Oracle-on-Sea sept 2013 website lo res

Oracle-on-Sea

September 2013

ORACLE Leigh, Chalkwell & Southend Conservation Area Est. Oct 2006. Circulation 6,700

Oracle Competition WIN! Pair of tickets for opening performance of CATS

Local Issues Foul Play

Interior Design

Not so shabby but very chic

Hair & Beauty

How short is too short?

Discount Vouchers See page 11

afternoon tea ÂŁ 12.50 per person

call us to book your table shoeburyness-hotel.co.uk 01702 296 415

OR ACLE on-Sea

publisher’s letter

W

elcome to the new Oracle-on-Sea (formally Leigh-on-Sea Oracle) which from this month, due to popular demand and in celebration of 8 years successful trading, covers an additional 1200 homes from this month. These additional areas include a further 600 homes in Leigh and 600 homes in the Southend Conservation Area. The good news for Oracle’s clients is that there will be no rate increase for this additional coverage.

To all new readers, Oracle-on-Sea aims to highlight a‘local issue’each month which is open to anyone who feels they would like to bring to the public’s attention something they feel strongly about. Also, there are many features written by local people, which produces a local magazine written and supported by local people which in turn support local businesses. Look out for the Vouchers recently introduced where readers can redeem exclusive offers, see page 11.

Leigh Tutoring

September’s competition has been kindly donated by the Cliffs Pavilion - a pair of tickets for the opening performance of CATS on Monday 7th October at 8pm.

To enter please either send your contact details to: Oracle/Cats Musical, 39 Alexandra Street, Southend, SS1 1BW or email to info@oraclepublications.co.uk closing date 23rd September 2013.

Enjoy!

11 plus tuition - providing your child with the very best chance of success Classes for children in years 4, 5 & 6 Maximum 4 children per class

Emma Wynne-Morgan Publisher

01702 393838

39 Alexandra Street, Southend, Essex SS1 1BW

www.oraclepublications.co.uk info@oraclepublications.co.uk

www.twitter.com/oracle_essex www.facebook.com/oraclepublications

Lessons are held in our classrooms at 1301 London Road, Leigh-0n-Sea Please call Keely 01702 479333 www.leightutoring.co.uk

Printed by EVONPRINT, Small Dole, Sussex 01273 494631 SEPTEMBER 2013

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ORACLE contents Local Issues Foul Play

By Cllr Tony Cox

9/10

Psst... Memoirs Precious stories simply told...

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Not so shabby but very Chic Interior Design by Samantha Gundy

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How short is too short?

Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith

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Cricket Week Oracle Sports by Chris Bunce

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Crispy- Skinned Sea Bass with Cauliflower Puree Judy's Recipe Page

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Making your home sparkle!

Bulbs Oracle Gardening by Paul Sammon

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Free Parking on Double Yellows Oracle Motoring by Elliot Rasch

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Don’t Worry, Be Happy Health & Beauty by Cris Ramis Oracle Exclusive Vouchers

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Diary Dates

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Useful Numbers Advertiser Index

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Advertorial

Tower Apartments : A new way to experience luxury in Southend on Sea This September sees an exciting new way of enjoying a short stay or break in Southend.

T

ower Apartments gives you the privacy and cosiness of your own space, combined with the luxury of a 5-Star hotel – perfect for those who want to enjoy the British seaside without compromising on city sophistication.

Set adjacent to the iconic, mile-long Cliff Gardens that overlook Southend’s famous seafront and at the end of a quiet, leafy road boasting a wealth of different architectural styles, Tower Apartments offers boutique apartments that are perfect for visiting colleagues, friends or family members.

Built in 1901 as a gentleman’s club, before becoming a convalescent home for wounded officers during World War Two and then a hotel – renowned for its signature turret - 146 Alexandra Road has been transformed into seven beautiful executive apartments, designed by local entrepreneur Paul Stannard and his team.

chequerboard floor in the entrance hall.

Stylish additions such as white window shutters and contemporary furniture add an air of freshness and modernity.

Stunning “Everything has been finished to a very, very high standard,” says Paul. “Discerning customers expect a blend of heritage and technological innovation, and I believe we have delivered precisely this. In each apartment you’ll find a stunning, contemporary marble kitchen with nice touches like old-school radiators in the living and bed rooms.”

For companies putting up valued executives, or families attending a wedding, a good night’s sleep is essential.

Hence king-size, handmade beds by Royal Warrant-holders Hypnos will let you drift off and wake up feeling revitalised and refreshed in the morning.

Stylish additions The apartments are situated over three As part of a painstaking renovation, many floors, with an impressive basement of the original features have been retained apartment boasting its own private and restored, including the original front entrance, patio, two bedrooms and an doors, exterior railings and magnificent SEPTEMBER 2013 ORACLE-ON-SEA www.oraclepublications.co.uk 6

office. Accommodation at the top of the building, incorporating part of the iconic turret apartment, is a fabulous home from home. Complete with mezzanine floor bedroom, a romantic dining area with spacious living area and airy galley kitchen, this apartment affords terrific views over the Thames Estuary and surrounding area.

Each apartment is decorated with Bespoke Interiors of Southchurch road soft furnishings and wallpaper and painted in tasteful, muted colours. Chandeliers, bespoke leather sofas, iPod docks and flat-screen TVs, contemporary bathrooms featuring walk in showers and beautiful tiling, all make this a uniquely fabulous place to stay.

A quick phone call or email before your arrival ensures that you can treat yourself and your partner, or impress a colleague or client with beautiful flowers, champagne chilling in the well-stocked fridge and kitchen.

Each apartment is available for short or long-term letting, offering an alternative to short stays in hotels or the rigmarole of

letting a flat or house. From a minimum two-night stay they are available for any length of visit, with attractive reduced rates for longer residencies Great location “Tower Apartments provide the perfect base from which you can kick back and relax in comfort and enjoy all that Southend has to offer; a vibrant mix of cool bars, great restaurants and close proximity to London. The Apartments are also within easy reach of the local railways stations and London Southend Airport,” says Paul, adding: “This is a new way of staying in a well-known location, in a lovely part of the town. In fact, I’d go as far as saying it is unique.”

Tower Apartments opens its doors on Monday 2nd September.

To book your stay, please call

07584 169444 or visit www.towerapartments.co.uk.

Tower Apartments, 146, Alexandra Road, Southend on Sea, Essex, SS1 1HE. SEPTEMBER 2013

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SEPTEMBER 2013

Local Issues

Foul Play D

og fouling is a major issue for many of our towns and cities in the UK. It is the most offensive type of litter which is consistently raised as a public concern and is the single biggest issue which dominates my and many of my colleagues mailbags.

As the dog population sits at approximately 8 million and is only set to grow, so too is the problem with dog mess. According to figures published by the Dog Trust, for the first time in ten years a rise in dog fouling has been reported with 64% of people considering it to be the most offensive litter item, something needs to be done to tackle the problem.

Toxocariasis is an infection of the roundworm toxocara canis. The eggs of the parasite can be found in soil or sand contaminated with faeces and if swallowed, result in infection that lasts between six and 24 months. Symptoms include eye disorders, vague ache, dizziness, nausea, asthma and, in extremely rare cases, seizures/fits. Often the eggs are ingested when passed to the mouth by the hands, but this can also occur through contact with dogs or other inanimate objects including the wheels of toys and the soles of shoes. Infected soil samples are often found in play areas and as a result, Toxocariasis most commonly affects children between 18 months and five years.

Dangerous

No excuses

It is estimated that dogs produce approximately 1,000 tonnes of excrement in the UK each day. In a recent survey by Keep Britain Tidy of over 10,000 sites, dog fouling was present on 7% of these sites. Dog fouling is not only unpleasant it is dangerous. The biggest threat to public health from dog excrement is toxocariasis.

The law states specifically, that being unaware that the dog has fouled, or not having a suitable means of removing the faeces is not a reasonable excuse for failing to clean up after your dog.

SEPTEMBER 2013

It is the the responsibility of the dog owner or the person in charge of the dog to clear up any www.oraclepublications.co.uk ORACLE-ON-SEA 9

dog foul left by their dog. Here in Southend, if you fail to clean up after your dog you can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice or face prosecution where you could be liable for a fine up to £5,000.

Even though we have over 300 dog waste bins in the town and some with more severe sanctions, some dog owners still fail to clean up after their dogs. The highest level of dog fouling can be found in areas where people actually live.

Needless spending If someone fails to clean up after their dog, the council will clear dog fouling from public places that it has a legal responsibility for. Thousands of pounds are spent each year on ensuring public spaces are kept clean and this could all be so much easier if dog owners remembered the simple message to ‘Bag it, Bin it.’

If you are with someone you know and they allow their dog to foul you may feel safe telling them that they shouldn’t. However, if you do not know the person it is important not to confront them if you think that your personal safety might be at risk.

Sadly it’s becoming a recurring sight to see bags of dog mess hanging from tree branches, Unrealistic fences, gates, basically anywhere but in a bin.

It’s a two step process and one which all dog Fines in the form of Fixed Penalty Notices owners need to be on board with. After all we where issued do act as a strong deterrent. To all know that the Dog Poo Fairy doesn’t exist issue a Fixed Penalty Notice a dog needs to be caught in the act. It would require an army of Many people find dog fouling offensive and enforcement officers to stand on every street want to do something about it. If you feel corner which is unrealistic. strongly that dog fouling should not be To enable fines to be given the council tolerated on our streets. requires intelligence from residents. This can be done anonymously by calling 01702 215 000. Dog are habitual creatures and it will be at certain times of the day when dog fouling occurs.

We can all play our part to stamp out the most common form of anti-social behaviour to ensure that Southend remains a clean, safe and pleasant environment to live and work in.

O Cllr Tony Cox

01702 297039 cllrcox@southend.gov.uk 10

ORACLE-ON-SEA

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SEPTEMBER 2013

01702 714 968

Three generations of traditional Jewellery Craftsmen For over sixty years the Andrews family have retained their reputation as a trusted local jewellery business, who always offer excellent value for money.

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Substantial ranges of rings, brooches, chains, pendants, earrings, beads, pearls and watches are held in stock. As are individual gemstones - diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and a host of semi-precious jewels.

Gelish Manicure or 3 For 2 Organic Spray Tan

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Andrews offer a fast and efficient jewellery repair and remodelling service.

Watch repairs are also undertaken.

The majority of work is produced in-house by experienced craftsmen at a realistic price.

£10 off Sports, Remedial & Therapeutic Massage

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Insurance work is also welcomed.

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ORACLE-ON-SEA

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Get into

golf It’s never been easier to get started...

Golf’s winning combination of exercise, sporting skill and social interaction make it the perfect tonic for good health and happiness.

Playing golf can bring you some impressive health and wellbeing benefits that can help you look and feel at your best.

There’s no better sport for bringing people together. With plenty of time for conversation and fun – golf is the perfect way to make new friends.

Beginner courses are available across Essex where you will receive a basic introduction to the game from a PGA professional coach.

So, all you need to do is book and turn up on the day in comfortable clothing, equipment will be provided.

Adult Beginner Courses

4 weeks from £20 Garon Park Golf Complex Eastern Avenue Southend On Sea SS2 4FA

For more information go to getintogolf.org/essex or call 0800 118 2766

Really positive signs Hopson Property Services. Selling, managing and letting properties consistently for over 20 years.

Members of the National Assoc. of Estate Agents

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Oracle Interior Design

Not so shabby but very chic

P

ainted furniture is undergoing something of a revival at the moment. I am being asked more and more frequently about this so I thought I’d share with you how easy it can be to transform a piece of unloved furniture into an enviable design piece. Whatever the item may be as long as it is wooden the same principals apply.

Firstly, go over the item with some fine grade sandpaper to ‘key’ the surface. This gives the paint something to cling to and is an essential part of the process, don’t be tempted to just stick the paint on and hope for the best, it might look great to start with but it will easily scratch or worse, peel off.

Once the primer has completely dried you can apply your chosen topcoat. I would recommend using an Eggshell finish which is low sheen but will be really resiliant to knocks and scratches. The first coat gives you a good base and then a second coat gives you beautiful depth of colour and a perfect finish.

Attention to detail Whilst neutral colours work well on furniture, using deeper tones or bright colours can give a room a real pop of colour that can sometimes pull a scheme together and act as a great focal point.

Some of my favourites include, Little Green Paint Co’s Dark Lead, Farrow & Ball’s Railings, Arsenic and Green Blue. Trust me, colour should be embraced, we all need a little more Apply a primer Once you’ve removed any dust or dirt you can colour in our lives sometimes. apply a primer. This will help to ensure that By Samantha Gundy resin from any knots in the wood do not cause discolouration of the final colour. Farrow & Ball do a primer and undercoat in one that comes in a variety of shades to work with your top coat. Using the appropriate primer is LEIGH-ON-SEA an essential part of the process to give you a perfect finish and depth of colour that will last www.gardners-shop.co.uk for years to come.

SEPTEMBER 2013 ORACLE-ON-SEA www.oraclepublications.co.uk 16

O

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SEPTEMBER 2013

Advertorial Clients are assessed beforehand to make sure they get the most out of the sessions”, as each course is tailored to each individual’s needs. Suitable for men and women of all ages the sessions are completely confidential.

Many People Have Already Felt The Benefits Of The Course “The sessions with Gemma achieved results I did not expect or think possible. The combination of Reiki, EFT and CBT enabled me to identify and let go of things causing underlying stress and anxiety”. SL

How to rediscover feeling Healthy and Happy

“I have just completed this course and cannot recommend it enough. After each session I would feel calm and relaxed, with a strong sense of wellbeing! Gemma has a very happy outlook on life that’s really felt in every session”. JG

“For me this course has been life changing.

I came to Gemma on the verge of going back onto anti depressions and feeling lost, insecure and extremely low. Using the tools provided on this course I have faced my fears, and am now in the happiest place i've So how do we get on top of it and feel like been for a long time”. KH ourselves again? Well, Gemma Haupt a qualified therapist at Hidden Gem, has de- “The whole experience was game veloped a bespoke 6-week rebalance changing. It has really been a big part in a bigger picture. It's hard to really put words course to help do exactly that. but thank you”. AG The Course includes a combination of therapies such as: Course available at Hidden Gem – Holistic Health & Happiness, Leigh-On-Sea. Give n Reiki Gemma a call to help rebalance your life. n CBT counselling n EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) n Life Coaching n And Naturopathy

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eeling good, healthy and in control of your life can sometimes be a challenge. Stress, anxiety and fatigue are just some of the symptoms we feel when it can all get too much.

O

Gemma explains more about the course: “The sessions are designed to help clients feel more balanced and in control of their life & emotions.

SEPTEMBER 2013

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Oracle Hair & Beauty

These create the dilemma of which style is the most flattering - particularly for any man past the first flush of youth.

Retailers say that, while knee-length shorts are the most popular, the trendiest look is half-length - the very style that fashion commentators say is most difficult for men to pull off.

How short is too short?

I

t’s the dilemma dogging fashionforward chaps up and down the country, as the warm weather looks set to remain until September – just how short, is too short, for shorts?

Even the Prime Minister, David Cameron, has been dragged into the debate. He was praised by some sections of the press for sporting a pair of knee-length khaki shorts, teamed with a denim short-sleeved shirt and suede loafers while on holiday in the Algarve. Unfortunately, ‘Call me Dave’ may have been responding to the fashionistas who criticised him in 2011 for wearing 1980s-style shorts, deeming them too short and somewhat boyish.

Increased popularity The conundrum for men of all walks of life, is created by the sheer variety of shorts on sale in the High Street, their growth of fashion-consciousness and the increasing acceptance of shorts in a wider number of social and professional situations.

Four distinct styles are currently on sale: half-length (which reach no lower than the middle of the thigh), knee-riders (cut no more than 2in above the knee), board shorts (which stop slightly below the knee) and clam-diggers (which reach halfway down the calf).

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ORACLE-ON-SEA

Debenhams say sales of men's shorts that end more than 4in above the knee have risen this year by 156%. Meanwhile, clam-diggers have fallen out of fashion entirely - John Lewis has stopped selling them.This is a good thing as no self-respecting man should dress like a French toddler. Apparently, the more conservative knee-riders are proving most popular this summer.

Short suits Shorts that skim the knee look cleaner and therefore smarter so men can still look professional – especially in the workplace.This is an arena in which we are continually being judged, whether we like it or not, on our appearance and where the ‘Too short or not to short?’ debate is currently raging the hottest.

Metrosexuals in London have re-ignited the furious debate about short suits, something that male fashion has toyed with since the late Eighties and early Nineties However, and most importantly of all, a man should consider the condition of his legs before stepping out anywhere in shorts. Dress according to the length and beefiness of your pins and if in doubt, lightweight, trousers can be just as cool as shorts on balmy days and nights.

Just make sure they’re not your suit trousers, matched with your office brogues and sans socks. It’s not a look.

Just ask Dave.

O

Sponsored by

32 Alexandra St., Southend SS1 1BU

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01702 340965 SEPTEMBER 2013

Advertorial

a visit to Cameo for some well needed retail therapy.

The Cameo team have put together this list of their autumn top picks to help you get in the mood for autumn: Autumn Leaves – our casual-wear collection in a beautiful autumn leaves colour palette of deep burgundy red, rich oranges, russets & olive greens will have you longing for the cooler days so you can get all wrapped up!

Ready for Autumn ameo Boutique is situated in the main shopping area of Hadleigh. It is a charming independent boutique offering clothes and accessories that can’t be found on the high street.

All the ranges are handpicked and chosen for their compatibility with each other allowing many of the collections to be mixed and matched to create a unique offering.

C

The sleeved poncho – new & so easy to wear, it’s the ideal knitwear piece for taking you from indoor to outdoor. You’ll find them in chunky cable knits, in soft textured knits & in stripes, there’s something for everyone.

Sleeves, sleeves, glorious sleeves – we’ve always got an excellent selection of dresses with sleeves & this season will not disappoint. We know how important it is to you ladies!

Love Lace – still the must have look for Evening & Occasionwear. This season sees lace in deep pewter greys & of course black but lined with stunning jewel colours. Our lined lace jacket is the ideal statement piece.

Like our facebook page & keep up to date with all our news & events.

We very much look forward to welcoming you at the boutique.

Cameo’s good name and reputation has become synonymous with its consistent and friendly welcome, along with season after season of beautiful ranges of ladies wear which have been carefully selected to accommodate every occasion; stylish casual wear, gorgeous outfits for the lady who may like to take a cruise, stunning evening wear and a wide range of fabulous Mother of bride attire, including the all important accessories from exquisite hats, fashion jewellery, gorgeous shoes and even those all important undergarments to complete the look.

Above all, the Cameo team are committed to ensuring their customers have a thoroughly enjoyable retail experience and that their ladies leave feeling they have the perfect outfit for every life occasion. Their expert eye will ensure that you look and feel your best.

Believe it or not autumn is on its way & the new collections are drip feeding in each day at the boutique. So, as the evenings draw in, it’s time to take

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ORACLE-ON-SEA

01702 552250 www.cameo-boutique.com

223 London Road, Hadleigh, Essex, SS7 2RD

www.facebook.com/cameo.boutique.uk

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SEPTEMBER 2013

Oracle Sport

Wednesday is always Roger Buxton’s day when over 50 people sit down for lunch in the clubhouse and enjoy a great meal and some entertaining cricket. Roger has been bringing a side to Southchurch Park for over 40 years and as a former player and Life Member has always been a great servant to the club. The match was played with great spirit and ended in an honourable draw.

Thursday , Well what can I say! Seven months of planning and we get a phone call from David Masters benefit committee chairman on the Sunday before the game to say that David will not be able to bring his Essex XI to Southchurch Park.

They had to train for the 20/20 finals day. Thanks Essex!

Cricket Week

The club recovered from this bombshell and were able to gather enough people to hold a very good six-a-side competition during the afternoon which was well supported. It is a testament to the character of the club that we managed to pick ourselves up off the ground and still have a fantastic day.

ast week Old Southendian & Southchurch Cricket Club held it’s annual cricket week at Southchurch park, with the highlight being the David Masters Benefit Cricket match on Thursday afternoon.

Friday finished the week in style with a Chairmans XI against a club side.This gave a lot of our younger players the chance to play against a some of the coaches that spend many hours with them each week. I know they enjoyed the game which was won by the club side comfortably. Unlucky Chairman!

L

Cricket week has been an annual tradition for the former Southchurch Cricket Club for over 50 years and was continued when the club merged with Old Southendian CC in 1984. It is a fantastic achievement for the club to still be holding this annual event.

Closely fought game On Monday we enjoyed a pleasant afternoon with Over 40’s from both OS&SCC and Southend EMT combining to play against the Over 40’s from Leigh on Sea CC and Westcliff on Sea CC.This was organised in memory of John Wade, who played and coached in both parks over many years who sadly passed away earlier this year. A trophy was presented to the winning team, which on this occasion was Leigh and Westcliff in a closely fought game. It is hoped this fixture will be continued over many years in John’s memory.

Family fun The week was finished off with a great curry courtesy of Rif and Baju and a gig by local band and Old Southendian members the Loud Accessories, which was supported by many members, friends and family.

A great week despite the disappointment of Thursday. It was brilliant to see so many young players supporting cricket week and I really believe we have to keep these traditions going as long as we possibly can. Our club is in debt to a small band of people who make this week possible. Without them as in most clubs, traditions would come to an end.

by Chris Bunce

O

Tuesday saw Paragon CC who folded in the early 90’s, play their annual fixture against the club.The Paragon team is organised by OS&SCC club stalwart Chris Sorrell, who was an integral part of the Paragon set up. It was unfortunate that half of Chris’s ageing squad picked this week to book a holiday, but as always he managed to organise a team. From what I understand, the club side full of very young athletic players just managed to beat their more senior opponents.

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Advertorial

If you are scared of the dentist, then this is the lady you need to see…

Childhood tooth trauma made Dee determined to be the dentist you actually look forward to visiting

W

hen I was young, my first experience of a dentist was when I was told I needed to have a filling in my baby tooth. I was absolutely petrified and my friends really didn’t help by telling me it was going to be very painful. And sadly that first dentistry experience lived up to all those bad expectations I had.

I remember sitting there in that chair and really wishing there was a gentle, kind and patient dentist I could see who would make all my fears of the dentist go away. I wanted a person who would genuinely understand why I was so scared and do all they could to make my panic vanish whilst also doing their best to make my treatment as smooth and painless as possible.

For me dentistry is all about those little details that make a big difference to a patient’s experience – both my surgeries are designed around that philosophy.

I know the sound of drill can be quite disconcerting, but unfortunately for the time being the drill is an integral part of dentistry - so I came up with the idea of providing music headphones for patients which help drown out the drilling sound

Sadly that never materialised, so as I grew older I became determined that the only thing for it was for me to become that gentle, kind, patient and honest dentist myself. That decision led me to university where I trained as a dentist and I now practise at two clinics in Southend - King’s Clinic in Leigh-on-Sea and Smiles on Broadway in Thorpe Bay. 28

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SEPTEMBER 2013

Another problem for patients is where to look – you need something to distract you and take your minds off what is happening, so on the ceiling above my dentists chair is a TV screen to occupy your eyes and thoughts.

I hate injections just as much as you so I go that extra mile to ensure they are as painless as possible. I gently numb the target area of the mouth first with a soft, soothing gel before introducing the needle, so hopefully you will hardly feel it once I inject.

X-rays can be really uncomfortable too, having to put quite a big piece of plastic in your mouth, so I will always do a relaxing breathing exercise with my patients first to help them prepare for what is coming and make it less stressful.

Also there is nothing worse than holding your mouth open for ages – it hurts! – so I finish off extended treatments with a jaw and neck massage.

Coming to the dentist can be really difficult - even for those who aren’t scared!

The last thing you need is to be lectured – so I won't lecture you and I won't tell you what you need to do. I’ll always ask what you want and based on my findings together we will develop a relationship towards you gaining a healthy mouth.

As well as your day to day check up’s, fillings and extractions, I can also offer a variety of speciality treatments such as implants,cosmetic dentistry and appliances to help treat clenching, grinding and jaw joint problems. I work really hard to ensure my skills are constantly updated as I think it is really important to keep all treatments under one roof so patients know that they are getting all the treatments they could possibly get from their one dentist they know and trust.

I also understand a lot of the time the jargon that we dentists say makes no rhyme or reason so I always endeavour to be patient and speak in terms that the patient understands as I explain the treatment and advice. And all our decisions will be based on what is best for you AND your wallet.

My fear of the dentist has never left me, so now every time I treat a patient I put myself back in that dental chair and remember how scared I was looking up at that person as they treated me, and wanting to be treated with that same gentle care that I now deliver to my patients. It means I always strive to be gentle and caring - and I think I’m getting there as my patients tell me it is like having butterflies in their mouths!

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recipe of the month

1. Slice the cauliflower in half. Carefully chop one half finely trying to keep as many little florets as possible and reserve the stalk. Roughly chop the other one with the reserved stalk and cook for 6-8 minutes in simmering water or 8-10 mins in a steamer until tender. Drain and then put in a processor with the cream and season with salt and white pepper. Put back in the pan and keep warm until you are ready to serve.

In the Kitchen with Judy Barden

2. Melt the butter in a pan and add the finely chopped florets, stirring for 5 minutes until they start becoming tinged with brown and turn golden. Add the lemon zest and half the parsley.

3. Bring a pan of water to the boil and cook the French beans until just tender.

4. Meanwhile heat the oil in a non stick frying pan over a medium heat. Season the fish fillets and then with the skin side up pinch the middle and make 3 small slits in the skin through the thick part of the fish. This will help it cook more evenly.

Repeat with all the fillets.

Crispy Skinned Sea Bass with Cauliflower Puree

I

think this must be one of the simplest dishes to make and can be used as a starter (without the beans) a supper or dinner party dish. I love recipes that have 5 ingredients as you know you will not spend too much time in the kitchen.

Sea bass is readily available and has come down in price but still feels like a luxury. The cauliflower can also be used with lots of other dishes, fish as well as meat. The puree can be made in advance and gently reheated.

Give it a go !

5. Add the fish to the pan skin side down and hold them down with a spatula so they do not balloon up. Cook for 3-4 minutes then turn the fillets over for 1 minute on the other side.

6. To serve place the cauliflower puree in a swirl on a warm plate with a small pile of green beans.

Place the sea bass on top and then scatter with the golden cauliflower the reserved parsley and then cut the lemon into wedges and serve on the side.

O

Next month’s recipe: Pear and Blackberry Crumbles Sponsored by

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Oracle Gardening

Bulbs resented with a bulb or seed most amateur gardeners run a country mile in the mistaken belief that such a thing, so far removed from the finished product, is for expert hands only yet bulbs are the easiest plant to cultivate both inside and out. Essential in the dormant months, beacons of colour in the smallest of spots and cheaper than Aldi, bulbs are a must so here's some pointers to get you started.

P

possible to give them a head start but be sure temperatures have noticeably dropped or the bulbs may start to flower.

Planting styles are subjective but if you are planting bulbs beneath trees or in a lawn it's best to keep it looking natural. A good way to achieve this is to mix the bulbs and drop handfuls at waist height then plant them where they lay. In herbaceous beds I prefer to have punches of colour so will plant groups of Buying the same which also allows me to dig a trench Bulbs should be plump and firm - avoid any or area rather than plant individually thereby that are damaged or shrivelled. Most garden saving time. centres have a wide selection of bulbs and Aftercare bring the benefit of inspection before purchase but garden centres (as always) play it Think of bulbs as batteries and so if you wish a safe and will only provide common favourites repeat performance the following year then so look online to add some distinction. Both you will have to tolerate a month of straggly sarahraven.com and crocus.co.uk are both foliage in order for the plant to recharge. You good sites. can remove the flower stalks and thereafter trim any brown leaves to an inch from the Planting ground where they will sit unnoticed until next A good rule of thumb is to plant the bulb three years fireworks. Worth it no? And I haven't even times its depth and twice its breadth. As most mentioned Lillies, Agapanthus, Canna - or bulbs come from hot, usually Mediterranean Amaryllis or winter Hyacinths etc etc regions plant them in a sunny spot with good By Paul Sammon drainage. If the bulbs are going within a bed already cultivated then all you need to use is your trowel. If you are planting crocus in a lawn then gently cut out strips of turf, scrape off some of the topsoil (replacing it with a mixture of grit and well rotted manure) and roll the turf back over. Try to be sure all bulbs are pointing upwards although they will grow if laid on their side so don't fuss too much or you'll be on your knees all week. As to timing, spring www.greenprintgardens.co.uk flowering bulbs should be planted as soon as

O

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Oracle Motoring

Free Parking on Double Yellows?

E

ver thought of popping into the high street to pick something up but afraid that parking on the yellow lines for 10 minutes will catch you out with a hefty fine?!

Well you may soon have to worry no more, motorists could be given a“grace period”to pick up goods from shops or even leave cars in bays for longer.

With many suggestions that councils are using parking fines simply as “cash cows” (which they are strongly denying) the idea of being able to park on a double yellow is certainly one that seems like a bright idea.

Support local shops Of course it’s a bright idea! Right? No hassle when trying to find a free space, no more paying at parking bays when picking up something from the shop, better still think about the increase in revenue for local high street stores. The “15 minute grace period rule” will make us feel more inclined to use a local shop instead of buy online with someone we have no affiliation with.

Although the conservatives believe this to be a great idea which should be enforced and deserves a trial period their coalition partners the Lib Dems have their own reservations to the idea. Liberal Democrats transport minister Norman Baker believes a grace

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period is not the answer and that it would be wrong to interfere with the local councils’ parking policies.

Further argument against parking on double yellows is pedestrians’ safety; do we really want to jeopardise our safety for the sake of “quickly popping in to pick something up”?! If you think that is an invalid point what about the further traffic jams this would create? This could ultimately make life more difficult when trying to spend 5 minutes to pick up goods. Moreover how will this grace period be monitored? Surely that is going to be costly and impractical to monitor?

So, what do you think? Will the 15 minute grace period be worthwhile enough to generate sufficient local revenue to warrant brief free parking on double yellows?

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Health & Beauty

Don’t Worry, Be Happy W e all need a little stress in our lives in order to keep us motivated, progressing and moving forward - but too much can lead to some serious health problems.

Luckily, there are a few simple tools that can help you handle the pressures of modern living.

Find out what’s stressing you the most. - In most people’s cases it’s related to security (home, job or finances), sustenance (diet) or sex (your relationship). Once you’ve isolated the main cause, you can focus on dealing with it.

Beat your stress Plan to beat your stress - Set a series of short-term, achievable goals. These will help you see yourself progressing. Find books, CDs, DVDs, etc that address the challenge you’re confronting, or find someone who’s dealt with the same issue and ask for their help. Eliminate or minimise this worry and you’ll have taken a big step forward.

Eat right and drink enough water - If you look after yourself on the inside, then you’ll be far better able to deal with the stress on the outside.

Eat and drink rubbish and you’ll be doubling the trouble you’re in by sabotaging your health.

stressed-out people, a full-on exercise regime could be too intense - you’ll simply break. Start something like tai-chi or yoga that will help bring your body back into balance. Taking up a new pursuit also helps - clay pigeon shooting, walking the dog or swimming are just a few of the thousands of activities to relax and de-stress.

Positive thinking Train your brain - Many successful people have used positive thinking to help get them to where there are now. Focus on what you DO want in your life rather than what you DON’T, and then put all your energy into making it happen.

Jimmy Cliff got it absolutely spot on when he sang “You can get it if you really want, but you must try, try and try, you’ll succeed at last.”

Good luck and remember I offer a free consultation to anyone who is looking to make positive changes to their health and fitness, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Get active - Doing the right amount of exercise can help you cope with stress by giving you a way of releasing it constructively. For really

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