theatre production will be filled with original music and audience participation. We have two performances on 20 August at 1pm and 4pm.

For adults, The Lord Chamberlain's Men are back in the beautiful setting of Hylands House back lawn and invite you to join them this summer for the breathless and brilliant tragedy, Macbeth. Bring a chair and sun hat, and prepare to be entertained and transported watching Shakespeare as he first saw it performed; in the open air, by an all-male cast with

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Elizabethan costumes, music and dance on Wednesday 11 August at 7pm.

We have our regular Tuesday Toddles groups, which still have spaces available for August, and as it is the summer holidays, our popular Scrapbook Safari returns for primary school aged children and their parents.

Our farmers’ markets are normally every third Sunday of the month. We have over 20 regular traders who offer a great selection of local produce including food, drinks and crafts. Examples include organic vegetables from the Essex Allotment; honey from Chelmsford Bee Keepers Association; and handmade clothes for babies, toddlers and mums by Bouncing Bee. Our next farmers’ market will be on 19 September as Hylands Park hosts Race for Life for Cancer Research UK on 15 August this year.

“We want the younger generation to appreciate the outdoors”

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• OUTDOORS • XXXXX CULTURE XXXXXXXX

We want the younger generation to appreciate the outdoors and want them to return to Hylands Park time and time again. During the Covid lockdowns, park spaces became so important for families to exercise and our parks were as busy as they have ever been. We want this to continue as the world re-opens and hope by offering events for the younger generation, they will build many fond memories of coming here and will return with their own children in years to come.

Hylands House has changed dramatically since the whole estate was purchased by the council in 1966. The house was very nearly demolished as it was in such a state of disrepair. Luckily, it became a Grade II* listed building and once the Hylands Restoration Fund was created, renovations started in 1987. Hylands House finally opened to the public in 1991.

Since the council’s ownership, the parkland has been restored back to Humphry Repton’s landscape, including the Serpentine Lake. We have developed the Pleasure Gardens, the One World Garden and beautiful woodlands, which are all managed by the council’s parks team.

There has been the addition of the fully accessible Adventure Castle play area for children, public toilets and a café. Hylands House stable block has also been developed into Artist Studio spaces with a ‘Friends of Hylands’ charity bookshop and a café.

The grounds are open every day of the year.

Gates open at 7.30am and close at different times depending on the time of the year. In August you can enjoy the park until 9pm.

The One World Garden is designed as a children’s garden. Its inspiration comes from the ideals of the Arts and Craft movement, with the emphasis on the use of traditional skills, materials and design.

The garden tells the story of a person’s journey from childhood to adulthood through a series of ‘garden rooms’, which also represent the different stages of scouting. The garden was created as a

legacy of the World Scout Jamboree, which was held at Hylands in 2007, with Prince William officially opening the garden.

There is a real community feeling around The Stables. Our studios are home to a diverse collection of skilled artists, designers and makers – some who are at the very early stages of their artistic careers, and others who are very well established and have been a resident of The Stables for many years.

Any new artist coming to The Stables would have the support of our current tenant network and, as Hylands is owned

by Chelmsford City Council, there is a wider network support available.

We are soon going to be launching Afternoon Teas in the stunning Terrace Room of Hylands House. These will be available on the same days as our Farmers’ Market and Open Estate Days.

The teas will have a ‘vintage’ theme, so expect quirky mismatched china and beautifully styled sweet treats like lemon drizzle cake and Eton Mess.

HYLANDS HOUSE Hylands Estate, Chelmsford, CM2 8WQ 01245 605500 hylandsestate.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

SWEET SENSATION MOJOS BRASERRIE

We all deserve a treat from time to time, and what better way to do so than with a well stacked plate of pancakes from Mojos Brasserie in Woodford. Nothing lifts one’s mood better than with a bit of comfort food, freshly made using locally sourced ingredients and tasty goodness. Mojos has a menu filled with a tempting array of dishes that will satisfy the senses. Why not dine in style within its recently refurbished setting and take a moment to treat yourself to a sweet or savoury moment of indulgence. mojosbrasserie.co.uk

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WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news Wine recommendations for the month

TASTING NOTES

The latest food news and most exciting openings this month B y L AY L A T U R N E R

By IL VINO

Millton Opou Riesling 2016, Gisbourne, New Zealand  £20 Semi dry in taste and fruit sweetness.

Oysters and citrus blossom combine luxuriantly to give a wine with lifted floral aromas and mineral texture. A new world classic and, at only 9.5%, this is a wonderful and very tasty low alcohol alternative.

SOPHIE HARRINGTON PHOTOGRAPHY

Wakefield St Andrews Riesling 2015, Clare Valley, Australia  £24 The wine is a very pale straw colour with a slight green tinge. The nose shows zesty lemon and lime aromas along with faint orange blossom.

There are lashings of fresh lemon/lime juice characters and a slate-like minerality across the mid-palate.

Domaines Schlumberger Saering Riesling 2017, Alsace, France  £27 Drinks Business Global Masters Gold Medal winner. Golden in colour with green hues, with aromas of lime, camomile, stone fruits and a hint of white pepper. Zippy, mineral and dry. Serve with seafood, sole or flat white fish. Also an excellent aperitif.

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

Big bang DICKIE'S BANGERS

Fuelled with some of our favourite tipples, gloriously-good alcoholic sausage brand, Dickie's Bangers, pack a punch with a whopping 9.5% of booze in each one to ensure the taste is not lost during cooking. And there is no compromise on the meat either, which comes from the Essex countryside, with every sausage crammed with a minimum 84% of prime British pork shoulder to offer one quality banger that will leave you salivating for more. dickiesbangers.com

ilvino.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

DESSERT TIME Three of the best for desserts

DISHES OF THE DAY LO L A ' S C U P CA K E S

Posh picnics FAIRFIELDS FARM CRISPS

Leading cupcake brand Lola’s is now delivering its most famed flavours for the first time ever. The new range of selection boxes from the muchloved cupcake company features classic combinations to suit every taste, including gluten free and vegan options. lolascupcakes.co.uk

Looking for a tasty snack that will take your next picnic to a new level? Then pack your hamper with Essex-baased Fairfields Farm Crisps. Packed with provenance and flavour, each bag of Fairfields Farm Crisps is made on the farm using home grown potatoes before being cut, cooked and packed in the purposebuilt factory just metres from the potato fields. fairfieldsfarmcrisps.co.uk

MOJOS BRASSERIE

Mojos Brasserie's new look and warming establishment is now open and ready to serve you with fresh food and beverages. Mojos Brasserie has a wide selection of quality prepared food from breakfast to evening meals. Their in-house chef creates a variety of dishes from hot starters to lunchtime sandwiches, and from main dishes to vegetarian options. mojosbrasserie.co.uk

CHIN CHIN Chin Chin Ice Cream started out in 2010, with a mission to make life more fun. They started making ice cream with liquid nitrogen, and shortly after became a viral sensation. A must try is their Signature Chin Chin Hot Chocolate with marshmallow fluff, as well as the coconut and rose ice cream. chinchinicecream.com

G O I N G

WILD

ROLLAGRANOLA

Bowled over 8 ROCKS

"Let food be thy medicine, thy medicine shall be thy food." So said Hippocrates, the Ancient Greek physician. Good advice, so try the colourful and filling Nourish Bowl at Loughton's 8 Rocks, a happy melange of quinoa, avocado, spinach, cucumber, chickpeas, tomatoes, spring onion, parsley, hummus, pumpkin seeds and pomegranate. This one-dish meal makes you feel healthy just from looking at it.

8rocks.co.uk

GEM OF ESSEX Based in Loughton, Gem of Essex is a family-run business with over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry and also run three sister restaurants across the UK. Their main menu is great, but their desserts are to die for. Children will go crazy for their delectable ice creams. gemofessex.org.uk

Rollasnax is a new line of wild and wonderful vegan and gluten-free trail mixes from independent British granola makers, Rollagranola, created by father and son duo Robin and Sean Longden.

These mixes are powerful and punchy, designed to nourish and energise. rollagranola.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CLOSE to home Why the cooking of Channels Estate’s head chef, Dan Pitts, is very much made in Essex

By MARK KEBBLE

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• XXXXX FOOD & XXXXXXXX DRINK • INTERVIEW

“I’ve always had a vision of the possibilities and what we could do to make us a stand out destination for food”

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hannels Estate in Little Waltham already has quite the story attached to it. Family owned and operated for over four decades, it’s a restaurant that just feels like an experience when you visit. With 130 covers indoors and a further 300 outside on their patio area, the buzz is quite something on the days when Essex locals flock to enjoy the restaurant’s famous Sunday roasts or the innovative Plant menu – and talking to their passionate head chef, Dan Pitts, things are going to get a whole lot more exciting as the summer months continue.

“We are working towards something that we will call the ‘25’ menu, where as much as possible on RHUBARB AND CUSTARD FROM THE SPRING MENU

THERE’S A WARM AMBIENCE AT CHANNELS ESTATE

a 6-8 course tasting menu is made, produced or grown within a 25-mile radius from us here at Channels,” he says excitedly. “It’s one concept I’m personally very excited about and I can’t wait to get that off the ground.”

It’s indicative of the kind of innovation the chef has introduced to the popular destination since he first came on board just over four years ago. “What initially attracted me here was the setting of the venue in all of the grounds and the raw potential of the designation,” he says. “I’ve always had a vision of the possibilities and what we could do to make us a stand out destination for food. Having spent four years building up the team and sharing my vision with them, they are the ones who have helped me to make it a reality.

“We have always had the full support of the directors, which is actually quite a rarity these days,” he continues. “With their support, the venue has been extended with a stunning new restaurant, outside areas and a hand built open plan kitchen.

We’ve built a huge chef’s garden that we plan our menus around, so there is always something we’ve grown 10ft away from the kitchen on the menus.

We have also recently had our own bee hives put in so that we can start to make our own honey on site.”

The freshness of the produce used is clearly apparent, and the summer menu – which we have all been enjoying since restaurants could open up again from April – boasts many memorable dishes. A couple of Absolutely Essex favourites highlights the kind of concoctions you can

expect at Channels. There’s one of the signature-style plates, Crab ‘Katsu’, which consists of a baked brown crab custard topped with pickled turnip and red onions, and garnished with white crab pakora and cucumber & mint jelly, through to the Miso Cod, which is a tantalising combination of bok choy, leek and Asian mushroom broth with white miso, pickled pink ginger, puffed wild rice and crunchy lotus roots.

The mains also feature Retired Dairy Cow, something that again makes Channels stand out. “It is a really underused meat that usually goes to waste after the dairy cows stop producing milk,” Dan explains. “The meat is almost creamy in flavour as it is heavily marbled with fat. We serve it with yellow and green courgettes prepared different ways, black olive caramel, Romesco sauce and, on the side, our take on a cottage pie using all the trim from the meat, ensuring zero waste and silky beef fat mash.”

The innovation in the menu extends to the desserts too. “A dish I have been toying with for a couple of summers now is the Garden Pea dish, made up of a pea and white chocolate ganache, and different preparations of coconut and chocolates,” he says intriguingly. “It sounds a bit of a strange combination, but it’s so perfectly balanced the dish just works. It’s a real winner.”

The desserts menu also features local Essex strawberries and elderflowers picked from just down the road from Channels, which again emphasises the importance of local produce to Dan and his team. “I do a lot of research [into] local producers around Essex and A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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“I encourage the team to treat the amazing produce with the respect and love it deserves” CRAB KATSU

THERE’S PLENTY OF OUTSIDE SPACE

I am always surprised at the amount of amazing businesses creating the best produce, but nobody has heard of them and that saddens me,” Dan says. “We should be supporting these amazing local people and what they do.”

Which is why the ‘25’ menu is in the works. “When the extension was done we had a Chef’s Table added on the kitchen pass in the restaurant, which holds ten people, and here I really want to push and showcase these amazing producers in Essex,” he explains. “The garden will play a huge part in the ‘25’ menu. Being able to say we grow on-site the produce on the plate is something you rarely see in restaurants.

We have also found amazing fishermen just

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down in Mersea that will supply us with anything they have caught that day. We have also uncovered a family-run dairy farm in Benfleet, and we will use their milk to make fantastic cheeses and other dairy products.”

It’s obvious how passionate Dan is about his job, but there isn’t a whiff of pretentiousness about the food he creates. “What I believe has been the key to our success, other than the unbelievably dedicated team, is we never take ourselves too seriously,” he states.

“We just cook. When developing menus, I always encourage the team to think about what they are cooking, what will be at its best in that particular season and, most importantly, treat the amazing produce with the respect and love it deserves. Being in the very demanding industry we are in, it’s important that we are all having fun cooking together. It’s the main reason in the four years I have been here that we’ve had a very low turnover of staff. I always push the team to keep focused, keep evolving, and keep moving, so we are always on our toes and always looking at what’s next.”

C H A N N E L S E STAT E Pratts Farm Lane East, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 3PT 01245 440005 brasserie@channelsestate.co.uk channelsestate.co.uk

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ENJOYSTALBANS.COM

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Plan your visit at enjoystalbans.com or scan me

Rental Villas & Apartments | Weddings & Events

CASA MONTE CRISTO C O L L E C T I O N

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HEAD CHEF SIMON MORRIS

Restaurant Overview The expert kitchen team at the brasserie concentrate on using the freshest and finest local produce.

The brasserie offers a perfect combination of classic dishes and modern cuisine, in a relaxed, informal setting, overlooking the breath-taking grounds and parkland. There is plenty to impress on their full menu and their carefully chosen wine list stands alongside a great selection of locally brewed beers, cocktails and mocktails.

Specially crafted menus have been created for private functions and meetings.

The Menu The brasserie menus are full of variety, and include options for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten free. Sunday roasts at the brasserie are also something to shout about.

Join them every Sunday, with three courses for £27.50.

Their brasserie afternoon tea is served in a relaxed, informal setting, overlooking one of the famous cork oak trees, which is a modern take on the traditional, refined afternoon tea experience.

You will be greeted at the restaurant and taken to your table, where delicious sandwiches, freshly baked scones and beautifully presented cakes and pastries will be served.

Number Of Covers The brasserie can hold up to 80 people indoors and up to 60

people on their brasserie terrace and al fresco areas. They also offer private dining experiences for special occasions in a variety of spaces at Wivenhoe House including Signatures, The Boardroom, The Garden Suite, The Gazebo and the brasserie.

Popular Dishes The brasserie menus change weekly, to ensure variety and to keep the dishes fresh. But choose from rillettes of smoked mackerel, pickled rhubarb, bread crisps to start, oven baked breast of chicken, cauliflower textures, spinach gnocchi, sage and madeira jus for mains, and warm ultimate brownie, poppy seed tuille, blackcurrant sorbet for dessert.

This is just one of the options from their delicious set menu.

Special Offers The brasserie offer a three course set lunch menu for £17.50, available Monday-Sunday, and a five course set evening menu for £27.50.

Quirky Facts The brasserie overlooks a 200-year-old cork oak tree, brought here by former owner of the house, Major-General Francis Slater Rebow. When he returned from the Peninsular Wars, he bought two cork oak cuttings in his boots; today those oak trees stand tall and proud in the substantial grounds.

D ESTINATI O N DINING

FOOD & DRINK • PROFILE

WIVENHOE HOUSE COLCHESTER

A venue with a sumptuous everchanging menu and options to enjoy private dining Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3FA 01206 863666 info@wivenhoehouse.co.uk wivenhoehouse.co.uk

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Plant

LIFE Summer dishes from vegan restaurant Holy Carrot

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Pea veloute Serves 6

INGREDIENTS • 300g frozen peas • 1 small bunch of fresh mint (20g) • 4 dried Kaffir lime leaves • 1 medium leek (80g), washed, trimmed and roughly chopped • 70g soya butter • 2 tbsp (30g) white miso paste • 30ml sake • 1 tsp garlic powder • 300ml oat milk • 200ml vegetable stock • 200ml water • Coconut oil for cooking • Sea salt flakes To garnish • 400g tinned black lentils • 400g green peas, fresh or frozen (if frozen, add to warm water to slowly defrost) • 200g raw cauliflower, sliced thinly • 1 tsp mint, basil or coriander, roughly chopped to sprinkle

METHOD Heat the oil in a large heavy-based saucepan on a medium heat and add the leek and miso paste. Mix well and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until soft.

2 Add the milk, stock, mint and lime leaves and cook for a further 10 minutes.

3 Add the frozen peas, garlic powder, water and a heaped teaspoon of salt.

Mix everything well and remove from the heat. Leave to rest for 10 minutes.

4 Remove the mint and lime leaves. Put the soup into a blender and pulse until smooth.

5 Add a spoonful of lentils to the centre of each bowl, before pouring the velouté around the edge. Then arrange the green peas, cauliflower on top of the lentils and velouté. Sprinkle with herbs.

Tomato Ceviche Serves 4

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INGREDIENTS • 500g best quality seasonal tomatoes For the ceviche sauce • Juice of 2 lemons (100ml) • Juice of 2 oranges (100ml) • 1 heaped tbsp (20g) red miso paste • 50ml soy sauce • 1 thumb size piece of fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped • 2 plump garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped • 50ml sake • 70g best quality seasonal tomatoes To garnish • ¼ bunch chives, finely chopped

• 1 tsp black or normal sesame seeds • Handful of micro coriander • Handful of garlic flowers (optional) • 2 ripe avocados • Juice of ½ lime • Maldon salt flakes

METHOD 1 To make the sauce, put all the ingredients into a high speed blender and pulse until smooth. Keep in the fridge until ready to serve.

2 Cut the tomatoes into large chunks, lay them out on a flat serving dish and dress with the ceviche sauce (about half the amount of dressing to tomatoes). Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped chives.

3 Cut the avocados in half, peel, chop into cubes and put into a bowl. Squeeze the lime juice over it and add a large pinch of salt flakes. Carefully ensure all the pieces are coated and then arrange the avocado cubes on top of the tomatoes. Sprinkle with micro coriander and garlic flowers.

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

New and exciting dishes have been introduced as our menu evolves during the warmer months The Creek The Creek • Flag Hill • Greta Bentley • Colchester • Essex - CO7 8RE Tel: 01206 586435 or 01255 317950

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Lemon tart Serves 8

INGREDIENTS For the pastry • 190g gluten-free flour • 95g vegan butter • 75g coconut sugar • 25g ground almonds • Pinch of salt • Pinch of xanthan gum • 25g apple sauce

For the lemon curd • 400g coconut cream (tinned is fine) • Juice of 5½ oranges (400ml) • Juice of 4½ large lemons (250ml) • 285ml agave • 2½ tsp vanilla extract • 80g cornflour To serve • Approx. 1 tbsp zusto

METHOD 1 To make the pastry, mix all the ingredients in a food processor until a soft dough forms. Roll the pastry out to 3mm thick and then gently lay in a 28cm tart dish, lined with baking paper and buttered. Ensure the edges rise up to at least 3cm and pop into the freezer for at least 2 hours.

2 Preheat the oven to 160°C (normal) | 140°C (fan) | gas mark 3.

3 Put all the ingredients into a heavy-based saucepan on a medium heat and whisk until the mixture thickens like a custard, but don’t allow it to boil.

Remove from the heat and pour into the frozen pastry case and cut the pastry at the edge of the cream before baking it for 25 minutes. Let it cool down completely and store in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving.

4 To serve, sprinkle with a little zusto and either use a blow torch or pop under the grill for a minute to caramelise before serving.

holycarrot.co.uk

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DRINKS CABINET What to drink this month

By PENDLE HARTE

REVIEW

SPRITZ ZERO T U S CA N T R E E Tuscan Tree is a new premium, nonalcoholic Aperitivo, inspired by the orange orchards of Northwest Italy and the Italian culture of “Aperitivo Hour”.

A 0% ABV distilled spirit infused with real blood orange juice and Italian sparkling wine, alongside a complex blend of non-alcoholic botanical distillates, Tuscan Tree is made in the style of a classic Italian aperitif.

tuscan-tree.com

CORNISH SPIRIT TA R Q U I N ' S Multi award-winning Tarquin’s Cornish Dry Gin has been Amazon’s best-selling gin for three years running. Handcrafted in small batches using 12 meticulously chosen botanicals to create its unique, fresh flavour, this is the taste of summer 2021.

£35; tarquinsgin.com

SHOP TALK NEW BREED The New Breed Bottle Shop was named by the Independent as one of the UK's best wine delivery services. As well as selling wines from a selection of the world's most exciting producers they also have an abundance of exquisite craft beers, spirits, and pre-bottled cocktails.

newbreedbottleshop.com

Wineapp

Wine delivered to your door in 20 minutes, anyone?

By PENDLE HARTE

E

verybody knows that a restaurant's markup on wine is hefty. And with home meal kits here to stay even when eating out is back, our domestic wine supplies need to keep up. The UK’s biggest ondemand fine wine delivery app, Wine App, stocks hundreds of bottles that you’ll find in restaurants such as Nobu, Sushi Samba, Hakkasan, The Ivy and more, but sells them at a fraction of the price. It's a simple but devastatingly effective concept. Download the app (it appears as an unmistakable single glass of wine on your phone), set up a profile that includes personal preferences, and you're ready to order. There are discounts when you buy more than four bottles, plus lots of offers – and amazingly, delivery is within the hour.

Yes, that's right, the hour. Sometimes even 20 minutes. Our order was scheduled to come within a staggering 35 minutes – and a small delay of a few minutes on the estimated time resulted in a (frankly unnecessary) compensation voucher. So this isn't just a wine app, it's an emergency wine app. Sunny day and nothing in the fridge? You're just a few taps on your phone away from a delivery of chilled, high quality wine that beats any corner shop run. The selection is ever-expanding and comes with concise tasting notes – and when you build your profile, you can note wines to reorder (or avoid). The app will suggest things for you based on your tastes. In all, it's like having your own personal on-demand wine cellar in your phone, without the hassle of the actual cellar.

WINEAPP wineapp.com

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INTERIORS

HOUSE OF FUN H A B I TAT

Defined by its energising colour palette and architectural forms, the new Studio collection is fun and playful. Highly influenced by architectural forms, designs take on a utilitarian feel, transformed into uplifting pieces through bright block colours. habitat.co.uk

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INTERIORS NOT E S Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

RIGHT ANGLE ANGLEPOISE

Anglepoise has launched a new collection of Original 1227 lamps in collaboration with the National Trust. The collection comprises three lights – a table, a desk, and a floor lamp in a new Sage Green colour. Proceeds will raise a minimum of £15,000 to help support restoration works at The Homewood, a modernist villa designed by architect Patrick Gwynne. anglepoise.com

N AT U R E LOV E HABITAT

The natural world is at the core of Habitat's new Folklore collection, promoting pared-back and considered interiors. The collection prioritises tactile materials such as cane, seagrass and jute, complemented by naive, unrefined accessories. habitat.co.uk

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INTERIORS • NOTES

TA K E FIVE Fragrance L'ORANGERIE Spiced reed diffuser, £28 frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

NEW TA LE N T

S E A M LE S S T R A N S I T I O N SEH BAC

The line between our home’s inside and outside space has never been more blurred, and one of the ways homeowners are bringing the outdoors in is by flooding their living space with natural light.

SEH BAC’s new modern flat roof extension with frameless flat skylights is the perfect choice to bring style and simplicity to any home design while bathing a room in as much natural light as possible. sehbac.com

LOOK LIKE LOVE

Look Like Love has been supporting and promoting graduate and emerging designers since 2011 and this year they invited 10 designers to each create a one-off piece to form the anniversary collection, which spans prints, textiles and ceramics. looklikelove.co.uk

EMMA ALLINGTON Vine tomato and black pepper candle, £37 emmaallington.co.uk

DIPTYQUE Limited edition Citronelle candle, £49 diptyqueparis.com

JO LOVES Fig Trees diffuser, £90 joloves.com

TOM DIXON Fog incense set, £40 tomdixon.net

SET AND MATCH SETTING PRETT Y

Setting Pretty's table linens are designed to be mixed and matched – so here are Wild Child napkins and placemats with a gingham tablecloth in Dusty Rose.

Instant table style, achieved. settingpretty.com

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Opening DOORS

Vanessa Holding and Lara Kott explain how Studio LV is revolutionizing the interior design world with their new take on accessibility

By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

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ssex friends Vanessa Holding and Lara Kott believe that hiring an interior designer should not be something that’s unattainable based on affordability. Seeing interior design as an affordable luxury, they explain how their company, Studio LV, aims to create the ideal package, offering the chance to experience the full service, but without that large daunting price tag attached.

“Here at Studio LV, we provide a complete interior design service, from creating an overall concept and mood board, then sourcing or designing each item required to achieve the desired look, then lastly styling the room,” Holding explains. “We truly believe that hiring an interior designer should be an enjoyable and affordable luxury that takes away the stress of a home renovation project.”

How did the company come to be?

“Studio LV was founded over one too many gin and tonics on a night out,” she laughs. “Lara used to work in the world of corporate law pre-children, but always

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dreamed of following her passion for interior design. She achieved a Diploma from the Interior Design Institute and, following this, put her skills to the test whilst renovating her own house, which is documented on her successful personal Instagram page @say_yes_to_the_nest.”

The duo's skill sets don’t stop there, as Kott adds: “Vanessa’s family business Boldfort has over 35 years’ experience in building and construction management, dedicated to refurbishing family homes in Central London. In 2019, she achieved a Certificate in Residential Interior Design from the prestigious KLC School of Design in London, alongside bringing up two sets of twins.”

It’s obvious from speaking with Holding and Kott that through their friendship, they found the confidence to take the first steps into setting up Studio LV. “Having been friends for over 20 years it was an easy decision to take the plunge and start up a company we had both dreamed of being part of,” Holding says. “We knew how our different personalities would work well together – Lara being organised and

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INTERIORS • INTERVIEW

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25 Burnt Mill, Harlow CM20 2HU (T) 01279 444 213 | (E) harlow@jdcpaints.com | www.jdcpaints.com Follow us! @jdcpaints | Open 7 days a week

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INTERIORS • FEATURE

methodical with a penchant for styling, and me, I’m trained in creating floor plans and lighting designs, whilst both of us are passionate about keeping up to date with the latest trends, as well as discovering new materials and techniques.”

With Studio LV promoting interior design as an ‘affordable luxury’, I was intrigued to see the different processes offered within the package. Kott says: “Here, at Studio LV, we are experts in space planning, interior detailing, colour schemes, furniture selection and the overall aesthetics. We start each project with a free consultation where we sit with our clients and take a full brief to find out their aspirations. We then create a Concept Scheme, where we compile various images illustrating the proposed overall design and feel of the project, including materials and colours that we would be using. Once the client has signed off the board, we go on to produce a detailed Finishes & Sourcing Schedule, which lists all items recommended in order to achieve the desired appearance of the agreed Concept Scheme. Finally, once all the items have been purchased and any bespoke furniture has been designed and delivered, we return to style the room.”

“WE ARE EXPERTS IN SPACE PLANNING, INTERIOR DETAILING, COLOUR SCHEMES, FURNITURE SELECTION AND AESTHETICS” Interestingly, both Harding and Kott sought out their opportunity, understanding that there was a necessary gap for people to have a more affordable way into interior design. “We thought there was a gap in the market for an interior design studio that would work with all budgets and provide an unintimidating and friendly approach to hiring an interior designer,” Holding says. “We really enjoy working with our clients, getting to know them and their lifestyles, so we can build a relationship and ensure that we can provide a completely personal and bespoke approach to each project we take on.”

It’s an ethos that appears to be reaping the benefits. “We are so proud of the fact that our business has grown organically through word of mouth and recommendations due to our friendly and flexible approach,” Holding smiles.

“One day we would love to collaborate with suppliers to produce our own branded homeware and accessories.”

The high price tag that is usually attached to the idea of interior design can definitely be a deterrent, and it is clear Studio LV have cracked the gap in the market – interior design is no longer the inaccessible luxury we once knew it to be.

STUDIO LV’S TOP INTERIOR DESIGN TIPS

ONE

If you don’t like it anymore, paint it. A fresh lick of paint can revamp the most tired furniture and completely transform a room.

•

T WO

Shop the High Street. There are some fantastic pieces in shops like H&M and Zara, and we always love a bit of TK Maxx!

•

THREE

Don’t be afraid to personalise budget friendly furniture. We have used some great Ikea furniture in our projects and tweaked them by adding hessian panels or using different knobs and handles to turn them into beautiful bespoke pieces of furniture that would normally cost hundreds of pounds and achieved the look for a fraction of the price.

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S un S E E K E R S

Make the most of what remains of summer with the best in outdoor furniture

By MARK KEBBLE

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Bring the indoor out GO MODERN FURNITURE

 Part of a large modular collection, the Senja Sofa has multiple elements that can be combined to create a bespoke arrangement. As well as seating elements, choose optional integrated tables, consoles or side tables in either teak or glazed lavastone.

Looking more like an indoor piece than a garden sofa, the Senja Sofa has a strong powder-coated frame in linen or wenge with deep comfortable cushions. gomodern.co.uk

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INTERIORS • TREND

Lounge around E L L A JA M E S

 The stunning new Capri woven lounge chair is perfect for lazing around in the garden during what remains of the summer. This chair is suitable to be left outside, but there is a recommendation that during the winter months and prolonged wet weather you should bring it indoors. The chair cushion is easily removable and should be brought indoors overnight when not in use. ellajames.co.uk

Social style statement HILLIER GARDEN CENTRES

 If you love contemporary design and want a garden furniture set that can really bring people together in style, the Siena Advanced Texteline Modular Firepit Set is a knock-out. It combines modern, sleek lines with grey cushions and advanced texteline upholstery.

The set offers the comfort and appearance of a sofa outdoors, while being completely weatherproof, able to be left outdoors all summer. In the middle of the table is the real centrepiece – an integrated firepit, lit via a concealed gas bottle beneath the table. hillier.co.uk

Caught in a loop V I VA L A G O O N

 The Loop Dining Chair is light to handle and to move around, which has its advantages as furniture can be moved in line with the sun. The design gives a light and airy look to a verandah and is also unbelievably comfortable – air can circulate through the tautly strung construction. vivalagoon.com

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WHY HARTLEY

BESPOKE GLASSHOUSE Hampshire, UK

EXCEPTIONAL DELIVERY OF SERVICE Once your order has been handmade to your personal requirements, and Hartley Botanic’s exacting standards, your delivery and installation will be exceptional.

The proud team at Hartley Botanic are there to ensure the process runs smoothly, providing you with the information you need and keeping you up to date throughout.

Visit us at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 21st- 26th September 2021 Discover the secret of Hartley Botanic by calling 0800 783 8083 or visit www.hartley-botanic.co.uk

THE FINEST GLASSHOUSES MONEY CAN BUY The only aluminium Glasshouses and Greenhouses endorsed by the RHS

® The Royal Horticultural Society. The Royal Horticultural Society, and its logo, are trade marks of The Royal Horticultural Society (Registered Charity No 222879/SC038262) and used under licence from RHS Enterprises Limited.

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INTERIORS • TRENDS

Concrete plans RUST COLLECTIONS

 Gather your friends and family and get ready to enjoy some long, lazy lunches al fresco on the new St Emilion concrete outdoor table.

The stylish smooth-to-touch yet texturedto-look-at concrete top is handcrafted in Rust Collection's Buckinghamshire workshop, meaning each piece is subtly unique. It’s coated with a matte-finish, UV-resistant protective layer, which is also easily wipeable making spillages and sticky finger prints easy to deal with. rustcollections.co.uk

Head to Ascot BRIDGMAN

 This summer sees the release of the new, limited edition Ascot Collection, designed and created in the Bridgman workshop. Interior design ventures into the outdoors with four carefully designed modular sofa sets that possess the luxurious look and feel of an indoor living room suite. Each sofa is fully upholstered in solution-dyed acrylic fabric, the same material as used in luxury yachts, to guarantee complete weatherproofing, whatever the weather. bridgman.co.uk

At the double C OX & C OX

 Inspired by Cox & Cox's bestselling Indoor Outdoor Hanging Chair, this new, double sized version is perfect for sharing with a companion.

Each chair features a sturdy grey metal frame and faux wicker chair, with a sumptuous, soft cream seat cushion and two matching tie-on headrests. coxandcox.co.uk

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Welcome to The PearTree Carpet Gallery, suppliers & installers

We offer an array of luxury flooring to choose from including

CARPET LVT (Amtico)

WOOD LAMINATE

SAFTEY FLOORING VINYL

We cover domestic and commercial installations throughout Colchester, Essex and surrounding areas.

All of our works are completed with our team of employed installers to a high standard.

For further information/enquiries please contact our team 01206 767560 or visit us in store at Unit b The Stanway Centre | Pear Tree Road | Colchester | CO3 0JY @pear_treecarpets.flooring PTC.indd 1

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INTERIORS • TRENDS

It's a wrap L I M E L AC E

 Curl up and relax with a glass of something cold and a good book in the fabulous Cocoon Hang Chair Outdoor. Forming part of the chic Outdoor Lounge range by TRIMM Copenhagen, it's sure to bring the wow factor to your garden or outdoor living room. You feel embraced by the walls of the cocoon and yet you still have a free view of the sky, almost as if you were flying. It's perfect for chilling out on a summer day, or snuggle up under a chunky blanket and watch the stars come out. limelace.co.uk

Sophisticated style R E G AT TA

 You’ll adore this super stylish range. Boston is a perfect combination of sophistication and functionality, just perfect for indoors or out. Each piece includes very comfortable and deep seat back cushions. Also look out for Regatta’s New Hampshire range, which is full of unique profiles. It features beautiful lines that enhance the natural appeal, giving a relaxed, ultra-comfortable, sophisticated profile. regattafurniture.com

Sweet & chic

HILLIER GARDEN CENTRES

 For practicality, style and comfort even in small outdoor spaces, the folding Galaxy Bistro Set is perfect. The pretty table and accompanying chairs are made from FSC eucalyptus hardwood, partly painted a stylish deep blue with contrasting grey wash surfaces. The chairs have gently sloping backs for extra comfort along with a seat safety locking bolt to avoid trapping fingers. Useful handles mean the set can be moved easily around a balcony or patio and then folded away when not in use. hillier.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Quality garden fires on display, for long Summer evenings outdoors

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INTERIORS • TREND

CASACARTA Dinner plate set of two, £74 casa-carta.com

MARIMEKKO Siirtolapuutarha plate, £25 skandium.com

MINEHEART Undercover Antique plate, £22 mineheart.com

GARDEN TRADING Winderton Side Plate in Rosemary, £8 gardentrading.co.uk

HOT PLATES

EDITOR’S PICK

THE FIND STORE Moroccan Zwack plate, £15 thefi ndstore.co.uk

THE CURIOUS DEPARTMENT Insect Mandala plate, set of four, £160 thecuriousdepartment.com

Stylish dinnerware for your table

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

CIEL SHOP Dinner plate, £12 cielshopinteriors.com

SOUS CHEF Colour Pop enamel plate pink, £22.99 souschef.co.uk

CASA CELVA Puglian face bread plate, £64 for four casacelva.com

ARTISANS DU MAROC Tamegroute plate, £25 wearenomads.co.uk

ROSE & GREY Aura stoneware plate, £14 roseandgrey.co.uk

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INTERIORS • SPOTLIGHT

Paloma Faith has launched her own brand of homewares.

Absolutely takes a look

By P E A R L B OY D

W

hat do you get if you mix floral wallpaper, animal print upholstery and paisley cushions?

Welcome to the world of Paloma Faith.

The singer and songwriter has dipped a toe into the world of art and design with the launch of her own interiors label, Paloma Home. Elevating the ordinary to the extraordinary with her creative eye for pattern and play, the exuberant collection encompasses fabrics,

wallpapers, soft furnishings and select upholstered pieces in statement prints.

Born from her love of opulent glamour, retro bohemia and inspired by the renovation of her own kaleidoscopic London townhouse, Paloma Home is the culmination of Faith’s lifelong fascination with design and passion for vintage and thrifting. A self-confessed “nester” (and a true Cancerian), Faith has great fondness for the home and all its maternal connotations. “In times of uncertainty, the past year wholly revived my passion for my home and pouring a little bit more of ourselves into our spaces has never felt more important.”

With a nod to the romantic noirs of Wong Kar-wai and his iconic sultry aesthetic, the collection will transport you with a palette of saturated jewel tones. Each of the pieces are rich with reference: dark, loaded wallpapers are reminiscent of a louche, backstage world while highly decorative botanicals allude to a freespirited air of femininity and a touch of the bohemian. The hedonism of the music scene unites with cinematic influence to create a dazzling interiors capsule.

“Pouring a little bit more of ourselves into our spaces has never felt more important” A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Monaco Dining Set.

HURRY sale ENDS August Bank Holiday!

Holborn Sofa

Lucille Bedroom

Louis De Poortere Antiquarian Rug

Peartree Road, Stanway, Colchester, Essex CO3 0LA

01206 765444 www.hatfields.com

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INTERIORS • SPOTLIGHT

“Growing up we didn’t always have a lot of money, but my mum did always prioritise investing in new cushion covers and things felt brand new.

With Paloma Home, you can have one piece and it changes a room - or you can embrace the whole collection, and it still works,” she says.

The debut line comprises ten house prints, from Pouncing Tigers and Luxe Leopards to Oriental Leaves & Birds, Vintage Chinoiserie and Monochrome Stripes. Underpinned by a feeling of faded grandeur and retro nostalgia, highlights of the range include sumptuous velvet cushions in fiery animal prints and intricate hand-drawn birds in flight splashed across bedding for a boudoiresque cocoon, as well as leopard and tiger print seating, intricate chinoiserie print wallpaper and blinds. More is always more, with tactile finishing touches such as braiding, piping and ruffles making for an entirely multi-sensory experience.

Paloma Home captures the essence of Faith’s much-loved fire and soul - a playful, premium and yet accessible collection - and a welcome mode of escapism for all. Paloma says: “Home for me is a place where there is warmth, life, vibrancy and human touch. Something truly ‘lived in’. So much beauty emerges from chaos - and I hope to share this sentiment with Paloma Home.”

“Tactile finishing touches include braiding, piping and ruffles”

palomahome.com

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GOOD

TIMES

British designer Faye Toogood's work spans interiors, fashion and now a new range of homeware too

By EVE HERBERT

B

ritish designer Faye Toogood has launched Toogood Homeware: the studio’s first dedicated collection of homeware designs. The new range includes the Dough collection, named to highlight the common ground of kneading in both baking and pottery. It comprises six pieces: a mug, a jug, a platter, a bowl, a vase and a centrepiece. Hand-shaped in the Toogood studio before being cast in earthenware, the pieces share a pared-back yet playful simplicity. The mugs and pitchers boast chunky, outsized handles, while the platter has a rounded swelling quality that calls to mind rising dough. The two decorative pieces – a vase and a centrepiece – complement the range. Echoing the subtly organic swell of the tableware, these are distinguished by a reactive glaze treatment that transitions between silky matte and shiny gloss in a single piece. All pieces in the collection are available in two standard matte glazes; cream and charcoal.

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The Toogood interiors practice has executed numerous house interiors for private clients. A Mayfair apartment designed for a pair of American art collectors is filled with commissioned furniture pieces made by craftsmen and artists alongside bespoke designs by Faye. The penthouse at Tapestry in King’s Cross is a monumental space with a richly textured finish and a colour palette inspired by scudding skies.

For Casa Paloma, a seven-bedroom villa in Ibiza, Toogood oversaw every aspect of the interior to the finest detail, even executing the artworks that hang on the walls.

The practice has also made a name for itself with a number of extraordinary projects for commercial fashion clients, including the Mulberry store on Regent Street, the flagship Carhartt showroom in King’s Cross, Tiina the Store in the Hamptons, and site-specific installations for Hermes and Selfridges.

Toogood brings a distinctly sculptural approach to the art of furniture design, with pieces such as the ‘Spade’ chair and the ‘Roly-Poly’ chair achieving iconic

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INTERIORS XXXXXXXX• •DESIGN XXXXX

“A celebration of craftsmanship has been at the core of the brand from the outset”

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“The platter has a rounded swelling quality that calls to mind rising dough”

status through their strong geometry and form. All of the pieces are handmade by small-scale fabricators and traditional artisans, with an honesty to the irregularity of the chosen material, whether it be raw fibreglass, aluminium or Barium crystal. Toogood produces made-to-order furniture and homewares, as well as limited-edition gallery pieces which are sold through Friedman Benda in New York.

Faye’s furniture crosses the boundary into fine art, and has been exhibited at Phillips and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the Triennale in Milan, and D Museum in Seoul. Her works have been acquired for the permanent collections of Philadelphia Museum of Art, Dallas Museum of Art, High Museum of Art in Atlanta,

Corning Museum of Glass in New York, the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne and the Faberge Museum in St Petersburg.

The fashion side of the business was cofounded by sisters Faye and Erica Toogood.

They approach their work obliquely, collaborating with architects, product designers and painters to create clothes that are both practical and sculptural.

A celebration of craftsmanship has been at the core of the brand from the outset.

Each piece takes its name, inspiration and cut from a traditional trade: the Metalworker jacket, the Stonemason trouser, and so on. Toogood’s clothing is instilled with the unmistakable spirit of both sisters: Faye’s preoccupation with materiality and Erica’s audacious shapemaking. One a tinker, the other a tailor.

Toogood has more than 60 stockists worldwide, including Selfridges, Dover Street Market and Matches. Faye Toogood’s works have been acquired for the permanent collections of institutions worldwide, including Philadelphia Museum of Art, Dallas Museum of Art, High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Corning Museum of Glass in New York, the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne and the Fabergé Museum in St Petersburg.

Faye Toogood homewares are stocked at scp.co.uk

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INTERIORS • PROMOTION

Sofa

BLAZER

SO GOOD Spotlight on four of Minotti's seating systems

By EVE HERBERT

BLAZER

RODOLFO DORDONI DESIGN

CONNERY

Blazer is one of the creations that best expresses the most authentic artisanal attitude of Minotti.

The system is complemented by cushions in different sizes and headrests, which can be freely positioned, decorating the seats and offering maximum comfort.

The compositions can be mixed and matched with the complements of the 2020 Collection - coffee tables,

console tables, benches and armchairs - that pleasantly interrupt the symmetry and contribute to designing living areas with a bold personality.

Blazer is distinguishable due its exceptional quality, with a contemporary look characterised by clean, minimal lines.

The key feature of the design is the backrest with rounded internal corners, which creates a comfortable, enveloping niche, transforming the chaiselongue element with high backrest and armrest into a particularly welcoming alcove.

TORII

CONNERY

RODOLFO DORDONI DESIGN Contemporary, with a strong architectural appeal and pure lines reminiscent of the Mid-Century American spirit, the Connery seating system sports an exquisite aesthetic and design that instantly catch the eye. The clever combination of fine materials and sophisticated details adds a hint of couture to its design. An extremely versatile seating system, in terms of both composition and combination of materials, Connery has a distinctive personality also expressed in the pairing of original

square and round chaise-lounges.

As well as the fabric covering, the padded structural base can also feature a covering with strips of leather, crafted with the same technique used in fine leather luggage-crafting. References to the concept of high-end leather goods are also found in the headrests and the elegant “C”-shaped Flap surfaces, which seamlessly blend into the seating elements, animating the compositions with a vibrant rhythm.

The well-structured, customisable range, offers many different compositional options, in addition to longer square chaise-longues.

DAIKI

MARCIO KOGAN / STUDIO MK27 DESIGN Inspired by the Brazilian architect’s many trips to Japan, the Daiki seats are born out of Marcio Kogan’s deep passion for Japanese culture and are conceived as a real tribute to Japanese design.

The Daiki family includes armchairs with a deep seat, available both with and without armrests, and footstool.

Daiki offers a design that explores and reinterprets the American Mid-Century atmospheres in its bold, clean lines, precious materials and balanced proportions.

DAIKI

TORII

NENDO DESIGN Airy, with constructive details linked to Japanese tradition, the Torii modular seats play with round edged volumes, thin profiles and the apparent formal simplicity of an extremely detailed design.

The metal structure of the legs of the seats and tables is Nendo’s nod to the image of the “torii”, the entrance gate to Shinto shrines in Japan. The Torii family includes sofas - with high or low backrest and a linear shape, rounded at the arms - inclined sofas with a

combination of two different depths, armchairs and lounge and dining little armchairs, ottomans, coffee tables, and a slender, oval-shaped console table, ideal for placing anywhere in the living area.

The varied range of products makes it possible to design a flexible layout, in which the individual elements can also be combined to create a strong visual unity. The metal frame found in the components of the Torii family evokes the image of the “Senbon Torii, the wooden colonnade that forms a gallery made up of 1,000 vermilion torii gates”, as Nendo reminds us.

M I N OT T I minotti.com

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FASHION

SUNNY OUTLOOK MATALAN

The summer of 2021: if you too are dreaming of afternoons in beer gardens and summer shindigs with friends, then here at Absolutely Essex, we have collated the perfect capsule wardrobe for your search for summer outfits, such as this option from Matalan. For those daring to be a little brave, turn to page 68 for some bold options. matalan.co.uk

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Trends 68 • Designed by Sports 70 • The Shoot 72 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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BRAVE AND BOLD As we all look to get back to some kind of normality this summer, fashion is showing us how to take some positive steps forward

By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

DEEBA LONDON Coral kimono robe, £145 deebalondon.com

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FASHION • TREND

EDITOR’S PICK

VERY Pour Moi removable straps tiered skirt maxi dress - pink, £35 very.co.uk

STUDIO B Avender linen lounge suit, £175 studiobfashion.com

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

STUDIO B Sleeper Atlanta linen dress in pink gingham, £245 studiobfashion.com

T

his season, the fashion world showcased an attitude that sums up the mentality we need heading into the second half of the year; bravery in being bold, and with that being said, bravery in being comfortable.

We are being encouraged to mix colours with patterns, and told to take advantage of a bold combination of colour blocking.

The trends of summer 2021 are allowing you to take risks, maybe even a leap out of that comfort zone, yet still remaining true to yourself and your style. From Rixo serving us pattern contrasting like you’ve never witnessed before, Deeba London bringing colour blocking that would halt traffic, to NeverFullyDressed serving severe shapes, here’s how to truly embrace the summer.

H&M A Meadow of Wildflowers collection, £17.99 hm.com

MONSOON

H&M

Alexis floral tiered midi dress green, £70 monsoon.co.uk

A Meadow of Wildflowers collection, £34.99 hm.com

MONSOON Benita printed maxi dress blue, £65 monsoon.co.uk

STUDIO B Gestuz black Svalagz cotton top, £95 studiobfashion.com

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“NO FANCY JARGON, JUST HARD WORKING, STYLISH, BEAUTIFULLY FITTING, SUPER FLATTERING SPORTSWEAR” 70

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FASHION • INTERVIEW

Q&A

Ladies of

LEISURE We catch up with Essex sisters, Helen Byford and Jude Walthew, to find out how they are revolutionising the sportswear look

By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

Q How did Designed by Sports come to be?

A Helen: The brand is the result of a discussion over coffee almost two years ago, where Jude and I decided to stop talking and be brave enough to follow our dreams. After investing a large amount of time, energy and money finding the right clothing manufacturer, Designed by Sports finally launched in February 2020.

Q What inspired the brand?

A Jude: Before establishing Designed

by Sports, I was the head coach at a local tennis club, so had years of putting sportswear through its paces.

After spending most of my time wearing and sourcing sportswear, I got fed up of paying a premium price, but then constantly having to re-adjust badly fitting kit. There seemed to be two extremes: either really expensive brands that look great, but don’t always make the cut (literally), or cheaper collections that don’t last or give the performance women need.

There appeared to be a gap in the market for well designed, good quality sportswear at an affordable price, so we jumped in to fill that the gap.

Q Why is designing sportswear for women so important to you?

A Helen: As sportswomen ourselves, we place a huge emphasis on the performance of our clothing. We’re not a lifestyle or activewear brand, our kit has to perform as hard as today’s sportswomen do. At the forefront of our brand ethos was our knowledge of how important it is not to notice your kit when focusing on your favourite sport. Whether you are playing tennis outside in December, training with your team mates on a hockey pitch or pounding the pavement, you can put your full focus on achieving your personal best whilst looking and feeling your best too.

Q What mark do you want to make on the sportswear world?

A Jude: Since establishing Designed

by Sports, we have grown a strong network of loyal supporters and ambassadors who love the look and feel of our kit. Working with strong, inspiring women is important to the brand and we’re keen to further grow our loyal community of DBS supporters. For us, the brand is more than just sportswear; it is a sisterhood, a community of like-minded women lifting each other up and cheering them on from the sidelines. We also offer customised kit for teams and clubs.

Q As two empowered women, what messages do you hope to translate through your sportswear?

A Helen: We know what sportswomen want from their kit. No fancy jargon, no latest fad, just hard working, stylish, beautifully fitting, super flattering and all performing sportswear. Designed by women for women, you can’t beat that.

Q What’s next for Designed

by Sports?

A Helen: Firstly, world domination is on the cards! As well as online, our collections are currently available at a few select retail outlets too, which has worked really well for us.

In the future we plan to extend this offering to reach a wider audience.

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WARM embrace

Lipsy London – found at Next across the county – will prepare you for sun-soaked events once again N E X T. C O . U K / L I P S Y

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

Kitsch vision Chunky pieces that make a statement B y L AY L A T U R N E R

MERCI MAMAN

JULY CHILD

TATTY DEVINE

Personalised Kindred Round Pendant, £109 mercimamanboutique.com

Sweetheart Pink Ring, £110 julychild.co.uk

Swift Ascending Earring, £25 tattydevine.com

MILLIE SAVAGE

BAKER BROTHERS DIAMONDS

BONNY & BLITHE

Dasiy Daisy Do Ring, £374 milliesavage.com

18ct Gold Sapphire, Diamond & Emerald Cluster Drop Earrings, £3,250, bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

Amour Coral Beaded Bracelet - Silver & Gold, £40 the-dressingroom.com

BAKER BROTHERS DIAMONDS

JULY CHILD

TATTY DEVINE

18ct Rose Gold Multi-Coloured Sapphire Flower Design Ring, £1,295, bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

Ariel Cosmo Necklace, £80 julychild.co.uk

Mad Hatter Brooch, £35 tattydevine.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

AT A STRETCH YOGA

We are familiar with the many benefits of enjoying yoga, but there's one we were not so aware of: traumainformed yoga. Given what we have been through, it's unsurprising this form of yoga is becoming highly sought after. Search for Essex yoga practitioners who offer it to see how it can transform your life.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Beauty Notes 83 • Brookside Aesthetics 86 • Nutrition 90 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The Natural Formula for Weight Loss and Wellbeing S I M P LY B E C A U S E I T W O R K S

Supporting your wellbeing and losing weight may be a lot easier than you think, with Germany's No.1 meal replacement1 and ‘Most Trusted Weight Loss Brand 2020’2.

Made with a calorie-controlled, plant based, natural formula, Almased® contains a nourishing blend of soya, yogurt, enzymerich honey, all teeming with vitamins and minerals. Almased®’s ingredients combine synergistically to provide your body with superior levels of nutrition, all while optimising your immune system3, enabling you to feel your best while losing weight.

With over 30 years of scientific research, Almased® remains at the forefront of healthy, effective weight loss and optimum wellbeing. Recent clinical studies have shown that consuming Almased® not only results in significant weight reduction, but also improves detrimental inflammatory markers in the body and subsequently, immune health4.

Incorporating Almased® into a balanced diet will strengthen your immunity long after your weight loss goal has been achieved. Achieve your very own weight loss and wellbeing goal with Almased®’s 14-Day or Long-Term Plan. Lose weight, keep it off and feel great!

There’s a reason we were voted Reader’s Digest “Most Trusted Weight Loss Brand, 2020”...†

Support your Wellbeing While Losing Weight

• Greater calorie and fat burning vs a normal 2,000 calorie diet5.

• Reduces body fat without loss of essential muscle6.

• Clinically proven weight loss vs a fat restricted low calorie diet7.

• Low glycaemic index and glycaemic load. Improves glycaemic control in Type 2 diabetes8.

• Anti-inflammatory. Positively reduces levels of inflammation in the body4.

• Supports healthy immune system. Packed full of antioxidants and nutrients such as vitamin C and zinc3.

• Backed by science. 30 years of scientifically proven results.

• Contributes to weight loss when replacing 2 daily meals*.

• Maintains weight after weight loss by replacing one daily meal.

• Natural. Contains no gluten, artificial flavours, fillers, stimulants or preservatives.

• Suitable for... vegetarians, sports enthusiasts and those with diabetes.

020 3463 9769

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nutritionist@almased.co.uk

Almased UK ®

1. Euromonitor International (2020). 2. Reader’s Digest. Trusted Brands 2020. Germany.

3. Vitamin C and Zinc contribute to the normal function of the immune system. 4.

Kempf, K et al (2021). Nutrients, 13: 1-12. 5. Oliveira, C et al (2020). American Journal of Clinical Nutrition; 00:1–12. 6. Deibert, P et al (2004). Intl. Journal of Obesity; 28(10):1349-52. 7. König, D et al (2008). Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism; 52(1):7478. 8. Kempf, K et al (2017) Diabetes Care; Jul 40(7): 863-87. *Substituting two daily meals of an energy restricted diet with meal replacements contributes to weight loss.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare B y L AY L A T U R N E R

FOCUS

EDITOR’S PICK

HIGH

tech

How Tria Woman help to tackle the menopause

C LO U D T W E LV E

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

Head down to luxury wellness and lifestyle club, Cloud Twelve, for the ultimate pamper day. We highly recommend one of their ultra high tech facials, such as the Dermafrac signature treatment, for the ultimate skin makeover.

Prices vary,

T

cloudtwelve.co.uk

Glass glow K E V Y N AU C O I N

Designed to instantly brighten a lacklustre complexion, The Glass Glow liquid illuminator comes in six dazzling shades. The smooth, gel-like formula feels fresh on the skin, and can be mixed with a moisturiser for a hydrated finish. Alternatively, apply to the face and body alone in an upwards motion for a more intense look. £26, spacenk.com

S I G N AT U R E SHADE E M O LY N E

Emolyne Ramlov, founder of Emolyne Cosmetics, spent years trying to find lip and nail products of an exact shade match. The brand offers kits containing a lip-liner, lipstick and nail polish, all of the same shade. Shades include ‘Zanzibar’, a showstopping, poppy red. £45

POSITIVE ageing his month at Tria Woman we have been looking at the transition into menopause, a topic that many women have difficulty navigating, especially as there is so much conflicting information – so what’s the answer?

Well we are all individuals, with different symptoms, needs and concerns, so what is right for one woman may not be right for another. For some women, the physical symptoms such as hot flashes, weight gain and foggy thinking are intense and overwhelming.

Other women struggle with insomnia and anxiety. Some women find the end of their ability to produce children to be a huge loss and feel an overwhelming sense of grief for their youth. And then there are women who experience all of these symptoms or any number of combinations! It's not surprising that there is so much confusion about finding a solution.

We also have so much pressure on us from society, media and personal expectations to look and feel young.

How do we compete with this idea that to have value as a woman we need to look 25, and if or when we can’t, how do we begin to feel great about ourselves?

At Tria Woman we believe that every woman deserves to feel heard and understood, and we work together to establish which hormones are out of balance and tailor a bespoke plan to suit her, and (most importantly) we support her journey to positive ageing.

TRIA WOMAN

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

emolyne.com

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Care in your home, just as you like it.

You love your home and you feel safe there. Needing additional care and support shouldn’t change that.

With our well-trusted care service, you can remain at home surrounded by loved ones and beloved pets and still enjoy your home, garden and community.

You may be in a situation where you need an extra pair of hands to help with daily chores, or you may have complex needs that require more dedicated care. We build our care packages around you and your individual needs which means that you and your family can rest assured you’ll receive care and support exactly as you need. Our care ranges from a 30-minute daily visit through to full Live-in care.

More detailed information on live-in care can be found at: bluebirdcare.co.uk/live-in-care

Call our friendly team today to see how we can tailor a care package for you.

Bluebird Care Epping and Harlow 01279 976360 Bluebird Care Redbridge 020 8989 8444 Bluebird Care Mid Essex 01245 263962

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND

EDITOR’S PICK

MALIN + GOETZ Meadowfoam Oil Balm, £13 malinandgoetz.co.uk

MOA Queen Of The Night Serum, £35 moa.co.uk

HUDA BEAUTY GloWish Multidew Skin Tint, £32 hudabeauty.com

BITE BEAUTY Daycation Whipped blush, £30 boots.com

VERSO Body Oil Cleanser, £55 versoskincare.com

111 SKIN Nac Y2 Recovery Mask, £115 111skin.co.uk

GLOW GUIDE

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK; UNSPLASH, DOM AGUIAR

The best products for glowing skin, all summer long...

HUDA BEAUTY N.Y.M.P.H Glaze Skin Perfector, £30 hudabeauty.com

HUDA BEAUTY N.Y.M.P.H Body Drip Shimmering Oil, £42 cultbeauty.co.uk

B y L AY L A T U R N E R

GLOW RECIPE ROC SKINCARE

Avocado Recovery Serum, £38 cultbeauty.co.uk

Multi Correxion Gel Cream, £35.99 rocskincare.co.uk

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Beauty

SPOT The founder of Brookside Aesthetics on why this Chelmsford clinic has proven to be so popular for both women and men

By KAREN CHESTER

When I was 14, I enjoyed four weeks of work experience in a beauty salon in Southend on Sea, and during those four weeks, my love for the industry was born. I knew then that this was the career path I wanted to take and, on leaving school, I spent three years at college, gaining my full beauty qualifications.

However, my qualifications didn’t end there. I studied and qualified as a teacher and spent ten years teaching beauty therapy. I have a degree in business studies and I’ve also gained my Advanced Beauty qualifications.

You could say I’m addicted to learning!

All of this has enabled me to work at the highest level in the beauty industry as an aesthetic practitioner, offering non-surgical treatments, working alongside some amazing cosmetic doctors and surgeons. It’s also meant that I have the capability to run a successful business as

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well as being a practitioner, which is a fantastic balance to have.

An aesthetic practitioner is a person who has qualified in advanced treatments which focus on the skin and the body’s internal health. You have a complete understanding of how the skin functions and are able to link clients’ skin concerns and imperfections to the most appropriate treatments and procedures that are available.

The cosmetic industry is fascinating to me, as it’s evolved from basic facials and eyebrow tinting, to total skin resurfacing and semipermanent makeup. I’m passionate about the industry and how it’s constantly changing and developing.

Therefore, I know that I have to keep up to date with the latest treatments, technology and skincare options and make them available for my clients.

At Brookside Aesthetics, we pride ourselves on providing the best and most effective treatment for your face, skin or body concerns.

After consultation we decide on a bespoke treatment plan for the individual, offering the highest quality and safest cosmetic, medical and beauty treatments. You’ll never feel rushed or pressured into making decisions. Instead, we’ll spend a lot of time understanding your concerns; this allows us to create a personal treatment plan specifically tailored to your individual needs. We provide a broad range of treatments, using state of the art medical grade, FDA and CE approved equipment, products and active skincare. In addition, I know that all our staff work to the highest level and are all fully qualified in their field.

At Brookside, we understand that it is a deeply personal and very important decision for you when

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • INTERVIEW

“The cosmetics industry has evolved from basic facials to total skin resurfacing”

choosing aesthetic treatments, so we believe in treating our clients in an honest, ethical and professional manner. Our staff want to ensure that you have an extremely positive experience, treating you with compassion and care. We’ll strive to make you feel comfortable, both mentally and physically, at every stage of your journey with us.

We specialise in a range of aesthetic treatments for the face and body. Each client’s expectations are fully explored, so that they leave completely satisfied with the optimum results. As we age, we become more and more self-conscious and so anti-ageing treatments are at the forefront of our treatment offerings. We’re very fortunate to have a member of staff who offers essential beauty treatments on-site, which includes a menu of amazing

different massages. This is an extra benefit to our aesthetics patients if they feel they need to de-stress.

conscious these days. With my knowledge and skills, it’s essential to help my clients look and feel better, both inside and out.

I am consulting and treating more men these days; men’s well-being and skincare have become much bigger globally and has become a massive part of my business as well.

These days it’s perfectly natural for men to book a treatment and use skincare products. However, men also have skin and body concerns and are very self-conscious about the ageing process. We are very keen to help men and welcome them at the clinic.

Initially, men can be very cautious when booking an appointment; I will always explain to new male clients that it’s very important and completely natural to want to look after themselves. I carry out bespoke male consultations and look at how the man feels, remembering that men tend to be far more self-

It’s an exciting time for us. We have re-opened Brookside Aesthetics in Chelmsford. In addition, we’re in the process of developing a state-of-theart Cosmetic Clinic and Retreat in Suffolk, with the renowned skin care expert Lesley Reynolds and Dr Aamer Khan from Harley Street Skin Clinic, which will be called The Ballingdon Clinic. The Clinic and Retreat are located in the remote, beautiful, peaceful private setting of the great Ballingdon Hall, in Sudbury, Suffolk.

B R O O K S I D E A E ST H E T I C S Brookside Farm, Strawbrook Hill, Little Leighs Chelmsford, CM3 1LX 01245 363889 brookside-aesthetics.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FOCUS IF YOU WORK AT A DESK, MAKE SURE YOU TAKE TIME TO STRETCH OUT

REGULAR EXERCISE WILL KEEP YOUR LEGS LOOKING HEALTHY

veins produce symptoms. Patients that suffer from larger varicose veins will often report a heavy feeling in their legs, intense pain, occasional itching, and swelling of the skin near the enlarged vein.

VEIN, VEIN G O AWAY

Varicose veins are unsightly, uncomfortable and can cause pain – here’s how you can avoid them

By DR SELENA LANGDON

V

aricose veins are large, raised, swollen blood vessels that usually develop in the legs and can be seen through the skin.

Spider veins are smaller, red, purple, and blue vessels that are more common on the face, and are generally more superficial.

CAUSES

Varicose and spider veins are broken capillaries that can be caused by numerous factors including lifestyle, sun exposure, alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, pregnancy, genes, and ageing.

AT HOME TREATMENTS

Regular low-impact exercise can help to improve circulation in the legs, which will help to push along the blood that has collected in the veins. Exercise will also help to reduce blood pressure, which is another contributing factor to varicose and spider veins. For desk workers I recommend regularly standing up and to avoid sitting with legs crossed as this can further restrict blood flow.

I also recommend that patients choose non-restrictive clothing, and when relaxing to elevate their legs, ideally to the same height as the heart. Gentle massage of the area can also help, but pressure should be minimal to avoid causing further damage to the veins.

IN CLINIC OPTIONS Patients I see for treatment are more often those who stand for many hours during their jobs because the veins in the legs have to work so much harder to get the blood back to the heart. It is also the case for people who sit for long hours because the circulation may be blocked and the blood pressure in the legs builds up.

A common cause of spider veins in the face is regular alcohol consumption.

Alcohol can temporarily dilate the blood vessels, while frequent alcohol consumption can cause longerlasting broken blood vessels.

SYMPTOMS

Even though spider and varicose veins are both vein disorders, only varicose

In my experience lasers are the most effective treatment for varicose and spider veins. At Berkshire Aesthetics we use an Nd:YAG laser called the Cutera V+, which is a very powerful laser designed specifically to treat veins.

The laser works by heating the walls of the veins, which then break down and are naturally absorbed by the body. I find that lasers are also more effective than injections as the laser can quickly treat a larger area in less time, and with less chance of the veins returning.

BERKSHIRE AESTHETIC S Dr Selena Langdon is an aesthetic doctor and founder of Berkshire Aesthetics – see more at berkshireaesthetics.com

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POWER

FOODS

A nutritionist’s guide to boosting productivity through diet.

By Rob Thorp, Nutritionist and Founder of Vite Naturals

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NUTRITION

W

ith so many distractions keeping our minds occupied, from the ongoing pandemic to Brexit fears and the ever-growing influence of social media, it is no surprise that for many of us, concentration and productivity levels are at an all-time low.

In addition to this, our diets, which have a huge impact on overall wellbeing, often fall short in providing the essential nutrients needed to boost brain health. A diet high in processed foods, sugars and refined carbohydrates can cause insulin fluctuations, increase toxic load, and create an inflamed body. This all has a negative impact on cognitive health, and can subsequently impair your productivity and concentration levels, cognitive function, and mood. Opting for a balanced diet packed with nutrients and antioxidants, while avoiding processed and sugary foods, can go a long way. Here's how.

THINK STRAIGHT WITH GINSENG

In Chinese medicine, Ginseng is hailed as an all-healing herb, and has been recorded to help with cognitive function, memory, energy levels, and mood – perfect for supplementing busy lives. It has also been used to great effect in studies to help patients suffering with Alzheimer’s and ADHD.

THE POWER OF FERMENTED FOODS

Fermented foods contain beneficial, live bacteria and yeasts which help to restore the natural balance of your gut, VITE NATURALS SUPPLEMENTS

stomach, and intestines. Foods such as kimchi, miso soup, sauerkraut, yogurt and tofu contain good bacteria, leading to a healthy and well-balanced gut. This can in turn help to improve mood and increase brain function, providing the necessary boost to your productivity.

ADD A LITTLE ZINC

Zinc is a vital nutrient for brain health and many who experience mental health problems are found to be deficient in zinc. An easy way to up your zinc intake and boost your brain power is by consuming foods like pumpkin seeds, cashews, almonds, and spinach.

UP YOUR FISH INTAKE

From salmon to sardines, mackerel to trout, the health fats found in oily fish are widely recognised for being some of the best brain foods around. The fats in oily fish contain the highest concentrations of omega 3 fatty acids, proven to have a positive difference on brain health and productivity. The compounds found in Omega 3s have also been proven to aid the transmission of chemical signals from cell to cell, keeping us more alert and focused. For those looking for a more sustainable way to up their omegas, try Vite Brain, a new range of supplements and delicious snack bars. Including a unique eight ingredient Nootropic and Omega formulation which has been formulated to provide your brain with everything it needs for peak performance, a daily dose can help you to feel sharper, think faster and focus longer.

“Diets have a huge impact on overall wellbeing”

TAKE A CHILL PILL

Many experience brain fog and a dip in concentration thanks to being constantly on the go and trying to multitask. It is important to include some down time in your busy schedule, simply to relax and turn your thoughts off. Aim for at least 15 minutes per day of down time.

LOAD UP ON ‘SUPER’ NUTRIENTS

Magnesium is a super nutrient, which is used in almost every process in the body. Neurotransmitters in the brain use magnesium to stimulate and regulate electrical activity. This super nutrient can also help to protect brain cells from the damage caused by poor diet and external toxins.

STOCK UP ON B VITAMINS

B vitamins are widely underrated in the food world, with foods such as legumes, green vegetables, wholegrain bread and even Marmite containing it. Not only do they help power your brain, they also help to form red blood cells and break down chemicals, whilst helping conditions like anxiety and depression, consequently boosting mental clarity. vitenaturals.com

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DO YOU LOVE TO RIDE? THEN GATHER YOUR REINS AND MOUNT UP JOIN US THIS AUGUST FOR OUR FIRST EVER EQUINE EVENT!

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23/07/2021 11:50

HEALTH & BEAUTY • WELLBEING

well

WOMEN Human Health by The Clinic™ Well Woman programme is designed to facilitate good health for every woman

A

re you feeling emotional or struggling with up and down hormones, mood swings or anxiety? Do you feel like you have brain fog or that you are forgetting things or walking into a room with no idea what you went in there for?

Have you lost your sex drive or want to have sex but find your body just isn’t playing ball?

Do you keep meaning to book in for that breast check and smear but keep putting it to the back of the pile with all your other responsibilities?

Do you suffer with the sensation of something hanging down in between your legs or wear dark trousers and Tena Lady pads because you are worried you will leak urine if you laugh, sneeze, cough or run? Do you have faecal incontinence which stops you doing activities you love or even leaving the house for fear or embarrassment?

Do you suffer with niggling pains in your muscles or joints that are just dragging you down?

Have you gained weight during lockdown and are feeling at odds with your body? Do you feel tired and sluggish and just not yourself but are not sure why?

As women our health concerns are as individual, varied and diverse as we are, but one thing binds us together, we often put our own needs last.

TAKE BACK CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH

T

he last year in particular has taken its toll and, with life as we know it on the backburner, many women have sidelined their health and wellbeing in order to cope with the new challenges life has thrown their way.

The pandemic and lockdowns have impacted our lives physically and emotionally but they have also shown us how important looking after our health and wellbeing is and as a result, many women are now feeling inspired to take back control of their health.

Someone who is leading the way in this charge is Dr Mayoni Gooneratne, who has announced the launch of the Well Woman

service/programme at Human Health by The Clinic™, designed to facilitate and promote good health for every woman everywhere.

So, if you have a constant niggling worry about your health but have been ignoring it in the midst of trying to juggle everything else and are struggling to find time to get it sorted, then Dr Mayoni is here to tell you, you don’t have to suffer in silence any more.

WHAT IS THE HUMAN HEALTH WELL WOMAN SERVICE/PROGRAMME?

E

veryone’s health needs are different and that’s why Dr Mayoni felt passionate about creating a bespoke, tailored, 360-degree approach to achieving and maintaining optimal levels of health.

Human Health by The Clinic was founded to empower people to take control of their own health destiny by giving them access to treatments, advice and lifestyle strategies that combine together in a holistic way to elevate all over health and wellbeing.

The clinic opened its doors in December 2020 and is now proud A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • WELLBEING

“As a nation, we have become very illness-focused rather than wellness-facing... our future lies in lifestyle medicine” to announce the introduction of its Well Woman programme.

Dr Mayoni is extremely passionate about women’s health. A leading authority on sexual health and sexual regeneration as well as the founder of two award-winning aesthetic clinics in South East London, she has spent years working with her female patients helping them to age well. Now she wants to help them build strength and resilience through optimal health, increasing their chances of enjoying healthy longevity.

She punctuated her surgical training with a four year period of research at the Blizzard Institute under the supervision of Professor Sir Norman Williams where she looked at pelvic floor disorders, namely faecal incontinence and this is where her passion was ignited. “I was startled at the huge prevalence of this condition in women and the fact it was such a silent but debilitating condition”, Dr Mayoni says. “This is probably where my passion for female wellness has come from. I also realised how many human illnesses were preventable or

improved with better community based care which could mean a reduced need for drastic surgical options.

As a nation, we have become very illness-focused rather than wellnessfacing. We look for answers when our health has deteriorated to an extent where we then need medicines and surgery, which have risks and complications. This approach also places huge pressures on the NHS and the people working within it, which are not sustainable. I believe our future lies in lifestyle medicine.”

The clinic utilises effective evidence-based medicine combined with advice and support from allied medical professionals including a physiotherapist, nutritionist and health coach.

FEMALE-CENTRIC PACKAGES INCLUDE • BHRT package • Pelvic floor health • Well woman checks • The Human Health Kitchen with Nena Foster • Acupuncture for hormonal health

The Well Woman Clinic is a consultation and health assessment designed around the specific needs and concerns of the female body. At its core the ethos is to help women to feel like they are listened to, not just fobbed off with anti-depressants and that there is nothing to be embarrassed about as they are not alone.

Your journey starts with an hourlong consultation that can be done online at home. During this session, Dr Mayoni will get to know you not only medically but as a person, human-to-human. She will likely suggest some baseline blood tests which will be followed up in a second hour-long session where she will also discuss a no-obligation personalised treatment plan that has been tailored around you and your needs.

As part of this, you can expect a full physical examination including all your observations such as height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, heart and lung function and range of movement, as well as a breast exam and/or self-exam, a pelvic exam and screening for fertility, ovarian and sexual health problems.

You will also undergo an extensive blood test and the results, along with the findings from your assessment, will be used to recommend any treatments and/or possible referrals for mammograms and pelvic scanning for example.

With clinics in Honor Oak Park and Crystal Palace, London, Human Health is the future of healthcare, putting you in the driving seat and giving you responsibility for your own health and self-improvement journey.

“Giving you the answers and tools to looking after yourself is the key to our long term health and the relief of suffering from chronic but preventable illness”, Dr Mayoni says.

Human Health is designed for living in a post-Covid country and aims to tackle the modern health problems we faced in 2020 and beyond.”

Visit the Human Health website: drmhumanhealth.co.uk to find out more or book a consultation today by calling 0208 054 9191 or using the online booking tool on our website.

• Join in the conversation with on Instagram @humanhealth.theclinic #HumanHealth #FutureHuman.

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

School fees insurance from less than £21 per month

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F A M I L Y

TAKE THE LEAD With summer in full swing, life is opening back up for the first time in what feels like forever.

Parks and wildlife reserves are perfect to take your furry friend along for a social ride, and we aren’t short of options for family fun in Essex.

Turn to page 104 to see our five top picks to take your dog on an adventure.

Happy walking!

Audley End Miniature Railway 98 • Summer Creativity 103 • Pets 104 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Magical

J O URNEY

Audley End Miniature Railway is one of Essex’s top family destinations – and now two daughters of the founder Lord Braybrooke, Amanda and Emma Neville, are writing books inspired by it

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FAMILY • INTERVIEW

Q What are your earliest memories

of Audley End Miniature Railway?

A Amanda: Our father was never happier than when he was with his engines tinkering away, spending hours in the engine shed. The locomotives are exact replicas of the real full size steam engines and take a lot of upkeep.

I would follow my father around with his oiling can, lifting the lids on the oil cups and greasing the wheels.

Emma: I remember enjoying teddy bear picnics in the woods – taking our teddies, together with our sandwiches, into the woods and setting up a rug.

Sometimes we would leave our teddies out for the visitors to the railway to spot. This has now become part of the railway’s heritage and we have lots of permanent teddy displays in the woods – in trees, in shelters, teddies having fun in the great outdoors!

Q Were you always going to be

involved with the site as you grew up?

A Amanda: I used to drive the diesel

train when I was just 13-years-old!

My sisters and I used to play at being car park attendants – we would tie up our dogs to the fence and then charge visitors 5p to park! Our father sadly suffered with dementia in later life, but one of his remaining pleasures was just sitting in the garden watching the miniature trains go by.

Seeing this made me determined to keep things running, and ultimately keep our father’s legacy alive.

Emma: Amanda has done such a brilliant job of turning what was essentially our father’s hobby, into one of the most popular family attractions in Essex. He’d be so proud of all she’s achieved with her creative eye – adding an elf and fairy

walk, storytelling, games, play and seasonal fun and activities. I love being involved and it’s so special for my kids too. My two boys – Monty and Felix – called our father ‘Grandpa Trains’ and they still love nothing more than spending a day on site. It keeps the spirit of our father alive.

Q Why did you two decide to

write a book together?

A Amanda: I had been thinking of

writing books with a little boy and girl as the main characters as an extension of the railway, so that the children could take home a memory of what they had seen at AEMR. I just loved the idea of writing stories around my late sister as a child and also bringing in my father as a boy. I discussed it with Emma who was so enthusiastic, and we just felt it would be a wonderful collaboration for us to do together.

We launched The Christmas Catastrophe last year for our visitors, and to gauge the interest in our stories.

Little did we know how poignant that title would be when Covid hit!

Emma: Now we are starting a series EMMA AND AMANDA NEVILLE

“The locomotives are exact replicas of the real full size steam engines and take a lot of upkeep” – the first being ‘The Adventures of Hetty and Robin, and the Prickly Hedgehog’. We hope to write lots of stories – full of nature, animals and fairy magic – bringing the enchanted woods to life.

Q Who are Hetty and Robin?

A Emma: Hetty is based on our late

sister Henrietta, who we sadly lost too young, and Robin is our father as a boy. In our stories, Hetty is the big sister who loves nothing more than being in nature and she has an affinity with the animals. Younger brother Robin has a head full of ideas and inventions. He always carries with him a satchel full of his tools and trinkets, which come in handy when they go adventuring in the enchanted woods.

Q What is the new book about?

A Amanda: Inspired by our new

Nature Corner, the latest book includes a prickly hedgehog, an unfortunate fairy and a musical

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FAMILY • INTERVIEW

elf. The book tells the story of Fern the Fairy, who whilst playing, gets stuck on the spines of an unsuspecting hedgehog.

Working together with Willow the Elf, brother and sister Robin and Hetty use their wit and determination to free Fern.

Q How has it been working with illustrator Lauren Perkins?

A Amanda: Lauren is the daughter of a family friend who has just graduated with a first in Fine Art from Kingston.

The pandemic has meant that Lauren’s career plans have been somewhat put on hold, so we were lucky enough to be able to collaborate on the book. Lauren is extremely talented and has so much energy and enthusiasm for the book – it’s been great to have her onboard (excuse the pun!) and we hope to continue with our partnership in the future.

Q What do you hope children get

from reading your books?

“We are all about families enjoying time together in the great outdoors” A Emma: Stories and storytelling is such an important part of a child’s life and we are just so excited to have brought this book to fruition for families to enjoy together. We’ve tried to include a mix of magic in the story, characters young children can identify with, together with snippets and facts about nature.

Children can spot an array of animals, creatures and mini beasts within the pages, with the book culminating in making projects that families can try together at home. At Audley End Miniature Railway we are all about families enjoying time together in the great outdoors, making memories, and the books are an extension of this desire.

Q The Nature Corner is something

new at Audley End. What else do you have planned for the future there?

A Amanda: We’re so delighted to open the Nature Corner this year. All around us is a hidden world of insects and creatures

that can be found in our own back gardens and we want to open our children’s eyes to it. Our new Nature Corner is a space to embark on an adventure whilst learning about the habitats of different insects and creatures. Encounter Bug Hotels, Wormeries, Bird Boxes and much more.

We are always coming up with new ideas for the site – the people we have working at Audley End Miniature Railway are such a brilliant team, many of whom are multi-generations of the same family who originally worked for my father.

We keep adding something every year, keeping things fresh and making us a full day out destination for families.

AU D L E Y E N D M I N I AT U R E R A I LWAY Audley End Road, Audley End, Saffron Walden, CB11 4JB 01799 510726 audley-end-railway.co.uk

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FAMILY • EDUCATION

“There should be opportunities to be creative and to experience new things” LET CHILDREN CREATE THEIR OWN RECIPES

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

PLAY GROUND

Why the summer months are the perfect time to encourage children to go and create

B

y the time you read this, 19 July – so called Freedom Day – will have come and gone, the school holidays will be in full swing and, hopefully, the sun will be shining. You may be planning days by the sea, woodland walks, trips to the cinema, summer sports camps and much more. Or, perhaps, after the long and challenging academic year, you may just simply want to let your children take time to be. Whatever you decide, plan or no plan, and whatever the ages of your children, it’s always good to have some new, creative ideas in mind for those days, if and when, they’re needed.

After decades of teaching and watching my own children grow, I am always interested to see how much academic, educational and mental development appears to occur during the long summer.

I don’t mean that they should be pumped

B y S U E L A I D L AW

full of academic activities throughout the summer – far from it. It seems to happen because they, and their minds, have time to assimilate all that has gone before during the past terms; it’s always fascinating to see. What does seem to be contributory are opportunities to be creative, to get bored, to take risks and to experience new things.

So, amongst the visits, trips and summer activities, why not try some of these ideas, adapted to the ages of your children: • Let your children plan a dinner party for you, grandparents or friends.

They can search for recipes, make shopping lists and prepare the meal.

• Camp in your garden.

• Create an obstacle course.

• Get together a large hoard of cartons, tubes, pieces of ribbon, fabric and coloured paper and anything else that you can find with which your children can become creative. Cover the table. Give them glue, Sellotape

- even paint. Let them create.

• Put together a box of dressing up clothes and put on a play. They could even write the script along with instructions.

You could even take a cameo role!

• Create a shop by collecting unwanted items from around the house. Let them make price tickets and put on a sale. A good way to raise money for charity and clear bedrooms in one go.

• Encourage your children to create a special day for someone else – a grandparent, a friend, someone who needs cheering up. They could make a picnic, invite them to their own puppet show, play, music performance or dance show.

For older children, there are plenty of opportunities for adapting some of the ideas above. How about letting them have a formal dinner party for their friends (and don’t do the clearing up for them!) or taking an elderly person out for the day.

Besides lots of activity, places to go and people to see, the days of doing very little and allowing your children to get bored (which leads to creativity) are so important.

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

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T a l l T A I L S With 350 miles of coast to explore, open spaces and plenty of woodland, Essex is a hot spot for pet-friendly days out

By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

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FAMILY • PETS THERE'S LOTS TO EXPLORE IN CHELMSFORD

“ADMIRALS PARK FEATURES 30 HECTARES OF LAND, SO THERE ARE LOTS OF DIFFERENT LANDSCAPES TO EXPLORE”

S

outhend, Leigh-on-Sea, Clacton, Colchester, and Mersea Island are wellloved amongst locals – a trail of tradition to follow, and quite possibly some of the best places where you can buy fish and chips. They are also perfect for your furry friends, so here at Absolutely Essex, we have put together a list of five dog-friendly days out for you to enjoy this summer…

CHELMSFORD The only city in Essex, and without disappointment – there is plenty to do and see. Admirals Park includes plenty of walking and cycling paths, woodlands, a formal garden and large areas of grass for your pooch to run till their heart’s

content. If you get bored soil side, you can take a canoe out on the lake – there's 30 hectares of land, so there are lots of different landscapes to explore.

WATER LILY LODGE If you’re looking for a little mini, dogfriendly local escape, Water Lily Lodge in Colchester could be the break you and your pooch need. A great alternative to a dogfriendly cottage, this open plan living space, which includes a wood burner, opens up into a serene spa/hot-tub terrace. With a king size bedroom and two twin rooms that can sleep up to six in total, this local lodge is a comfortable little get away for all the family.

THE MUSEUM OF POWER The Museum of Power has a variety of things on show, with one of the main attractions being the only Lilleshall triple expansion steam pumping engine still in situ in the world. There are also a large number of other engines in and around the museum, alongside a belt-driven workshop and interactive displays. The Museum is completely dog-friendly, with plenty to see out on the grounds of the space, including bluebell woods, their outdoor seating area and the museum’s field. So, after a mooch round the exhibits, if your furry friend still needs a longer walk, there are plenty of options.

CUDMORE GROVE COUNTRY PARK Located on Mersea Island, this beautiful nature reserve is filled with dog-friendly adventure; salt marshes, meadows, beaches and grasslands. This area of scientific interest is where fossils have been found in the past, dated from 300,000 years ago, and to add to the historic feel, there are also WWII pillboxes and gun emplacements to discover. In addition, there is a huge children’s play area to help entertain the little ones in your life.

THE NAZE

DISCOVER WWII PILLBOXES IN MERSEA ISLAND

Immerse yourself in the wildlife and history whilst enjoying your daily dog walk. With The Naze tower looming over the landscape, you can walk along the coastal path and keep an eye out for the varied wildlife – seals, birds and butterflies can all be seen during your walk. There are three different paths to take, with the wildlife path being the longest trail, taking you on an entire loop. There is plenty to keep you and your furry companion entertained at The Naze.

THE NAZE

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FAMILY • LEGAL

When does the furlough scheme end?

FREE

FOR ALL Looking at how Essex businesses have reacted to the easing of COVID-19 restrictions

T

he 19 July, aka ‘Freedom Day’, brings with it the removal of many long-standing legal restrictions, including social distancing, face coverings and work from home guidance.

Despite this, countless SMEs continue to request that staff wear masks and use hand sanitizer to reduce the risk of infection. This is particularly pronounced in organisations with a young workforce, given data indicates that COVID-19 is spreading rapidly in the under 25s. Equally, a growing number of people are being ‘pinged’ by track and trace, meaning small to medium businesses are finding that a large proportion of their team are being required to self-isolate.

So, what does this mean for employers across Essex?

Well, if you are running a small to medium size business it may mean in part a return to working from home as people self-isolate.

This creates both technical and productivity issues.

It could also mean periods of time with reduced staff. Therefore, if you haven’t done so yet, Attwells would suggest business owners review their current sickness and absence policies and ensure that these, and their contracts of employments, remain legally compliant and capable of dealing with the likely increased absence of staff members.

Such changes reduce the risk of your business being adversely affected, especially as furlough payments taper down.

The Government is due to end the furlough scheme in September 2021, with a phased-out approach which began in July 2021. As a result, employers are required to make larger contributions to the cost of their furloughed staff. Consequently, we would suggest if a restructuring of your business or redundancies may be required, you consider your options now and take legal advice on how to undertake any such processes.

What if my employees refuse to follow my business’s COVID rules?

They could ultimately face disciplinary action. Attwells would advise that employers, in the first instance, listen and take steps to address any concerns raised by their workers and the reasons given for non-compliance.

Clear communication is key in trying to deal with such issues informally.

You should take legal advice before initiating any disciplinary action.

Can I make my employee have the COVID vaccination?

No, is the short answer. Having the vaccination is a personal decision and staff should be encouraged and promote vaccination. One step you could take would be communicating to staff that you will ensure they are paid for any time spent getting vaccinated and will support them as best as possible in doing so. As we now know, vaccination will become mandatory for all care home staff in October 2021. Making vaccination compulsory for employees outside health and social care will likely present employer with difficulties.

For more information regarding the topics discussed in this article visit attwells.com

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SPECI A L ISSUE

absolutely-mama.co.uk

In this section:

TALKING TOPIC

How to explain racism to your child • NEW FLAVOURS

Weaning recipes from Annabel Karmel •

TI ER ONE Clary & Peg’s beautiful, vintageinspired clothes marry vintage nostalgia with contemporary design. Their stylish and versatile clothing is designed to appeal to pregnant and non-pregnant women alike, and everything is breastfeeding-friendly. We love this colourblock Clem dress, £190. claryandpeg.co.uk

IN TRAINING

Mastering the potty

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RISE UP How to talk to your child about racism

W o r d s PA U L A R H O N E - A D R I E N

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“The power to eradicate racism is very real”

I

t would be hard for anyone to ignore the news reports referencing Black Lives Matter and the protests in support of and against the movement. After the alarming killing of George Floyd last year and the subsequent fury that enveloped thousands of people around the world, you must have had questions yourself about how or why this has all happened? What if you have a child who was also asking you questions? What could you possibly say to explain the anger or hurt that was being beamed into your home?

Racism may just not be an issue for you and so it is hard to talk about something that doesn’t or hardly impacts on your life. So perhaps the first question should be – do you need to talk about what’s happening with your child?

If your child is asking questions because either they have seen or overheard something then please don’t shy away from answering, be brave and tackle the question head on. I say be brave because dealing with this topic can feel like a minefield.

Most people worry they will say the wrong thing or use terminology that may be insulting, but remember, it’s ok to answer “I don’t know” to a question, as long as it’s backed up with: “but let’s go and find out!”

If you try to dismiss such a serious topic, your child will sense your discomfort and attempt to rationalise in their own immature mind why mummy/daddy shut them or a topic down. If you give them the impression that there is something to hide, shy away from or be embarrassed about, then that is the impression that they will be left with. This would be wrong, particularly when history tells us that it is those who fail to question or challenge wrongdoing that permits such wrongdoing to fester.

If your child hasn’t raised the topic that doesn’t mean they aren’t aware. Children are being subconsciously taught about society, including race, all the time. In nursery they are taught to describe themselves; their family and their community; they watch TV and will notice subtle differences far more than we give them credit for. Some toddlers will be able to tell you what a ‘girls’ toy is as opposed to a ‘boys’ or that grandma is really old! When you hear a toddler say this, have you ever stopped to wonder who has told them this or why? Moreover, have you ever stopped to ask them why they think this and whether the statement is true? I suspect if you did, you would get a blank stare.

Children don’t understand why the differences they are identifying should create feelings of upset or anger, and this is where you come in. You may find that you need to challenge yourself first about your own views on what you think racism is. How do you express feelings about other races when at home, safely behind closed doors?

Do your children, for example, possess literature that references those from other races in a positive light? Do your children’s toys only reflect the inside of their home as

opposed to what their community looks like?

Be in no doubt, children are not colourblind and neither is the society in which they live.

If you do care about your child understanding and appreciating other races, then take responsibility for ensuring that they receive clear positive messages from you, and that you can reinforce that positive message if they challenge you with a misconceived one.

Racism is not innate, if you are racist you will have been taught to believe that your race is superior to another. This could be because your race is deemed more intelligent, worthy, or important. However, the power to eradicate racism is very real and attainable through education, information and communication.

Racism isn’t just about the tragic loss of George Floyd (or so many others like him). Racist negative stereotyping is just as harmful, it leads certain groups to believe that others should only have particular jobs, that they are deemed as a threat or that it’s ok for them to be treated less favourably because society is suspicious of them. It is just as important to tackle this bias, because in failing to address it, those who suffer the unfair treatment will become disaffected, upset and turn away from the more conventional methods of seeking redress because they can no longer trust in the system. Those protesting the death of Mr Floyd no longer trust that the system will protect them from injustice.

So…. it’s over to you.

PAU L A R H O N E -A D R I E N is an award-winning barrister. She was awarded ‘Lawyer of the Week’ by The Times and is a trusted BBC Expert. As well as being a mama of four and a very well respected voice at the top of the legal profession, Paula is also using her platform to educate people regarding racism.

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THE U LTIMATE G UIDE TO FING E R FOODS FOR BABY

F I N G E R F O O D S How to introduce finger foods from the start of weaning – what to serve and how to serve it

By ANNABEL KARMEL

L

et’s talk finger foods. From around six to six and a half months, you can introduce soft finger foods into your baby’s diet. Finger foods are the ideal way to introduce your baby to different textures. Handing over the reins to your baby will allow them to work out how to get food to their mouth, break pieces off and chew. Don’t worry, even if your baby doesn’t have teeth yet, you’ll be surprised by just how powerful a baby’s gums are!

So, what finger foods are best for baby?

And how do you prepare them so that they are safe for your little food explorer? Fear not! I’ve pulled together this handy reference guide on how to introduce finger foods from the very start of weaning – whether ANNABEL KARMEL

it’s carrot batons, broccoli florets, avocado wedges or chopped berries, I’ve got those first taste fruits and veggies covered!

Ready for some finger food exploration? Let’s go!

Banana, apple and yoghurt pancakes

Finger foods in the first few weeks If your baby is new to finger foods, start with single veggies, and I always recommend sweet root vegetables such as carrot and sweet potato. After only having naturally sweet breastmilk or formula until now, these are foods that your baby is likely to by interested in, so a great place to start.

However, it’s important that you also introduce more bitter green veggies such as broccoli and spinach at the beginning alongside those sweeter root veggies. If introduced early in your baby’s weaning journey (by that, I mean the first week of weaning and beyond), and with repeated exposure, it’s likely they’ll be more receptive to these foods in the long run.

You can start with offering a new food once a day for the first few days, and then increase this to twice a day by days three and four. In finger food terms, a small portion will be anything from two to four small batons of food.

As a guide, your baby should generally be eating three small portions a day by the end of week two.

Makes: 25 small pancakes

Ingredients • 1 egg • 175g/6 oz Greek yoghurt • 50 ml/2 fl oz milk • 100g/4 oz self-raising flour • 1 overripe banana, peeled and mashed • 1 sweet apple, peeled, cored and grated • Sunflower or vegetable oil, for cooking

DIRECTIONS 1 Crack the egg into a bowl and whisk with the yoghurt and milk. 2 Sift in the flour and whisk until smooth. 3 Add the banana and apple and mix well. 4 Heat a little oil in a large frying pan. 5 Spoon small amounts of batter in the pan and fry for a few seconds until bubbles appear on the surface.

6 Flip over and cook on the other side for one minute until lightly golden.

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B A C K TO S C H O O L WITH

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

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Finger Food Safety Guidelines 1. NEVER leave your baby alone whilst eating and they must always be supported in an upright position.

2. Become familiar with first aid procedures. Check out the Red Cross or NHS websites which have step-by-step training videos or there will likely be first aid courses near where you live.

3. NEVER give whole pieces of small solid foods, or raw fruit or vegetables that could easily lodge in and obstruct the throat. Foods such as grapes, large blueberries and cherry tomatoes should be safely cut up into quarters.

4. Avoid fruit with stones or remove pips and stones before offering to your baby.

5. Eating is a skill and tackling texture is another developmental milestone that your baby will have to train for on their weaning journey. Which is why at the start of weaning, finger foods need to be soft – your baby should be able to squash finger foods between finger and thumb.

6. To start with, avoid finger foods that are hard that your baby could break into large chunks such as cucumber.

7. Avoid cutting foods into circular coin shapes especially if they are raw e.g. round coins of raw carrot.

8. Cutting food into batons or wedges is for your baby. They will need to be fairly long (roughly 5 – 6cm) so that some sticks out of their fist and they are narrow enough for them to hold easily.

9. Remove the skin from most fruits and vegetables. The skin introduces a new texture which can be difficult for your baby to manage and could lead to choking.

10. Babies do have a tendency to store food in their mouth, so just have a quick check they’re not storing any spare food as a snack for later before you take them out of the highchair!

Fruit and Veg Lollies Makes: 20 mini balls Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 10 minutes

Chicken and apple balls

SU ITAB LE FO R FR EE ZI N G

Ingredients Add some spice • 2 tsp olive oil • 1 onion, finely chopped • 1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled and grated • 2 large chicken breasts, cut into chunks • ½ tbsp fresh parsley, chopped • 1 tbsp fresh thyme or sage, or a pinch of dried mixed herbs • 1 egg yolk • 1 unsalted chicken stock cube, crumbled • 50g fresh white breadcrumbs • Plain flour for coating • Vegetable oil for frying

Makes: 12 ice lollies Prep: 5 minutes Cook: 6 hours freeze time SU ITAB LE FO R FR EE ZI N G

Ingredients Strawberry, Beetroot and Apple lollies: • 50 g/2 oz cooked beetroot, peeled and diced • 70 g/3 oz strawberries, chopped • 50 ml/2 fl oz apple juice Carrot, Kiwi, Mango, Banana and Orange lollies: • 25 g/1 oz kiwi, peeled and diced • 50 g/2 oz ripe mango, diced • 50 g/2 oz ripe banana, peeled

DIRECTIONS

DIRECTIONS

Heat the olive oil in a pan and sauté half the onion for about 3 minutes. 2 Using your hands, squeeze out a little excess liquid from the grated apple. 3 Mix the apple with the chicken, then add the cooked and remaining raw onion, herbs, egg yolk, stock cube and breadcrumbs and roughly chop in a food processor for a few seconds. 4 With your hands, form into about 20 little balls, roll in flour and fry in shallow oil for about 5 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through.

1 Put all the ingredients into a jug. Blend using a stick blender until smooth.

2 Pour into 6 lolly moulds and freeze for 6 hours.

1

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DRY RUN

Simone Davies shares potty training tips from her book, The Montessori Toddler

T

he period when a toddler learns how to use the toilet does not have to be dreaded. After all, it is a completely natural part of being a human. Our children pick up our attitudes toward dirty nappies from infancy, and if we are screwing up our face, they will learn that it is a dirty thing instead of a normal bodily process.

I love this analogy from a fellow Montessori teacher. When a baby pulls themselves up to standing, falls down, stands up again, and then falls down, over and over until they master it, we think it is cute. When our child is learning to use the bathroom and they pee on the floor or poop in their pants, they are also practicing until they master it – except there is pee and poop.

So with open minds, I would love to help make this process a little less stressful.

SCAFFOLDING SKILL S

The child will slowly build skills around using the toilet, starting with being able to manage their own clothing. At first they practice pulling their shorts or trousers up and down, and then later their underwear.

We can offer a potty/toilet when we change their nappy never forcing them, but making it part of the daily rhythm.

“Would you like to sit on the potty/ toilet?” “Now that you’re finished on the potty, I’m going to put your nappy back on.” Using cloth nappies can also help the child feel wet when they have peed, increasing their body awareness.

SIGNS OF READINESS— LET THE CHILD LEAD

The most important thing is to follow our child. It is not a competition. I’m not including any ages here, but rather, signs that the child may be ready: • P ulling at their nappy when it is wet or soiled

• Squatting or going to a private place while they poop • Telling us they have peed or pooped • Resisting having their nappy changed (sometimes) • Taking off their nappy

S E T U P T H E B AT H R O O M WITH OUR CHILD

Have a potty or a small toilet seat on the toilet. If they are using the toilet, we will need a step that the child can manage themselves and as a place to rest their feet to feel secure while sitting on the toilet.

We can also have a place in the bathroom for soiled clothes and a pile of clean underwear. A pile of cleaning rags for puddles is useful, too. Having everything at the ready and being prepared will help us remain relaxed and not rushing about, looking for things. If they don’t make it to the potty/toilet, we can calmly say, “Ah. I see you are wet. We have everything we need right here. Let’s get dry.”

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m am a PARENTING

If they usually go somewhere private to poop, gradually invite the child to move to the bathroom to poop in private. Then we can start to invite them to sit on the potty with their nappy on. Gradually they will feel safe on the potty/toilet without the nappy/underwear on. Again, we are simply supporting them and scaffolding skills.

I F T H E Y R E F U S E TO U S E T H E TO I L E T

We don’t force a child to use the toilet. This is their body. We can’t rush it or do this for them. We can only support them and find ways to work with them. We can make sure we aren’t interrupting them to take them to the bathroom. We can keep offering the potty/toilet and trust that they will learn to use them. We accept them for who they are and where they are in this process.

P E E I N G O N T H E F LO O R I N T E N T I O N A L LY

“If we ask a toddler if they need to go to the toilet, they usually answer 'no'” KEEP IT NORMAL

Involve the child in the process. Buy some underwear together, as well as a potty.

We can also find training pants that hold a little bit of pee to help when they are trying to get to the toilet in time.

As we are scaffolding skills, we can start by letting them wear just their underpants when we are at home so there is less to have to take on and off, and less to wash. They are learning what it feels like to be wet and may even stand to watch the pee run down their leg. That’s the first step. Increasing body awareness.

Next we can help them go to the bathroom to change. Montessori teachers generally say, “You have wet clothes. Let’s go change,” rather than, “You had an accident.” Offer the potty/toilet regularly at first. If we ask a toddler if they need to go to the toilet, they usually answer “no.”

It’s a common response for a toddler who is developing autonomy. Instead, we can

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wait until they aren’t in the middle of an activity and simply say, “It’s time to go to the potty,” leading them to the bathroom.

After some weeks, they generally will begin to have more awareness of their body and sometimes tell us that they need to go to the toilet. We will also observe that they are able to hold it in for longer periods at a time.

Eventually they won’t need reminders at all.

D RY AT N I G H T

Sometimes a toddler who knows how to use the toilet will suddenly start to pee on the floor intentionally. Observe them. Often they are telling us through their behavior that they are unhappy about something in their world, for example, a sibling who has started crawling and taking more of their space.

They want us to see them, and we can look from a place of curiosity, in order to understand them. We can acknowledge their feelings but set a clear limit about the behavior. “You’re upset about something?

I can’t let you pee on the floor. But I want to work it out with you.” We can go back to creating connection, finding ways to work with them, and do some problem solving together with them.

We can move to underpants at nap time and night at the same time or when we notice they can hold for longer periods and wake with a dry nappy/underwear. Place a thick towel across the child’s sheets and tuck it in, or use a bed protector; either can easily be removed during the night if needed.

HOLDING IT IN

Sometimes a child becomes scared of pooping. It may have hurt once to poop, someone may have had a reaction that made them scared to poop on the toilet, or we may not know why. Check with a doctor if you believe there is a medical issue.

If all appears healthy, help the child relax by being calm and supportive. We can tell them, “The poop will come out when it is ready. It may take a week, it may take two weeks, but it knows when to come. Our bodies are very clever.” Then try not to talk about it too much.

Rub their tummy if their abdomen hurts.

Excerpted from Montessori Toddler: A Parent’s Guide To Raising A Curious and Responsible Human Being. By Simone Davies, Illustrated by Hiyoko Imai. Workman Publishing © 2019

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PROPERTY

HILL FARM HOUSE CO5

£3,500,000 GUIDE PRICE

ituated between the villages of Coggeshall and Kelvedon, Farm Hill House is a fine example of a classic Edwardian country home, set within private landscaped grounds. This wonderful home exudes elegance and retains the original charm from this era, including high ceilings throughout, and has been sympathetically renovated both internally and externally.

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Coggeshall, Essex Guide Price £2,500,000

Gubbions Green, Essex Guide Price £2,000,000

Impressive Grade II Listed Country House with Annexe set in walled gardens

An impressive detached residence with entertainment complex

7 Large double bedrooms | 5 Reception rooms | 3 Bathrooms | Large one bedroomed attached annexe with further development potential | Garden |

6 Bedrooms | 4 Reception rooms | 6 Bathrooms | Large entertainment complex comprising of: Swimming pool | Gym | Steam room | Office area | Sitting room | Bedroom | Garaging Workshop | Cart lodge | Landscaped gardens | EPC Rating D | In all approx. 2.5 acres

Outhouse | Pump House | About 1.1 acres

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01245 254618

01245 254606

mark.davies@struttandparker.com

john.seward@struttandparker.com

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

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Ulting, Essex Guide Price £1,250,000

Great Notley, Essex Guide Price £1,050,000

Five bedroom house with outbuildings situated in a tranquil setting

A New England style family home, set in a prestigious private development

5 Bedrooms | Sitting room room | Two bathrooms | Kitchen/breakfast room | Study | Utility room | Double garage/studio/workshop | Tennis court | EPC Rating G | About 1.5 acres

6 Bedrooms | Sitting room with vaulted ceiling | 4 Bathrooms | Bespoke kitchen/breakfast room | Utility room | Landscaped gardens | Double garage | EPC Rating C

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

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Great House, Hall Lane, Upminster

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“It has to be one of the most impressive homes to hit the market in this area in recent years”

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PROPERTY • FEATURE

Grand Entrance Absolutely Essex is wowed when visiting this wonderful home on Middle Street in Waltham Abbey

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irst impressions count, and speaking to James Lamb of Savills Loughton, he certainly has the right words to entice Absolutely Essex to view Redmond House in Waltham Abbey.

“The kerb appeal is second to none,” Lamb says. “Having recently undergone an impressive refurbishment program, it looks fantastic from the outside and commands real presence. It has to be one of the most impressive homes to hit the market in this area in recent years.”

Right from arriving at Redmond House, you can see space is not an issue.

The property is accessed via two sets of secure and electronically operated gates, and you enter into a paved driveway that is set around a central water fountain and offers space to park a large number of vehicles. In addition to this, there is also a single garage and

side access to the rear of the property.

Entering the property, you are greeted by a bright and spacious reception hallway with a stunning galleried staircase to the first floor. There is also a generous study and a very large through living room spanning the full depth of the house and which, overall, measures 36’ in length and 25’ in width. This incredible space features a centrally located dual aspect log burner, which creates a wonderful focal point.

“The amount of open, lateral space on the ground floor and how it flows seamlessly from room to room is quite something,” Lamb takes up. “Of particular note is the kitchen/diner and orangery. Natural light pours into the contemporary space through a roof lantern, floor to ceiling windows and bi-folding doors. The generous open plan kitchen/diner is the epicentre of the home, creating a sociable space and a pleasurable cooking environment. It’s perfect for entertaining.” There’s plenty of room to lounge about and relax in front A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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PROPERTY • FEATURE

of the TV, and on our visit we did enjoy a quick game of pool too on the full size table.

Moving up to the first floor and off the beautiful galleried landing are five good sized double bedrooms, all featuring ensuite bathrooms and show rooms. Each bedroom also offers a dressing room with fitted storage. The main bedroom area is an impressive 15’ x 15’ and features a luxurious en-suite bathroom with separate shower enclosure and stunning fixtures. This leads on to a very spacious dressing room, which is completely fitted out with wardrobes and storage.

Considering the plot measures around 0.75 acres, it’s little surprise that there’s more to see outside. To the rear, there is a good sized patio spanning the full width of the house and a beautiful garden measuring approximately 206’ deep and 86’ wide. The garden is full of colour and mostly laid to lawn, and features a good sized swimming pool, which is heated, and an inviting pergola.

“What the owners have achieved during their ownership is just captivating,” Lamb says. “Houses of this size and finish do not come up often, especially on this sought after road.”

Nazeing, Waltham Abbey, has a guide price £2,695,000 and is on the market with Savills Loughton. For more information, call 020 8498 6600 or visit savills.co.uk

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