Leigh on Sea - Oracle April 2011

Leigh-on-Sea

April ‘11

ORACLE

Leigh at a glance

Est. Oct 2006. Circulation 5,500

Competition Win a Waitrose hamper worth ÂŁ45

Local Issues Mission at Peaceful Place

Recipe

Roast Leg of Lamb in a Parmesan and Breadcrumb Crust

Oracle Motoring

E(U)quality; but not as we know it!

Money Matters Planning for long-term care?

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Leigh

OR ACLE

publisher’s letter

W

hat a great month ahead, with Easter and the extra bank holiday for the Royal Wedding.

With this celebration in mind Oracle has decided to hold another competition.

Waitrose Southend and Leigh branches are kindly offering the chance to win two ‘Spring Temptation Hampers’ worth £45 each. Please visit www.waitrose.com to see the contents of these fabulous prizes.

To enter, simply send your name and contact details to: Oracle April Hamper Competition, 39 Alexandra Street,Southend,Essex SS1 1BW. The closing date will be the 15th April 2011.

I am pleased to announce that the calendar-girls, Risque Business,has raised a staggering £3144 so far and is still collecting for the Southend Bosom Pals appeal. Jo Curtis who master-minded the whole project would like to say a big thank you to everyone who donated their time and who purchased a calendar.

Happy Easter and good luck with the competition!

Open Gardens Charity Day Sun 10 April

Sun 20 July£3.50 2-5 pm Admission: Children FREE Admission: £3 Children FREE Home-made Teas available Home-made Teas available Tel : 01702 299022

Emma Wynne-Morgan Publisher

01702 393838 www.oraclepublications.co.uk info@oraclepublications.co.uk www.twitter.com/oracle_essex Printed by EVONPRINT, Small Dole, Sussex 01273 494631 APRIL

2011

South Shoebury Hall Church Road, Shoeburyness (Entrance next to the Church)

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3

ORACLE

BRIAN LAMB PAINTERS & DECORATORS Professional reliable service Quality Workmanship 36 Years experience Interior and exterior Free No-Obligation Estimates Competitive Rates Fully Insured

April ‘11

contents

Local Issues

9/10

Mission at Peaceful Place

By Celia Riley

01702 420593 Mob:

Does my bum look big in this?

Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith Lasting Powers of Attorney

By Simon Smith

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07791 679238

7 Woodside Court, 190 Woodside Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 4TF

18/19

E(U)quality; but not as we know it!

Oracle Motoring by Stuart Winder

22

Make the most of your opportunities in these taxing times 22 Money Matters by Jacqui Moyies Roast Leg of Lamb in a Parmesan & Breadcrumb Crust Judy ‘s Recipe Page

24

Better Luck this Time Cultured Club by Tracy Jones

32

Sudoku

34

Diary Dates

36 40 42

Useful Numbers Advertiser Index

Advertorials Ravens Cook Thorpe Hall School 4

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6/7 13/13

30/31 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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2011

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Color is always key and dictates the mood and attitude of the season. On-trend color is absolutely essential to get any look right. Ravens new colour palette is fresh and enlivening with limes, kiwis and soft denim blues, naturals, neutrals and flesh tones and a salient nautical and coastal theme of dark navy and lightened colours bleached by salt and faded in the sun and the sea.

The new, stunning looks are a ‘must see’!

The new 2011 fashion collections have arrived!

Breathtaking ranges from Gerry Weber, Frank Lyman, Olsen, Pause Cafe, Crea Concept and Fenn Wright Manson (seen on left) among many others. Pale and very interesting or svelte and glamorous for those big occasions, there’s a look in store at Ravens for you. (Look forward to the Frank Lyman appreciation day in late May).

Fresh, exciting looks for Spring at Ravens

Additionally, to complete the look, stylish fashions of superb cut and fit from many of Europe’s foremost designers can now be accessorised from a wide range of shoes, bags, belts and scarves to create a look that is uniquely your own.

Many of the brands are exclusive to Ravens in Southend. Major German and Italian designer shoe brands, including the likes of Josef Siebel, Toni Pons, Gabor, Van Dal, HB Shoes, Fit-Flop Gold gladiator sandals from Van Dal

Batik dress and 3/4 sleeve top from Betty Barclay

T

he Sun is doing its damnedest to break through and save us all from a pretty dramatic and dismal winter. It brings with it light, warmth and colour which is reflected in the fashion trends and new collections for Spring 2011 at Ravens, just off the High Street in Southend.

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The stylish Sarawak range

APRIL J U LY

2011 2010

Beautiful, Italian handbags in leather

and Zodiaco, line up with Italian bags (Arcadia.

Gianni Conti, Ri2k), Passigatti scarves, Stephen Collins Belts and Dents accessories.

Men have style too There’s not a lot of point in being a Bird of Paradise - without having a Peacock under your wing! The man in your life may not have the condfidence to make the most of himself - but you can.

The Ground Floor of Ravens features their Menswear Department. It’s quite a revelation.

It’s the shirts that first clamour for attention.

Oiler & Boiler, Robert Graham, Lacoste, Culture, Dutch Co. and the eye-catching range of statement, limited-edition shirts by English brand., ’1 Like No Other’ (see right).

The sharper silhouette from Without Prejudice

Stunning limited-edition shirts from 1 like no other

Style to suit you Light, summer linen jackets and suits are fresh in from great labels such as Santinelli.

And, when you need to scrub up well and cut a certain dash, the innovative, incredibly well-made and beautifully-tailored suits from Without Prejudice use attractive, different fabrics that mean the suit is ready to make a contemporary come back – in style.

With five, fully-trained staff on hand at Ravens, you can always get the advice and help that you want when you need it. Friendly and enthusiastic, the staff share a love of looking your best and have the experience to help you create a look that’s right.

APRIL

2011

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6-7 Clifftown Road, Southend SS1 1AB

01702 344051

www.ravensltd.co.uk enquiries@ravensltd.co.uk

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2011

Local Issues

Mission at Peaceful Place I

n the UK, with around half a million people with dementia currently living at home, many of us are touched by this cruel condition. For those diagnosed with younger onset dementia – under the age of 65 – life can be even harder to tackle, with families having to juggle care with work and paying the bills.

The Rochford-based charity Peaceful Place provides a lifeline to many Essex families living with dementia. The charity, established in 1996, runs a day centre five days a week, offering specialised help and support with the aim of stimulating its members mentally, physically and socially.

Enthusiastic, experienced and caring staff take members out on enjoyable day trips and to restaurants, as well as organising a multitude of activities in the day centre. The activities on offer include arts and crafts, music, Tai Chi, aromatherapy, cooking, quizzes, table tennis, snooker etc.

APRIL

2011

Dan Lawrence, new Operations Manager at Peaceful Place, said: “Our mission at Peaceful Place is two-fold. Not only do we look after members in a safe, caring and friendly environment, but at the same time carers also get the opportunity to continue with their working lives or take respite. Working closely with community mental health teams, the Alzheimer’s Society and the Dementia Advocacy Service, you can be sure our members receive the best care, advice and support while they are at Peaceful Place.”

As a logical extension to its existing services, work is about to begin on building supported living accommodation in nearby Hockley to enable people to continue to live as independent lives as possible within the community. All too often, younger people with dementia are inappropriately placed in homes more suitable for older patients, where their needs are sometimes not met.

Peaceful Place still needs to raise £300,000 to complete its building project, with a view to operating from January 2012. To finance this much-needed facility, a series of fundraising events are planned, starting with a street party on the Royal Wedding Day, so don’t fret if your invitation has been “lost in the post” because:

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You are cordially invited to help celebrate the marriage of:-

His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales & Miss Catherine Middleton at a Street Party in Thorpe Bay Broadway on Friday, 29th April 2011, 5 pm – 8 pm PROGRAMME OF EVENTS 4.30 – 5 pm: St. Augustines’s bells will remind all Commoners to proceed to the Broadway 5.00 pm: The Mayor of Southend, Councillor Ann Holland, will arrive and greet the Royal couple and her subjects.

5.35 pm: The Mayor will make a loyal toast to the newly-weds.

5.40 pm: Jig Dolls followed by Punch and Judy.

5.40 pm: Performance by the Southend girls and boys choir.

6.40 pm: Over and under balloon race and pass the wedding parcel competition between neighbours (those with odd house numbers are on the bride’s side, those with even numbers are on the groom’s side)

Music is being provided throughout the reception by the fantastic seven-piece rock and pop band Wheelz There will also be side stalls, a Ukulele band, food and drink, bunting and flag waving. In addition, a book of raffle tickets may have been posted through your door, these can be returned at certain shops displaying a sign in the Broadway.

All profits from the day are going to Peaceful Place.

OTHER FUTURE EVENTS:Saturday, 30th April 2011, The fantastic group ‘Heartbeat’ will be recreating the original sounds of Buddy Holly and the Crickets at the Westcliff Hotel. Peaceful Place will also be showcasing a virtuoso violinist – Joshua Mayhew of Southend High School for Boys. The party begins at 8pm.

Tickets are £20 including buffet.

Sunday, 26th June 2011: Pure-Nostalgia Classic Car and Retro Show at the Lawn, Rochford.

7.10 pm: 2nd performance of Jig Dolls and Punch and Judy

Thursday, 14th July 2011: Hair and Fashion Show at the Kursaal.

7.10 pm: Judging and awarding of prizes to the best dressed couple, page boy and bridesmaid by Rachel Riley of Countdown.

Saturday, 2nd July 2011: Moonlight Colourthon.

Join Rachel Riley from Countdown in raising funds for Peaceful Place.

7.40 pm: Bids close for the silent auction.

Raffle is drawn.

Sunday, 24th July 2011: Dogathon (sponsored dog walk and competitions in the park with prizes).

7.55 pm: The bridal bouquet will be thrown (all single women over 16 eligible to try to catch it – no fighting, please!)

For further information or to book any of the above events, phone Celia Riley on 01702 546476 or e-mail fundraising@peacefulplace.co.uk

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APRIL

2011

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Advertorial

Award-Winning Food Business Comes To Town!

8th April - COOK Opens 48th Shop In Leigh-On-Sea

C

OOK, the maker of remarkable frozen meals, is opening a new shop in Leigh-on-Sea. The COOK shop, at Units 1-2 Clements Arcade, The Broadway opens on 8th April offering a wide range of award-winning meals and puddings for your freezer that look and taste homemade.

Since its launch in 1997, COOK has been providing delicious food for those who don’t have the time or inclination to always cook themselves. COOK’s founding principle was to use exactly the same techniques and ingredients that a good domestic cook would use at home, so everything looks and tastes homemade.Today, nothing has changed and COOK continues to make its meals by hand at the COOK Kitchen in Kent. As proof of its handmade nature, the name of the individual chef who cooked each dish is printed on the packaging.

Because COOK’s food is blast frozen at -35°C all the nutrients and flavour are locked in so it tastes freshly made when it’s removed from the oven or microwave (all dishes can be cooked from frozen).

COOK won eight Great Taste Awards from the Guild of Fine Foods in 2010 - the most any other maker of “ready meals” collected was two.

The COOK range includes: Everyday meals for busy people in one and two portions such as Moroccan Harissa Chicken, Lasagne Al Forno and Hearty Fisherman’s Pie

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LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

Amazing curries such as Chicken Korma, Prawn Karahi, Lamb Dupiaza and Roasted Vegetable and Chickpea Curry Meals serving four or more - perfect for families or entertaining friends such as Moroccan Spiced Lamb Tagine, Coq au Vin and Beef Bourguignon Children’s meals such as Macaroni Cheese, Cod and Mashed Potato, and Spaghetti Bolognaise and organic baby food For Special Nights In COOK offers a remarkable range of meals expertly handmade and prepared for you including Haunch of Venison with Crushed Celeriac and Roasted Confit of Duck with a Juniper Berry Sauce Indulgent desserts such as Chocolate Mousse Torte and Raspberry Pavlova Cakes for occasions including Carrot Cake, Chocolate Fudge Cake and Boston Brownie The Leigh on Sea shop is a franchise owned by Nicola Joseph and Sam Smith. Nicola said: “The team at COOK is passionate about making fantastic food that a really good cook might produce at home if only they had the time and we are delighted to be opening a shop in Leigh on Sea. Our dishes deliver a depth of flavour far superior to what you find typically on the supermarket shelves.

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APRIL

2011

We can help you with everything from canapés for a drinks party, to family meals, dinner with friends or simple suppers for one or two—just don’t let on you didn’t make it!”

Recently launched dishes include: Cheese Soufflés with Red Onion Marmalade £4.99 for two COOK has created what may be the world’s first frozen cheese soufflé – straight from freezer to oven and 25 minutes later a light, lovely soufflé with red onion marmalade! Made by hand at the COOK Kitchen in Kent using mature cheddar, feta and parmesan, the Soufflé pushes the boundaries of frozen food and is perfect as a delicious lunchtime treat or stunning dinner party starter. The soufflés sit within an edible basket of filo pastry meaning no ramekin or container is required. A spoonful of caramelised red onion marmalade sits at the centre of each.

Beef Wellingtons Prime fillet of British beef with a mushroom and brandy duxelle wrapped in a puff pastry lattice £15.99 (serves 2)

Risotto with Peas and Mint Arborio rice with petits pois, flageolet beans and a knob of lemon and mint butter £2.99 (serves 1) / £5.95 (serves 2) Cook’s Frozen Soufflé - The World’s First?

Delicious : Frozen Pea Risotto

Drinks Party?

Let COOK take the strain..

Catering for a drinks party is always tricky. Some food is expected, but how much? Enough to soak up whatever drinks you happen to be serving, but not so much that mountains of leftovers remain.

Because you cook COOK’s canapés from frozen, you can always buy more than you think you’ll need and keep the extra in the freezer just in case!

COOK’s Canapés include: Chicken and Mango Chutney Filo Rolls - £5.99 Beef Wellingtons and Mushroom and Horseradish Duxelle - £6.75 Smoked Haddock and Salmon Fishcakes - £6.50 Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto Tartlets - £5.99 COOK in Leigh-on-Sea’s opening hours will be Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5.30pm. For further information check out COOK’s website at www.cookfood.net

01702 470037 Units 1 - 2 Clements Arcade The Broadway, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 1PA

www.cookfood.net APRIL

2011

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Oracle Hair & Beauty

Does My Bum Look Big in This?

by Craig Smith

I

f I had a pound for every time one of my clients has caught sight of themselves in the mirror at my salon and uttered the immortal line 'Does my bum look big in this?' - I could have bought a Caribbean island by now and spending my days sipping rum-based cocktails while wearing loud shirts.

It's all about the right fit. If your clothing is too tight, it accentuates and magnifies all the flaws. But don't fall into the common trap of thinking shapeless and huge hides a multitude of sins - clothing that is too loose and baggy actually magnifies your size rather than shrinking it.

We all want to look our best, whether we're short or tall, slim or curvier. The secret of course is what you wear, and how you wear it.

And to answer the original question - if you don't want your bum to look big, then long jackets and tops that go past the hips all help to conceal heavier bottoms. Prints should only be worn on the top - fabrics with vertical lines or patterns are suited to those with a larger derriere.

'She's got legs, she knows how to use them' the furry-chopped rockers ZZ Top informed us and they were spot on. Dressing your legs right can make all the difference - whether you're a lady or a gent.

Always choose trousers that are long enough for you - if your pants are too short, it visually cuts the length of your legs. The longer your legs look, the slimmer they'll appear.

Onto the basics, choose darker colours for areas you don't want the eyes to focus on and brighter colours for places you do want to accentuate. Black and navy are very slimming and should be staples of every wardrobe. Dressing from head to toe in one colour also makes you look taller. Stay away from large patterns and look for vertical stripes - thin ones are best as they add to the illusion of height. Adding length creates the impression of a longer body, which helps you look thinner.

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LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

But a key thing is to remember, and what Gok says is true, it's all about the confidence. If you've got it flaunt it. If you're happy with the skin you're in, let the world know it. Dressing to suit your body type is easy, fun and for those ladies and gents who get it right, oh so sexy!

For all your hair and beauty issues write to beauty@oraclepublications.co.uk Sponsored by

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Lasting Powers of Attorney

I

ntroduced in 2007 Lasting Powers of Attorney’s (LPA’s) are now vital documents, but there are still many misconceptions, and questions.

“Why should I have one?”... and the biggest question of all: “why are they so important?”

Not everyone likes to read guides, so here we relay a real life story to put the subject of “losing capacity”, the Court of Protection and Lasting Powers of Attorney into perspective. We have exaggerated nothing, although at first you may not believe that!

anything on Jack’s behalf! Bank accounts and savings in Jack’s name and held jointly were ‘frozen’. The family was forced, at considerable expense, to instruct a solicitor for son David to apply to the Court of Protection for authority to access his parent’s money on their behalf. This required time consuming and confusing completion of up to fifty official documents. Three months later they heard that they had been unsuccessful, probably due to a minor error in the form-filling.

70 year old retired grandparents Jack and Pam were financially comfortably off when without warning, Jack suffered a stroke that left him with the mental ability of a child for the remainder of his life.

Worse still the Court of Protection appointed a ‘deputy’ in the form of a local solicitor to look after Jack’s financial affairs. Pam and David were shocked to discover that the ‘deputy’ ignored all their pleas and requests, he had his own ideas on what Jack would have wanted, and appealing the ‘deputy’s’ decision could take the family up to a year.

Jack was officially declared as “lacking capacity”, as he could no longer make decisions for himself.

To their horror, Pam and son David discovered that despite being married Pam could not act for, or sign

This scenario, and worse, has already been played out many times, and will be repeated time and again, as many people will be slow to protect themselves.

If you would like to protect your loved ones from a similar scenario you can get more information by contacting Simon Smith, a Lasting Power of Attorney specialist, at Independent Retirement Strategies

O

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2011

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Professional, dedicated personal service by a certification provider.

Why visit a solicitor’s office and pay around twice the price when we can visit you at home, provide you with a specialist and knowledgeable consultation so you can make informed decisions in your own surroundings. Costs are around £220 per Lasting Power of Attorney excluding Office of the Public Guardian registration fee of £120 (if applicable). Discounts for couples.

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Established in 2003, IRS is an independent company providing expert advice around retirement issues to the people of Essex and beyond.

contact: Simon Smith at Independent Retirement Strategies

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Oracle Motoring

E(U)quality; but not as we know it!

By Stuart Winder ADI

I

n the last issue, I bemoaned the tax increases for company car drivers which will be starting to take effect this month. Now, changes to EU legislation surrounding insurance premiums are going to affect about half the population, as they are picking on every woman who insures their own lives, a vehicle or pays in to a pension....

Political Correctness gone mad?

Following a ruling by the European Courts of Justice, expect big changes to insurance premiums come December 2012. In their infinite wisdom, the ECJ has declared that insurers may no longer take gender in to account when setting premiums, citing the theory that this contradicted discrimination laws as their inspiration.

Risky Business My understanding of the underwriting process is that it is risk based. So why, when women live longer and are safer drivers, should they pay the same for motor insurance or life cover as men, who are a greater risk? Surely gender discrimination should be superseded by common sense in this case. After all, men don’t pay more simply because they are male; it is the associated risk of all that testosterone that carries the penalty.

answer is; nobody knows! Various - often angry - interest groups have been throwing figures around, but it’s all guesswork. Currently, the greatest differential is between young drivers.

According to the British Insurers Association, an 18 year old man will pay £4,400 per year for an average car where a young woman of the same age would expect to pay £2,700 for the same car.

The general view seems to be that men will be charged a little less to insure their cars – up to 10% perhaps – where as a young lady can expect to pay up to 30% more. AA Insurance calculates that this will add an average of £400 to a young woman’s annual premium.

Call me a cynic, but the insurance companies silence seems conspicuous to me and I can’t help thinking that some lobbying in Luxembourg may have influenced the Honourable Judges.....

O

Stuart Winder Planet Leasing

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23

recipe of the month In the Kitchen with Judy Barden

Cut the prosciutto into long strips. Now take a piece of rosemary and a piece of prosciutto and push into each incision, leaving the tops sticking out (Anyone who has studded lamb with garlic will get the idea, if the incisions are not big or deep enough just go round with your knife again. Once you have fiddled with 2 or 3 you will get the idea and it becomes a lot easier).

Rub the olive oil all over the lamb and season with salt and pepper, rubbing in well.

In a bowl mix the cheese and breadcrumbs and carefully sprinkle all over the top and sides of the lamb pressing down well with your hands so that the meat is covered and the crumbs don’t fall off.

Roast Leg of Lamb in a Parmesan and Breadcrumb Crust

T

his is a Sicilian recipe and works perfectly with lovely spring lamb, especially for an Easter lunch. The first of the season Welsh lamb is great and the slow roasting makes the meat very tender and the flavours of the rosemary and prosciutto work really well together. Savour the aromas when you are cooking this dish...the kitchen will smell wonderful.

Carefully place the meat in a roasting tin that will just hold the lamb and pour the wine and an equal quantity of water into the pan. Cover the whole tin with foil and bake in the oven for 2 ½ hours. For the last 10 minutes of cooking time, remove the foil, increase the heat to200c/fan 180c/gas 6 and roast until the top goes crispy and golden, watch it doesn’t burn.

Remove from the oven and rest for 20 minutes.

The cooking juices can be used as a light jus but you can always add a little bisto if you want to make it into a gravy.

Slice and serve with some small jersey royal potatoes and vegetables of your choice.

Enjoy!

Serves 8 2kg/4lb 4oz leg of spring lamb 200g/6 ½ oz prosciutto, cut into 5mm/ ½ in thick slices Bunch of rosemary cut into small pieces 2 tbsp olive oil 100g/3 ½ oz freshly grated parmesan 100g/3 ½ oz fresh breadcrumbs 250ml/ 9 fl oz white wine

Next month’s recipe:

‘Easy Sausage Meatball Pasta Bake’ Sponsored by

PHILIP SPLETT

Traditional Butcher and Sausage Maker

Method Preheat the oven to 180c/fan 160/gas 4. Place your leg of lamb on a large chopping board and with a long, thin, sharp pointed knife make deep incisions all over the meat.

24

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Money Matters

How are you planning to pay for long-term care?

by Jacqui Moyies

T

he funding of long-term care is becoming a major political issue, but for many families it is already a burning personal issue.

It is estimated that more than 20,000 pensioners were forced to sell their homes to pay for care last year (Source: The Telegraph, November 2010) and that number could be on the increase given rising care costs.

Depending on your income you may get state help, although a person who owns his or her home is likely to fail the local authority means test and be deemed a "self-funder".

In England, this threshold is £23,250 which has been frozen for the next two years (in Wales it is £22,000 and in Scotland £22,750) (Source: Department of Health, January 2011).

One popular option for paying for long-term care is an immediate care annuity, which pays a tax free fixed income for life, provided that it is paid directly to the care home provider.

sale of the home, once the annuity has been bought, can be left to the next generation.

You could try to fund care fees out of regular income – if you have the means to do so.

Alternatively, with careful planning you could build an investment portfolio designed to pay an income without taking undue risk. You will need expert help because it is crucial that your capital is protected to a large degree. Again, just be aware that several years’ fees could quickly add up, so the balance and diversification of assets will have to be just right.

We are all expected to live longer but while that is good news it is likely to mean that more people will need to consider care fees – not just for themselves, but also for their parents. It is an issue that is unlikely to disappear.

This can provide some certainty for people moving into care, as they know their fees will be guaranteed to be paid for life. There is also the reassurance that whatever is left from the

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Contact Jacqui on 01702 589553, email Jacqui.moyies@sjpp.co.uk or visit www.sjpp.co.uk/jacquimoyies APRIL

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Excellent, modern and purpose-built facilities, coupled with small class sizes enable the school to provide an outstanding education that goes well beyond academic success. “Our theme this term is to get pupils to reflect on their learning and gain a better understanding of what works for them. This might mean our Year 11 pupils refining their revision techniques as they prepare for GCSE or it might mean a 30

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class of Year 1 pupils learning active listening skills.

The overarching emphasis is on promoting independent learning where pupils see their teachers as supporters and facilitators rather than deliverers of knowledge” Mr Hampton went on. “The most important thing is for pupils to realise that although learning happens in many different ways, the key to the most successful learning is the right attitude.

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Cultured Club

Better luck this time The Invention of Murder: How the Victorians Revelled in Death and Detection and Created Modern Crime

by Judith Flanders

F

or those of you whose idea of a great time is settling down with a cup of tea in front of Midsummer Murders or Miss Marple - then this is definitely the book one should choose when you fancy curling up to read.

Murder at the start of the 19th century was rare.

But this was the century that brought us Edinburgh body snatchers Burke and Hare, the first murderer caught by telegraph - in infamous Dr Crippen - and the first murder on a train. The idea that killers loitered on every street corner prompted the first police force and, later, the first detectives, which led, inevitably, to the first detective novel.

As murder seeped into every corner of 19thcentury life, so newspapers devoted thousands of column inches to brutal killings, theatres were crammed with audiences applauding re-enactments of gory mutilations, Madame Tussaud welcomed visitors to her chamber of horrors and children laughed as Punch pummeled Judy to death. If murder remained a rarity in real life it was ubiquitous in the Victorian imagination.

As the magazine Punch said at the time - "We are

32

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a trading community, a commercial people.

Murder is doubtless a very shocking offence, nevertheless as what is done is not to be undone, let us make our money out of it."

In this meticulously researched and compelling book, Judith Flanders - author of The Victorian House - retells fifty gruesome stories of many different types of murder and examines how they were reported on by the press, how they were viewed by the general public, and how these crimes lived on in novels and songs, in theatre and opera - even in puppet shows and performing dog-acts.

The cases featured are both famous and obscure, from the mythical Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, to the tragedies of the murdered Marr family in London's East End, Greenacre who transported his dismembered fiancĂŠe around town by omnibus, to Whitechapel serial killer Jack the Ripper.

With an irresistible cast of swindlers, forgers and poisoners, the mad, the bad and the dangerous to know, The Invention of Murder is both a gripping tale of crime and punishment, and history at its most readable.

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APRIL

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We’re looking for the right people to promote WPA health insurance policies as self employed Account Managers and support our long-term relationships with customers. You will receive full training and enjoy comprehensive business support. No need for premises, stock or staff. No high start-up costs. This is a rewarding opportunity working with an award winning customerfocused company.

WPA is one of the largest medical insurance companies in the UK looking after around 300,000 customers. We operate in the private client, small corporate and large corporate market places and have won a well deserved reputation for excellence in customer service.

Next Steps: You will work within our WPA Franchise to promote our ethos of providing exemplary levels of customer care, and will actively promote yourself as the “local face of WPA” and in return you will receive generous commission rates.

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ORACLE Diary Dates LEIGH FARMERS’ MARKET Friday 15th April 9-12pm Leigh Community Centre, Elm Road Contact: 01702 716 288

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Library has wheelchair access and membership is not essential 01702 215 011 Ext.4123/4 MAY DAY CELEBRATIONS FREE 2nd May 1-4pm Strand Wharf, Leigh-on-Sea Enjoy traditional festivities such as Maypole and Morris dancing, Crowning the May Queen, Mumming plays and a folk band!

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Mission at Peaceful Place

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Recipe

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Roast Leg of Lamb in a Parmesan & Breadcrumb Crust

Roast Leg of Lamb in a Parmesan & Breadcrumb Crust

Oracle Motoring

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