Oracle on sea apr 2015 web

Oracle-on-Sea

April 2015

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

Oracle Competition WIN! A £50 voucher at Health & Harmony beauty clinic

Local Issues

Finding the right care for yourself or an elderly loved one

Police Watch Smartwater fights against burglary

Council News Clean and Green

NEW MINI CENTRE COMING

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Publisher’s letter

F

ollowing Oracle’s first event success, it is now holding a second event on Tuesday, 14 April, focusing on The Care Act, when changes come into force in May this year. It will change how the social care system works, including financing and making councils across England more consistent in the way they provide for those with care needs.

The evening promises to give residents a better understanding on this confusing subject. Oracle has invited professionals from Doris Jones Ltd. and Southend Borough Councils,Business Support Group Manager and Care Act Programme Manager, Sarah Baker.

For further information on how to attend this event, please see page 11.

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, this month’s competition has been donated by the beauty salon Health & Harmony. H&H have an expert team of beauty therapists providing a lavish range of indulgent treatments in a perfect place to relax, unwind and beautify. One lucky winner will win a £50 voucher.

For more details on the salon please visit www.healthandharmonyclinic.co.uk or call 01702 471794.

11 plus tuition - providing your child with the very best chance of success Classes for children in years 3 , 4 & 5 Maximum 4 children per class Now 2 Centres, both on the London Road, Leigh-on-sea Please call Keely 01702 479333 www.leightutoring.co.uk

To enter simply send your contact details to: Oracle/Health & Harmony Competition, Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend, Essex SS1 1AN or email info@oraclepublications.co.uk.Closing date 30 April 2015.

Good Luck and hope to see you at the event.

Emma Wynne-Morgan Publisher

01702 393838

Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend, Essex SS1 1AN

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

www.twitter.com/oracle_essex www.facebook.com/oracleessex Printed by Printwize Ltd, Witham, Essex CM8 3BN 01376 500 900 APRIL 2015 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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Local Issues Finding the right care for yourself or an elderly loved one

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Clean and Green

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Council News by Cllr Ron Woodley The Old Grey Wolf Whistle Test Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith

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Ordinary people, amazing things

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The Lions Club of Leigh-on-Sea

Spiced Pot-roasted Pork Loin

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Judy's Recipe Page

How to create a Modern Japanese Garden 34 Oracle Gardening by Earth Designs

Smartwater fights against burglary

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Police Watch by Essex Police

Sudoku Diary Dates Useful Numbers Advertisers Index

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Advertorials Neliana First Class Learning Pace Plc Health & Harmony Clinic

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Advertorial

My desire is to offer parents a snapshot into the global world of fashion for children, to bring together beautiful, high quality, individual and organic clothes. Organic fabrics are becoming more and more important, with our ever changing environment and the increasing sensitivity of our children’s delicate skin, buying organic fabric has become a far more important factor when choosing clothes for our children than I imagined.

Bold, fun, simple & Organic

Little treasures ‘

D

are to be Different’. This is the single life lesson I try to teach my two daughters who inspired the name of my company ‘Neliana’.

My name is Jessica and I’ve studied and worked in the fashion industry for the past 15 years. As a new mum, being close to my children is important, watching them grow-up and being by their side as they discover the world is a joy, but equally as important, I wanted to continue embracing my passion, something I had studied and worked hard for. After long discussions with my husband and family I took the brave step into the unknown and decided to create ‘Neliana’.

The brands we have sourced could easily be from the next town or the other side of the world, we just wanted to bring together a collection that would be bold, fun, simple, organic and with the one constant being that they ‘Dare to be Different’, allowing children to wear an expression of their personality. These are our ultimate goals at Neliana.

Our beautiful range of childrenswear and gifts for Babies, Boys and Girls from the ages of 0 – 8 years includes organic brands such as Toby Tiger, Boys&Girls, Little Green Radicals and new and rising brand ‘Nosweet’. We have a small range of styles by French designer brand

Dare to be different I believed there was an opportunity to open a new and exciting children’s boutique. I wanted to champion the unique, something that would have a friend comment ‘Wow, where did you buy that from? I haven’t seen that before’, to therefore find brands which would reflect the ‘Dare to be Different’principle.So with two small children for inspiration and many long nights, ‘Neliana’ was created and launched online in September 2014.

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APRIL 2015

incentive for the host and fantastic‘on the night’ discounts. Our aim is to make it a relaxing and enjoyable experience for everyone.

With the exciting launch of Spring/Summer 2015, the collections bring together some of the key themes for the season with a mix of juicy fruity prints, hot summer florals, safari, cowboys and Indians.

Invite - Sat 18th April We will be showcasing all our fantastic brands at our pop-up shop, within the beautiful Miss Annabel Dee art Gallery & Studios, 153 Leigh Road, Leigh On Sea, Essex, SS9 1JF, Saturday 18th – Thursday 23rd April.

‘Absorba’which start from Tiny/Premature baby which I know can be difficult to find.

Our aim is to make shopping with us enjoyable, fuss free, quick and personal, offering free delivery within Leigh on Sea and the surrounding areas and occasionally hand delivering to customers, as it’s always nice to put a face to a name.

We have just launched our new ‘Neliana at Home Parties’. With the overall feel of the range being playful, sociable and fun, what better way to promote these amazing brands than through a party! Friends and family can shop from the comfort of their home, with an excellent

It would be great to see you all, have the chance to say hello, introduce some of our lovely brands and share a cupcake or two!

Opening times: Saturday 9.30 – 5.30 & Sunday 11 – 4.00pm, Monday – Thursday 9.30 – 5.30pm.

Oracle reader Offer: Readers can get £10.00* off if you present this months edition of the Oracle when you make a purchase between 18th April - 23rd April at our Pop Up Shop. * Valid on a single full price transaction over £40 and not to be used with any other offer.

Alternatively, if you cannot visit our shop, then please visit our website. If you make a purchase online please enter the voucher code ORACLE for a lovely surprise at the checkout. * On full price purchases only.

www.neliana.co.uk 01702 559367 info@neliana.co.uk www.facebook.com/NelianaChildrensBoutique www.instagram.com/NelianaChildrensBoutique APRIL 2015

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APRIL 2015

Local Issues

Finding the right care for yourself or an elderly loved one

T

here comes a time in most of our lives when we need a little more help than those close to us can realistically provide. This can often happen with little warning, perhaps as a result of an illness or fall, and suddenly we are faced with the prospect of having to navigate the complex and often confusing world of social care.

How funding works

Within the assessment process, the local authority will ask about your finances to establish whether you are eligible for financial support.

Generally speaking, if you have more than £23,250 in savings, then you’ll be responsible for paying for yor own care. The value of your There’s a dizzying array of things to consider, not property can also be taken into account if you’re least your exact care and support requirements, moving into a care home, however it is not whether a care home or support in your own considered when arranging care in your own home is best, and how your care will be funded. home.

And there’s an equally overwhelming number of organisations offering information and advice… The charges for, and funding of, social care are complex and will vary according to individual so where do you start? circumstances. It is therefore advisable to seek Assessing your care needs detailed advice either from the council or In the first instance, you should contact Southend another reputable source of information. Age UK, Borough Council to request a Social Care Assessment. Everyone is entitled to this service, irrespective of their circumstances. The assessment will determine your needs and whether you qualify for local authority support.

If you have qualifying care needs – meaning there are critical or substantial risks to your health, independence or safety without council support – and you are eligible for funding, then the local authority has a responsibility to help. This may be done in several ways, including allocating a ‘personal budget’ for your care. With a personal budget, you can choose either to have services arranged on your behalf or a cash payment paid to you to organise your own care. Your social worker should advise you of the options available.

APRIL 2015

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the country’s largest charity for those in later life, provides a free advice line on 0800 169 6565.

Choosing to ‘go private’ Many people choose to contact a care provider directly for an assessment. All private companies will do this and most don’t charge. However, you will need to choose carefully between the many local providers. In the Southend area alone, there are 140 homecare agencies and more than 300 care homes registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC, the health and social care regulator). So be prepared to put in some time and effort to find the right provider.

The CQC website lists all registered providers and can be searched by postcode. As well as listing contact details and giving an overview of services provided, you can view and download the CQC’s inspection reports, which is highly recommended.

Since October 2014, the CQC has been rolling out a much-improved rating system that clearly labels providers as ‘Inadequate’,‘Requires improvement’, ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’. Many providers still feature the older ratings approach but this still provides valuable information on their quality standards.

There are also several online directories listing care providers. Southend Information Point (SHIP) is a useful source of information on health and wellbeing and lists local providers. There are also various national directory websites, such as goodcareguide.co.uk and homecare.co.uk, many of them with Trip Advisor-style rating systems.

These can be extremely valuable in shortlisting potential providers and many provide useful tools to help choose between care companies.

and also compare between them. The Age UK website has a very good checklist for selecting care homes as well as advice when looking for services in your own home.

And finally… don’t put up with bad care

Most care providers do an excellent job but there are occasions when standards are not as high as they should be. Many of us are reluctant to complain about poor service but it’s important that we do, so if you or a loved one experiences bad care, contact the Adult Social Care department at Southend Borough Council. You can also get in touch with the CQC about your concerns. Doing so will help improve overall standards and ensure that elderly care services in What to look for our area are as good and reliable as we expect Everyone is different, so the most important thing them to be. to look for is a company that puts the needs of the individual first and foremost. Some providers are overly prescriptive and inflexible in their Useful Contacts: approach, so look for those who will try to Southend Borough Council: southend.gov.uk; accommodate your needs, whatever they are. And Adult Social Services: 01702 215008 look for a service that will also consider the needs of the family or other carers – their wellbeing is SHIP: southendinfopoint.org just as important, particularly if they have a Healthwatch Southend: healthwatchsouthend.co.uk; 01702 356066 day-to-day role in delivering care in the home.

Age UK: ageuk.org.uk; Advice line 0800 169 6565 Whichever sort of care you’re looking for, make a Care Quality Commission: checklist of things to ask potential providers. That cqc.org.uk; Enquiries 03000 616161 way you’ll be able to determine their suitability

O

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APRIL 2015

Ora Eve cle nt

Do you have questions on how the elderly care system works?

Oracle Event - 14 April 2015 Following the success of Oracle’s first event, there will be a second event taking place on Tuesday, 14 April, 7pm at the Café Masala, Thorpe Bay. This one will focus on how the care system works and the impact of the Care Act, which comes into force in May this year.

Finding The Right Care

• What happens when you or a loved one needs care?

• What are the options?

• How to decide between care at home and • How does funding work?

• What about the other legal aspects (e.g. residential care?

• How to tell a good provider from a bad one? lasting power of attorney)?

What Is ‘The Care Act’?

The Care Act is set to change how the social care system works, making councils across England more consistent in the way they provide for those with care needs. But what does it actually mean?

• What will the Care Act change?

• Who does it affect?

• How does ‘the care cap’ work and what does

it include?

• Will I have to sell my home?

• How will it affect those caring for loved ones?

• What do I do if I don’t qualify for council funding? info@oraclepublications.co.uk www.oraclepublications.co.uk

If any of these questions concern you then this evening promises to give residents a better insight. Oracle has invited Caroline Southgate from Doris Jones Ltd, a local care provider, and Southend Borough Council’s Care Act Programme Manager, Sarah Baker.

Get involved You are cordially invited to participate in this event or just come along as an interested spectator and hear the experts answer questions and give their advice on how the elderly care system works. If you would like your question asked then please submit it by Friday, 10 April by email to info@oraclepublications.co.uk or contact Michaela on 01702 393838. Questions are limited so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

How to book a place: There is a maximum amount of places for the evening and the cost is £15 per person, which includes a meal (drinks not included). Please contact Michaela at the Oracle on 01702 393838 to reserve your place by Monday, 13 April.

The evening will be held at the Café Masala, Broadway,Thorpe Bay on Tuesday, 14 April at 7 pm.

N.B. Please ring Oracle direct to reserve your place and not the Café Masala.

OR ACLE 01702 393838 publications (uk) ltd

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Within a couple of weeks children start to develop their own routine which enables them to take small but significant steps in their ongoing skill development. This in turn helps with their confidence.

Advertorial

Improvement can be seen within weeks but after two or three months the impact is often very significant.

Developing young skills

I run two other successful centres in Hadleigh and Benfleet where students have excelled in their maths and English development â&#x20AC;&#x201C; many of whom came to me initially because they were struggling at school and needed some extra support. Other students attend to assist 11+, local school and GCSE preparations for which we run additional classes alongside the FCL programme.

At each centre we help children of all ages and abilities to reach their full potential, current age range is 3 years to 16.

Opening hours and class days

M

y name is Laraine Harris and I have been running the First Class Learning classes in The Leigh Community Centre for almost 1 year now and word is spreading quickly about its benefits.

The programmes are designed by a team of maths and English specialists with a wealth of experience in primary, secondary and special needs education and are supported by the British Dyspraxia Foundation.

(these are drop in times) Leigh; Monday 3.30-6.30pm Hadleigh; Tuesdays and Thursdays 3.30-6.30pm Benfleet; Weds 3.30-6.30pm Sat 9.am-12.30pm For further information please call, text or email 01702 612317 or leigh@firstclasslearning.co.uk or 0771 800 3141

Children attend the centre once each week for about 30 to 60 minutes tuition and then support this by completing a short piece of work at home each day (2 pieces if studying both maths and English) which should take around 15-20 minutes per subject. In this way the numeracy and literacy skills are developed very gradually and consistently.

The programmes were initially developed by a team of educational specialists who are based in the UK. The team realised some time ago that a learning programme was needed to link to the National Curriculum.

Each child has their own individually tailored programme which is linked to ability and pace of learning so that it is suitable for all ages and abilities.

APRIL 2015

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01702 612317 0771 800 3141 leigh@firstclasslearning.co.uk www.firstclasslearning.co.uk ORACLE-ON-SEA

13

Council News

Clean and Green F

ollowing on from last month’s article, the first garden crackdown has taken place. Residents who have blighted their streets by leaving heaps of rubbish in their front gardens are now facing a hefty fine as part of our clampdown. The first place to be targeted as part of the Council’s Clean and Green campaign are areas in Victoria Ward. Continuing patrols of the area and other untidy streets across the Borough will now follow.

Last month we patrolled several streets and gave 30 properties 14 days to clear up their front yards.

I am pleased to say that 26 complied but four failed to take action, and I accompanied enforcement officers on the subsequent clear up. The four offenders will now be taken to Court and could face a fine of up to £2,500 and will also incur an additional clear up cost that the Council will recover from each of them.

We should be very proud of our borough and keep Southend-on-Sea looking at its best – for our residents and for the six million visitors plus who come here every year. Therefore when people allow rubbish to pile up outside their homes, they are letting down their neighbours by blighting their street and creating a health risk, affecting house prices and encouraging vermin.

It has to be remembered that the Council provides household waste recycling centres free of charge for residents and can have bulky items of waste removed, such as unwanted furniture,

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for a nominal fee. So there really is no excuse for letting rubbish pile up.

While I’m on the subject of rubbish it might be worth mentioning that every year it costs us, the ratepayers approximately £2.6million to keep our streets clear of litter.

It seems that no matter how many litter bins there are in the town, there is always a small minority of residents that intend to make our streets look untidy by dropping litter in our streets even though there is a bin next to where litter is being dropped. This even extends to a small minority of dog owners that fail to pick up their dogs mess and some of those who although they pick it up, decide to dispose of the bag in people’s gardens, in shrub borders, or just drop it in the street.

As with the garden crackdown, I am asking officers to extend their patrols to include the type of anti-social behaviour of littering and dog mess.

I hope that the majority of residents in Southendon-Sea will welcome this approach.

Cllr Ron Woodley Leader of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

APRIL 2015

Ora NE cle ser W vice !

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APRIL 2015

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Oracle Hair & Beauty

Either way, naturally grey or coloured long hair needs to be in good condition. Conditioners are essential and dyed or tinted hair needs to be treated like a very expensive and delicate jumper or dress, washed with great care and delicacy. Grey tresses look best when they’re supple and shiny, so think twice about using high-heat appliances, such as tongs and don’t use a hair dryer on its maximum heat setting.

If you’re more comfortable with a shorter cut, then there’s no reason that you can’t experiment with new takes on old classics. Give the long bob a choppier, funkier look by following Helen Mirren’s lead. That slightly naughty bed-head look can be achieved with plenty of volume and texture.

The Old Grey Wolf Whistle Test T

ust because you’ve got a few candles on your cake, it doesn’t mean you can no longer cut it in the style stakes.

Jenny Joseph’s marvellous poem about growing old disgracefully, ‘Warning’, begins thus: “When I am an old woman I shall wear purple, with a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.”

From there it gets funnier, with its cavalcade of promises of future outrageous behaviour.What Jenny doesn’t mention is cutting her hair short.

Why do women of a certain age feel compelled to do this? True enough, as we age our hair changes its texture, loses its natural colour and becomes finer but if you’ve got shoulder-length hair, or even longer, there’s no reason why you can’t maintain the look you love. After all, just look at how stunning the stylist Linda Rodin, artist Helen Storey and model Daphne Selfe are.

Of course, the key is down to regular maintenance and quality products. First things first, which corner are you in? Glad To Be Grey or Anything But Fifty Shades of Grey?

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ORACLE-ON-SEA

The old saying that style never goes out of fashion is also true in terms of hairstyles. A grown-up crop, first created by Vidal Sassoon in the Swinging Sixties suits many different face-shapes and ages.

Just compare gamine lovelies like Emma Watson and Anne Hathaway with Dame Judi Dench and Jane Fonda – you see? It just works. The Pixie crop can be quite breathtaking when shown off for the first time but can quickly become part of your signature style.

If you’ve had long hair for many years, but are considering a dramatic new look, talk it through with your hairdresser before you commit. It’s important that you agree what style suits the shape of your face and, would you believe, your lifestyle. Having less hair, doesn’t always give you more - cropped styles do need some serious maintenance. They grow out more quickly and that means shorter gaps between cuts.

The middle-ground is the longer, French take on the crop. It is gorgeous and chic but requires a little less behind-the-scenes effort. Add a root lifting product to damp hair and, using a round brush, create volume and lift on top, while making sure the sides remain flat.

Age may be just a number but a great haircut is so much more…

O

by Craig Smith Sponsored by

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Advertorial

Pace short-listed for ‘Best Estate Agent’ award S

outhend-based Estate and Lettings Agency, Pace Plc has been short-listed for ‘Best Estate Agent’ at this year’s ESTAS Awards, in the regional South East category.

The ESTAS is a customer service recognition scheme designed to help Residential Sales and Lettings agencies, suppliers, mortgage brokers & conveyancers be acknowledged regionally and nationally for the excellent standard of customer service they provide. Entry to the awards is open to all Estate & Letting agents in the UK with a single office or more.

What distinguishes the ESTAS from other awards is its rating method, based on a scoring system filled in by customers. In the 2014 competition over 33,000 customers voted for an agent. Any property vendors or buyers who completed on a property sale during 2014 were eligible to cast a vote by completing a confidential questionnaire.

The rules are strict and heavily policed to ensure fair and honest results.

Best Estate Agent South East Pace has been short-listed for the ‘Best Estate Agent, South East’ award, due to its high level of customer service and honest advice. Customers have been particularly impressed by the company’s ethical approach to all property matters. This approach has seen Pace receive APRIL 2015

other prestigious awards in the past, including The Sunday Times Lettings Agency of the Year Silver Medal.

Crystal Horwood, Managing Director of Pace, commented:

“We’re playing an important role in placing Southend-On-Sea firmly on the ‘map’ from a residential sales and superior customer service point of view. Being short-listed for an ESTA confirms this. As a small independent agent, it’s fantastic to be short-listed for an award solely voted for by clients. Looking ahead, we’ll be keeping our fingers crossed when the winners are announced next month.”

Estas Ceremony Winners for each category will be revealed by Phil Spencer at the 12th annual ESTAS ceremony on Friday 17th April at the Hilton Hotel Park Lane, London.

Pace showcases clients’ properties on its own website www.paceplc.co.uk and also on the new property portal www.onthemarket.com and www.rightmove.co.uk.

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

01702 445 600 www.paceplc.co.uk info@paceplc.co.uk ORACLE-ON-SEA

19

Ordinary people, amazing things: The Lions Club of Leigh-on-Sea

M

any of us feel we’d like to make a positive contribution to our local community, particularly to those needing a helping hand, but have limits on time and resources: how to get involved in any meaningful way?

goes to our charitable fund. We organize* or participate in a number of fund-raising and community events across Leigh, often working with other Lions clubs in the area.

By working with others, even a few hours can have real impact. There are many voluntary groups working in Leigh, but amongst the most active is the Lions Club of Leigh-on-Sea.

13th June 25th-28th June 2nd August 9th August 20th September 27th November

Who are the “Lions”? Lions Clubs International was founded in the USA in 1917, bringing together people of integrity and drive to serve their community. It is now the world’s largest humanitarian service club organisation, with a network of 1.3 million members in over 44,000 clubs across 200+ countries. Its motto “Ordinary people, amazing things” encapsulates the ethos.

Established in 1991, Leigh Lions has around 35 members, aged 20 to 70 plus. You may have seen us around Leigh sporting our purple polo shirts or fetching hi-vis jackets. If our motley doesn’t grab you, the results might: since inception, we’ve donated over £300,000 to good causes and the funds keep rising.

How did we do that? The cornerstone is undoubtedly our charity shop in London Road near Thames Drive. Staffed by Lions and volunteers, every penny spent by our customers

20

ORACLE-ON-SEA

Diary 2015 Annual Disabled Sports Day* Leigh Folk Festival LTC Maritime Festival Annual Duck Race* Leigh Regatta 2015** LTC Leigh Lights

(*events organised solely by us) (**with scout groups)

And we’re sociable: nature talks, boat trips, treasure hunts, ten pin bowling, beer festivals, quizzes, or a simple meal out.

If you would like to learn more about membership, or volunteering, please contact us. Our club meets the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 8.00 pm, The Estuary Club, 1386 London Road.

SS9 2UJ. A warm welcome awaits! info@leighlions.co.uk

01702 715111 www.leighlions.co.uk sponsored by:

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Advertorial

Health & Harmony T

his year sees the 20th anniversary of Health and Harmony!

and the facial remains as popular today as when it was first launched.

Situated in the heart of Leigh on sea the beauty salon opened its doors in 1995, and since then thanks to the loyal and dedicated support from its many clients the salon has gone from strength to strength and is now very firmly established.

Alongside this range is also the equally renowned Crystal Clear microdermabrasion treatment. This British company was launched twenty years ago to address skin problems such as sun damage, scarring from spots or acne and skin ageing. It is very popular amongst celebrities and is also known as "facial to the stars" because of the immediate and striking improvement it can achieve to both the tone and texture of the skin.

Over the past years beauty salons have been very much a growth industry and they are now a common sight on every high street with competition always continuing to increase. However, it does appear that the salons such as Health and Harmony, who constantly strive to offer exceptional standards and service are amongst those who have stood the true test of time.

High standards have always been the ethos at Health and Harmony, and the salon has always aimed to offer their clients the very best of high end products and treatments at an affordable price, combined with excellent customer service.

The world renowned Guinot brand with all of its superb skin care treatments and products are always in high demand at the salon. Originating in France some forty years ago the brand has a reputation second to none and is now a world leader in skincare treatments and skincare products. The founding concept of the company is the "Hydradermie Facial" which cleanses, balances and rehydrates the skin and also prevents signs of ageing,

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Win a ÂŁ50 voucher!

In celebration of the 20th anniversary the salon is running a competition with a ÂŁ50 gift voucher for a lucky Oracle winner!

Details of this can be found on page 3 so don't miss out and best of luck!

To compliment the skin care ranges, the salon also offers a fully comprehensive range of treatments with something for everyone. From gel polish and lash extensions and also the more relaxing treatments such as traditional massage and hot stone, and of course all the basic essential requirements such as waxing and pedicures.

The list of treatments is so extensive you will be simply spoilt for choice! However you can be assured that all the treatments on offer are completely safe and effective as the salon policy is not to entertain any short lived fads that hit the market, and use only products and techniques that are tried and tested.

Providing the treatments at the salon is a 6 strong team of therapists which also includes the 3 owners of the business. All of the therapists are highly trained and have a wealth of knowledge and experience, so you can be confident you are in good hands.

Treatment rooms are spacious and private with heated beds, low lighting and relaxing music.

Your stress and worries will simply float away in

an atmosphere that is calm,warm and inviting, and with client care being a high priority you will always be treated as an individual and with the upmost care possible. It really is a complete escape from the hectic world of modern lifestyles, and an escape made easy thanks to the salons extensive opening hours so no matter how busy your life is you can still find time to look and feel your best.

Open 6 days each week from Monday through to Saturday and staying open till 9pm from Monday to Thursday, but be sure to book early as appointments are always in high demand!

If you still haven't discovered this gem of a salon you can easily find it on the London Road just short of the junction at Thames Drive, and you can also browse the extensive list of treatments on their website.

O

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recipe of the month

Spring Cooking demonstration dates: April 20,21,22, 23 & 24th, and May 5,6,7 & 8th contact www.janejudyinthekitchen.co.uk

In the Kitchen with Judy Barden

For the potatoes: 25g butter 3tbsp sunflower oil 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into thick slices

Method: 1. Heat the oven to 190c/170 fan/gas 5. Score the

fat on the pork (if not already done) and rub with a little salt and black pepper. Place the apples in the base of an overproof lidded dish. Scatter over the cinnamon, allspice, star anise, cloves and juniper berries. Dot with butter and pour over 150ml of water. Place the pork on top and cover with the lid.

2. Put in the oven for 1 hour, then remove the lid

Spiced Pot-roasted pork Loin

E

aster is a great time to entertain family and friends and the most economical joint is a loin of pork. In this recipe it is pot-roasted on a bed of Bramley apples flavoured with spices including juniper which is a lovely aromatic spice (used to flavour gin). Team it up with roast baby carrots in honey and some sautéed potatoes or mash.

and increase the temperature to 220c/200fan/gas 6, and cook for a further 25 minutes or until the fat is crispy and the meat is cooked through. Remove from the oven and leave to rest for 15 minutes.

3. Meanwhile place the carrots in a small roasting

tin. Add the butter and honey and put in the oven for 8 -10 minutes.Whilst the carrots are cooking heat a frying pan and add the butter, oil and potatoes. Fry over a medium heat turning occasionally until golden brown. Season with salt and black pepper.

4. Carve the pork into six slices and place on warm serving plates. Place a spoonful of the cooked apples on top and serve with the potatoes and carrots.

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Enjoy!

Serves 6

Next month’s recipe:

Ingredients: 1.5kg pork loin (ask the butcher to score the skin) 3 Bramley apples, peeled, cored and cut into chunks ½ tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp ground allspice 1 tsp cloves 1 tsp juniper berries 50g butter

Warm Salad of Spring Vegetables with Griddled Lamb

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For the carrots:

300g baby carrots, scrubbed 25g butter 2 tbsp honey

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Oracle Gardening

Water Water tends to be a dominant feature in Japanese gardens. In Japan ‘stroll gardens’ – gardens designed for promenading were often created across a ravine with the focus on the journey through the space.

Therefore including an element that can symbolise this is a real ‘must have’ in a modern Japanese garden. In our featured garden a water blade pours into a reservoir hidden in a dry bed of black pebbles. The pebble bed is bisected by the pathway, creating the illusion of a journey over water.

Materials

How to create a Modern Japanese Garden

T

here are basic principles in traditional Japanese pleasure gardens, such as asymmetry, concealment and borrowed views, that can be used to great effect in modern garden design. Play around with these concepts to create something exciting and contemporary. In Japanese design the hard landscaping comes first with planting added to complement the built landscape.

Strong Lines Modern designs are often bold and punchy.

Place elements of a garden at angles to each other to give the design intrigue. The notion of discovery is important in traditional Japanese garden design, where gardens were simply meant to be viewed or walked through rather that serve a practical purpose.

In your design juxtapose angled pathways with planting, structures or screens to divide the garden into distinct areas and take the user on a voyage through the space.

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ORACLE-ON-SEA

Textures, rocks and stones are big news in Japanese gardens. From large lumps of rock acting as bridges to pebbles that are considered and ordered, the variety of shape and texture is heightened in it simplicity. Look at combinations of rough and smooth, flat and spiky, matt and shiny.

Here we used rough textured silver birch bark positioned in front of shiny black Perspex screens, using reflection and contrasting texture to create something stylish and stylised.

Planting Planting should be simple with focus on leaf texture and form. Repeat a motif or plant choice throughout the planting scheme to create rhythm and structure.

Box balls are great for this, but grasses and specimen trees work equally well. Limit the colour palette to a couple of shades and try to keep your choices subtle – the plants should blend in with the rest of the garden rather than shouting ‘here I am!’

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Fill in the grid above so that each 3 x 3 box, every row and every column contain the Nos 1 - 9.

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ARC HITECTURAL I R O N M O N G E RY

DOOR FURNITURE LOCKS AND SECURITY

Diary Dates ORACLE EVENT NIGHT Tuesday 14th April at Café Masala, Thorpe Bay. Enjoy a informative evening on the Elderly Care Act for £15.00 per person including meal. See page 7 for further details or call 01702 393838.

CHARITY STALL Every Thursday 8am to 3pm Linda & Maureen are in the Fundraising Unit in Outpatients at the Hospital. Large selection of handknitted baby clothes crochet blankets, books, jig saw puzzles, soft toys etc. etc.

All proceeds go to the Keyhole Cancer Appeal.

CABINET FITTINGS SWITCHES AND SOCKETS FRONT DOOR FURNITURE WINDOW FITTINGS NUMBERS AND SIGNS HINGES

TEL: 01702 716171 www.GROVEFITTINGS.co.uk EMAIL: i } J}À ÛiwÌÌ }ðV °Õ

££{ À >`Ü>Þ] i } -i>] ÃÃiÝ] SS9 1AA ACE CAFE SOUTHEND SHAKEDOWN AT SOUTHEND SEAFRONT Monday 6th April 10.30am. The route from Ace to Southend: A406 East to A12 East, to A127 East and Southend seafront.

Grove Fittings October 2013.indd 1 24/09/2013 16:27 Dust off those winter blues, rev up and join Ace Cafe London's first major ride out of the year, the 17th annual Southend Shakedown, departing the legendary North London venue at 10.30am.

FARMERS MARKET Sat 25 Apr 2015, 9am – 12pm. Food products from farmers and producers within the local area. Regular stallholders include vegetables, meat and eggs, cheese, cakes, plants, chutneys and sauces.

HAVENS TO HAVENS WALK 19th April. Walk to remember a loved one, walk to keep fit or walk for a fun family day out on our 5 or 10 mile route. Call Jane on 01702 221 658.

LONDON MARATHON 26th April. Got your own place in the London Marathon? Why not join Team Havens. With a great support package, we are with you every step of the way. Call Judy on 01702 220 324.

RED DEVILS PARACHUTE JUMP 6th May. Experience the adrenaline rush of tandem skydiving with the best in the business. For Havens Hospices. Call Emma on 01702 220 308.

Do you have an event? Email us to get it on here!

info@oraclepublications.co.uk

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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

Air & Back, 22 Coronation Close, Great Wakering, SS3 0JG

Call today for a competitive quote

Tel/Fax: 01702 435722 Mobile 07903 301086 airandback@yahoo.co.uk

CITY # STANSTED # GATWICK # LUTON # HEATHROW

The Cryystal Tree 69 Broadway West Leigh-on-Se Sea SS9 2BX (opp Leigh Library) Healing Crystals Handmade Jewellery Angel Gifts Incense & Space Clearing Items Candles Salt Lamps Books, ĂƌĚƐ Θ ͛Ɛ Meditation Groups & Workshops tree.co.uk www.the-crystal-tree Healing for Mind Body and Soul

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useful numbers DIRECTORY ENQUIRIES BT (15p pm from landline, 40p connection) ORACLE PUBLICATIONS UK LTD www.oraclepublications.co.uk ORACLE WEBSITE SOLUTIONS

118 500 393838 393838

ADVICE & HELPLINES Child Protection 534495 Citizens Advice 0844 4770 808 Crime Prevention 464199 Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Cruse Bereavement Care 213843 Pier & Foreshore Inspectors 215620 Drugs, Alcohol & Substance Misuse 440400 HARP 615000 National Drugs Freephone 0800 776900 Samaritans 611911 Trading Standards 08454 040506 Victim Support Group 0845 4565995 CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS Belfairs Golf Club 526911 Belfairs Mixed Bowling 475766 Charles Dicken’s Fellowship 588069 Cockleshell Clog Morris 479622 Essex Yacht Club 478404 Essex Handicrafts Association 479622 Essex Society for Family History 522992 Estuary Social Club 477022 Highlands Badminton Club 476009 Hoy & Anchor Folk Club 715111 I.C.C Saturday Club 437861 Leigh Afternoon Women’s Institute 710232 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 Sailing Club 476788 Lower Thames Rowing Club 482205 Prittlewell Bowls Club 612476 Southend Athletics Club 472195 Southend Photographic Society 332491 Southend Rugby Club 546682 Southend West District Scouts (19 groups) 587647 The English Speaking Union 588069 Westcliff Rugby Club 541499 Woodside Bowling Club 525648 Southend Chess Club Steve Wedlock (Club Secretary) 345902 SEESS Scottish Country Dancing 585473 Thames Estuary Lacemakers 476034 Leigh Travel Club 474475 Southend & District Pensioners Campaign 341047 Westcliff Poetry Prose Lyric Club 342700 COUNCIL & SERVICES Leigh-on-Sea Town Council Southend Council Civic Centre Council Tax & Benefits Environment and domestic Council Waste Department Jobcentre Southend

716288 215000 215001 215005 215006 575700

HOSPITALS & HEALTH BMI Southend Private Hospital Primary Care Trust Southend General Hospital Spire Wellesley Hospital NHS Direct

608908 224600 435555 462944 111

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ANIMAL WELFARE Downes & Prtnrs, Veterinary Surgeon RSPCA Rochford

584511 548261

POLICE SERVICES 24 hour Emergency Number 01702 430696 Southend Police Station (24 hours a day) 0300 3334444 Thorpe Ward Neighbourhood Specialist Officer Warren Lamb 07976 325346 Marine Police 01268 775533 HM Coastguard 01702 294998

PUBLIC SERVICES Southend Forum 215011 Bournes Green Post Office 582241 Traveline 0871 200 2233 Arriva Southend 08701 201088 First 01268 525251 National Express 08705 80 80 80 Odeon Cinema 0871 2244007 SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen Families Association) 463113

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St Ann’s Building Supplies, Bentalls Close, Sutton Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 5PT Tel: 01702 463363 www.stannsbuildingsupplies.co.uk

Timeless Luxury Exquisite bathroom pieces with a unique Belle Époque appearance designed to bridge the gap between today’s modern minimalist and yesterday’s period pieces arcadebathrooms.com

Arcade is part of the Bathroom Brands group

Oracle-on-Sea

ORACLE

ORACLE View the latest issues

Index to advertisers

ONLINE Thorpe Bay

ACCOUNTANTS Taylors Chartered Accountants AIRPORT TRANSFER Air & Back ANTIQUE CLOCK It's About Time AUCTIONEERS Stacey's Auction BLINDS Worth & Co Blinds BOWLING CLUB Essex Bowling Club BUILDING SUPPLIES St. Ann's CAFE Cafe Tiere CAR DEALERSHIP Fairfield Mini CARPETS Athena Flooring Gainsborough Carpets Loom Trade Carpets CHAUFFEURS Abbeygate Chauffeurs CHILDREN'S BOUTIQUE Neliana CLEANING Maid in Essex COMMERCIAL/DOMESTIC PLUMBING & HEATING Essex Maintenance COUNSELLING Carl Adams Counselling DECORATORS Boatwright Bespoke Essex Brush & Trowel DOG GROOMING Head 2 Paws DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIR Cloudy2Clear DRIVING INSTRUCTOR Richard ELECTRICAL DMB Electric

41 46 41 17 47 15 49 46 1 21 29 52 5 44 6/7 22 18 35 17 18 17 32 4 21

ESTATE AGENTS Pace PLC EVENTS Leigh Lions Open Gardens Oracle Night Shoebury High FIREPLACES Fireplace & Design GAT Fireplaces FITTINGS Grove Fittings FLOORING Athena Flooring Daniel James Flooring FLYING CLUB Seawing Flying Club GARDEN CENTRE Morley's Garden Centre GARDEN SERVICES Paul's Gardening GRANITE WORKTOPS Granite Transformations GUTTERS & FASCIAS AC Solutions HAIR & BEAUTY Dexter Hair Grateful Heads HANDMADE JEWELLERY The Crystal Tree HEALTH & BEAUTY Health & Harmony HOMECARE Caremark Doris Jones INTERIOR DESIGNERS Morris Interiors KITCHENS Apollo Kitchens DK2 Kitchens KITCHEN INTERIORS Prittlewell Interiors LANDSCAPING Earth Designs Grassroots Landscaping

April 2015

April 2015

Oracle-on-Sea

ORACLE ORACLE Thorpe Bay at a glance Est. Sept 2005. Circulation 5,100

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

19 Oracle Competition

20 4 11 21

Oracle Competition

WIN! A £50 voucher at Health & Harmony beauty clinic

WIN! A £50 voucher at Health & Harmony beauty clinic

Local Issues

Local Issues

Police Watch

Police Watch

Finding the right care for yourself or an elderly loved one

Finding the right care for yourself or an elderly loved one

Smartwater fights against burglary

Smartwater fights against burglary

Council News

Council News

Clean and Green

NEW MINI CENTRE COMING

Clean and Green

NEW MINI CENTRE COMING

MAY MA AY 2015 201 …

MAY MA AY 2015 201 …

www.fairfieldmini.co.uk www.fairfieldmini.co.uk

www.fairfieldmini.co.uk www .fairfieldmini.co.uk Cover photo by Anthony Peck of Lower Thames Rowing Club

Southend-on-Sea Maritime Festival (6-7 June 2015) www.southendmaritimefestival.co.uk

45 33

To advertise in ORACLE call

44

01702 393838

21 51 42 25 41 28 24 23 16 46 26/27 36 8 31 12 40 41 34 35

LASER EYE SURGERY Lasersight LIGHTING Essex Lighting LOCKSMITHS/SECURITY Brights Locksmiths MARBLE WORKTOP Abbey Marble MUSIC TUITION The Music School PET CARE Bubbles Pet Care PHOTOGRAPHY Impact Imaging SKIP HIRE Leigh Skip Hire SOLICITORS White & Co SPORTSWEAR Original Sports TREE SERVICES Treefella Tree King TUITION First Class Learning Leigh Tutoring UPHOLSTERY George Evans Upholstery WILLS Oracle Estate Planning

2 28 38/39 36 3 18 42 48 43 37 22 35 13 3 28 15

ORACLE - the smart little glossy mags for Southend

Reach a 29,000 readership in Leigh, Chalkwell, Southend Conservation Area & Thorpe Bay hungry for your business Call for a Media Pack or visit www.oraclepublications.co.uk

To advertise in ORACLE call 01702 393838 All rights reserved. No part of Oracle Publications UK Ltd. may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means either wholly or in part without prior permission of the publisher. Oracle Publications UK Ltd. are editorially autonomous and the opinions expressed are not those of the publisher unless expressly stated.

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