Oracle February 2024

February 2024

Your all-seeing local

Thorpe Bay, Southchurch, Garrison, Shoeburyness, Leigh, Chalkwell, Westcliff & Southend Conservation Area. Circulation: 14,000

LOCAL ISSUES

SBC leads climate change with creative measures SPOTLIGHT Big Up Southend

Est.2005

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COUNCIL Tackling our financial challenge head on RECIPE Whole roasted satay cauliflower

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February 2024

ORACLE

WELCOME

In the spirit of community and shared responsibility, this issue addresses the pressing climate concerns raised in last month’s article by local Environmental Activist, Mike O'Connor. We're pleased to feature Cllr Meg Davidson's insights as she outlines Southend Council's proactive response to combat climate change, emphasising its commitment to a sustainable future.

Don't miss out on the vibrant atmosphere of Big Up Southend's monthly Creative Market at the Victoria Shopping Centre. It's a fantastic initiative supporting local talent and businesses. Speaking of updates, Cllr Tony Cox sheds light on the financial challenges ahead for the Council, providing transparency as we navigate these waters together.

Exciting news on the sports front! This month's competition, generously donated by Padel4all Garon Park, offers you a chance to win a £100 voucher. Whether you're a seasoned player or looking to explore a new sport, this prize is for you.

For further information please visit: - www.padel4all. com To enter the Oracle/Padel4all February competition visit www.oraclepublications.co.uk competition page, ends 29 February 2024 - over 18’s only.

Happy Valentine!

Emma Wynne-Morgan Publisher

01702 393838 Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1AN

www.oraclepublications.co.uk info@oraclepublications.co.uk Oracle is now 100% recyclable

Oracle Publications and Creative Media @oracle_essex Est. 2005 February 2024

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CONTENTS

 D ESCE ORVR IATC EI NS G 

SBC leads climate change with creative measures 9/10 Local Issues by Cllr Meg Davidson

ESTABLISHED 1985 l FULL INSURED

Discover the Heart of Southend at Big Up Southend Creative Market 16 Spotlight

Tackling our financial challenge head on 20 Council by Cllr Tony Cox 52 Kimberley Road, Little Wakering, Southend-On-Sea, Essex SS3 0JP Tel: 01702 216944 Mob: 07967 568255 Email: jason@jacoxdecorating.com Web: www.jacoxdecorating.com

Paul’s Gardening Services A friendly, family-run business Very competitive quotes (with concessions)

● GARDEN MAINTENANCE From weekly weekly visits visits to to total total clearouts clearouts From

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Weed removal, removal, give give itit aa feed, feed, make make itit green green Weed

● SHEDS & FENCES Repaired and and preserved preserved Repaired

● WOODCHIP & LOGS Delivered & & Distributed Distributed Delivered

● STUMP GRINDING ● LAWN MOWER REPAIR

Business of the Month

24

Doris Jones

Leigh welcomes PM!

28

MP's Column by Anna Firth MP

Home Secretary meets Chief Constable as crime continues to fall across Essex 34 Police Watch

Dorset's Tank Museum

38

Travel by Tim Saunders

Whole Roasted Satay Cauliflower

44

Recipe by Judy Barden

Useful Numbers

48

Advertiser Index

50

Advertorials Rayleigh Glass CWSE

6/7 46

Full repair repair & & servicing servicing Full

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Phone Paul on 07957 388285 or freefone 0800 043 3913 e: paulthegardener@hotmail.com Est. 1994 1994 –– Recommendations Recommendations & & references references available available Est.

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All rights reserved. No part of Oracle Publications UK Ltd may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means either wholly or in part without prior permission of the publisher. Oracle Publications UK Ltd is editorially autonomous and the opinions expressed are not those of the publisher unless expressly stated.

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February 2024

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February 2024

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February 2024

LOCAL ISSUES

SBC leads climate change with creative measures Alongside the majority of councils in the UK, Southendon-Sea City Council has declared a climate emergency.

This is in direct response to extreme weather events such as the droughts, storms and heatwaves which the UK has experienced over the past few years.

Cllr Meg Davidson Portfolio Holder for the Environment cllrmegdavidson @southend.gov.uk

C

entral Government has introduced legislation in a number of areas to combat the effects of climate change. These include: l The plastic bag charge l The ban on single use plastics l Mandatory weekly food waste collections Whilst there isn’t a legal duty on local authorities to combat climate change, Councils still have an important role to play in mitigating climate change.

Many Councils have used methods like Ultra Low Emission Zones, Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, emissions based parking charges and Workplace Parking Levies. This isn’t the way forward. Even

February 2024

groups like Friends of the Earth accept that some of the above methods are in fact mechanisms for raising revenue to take action in other areas.

Still more to do!

It is worth noting that Southend has some of the cleanest air in the UK. Air quality is now officially better than it was in the 1970’s.

Since declaring a climate emergency there have been a number of initiatives that the Council has undertaken. Many are either no or low cost actions they can take on climate change.

Southend on Sea City Council have introduced measures to combat climate change including:

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LOCAL ISSUES Programme) Southend Council has embarked on a programme to retrofit Council properties to make them zero emissions l Looking at all measures to increase recycling

l Introducing a clean air action plan l Promoting car sharing initiatives amongst staff

l Protecting our Green Belt

l Participating as a key partner in the DEFRA funded project “Catchment to Coast”. Included in this is a major flood prevention scheme in the vicinity of City Beach

l Introducing more EV charging points across the City

l Smart Home project (part of Flood & Coastal Resilience Innovation

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l Rationalising our use of Council buildings which reduces energy consumption l Planting more trees

There is more to do in making Southend climate resilient but for a largely urban area Southend is still a cleaner and greener place to live than many parts of the UK.

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February 2024

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February 2024

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SPOTLIGHT

Discover the Heart of Southend at Big Up Southend Creative Market

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outhend City is a vibrant hub of creativity and diversity, and there's no better way to experience it than through the monthly Big Up Southend Creative Market. Hosted on the first floor of the Victoria Shopping Centre, this event is a celebration of the local businesses that contribute to the unique tapestry of Southend.

Organised by Make Your Market, a platform dedicated to showcasing small businesses and emerging talents, Big Up Southend is not just a market; it's an experience. It's a chance for the community to come together, support local entrepreneurs, and witness the next generation of business owners in action.

from handmade crafts to innovative products and captivating performances. Discover the talent that resides in your own community and connect with the people behind the businesses.

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Big Up Southend events scheduled for the last Saturday of each month, starting from February 24th.

The full list of dates for the year is as follows: February 24th, March 30th, April 27th, May 25th, June 29th, July 27th, August 31st, September 28th, October 26th, November 30th, and December 14th.

To stay updated and learn more about Big Up Southend, visit www.linktr.ee/bigupsouthend or email bigupsouthend@gmail.com.

Whether you're a local looking to support your community or an entrepreneur eager to showcase your products, Big Up Southend is the place to be. Come and be a part of something special. Support local businesses, embrace creativity, and make Big Up Southend a highlight of your monthly calendar. See you there!

These monthly gatherings are an opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of Southend's creativity,

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Calling all traders and performers, get in contact with us to showcase your talents! hello@makeyour.market

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February 2024

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February 2024

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COUNCIL

Tackling our financial challenge head on

S

ince I became leader in May, you will have heard me talk a lot about council finances and the challenges we face.

In January we launched our draft budget for 2024/25 and it is fair to say that very tough choices are on the table so that we can safeguard essential services and keep our financial ship afloat.

By Cllr Tony Cox Leader of the Council cllrtonycox@ southend.gov.uk

A 4.99% increase in council tax is proposed (2.99% for general use and an extra 2% for adult social care pressures). No one likes paying more, but it's a necessary step to tackle the £19m of unavoidable cost pressures we face, such as increased demand in adult and children's social care. £14.3m of new savings and income proposals are also needed. From rescheduling debt repayments to looking at team restructures, every move is calculated to ensure we can balance the books. It means making some very tough calls where

The draft budget is now launched As I have said before, there are no easy choices. We're in a difficult position, and we need to bring in more money, raise charges, and tighten our belts further to protect the services that matter most to you and we're not shying away from this challenge.

The draft budget is now launched and will now go through the democratic cycle before being discussed and approved

by Full Council at the end of February.

20

services, staff and our buildings are concerned.

Future years will demand continued savings and transformation to bridge an estimated budget gap of £35.1m up to 2028/29. We have also had to refocus our capital investment programme, but it remains ambitious, realistic, and deliverable.

No library closures Times are tough but it's not all doom and gloom. We’re able to present a draft budget that balances the books and keeps financial control in our own hands. We have also reduced our forecasted overspend by £4.5m and this is now down to £6.3m thanks to a lot of hard work. I am also pleased that we have also been able to take a couple of previous budget proposals off the table too. There will be no library closures in 2024/25 and we will continue to fund the NetPark project to the tune of £50,000 per year. Hourly parking charges will be frozen too.

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February 2024

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February 2024

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February 2024

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BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

Care as it should be What is homecare?

If you need a little help with your daily routine but you want to stay living in your own home, then homecare may well be for you.

There’s no need to move out of your beloved home and no fear of overburdening your family. Get the help you need, when you need it, in the place you are happiest.

Outstanding homecare should be on time, reliable, consistent and fully supported by a dedicated office team. It should evolve with the needs of the person being cared for, and it should help relieve some of the pressure on those close to them.

Trusted by local families

Doris Jones is a local, family-run business. We are not a franchise operation, and we only have a single branch, based in Westcliff. Yet as a team of roughly 60 carers and a back office of 12, the Doris team can provide consistent, dependable care for well over a hundred clients at any time. As such, we are proud to have become a part of many local families’ support networks.

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Our promise to deliver “care as it should be” is achieved by a value-driven approach, in which punctuality, discretion, courtesy and discipline are the cornerstones of our service. We are one of precious few local homecare services rated “Outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the highest quality rating possible.

Here when you need us

While it’s something we rarely plan for, most of us will need some sort of help in our later years. So, whether looking to the future or searching for urgent help now, please get in touch with the Doris team. We look forward to being of service to you and your family.

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Cara Finnigan, Registered Manager 01702 472954 enquire@dorisjones.co.uk www.dorisjones.co.uk

February 2024

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MP'S COLUMN

Leigh welcomes PM!

I

t was a great privilege to welcome the Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Rishi Sunak, to Southend on the 15th of January, after inviting him down at Prime Minister’s Questions the week prior to see the discovery of very large new shellfish beds which could be the ticket to providing new food security and securing Leigh’s incredible maritime heritage for generations to come.

by Anna Firth MP

Conservative MP for Southend West anna.firth.mp @parliament.uk

The Prime Minister, along with James Cleverly, Home Secretary, came to The Hatch in Leigh-on-Sea to meet with members of the local community, including students who participated in my work experience programme in the summer from Southend High School for Boys. He met with James Gilson and Angus Browne, of Browne’s Thames Estuary Boat Trips, to discuss the estuary and this incredible new discovery, before eating some delicious sea food at the family-run Osbourne’s.

He also met with Tony Cox to discuss the success of SUFC in person, which was thrilling for all around.

Greatest passion to serve It was a huge honour to welcome both James Cleverly and Mr Sunak to Southend, and I feel incredibly privileged to have been able to show them the community which it is my greatest passion to serve. Now, when they hear me discussing Southend in the Chamber, they will have experienced for themselves the incredible hospitality, kindness and brilliance of its community.

28

The Home Secretary then joined Roger Hirst, Essex MPs, the Chief Constable and the Southend Town Centre Team today for a patrol in the City, where he was able to meet our local officers and see the excellent work they are doing to get crime down.

The issues which need to be resolved Discussing the discovery of new shellfish beds, which could lead to new fisheries that can be developed and managed by English fisherman to be long-term and sustainable without EU interference is enormous.

I am hugely excited for this new discovery, and look forward to pursuing it with all my energies. Paul Gilson is doing incredible work in this area, and I am looking forward to continuing to work closely with him, as well as with the Government, regulators and scientists to consider the issues which need to be resolved before fisheries can be established.

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33

Police Watch v

Home Secretary meets Chief Constable as crime continues to fall across Essex

E

ssex Police Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington met with Home Secretary James Cleverly in Southend to discuss how the force is continuing to drive down crime across the county.

A private meeting was held in Southend police station before the Home Secretary was taken on a patrol in Warrior Square alongside two officers from the Southend Town Centre Team, Sgt James Mint and PC Amelia Thorne.

In the 12 months to December 2023, there were 9,470 fewer crimes committed across Essex than in the previous 12 months – a reduction of almost 6%.

Our resources are being increasingly better Anti-social behaviour reports have also fallen significantly in Essex, with more than 9,000 fewer reports – a reduction of 37.6%.

In Southend specifically, Mr Cleverley was also told about how officers’ work has led to a drop in anti-social behaviour of more than 49% in the last 12 months, with 1,705 fewer incidents. All crime is also down across the district by 9.2% - a reduction of 1,920 incidents.

Offences involving knives are down by 21.6%, with 174 fewer serious incidents reported.

Mr Harrington said: “The support from the Essex public for our officers is consistent and we never take that for granted. It is only because of that support that we’re able to deliver results for them.

“Our resources are being increasingly better used to both stop crime and solve crime. There is more to do on that, we know that and we’re continually pushing for improvement.

“I have never shied away from speaking up for Essex officers and of course part of the conversation with the Home Secretary today was to highlight the extraordinary work being done in this force – at all hours of the day, at all times of the year, often in the face of aggression. "

Catch people who have done bad things “I was also really happy that the Home Secretary got to see officers face-to-face and chat to them first hand on their roles, the challenges of it, but also the best parts of it; how they help people day in, day out and catch people who have done bad things in their community.

“The Southend Town Centre Team and our community policing officers are integral to how we continue to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in the city.”

Keep up to date with the latest news from Essex Police on facebook.com/EPSouthend and @EPSouthend on Twitter.

34

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February 2024

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37

TRAVEL

Dorset's Tank Museum

T

he Tank Museum at Bovington, Dorset, offers a vivid journey through the evolution of tanks, highlighting their significance in warfare.

The museum emphasises that tanks weren't invented until 1916, replacing reliance on horses and traditional artillery.

With a staggering one million horses serving in World War I, only 60,000 returned, illustrating the grim toll of war. The museum, now a popular attraction, showcases the impact of conflicts spanning the 20th and 21st centuries, underlining the perpetual nature of warfare.

The museum's expansion since my childhood visit is remarkable, drawing international visitors, including those from France, Germany, and Japan. Despite the vast collection of tanks, my seven-year-old son, Henry, is captivated by interactive exhibits, especially a Warhammertype game and Lego-like army building blocks.

Noteworthy tanks, including one utilising an E-type Jaguar engine, are featured, highlighting unique engineering choices. The Daimler armoured car stands out for its exceptional design, not relying on a car chassis. Tanks' influence extends beyond warfare, inspiring literature, arcade games, and models, with the museum collaborating with renowned model kit producer Tamiya.

The museum commendably commemorates World War I with realistic displays, including a replica trench and lifelike wounded soldier

38 38

figurines. These exhibits offer a glimpse into the hardships endured by that generation, such as a soldier receiving a painted glass eye via post.

Insight to German tank training

Personal reflections on my grandfather's experiences in World War II underscore the challenges faced by military families. Insights into tank training in Germany and soldiers' limited time with their families add a human dimension to military life.

Additional activities, like gel gun target practice and riding an all-terrain tracked vehicle, enhance the museum experience. A poignant moment occurs during a picnic, discovering a bench memorialising Dr. James Flint, a soldier diagnosed with brain cancer after serving in Operation Herrick 9.

Suggestions for audio guides and a real accessible tank for children are offered by a 12-year-old visitor, Harriett. Despite the museum's comprehensive exhibits, such enhancements could further engage and educate visitors.

For more information visit www.tankmuseum.org

By Tim Saunders | travelwriter.biz

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RECIPE

Whole Roasted satay Cauliflower

I

like serving it as an accompaniment but it is a lovely vegetarian dish on its own. You can always cheat and buy a jar of readymade satay sauce. Enjoy!

by Judy Barden Next month’s recipe: 'Easy Lemon Berry Tart'

INGREDIENTS (Serves 4-6)  1 large cauliflower, outer leaves removed and stalks trimmed  50g of toasted peanuts, (unsalted) chopped  1/4 bunch of fresh coriander, leaves and tender stems chopped Satay marinade  3 garlic cloves, peeled  3cm of fresh ginger, peeled  1 red onion, roughly chopped  1 tsp salt  1 tbsp of ground cumin  1 tbsp of ground coriander  1 tbsp of ground turmeric  1 tbsp of garam masala  1/2 tsp red chilli powder, (or to taste)  3 tbsp of kecap manis  100g of peanut butter, (chunky)  400g of coconut milk, (1 tin)  1 tbsp of soy sauce  1 tbsp of rice wine vinegar 44

Preheat an oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4.

First, make the satay marinade. Put the garlic, ginger, onion and salt in a food processor and blitz to a coarse paste. Add the rest of the ingredients for the marinade and blitz until smooth Make sure the cauliflower can sit flat on its stalk, then place it in a large casserole dish.

Pour the satay marinade over the cauliflower and cover the dish with a lid or foil. Place in the oven and bake for 1 hour, basting it regularly.

Halfway through cooking, add 100ml of water to ensure it doesn’t dry out Once baked, the cauliflower should be soft.

Check it by piercing it with a knife – there should be no resistance. If the cauliflower isn’t quite ready, pop it back in the oven for 10 minutes and check again To finish the cauliflower, sprinkle it with the chopped toasted peanuts and coriander and serve it from the pot (or transfer to a serving plate if you prefer, sprinkling it with the peanuts and coriander once it’s on the plate)

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February 2024

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Free Valuation Days 17th and 18th January Rayleigh Showrooms at our Rayleigh Salerooms 37 Websters Way, Rayliegh SS6 SS67SE 7SE 37 Websters Way Rayleigh Please contact us for an appointment Please contact us for an appointment.

A rare Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Chronograph with box and paperwork.

Sold for £45,500

- Your Local Auctioneers Achieving International Prices -

DMB

ELECTRIC

Over 27 years experience DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

All Domestic Work undertaken ŶĐĂƉƐƵůĂƚŝŽŶ ŽĨ ĞdžŝƐƚŝŶŐ ƚƌĂĚŝƚŝŽŶĂů ƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ŐůĂƐƐ͘ džŝƐƚŝŶŐ ƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ŐůĂƐƐ ŚĞƌŵĞƚŝĐĂůůLJ ƐĞĂůĞĚ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ Ϯ ƉĂŶĞƐ ŽĨ ŐůĂƐƐ ĨŽƌ ďĞƚƚĞƌ ĞŶĞƌŐLJ ĞĨĨŝĐŝĞŶĐLJ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƚŝŽŶ͘ dŚŝƐ ĐĂŶ ďĞ ŝŶƐƚĂůůĞĚ ďĂĐŬ ŝŶƚŽ ĞdžŝƐƚŝŶŐ ĨƌĂŵĞƐ Žƌ ŝŶƚŽ ŶĞǁ ĞŶĞƌŐLJ ĞĨĨŝĐŝĞŶƚ ƉǀĐƵ ĚŽƵďůĞ ŐůĂnjŝŶŐ͕ <ĞĞƉŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ĐŚĂƌĂĐƚĞƌ ĂŶĚ ĐŚĂƌŵ ŽĨ LJŽƵƌ ƚƌĂĚŝƚŝŽŶĂů ƐƚĂŝŶĞĚͲŐůĂƐƐ ǁŝŶĚŽǁƐ͘

Garden Power and Lighting From Single Switch to Full Rewire Electric Vehicle Charging Points Extra Sockets and Lights Fuse Board Upgrades Full Testing and Fault Service

^ƚĂŝŶĞĚ ŐůĂƐƐ ƌĞƉĂŝƌƐ ĞƐƉŽŬĞ ĚĞƐŝŐŶƐ͘

Fully Insured and Guaranteed

FREE QUOTATIONS ON REQUEST

Call David Bird on:

&Žƌ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƚŝŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĨƌĞĞ ƋƵŽƚĂƚŝŽŶ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ ƌƚŝƐĂŶ ƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ŐůĂƐƐ͖ ϬϭϮϲϴ ϳϲϰϵϭϳͲ Ϭϳϵϳϳ ϴϳϲϲϯϯ email: dmbelectric@gmail.com ĞŵĂŝů͖ ĂƌƚŝƐĂŶƐƚĂŝŶĞĚŐůĂƐƐΛŽƵƚůŽŽŬ͘ĐŽŵ͘ ĂƌƚŝƐĂŶ͘ƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ͘ŐůĂƐƐϭ www.dmbelectric.co.uk

07876 235300

February 2024

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ESTATE PLANNING

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.

Funeral Plans. 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.

by Clive Rowe

What kind of LPA do I need?

There are two types of LPA: 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.

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, Probate and

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.

Will Writing • Power of Attorney • Trusts Will Updating & Storage Facilities • Probate Administration Call Clive Rowe on: 01702 393838

e: crowe@countrywide-se.com | w: countrywide-se.co.uk | Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend SS1 1AN

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February 2024

B&S

Tree & Garden Services l Pruning l Topping l Felling l Fencing l Pressure Cleaning l Turfing l Garden Clearence l Shingle Supplied & Laid l Hedges & Shrubs

Plus Much More...

A Business You Can Trust

All waste wil be removed leaving your property clean and tidy

FREE FRIENDLY QUOTES AND ADVICE We are a small family run business Small Enough To Care, Large Enough To Cope Call Bill On The Number Below:

07785 966 320 l 01268 855 694 February 2024

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47

ORACLE 01702 393 838

USEFUL NUMBERS Advice & Helplines

Child Protection Citizens Advice Crimestoppers Cruse Bereavement Care Drugs, Alcohol & Substance Misuse HARP – Southend's Homeless Charity Jobcentre Southend National Drugs Freephone Pier & Foreshore Inspectors Samaritans Freephone Southend Carers Southend Council Civic Centre Southend Talking Newspaper Victim Support Group

Clubs & Associations

White Hall Bowling Club & Petanque 534495 0344 4770 808 0800 555 111 213843 456800 615000 0800 169 0190 0300 123 6600 215620 116123 393933 215000 898900 0845 4565995

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 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

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338321

Hospitals & Health

435555

Southend General Hospital

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

Downes & Prtnrs, Veterinary Surgeon RSPCA Rochford

584511 0300 1234 999

Police emergency Police non-emergency Essex Police Marine Unit HM Coastguard

999 101 01245 452815 01702 294998

Police Services

Public Services

Southend Forum 215011 Bournes Green Post Office 582241 Traveline 0871 200 2233 Arriva Southend 0844 800 4411 First 01268 525251 National Express 08705 80 80 80 Odeon Cinema 0871 2244007 SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmens Families Assoc.)

463113 24 hour Emergency Homeless Shelter 430696

"Music always came first.

I never set out to be an actor."

David Soul

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

1943-2024

February 2024

INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR DECORATING Painting & Wallpapering

Professional, friendly and reliable Local Thorpe Bay Decorator Top quality workmanship Guaranteed City and Guild qualified Competitive prices Fully Insured

M K Decorating Services For a free no obligation quotation, Please call Michael

07973796270

mk.decorating@hotmail.co.uk

Emergency Electrician Established locally over 25 years Faults our speciality No Job too small Special rates for OAP’s No call out charge

Tel: 07778 653339 Tel: February 2024

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WIN NEW CLIENTS * WIN NEW CLIENTS * WIN NEW CLIENTS * WIN NEW CLIENTS

SOUTHENDORACLE.CO.UK NEW ONLINE LOCAL SERVICE DIRECTORY Ensure your business is listed in our expanding new online directory. Call us on 01702 393 838 or email info@oraclepublications.co.uk for introductory offers.

DIRECTORY ACCOUNTANTS Santry Davis 17 AIRPORT TRANSFERS Air & Back 40 A. Licensed Cars 21 AUCTION HOUSE Stacey's 45 BLINDS, SHUTTERS & CURTAINS Worth & Co. 18 BLOCK PAVING Brooks Paving 25 BUILDING SUPPLIES St Ann's 29 CARE Doris Jones 2/24 CARE HOME Crowstone House 15 CARPENTRY Anything Carpentry 13 CARPETS & FLOORING Trade Carpets 5 CHARITY Samaritans 8 DIVORCE Mens Resolve 11 COMPANIONSHIP & DRIVING SERVICE Driving Miss Daisy 23 DENTAL Royal Mews Dental Practice 33 DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIR Cloudy2Clear 26 Window Man 35 ELECTRICAL DMB Electrical 45 Emergency Electrician 49 Need an Electrician 43 RDM Electrical 25 ENTERTAINMENT & LEISURE Adventure Island 19 Genting Casino 27 EQUITY REALEASE Red 14

ESTATE AGENTS Hunt Roche Hopsons ESTATE PLANNING CWSE One Choice FARM PRODUCE Kirby & Lewis FINANCIAL ADVISER Jury Financial Solutions FIREPLACES Highgate Furniture FUNERAL SERVICES AR Adams Funeral Services FURNITURE RESTORERS Tim Baskett Richard Attfield GARAGE Station Garage GARDEN SERVICES B&S Tree & Garden Services Paul’s Gardening GLASSES Rosh Optics HANDYMAN Piper Construction HEALTH & BEAUTY Body & Soul HOME IMPROVEMENTS Climatec HOUSE CLEARANCE ATS House Clearance INTERIOR DESIGN Michelle Elliott-Britto Interiors IT SUPPORT Applecheck JEWELLERS AV & BV Andrews LOCKSMITHS Brights LOG BURNERS Secure Fireplace

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3 32 46 13 37 13 36 47 40 32 37 47 4 25 49 11 41 49 11 40 17 37 12

MARBLE WORKTOPS Abbey Marble 43 PAINTING & DECORATING JA Cox Decorating 4 GMH Renovations 21 MK Decorating Services 49 PROPERTY MAINTENANCE THM Property Maintenance 37 PLUMBING & HEATING AB Maintenance 23 ATS Heating & Plumbing 47 Robert Bailey Plumbing & Heating 37 Southend-On-Sea Plumbing 42 DG Heating Services 17 PUBLIC HOUSE Angel Inn 22 RAIL NETWORK c2c 52 REPOINTING & BRICK CLEANING Imperial Pointing 21 RESTAURANTS Venecci 51 ROOFING SERVICES Barretts Roofing Contractors 23 BB Roofing 17 High-Tech Membrane Roofing 31 P Howarth Roofing 13 CSJ Freeman & Sons 32 Unique Roofing Solutions 43 SOLICITORS BTMK 30 SPORT & LEISURE Padel4All 39 STAINED GLASS Artisan Glass 45 TV, DIGITAL & SKY Apex Aerials Ltd 37 WEBSITE DESIGN Oracle Creative Media 1 WINDOWS & DOORS Estuary Windows 39 Rayleigh Glass 6/7

February 2024

Available for Private Hire

Indulge in seaside bliss at Venecci Coffee Lounge, a charming family-run gem nestled along Thorpe Bay seafront in Essex. Savour affordable delights, from breakfast to brunch, and relish our tempting offerings, including bottomless Prosecco, cocktails, vegan, veggie options, and delectable coffee.

Your coastal escape awaits—open 7 days a week for your enjoyment.

EST. | 2021

199 Eastern Esplanade Southend On Sea Essex SS1 3AD Tel : 07873673744

www.venecci.co.uk facebook.com/veneccicoffeelounge veneccicoffeelounge@gmail.com

With indoor and outdoor seating to suit the weather, this fully licensed bar also welcomes dogs.

February 2024

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