Beresfords News

Events happening over the weekend

Saturday 18 August

3D Cocoon Making at Firstsite

11am – 1pm & 2 – 5pm

Creative Session inspired by ESCALA’s Siron Franco exhibition. Drop in and help make some giant 3D cocoons.

Lewis Gardens, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UE

ELVIS at West Cliff Theatre & Arts Centre

7.30pm

Marshall King is the UK's greatest Elvis impersonator - it's official! See him shake his hips and judge for yourself.

West Cliff Theatre & Arts Centre, Tower Road, Clacton-On-Sea, Essex, CO15 1LE

Pet the Animals Weekend at Old MacDonald’s Farm

10am – 5pm

Opportunity to get up close and personal with some of your farmyard favourites and more exotic animal friends at Old Macdonald's Pet the Animals weekend.

Old MacDonald’s Farm, Weald Road, South Weald, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 5AY

Wildflower Walk with Marion Miller at Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

2pm – 4pm

Join Marion for a walk through the nature reserve identifying and learning about the wildflowers as you go and finishing up at the Fishing Lodge where there are quite a few wildflower species if you know where to look! You can then stop for some refreshment at the Café on the Water or wander back at your own pace to the visitor centre.

Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre, Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, Essex, CM11 1WT

Half Hand Hoodoo at Witham Public Hall

7.30pm

Hand Hoodoo are a three piece Chicago blues band comprising Dave Smith on vocals and
guitar, Mike Jackson on double bass and Dave Cook on drums. They play material by the likes of Muddy Waters, Jimmy Rogers and Elmore James. The band have been playing the North of England blues circuit for over 15 years with numerous appearances at the Burnley and Colne blues festivals. Don’t miss this great opportunity to see them in a rare local appearance.

Sunday 19th August

A Grand Day Out at Hadleigh Country Park

11am

Wallace and Gromit want you and your pooch to join them at Hadleigh Country Park in Essex on Sunday the 19th August! Wallace & Gromit and The Kennel Club Charitable Trust are asking people from across Essex to join them for a cracking charity dog walk around the beautiful grounds of this country park! A Grand Day Out is a fun way for dog lovers of all ages and abilities to help sick children in hospitals and hospices, and support dogs in need. Remember you can take part without a dog, just bring your family and friends! All they ask is that you collect sponsorship and then take part in a walk to help them raise as much money as possible for these great charities. Each dog will receive an award at the end of the walk and there will be lots of fun and games at the finish line!

Hadleigh Country Park, Chapel Lane Car Park, Chapel Lane, Hadleigh, Essex, SS7 2PP

Bandstand Concert- Sweeting Swing Band at Castle Park

3pm to 5pm

Enjoy a summer afternoon listening to the sounds of the Sweeting Swing Band.

Castle Park, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ

Engine House Afternoons at Chelmsford Museum

2pm to 5pm

Come and see the industrial collections and radio displays, with family activities.

Chelmsford Museum, Oaklands Park, Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 9AQ

Picnic and open air cinema presents A Knights Tale at Layer Marney Tower

5.30pm

Now in its third year, Flix in the Stix Picnic and Open Air Cinema has proved to be a popular evening event in the annual calendar, attracting young and not so young alike. The charity fundraiser will take place on Sunday 19th August and this year they are delighted to be showing A Knight's Tale as the feature film.

The film starts at 8.15pm but gates open at 5.30pm, so picnickers will have plenty of time to relax in the beautiful gardens of the venue, Layer Marney Tower. Past picnickers have ranged from those who like to wine and dine, bringing the full works including candelabras, to those who tuck into fish and chips acquired on route!

So come along with a picnic and enjoy a summer's evening entertainment at one of Essex's most majestic attractions, Layer Marney Tower, England's tallest Tudor gatehouse.

Open Day at The Gardens of Easton Lodge

12pm to 6pm

Come and visit the historic Gardens of Easton Lodge. Take your time to discover the hidden delights of this 23-acre forgotten haven. Take in the Italian Garden, the Peto Pavilion, the Sundial and Shakespeare's Border amongst others. You can bring a picnic and stay all day or stop and sample the home-made refreshments overlooking the croquet lawn. There are nature activities for younger visitors to enjoy.

The Gardens of Easton Lodge, Warwick House, Easton Lodge, Little Easton, Essex, CM6 2BB

There could not have been a finer or more appropriate setting for Beresfords Country and Prestige property exhibition than that of historic Boreham House situated on the outskirts of Chelmsford.

With around 600 people attending, it was great news for the Essex property market as it generated interest not only from local buyers but also from other areas as far away as South Wales thanks to the exposure provided by the event’s media partners the Essex Chronicle Media Group and Country & Townhouse magazine.

The result was an excellent level of potential buyers attending with many property viewings being arranged on the day.

Estate agents from other counties such as Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and Hertfordshire were invited to participate by Beresfords and their participation meant that people from other parts of East Anglia also attended.

Paul Beresford said “This is the first exhibition of this type and we are absolutely delighted with the result as we now have many more people registered with us looking for homes in the area.

“We are constantly striving for different property marketing initiatives and this was the perfect platform to market the best properties in the region not only to local people but also those looking to move out from London.”

Whilst mums and dads may have been looking at the properties on show, the children were more interested in having their faces painted, learning how to spin plates and juggle, watching the birds of prey demonstration or possibly most popular of all in the scorching sunshine, paying a visit to the vintage ice cream van!

For those of you who already live in Essex, you know the charms and beauty of the county, but there are quite a few people who are just discovering the wealth of hidden gems Essex has to offer. With fast trains into the city of London, some of the country’s best schools, charming picture book villages and a new city - Chelmsford - you can see why Essex is growing in popularity.

Its new city status means that Chelmsford is growing in stature. The news that Waitrose and John Lewis with be launching large stores in the county’s capital has been welcomed and has helped boost enquiries for property in and around the city.

Villages across the county are a draw to families seeking their own piece of the countryside. As the largest independent estate agent in the county we cover some of the most sought after villages in Essex. Here you will find beautiful period homes many of which have substantial gardens and a great deal of history and character and are still well placed for commuting.

Writtle, described as ‘one of the loveliest villages in the country’, has been consistently popular with local buyers, as well as those moving from London. Its picturesque village green, complete with duck pond, church, shops, restaurants and local amenities, guarantee that properties in this quintessential English village are always in demand.

Families are also attracted by the outstanding range of state and independent schools in the county. Some of the best grammar schools including King Edward VI, Colchester County High for Girls or Colchester Royal Grammar compete with the high ranking independent schools such as Felsted School and Brentwood School.

We find that once people move to Essex, they tend to stay here. We constantly see commuters from the city wanting to escape to the country, “commute” up the train line, perhaps buying their first home near an underground station such as Upminster, and then slowly move further out as needs and priorities change.

It is this type of migration which gave us the idea to host our first Country and Prestige Property Exhibition at Grade I Listed Boreham House, near Chelmsford, on 27th May. We will be showcasing our finest properties alongside leading estate agents from throughout East Anglia. With plenty of entertainment arranged for the whole family, this is a great event for those who are looking to move to their perfect country retreat.

Many buyers considering a move to Essex are often surprised by how good the transport links are. Not only are there fast trains to Liverpool Street and Fenchurch Street and underground stations, but there are two airports, Stansted and Southend, within easy reach which can provide fast routes to Europe and beyond. The planned Crossrail link is set to improve connections further and we are also seeing interest from buyers in Shenfield which will be the first Crossrail station.

As our home county we are obviously sold on Essex and while we would like to keep some of it a well preserved secret, we are very happy to showcase the county’s finest properties.

For a comprehensive list of all the leading events that are taking place throughout the County visit This is Total Essex

For a comprehensive list of all the leading events that are taking place throughout the County visit This is Total Essex. 

Here are a selection of upcoming events that are happening throughout the County over the next couple of weeks.

Half Term Horrors
Saturday 11th February 2012 – Sunday 19th February 2012

Royal Gunpowder Mills, Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey
Open every day during the February half term week with ‘Half Term Horrors’. In addition to the usual exhibits and attractions, Professor Nitrate will be exploring some of the yuckier experiments from the history of science in his Mad Lab. Plus, children’s activities, face painting and much more.

Spring Bulbs and Lambing
Saturday 11th February 2012 – Sunday 19th February 2012

Kentwell Hall
Kentwell’s Gardens & Farm (but not the House) are Open for Spring Bulbs (Snowdrops & Aconites followed by Daffodils & Narcissi). Lambing should commence in mid-March and you will be able to visit expectant ewes and nursing ewes and lambs and maybe even see a lamb being born!

Medieval Medicine and Surgery
Monday 13th February 2012 – Friday 17th 2012

Colchester Castle Museum
Find out what it was like to visit a doctor in medieval times. Hear about the many treatments for illnesses and injuries from amputation, drilling and blood-letting to a course of leeches! You can drop by and help mix plague cures using herbs, or if you’re feeling brave you can watch the surgeon in action. WARNING – the performances are not for the faint-hearted!

Busy Birds Week
Monday 13th February 2012 – Friday 17th 2012, 10:00 am

Marsh Farm Country Park
“Tweet yourself! Come to the farm this February half term and get busy with our bird activities. Make a bird feeder or bird box from recycled materials, make a bird bath for your garden in the craft room, bird bingo challenge, help to make bird bunting to decorate the farm and look out for the birds that live in the country park from the tractor and trailer. You can also book on the day to make a wooden bird box (age restriction and additional charge applies).

Everything but the Squeak Week! Audley End House and Gardens
Wednesday 15th February 2012 – Sunday 19th February 2012, 11:00am – 4:00pm

This half term come to Audley End and watch Mrs Crocombe – Audley End’s resident cook – prepare a whole host of traditional Victorian pork recipes as she includes everything but the squeak in her unusual recipes!”

Heart FM Wedding Fayre
Saturday 18th February 2012 – Sunday 19th February 2012

Brentwood Centre
In 2011, around 5,000 people attended the show, travelling from London, Hertfordshire, Middlesex, Suffolk and Essex to do so.

Brentwood Farmers Market
Saturday 18th February 2012, 9:00am – 4:00pm

Brentwood High St/Baytree Shopping Centre

Hike Essex : Beginners’ Walk
Sunday 19th February 2012, 2:00pm

Kelvedon
A 4m circular walk from the historic town of Kelvedon, taking in the River Blackwater.

Lambing Nightwatch
Saturday 25th February 2012, 8:00pm-10:00pm

Marsh Farm Country Park
Be lucky enough to join the shepherd for this rare opportunity to help out in the lambing shed at night. Get close to the sheep and lambs, help bottle feed orphan lambs and learn how to look for the signs of a ewe lambing. Refreshments will be provided. Tickets will be available on a first come first served basis.

History’s Hard Times
Saturday 25th February 2012

Colchester Castle Museum
Journey through time and meet some unhappy characters from the past and hear their stories. Meet characters that include a witch, plague victim, Celt and an air raid warden. You may even bump into the gaoler, watch out…he may invite you to stay for a while!

Brentwood Spring Craft & Gift Show 2012
Saturday 25th February 2012 – Sunday 26th February 2012

Brentwood Centre, Doddinghurst Road, Brentwood
Returning after 11 successful years, The Brentwood Spring Craft & Gift Show will be packed full of amazing items for you to purchase. With so many products on offer and fantastic special show offers, there really is something for everyone. Over 150 stands all under one roof!

Farmers Market
Saturday 25th February 2012, 08:30am – 12:30pm

Barleylands
Enjoy a morning out wandering round and picking up delicious food for the weekend from our undercover Farmers’ Market. This is a great opportunity for you to buy all of your fresh, local produce from farmers and growers. Every second and last Saturday of the month, throughout the year from 8.30am to 12.30pm. Free entry and Free Car Park. Arrive early to avoid disappointment!”

Hike Essex : Langdon Hills Country Park
Sunday 26 February 2012, 11am

Basildon
“A wander through the woodlands of Langdon hills country park and the surrounding area. Lots of variety makes this an old firm favourite with views across the Thames into Kent and views into London. Come prepared for a bit of exercise as for Essex it is deceptively up and down. Bring a packed lunch; there will be a pub at the end.

Courtesy of www.essexdaysout.com

Here is a selection of upcoming events that are happening throughout the county over the next couple of weeks. 

Saturday 14th January: 
The Hole in the Wall: Colchester in the 1970s – Firstsite, Colchester 

Sunday 15th January: 
Black Dyke Band – The Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch 

Monday 16th January: 
Discovery Centre Stargazing – Great Notley Country Park, Braintree 
Food Frenzy: The Chutney & Jam Series – Hylands House, Chelmsford 
Hadrian’s Wall Souvenirs – Colchester Castle Museum, Colchester 

Friday 20th January: 
Motown’s Greatest Hits – The Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch 
Sleeping Beauty – Maldon Town Hall, Maldon 
Under Milk Wood – Civic and Cramphorn Theatres, Chelmsford 

Saturday 21st January: 
Magic of Musicals – Braintree Arts Theatre, Braintree 
Mosaic Glass Mirror – Hylands House, Chelmsford 
The Briefcase Blues Brothers - Civic and Cramphorn Theatres, Chelmsford 

Sunday 22nd January: 
Barges, Birds, Bangers and Mash – Topsail Charters Ltd, Cooks Yard, Maldon 

Thursday 26th January: 
Oklahoma! – Mercury Theatre, Colchester 

Friday 27th January: 
Unplugged – High Barn, Chelmsford

Here is a selection of upcoming events that are happening throughout the county over the next couple of weeks.

2^nd December – Ingatestone Victorian Evening - Ingatestone

2^nd December – Epping Christmas Market – Epping

3^rd December – Cairngorm Reindeer – Grove Shopping Centre, Witham

3^rd – 4^th December – Christmas Festival Weekend – RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Chelmsford

4^th December – Santa Special – Museum of Power, Langford, Maldon

8^th & 15^th December – Maldon Christmas Shopping Evenings – Maldon

10^th – 11^th December – Brightlingsea Christmas Tree Festival – All Saints Church, Brightlingsea

11^th December – Santa Special – Museum of Power, Langford, Maldon

12^th December – Santa Hunt – Museum of Power, Langford, Maldon

20^th – 24^th December – Children’s Christmas Decoration Workshop – RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Chelmsford

Here is a selection of upcoming events that are happening throughout the county over the next couple of weeks.

24 – 28 October – October Half Term Cooking and Crafts on the Farm – Barleylands Farm, Billericay

25 – 27 October – Children’s Welly Walk, RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Chelmsford

26 – 30 October – Game Week, Audley End House, Saffron Walden

29 October – Essex Fashion Week, Woolston Manor Country Club, Chigwell

29 October – Children’s Pumpkin Carving, RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Chelmsford

29 October – Southchurch Hall Tudor Halloween, Southchurch Hall Museum, Southend-on-Sea

30 October – 3 November – Haunted Hedingham, Hedingham Castle, Castle Hedingham

30 October – Antiques and Collectables Fair, Romford Shopping Hall

Courtesy of www.visitessex.com