Oracle on-Sea November 2019 by Oracle Publications

February 2018 November 2019

Your all-seeing local

OR CLE ORACLE

Leigh, Chalkwell, Thorpe Bay, Southchurch, Westcliff & the Garrison Southend Conservation & Shoeburyness Area

NEW SERVICE FOR SOUTHEND! www.SouthendOracle.co.uk LOCAL ISSUES! Is Seaway redevelopment, right? SPOTLIGHT! Landlords licensing requirement COUNCIL! Southend's police & crime rate COMPETITION! WIN Sunday lunch for 2 + a bottle of wine at La Petite Petanque

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November 2019

ORACLE

WELCOME

Last month, Cllr Martin Terry wrote about Seaway and his concerns on how the plans had changed over the years. This set off further conversations on social media, I then invited ex leader of SBC, Mr Nigel Holdcroft to write an article for the Oracle readers. Read ‘Seaway - Are redevelopment plans, right?’ on pages 9 and 10. Missed Cllr Martin Terry’s article last month? Visit Oracle’s website and click on articles. If you would like to add your comments below any of the articles published, then please do. Space in Oracle is free and open to all members of the public. If you would like to write and share an article, then please contact me. This month we have a great competition from La Petite Petanque, that hidden gem set amongst the grounds of Alexandra Bowling Green, Southend Conservation area. Win a Sunday lunch for two people, including a bottle of house wine. Experience superbly cooked British cuisine in the centre of town. Visit their website for more information: www.lapetitepetanque.co.uk To enter Oracle/Petite Petanque competition, please visit Oracle’s competition page on the website or send your entry by post to Oracle’s offices, please see address below. Just send in your full name and contact details, the closing date is 30 November 2019. Until next time.

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 November 2019

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CONTENTS Seaway - Are redevelopment plans, right?

9/10

Local Issues by Nigel Holdcroft

Landlords Licensing Requirement 14/16 Spotlight by David Dedman

Beautiful Future

Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith

Spiced slow roast pork with braised red cabbage and apple

Recipe by Judy Barden

Southend's Police force and crime rate 30/32 Council by Cllr Martin Terry

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On

Brainbox 36 Useful Numbers

Advertiser Index

Advertorials La Petite Petanque

Chalkwell Auctions

VitB12 19 High-Tech Membrane Essex Equity

22/23 27

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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November 2019

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November 2019

Experienced La Petite Petanque? La Petite Petanque is set within the grounds of Alexandra Bowling Green in the charming conservation area of Southend-on-Sea. We are proud to serve superbly cooked modern British cuisine in the heart of Southend (open daily). The elegantly styled Art Deco property that houses the restaurant sits on the edge of the bowling green, an ideal setting to enjoy breakfast, lunch or a delightful afternoon tea. The bowls club often have matches in play and this adds to the tranquillity and quintessential essence of the place.

We specialise in Afternoon Tea La Petite Petanque specialises in the traditional afternoon tea, the head chef being a renowned pastry chef â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all the delicious cakes and scones are homemade freshly baked on the premises. We strive to deliver first class personal customer service, taking care to cater to any particular dietary requirements. La Petite Petanque is a very popular venue for private functions and available to hire for your baby shower, birthday or wedding celebration. We aim to be as flexible as possible to accommodate individual requests, making it the perfect venue for your special event.

Traditional Sunday roasts Sundays are always popular, with roasts being a firm favourite. There are three meats to choose from, accompanied by the all usual trimmings, all home made and freshly November 2019

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Our Christmas set menu Throughout December there is evening dining every Friday from 6pm offering our Christmas set menu and live music. This menu is also available for lunchtime dining throughout the month. To celebrate the magic of Christmas why not try our Festive Afternoon Tea, a luxurious Afternoon Tea with a Christmas twist. Adding to the magic of this special time of year we will be serving Mulled wine daily with home made mince pies. For all bookings and enquires please refer to our website. Clare, Oliver and the team look forward to seeing you here soon! Clare Finch, Owner 01702 353208 info@lapetitepetanque.co.uk www.lapetitepetanque.co.uk The Bowling Green Pavilion, Cambridge Road, Southend SS1 1EY

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November 2019

Seaway -

LOCAL ISSUES

Are redevelopment plans, right? The arguments surrounding the proposed

However our decision was subject to

redevelopment of the Seaway Car Park

important pre conditions which were set out in

continue and some of the issues were

the Council minute, namely that:

highlighted in the last edition of Oracle, when Independent Party Councillor and

1. The proposed deal was subject to external

current Cabinet Member Martin Terry

certification for compliance with S123 Local

commented that “I did like and support the

Government Act 1972 which provides,

scheme in its original design concept but I

amongst other things that “Except with the

now have serious questions which need to

consent of the Secretary of State, a council

be answered”. He further said that “There does seem to be a driving determination and obsession to get this scheme through at almost any cost”. I have watched the progress (or perhaps lack

shall not dispose of land under this section, otherwise than by way of a short tenancy, for a consideration less than the best that can reasonably be obtained”;

of it!) over recent years having been Leader

2. There should be a fixed timescale for

of the Council back in January 2013 when the

delivery;

cabinet originally approved the scheme, that

3. The leisure development would be

decision being approved by the full Council at

delivered ahead of the occupancy of the

its meeting on 28 February 2013.

residential accommodation;

Originally to enhance seafront

4. The Council’s then revenue return from the

The original decision was seen as a way of

site would be retained and improved with

building on and enhancing the success of the

a share of the long-term income from the

Seafront and better linking it with the High

development.

Street, which it was hoped would also serve to

5. Any change to the Heads of Terms would

regenerate the south end of the High Street.

be considered in consultation with all Group Leaders.

November 2019

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In the event before the deal was finally signed

condition than when the proposal was

the Conservatives had lost control and a new

originally discussed. Others have raised

Administration was in place with Independent

concerns over the plan about which I cannot

Party Councillor Ron Woodley in place as

comment however what is clear to all is that

Leader and Cllr Terry a member of his cabinet.

the amended proposal which is now being

Cllr Woodley chose to sign off the deal in

pursued risks further harming the High Street

November 2013 with the decision being

and damaging the Seafront which remains the

reported to Cabinet on 6 January 2014.

jewel in our crown and which gives our Town

Presumably he and his colleagues were

such an important advantage over many other

satisfied that the pre-conditions had, or

town centres of a similar size.

would be met although there had already by

Not in the best interest

this stage been a delay of 12 months which

I have now concluded that this development

undermined the requirement for a fixed and

as currently proposed is not in the best

swift timescale for delivery.

interests of the Town, particularly taking into

Rainbow Alliance

account the challenges faced in 2019, and

Subsequently the Conservatives regained

in circumstances where even a member of

control of the Council and the scheme

the current cabinet who was also a cabinet

appeared to progress although with no actual

member when the deal was signed off is

implementation and we now have a rainbow

expressing such serious concerns the time has

alliance headed by Labour Councillor Ian

come to consider the matter again.

Gilbert but with Cllrs Woodley and Terry back

When Cllr Terry refers to â&#x20AC;&#x153;a driving

in Cabinet.

determination and obsession....â&#x20AC;? I assume

I have not been on the Council over

he must be talking about either his own

recent years and do not know whether the

Administration or Council officers. His

preconditions have been met or amended

responsibility is now to either support the

however what is apparent is that almost

policies of the Administration of which he is

8 years after the decision was originally

part or acknowledge that times have changed

approved by Cabinet no progress in actual

and do something about it. I am hoping for the

implementation has been made and in

later but expecting the former! Nigel Holdcroft Former Leader of the Council 2007 - 2014

the meantime there have been significant changes to the proposal. In addition the High Street is now in a significantly worse 10

Oracle welcomes thoughts from all sides as balance is very important. Write your letter in the comment section located under the relevant article on our website. oraclepublications.co.uk #SaveSouthend

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November 2019

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30th Anniversary Celebrations at Chalkwell Auctions Local auctioneers Chalkwell Auctions

paintings, Chalkwell Auctions now competes

recently celebrated their 30th anniversary

with major salerooms around the country and

with an evening charity event for Southend

statistically speaking has a higher number of

RNLI. Attended by the Mayor Cllr. John Lamb and Mayoress Mrs. Pat Lamb. The evening’s guests also included clients referred to

online return buyers than most. “To us that means satisfied customers at both ends of

as Number 1 and Number 2. These two

the process, sellers and buyers, and that is

affectionate titles are held by buyers who

something we are very proud of.”

registered for the very first auction held at the Arlington Rooms in 1989 who have kept their same bidding numbers ever since. “It’s a testament to how satisfied these clients are” said Trevor Cornforth, owner and valuer at Chalkwell Auctions. “And they have now been joined by thousands of other clients worldwide. The sales in 2019 are a far cry from the original ones as we now have regular buyers in over 60 countries, and sellers from all over the South of England and into Central

Serving customers for over 30 years “It’s been our pleasure to serve the people of Southend, and the wider catchment of Essex and the South East for the last 30 years and we look forward to continuing that role for many years to come. We welcome customers with single items or complete estates that need sorting carefully to avoid missing items of value, which can so easily slip through the

London. Most of those clients are the result

net when families clear properties themselves

of recommendations and they don’t do that

or simply pay for house clearance.”

unless they are happy with the service they

Trevor Cornforth 01702 613260 info@chalkwellauctions.co.uk 2 Baron Court, Chandlers Way, Temple Farm estate, Southend on sea, SS2 5SE

have received.”

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SPOTLIGHT

Landlords Licensing Requirement The question of residential landlords requiring

in the UK in general but the Home Counties

a licence from Southend Borough Council has

in particular. Between 1918 and 1939 British

once again been raised. Many in the property

councils built 1.1 million homes spurred by

industry will be aware there is a voluntary

the housing and town planning acts. This

organisation called SEAL (South East Alliance

forced local authorities to build social housing.

of Landlords) which has done an excellent

Between 1945 and 1951 the Labour Government

job over the years in ensuring its members

organised the construction of more than 1

maintain properties to a decent standard and

million homes, 80% of which were council

act responsibly. Southend Council have for

houses. By the end of 1960s over 400,000 were

some time said this is not enough and only

being built every year by which time councils

an enforced licensing scheme will improve

were building over 200,000 homes per annum

the general standard of repair of tenanted

at the behest of both Conservative and Labour

properties and elimination of â&#x20AC;&#x153;dodgyâ&#x20AC;?

Governments. Social housing provision has fallen

landlords from the town.

to about 15% of all new build properties. Hence

This is an unnecessary requirement imposed

the need for private sector housing.

by the Borough Council. All the legislation

The Councils rights

on housing matters are at the disposal of the

Councils have the right to force private

Council to ensure landlords keep properties

landlords to upkeep their properties by means

maintained. Since 1919 there has been a raft of

of the various housing, public health and other

legislation laid down by Central Government to

legislation and in extreme cases can actually

require landlords to look after their properties

acquire the property, and carry out all necessary

when let out. The real problem in providing

repairs including a refit. They may then sell on

decent quality tenanted housing is that we

the property to the private sector or retain the

are not building enough homes for social rent

property. (continued on page 16)

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(continued from page 14)

be another cost to private landlords at a time

The cost of repairs will be the responsibility

when margins are being squeezed by Central

of the property owner and the Council can

Government taxation.

surcharge the owner for administration.

Bad Landlords

Alternatively, management orders can be

A bad landlord will always be a bad landlord

imposed where local authorities take control

regardless of any legislation or any licensing

of the property without transferring ownership.

scheme. It is for councils to impose on such bad

Again, the Council can carry out works in default

landlords the powers which are available to them

and impose these costs on the property owner.

so that crooked landlords should and would be

All councils have the power to acquire properties

pushed from the town.

needing repair through the Compulsory Purchase Order system and Southend Council has in the past exercised this arrangement. All this legislation may be used by councils.

I would emphasise the vast majority of landlords are decent, caring people who adhere to the law in every way. The SEAL organisation is very much an example of good management but undertaken

Lack of funds

on a voluntary basis.

Southend Borough Council say there are

It must also be stressed that many tenants fail

no circumstances where the Council will

to adhere to their part of the bargain and very

compulsorily acquire properties in poor repair

often leave dustbin bags in front gardens and

as there is a lack of funds. If a closing order is

not put out for collection which consequently

imposed on a privately rented property, then it

means that rubbish is strewn across pavements

would be a requirement for the local authority to

and into roads. Sometimes it has to be said there

rehouse the tenants which of course they would

is vandalism and failure by tenants to report

not wish to do. Funding could be made available

outstanding repairs to their landlords or their

to perform these functions with other expensive

agents.

hair brain projects abandoned.

It is strongly recommended that the Southend

The standard of inner town tenanted housing will

Council sharpens up its act by imposing the

improve markedly when it is known the Council

powers within their control and not enter into

will take its responsibilities seriously.

another bureaucratic waste of time.

All this makes it ridiculous to bring in a licensing system which would mean more officers would be employed to administer the scheme at even greater cost to the Council. This would 16

David Dedman FRICS Oracle welcomes thoughts from all sides as balance is very important. Write your letter in the comment section located under the relevant article on our website. oraclepublications.co.uk #SaveSouthend

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November 2019

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HAIR & BEAUTY

Beautiful Future

These beauty switches will help you to do your bit for the environment. Wherever you stand on Extinction Rebellion, Greta Thunberg or Meat-Free Mondays, I think we can pretty much all agree that climate change is most certainly ‘a thing’. I don’t wish to sound flippant about such a serious issue but let’s be honest, I’m a hairdresser not a scientist. However, from putting a recycling bin in your bathroom, to using sustainable beauty products, we can all make a difference.

Switch your soap Ditching liquid soaps and going back to good, oldfashioned bars is a start. Why? Well, many are sold in plastic-free packaging and you can find a soap for everything from hands and body, to hair and facial cleansing. Putting a recycling bin in your bathroom may not sound quite so odd when you consider that the vast majority of beauty packaging is thrown out after just one use, and only 50% of recyclable bathroom waste is currently being recycled. Also, try to invest in brands that offer refillable products and have refill schemes. Many brands are increasingly introducing in-store recycling initiates with reward schemes, which is a great way to support High Street stores with similar initiatives.

Cotton Buds There has been quite a hoo-hah about cotton buds. It is estimated that a staggering 1.8 billion plastic-stemmed cotton buds are used in England alone each year. Worryingly, around 10% of them are flushed down the loo after use - ending up in our seas and rivers. It goes without saying that nobody should be doing this, ever! Beyond that, you could replace plastic-stemmed buds with bamboo versions. Similarly, if you must use face wipes, bin them after use rather than flush down the toilet. Better still, switch to compostable ones or go with a traditional flannel.

Always read the label Checking the sustainability of the ingredients used in your favourite products can help you to decide whether to keep buying them or switch to an alternative brand. Palm oil - used in nearly half of all consumer goods - is the cause of devasting loss of species and massive deforestation. If a product has either the Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance logo on it, this should go some way to reassure you that the ingredients used are sustainable.

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Have yourself a merry little Christmas … Have yourself a merry little Christmas, Let your heart be light … According to the latest news from the media, following a study of over 9,000 65-year-olds, over an 8 year period, experts have come to the conclusion that those who have an interest and purpose in life are likely to have a better sense of well-being, in addition to a more positive attitude, leading to greater longevity. Not sure as to what qualifies one to be an expert in this particular field – presumably an honours degree in the bloomin’ obvious! Still, there you have it, it’s official – get yourself a hobby, start socialising, and happiness will follow.

Your troubles will be out of sight What they forgot to factor in though, is that although the best things in life may come free, hobbies and socialising cost money! As you get older you may have the time to do all the things you want, but you’re unlikely to have the income or savings to make the most of it. So, don’t forget that it’s never too late to be the person you always wanted to be, and if your New Year’s resolution is to grasp the chance to do so, if only you could afford to … perhaps you should look

at releasing some of the cash locked up in the value of your home. The monies released can be used for any purpose including travel (cruises or visiting distant relatives), hobbies and activities (golf or bowls, art and education), you’re never too old to learn new tricks or make new friends! Here we are as in olden days, Happy golden days of yore, Faithful friends who are dear to us, They gather near to us once more And whilst it is also a truism that money can’t buy you happiness, it can certainly make misery a whole lot more palatable! Through the years we all will be together, If the fates allow, Until then we’ll have to muddle through somehow But you don’t have to muddle through – find out if Equity Release can work for you. It’s not suitable for everyone, and you will need to seek Independent Financial Advice. Call now for a quick chat, or arrange a consultation. Have yourself a merry little Christmas now. And a happy and prosperous New Year! by Ron Radway, Financial Consultant

Essex Equity Release Advice Centre 01702 410016

Essex Equity Release Advice Centre For a free consultation and friendly, professional advice, call 01702 410016

www.essexequityrelease.co.uk November 2019

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FSA No. 313397

FOOD

Spiced slow roast pork with braised red cabbage and apple

Autumn is here and I love Roast dinners on a Sunday. This is a cost-conscious recipe that is good value for all the family with lots of meat for leftovers! Goes really well with the red cabbage and apple recipe below. Enjoy!

Spiced Slow Roast Pork Ingredients

a tent of foil and rest for at least 20 mins or up to 40 mins before carving. Serve with the braised red cabbage below.

Braised Red Cabbage with Apples Ingredients Serves 8. 50g/2oz butter 1 medium onion, finely sliced

Serves 8 with leftovers. 5 thyme sprigs, leaves removed and chopped

2 dessert apples, peeled, cored and sliced 1kg/2¼lb red cabbage, finely sliced

2 garlic cloves, crushed

100g/4oz sultanas or raisins

2 tsp dried chilli flakes

200ml/7fl oz sherry vinegar

1 tsp smoked /paprika

Salt and freshly ground pepper

Zest and juice ½ lemon 1 tbsp olive oil 4-4½ kg boned, scored and rolled pork shoulder (ask the butcher) Heat oven to 230C/210C fan/gas 8. Mix all the ingredients (except the pork) in a small bowl, then rub all over the meat, getting in between the cuts in the skin. Lift the pork onto a wire rack in a roasting tin and place in the oven to sizzle for 30 mins. Reduce oven to 150C/130C fan/gas 2 and roast for a further 3 hrs. If the crackling needs a final blast to get it crisp, turn oven back up to 230C/210C fan/gas 8 for about 30 mins more. Remove the tin from the oven, cover loosely with

Melt the butter in a stainless steel or flameproof casserole over a medium heat (an aluminium pan will not work for this). Fry the onion in the butter for three minutes, then add the apple and cabbage. Cook for five minutes or so, until softened, then add the sultanas and the sherry vinegar. Place a lid on the pan and cook for one hour, until all the vegetables are just tender. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper and replace the lid. Continue to cook until the cabbage is tender and all the liquid has evaporated. This dish will keep for several days, covered, in the fridge. Simply heat it up again when ready to serve. by Judy Barden Next month: Light Christmas Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce

Have you written a WILL? Call Clive for a FREE Will review today on 01702 393838 e: info@oracleestateplanning.co.uk www.oracleestateplanning.co.uk

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ORACLE Estate Planning

November 2019

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COUNCIL

Southend's Police force and crime rate

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November 2019

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WHAT’S ON ITALIAN CIRCLE DATE 20th November 2019

TIME 20.00-22.00

VENUE Leigh Community Centre Elm Road Leigh SS9 1SP A light-hearted evening in Italian on traditional Italian songs and musicals. Friendly group – a chance to hear and speak Italian.

SEAFRONT FIREWORKS TIME 19:30

DATE Every Saturday until 16th November

VENUE City Beach, Southend Seafront, Southend on Sea The FREE Seafront Firework displays are back with a bang this autumn, every Saturday night at 7:30pm from 5th October-16th November 2019! So wrap up warm, grab some friends and family and head down to City Beach to enjoy these fantastic free displays from Southend BID! There's plenty of things to see and do before, whether you fancy some fresh fish and chips, hot doughnuts or a few rides at Adventure Island!

LIGHT UP A LIFE DATE 30th November 2019

TIME Not Specified

VENUE St Marys Church, East Street, Southend, SS2 6LQ LUAL is a special way for the community to remember their loved ones – you do not need to have experienced hospice care to dedicate a light. These are free remembrance services and you do not need to have experienced hospice care to come along

HAVENS CHRISTMAS FAYRE DATE 15th November 2019

TIME 13:30 - 20:00

VENUE Saxon Hall, Aviation Way , Southend SS2 6UN Kickstart the festive season with friends and families at our Christmas Market where there will be gifts, clothing, chocolates and much more to buy . From 3-30pm children’s activities and an early visit from Father Christmas – a great way to start the Christmas festivities .

REMEMBRANCE SERVICE DATE 30th November 2019

TIME 16:00

VENUE St Marys Church, East Street, Southend SS2 6LQ Join us for a free remembrance service, including a choir performance and light a candle in memory.

BIG BEACH BANG DATE 2nd November 2019

TIME 18:00 - 21:00

VENUE Shoebury East Beach The 2019 Fireworks Spectacular will be held on Saturday 2nd November. Enjoy a spectacular fireworks display, bringing not just your family and friends together but the whole community.

LEIGH-ON-SEA TOWN COUNCIL OVER 60'S SOCIAL CLUB DATE 13th November 2019

TIME 10:00 - 12:00

VENUE Leigh Community Centre, Elm Road, SS9 1SP Arts & Crafts with the Art Ministry.

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