Ellisons would like to congratulate the Essex Wildlife Trust

28 May 2013

Ellisons would like to congratulate our clients, the Essex Wildlife Trust, on their win at the annual 2013 (RICS) Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors East Awards.

The Trust’s Corey Environmental Centre, in Thurrock, won the Project of the Year Award as well coming top in a variety of other categories.

Ellisons Commercial Property Partner, Peter Powell, advised on the project. 

For further information please visit the EWT website: www.essexwt.org.uk
 

Ellisons Partner and former legal advisor to the Queen Mother’s Butler retires

24 May 2013

Ellisons Solicitors bids a fond farewell to one of its partners, Stephen Lansley who retired in April after almost 12 years with the Firm.   

Stephen has led an extremely varied working life, and indeed it was only after a successful career as a dancer that he turned his hand to the law.

Born in Greece, the son of a Greek opera singer, he moved to the area where he attended Manningtree High School becoming Head Boy and then Colchester Institute to study for his A levels.

After some deliberation as to his future, Stephen decided that life in the Theatre was for him and after a successful audition with Ballet Rambert, he was granted a full scholarship.

During his training he appeared in many West End pantomimes where he met his wife, Gwen, who was also a Ballet Dancer. Together they moved to Scotland, where Stephen danced at the Scottish Theatre Ballet.

After stints performing in Canada, at the Moulin Rouge in Paris, on cruise ships and in the Far East, life took them to Monte Carlo where Stephen was in charge of entertainment at the Lowes Hotel (now known as the Fairmont) where he also choreographed and produced Fashion Shows for Princess Grace and shows around visiting stars including Abba!

After the birth of his daughter in Monte Carol, Stephen moved back to Colchester to begin his solicitors training at the College of Law.

His new career started with a firm in Colchester, where he became partner. He then set up his own practice, before merging with Ellisons in 2002. In 2010 Stephen became the resident partner of Ellisons’ Clacton office.

Stephen has been fortunate enough to lead yet another successful and fulfilling career within the law, and was the long-term legal advisor, friend and executor of the late William Tallon, who was the Queen Mother’s Butler.

Stephen celebrated his time at the firm with staff and clients alike, during a party held at The Minories Art Gallery in Colchester on Thursday 25th April. Stephen was also joined by many of his previous employees who worked with him during his sole practice days.

Although Stephen celebrated his retirement, he will continue to be associated with the Firm. 

Guy Longhurst, Senior Partner at Ellisons, said: ‘‘Stephen’s daily presence will be missed greatly not only by his colleagues but also by his many clients and contacts in and around Colchester and Clacton.  We were delighted that so many could come along and wish Stephen well in his retirement.’’

Commenting on his retirement, Stephen said: ‘‘Retirement will give me time to concentrate on my interests in the arts, music, archaeological and sports worlds, and to travel too. I am pleased that I will continue my association with Ellisons and my clients, so it is not a final goodbye.’’

The father of two (and grandfather to three!) will continue as a Director of the Victor Batte-Lay Foundation which owns the Minories Art Gallery as well as a large art collection. He will also continue as Secretary to Colchester Art Centre and is a soon to become a trustee of the Colchester Archaeological Trust.
 

Ellisons proudly sponsor charity cycle ride

22 May 2013

Congratulations to Andrew Crayston of Fenn Wright and President of the Rotary Club of Colchester, who cycled from Anglesey to Colchester over 8 days.

The 360 miles were cycled by Andrew all the way with a ‘Roman Chariot’. He was joined by 17 other Rotarians and friends. The cyclists’ journey retraced the steps of Boudicca and the Roman Legions which led to the battle of Watling Street in 61 AD.

Ellisons Solicitors were pleased to sponsor Andrew in his efforts to raise money against the continuing battle against Polio.