Oracle April 2024

HEALTH Sally's

April welcomes us with the promise of new beginnings and the excitement of seizing Southend's boundless potential. In this edition, we delve into the heart of local issues with insights from Councillor Bayo Alaba and Philip Miller MBE, returns to enlighten us on the vital role of guardianship over our public funds.

Jacqui Sayer-Nobel gently guides us through the five stages of grief, offering solace and understanding to those coping with the difficult journey of loss.

We celebrate the remarkable success of the Spotlight Radiotherapy Appeal, soaring to an astonishing £364,000. This underscores the power of community generosity and solidarity in supporting vital healthcare initiatives.

For April’s competition don’t miss the chance to win an Afternoon Tea for Two this September, courtesy of Hylands Estate, Chelmsford. I recently visited this County gem to enjoy the beautiful grounds and iconic house, definitely worth a visit. For more information please visit: www.hylandsestate.co.uk.

To enter the Oracle/Highlands Estate April competition please visit www.oraclepublications. co.uk page, competition ends 30 April 2024.

Good luck!

Emma Wynne-Morgan

Publisher

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Seizing Southend’s Potential

Southend is a place built on happy memories. Like many working-class people who grew up in the East End, it conjures recollections of sun-drenched summers. The very word ‘Southend’ holds the promise of good times. To be Labour’s candidate to serve the area is an honour I cannot describe.

Cost of living crisis

How can the area fulfil its potential?

by Cllr. Bayo Alaba Labour prospective parliamentary candidate for Southend East and Rochford

Yet I also know that there is much more to Southend than nostalgia. Being based here for work in the past – and campaigning for the past two years – I have seen the aspiration, positive energy and sheer work ethic of the communities living here. Southenders look to the future more than the past.

The granting of City status, following the tragic murder of David Amess – a great public servant and lifelong campaigner for the award – offers a chance to fulfil the potential. Too often, in recent years, Southend has been back of the queue. Just before Christmas The Times reported that we have the highest proportion of people on NHS waiting lists in the UK. We deserve better.

For me, the biggest national issue is the cost-of-living. This crisis has dramatically affected all but the super-rich. People who have based their lives on a completely reasonable set of financial assumptions find the rug pulled out. Even those on good salaries are having to make major sacrifices.

Until people have money in their pockets again it will be really hard for Southend to thrive as it should. I don’t believe the Government has done enough to tackle the cost-of-living. So my top priority at the Westminster level would be to push for the big interventions needed.

Attracting business

Locally, a huge issue is the future of high streets – not just in Southend itself but in Shoebury, Thorpe Bay, Rochford and Wakering. Putting Southend back on the map is central to how I see my role, and

LOCAL ISSUES

I would be looking at ways to support small, and medium businesses, as well as startups. The more we can develop our arts, entertainment and retail offer, the stronger we will be.

This is an issue I’m passionate about. As one of the pioneers of East London’s creative economy, I helped attract investment to communities that others had given up on. I witnessed the critical importance of banging the drum and thinking outside the box, in order to get things done. Having run a business myself for the past 23 years will, I hope, be a massive asset for me in helping the area.

A year-round economy

Coupled with this is the type of economy we want. Regeneration that lets our young people stay local is key to Southend’s future success. Whilst the existing seasonal economy has a role to play, it doesn’t offer the stability, routine or opportunities for development that young people need. Many move out of Southend altogether – taking their talents with them.

I have spent years as a mentor myself –from school pupils struggling to adapt to gang members and released academy footballers. I know how tricky the 16-21 age grouping can be – for many it’s a life cross-roads. But I also know that most young people are trying to do the right thing. Southend needs an economy which offers a ladder up.

Service and integrity

The final thing for me is about trust. Politics has become a dirty word in recent years, for reasons that are understandable. No one MP can change that by themselves. But I would see a big part of my role, if elected, as to rebuild faith at the local level that politics can be a force for good. I don’t do Punch and Judy politics. And I’d be aiming to serve everyone in the city, regardless of whether they voted for me.

The word ‘service’ is central to this. I spent 11 years with The British Parachute Regiment reserves –travelling the world, serving my country and, in later years, training and preparing younger soldiers for the job. Being an MP is clearly different to being a soldier! But a culture of service is the biggest single thing I’ve taken from my time in the military, and is central to how I see politics in general and the MP’s role in particular.

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Guardians of Our Public Funds: Demonstrate Responsibility

Up until last May when the Labour, Liberal Democrats and the Non-Independent group were ‘ruling the roost’, there were notable financial challenges faced by Southend council.

By Philip Miller, MBE Executive Chairman Stockvale Group Of Companies

One significant matter was spending fourteen million pounds buying the Victoria shopping centre. While the idea was supposedly entrepreneurial, the deal’s worth is now questionable, potentially less than half the original cost. Additionally, six hundred thousand pounds of public money were allocated to subsidise the Boom Bar, a move aimed at attracting other tenants to the largely vacant shopping centre.

Parking charges on the seafront and in the city have been raised three times since covid and there was even a vote to charge folks for the use of our parks. We may even be having fortnightly bin collections soon.

Financial Mismanagement

I could probably write a book on the the city’s past poor financial management, but what's the point? It’s spilt milk now! I have been accused of interfering with local democracy by Cllrs Terry and Cowan and others who accuse me of being part of a ‘seafront cartel’ which bullies the Tories into keeping parking charges under control. There is certainly not a ‘seafront cartel’ and I don’t quite see how I could bully anyone in authority!

I would like to make it very clear that I have no political favourites when it comes to defending the city’s economy. If I believe the council are making bad mistakes running our city, I will call them out regardless of what political colour they are and my past record shows just that!

It would be wrong of me to try and use my influence to encourage folks which way they should vote. I can’t even achieve that in my own family!

What I would ask you though is this, bearing in mind we are a seaside city. If you park anywhere along the seafront, would you want to pay even more than you are paying now and what effect do you think that might have on people visiting our city? Did you know we are already ranked in the top three in the UK for high car parking charges? Do you really want to pay in the evenings after 6pm? It doesn’t really incentivise us to go to the Cliffs Pavilion for a show or a seafront restaurant for a nice meal. Other car parks in the city are all low charge and ‘free’ in the evenings. To me this does seem to be a case of victimisation towards the seafront and its traders.

Parking Charge Oversight

While the concerns about parking charges are valid, its equally essential that the allocation of public funds for future projects for the benefit of the city are very carefully considered bearing in mind the Victoria shopping centre project. Lets not make the same mistake again!

Vote for whoever you wish for in May but just remember for the good of our city remember the important local issues and who locally is best to deal with them.

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Sky's the Limit: How High-Tech are transforming homes with light and space

Since their story started in 1999, High-Tech Membrane Roofing has been helping homeowners across Southend and Essex elevate their homes with the most advanced flat roofing systems.

The modern homeowner's vision for brighter, more spacious living areas has seen a significant shift towards home improvements that invite more natural light and allow for expansive sky views. This trend isn't just about aesthetics; it's a holistic approach that fuses form with function, creating spaces that not only look beautiful but lift spirits and elevate energy efficiency.

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There’s also a strong demand for durable, long-lasting roofing solutions capable of protecting and enhancing Essex homes for decades to come. With a team of qualified professionals, High-Tech Membrane Roofing has been striking this balance, leading the way in innovative flat roofing that meets the modern homeowner's needs.

Owner and Director, Steve Thornton, emphasises their tailored approach:

"At High-Tech, we're not just about protecting homes with roofing that you can count on for decades, we're

about opening them up to introduce more light and space. Our wide range of lanterns and skylights, paired with our ability to provide truly tailored solutions, ensures that our customers’ ideas come to life. We stand behind the durability of our work, with all our waterproofing products carrying a lifetime guarantee as standard.”

Their commitment to quality, customisation, and long-term satisfaction sets them apart, enhancing homes across Southend and across Essex with roofs that are as reliable as they are beautiful. To celebrate the arrival of spring, High-Tech’s team are excited to offer Oracle readers an exclusive opportunity to brighten their homes. For a limited time, you can enjoy up to 20% off skylights when installed with their advanced roofing system. To learn more or to secure your discount, please call 01268 261423, or visit hightechmembraneroofing.co.uk.

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The perfect day out at Hylands Estate

Hylands Estate is the jewel in Chelmsford’s crown. As a Grade II* listed park of 574 acres, with a neo-classical villa situated at its heart, it is a much-loved destination for locals as well as many couples looking to celebrate their weddings and unions in luxurious and opulent surroundings.

Hylands spent much of the latter half of the 20th century under refurbishment following its purchase by Chelmsford City Council from its last owner in 1962. The estate has since continued to grow its offer to the public, as well improve upon its classic features.

One staple event in the diary is the Hylands Open Estate Day, which takes place every third Sunday of the month. On this day, the estate is alive with activity across the house and The Stables, with many people keen to see how the house has been restored and take part in family activities.

Culinary Delights and Craft

A part of the Open Estate Days is the street food and craft market run by Urban Food Festival. This London based company specialises in bringing together a varied mix of stallholders, with menu items from around the world and locally handmade crafts.

Open Estate Days have been a huge success over the last year – rain or shine, customers come to Hylands Estate every third Sunday and enjoy spending the day exploring the venue. Alongside the market, visitors can take part in themed arts and crafts activities, hear storytelling based on Hylands’ history, and get involved with games on the back lawn. Over at The Stables, visitors can pop in and chat to the resident artist community in their studios, purchase items made at Hylands in the shop, visit the café, and take the new multimedia tour around the gardens.

Win Afternoon Tea for Two!

Head to page 3 to enter our competition to win Afternoon Tea for two at the September Open Estate Day!

All Open Estate Days coming up for the rest of the year are on the Hylands Estate website: hylandsestate.co.uk/explore/openestate

Alleyn Court 120 Years of Providing Excellent Opportunities

One year after another stunning inspection result which declared the school to be, once again, excellent in all areas, Alleyn Court Prep School took to the stage. Following last year’s success with Grease at the Palace Theatre, this year the children performed High School Musical at the Towngate Theatre in Basildon. The performance saw 71 children in Years 4, 5 and 6, take to the stage in a magnificent display of acting, song and dance, described by one parent as ‘spellbinding’!

Ambition

Over the past 8 years the school has used professional theatres in the local area to stage the annual production. We aim to raise the bar at every opportunity and take each aspect of school life to enhanced levels. This is possible because we are a small school with very big aims. We know our children well enough to rigorously challenge them to tackle opportunities they might never have thought possible.

In addition to our spectacular performances, Alleyn Court is a school best known for its outstanding academic results, and both local and national sporting results. It may be a small 2-form entry school of some 270 boys and girls, but it has always had big ambitions for its children. Seven of the Year 6 children on stage with speaking and dancing roles, found themselves the next day representing the school and the region,

at the ISA national 7-a-side football finals at St George’s Park. It is high quality experiences as diverse as these that create robust, adventurous, confident individuals that will thrive throughout their secondary schools and into their exciting futures.

Alleyn Court is not a stage-school, or an elite sporting venue, or academically selective, yet the school provides opportunities to develop extraordinary levels of attainment in drama, music, sport and fine art and of course, in all areas of academic study. Parents choose the school because they highly value the importance of an increasingly rare and precious thing; a truly robust childhood.

Rich history of specialist education

For 120 years Alleyn Court Prep School has been providing bespoke specialist primary education for children of families that expect the very best. Children in Year 5 and 6 build on the class-teacher and specialist education they receive from Lower Nursery through KS1 and into Years 3 and 4, through the school’s long-established Prep School approach of running exactly as a secondary school.

Prep schools have a long tradition of understanding that the specialist teacher approach across the primary phase for much of the curriculum provides a highquality education in every subject. For many years, both our parents and children have acknowledged and cherished the

education is a transformative experience because it prepares children for more than one path ensuring children are fully equipped for whichever type of secondary school they attend. Teachers at Alleyn Court are not only specialists in their subjects but are also specialists in primary education and primary-aged child-development.

Legacy of Success

Alleyn Court has excelled in preparing children for selective exams since 1904, ensuring they have access to selective state and independent schools and a variety of different scholarship avenues – our 11+ and ISEB results speak for themselves. Alleyn Court children are thoroughly prepared socially, emotionally and academically to leave the school at the end of Year 6 and thrive throughout their secondary school journey.

EXPERIENCE ALLEYN COURT

We’re not here to put on a show, however good that would be! If you would like to visit the school to see what really happens during the day, please do make an appointment with the headteacher to meet the staff, speak with the children, view the site and see just how wonderous your child’s time at Alleyn Court would be.

Excellent on all counts – but don’t just take our word for it! Scan the QR code to see what the inspectorate had to say.

Hello From Essex Chambers of Commerce

We are delighted to now be contributing regularly to the Oracle and will be sharing regular updates and information relating to Southend’s economic and business landscape. But first things first, we’d like to introduce ourselves.

The Essex Chambers of Commerce delivers local engagement, regional representation, and global opportunities.

As a not-for-profit membership organisation, we represent a range of businesses large and small, providing information and support alongside a range of useful products and services. We are also dedicated to nurturing and growing connections within Essex and hold a whole host of networking events in Southend and further afield in the county.

Working With Industry Experts

As the county’s leading business organisation, our role is to support your business in every way possible. We work with leading industry experts to offer webinars, workshops and training on a vast range of topics to help your business thrive.

Our comprehensive International Trade services are here to support all your trade needs. With decades of expertise, our dedicated International Trade team are on hand to smooth your way into trading overseas.

We are one of 53 regional Chambers accredited through the British Chambers of Commerce, by whom we are regulated.

The British Chambers of Commerce runs a dynamic national network for thousands of UK businesses of all sizes and from all sectors, and we are proud to be the only accredited Chamber in Essex.

Government-Business Liaison

As an a-political organisation, we are connected to a wide array of cross-party Members of Parliament and government departments that include HM Treasury, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and the Department for Business and Trade. Essex Chambers also work closely with local Government, Councils, and the PPFC & Essex Police, ensuring the needs of businesses are being heard at every level.

We operate countywide from two hubs located one right here in Southend-onSea and another in Colchester, with a satellite office in Harlow.

If you would like more information please visit our website: essexchambers.co.uk or call us on 01702 560100

Protect Your Legacy!

Your assets could be vulnerable without the strategic shield of a Trust. Picture your beloved family home sold off to cover sky-high long-term care costs or your hard-earned savings slipping into the wrong hands, leaving your loved ones in the lurch. It's a chilling reality for many who neglect proper planning.

There's a solution: Trusts

With Trusts, you hold the key to fortifying your legacy and ensuring a seamless transfer of wealth to your heirs. Bid farewell to the nightmare of creditors, bankruptcy claims, or the anguish of divorce settlements devouring your family's financial future.

With careful Bloodline Planning, rest assured your assets remain within your family line, shielded from external threats.

At Countrywide, we recognise the weight of estate planning decisions. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to fortify your legacy. From crafting rock-solid wills and empowering Lasting Powers of Attorney to

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Cloudy2Clear, A Local Service, Saving You Money.

As a leading domestic glass replacement company for more than 16 years, Cloudy2Clear windows are the leading name in the industry. There is no need for you to risk your windows by using the dreaded double glazing cowboy down the street. You can join over 336,000 happy customers and replace your glass ethically and affordably. If you have a failed glass unit, it may not provide you with the protection you need or be as energy-efficient as it once was. Take a minute to check your home to see if any double glazing has failed? Taking action now can prevent future financial problems.

When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear windows Chris Miller it became clear that these

values have been held dear for a number of years. Since starting the business some years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public money.

The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. Chris commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help once again”.

For a free quotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit www. cloudy2clear.co.uk.

really liked the fact that they were a local community run business” Janet Beard

Grieving

Most people associate grieving with the death of someone they loved.

However, going through a marriage or partnership breakup can cause you to feel all the same emotions.

Sally’s story

Sally came to see me asking, “Why do I feel so sad that my marriage has ended when I have spent the last five years feeling miserable, unloved, and unappreciated?”

She hoped that things would get better and maybe there was a way to turn things around, but no matter what she tried to save the relationship, it was not reciprocated.

Sally told me that she had expected to feel much better when she finally made the decision to part from her husband, but she didn’t; she felt worse!

She felt angry, let down, abandoned, lonely, not good enough, hopeless, and a failure. She didn’t feel she was coping very well. Her friends could not understand why she wasn’t happy now!

Grieving

I explained that she was grieving the loss of her marriage and would therefore experience all or many of the ‘Five Stages of Grief’ :

1. Denial, that the marriage is over and still hoping that it could be salvaged. Not believing the breakup has really happened.

2. Anger, that she was in this situation and extreme sadness that this had happened.

3. Bargaining, what if she did things differently, or behaved differently. Bargaining to change the situation.

4. Depression, Feeling of emptiness and believing that the feeling may never go away. A very deep feeling of a dark and heavy sadness that felt never ending.

5. Acceptance, recognising that as one chapter ends, another begins.

We worked through her grieving emotions and the life she once thought she’d have. Once we completed her therapy, Sally was finally ready to start a new chapter in her life.

Southend drugs line dismantled by Op Raptor team

A drugs line bringing crack cocaine and heroin to the streets of Southend has been dismantled, and the man running the operation jailed for six years. Essex Police’s Op Raptor team identified seven iterations of the ‘Drops’ line that used prepaid SIM cards in burner phones to send out hundreds of bulk marketing messages to users in Southend.

During a two-week period, 645 bulk messages advertising drugs to users were sent out by the line. Officers executed warrants at addresses linked to five defendants in London and Southend in April last year.

Inside the Bust

Gagandeep Sehmi

Gagandeep Sehmi, 23, was identified as the main line holder responsible for directing the runners on the street. He was arrested at his address and six packs of crack cocaine and heroin were found in a rucksack in his bedroom. There were an estimated 600 wraps, with a potential street value of around £6,000. A drug line phone and more than £3,500 in cash were also seized. Sehmi of Aberdour Road, Ilford, was jailed for six years at Basildon Crown Court on Friday, March 8.

Justice Served

Four other offenders, identified as drug runners, have also been sentenced. Abdullah Kahn, 22, of Kilmartin Road, Ilford, appeared at the same court in February, where he was jailed for 18 months. Michael Webb, 35, of

Coleman Street, Southend, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. Jay Brown, 35, of Whitegate Road, Southend, was sentenced to 13 months' imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. Lisa Samuels, 38, of Coleman Street, Southend, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment, suspended for two years.

Impact of the Crackdown

Their sentences were passed down during County Lines Intensification Week – a weeklong national crackdown and focus on drugdealing gangs. Detective Sergeant Rob Maile, of Op Raptor South, said: “Our continuing work to stop harmful drugs reaching the streets of Southend and wider Essex is a dedicated focus throughout the year. These groups rely on the exploitation of vulnerable people, including those hooked on highly addictive and damaging substances. They bring misery to our communities in the form of antisocial behavior associated with drug dealing and violence.

Friday’s sentencing hearing marks the final step in shutting down this longstanding drug line operating in Southend and will be a welcome result for the community."

Radiotherapy Appeal Soars to

£364,000!

Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation’s Essex-wide campaign to share the aims and benefits of the Spotlight Radiotherapy Appeal has seen it reach a significant milestone of £364,000!

Completion of the £600,000 appeal will see Southend Hospital home to four new Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT) devices. The equipment will mean that Southend’s Radiotherapy department will be able to offer patients with cancer the latest in radiotherapy delivery.

Benefits of SGRT are extensive; greater accuracy, the reduction of imaging and waiting times, elimination of tattoo placement markings and closed face masks being replaced with more patient-friendly open masks for those with head or neck cancers.

With the continued support of our community, the foundation is confident of reaching the £600,000 target by 2025.

The Foundation trustees wish to convey their thanks to the people of Southend and beyond. Individuals, companies, and local groups have really taken the Spotlight appeal to their hearts.

Recent community fundraising highlights have included:

To find out how you can get involved; whether by spreading the word, donating, or attending one of their many events, visit: spotlightappeal .org or call 01702 385337.

• A 24-hour football match organised by Stockvale's James Miller and superfundraiser Lee Clark. Local teams and individual players helped them raise almost £3,000.

• David Dedman’s incredible charity dinner at Toulouse raised over £7,000.

• The Dr Feelgood gig, held at Westcliff’s Palace Theatre and organised by Eric Watts raised over £7,500.

• Southend City Rotary Club’s evening of Preposterous Stories raised £1,000.

• Essex gynae support group COPES made a significant donation of £2,000.

• Mid & South Essex Hospital Charity’s afternoon tea at The Roslin Beach Hotel saw supporters raise £1,224.

• Rosemary Slade’s eleventh Black and Pearl Ball raised a record £4,891.

• Sally Carr’s Black-tie Dinner and her Feast for a Cause lunch collectively raised a wonderful £1,428.

David Dedman’s Charity Dinner at Toulouse

Southend City Rotary Club’s Evening of Preposterous Stories

Football match organised by Stockvale's James Miller and super-fundraiser Lee Clark

Rachel Clarks Table

Slow cooked Ras el Hanout Lamb with couscous

This slow cooked lamb with north African spicing is so easy to leave in the oven if you have family or friends coming. The couscous gets flavoured with all the juices from the pan. Serve at the table and the lamb should be super tender. Enjoy!

by Judy Barden

Next month’s recipe: 'Pan fried Salmon with baby gem & peas'

INGREDIENTS (Serves 6-8)

FOR THE LAMB:

5 cloves garlic, crushed

1 lemon, juiced

5 tbsp rase l hanout mix

2 tbsp olive oil

Shoulder of lamb (approx. 2kg)

2 red onions, cut into wedges

FOR THE COUSCOUS:

400g couscous

100g raisins

400g can chickpeas

2 tbsp olive oil

Small bunch of parsley and coriander, chopped

1 preserved lemon finely chopped or juice of ½ lemon

Using a pestle and mortar, mix the crushed garlic with a large pinch of salt, then add the lemon juice, ras el hanout, and olive oil. Pound to a rough paste.

With a sharp knife, make small incisions all over the lamb and put it in a deep roasting tin. Rub the paste all over, making sure you work it into the cuts. Leave at room temperature for at least an hour or in the fridge overnight for the flavor to develop further.

Heat the oven to 160°C/fan 140°C/gas 3. Scatter the onion wedges around the lamb, then cover tightly with foil. Roast for 3 ½ hours. Uncover, keeping the foil, stir the onions, and baste the lamb in the juices.

Turn the oven up to 180°C/fan 160°C/gas 4 and roast uncovered for 30 minutes to brown. Put the lamb and onions onto a warm serving platter or board.

Bring the kettle to the boil. Stir the couscous and raisins into the roasting tin so they are coated in the juices. Pour over enough boiling water to just cover the couscous, then put the foil back on and leave for 5 minutes.

Uncover, fluff up the couscous, stir through the chickpeas, herbs, and either preserved lemon or juice. Season to taste.

Put the couscous in a warm serving bowl and bring it to the table with the lamb.

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Telephone: Mobile:

Website: www.thehandyman5.co.uk

Website: www.thehandyman5.co.uk

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

Companionship and Driving Service

l Driving Miss Daisy Southend-on-Sea

l Making a real difference in people’s lives

Combat Isolation and Loneliness

l Get out and about l Enjoy life, socialise with friends and family

Medical or Social Events

l Attend with us by your side l No limits, only your imagination

Trained, Insured, and DBS Checked Team

l Uniformed professionals

l Dementia Friend certified

Pre-Booked and Pre-Quoted Services

l Always know the cost in advance

"I'd be a fool to have regrets"