In this edition, Cllr Tony Cox raises concerns about the Better Queensway project, detailing its timeline and the millions of pounds at risk. The Essex Chamber is working closely with the new local government in support of businesses plus why you are advised to avoid Southchurch Road for the next 20 weeks. Southend police continue to keep our city safe by taking a hardline on troublemakers. Additionally, catch up on my favourite charity, the Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation's Spotlight Appeal. Southend, your support has been outstanding, with just over £150,000 to reach its £600,000 target. Read about the Spotlight Appeal and the many heroes who are making this incredible effort possible and how you can get involved.
As always, we aim to keep you informed and engaged with the issues shaping our town’s future if you feel you would like to engage with residents, please feel free to contact me.
For this month's Oracle competition, there’s a beautiful noise, comin’ up from the South East Essex streets, got a beautiful sound, it’s got a beautiful beat. Paraphrasing the lyrics to Neil Diamond’s million-selling 1976 single, hit stage show It’s A BEAUTIFUL NOISE with Fisher Stevens – a joyful celebration of the music and a tribute to Neil Diamond is coming to Palace Theatre, Southend on Friday, 13 September. Southend Theatres has given 2 x pairs of tickets to give away. For more information on this show please visit the Palace theatre website.
To enter simply visit: oraclepublications.co.uk competition page, competition ends 31 August 2024.
Good luck!
Emma Wynne-Morgan Publisher
Summer Schedule at :
This summer, Golf.One welcomes kids and women to take a swing in our indoor golf venue... Kids club, women’s golfing, event hire
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Each session will be packed with coaching tips, games, competitions, light refreshments, and goodie bags, with all equipment provided. At the end of the summer competition, a trophy awaits the winner. Who will be crowned as the top junior champion? With limited bookings available, make sure you secure your spot!!
Women in golf have broken barriers and set new standards; Golf. One celebrates these achievements, offering a space for women to practice and play year-round. Join us to be part of the growing community of female golfers.
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Summer at
This summer at Scott’s of Southend we have everything you need!
Discover the vibrant array of summer plants at our garden centre! This season, we are thrilled to feature the striking Salvia 'Hot Lips' with its unique bicolour blooms, elegant water lilies perfect for adding a serene touch to your pond, and our robust 3-litre Dahlias that promise to bring a burst of colour to your garden. Come visit us this summer and explore these highlights along with many other beautiful additions to make your garden flourish.
This summer, our pet section has everything your animals need to stay comfortable and happy. We offer a wide range of products, from equine fly sprays to keep your horses protected, to cooling mats and water bowls perfect for all pets. Visit us and discover how we can help you care for your furry friends in the warm weather.
Treat yourself to a culinary delight this summer at Scott's Kitchen! Our new summer menu is brimming with fresh, flavourful dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds Popular highlights include the crispy Buttermilk Chicken Burger, the refreshing Prawn and Avocado Salad, and the vibrant Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad Join us for a dining experience that celebrates the best of seasonal ingredients and innovative recipes
We proudly offer a comprehensive price match policy, matching in-stock products with UK retailers, including offer-code discounts, ensuring you always get the best price Plus, take advantage of our special offer: receive £300 cash back on selected Weber BBQs purchased from our showroom between June 26th and August 27th, 2024 Shop with confidence and elevate your summer gatherings with our exceptional deals
Southend's Better Queensway: A Troubled Journey
By Cllr Tony Cox Leader of the
Conservative Group cllrtonycox@ southend.gov.uk
Regular readers of the Oracle will be aware of the Council’s Better Queensway project, which is a large-scale multi-phase regeneration project of a large section of central Southend, mainly comprising and including Quantock, Malvern, Pennine, and Chiltern tower blocks, the Essex Street and Short Street car parks.
The project also includes the closure of the free-flowing Queensway road underpass and the building of a new road.
Partnership with Swan Housing
In April 2019, the Council procured Swan Housing Association as Joint Venture Partner to secure planning and deliver the regeneration project. In December 2021, it was revealed by
the Government regulator that Swan Housing was effectively bankrupt. This ultimately led to Swan Housing Association becoming part of Sanctuary Housing Association in February 2023.
Sanctuary Housing Withdrawal
In trying to pursue this unviable pipe dream, £9.2 million of costs were racked up, and the Council faced the prospect of handing back nearly £20 million of Government funding.
LOCAL ISSUES
After previously getting themselves into this mess, last month, the Administration revealed their plans to alleviate the crisis. To be clear, this is a crisis, as when I was Leader last year, the Administration was warned that these costs, if the project collapsed, would have to be paid back, causing certain bankruptcy for the Council.
So, what are the Administration’s plans to tackle the crisis? Unbelievably, it is to carry on with the unviable scheme!
No Guarantees
The latest report confirms that there is no guarantee that a single breeze block will be laid or a single home built but will plough ahead in closing the perfectly good Queensway road
underpass to build the new road which will reduce the Queensway junction from eight lanes to four, have a 20mph speed limit, speed bumps, traffic lights, and a roundabout all at ground level.
Financial Shortfall
This still doesn't resolve the problem. To build a new road will cost approximately £21 million. After paying back the £9.2 million debt, this leaves a shortfall of approximately £11.5 million.
Borrowing Costs
This money will have to be borrowed. The borrowing costs will cost the taxpayer over £600,000 per year. It is simply economics of the madhouse.
We are only a few months into this new Administration. With the prospect of the Administration lasting until 2026, what could possibly go wrong!
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BUSINESS
Election Special
Update from Essex Chambers of Commerce
Since our last update we have a new council and now two new MPs in Southend. The Chambers of Commerce is an apolitical organisation so we will look to work with and support all those newly elected for the betterment of businesses and residents of Southend as we have done with previous representatives. Our thanks and commiserations to all those outgoing – regardless of political affiliation everyone wants the best for Southend.
The new government has signalled that it is abandoning the term ‘levelling up’ and that devolution to local level is back on the political agenda. The Chambers is heavily involved in speaking for business as we begin to move, we hope, towards an Essex-wide deal that works for Southend and brings more local control over how the county and the city develops. On this and other issues affecting Southend and the wider county we will want to build effective working relationships across the political spectrum.
Southchurch Road – Cadent Gas Works
In other news, we have been made aware by Cadent, the owners and maintainers of Essex’s gas network, that there will be upcoming gas works taking place along Southchurch Road, from 22 July for 20 weeks
Traffic Disruptions Ahead
Cadent will be undertaking a large gas pipe replacement project in the heart of Southend and we know the change in traffic management could
cause disruption for local businesses and residents in the busy summer months. More information on the project specifics can be found on their dedicated cadentgas.com/major-projects/ southchurchroad.
Climate Change Action Pack
Essex County Council has developed an advice pack specifically for Essex businesses to help them reduce their carbon footprint. You can find the Business Advice pack at www.essexclimate. org.uk/essex-business-advice-pack.
The pack has been developed following recommendations from the Essex Climate Action Commission’s report ‘Net Zero: Making Essex Carbon Neutral’ and in consultation with a range of Essex businesses and key professional bodies. The pack demonstrates how businesses can transform, mitigate, and adapt to climate change.
A reminder that the Chambers’ flagship event the Festival of Business will take place on 13 November at Chelmsford City Racecourse. Find out how you can get involved in the most anticipated business extravaganza in Essex at www. festivalofbusiness.co.uk
There are many other activities and events so do have a look at the Chambers website or get in touch:essexchambers.co.uk or call us on 01702 560100
Cloudy2Clear, A Local Service, Saving You Money.
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We’re keeping the city safe by taking a hard line on troublemakers
The policing of Southend seafront this summer is succeeding in limiting unruly behaviour and maintaining the city’s family-friendly atmosphere, says Superintendent Leigh Norris, who leads Operation Union.
The operation, which is now in its fourth year, sees officers conducting dedicated patrols of the busiest areas of Southend and Old Leigh between the end of May and beginning of September. They are there to help the public, provide a visible deterrent, and diffuse any potential flashpoints.
So far this year, officers on Union patrols have made more than 60 arrests for offences including possession of drugs, theft, and assault.
Searches Uncover Drugs
Officers have also conducted 174 stop searches, 86 of which have led to the discovery of illegal items. One man was arrested after being found in possession of 30 wraps of a class A drug. More than 50 of the searches led to the discovery of cannabis.engagement events in more places than ever before and the feedback from local residents has been encouraging. Maintaining the trust of the local community remains my top priority.”
Union Officers Ensure City Safety
Union officers work in collaboration with Southend-on-Sea City Council, the British Transport Police (BTP), the c2c railway, Greater Anglia and seafront businesses to make sure that anyone who comes to the city and causes trouble is swiftly and decisively dealt with.
Monitoring Ensures Safe Summer
Activity on the trainlines and roads into the city is closely monitored by BTP and Essex Highways, and the council’s CCTV team and community safety officers have their eyes on the streets watching out for watching for anyone acting suspiciously. Supt Norris said his team have been quick to search and arrest people who are misbehaving:
“Thousands of people of all ages come to Southend every summer to enjoy the beach and attractions. We want everyone to have fun and but not in a way that negatively impacts anyone else.
Commitment to Safety and Order
“Unfortunately, there are occasions when a tiny minority of individuals decide that they want to spoil things. We’ve been clear that anyone who steps out of line by behaving anti-socially or committing crime will be removed from the area and we’ve kept that promise.”
“We have strong working relationship with the council’s community safety officers, BTP and the security teams who work for the seafront traders. Together we’re keeping the city safe by taking a hard line on troublemakers and that will continue during the busiest part of the summer.”
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CHARITY Spotlight Radiotherapy Appeal: A Heartfelt Thanks to
year two!
As many local residents are aware, the Spotlight Radiotherapy Appeal is now in its second year, aiming to revolutionise radiotherapy delivery at Southend Hospital
The completion of the £600,000 appeal will equip Southend Hospital with four new Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT) devices.
This cutting-edge equipment will enable the Radiotherapy department to offer the latest advancements in cancer treatment.
SGRT provides extensive benefits, including greater accuracy, reduced imaging and waiting times, elimination of tattoo placement markings, and more patient-friendly open masks for head and neck cancer patients, replacing traditional closed-face masks.
Thanks to months of community support, Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation is proud to have been able to make an interim grant of £350,000. With specialist staff training planned, the success of the appeal will soon become a reality for thousands of cancer patients across mid and south Essex.
the Community
The Foundation trustees extend their heartfelt thanks to the people of Southend and beyond. The community has embraced the Spotlight Appeal, with notable fundraising highlights including:
A £60,000 donation from New Leaf Distribution; a wonderful example of corporate commitment to local NHS hospitals and patients.
Charity shop contributions from Hadleigh, Westcliff, and Leigh-on-Sea, totaling almost £100,000.
Southend Half Marathon runners Tom Rowe and Eric Watts running for Spotlight.
Generous donations and charity events such as the annual Foulness Island bike ride and Great Pier Walk from Essex district Rotary clubs.
Ongoing fundraising support from Essex Freemasons community.
A successful 'Wear it Blue Day' at St Thomas More High School, raising £1,185.
You can get involved ...
A strong corporate partnership with Stockvale Limited, owners of Adventure Island and Sealife Adventure, has seen a number of fundraising events, including football matches, music festivals, and theme park fundraising days, raise over £11,500. These days not only generate donations but also awareness and interest, invaluable elements of this appeal’s aim.
With such overwhelming community support, the Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation welcomes anyone wishing to get involved. Whether spreading the word about the Spotlight Appeal or participating in fundraising, all levels of support are appreciated to ensure the Appeal reaches its all-important target.
For more information about the appeal and upcoming fundraising events, including the Spotlight Ball, Jazz nights, and Walk for Wards, please visit: www.spotlightappeal.org
31ST AUGUST 2024 SATURDAY
Hints and ideas for your Garden in August
On the plot
Prune out all your old raspberry canes. Lift and pot rooted strawberry runners. Plant seed potatoes for Christmas harvesting! Peppers and sweetcorn should be cropping soon. Cut back herbs now to encourage a new flush of tasty leaves you can harvest before the frost. Enjoy your crop of tomatoes; if you have a glut, make passata (freezes great).
In the Garden
Don’t Forget
CelebrateNationalDogDay 26th August
NationalAfternoonTeaWeek 12th–18th August. Ensure plenty of accessible water for our wild friends and provide food and water for young hoglets (baby hedgehogs).
and rocks.
About the house:
Feed your houseplants regularly. Move conservatory plants outside and hose them down to help with pest management. Aphids are still about, so remember to keep a close eye.
Prune wisteria and rambling roses. Trim hedges. Lightly cut back lavenders and remove spent flowers. Plant heathers once it begins to cool. Keep deadheading perennials and annuals to prolong flowering. Get ready for spring bulbs—the first batch will be available soon. Look out for powdery mildew and treat with fungicide. Take advantage of any dry weather to paint sheds and fences. Replace broken glass panes in greenhouses and fix leaking shed roofs before the autumn rains.
By the pond
Remove blanket weed to prevent it from depriving your pond of oxygen. Keep an eye on aquatic and marginal plants, removing faded flowers and yellow leaves, and cutting back where
Tips:
Keep an eye out for Red Spider on Cucumbers and Melons! Red spider do not like damp conditions - a good cure is to keep the foliage wet by hosing down foliage in the morning!
Pick of the month
Perennials: Echinacea (Cone Flower)
Climbers: Trachelospermum (Star Jasmin)
Shrubs: Hebe
Trees: Albizia (Persian Silk Tree)
House Plant: Dionaea (Venus Flytrap)
Vegetable: New Potatoes (for Christmas)
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Pavlovas with Apricots in Caramel Sauce
This is a rather special recipe. I love apricots but usually a disappointment so use tinned, they are very good, but use any summer fruits, raspberries or strawberries too. There are some cheats as the recipe given has varying skills of making your own meringue cuite, custard and caramel. You can however buy meringue nests, buy custard and add amaretto and buy a bottle of caramel. Bob’s your uncle, dessert sorted. However, if you want to cook from scratch the result is fab. Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS (Serves
8)
• 75g blanched almonds
• 3 medium free-range egg whites
• 100g caster sugar
• 75g light brown soft sugar
• 50g toasted flaked almonds
FOR THE CUSTARD
• 300ml whipping cream
• 3 medium free-range egg yolks
• 3 tbsp caster sugar
• 1 tbsp cornflour
• 50ml amaretto
FOR THE APRICOTS & CARAMEL SAUCE
• 400g tin apricots in syrup
• 4 tbsp caster sugar
• Grated zest and juice ½ lime
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
Heat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4. Spread the almonds out on a baking tray and roast for 12-15 minutes. Cool completely, then whizz coarsely in a food processor (be careful not to over-process the nuts or they’ll turn oily and cause your meringue to collapse). If you don’t have a food processor chop the nuts very finely with a sharp knife. Turn down the oven temperature to 120°C/100°C fan/gas ½. Using a saucer or small bowl, draw 4 x 10cm circles on 2 sheets of non-stick baking paper (8 circles in total). Turn over and put on top of 2 baking sheets. Put the egg whites (reserve the yolks for the custard) in a large clean heatproof bowl with both sugars. Using an electric hand mixer, whisk briefly to combine. Set over a pan of barely simmering water (don’t let the water
touch the bowl) and whisk on a medium speed for 6-8 minutes until the sugar has dissolved and the meringue is thick and glossy. Remove from the heat and continue whisking until cool. Using a metal spoon, mix the chopped almonds through the meringue. Using the drawn circles as a guide, spoon 8 x 10cm meringue nests onto the lined baking trays. Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven (don’t open the door) and leave the meringues to cool inside the oven for another hour.For the custard, heat the cream in a saucepan until steaming. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, caster sugar, cornflour and amaretto, then pour the warmed cream into the bowl in a steady stream, whisking constantly. Pour the mixture back into the pan and put over a medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring all the time, until thickened. Strain through a sieve into a clean bowl and cover with a piece of cling film touching the surface to prevent a skin forming. Cool, then chill until cold and thick. For the apricots, drain them and reserve the syrup. Heat a small frying pan over a mediumhigh heat until very hot. Add the caster sugar in a single layer, then shake the pan until the sugar has dissolved. Watch it carefully just swirling the pan to make a deep amber caramel, then remove from the heat and add 2 tbsp of the reserved apricot syrup, the lime juice and vanilla bean paste (be careful as it may spit). Return to the heat and warm through gently. Add the apricot halves and lime zest, then stir to coat and warm through. Leave to cool before serving or cool completely before packing.
Serve the meringues topped with spoonfuls of thick custard, the apricots and caramel sauce and sprinkled with flaked almonds.
by Judy Barden
Next month’s recipe: Turkish Spinach, Pine Nut and Feta Borek
Visit our website for more Recipes by Judy Barden
Why do you need Lasting Power of Attorney?
Loss of mobility or mental capacity can make it difficult to manage your affairs.
What if I am unable to manage my affairs?
There may come a time in your life when you are unable to manage your financial affairs or personal welfare, owing to some form of incapacity and you will need someone to act on your behalf. Even when we are young, we can find ourselves incapacitated owing to illness or injury and it can be invaluable having a reliable person, who is able to manage your personal affairs and remove the anxiety of having unpaid bills, at a time when you most need peace of mind Similarly, as we get older, the need for an attorney increases as we are more prone to illness and injuries.
Don’t leave it too late!
Instead of preparing while we are physically and mentally fit enough, many of us choose to put off dealing with such unwanted eventualities until the inevitable happens and by then it’s too late.
Who can I rely on for sound advice?
When estate planning, it is important that you can rely on the adviser. CWSE offers a friendly and professional service, including Wills, LPAs, Trusts and Probate. We offer the best possible advice at the time you need it most. We can arrange an informal chat or meeting via zoom/skype at our offices or in the comfort of your own home. Please feel free to contact me on 01702 393838.
crowe@countrywide-se.com
What kind of LPA do I need?
There are two types of LPA:
1. Property and Financial LPA - This type gives your attorney the authority to deal with your property, your bills, bank account and investments. This can be used while someone is still capable but has chosen to delegate to their attorney.
2. Personal Welfare LPA - This can only be used when you have lost capacity and are unable to make decisions for yourself. It gives someone you trust authority to make decisions about where you should live and what medical treatment you should receive.
by Clive Rowe, in association with Countrywide SE LLP
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GUESS THE MOVIE
Name the title of the movie from the description below. Description: A man from the past, known for his flamboyant fashion is suddenly thrust into a future era, where he
CONUNDRUM – Unscramble to solve the clue.
B A L T H E S I S
Often
SUDOKU – Enter numbers into the blank spaces so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.
CROSSWORD
Complete the crossword from the clues provided below.
Securing a Wilder Essex
Empowering communities to protect and rejuvenate the natural biodiversity of Essex
By Joe Benton Corporate Partnerships Manager
Essex Wildlife Trust protects and restores nature across the county. From ancient woodlands offering a green lung in Southend-on-Sea to the last place in the country where all three species of heather grow together, we protect the largest remaining species-rich water meadow in Essex and the historically important gardens at Warley Place nature reserve. These areas of significant natural heritage are protected in perpetuity.
We are at the centre of the nature crisis: our county is one of the most overdeveloped in the UK, a country which is, according to the Biodiversity Intactness Index, one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth. We are at the epicentre.
But we do not face this challenge alone. Although we are an independent charity, we are part of a wider grassroots
movement of Wildlife Trusts across the UK that engage in critical conservation work and campaign collectively on behalf of wildlife and the natural world. Our movement embodies the concept of ‘think globally, act locally’, ensuring that our conservation efforts do not stop at the county border.
Local Seagrass Efforts
Thinking locally, we are supporting a national effort to restore seagrass in the UK, just off the coast in Southendon-Sea. These seagrass meadows are the only flowering plants able to live in seawater and pollinate while submerged – a vital tool in capturing carbon, right on our front doorstep!
There’s so much more going on around us, so if you haven’t already, check out places like Belfairs Nature Discovery Centre, Two Tree Island Nature Reserve, or Gunners Park and Shoebury Ranges Nature Reserve and experience nature firsthand.
Take Action for Nature
You might be thinking about nature, wildlife, and the environment more and more. So many of us are, and it can feel like a massive challenge. We’re here to make real, local differences that support the big picture.
If you want to be part of our goal to help 1 in 4 people in Essex take action for nature and climate by 2030, scan the QR code and learn more about our work.
If you do one thing for nature today, make it that!
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info@uniqueroofingsolutions.co.uk
Progress Road, Leigh on Sea, SS9 5PR
Mob: 07706 225143 Tel: 01268 851358
Email: info@uniqueroofingsolutions.co.uk 35 Progress Road, Leigh on Sea, SS9 5PR
Mobil: 07706 225143 Tel: 01268 851358
Email: info@uniqueroofingsolutions.co.uk
35 Progress Road, Leigh on Sea, SS9 5PR
AVIOPHOBIA!
"An anxiety disorder characterised by an intense, irrational fear of air travel"
Fear or Phobia?
A phobia develops from an incident or accident where the person genuinely believes they are going to die. In contrast, a fear is an irrational anxiety that can still be a very upsetting and frightening experience.
Fear of flying is an irrational anxiety that can develop into full-blown panic attacks. This fear can be highly debilitating, not only spoiling holidays but also causing weeks or months of anxiety in anticipation of a flight.
What Causes This Fear?
The main cause is generally a bad experience during takeoff, landing, or turbulence, rather than a crash or emergency landing. Additionally, the inability to leave the aircraft and being restrained by a seat belt exacerbates these feelings of helplessness. Many clients don't have issues during the flight itself but become anxious beforehand without knowing why. This is often due to the confined space with many people and the inability to get off the aircraft until it lands, making them feel trapped and out of control.
Impact Beyond Flying
Clients with a fear of flying often have similar issues with other forms of travel, such as
trains, especially the underground, and lifts.
I've helped many clients who developed a fear of flying after witnessing nearby passengers being sick, with the noise, smell, and close proximity with no means of escape, contributing to their anxiety.
How Fear of Flying Affects Your Family
A fear of flying doesn't just impact the individual; it affects the entire family. Family vacations and opportunities to see the world can be severely limited when one member is unable to fly. Children might miss out on cultural experiences, and family bonds can be strained as everyone adjusts their plans to accommodate this fear.
Why Let this Spoil Your Future?
Don't let past fears or phobias spoil your future. With the right help, you can overcome your fear of flying and enjoy the freedom to travel without anxiety.
USEFUL NUMBERS
Advice & Helplines
Child Protection 534495
Citizens Advice 0344 4770 808
Crimestoppers 0800 555 111
Cruse Bereavement Care 213843
Drugs, Alcohol & Substance Misuse 456800
HARP – Southend's Homeless Charity 615000
Jobcentre Southend 0800 169 0190
National Drugs Freephone 0300 123 6600
Pier & Foreshore Inspectors 215620
Samaritans Freephone 116123
Southend Carers 393933
Southend Council Civic Centre 215000
Southend Talking Newspaper 898900
Victim Support Group 0845 4565995
Business Members Organisations
Essex Chambers of Commerce 560100
Clubs & Associations
Actorcrats (Amateur Dramatics) 306506
Belfairs Mixed Bowling 525648
Burges Estate Residents Association (BERA) 588662
Chalkwell Ward
Residents Association ChalkwellSecretary@outlook.com
Charles Dicken’s Fellowship 588069
Cockleshell Clog Morris 218081
Eastwood Singers (mixed choir) 528667
Essex Handicrafts Association 479862
Essex Society for Family History 522992
Leigh-on-Sea Bowls Club 471944
Leigh-on-Sea Royal British Legion 559996
Leigh-on-Sea Lions Club 07805 641797 www.lowerthamesrowingclub.com 07770823259
Naval & Military Club 347169
Piertalk 07474 119899
Prittlewell Bowls Club 612476
Scouts: Southend, Thorpe Bay & Shoeburyness 584026
Southchurch Park Bowling Club 07434 190067
Southchurch Croquet Club at Rayleigh 525106
Southend Anglo Italian Circle 712177
Southend & District Pensioners Campaign 341047
Southend Blind Welfare Association 342131
Southend Bowls Club 467073
Southend Cardiac Support Group 309042/293469
Southend Chess Club (Steve – Club Secretary) 345902
Southend French Circle www.southendfrenchcircle.org.uk
Southend Golf Club 473206
Southend-on-Sea Lions Club 582828
Southend Photographic Society 332491
Southend Royal Naval Association rnasos.sec@gmail.com
Southend Rugby Club 546682
South Essex Natural History Society 588115
St Augustine’s Church 587597
Stone Masons & Dry Stone Wallers 292867
Thames Estuary Lacemakers 476034
The Shoebury Society 586622
The Wine Circle 295325
Thorpe Bay Art Group 585382
Thorpe Bay Bowling Club 582074
Thorpe Bay Bridge Club 875234
Thorpe Bay Floral Arrangement Group 585350
Thorpe Bay Horticultural Society 588297
Thorpe Bay Ladies Thursday Club 296975
Thorpe Bay Lawn Tennis Club 585245
Thorpe Bay Afternoon Townswomen’s Guild 588909
Thorpe Bay Probus 07947613594
Thorpe Bay Yacht Club 587563
Thorpe Hall Golf Club 582205
White Hall Bowling Club & Petanque 338321
Hospitals & Health
Southend General Hospital 435555
Pharmacies
Bansal Pharmacy 587500
178 The Broadway, Mon–Fri 9–6.30pm/Sat 9–1pm
Howells and Harrison Thorpe Bay Pharmacy 582658
The Broadway, Mon–Fri 9–6.30pm/Sat 9–5.30pm Closed 1–2pm Wed+Sat
Local MP
Anna Firth (Conservative) (Southend West) 020 7219 4098
James Duddridge (Conservative) (Southend East) 616135
Animal Welfare
& Prtnrs, Veterinary Surgeon 584511
Rochford
Services
non-emergency
Coastguard
Southend Forum
"I cannot
remember anyone ever asking 'Who came Second?'
- 2024
Alocal fireplace installer, for example, who come to us with a low engagement dilemma. Their website had blurry visuals, zero customer reviews, and was missing crucial details like insurance info and years in business. It was like a mystery novel with all the good parts missing!
Power of Images and Reviews
High-quality images can dramatically change how potential customers perceive your business. Stunning visuals showcasing your work can make a substantial difference. Adding trusted reviews from platforms like Google Reviews and Trustpilot creates a sense of authenticity that plain text can't match. These reviews are the digital equivalent of a thumbs-up from a friend.
Case Study
SecureFireplace.co.uk’s website overhaul is a case in point. By upgrading their images and adding genuine customer reviews along with other key details, we saw a massive improvement. Their user engagement time shot up from a mere 20 seconds to an impressive 1 minute 27 seconds in just one month. That’s a huge boost! More time spent on a site usually means more interest and trust. This kind of increase is a game-changer for any business.
Many businesses think they need a complete website makeover to see results, but sometimes, small tweaks can make a big difference. Strategic
updates can boost your website’s performance and credibility without breaking the bank. You can do a lot of this yourself, like setting up a Google Business page or a trusted reviews platform - it's not rocket science! But if you don’t have the time or motivation, get help. That’s why we're here. We can help you, and we can start with an initial chat about your website and its current state.
Continuous Review Strategy
We also assist companies unsure about getting reviews. From setting up accounts to nudging past customers for feedback. We offer a full strategy to keep those reviews rolling in. This continuous effort ensures your business stays trustworthy in the eyes of potential customers.
Free Consultation Offer
If you’re wondering whether your website is up to scratch, why not give us a call to arrange a face to face or online meeting? We offer a FREE website consultation to help identify areas for improvement and discuss how we can jazz up your site.
