Leigh Oracle - May 2011 by Oracle Publications

Leigh-on-Sea

May ‘11

ORACLE

Leigh at a glance

Est. Oct 2006. Circulation 5,500

Competition WIN £50 Fruit Bouquet

Local Issues Supporting Leigh-on-Sea

Recipe

Sausage Meatball Pasta Bake

Oracle Motoring

Best Of British

Money Matters Retirement Apathy will cost you Dear

Sunflowers by Vincent Van Gogh - Courtesy National Gallery, London

EVER THOU THOUGHT UGHT ABOUT COSM COSMETIC METIC BREAST SUR SURGERY? RGERY? FREE MINI COSMETIC BREAST T CONSULTATION N TUESDAY 17TH 17T TH MAY FROM 7.30PM Book a free 10 minute minutte mini consultation at BMI Southend Privatee Hospital with internationally renowned Cosmetic Surgeon, Mr Venkat Ramakrishnan. Ramakrishnann. Mr Ramakrishnan will will be happy to answer your questions questions and advise on the surgery surgery that’s right for you. Affordable, pioneering, pioneerinng, day stay surgery. You’ll be in safe hands hand ds with the UK’s leading private hospital group. Places are limited so to book your free mini consultation, consultatio on, please call 01702 608908 6 or visit

www.bmihealthcare.co.uk/southend www.bmihealt thcare.co.uk/southend BMI Southend Private Privatte Hospital 15 17 Fairfax 15-17 F if D Drive i Westcliff on Sea Essex SS0 9AG

FLEXIBLE FLEXIB BLE FINANCE UÊ UÊCONSULTANT CONSULLTANT CARE CAR RE UÊNO UÊNO LONG WAITING WAITING LISTS

Leigh

OR ACLE

publisher’s letter

he National Gallery has kindly given Oracle permission to use some of its most famous paintings for use as front cover images.

Oracle’s front cover this month is Sunflowers by Vincent Van Gogh, 1888. Van Gogh intended to decorate Gauguin’s room with these paintings in the so-called Yellow House that he rented in Arles in the South of France. He and Gauguin worked there together between October and December 1888. For more information on this painting and further paintings at the National Gallery please visit the website on: www.nationalgallery.org.uk The fruit at this time of year is beginning to get very interesting so this month’s Leigh-on-sea Oracle competition is offering 1 lucky Leigh winner the chance to win a voucher worth £50 for an edible fresh fruit bouquet. Please see the website for further details of these wonderfully different fruit displays: www.fruitmagic.co.uk To enter, simply send your name and contact details to Oracle Fruit Magic Competition, 39 Alexandra St., Southend, Essex SS1 1BW. The closing date is the 20 May 2011. Enjoy! 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 M AY

2011

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

ORACLE May ‘11

contents

Whistlejacket by George Stubbs

Local Issues

Supporting Leigh-on-Sea By Tony Prior

9/10

Lasting Powers of Attorney by Simon Smith

How to Shop Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith

Scre4m Film Review Cultured Club by Tracy Jones

Best of British Oracle Motoring by Stuart Winder

Sausage Meatball Pasta Bake Judy ‘s Recipe Page

WE SUPPLY AND RECRUIT

TUTORS

Retirement Apathy Will Cost You Dear 28 Money Matters by Jacqui Moyies Sudoku

Diary Dates

34 36 38

Useful Numbers Advertiser Index

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

GCSE Primary Books A Level

Basics Adults Home Learning help

e Educators EST 1989 01702 348815

educators@btinternet.com www.educators.co.uk M AY

2011

ED H IS BL TA S E

Carpets, Vinyls, Rugs

RS A YE

Laminate Flooring & Remnants

640 Sutton Road Southend-On-Sea Essex, SS2 5PX Open Daily: 9.00am - 5.30pm

Trade Carpets Tel: 01702 612424/5

sales@tradecarpets.freeserve.co.uk www.tradecarpetssouthend.co.uk

SALE NOW ON M AY

2011

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

paulnewmaninteriors.co.uk

For the discerning luxury home owner Paul Newman Interiors bring experience; expertise and award winning design to create an exclusive look for your home.

25 25TH ANNIVERSARY 1984 - 2009

We have an exciting and extensive portfolio of styles for kitchens and bathrooms from leading manufacturers plus stunning locally built handcrafted designs. Visit our showrooms and be inspired!

136 High Street, Hadleigh, Essex SS7 2PB T: 01702 552868 E: info@paulnewmaninteriors.co.uk F: 01702 555518

Regular fee £45

Offer Price £10 plus 20% off x-rays Expires: 31st May 2011

M AY

2011

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

M AY

2011

Local Issues

Supporting Leigh-on-Sea W

e often see reports in the media about the withdrawal of support for community projects by local and national government agencies but how are those gaps in funding and support being filled ? Who is stepping into the breach ?

In Leigh on Sea it’s the local Lions Club members who believe in putting something back into the local community by helping those less fortunate than themselves. But it doesn’t stop there. Members of Leigh on Sea Lions Club have shown they are also willing to devote their time, energy and expertise to assist local charitable groups with their administration and compliance in a world where some might consider political correctness and bureaucracy has got just a little out of control. Together with its branches, Eastwood and Thames Estuary, Leigh on Sea Lions Club is part

of the largest service clubs organisation in the world, Lions Clubs International, with more than 1.3 million members in over two hundred countries around the globe. The Club has a policy of maintaining contacts and cooperation with other groups of unpaid volunteers in the locality and has members who are actively involved with Leigh Town Council, Southend Borough Council, Castle Point Car Scheme, Leigh Folk Festival, Southend Riding for the Disabled and many other similar organisations. There are monthly meetings to consider ways of helping local individuals and ‘charitable’ organisations by making cash donations or providing hands on support. This has led to some £200,000.00 being donated to many hundreds of local good causes since the Club was formed in 1991. There is an active fund raising programme which includes the popular annual Charity Duck Race where over a thousand plastic ducks are released on the incoming tide at Old Leigh. Sponsors of the first four ducks to pass Billet Wharf receive a cash prize and members of the local scouts help the Lions to retrieve the

M AY

2011

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

remaining ducks before they make their way past the cockle sheds then back through the pier to the North Sea on the outgoing tide. Each year the Lions run a charity shop in Leigh on Sea which is totally manned by unpaid volunteers with all profits going to local good causes. Many members of the public attend the shop on a daily basis, not only to snap up a bargain but also to have a chat and pass the time of day with the friendly members of the Lions Club. The Lions Charity Barbecue also helps to raise charitable funds for the Club and may be seen at the Leigh Folk Festival, Leigh Easter Fete, Leigh Christmas Lights ‘Switch-On’ Event as well as other events around the Borough. In June, in conjunction with other local Lions Clubs, members will be organising the first Lions Midsummer Sports Festival for the Disabled at The King John School in Thundersley. It is expected that over one hundred people will attend on the day and take part in numerous sporting

activities including archery, seven a side football, javelin and discus as well as new age kurling, table tennis, darts, petang and sticky balls. There will also be a musical programme which will hopefully include a wheelchair barndance and demonstration by a local morris side. Is it all work and no play for the Leigh Lions ? Not at all, members of the Lions Club like to enjoy themselves and have a strong social programme which includes dinner dances, an annual pilgrimage by coach to the hypermarkets of northern France, local ‘treasure hunts’, visits to the theatre and local restaurants as well as quiz evenings and beetle drives. Who are the Leigh Lions ? They are a complete cross-section of the local population with both sexes and ages ranging from the early forties to mid eighties. Many are still gainfully employed whilst others are using their retirement years to put something back into the community and enjoying themselves in the bargain. If you live in or around Leigh on Sea, feel that its time you put something back into your community, want to enjoy good company and make new friends, then why not consider joining the Lions ? If you want to know more, give Tony Prior a call on 01702 715111 or email – tony@priority.ms.

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

M AY

O 2011

the warmest of welcomes… the best of care

A warm, loving environment... a team of expertly-trained carers and nurses… and a wide range of activities to stimulate and entertain Residents. Welcome to four Care Homes with a difference. What makes us different?

Kh][aYdakl <]e]flaY$ J]ka\]flaYd$ J]khal] Yf\ HYddaYlan] ;Yj] Af\ana\mYddq%\]n]dgh]\ [Yj] hjg_jYee]k ^gj ]n]jq J]ka\]fl HjanYl] kmal]k oal` ]f%kmal] ^Y[adala]k LYklq$ fmljalagmk e]fmk oal` Y jYf_] g^ \afaf_ ghlagfk 9 oa\] k]d][lagf g^ Y[lanala]k lg hYjla[ahYl] af DYf\k[Yh]\ _Yj\]fk oal` k]Ylaf_ Yj]Yk

Ogmd\ qgm dac] lg YjjYf_] Y nakal7 Hd]Yk] [gflY[l mk gf l`] fmeZ]jk Z]dgo& Stambridge Meadows KlYeZja\_] JgY\$ ?j]Yl KlYeZja\_]$ Jg[`^gj\ KK, *9J L]d2 01702 258525 Hopes Green ). :jggc JgY\$ Kgml` :]fÈ]]l KK/ -B9 L]d2 01268 752327 Rose Martha Court ., D]a_` JgY\$ D]a_`%gf%K]Y KK1 )D> L]d2 01702 482252 Memory House .'1 EYjaf] HYjY\]$ D]a_`%gf%K]Y KK1 *F9 L]d2 01702 478245 www.schealthcare.co.uk

We Care Kgml`]jf ;jgkk ak j]_akl]j]\ af =f_dYf\ Yf\ OYd]k ;gehYfq Fg2 -+*0)+0 J]_akl]j]\ G^Ç[]$ Kgml`_Yl] @gmk]$ 9j[`]j Klj]]l$ <Yjdaf_lgf$ ;g& <mj`Ye$ L]d2 ()+*- +-))((

Cu M e di isin te r e R ran e st ian a ur ant

Now Offering =Set Menus =A la Carte =Light Lunches =Large Selection of Wines =Weekly Chef’s Specials

Qualified Fitness Instructor

G G Starts Starts Friday Friday May May 6th 6th 2011 2011 G G £5.00 £5.00 Per Per Session Session G G Training Training At At Cliff Cliff Parade, Parade, Leigh-on-Sea Leigh-on-Sea (Between (Between Avenue Avenue Road Road & & Grand Grand Drive) Drive) G Friday & Saturday 9.15am G Friday & Saturday 9.15am -- 10.00am 10.00am G G Challenging Challenging Bootcamp Bootcamp Style Style Workout Workout For For All All Fitness Fitness Levels Levels G G Lose Lose Weight/Improve Weight/Improve Fitness/Tone Fitness/Tone Up Up G G Fun Fun & & Friendly Friendly Environment Environment G G Recommend Recommend A A Friend Friend & & Receive Receive aa Half Price Personal Half Price Personal Training Training Session Session G G Advance Advance Booking Booking of of 55 Sessions Sessions & & Pay Pay Just Just £20.00 £20.00 G G One One To To One One Private Private Personal Personal Training Training Options Options also also Available Available

Natalie: 07974 716839

Call Now For More Details or to Book

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

513 Southchurch Road

01702 467793 www.lemontreesouthend.co.uk

Prittlewell Bowls Club Priory Park, Victoria Ave

A friendly mixed Bowls club catering for all ages

Competitive & Social bowls & events throughout the year. l Free Coaching by Qualiﬁed National Coaches. l Free Car Park! l Friday Evening is Fish & Chip night. l Indoor Winter Season “Short Mat Bowls” l Dinners, Dances, Whist Drives, Table Tennis

& numerous Social Events

Tel: 01702 612476 Website: www.prittlewellbowlsclub.co.uk Visit our club days on Monday or Thursday afternoons from 2pm to 5pm.

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

M AY

2011

O Of

3,0./

Come Visit us at 35 Broadway or give us a call on

We sell a large range of cookware and bakeware, )<; did you know we also sell a range of over 12,500 electrical items including a range of extension leads, batteries, kitchen appliances & over 2000 different lamps

•Quality products •Award winning customer service •Competitive prices •Able to source unusual items that you will not easily find elsewhere

>/@ :/67 (5@>/,9, ,3:,

Lasting Powers of Attorney

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.

Independent Retirement Strategies

01702 562028 1-4 Woodlands Parade, Hockley, Essex, SS5 4QU simon@smith-irs.co.uk 14

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

M AY

2011

G V re al a ue t

Lasting Power of Attorney ... also Wills, Trusts & Advanced Directives

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.

n n

What we do for you

FREE information pack A home visit to take instructions

n n

Detailed advice on Lasting Power of Attorney’s and the registration process

Return visit with documentation for signing and witnessing Assemble and witness the original Lasting Power of Attorney

Act as your Certificate Provider

Eligibility check and preparation of forms for exemption/ remission from registration fee (saving up to £120) Preparation and submission of notification to named individuals(s)

Draw and submit registration documents to the Office of the Public Guardian

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

tel: 01702 562028

email: simon@smith-irs.co.uk 1-4 Woodlands Parade, Hockley, Essex, SS5 4QU

A member of New Leaf Will Writers Federation. New Leaf Will Writers Federation is a trading style of New Leaf Distribution Ltd. Company Registration No. 5520001

M AY

2011

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

Dress for shopping

Oracle Hair & Beauty

If you're looking for a special occasion dress, try to wear the undies (eg, strapless bra) that match. Otherwise, wear easy on/off clothes – and very comfy shoes for trekking round. Styled hair and makeup will make looking in the mirror much easier. For guys looking to buy a suit, wear a shirt and shoes rather than a t-shirt and flip-flops.

Turn a blind eye to sales Stores put enticing promotional items at the front – but chances are you'll blow your budget right there unless you stay focused.

‘Can I help you?’

How to Shop by Craig Smith

ike you, there is nothing I love more than some retail therapy. It’s great to grab a mate and say look out High Street, I’m packing plastic!

The trouble is, there have been far too many occasions when I’ve come home and realised that I spent hours buying stuff that doesn’t really suit me and which I’ll have to hide so the other half doesn’t realise the fortune you’ve spent – on his card! So, now VERY wise after the event, here are my top tips for smarter shopping, which will help you buy a better wardrobe while spending less time and money.

Have a plan Check your current wardrobe and make a mental note of what you really could use that’s not already there – a crisp white shirt for your new suit, strappy black sandals to match your evening dress, that sort of thing.

Set your budget If you need an LBD for a hot date and know you can’t afford to spend more than £100, this will help you sort through the racks quicker.

It might be irritating sometimes, but you’ll be surprised by how much time you'll save if you give the sales person some direction about what you're looking for.

Try it on Walk, sit and bend in the clothes. Do they move easily? Are the seams pulling? Do the zippers and buttons all work?

Take a good look at yourself Be brave and use the store’s three-way mirror to get an honest look at your rear and side views. If you look like an over-filled sausage, it is way too tight. If it hangs like around you like an old lady’s dressing gown, it’s too big.

Check the care tags whilst browsing Is there any point in falling in love with something if it’s going to be a pain to maintain and needs dry cleaning every time you wear it? Some things are but they tend to be very, very expensive.

Check the return policy Many stores don't give cash back, just a credit note and some mark sale items "final sale" which means you can't bring them back at all. Shopping is one of the great pleasures in life and with these little pointers, I hope to turn you into a sexy vixen or total man-fox every time you flash the cash, or go fantastic with the plastic.

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

Start early For special occasions, start at least two weeks prior to the event, as you'll need extra time for shoes and accessories. There’s nothing worse than panic buying on the day, hours or minutes before you have to be there.

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

32 Alexandra St., Southend SS1 1BU

01702 340965 M AY

2011

M AY

2011

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

Cultured Club

have always been a massive horror film fan, and could never understand why the genre seemed to die (excuse the pun) at the end of the halcyon years of 1970’s. The 80’s and early 90’s were full of straight to DVD releases, with umpteen sequels to franchises such as Halloween and Friday the 13th.

But in 1996 that all changed, when a jobbing actor and horror film fan called Kevin Williamson decided it was time to bring the genre back from the dead. He wrote a script, and managed to get iconic director Wes Craven (The Hills Have Eyes, A Nightmare on Elm Street etc) to read it. The result was one of the biggest ever box office successes for a scary movie – Scream. 15 years – and two sequels later – Scre4m has just been released in cinemas. All the films follow the character of Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) who becomes the target of a succession of murderers, who all adopt the guise of Ghostface to stalk and torment their victims. Sidney receives support in the films from Woodsboro town deputy Dewey Riley (David Arquette) and TV reporter Gale Weathers (Courtney Cox). Scre4m opens with the 15th anniversary of the Woodsboro massacre - and two high school

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

students are brutally killed by a new Ghostface. The following day, Sidney returns to town to promote her new self help book. She unwittingly becomes a suspect in the murders due to evidence found in her rental car, meaning she has to stay in Woodsboro until the crime is solved. And so the edge of your seat tension and action commences, with the familiar faces joined by a younger generation of stars including Hayden Panettiere (Heroes), Emma Roberts (Julia’s niece) and Adam Brody (OC) The original Scream films were unique, as they combined the violence of the slasher genre with elements of comedy, and an almost Agatha Christie style "whodunit" mystery - placing suspicion on many of the film's characters. Another great thing they did was satirize all the clichés of the horror genre made common in films such as Halloween. I am pleased to say all of this is still here, and just as enjoyable as ever. There’s talk of two more films – a ‘second trilogy’ – bring it on I say! By Tracy Jones Brera - PR | Marketing | Creative Tel - 01702 390348 Mob - 07887 514 984 Email - tracy@brera-london.com Web - www.brera-london.com

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

M AY

2011

M AY

2011

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

Oracle Motoring

Best of British By Stuart Winder ADI

he recent unusually clement weather has left me feeling positive and unable to muster my normal motor industry related moans and groans, leading me to ponder two recent good news stories concerning British motoring innovation…

The Octagon Returns After a 16 year gap, the first new model rolled off the MG production line recently, and surprisingly to some, it actually looks like a decent package! The general view from the motoring press seems to be that not only is the MG6 a modern, wellbuilt, well-equipped car - far from the “re-bodied Chinese Rover 75” that some had scoffed at – it’s also well pitched. Its size creates an opportunity to straddle the gap between the Focus and Mondeo-sized cars, and with prices between £15,495 and £18,995, MG hope that the 6 will blur the boundaries and capture sales from both camps. With a new diesel engine set to join the current modified Rover petrol unit – the only survivor from the past in this all new, all British design - next year, there is hope for a bright future for the one survivor from the glory days of Britain’s motor industry.

Sonic Car) – are making plans for a new assault on their own record with a vehicle capable of 1000mph. The bid will be led by designer Richard Noble, with pilot W/Co Andy Green taking to the controls, both hoping for another record breaking run, and they certainly have the car to do it! Bloodhound SSC will be 12.8 metres long, weigh 6.4 tonnes and require titanium wheels to resist he forces exerted when travelling faster than the velocity of a bullet leaving the barrel of a handgun! They plan to exceed the old record by over 200mph by adding braces, in the form of a rocket, to the already substantial belt provided by the jet engine from a Eurofighter Typhoon donated by the RAF. I, for one, am hoping that their chosen HQ at Filton, Bristol – the “home of Concorde” – is a good omen. Good luck chaps!

Stuart Winder Planet Leasing

01702 410 470 www.planetleasing.co.uk Sponsored by

1000mph Bloodhound The team behind the vehicle that holds the current land speed record – Thrust SSC (Super

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

M AY

2011

CONSULT | DESIGN | CONSTRUCT W W W. G R E E N P R I N T G A R D E N S . C O. U K

01702 46 0 8 9 8 M AY

2011

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

t rbishmen Shop Refu

Sale ClearancOe n! Now

Drop-side Gorgeous! The two-seater Kenfold Knoll Sofa upholstered in Niche Moretti Turqouise

Stylish, upholstered furniture-designs with traditional standards of craftsmanship by Morris Interiors of Thorpe Bay BESPOKE - upholstered furniture created to your precise specifications for no extra cost CURTAINS - Many styles and displays, all made in the Morris Interiors workshop on-site.

Open 9-5 Mon-Fri 9-4 Sat

RE-UPHOLSTERY - all refurbishment and re-upholsetery undertaken by craftsmen at Morris Interiors own factory.

Interior Design by Michelle Elliott-Britto

23-25 Station Rd, Thorpe Bay SS1 3JY

01702 586800

www.morrisinteriors.ltd.uk

SOFAS F CHAIRS F CURTAINS F CARPETS F FINE FURNISHINGS M AY 2011 N-SEA ORACLE 22 I N LTEEI GRHI-OO R D E S I G N E R S www.oraclepublications.co.uk F UPHOLSTERS F FURNITURE MAKERS

M AY

2011

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

recipe of the month In the Kitchen with Judy Barden

300ml hot chicken stock (made with a cube) 50g grated parmesan Fresh thyme sprigs to decorate, optional

1. Heat the oil in a frying pan and gently fry the bacon pieces until browned and crispy, remove with a slotted spoon and put on kitchen paper. In the same pan fry the onion, garlic and rosemary for 5 minutes until soft and golden. 2. Put the sausage meat in a bowl. Mix in the fried onion, breadcrumbs, egg yolk, fennel seeds and some black pepper. Mix well. Wet your hands with cold water and roll into walnut-sized balls. Preheat the oven 200c/fan 180c/gas 6. Cook the pasta in a large pan of salted boiling water for 10 minutes, then drain well.

Sausage Meatball Pasta Bake

his pasta dish probably takes about 20 minutes to make and then pop in the oven. If you go to an Italian deli buy some ziti. It is long hollow pasta that you can suck the sauce through, a bit like a straw. Children will love it. However, just buy macaroni or bucatini as an alternative and they are readily available in any supermarket. Enjoy!

Tip the pasta into an oven proof dish. Mix with the tomatoes, passata, stock and sausage balls and scatter over the crispy bacon. Season well with salt, pepper and a good pinch of sugar. Scatter over the cheese and bake for 30-40 minutes until the sausage balls are cooked through. Check and if the top is browning too much cover loosely with a piece of foil. Serve scattered with the thyme sprigs, if using and a crisp green salad.

Dates For May Demonstration Classes Time 10-1pm Venue Southend 3rd,4th,5th,6th and 16th,17th,19th,20th Contact Judy Barden on 07796-691183 or email judy.barden@btinternet.com

Sausage Meatball Pasta Bake Serves 4-6 Next monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recipe:

Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary leaves ( if using dried 1 tsp) 500g good quality pork sausages, skinned 4-5 rashers streaky bacon, chopped 1 slice white bread, whizzed to crumbs in a processor 1 egg yolk 1 tsp fennel seeds 500g pack ziti, or macaroni, or bucatini 400g can chopped tomatoes 700g jar passata

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

'Individual Summer Puddings Sponsored by

Award Winning Frozen Food

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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

2011

Same dedicated maid each week only ÂŁ11.55 per hour Then call us on:

(

)

Going on holiday and getting married are things to look forward to, but, they can come with additional stresses that can get on top of you.

No need to worry as we can help you with Hypnotherapy â&#x20AC;&#x201D; So if you want to: lose weight to look good in your wedding dress or on the beach, relieve the stress of the occasion, feel more confident, lose any fear of flying, or any other problem that may be trying to spoil your summer, then just get in touch - Our contact details are below. We are at Peaches & Cream, opposite Chalkwell Park, who offer the best beauty treatments to make you look & feel amazing.

!"# $$%% # &

M AY

2011

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

Air&Back

Airport Transfer Specialists

Air & Back, the airport-transfer specialists, provide an efficient and friendly door-to-door transfer to and from your airport. seaport or ferry terminal, at a reasonable cost. Get your holiday or business trip off to a comfortable start with an effortless transfer from Air & Back.

Polite, experienced and wellpresented drivers Full comprehensive insurance including Hire and Reward Drivers and vehicles licensed by the local authority. Detailed confirmation to you the day before departure

Call today for a competitive quote Air & Back, 75 Mayfield Avenue, Southend-on-Sea Essex SS2 6NR

Tel/Fax: 01702 435722 Mobile 07903 301086

CITY # STANSTED # GATWICK # LUTON # HEATHROW

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

01702 420593 Mob:

07791 679238

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

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

M AY

2011

10% O

FOR SENIOR CITIZEN S (T & C’s

apply)*

1741 London Road, Leigh-On-Sea, Essex SS9 2SW, Call today for a non-obligation qoute : 01702 713 533

M AY

2011

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

Money Matters

Retirement Apathy Will Cost You Dear by Jacqui Moyies

here is much to be said for living for the moment and, for people coping with the economic downturn, getting through the week is understandably the major consideration. Yet many people risk a life of poverty in retirement because they are significantly underfunding their retirement savings.

We are all expected to live longer and there is a good chance that many of us will live almost a third of our lives in retirement. A pension fund of £200,000 may sound a decent sum, but today that will buy you an annual income of a little more than £10,000. The longer you leave it, the harder it is to catch up on missed time. The difference between starting at 25 and starting at 45 is staggering. A 25 year-old male who wants to retire on £20,000 a year when he gets to 65, will have to put aside £501 a month for the next 40 years. This will rise to more than £1,300 a month, when he is in his mid-forties (Source: Standard Life, March 2011).

As you get older, you need to work out whether the plans you had in place are on track. Given the volatility of stock markets there is a chance that what you are on target to receive is less than you’d like. It makes sense to seek advice about how to bridge this gap. You might need to consider options such as retiring later or working part-time beyond your retirement. Retirement planning may not be the hot topic of conversation at dinner parties but that does not mean it should be ignored. Plan ahead and get your strategies in place early will mean that your dreams of a happy retirement have a greater chance of success. Failure to act will mean that they are nothing but pipe dreams.

People should seriously consider joining their company scheme, particularly if the employer is contributing to the fund as well or if it is based on final salary. Yet, surprisingly, many people turn down this ‘free money’.

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

To receive a complimentary guide covering Wealth Management, Retirement Planning or Inheritance Tax Planning contact Jacqui on 01702 589553 email Jacqui.moyies@sjpp.co.uk or visit www.sjpp.co.uk/jacquimoyies

M AY

2011

LUXURIOUS...

CONTEMPORARY...

WHATEVER LOOK YOU WANT... Andrew Adams Contemporary Carpets stock an extensive range of top quality flooring at competitive prices for you to choose from, or you can take advantage of our bespoke rug service and create your own! Our family run business will lift, fit and dispose of old carpets in your home and with over 30 years in the business we will provide you with a personal and unique first rate service.

Pop in to see our range of carpets, flooring and rugs 286 Eastwood Road North, Leigh on Sea, Essex SS9 4LS

CHIC...

Call us for advice on: 01702 421 132 or visit our website at: www.aacontemporarycarpets.co.uk

Gainsborough

Carpets and Flooring

WESTCLIFF t -0/%0/ 30"% t 8&45$-*'' 0/ 4&" t &44&9 t 44 4: t 5&- t '"9 WEST CLIFF t -0/%0/ 3 / 30 0"% t 8&45$-*'' 0/ 4&" t &44& 9 t 44 4: t 5&- t '"9 RAYLEI RA YLEIGH t &"45800% 3 % 30 0"% t 3 "% t 3" ":-&*() t &44& 9 t 44 +% t 5&- t '"9 RAYLEIGH t &"45800% 30"% t 3":-&*() t &44&9 t 44 +% t 5&- t '"9

www.gainsboroughcarpets.co.uk www.gains www .gainsboroughcarpets.co.uk

Painting Wallpapering

RSC

Decorating Services Over 20 Years Experience

Contact:

01702 308978 Mob. 07932 709291

Advertise

Here!

From as lit

tle as

P.M.

( +vat)

Reach over 20,000 specifically targeted readership in Leigh & Thorpe Bay hungry for your business. Call for more information or visit www.oraclepublications.co.uk

To advertise in ORACLE call today on 01702 393838

Furniture restoration Services available:-

French Polishing All Structural Repairs Hand Veneering Cane Seating Leather Desk-Lining Clock-Case Restoration Antique Specialist

Fully-qualified craftsman in an established, local business offering high-quality service. For a free verbal estimate please call:-

T.S.Baskett Established 1992

6 Durham Rd. Southend

 

M AY

2011

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

ORACLE Enigmas No humdrum conundrum s

3 6 4

5 8

9 7 9 5 6 4

7 5 1 8 3 1 5

1 2

2 9 1 6

5SU DOKU

TRICK

Fill in the grid above so that each 3 x 3 box, every row and every column contain the Nos 1 - 9. The answer to last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s puzzle is at bottom.

Call now 01702 256018

3 WORD LADDER Start at the top and change one letter each rung making a new word to arrive at the final word.

GRIPE Showrooms open: Mon-Sat 10.00am-5,00pm 61 High Street, Hornchurch, RM11 1TP Alton Garden Centre on the A127, Wickford

GLASS

BRASS

www.granitetransformations.co.uk/southend southend@granitetransformations.co.uk GRASS

BRADS

READS

BEADS

SEEDS

REEDS

SOLUTIONS

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

M AY

2011

REMEMBER HOW YOUR CONSERVATORY LOOKED WHEN NEW?

ices with pgr from in st ar t w as as lo 175.00

ÂŁ

Restore your conservatory to that 'just new' look with specialist cleaning ts , so c s s al aspe dowscia e a W all wins, f g. n an VC ffit ddi e cl UP , so cla f o ors nd do a

G G G G

Complete roof wash and hand polish All framework and glass cleaned inside & out Decorative mouldings cleaned Full Public Liability Insurance

01277 373096 or 07726 323800 for a genuine FREE "NO OBLIGATION" QUOTE

M AY

2011

www.teccco.co.uk

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

ORACLE

"THE JOB'S TOO SMALL"...they all say! Not for me! I fix..... 聺 Dripping pipes 聺 Blocked sinks

NEW SER VICE

聺 Leaky radiators

Diary Dates WEST LEIGH SCHOOLS FUN DAY. Saturday 7th May Plant and Cake sale opens 10am-12pm. Entrance 50p. Inflatable Fun 11.00-3.30pm.Wristbands for sale on the day NIGHT OF THE MUSEUM AT CENTRAL MUSEUM A glimpse behind the scenes of the Museum, live sculptor, free 'taster' Planetarium shows. Sat 14 May FESTIVAL OF THE AIR Sat 28 & Sun 29 May Aircraft Display along 2 miles of Southend seafront, as well as RAF, Army, Navy and Royal Marine Town Shows, trade stands, rides, simulators, giant inflatables and a programme of entertainment all day long. www.southendairshow.co.uk. 01702 215175 MULBERRY MUD RUN Saturday 14th May – Shoebury, West Beach – 12pm A run/walk across the Estuary mud out to the Mulberry Harbour. Please contact Jason on 01702 220356 or email: jcurtis@havenshospices.org.uk

聺 Window locks 聺 Sticky doors 聺 Extra sockets 聺 Digital set-ups 聺 Broken gutters 聺 Cracked patios 聺 Fence panels Even light bulbs changed.....SORTED!!!

CALL 01702 589542 NO CALL-OUT CHARGES

Carpenter & Joiner JOHN SORRELL - your local carpenter and joiner for over 25 years All aspects of woodwork and property maintenance undertaken, including:

* Doors hung * Kitchens fitted (planning service, plumbing and tiling if required) * Wardrobes built * Wooden & laminate floors laid * Shelves fitted * Stairs refurbished * Windows repaired * Locks supplied & fitted to insurance specification

BTMK FUN RUN & HALF MARATHON Sunday 12th June Fun Run is for runners of all ages and abilities, walk or run the 3k route. The Half Marathon more challenging at 10k. Both routes start and finish at East Beach, Shoebury following the coastal path. Book now! 01702 220350 http://www.southendraces.co.uk LEIGH FARMERS MARKET Sat 28th May Leigh Community Center, Elm Road Contact : 01702 716 288

For advice and free, no-obligation quotations please telephone :

01702 582489 or 07984 924916

www.oraclepublications.co.uk www.twitter.com/oracle_essex

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

Tidy work with rubbish always removed from site and a friendly, professional service guaranteed.

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

M AY

2011

No .1 Bik es Save up to 50% hop on bicycles and cycling equipment Tax free cycle scheme

aC y cl

eT rad e

VO TE D Ma

ga zi

G Excellent Service G Massive Selection of Cycles & Accessories G Huge Savings with Special Offers G Full Repair & Service Facilities G Massive Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Section G BMX Specialist G Finance Available Approved dealer for

Bike to Work Scheme CycleScheme Cycle PLUS Over 3000 products stocked in the BikeBase parts & accessories range

Clothing Helmets Wheels Tyres & Tubes Lights & Locks Top Cycle Brands Giant G RidgebackG GT G Mongoose G Claud Butler G Merida G Pashley G ShimanoG Hope G Cat Eye G Bell & Giro G We The People G Raleigh G Diamond Back

New website now online! www.bikebasesouthend.co.uk

BIKEBASE

01702 352222

Run by cyclists for cyclists 33 Queens Road, Southend SS1 1LT

For all your recruitment and personnel needs.

01702 353990 Clarence Chambers, 28 Clarence Street , Southend on Sea, Essex, SS1 1BD

useful numbers Marine Estate Residents’ Asssociation 710232 Clubs Belfairs Golf Club 526911 Cockleshell Clog Morris 479622 Charles Dicken’s Fellowship 588069 Essex Yacht Club 478404 Essex Handicrafts Association 479622 Essex Society for Family History 522992 Estuary Social Club 477022 Highlands Badmington Club 476009 Hoy & Anchor Folk Club 715111 Leigh Afternoon Women’s Institute 710232 Leigh-on-Sea Floral Arrangement Group 340138 Leigh-on-Sea Cricket Club 712105 Leigh-on-Sea Lions Club 715111 Leigh Camera Club 478717 Leigh Film Society 07957 129309 Leigh Motor Boat Club 714858 Leigh Tennis Club 715509 Leigh Sailing Club 713030 Lower Thames Rowing Club 482205 Southend Hockey Club 421077 Southend & Leigh Bridge Club 772354 Southend Photographic Society 332491 Southend-on-Sea Athletics Club 472195 Southend Rugby Club 546682 Southend Golf Club 216408 The English Speaking Union 588069 Westcliff Rugby Club 541499 Woodside Bowling Club 525648 Belfairs Mixed Bolwing 475766 Southend West District Scouts (19 groups) 587647 Council Contacts Leigh-on-Sea Town Council 716288 Abandoned Vehicles 215006 Anti-Terrorist Hotline 0800 789321 Central Library 534100 Citizens Advice 610610 Civic Centre 215000 Cleansing Dept. (street collection) 215006 Crime Prevention 215185 Damaged Dog Waste Bins 215006 Dog Warden 215000 Dumped Rubbish 215006 Foreshore Inspectors 215620 Graffiti 215006 Grass verge problems 215003 Missed Rubbish Collection 215006 Noise Nuisance 215005 Pest Control Officer 215005 Pier & Foreshore 215620 Recycling Information 215006 Street Cleaning 215006 Street-Lighting Failure 215006 Trading Standards 08454 040506 Untaxed Vehicles 0800 1562282 Waste Collection 215006 Hospitals/Health Southend General Hospital 435555 Spire Wellesley Hospital 462944 NHS Direct 08454647

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

National Drugs Freephone 0800 595000 Cardiac Support Group 309042 / 293469 HARP (Homeless Action Resource Project) 24 hour Emergency Number 01702 343040 Cruse Bereavment Care 213843 Carers Support Group 393933 Veterinary Surgeon Cushing Vadden & Partners 476404 RSPCA 290889 Pharmacies Alliance Pharmacy 475722 89 Broadway Mon-Fri 9-7 pm / Sat 9-5.30 pm Cheems Pharmacy 473087 87 Leigh Rd Mon-Fri 9-6.30 / Sat 9-5.30 Closed 1-2 Wed+Sat. Police Stations Southend Police Station (24 hours a day) 0300 3334444 Victim Support Group 0845 456599 Local MP David Amess (Con) 0207 219 3452 Local Incident Hotline 01245 491491 Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Marine Police 01268 775533 Thames Coastguard 01255 675518 Citizen’s Advice Bureau 610610 Samaritans 611911 Odeon Cinema 0871 2244007 Leigh Heritage Centre 470834 Directory Enquiries BT (15p pm from landline, 40p connection) 118 500 ORACLE PUBLICATIONS 393838 www.oraclepublications.co.uk ORACLE WEBSITE SOLUTIONS 393838 www.oraclewebsitesolutions.co.uk

Nelson Mandela D.O.B July 18 1918

"Money won't create success, the freedom to make it will."

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

M AY 2 0 1 1

http://www.utopiabeautyspa.co.uk

g erin off

! n w g o i n E is Des L AC te i OR s b We

consIunitial ltation F

REE!

Can your business afford not to be online? Cost-effective, great value websites designed, built and maintained

Oracle is now oﬀering aﬀordable website solutions, tailor-made to meet your needs. n

Bespoke/TemplatedWeb Design Packages and set prices - so no hidden costs! 15 yearsWeb & Graphic design experience You retain all rights to your website Search Engine Optimisation available Website modiﬁcations/improvements oﬀered Oracle’s trusted customer service

http://www.leighskiphire.co.uk

01702 393838 info@oraclepublications.co.uk

See examples at www.oraclewebsitesolutions.co.uk M AY

2011

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

Leigh-on-Sea

ORACLE Index to advertisers