Diary has been reappraising its relationship with LinkedIn, and reluctantly coming round to it, even if we remain bemused by its compulsive appeal for some.
But there does seem more fun to be had there than used to be – we have even spotted the odd amusing trend. Example: real estate authors using digital trickery to place their books in the hands of notable people.
Dinah Bornatt says a “small amount of photoshopping” may have been involved in her image of deputy PM Angela Rayner clutching a copy of Bornatt’s All to Play for: How to design child-friendly housing. Meanwhile, the PM himself, Sir Keir Starmer, is clearly delighted with Martin Prince-Parrott’s Urban Healthonomics, courtesy (the author admits) of AI.
Diary would never reduce itself to such shenanigans. Instead, we present this “authentic” photo – not fake news – of a reader so keen to read the new-look Estates Gazette that he must have paid a tariff-inflated price to import it. What do you mean the covers are the wrong way round? That’s just the way he likes it…
A rollercoaster of Universal excitement
As a Bedford resident and rollercoaster enthusiast, Diary has been waiting for confirmation of Universal Studios’ intention to build a game-changing theme park near the town.
So imagine our excitement when the PM finally announced the scheme (subject to planning) with a projected opening date of 2031.
Consider this our six-year notice of intent to get out of the wry final page biz, and into whatever Universal will hire us for. Anyone know how hot it is inside one of those character costumes?
Meet the team: Martha Callegari, head of client services
How long have you been with Estates Gazette? Coming up to 23 years in August… hard to believe, right? Especially as I only look 27! Estates Gazette is practically in my DNA.
And how would you describe what you do (or should that be what don’t you do?) I head up client services, so I wear a few hats – production, sales, subscriptions. You name it, I’ve probably dabbled in it. Variety is the spice of life, and I seem to have the whole spice rack! I like to roll up my sleeves and get stuck in wherever I’m needed. Whether it’s brainstorming new ideas, troubleshooting last-minute issues or managing projects from start to finish, I pride myself on being self-sufficient and adaptable. I keep things moving!
What is your favourite thing about working in real estate? The people! There’s never a dull moment when you’re surrounded by big personalities, big ideas and even bigger development plans. Also, the occasional rooftop event with a good view doesn’t hurt. And, honestly, there’s nothing like seeing the magazine in print each week – it’s a great feeling to see all the hard work come together in such a fast-paced, dynamic industry.
And what’s your least favourite? The unpredictability! Market trends can shift in the blink of an eye, and just when you think you have a handle on things, everything changes. It’s like trying to predict the weather – you’re never quite sure when a storm is coming (and I’ve weathered a few).
What do you get up to when you’re not working? Mostly Netflix marathons and cheering on my son at football. If I’ve had a night out with the girls, then you’ll find me in the recovery position the next day.
Tell us something that people don’t know about you… I must be careful what I say here – under the Mark Allen Group, we’re increasing our subscription numbers at a rapid pace, and who knows who’s keeping an eye on this page! But I’ve been on the BBC Crimewatch programme. Don’t worry, it wasn’t as a suspect – I promise!
Main image created with AI
Follow Estates Gazette
