Oracle June 2024

WELCOME

Welcome to the June edition of Oracle. This month, we find ourselves at the cusp of significant change following the local elections held in early May. With a new leader and a new party at the helm of the Council, exciting times lie ahead for Southend.

We congratulate the newly appointed leader of the Council, Cllr. Daniel Cowan who gives an insight into Labour's plans for our town. The recent elections also brought noteworthy success for the Green Party in Leigh where Cllr. Stuart Allen secured a second green seat. Stuart has shared with us his party's plans and thoughts for Leigh, emphasising their commitment to ensuring Southend becomes greener and more sustainable.

As we transition into summer, our June Garden feature is a must-read for the green-fingered among you. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting, our guide will help you.

This June’s competition is from a very exciting new business venture in Thorpe Bay Broadway, Golf.one. WIN 2 ½ hours of bay rental for up to 5 people in total and 1 free bottle of wine or prosecco. Total value £150! To find out more about this great new concept visit: www.golf.one

Good Luck!

Emma Wynne-Morgan Publisher

STEVE’S

Your Ultimate Garden Centre Experience

Nestled back from the roadside along Sutton Road, you’d be forgiven for not realising how much is hiding behind the doors of Scott’s of Southend.

The TARDIS effect is truly in full swing when you enter and realise just how much you’ve missed out on each time you’ve driven past.

A Garden Paradise Awaits

Scott’s is a completely independent garden centre, based in Rochford, Essex. The centre boasts a popular restaurant, a solid BBQ department, and knowledgeable staff for all your horticultural needs – have you seen their outdoor and houseplant selection? The recently opened Scott’s Garden Shed is fully stocked with everything you could need to keep your garden looking on point this growing season.

Seasonal Menus & Events

Scott’s Kitchen was recently refurbished in 2021. The restaurant and its beautiful garden area can comfortably seat 150 people and regularly host events such as quiz nights, talks with specialist speakers, themed afternoon teas, and private functions such as wakes and community club socials. The restaurant updates its menu seasonally and

has regular specials available. With such vast choices, it’s easy to visit every day of the week and never have the same dish twice. There is a strong homeware section and gifts galore for all your family and friends of all ages.

A One-Stop BBQ Destination

BBQ Kings and Queens are in smoky, flamegrilled heaven at Scott’s Backyard. The Toys R Us of BBQ departments, everything you could want is under one roof! Stocking reputable brands such as Weber, Skotti, Kadai, and Firepits UK, plus the incredible outdoor ovens from Deli Vita! The team at Scott’s Backyard are proud to support independent ingredient brands such as Tubby Toms, Slim Ricks, and Wilderbee and are always on hand to deliver their top-notch knowledge on their garden furniture and offer you all the best advice when designing your garden haven!

Furry Friends Welcome

The pet and equine section at Scott’s covers a wide range of animals. Doggy food, treats, accessories, and more – some might say it’s a canine heaven in there! But not to worry, the kitties haven’t been forgotten about. With enrichment toys, hideaways, and plenty of treats, your feline will be feline fine after a trip to the pets department. However, it’s not all about the small furries that live inside. Scott’s specialise in taking care of our equine buddies too. The team make sure that your horse is well looked after, from the outside to the inside! Bedding, food, and supplements for your horse are all available at Scott’s.

Experience Unforgettable Events

Did you know that Scott’s of Southend create some of the most sought-after events in the area? Their brand new, purpose-built polytunnel is the new home to their events. Whether it’s meeting an array of farm animals or indulging in their annual pumpkin picking

festival, Scott’s are proud of how much they invest in their events and receive glowing feedback time after time. Now a spooky staple for Essex residents, Scott’s Pumpkin Barn has been enticing members of the community for the last three years – each time bigger and better than the last. It’s no secret that Halloween is becoming the Christmas of the spooky community’s calendar and Scott’s are proud to be the go-to spot for those in the area. They grow all of their own pumpkins

at their Brentwood farm, truly keeping their supply chain in the family. And talking of sustainability, when the polytunnel isn’t being used as an event haven, it’s the growing hub for many plants starting their life and helping to reduce their carbon footprint and food miles. Plus if you look up, you’ll spy all of their fabulous solar panels, turning those sunrays into sustainable energy to keep the garden centre in full flow!

Sunflower Workshops & Festive Magic

But it’s not all ponies and pumpkins. They host sunflower growing workshops and encourage children to ask questions and be curious when they are here. Christmas is high on the agenda of any garden centre but at Scott’s of Southend, it’s a talking point from January, deciding on themes, booking entertainment and, of course, contacting Santa to make sure he’s free to stop off for a mince pie and a drink at his favourite plant palace. 2024’s plans are bigger than ever and the team are busy emailing elves and polishing jingle bells to make sure it really is the most magical time of the year.

From horticulture to haunted houses, sunflowers to sundries, bamboo to BBQ, Scott’s of Southend really does promise to help you find everything you could want to make life a little happier.

Scott’s of Southend, Sutton Road, Rochford, Essex SS4 1LQ Info@scottsofsouthend.co.uk | www.scottsofsouthend.co.uk

RECLAIM YOUR CONSERVATORY THIS YEAR!!

If your conservatory is too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter, then read on...

REMEMBER the pleasure of owning your brand-new conservatory, having that extra space you had longed for and dreamed of relaxing in the evening, as the sun went down...

Those dreams have soon evaporated as the sun’s heat made the space too uncomfortable to sit in, with worse to come as winter approached.

Noise of rain hitting the roof means you can hardly hear yourself speak and your conservatory becomes cold, damp and unhabitable.

It is a common fact that most conservatories remain unused for up to six months of the year.

Greenoak Concept & Design’s Supalite Roof System is the answer, by transforming your conservatory into a space you can use all year round at a price you can afford. Our chosen system can be installed in just a few days.

When finished, your conservatory will be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, making it always accommodating.

Supalite by Greenoak Concept & Design is an established brand and

is a proven solution for changing your existing conservatory roof into a light weight insulated tiled conservatory roof.

Supalite roofs are installed and guaranteed by Greenoak Concept & Design overseen by full Building Control by your Local Council and Jhai.

Greenoaks chosen system has been designed to fit onto your existing window and door frames and already has over 2000 installations in place throughout the Country.

You can get yourself prepared for the seasons that follow. With a choice of Victorian, Edwardian, lean to, Gable End or Bespoke Designs in a selection of tile and slate colours, matching fascia, soffits and internal finishes, a Greenoak Concept & Design installation will allow you fall in love with your conservatory once again.

Every Greenoak Concept & Design installation comes with a fully transferable Insurance Backed Guarantee, Building Control and Part ‘P’ certificates.

U-value up to 0.15. Choice of tile or slate colours. Full range of colour matching fascias and soffits to suit your window frame.

High quality plastered internal finish with a selection of lighting options. Installed to existing window frames.

Reduces external noise.

Keeps your conservatory snug in winter and cool in summer. Building control approved

Another example of Supalite by Greenoak

We Will Rise to the Challenges Ahead

The most recent local elections saw Labour become the biggest political group on the council for the first time in almost 70 years, allowing us to form a stable administration on Southend-on-Sea City Council with colleagues from the Liberal Democrat and Independent Groups.

by Cllr Daniel Cowan Leader of the Council & Councillor for St Laurence ward

CllrDanielCowan@ southend.gov.uk

Our new administration faces significant and numerous challenges but we will rise to them.We inherit major issues that need urgent attention such as the property deal at Fossetts Farm that the football club is relying on to complete the Consortium’s takeover, as well as the new waste contract which will need to be signed off in the next couple of months.

We formed an administration knowing these challenges were live and present, but also with the resolve to see them through. The move over to fortnightly bin collections was not our decision but it will happen on our

watch so we have to do all we can to ensure that this most basic and important service is delivered well for local people. We want to build a city we can be proud of and that will need strong leadership and decisive action. That is what I and my cabinet will deliver.

Our Financial Commitment

Local government finances remain challenging but under my leadership, we will never make decisions that put the council’s financial stability in jeopardy. We will make decisions for the benefit of the city, not our own political interests.

LOCAL ISSUES

So what of our plans?

Our joint administration agreement has been published on the council website for all to see, in the spirit of genuine openness and transparency.

We have many political and strategic objectives we would like to achieve but we are mindful that we are restricted by our finances and the capacity of our staff.

Pavements and Roads

However, we will deliver an ambitious programme of investment in improving the safety of our pavements and roads. Not just in terms of filling more potholes but also progressing safety schemes such as School Streets.

Sensible Parking Policies

In a seaside destination like Southend, parking is always going to be contentious but we will introduce sensible parking policies that balance our need to pay for the services that visitors put pressure on like street cleaning, waste collection, community safety, public toilets etc, without subsidies from residents. That is why we are going to introduce off-season parking charges and re-evaluate the zones to make parking cheaper for residents. The Southend Pass is already fantastic value for our residents looking to save money on parking but we will look at ways to make this even better.

Boosting Tourism

We know that parking income is heavily reliant on visitors and we have an objective to boost visitor numbers by developing an events programme with the aim of reaching 20 weeks of events on the pier each year and at least 6 major events across the city, beaches, and parks every year too.

Revitalising Traditions

We also have the ambition to reintroduce modern versions of permanent attractions such as the Illuminations and seasonal events such as Southend in Bloom, as well increase support for business-led events such as the Fireworks and council-led events such as the park concerts.

Reviving the Kursaal

Reopening the Kursaal and creating a sustainable future for the building is close to our hearts and we will explore every avenue to find a workable solution.

Enhancing Accessibility

Southend needs a fully accessible playground and we will explore the possibility of building one in the east of the city as well as continue the upgrade and expansion of accessible play equipment in all parks and play area.

Restoring Community Pride

Pride in where we live needs to be re-established and we believe that our objectives will help that but we also recognise that the council needs to improve on the delivery of basic services like street cleaning and grass cutting.

Flytipping and Drain Blockages

We have plans to introduce a free bulky waste collection service to help tackle flytipping and we want to start a ‘cut and collect’ method of verge management to stop grass cuttings filling up our drains.

We know how big the task ahead of us is, and we thank the residents of Southend for placing their trust in us to deliver for them.

We will work hard to make Southend an even greater place to live, work and visit. That works starts now, and I passionately believe that we can build a city we can all be proud of.

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Pace wins gold for their excellent customer service at prestigious ESTAS awards

Pace wins ‘Best in Postcode’ award for excellent customer service at prestigious ESTAS awards.

Pace Property Lettings and Management are proud to announce they have received accolades in 3 categories at the recent ESTAS Customer Service Awards in recognition for their outstanding customer service experience.

The awards are the biggest in the UK property industry and winners were announced at a ceremony hosted by TV property presenter Phil Spencer at Grosvenor House in London. Estate and letting agents were recognised in regions and post codes from around the UK.

Pace Property Lettings and Management is proud to announce they have won ‘Best in Postcode’ in recognition of their outstanding customer service to landlords and tenants at the recent ESTAS Customer Service Awards - the biggest award scheme in the UK residential property industry. Pace has also been short-listed in a further 2 customer service categories where winners will be announced later in the year.

The awards, which this year celebrated their 20th birthday, recognise the best estate and letting agents for customer service based on verified reviews from clients who have been through the entire house moving experience. The ESTAS meticulously monitors service ratings over a 12-month period to provide an accurate overview of the service quality provided to clients. The Standard of Excellence recognition serves as a prestigious indicator, affirming the consistent service performance of all firms shortlisted in 2023.

This year’s results were calculated from over 300,000 customer review ratings across all categories and Pace Property Lettings and Management received well-deserved recognition in 3 categories:

The ‘Best in Postcode’ award has been achieved via customer reviews, completed at the end of the moving experience, which have then been submitted to the ESTAS review platform, a site exclusively for property professionals. ESTAS monitors and verifies service ratings over a 12-month period which then gives a highly accurate overview of the standard of service that’s been delivered to clients.

Letting Agent Tennant Award for South East (Essex) – Gold

As a Postcode winner, Pace Property has clearly achieved the ESTAS ‘standard of excellence’. As a result, Pace has also been shortlisted in 2 further categories to win a prestigious county, regional or national trophy for customer service in the Sales and Landlord and Tenant categories.

Letting Agent Landlord Award for South East (Essex) – Bronze

Best in Postcode (SS1) for Sales and Lettings (Landlord and Tenants)

Marcus James, Branch Manager and Associate Director with Sophia Michael, Lettings and Sales Consultant.

Phil Spencer, who has hosted The ESTAS every year since their inception in 2003 addressed the live audience: “Everyone shortlisted here today has attained the ESTAS Standard of Excellence which is based purely on service ratings from customers at the end of the moving experience, giving a highly accurate overview of the standard of service that’s been delivered to the end client.”

The winners of these accolades will be announced at the ESTAS Awards which take place later in the year, on 18th October in London. The awards will be presented by the UK’s favourite property expert Phil Spencer in front of 1,200 of the UK’s top property professionals.

Spencer said “The ESTAS Awards are based on real feedback, from real clients experiencing real service so they provide genuine proof of the service levels that an agent is delivering to clients. To win a Best in Postcode Award is a great achievement and something an agency should be extremely proud of. It’s a direct reflection of the amazing efforts of staff to deliver exceptional service to clients in their local communities.”

Ben Marley, Commercial Director at The ESTAS said “When we started we wanted to create a set of property awards which were completely pure, where winners were selected solely on customer service ratings from actual transactions. Two million reviews and 20 years later ESTAS is now the customer review platform of choice for property professionals and the most prestigious award an agent, a conveyancer, mortgage broker or supplier can win in the property industry.”

a great deal to us as we have always been very proud of the service we offer, so to be acknowledged by our clients in this way is wonderful. We work hard to ensure that our levels of customer service are second to none and take this very seriously. We want our customers to know they are all at the heart of what we do and we’re over the moon to have been recognised for this. The team really deserves this award.”

If you would like to talk to the Pace team about property management, lettings, block management or sales, call us today!

If you would like to talk to the Pace team about property management, lettings, block management or sales, call us today!

Southend office: 01702 445 600 Basildon office: 01268 646

Southend office: 01702 445 600

Basildon office: 01268 646 256

Canvey Island office: 01268 646 257

Chief Executive of Pace, Crystal Horwood, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to be recognised in this year’s ESTAS, in not just one, but 3 categories, especially as we’ve been awarded gold for the first time. This means

Crystal Horwood, CEO of Pace Property commented “We are very proud to be shortlisted. We take our levels of customer service very seriously because we know clients have a choice. Hopefully we can go one step further and win at The ESTAS Awards in October!”

Email: info@pace-properties.com www.pace-properties.com

Property without Complexity

Marcus James, Crystal Horwood and Martin Ransom from Pace Properties

property professionals

Marcus James, Crystal Horwood and Martin Ransom from Pace Properties

Luxury Care Home in Leigh-on-Sea

Chalkwell Grange has everything that you or a loved one needs from a care home setting. Our vibrant community provides a homely atmosphere with an experienced Wellbeing team who organise and encourage social interaction with a range of activities, as well as offering residents the chance to explore the community with it’s regular minibus service Our experienced, friendly team are here to help you. This is a place you can call home.

RESIDENTIAL CARE | DEMENTIA CARE

SHORT STAY CARE

Green Success

On the 2nd May, Leigh’s residents voted overwhelmingly to elect a second Green to represent them on the City Council. Cllr

Stuart Allen was duly elected with 1725 votes and joins Cllr Richard Longstaff to represent Leigh ward until 2026.

South East Essex Green Party stuartallen.greenparty @gmail.com

Branch Chair & Coordinator: James Vessey-Miller

Leigh Ward Coordinator: Simon Gittus

Greens are proving all around England that they are the credible alternative to the status quo through their hard work and dedication for residents.

People of all backgrounds appreciate the effort and drive Green Councillors and Candidates put into the job. Stuart, like so many Greens elected this year, proved with actions not words that he was a Councillor-in-waiting. Voters are tired of the same old unproductive tit-for-tat bickering of representatives of the old parties, and are increasingly happy to support Green candidates who get things fixed, hold the Council to account, and work for residents all year round - not just at election time.

Community Engagement

“We had conversations with over 1000 residents, and knocked on many more doors than that”, Stuart says. “I was at every Full Council meeting and asked important questions regarding air pollution around Broadway, water pollution, and removal of trees.”

A key issue the Greens secured action on, was unblocking the blocked drains around Leigh. After years of neglect, the gullies desperately needed deep

cleaning to remove waste and soil from them. Richard and Stuart worked together to action a plan with the Council and Veolia, which involves one road being thoroughly maintained every week. Richard says “The drains were desperately in need of a proper clean out, we’ve been successful in getting Veolia to take on a road a week along Pall Mall to get them finally sorted.

Reducing Floods

Residents are so happy with the improvements and has resulted in far less localised flooding.” It’s this attitude to listen to residents and work together with the wider Council

Continued on page 44

Stuart and Richard

Stuart and Richard on Dawlish Drive

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Warrior Square gets a spring clean from Community Payback team

Warrior Square in Southend got a spring clean thanks to a group doing Community Paybackunpaid work that a court can give offenders who are convicted of crimes but not sent to prison.

Ajoint initiative from Essex Police, the Probation Service, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Southend’s Business Improvement District (BID) saw a team of 13 working in the sunshine to sweep away debris, clear footpaths and the tidy up the verges in the square, as well as repairing and painting planters in an adjacent road.

The initiative came about after Sergeant Liz Reschwamm looked at ways of improving the look and feel of high-harm crime hotspots using the ‘broken windows’ theory that visible signs of crime and anti-social behaviour lead to more offending.

Revamping Southend Hotspots

Sgt Reschwamm said: “We looked at our hotspots in Southend and thought about how we could make the areas safer and more appealing to the public.

“Following our work with the Southend Safe Space on the High Street, we had feedback that people didn’t feel safe in Warrior Square at night, so it was the perfect place to improve. It’s surrounded by houses and we want the public to use it.”

By bringing together public services and local businesses, Sgt Reschwamm is optimistic the initiative will have a significant impact that could be replicated elsewhere.

She said: “We’re getting rid of graffiti, the alleyways have been cleared of rubbish and the council are putting up more signage to say the CCTV is being enhanced.

Community Payback Benefits

“It was a team effort and we also had support from the council’s community safety officers who came out on patrol. Building relationships with partners is making a real difference, and we’re hoping to extend this work across all our hotspots.”

The Probation Service’s Pippa Garnett is an operations manager for Community Payback in south Essex. She said the benefits of the scheme go beyond improving the look of an area: “Community Payback was brought in an alternative to prison. It’s rehabilitative, it teaches people new skills, and even helps them get into a routine if they’ve been out of work for some time.

“The people working feel appreciated and it builds self-esteem. Even some of our most high-risk cases get invested and involved. There’s a real sense of loyalty when they’re supporting a cause, and they want to do a good job.”

Hints and ideas for your Garden in June

In the Glasshouse

Install shading or apply glasshouse shading paint to protect your plants from the strong summer sun.

On the Plot

Don’t ForgetNationalChildhoodDay! 6th - 8th June!

Don’t forget to top up bird feeders and water stations. Look out for nesting birds before pruning trees and shrubs. Give your holiday watering systems a trial run or promise your neighbours a bottle of gin!

June is the time to finish planting your tender vegetables, such as peppers, courgettes, and tomatoes. Feed pumpkins and courgettes with a proprietary liquid feed, and don't forget to liquid feed tomatoes and strawberries with a proprietary tomato feed. Plant lateflowering broccoli, and sow successions of beetroot, pak choi, radishes, and lettuce. Sweetcorn should be planted in square groups of nine plants, as they are wind-pollinated and need to be in groups for effective pollination. Once early potatoes have finished flowering, you can start lifting them. Be vigilant about aphids, as they become a problem this time of year, and spray regularly to keep them under control.

Down the garden

This is the perfect time to finalise your summer bedding with lobelias, petunias, and marigolds. Sow tender flowers such as cosmos, sunflowers, and zinnias directly outdoors. Shade your greenhouse with either netting or white glass shade. Plant out cannas and lily bulbs, and ensure you are liquid feeding summer bedding, especially hanging baskets

support taller perennials with frames, canes, and stakes. Deadhead roses regularly and control slugs with a proprietary slug deterrent.

By the Pond

Thin out aquatic plants to keep your pond healthy. Place barley straw in both your pond filter and main pond to help prevent algae growth. We have a wide range of fish food in stock to keep your aquatic pets well-fed.

About the House

As the weather gets warmer, some conservatory plants can be moved outside for the summer. Keep an eye out for bugs on your houseplants and deal with any infestations promptly.

Pick of the month

Trees: Japanese acers

Shrubs: Roses and rhododendrons

Climbers: Trachelospermum

Perennials: Anemones and dahlias

Aquatic: Oxygenators

Fruit: Melons and sweetcorn

Follow morleynurseries.com for ideas on how to encourage your children to enjoy gardening and Much Much More *

Sponsored by

31 Years of Installing Windows and Doors in Homes

Now in their 31st year of trading, Climatec prides itself on having many happy customers in the area, with homes sporting high-quality windows and doors manufactured in their factories right here in Southend.

It’s hard not to spot a Climatec Home Improvements van in and around the Southend area, catching a glimpse of their fitting teams installing new windows and doors in homes near you, possibly giving you inspiration for a home makeover too.

Expert Guidance

The team at Climatec Home Improvements is on hand to help make your buying decisions easier, offering you a home visit to discuss your requirements or an appointment to meet at their showroom. There is a wide selection of window and door styles to choose from in both uPVC and aluminium, and knowing that these are manufactured in their factories on Temple Farm Industrial Estate offers that extra peace of mind when choosing Climatec as your supplier and installer.

Innovative Designs

New innovative products are added to the company’s portfolio regularly, the latest being the Infinium patio door – a large sliding door with slim frames that can be hidden into brickwork, allowing for a large glass area and creating the illusion of space. The popular

products being requested this year are the flush sash windows and the aluminium bi-fold doors. Flush sash windows were designed to replicate the old wooden styles, where the opening sash sits flush into the frame. Bi-fold doors are a little bit of luxury for the back of your home, available in multiple door panels that concertina open to provide you with a large opening into your garden or courtyard.

Hassle-Free Service

There is no obligation to buy from Climatec, no pressure selling or persistent sales calls; you just get good old-fashioned service with none of the nonsense expected from that old-school window salesman.

Find our More ...

Follow Climatec Home Improvements on social media to see installation photos, or visit www.climatec-hi.co.uk and peruse the gallery section on the website for inspiration. Simply call 01702 447600 to discuss further.

Let’s

Terms

Golfing Elevating

n the heart of Thorpe Bay, Golf.One facility focused on advancing golf. Through its four state-of-the-art committed to offering an inclusive for all to practice, play, and enjoy.

Coaching

Practice - The bespoke experience offers golfers of all skill levels the opportunity to enjoy tour-level features, analyse their performance, and enhance their game. Additionally, personalised coaching is available from two experienced tour professionals, Jack Dyer and Taylor Carter. The objective is to enhance your confidence in your golfing abilities, wenabling you to perform at your peak when you step onto the course.

Golfing ElevatingExperience Your

Golf.One is an indoor advancing the game of state-of-the-art bays, it is inclusive environment enjoy.

Play - Experience some of the world's premier golf courses, from the historic greens of St. Andrews to the iconic fairways of Pebble Beach, all within a controlled environment and in just a fraction of the time.

Enjoy - Spend quality time with family and friends amidst an assortment of games and refreshments tailored to all preferences. Our amenities feature a well-stocked bar and artisanal coffee exclusively available to those with reservations. Relax in our cosy seating area, perfect for unwinding, enjoying a glass of wine, and watching TV.

140 The Broadway, SS1 3ES 01702 415259 visit: golf.one

Update from Essex Chambers of Commerce

Our last article introduced the Essex Chambers of Commerce, representing around 800 businesses large and small, including many in Southend. This month gives a flavour of current and planned activities.

The economy has been flatlining – but the summer months should see an uplift especially for tourism and hospitality businesses, well represented locally.

The Essex Chambers is working with Southend City Council in a partnership designed to bring business expertise and thinking to bear on plans to boost Southend, to improve its image and the reality and make it an ever more attractive place to live, to visit and in which to do business.

Revitalising Our High Street

Much of the focus is naturally on the High Street, which in common with many town centres is struggling, but Southend still has much to offer and there is a collective desire to accentuate the positive, make more of its assets and talk up Southend rather than run it down. This does need to be backed up by purposeful action, however, and sensible deployment of scarce resources. The Chambers and the city council are open to ideas which can help this effort.

Essex is a famously entrepreneurial county with strong trading links abroad. Eleven

local companies have just won King’s Awards for Enterprise, supported by the Chambers, nine of them in the international trade category – congratulations to all of them, and to Ipeco Holdings of Southend who won in the ‘promoting opportunity through social mobility’ category. The importance of international trade will be a feature of the Chambers’ Essex Global Summit event on 22 May at Hylands House in Chelmsford.

Embracing Business Diversity

Looking further ahead the Chambers will be hosting its annual, highly popular Festival of Business – at Chelmsford City Racecourse on 13 November. This is a great celebration of the wonderful variety of businesses based in Essex and an opportunity for many to promote themselves.

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

Service,

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.

Janet Beard

Bucatini with Sausage and Porcini

This pasta dish is from Umbria and is great for a quick midweek meal. The intense flavour of the porcini is what gives the pasta its flavour. If you can get Italian sausages, great, if not add fennel seeds for an authentic flavour. Enjoy!

by Judy Barden

Next month’s recipe: ''Crayfish

Salad with Dill and Mint'

INGREDIENTS (Serves 4)

• 20g dried porcini mushrooms

• 4 large sausages, such as Italian or cumberland (if using cumberland, add a pinch of fennel seeds to the meat while cooking)

• 400g bucatini

• 4 garlic cloves, sliced

• 1-2 tsp chilli flakes

• 125ml white wine

• 150ml double cream

• Grating of nutmeg

• Large handful of flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped

• Parmesan, grated, to serve

Tip the dried porcini mushrooms into a large pan with 500ml boiling water from the kettle. Set over a low heat and simmer for 10-15 mins until slightly reduced to make an intense mushroom stock.

Heat the oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Squeeze the sausage meat from the skins into

the pan and fry for 5-8 mins, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, until lightly browned. (Don’t forget to add the fennel seeds if you haven’t got Italian sausages).

Meanwhile, bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Drop in the bucatini and move it around using tongs to prevent it sticking together. Cook for 9 mins. Meanwhile, add the garlic and chilli flakes to the sausage meat and fry for 1 min before pouring in the wine. Cook for 5 mins more until the wine has reduced, then tip in the rehydrated mushrooms and the stock (you should have about 350ml). Season with salt and black pepper, then bring to a simmer.

After roughly 9 mins, use the tongs to move the bucatini directly from its cooking water into the mushroom sauce. The mixture will seem quite watery at first, but the trick is to finish cooking the bucatini by simmering it in the broth – it will soak it all up and take on the earthy flavour. Keep moving the pasta in the broth using the tongs for 3 mins, or until most of the water has been absorbed. Stir in the cream, a grating of nutmeg and the parsley. Stir well, taste for seasoning and serve topped with lots of parmesan.

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.

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

Transforming Anxiety and Depression:

Belinda's Journey

Belinda, a 66-year-old, contacted me as she was recommended by her friend and former client of mine and was really impressed by her friend's transformation.

She felt that her world was falling apart as she was becoming more anxious and felt that she was falling into a deeper depression. She had been on medication for depression but did not like how she felt on that medication, so stopped it. Belinda also had weekly counselling sessions for nine months, but they had only helped a little.

Feeling Out of Control

She explained that she did not sleep well because she lay awake feeling anxious and worrying about things that may happen or not happen. If she had an ailment she thought it was going to be serious. If she went out shopping she had already decided that they would be sold out of what she wanted. Her anxiety felt out of control. She just felt she could not switch off from feeling anxious about something and everything.

Belinda faced a multitude of challenges, including catastrophising, severe anxiety, depression, feelings of being out of control, insomnia, lost confidence, and a pervasive sense of inadequacy. These issues weighed heavily on her, affecting various aspects of her life and well-being. She had been told as a child by her parents that her sister was beautiful and intelligent and she was not. She felt she was not given the same opportunities that her sister was given. This had really knocked her confidence from a very early age.

Brain Working Recursing Therapy

We worked together using BWRT to neutralise her negative emotions and experiences using BWRT Level 1. Then worked with Level 2 BWRT to change her feelings of not feeling confident and not feeling good enough to loving herself and feeling she was happy and in control of her life.

Really positive signs

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● TREES FELLED & TOPPED Hedges also trimmed ● SPECIALISTS IN LAWNS

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SPECIALISTS IN LAWNS

Weed removal, give it a feed, make it green ● SHEDS & FENCES

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Repaired and preserved

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WOODCHIP & LOGS Delivered & Distributed

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STUMP GRINDING

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repair & servicing

Continued from page 16

for residents. The Greens do things in a better way, looking deeper at the root causes of local issues and implementing lasting solutions.

Improvement Initiatives

Three key areas that the pair want to look at are; finding a way to reduce antisocial behaviour and fly-tipping around the Broadway, reducing speeding by redesigning problem roads, and improving the air quality and street scene around Leigh by increasing tree canopy cover and reducing idling traffic. Stuart says, “These aren’t going to be instant fixes, but we can at least start the ball rolling in finding long-term solutions that will benefit everyone.

Building Community Dialogue

It’s really important that we start a dialogue with residents and businesses to ensure we can collectively make Leigh an even better place to live.” And it’s not just Leigh where the Greens can make a difference. Richard says “we want to make the whole of Southend fairer and greener; our Tree Motion to increase tree canopy coverage, our push for better water quality and cleaner beaches, and our drive for better, more sustainable design in housing will make huge differences to all of Southend's residents.” Stuart adds, “we have dedicated and compassionate voices in every ward in Southend, doing their bit to improve the whole city; Tilly Hogrebe, our General Election candidate for Southend West & Leigh, is passionate about education and families, Nathaniel Love is doing a fantastic job in Belfairs pushing for better bus routes, Sarah-

Ann Patel in Milton is championing live music and the arts, and Simon Cross, our General Election candidate for Southend East & Rochford, cares deeply about our fantastic charities and mental health provisions. There’s not just Richard and I, but a wider team of talented local people that have realworld experience in their respective fields, and a lot to offer the Council. They all really know their stuff.

The Greens will not be forming part of the new coalition administration that will run Southend for the coming years. Richard and Stuart will remain as independent voices and will focus on delivering results for residents and pushing for bold actions on social issues and the climate and ecological emergencies.

Ensuring Accountability

They are looking forward to working collaboratively with the new administration in a cooperative spirit and will continue to scrutinise Council decisions. They will advocate for the protection of local services, facilities, biodiversity, and the environment.

Residents can find out more about the work Southend’s Green Party Councillors are doing by following Richard Longstaff or Stuart Allen on Facebook or Instagram, or by visiting southeastessex.greenparty.org.uk.

Green

Caring for Your Smile

With a dedicated team of experienced professionals and a wide array of services, we provide comprehensive dental care that exceeds your expectations.

Royal Mews Dental Practice opened in 2006 when our practice in Westcliff ran out of space.

I nitially attracted by the beautiful Victorian building and its central location, the ground floor was converted to accommodate two surgeries for a hygienist, a dentist, and a waiting room, retaining the building’s period features. We applied for an NHS contract, but we were turned down by the Department of Health, and consequently, the practice has been private from the beginning.

Service and integrity

A few years later, we added a third surgery upstairs, and then at the end of 2023, we opened a fourth surgery. We have been able to recruit an excellent team comprising six dentists, four hygienists, and supporting nurses, receptionists, and administrative staff.

We aim to build long-lasting relationships, providing professional, honest advice and highquality dental care at realistic prices. We really care about oral health and the importance of preventing tooth decay and gum disease through our range of preventative treatments.

Dr. Adam Carstairs has his own website: adamthedentist.co.uk. Visit the website to explore the services offered, including before and after photos.

New to our team

We're delighted to welcome Dr. Rathnaa to our team. Previously at Westcliff Dental Practice, she brings valuable expertise. Learn more about her at rathnaadentistryaesthetics.co.uk.

We provide a comprehensive range of care, advice, and treatments, some of which you may not have associated with a dental practice, including:

• General dental care and advice, including fillings, extractions, root canal treatment, dentures, crowns, veneers, and bridges

• Hygienist services, including airflow polishing

• Teeth whitening

• Smile makeovers

• Implants

• Facial aesthetics, including Botox and dermal fillers

• Cosmetic bonding

• Periodontal treatment

• Invisalign

• Platelet-rich plasma therapy

• Microneedling

• Emergency appointments

Book an appointment via our website royalmewsdentalpractice.co.uk or ring reception on

01702 352450

We are looking forward to welcoming you to our practice.

Your local life-saving charity

Did you know that your local air ambulance service is a charity, relying on donations?

You might think that the helicopters of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT), often seen flying overhead, are part of the NHS. However, this free life-saving service, provided 24/7 by helicopters and rapid response vehicles (RRVs), receives limited government funding and no National Lottery grants.

It is thanks to local people and businesses across Essex and Hertfordshire raising funds for EHAAT that the charity can provide its vital medical emergency service. Last year, their critical care team treated just over 1,900 patients, operating from two airbases in Earls Colne and North Weald.

Life-Saving Assistance

Each critical care team consists of a pre-hospital care doctor, a critical care paramedic, plus a pilot and co-pilot who rush their clinical colleagues to the scene of medical emergencies within minutes, carrying life-saving equipment to deliver advanced clinical care. Usually, this equipment is only available in hospital emergency departments. Thanks to EHAAT and local people’s generosity, patients have received life-saving transfusions from the blood reserves carried on board the helicopters and RRVs.

Many volunteers lend a helping hand to support the charity, all playing an important part.

Jane Morton, EHAAT Volunteer Manager, says their time is hugely valued by the charity. She explains: “The core of our operations extends beyond our fleet of helicopters and advanced medical interventions; it's the spirit of our supporters and volunteers that drives us forward.

Building Connections

“From helping in our charity shops to sorting treasures in our warehouses, picking up collection tins, giving engaging visitor centre tours, and supporting events, every hour of volunteering makes a meaningful difference. Yet, it's more than the tasks at hand – it's about making connections and lasting friendships. Whether it's sharing experiences, learning new skills, or stepping in to support community events, our volunteers not only impact our operations as a charity but inspire others and create positive change across our local communities.”

If you’re looking to give your time to help your local life-saving charity in the most meaningful way, please visit ehaat.org/volunteer.

BRAINBOX

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:

GUESS THE MOVIE

Name the title of the movie from the description below.

Description:

Tracing a feather's dance, a journey unfolds, where chocolates speak of life's unpredictability, and a bench becomes a silent witness to tales of triumph and loss.

CONUNDRUM – Unscramble to solve the clue.

Clue: Combine or bring together separate elements

COLD

WORD LADDER – Climb the ladder, changing one letter each rung to make a new word.

DARE

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Tel: 01702 435722 / Great Wakering SS3 0AR Mention ‘Oracle’ when booking

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

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

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