Oracle on sea april 2014 layout 1

Oracle-on-Sea

April 2014

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

Oracle Competition WIN! A pair of tickets to see Lee Mead at the Cliffs Pavilion

Local Issues

Response to Boris Island

Interior Design Natural Elements

Recipe Page Sweet Red Onion and Emmental Tart

Hair & Beauty Nautical but Nice

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publisher’s letter

Y

ou may remember in February’s edition of Oracle, Jim Worsdale kindly contributed to Oracle’s local issues regarding the history of the ‘Boris Island’ idea? Since that article local resident Alan Kristian contacted me and wanted to give a response….let the debate continue! If you have something that you would like to highlight about your community/area or just something to share then please contact me as local issue pages are free to anybody.

I have been away recently and it was drawn to my attention that the Echo printed a letter from a local resident who had been wrongly informed that the Oracle was owned by the Burges Estate Residents Association and since then an apology has been received. I would just like to make it very clear to all of my readers and my clients that I am the sole proprietor of Oracle Publications UK Ltd. and that I run my business wholly independent of any political party, local faction, pressure group or other controlling influence.

For Air Conditioning Installations Repairs Maintenance

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Win a pair of tickets to see Lee Mead in concert on Sunday 5th October at the Cliffs Pavilion. The West End star will entertain everyone to an evening of songs from musical theatre to include his personal favourites and much more. www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk To enter please send your contact details to: Oracle/Lee Mead Competition, 39 Alexandra Street, Southend SS1 1BW or email info@oraclepublicaitons.co.uk Closing date Wednesday 30th April.

Happy Easter!

Emma Wynne-Morgan Publisher

01702 393838

39 Alexandra Street, Southend, Essex SS1 1BW

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

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

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contents Local Issues Response to Boris Island Resurrection 9/10

by Alan Kristian Nautical but Nice 16 Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith Natural Elements 22 Interiors by Sam Gundy Sweet Red Onion and Emmental Tart

26

Judy's Recipe Page

Getting fit for Summer Fun

30

Health & Beauty by Cris Ramis

Our vision

34

by Stephen Colyer at HARP

After 93 years, the tax disc is to be scrapped!

38

Oracle Motoring by Danielle Wheeler

Poem - Estuary Blues

43

by E.D. Simpson (Local Leigh resident)

Sudoku Diary Dates Useful Numbers Advertiser Index

32 40 44 46

Advertorials Holiday Inn Waters Edge CafĂŠ The Royals Shopping Centre Cameo 4

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Advertorial

Rooftop Dining A

modern dining room with stunning, panoramic views provides the perfect setting in which to savour the skills of new Head Chef Michael Walker and his brigade at 1935 Rooftop Restaurant & Bar. Sitting atop the landmark Holiday Inn at London Southend Airport, is a mixture of discerning business travellers and local foodies, attracted by Walker’s modern take on British classics.

The Oracle caught up with Mickey to find out why the 1935 is one of the hottest tickets - or should that be plates? - in town.

As easy as MBC - Modern British Classics The new menu is composed of “lots of those much loved British Classics, but with a modern twist – so fresh and exciting, but homely and comforting at the same time,”explains the 52-year old“I am also keen to use as many local, seasonal ingredients from suppliers here in Essex as possible.”

fish dishes – Home Smoked Haddock with Saffron Potato Salad, Crispy Quail Egg and Haddock Chowder or the Beetroot Cured Salmon Tartare on brown bread with fresh Beetroot Salad and Dill Dressing. And of course our Homemade Fishcake with Sweetcorn Puree and Petit Salad.”

Amongst the mains, Mickey’s roasted rump and slow-braised, pressed shoulder of lamb is proving to be as popular a duo as Ant and Dec. Served with Dauphinoise potato (layered white and sweet potatoes), seasonal vegetables and drizzled with a red wine jus, it is not surprising to see – and taste – why. It is delicious. Another duo making a big impression is the Pork Belly & Tenderloin, served with Sweet Potato Pureé, Pak Choi and Hazelnut Jus.

Firm favourites with customers amongst the tempting starter selection are the “succulent Game Terrine, wrapped in Pancetta and served with toasted brioche and Red Onion Marmalade, as is the Spinach & Ricotta Tortellini in a Tomato, Basil and Parmesan Sauce,”says Micky, adding:“Of course people love our

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Alongside a variety of steaks, Mickey has introduced game to the menu, “Whilst it’s in season, we’ve got Venison Steak on the menu and it is proving to be really popular. I think with so much cookery on TV, people are more willing to try things a little outside their normal comfort zone. And after all, venison is the meat of kings. Ours is served 28-day aged and cooked to your liking before being served with home-made chips, Portobello mushrooms & grilled Roma tomato.

It’s super healthy and the flavour is unbelievable!

Henry VIII would certainly approve.”

Being a seaside town, seafood is well represented.

Aside from the wide range of starters, amongst the main courses you will find a delectable Fish Casserole – a mixture of fish and shellfish poached in White Wine, Lemon and Tarragon and Pan Fried Hake Fillet, served with Pappardelle vegetables, crushed new potatoes and Cream Dill Sauce.

Pudding fans will love the Pecan Cheesecake. Set your taste buds for this ‘Heaven on a spoon’ served with Salted Caramel Ice Cream. For those who prefer a ‘Yes, Yes,Yes’setting, the divine Chocolate Brownie finished with Vanilla Ice Cream and Chocolate Sauce really hits the spot…and then there is the Homemade Lemon Tart with Clotted Cream and Lemon Dressing.

The customer comes first at 1935, as Mickey explains: “Whether you’d prefer a simpler dish, have special dietary requirements or just fancy something that’s not on the menu, please just ask.As long as you give us prior warning we will do everything we can to accommodate you and ensure you have a great visit.”

Private Dining If you are planning a truly special event, whether business or pleasure, 1935 Rooftop Restaurant & Bar has a discreet and stylish private dining room. It comes complete with an exclusive terrace overlooking the airport – perfect for enjoying al fresco drinks and complimenting the ‘James Bond’ experience as you look over the location made famous in ‘Goldfinger’.

Park your car overnight for FREE and take a taxi home Anyone visiting the 1935 Rooftop Restaurant & Bar can park for free whilst they dine. However, given that it is easy to go out for dinner with the very best of intentions but then enjoy a cheeky glass or two, the Holiday Inn offers free overnight parking, so you can fully enjoy your evening before taking a taxi home.

All you need to do is pop into the hotel when you come back the following day to collect your vehicle and have your ticket validated.

The 1935 Rooftop Restaurant & Bar - a reference to the year that airport opened as a municipal airport for the public - is also open daily for breakfast and lunch.

O 01702 543 001 www.hisouthend.com

APRIL 2014

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Local Issues

Boris Island – resurrection of an old idea?

A response to Jim Worsdale, examining wider implications.

I

n the February edition of Oracle, Jim Worsdale, former Southend Echo journalist wrote of old re-discovered documents showing that Southend may have been destined to be no more than a departure/arrival lounge for Britain’s biggest airport. This appears to date back to the dawn of commercial and domestic air flight.

airport in our region, the very revelation of an ancient proposal of this kind clearly cloaks the scheme in some kind of respectability merely because it was long ago mooted and has hovered around our heads ever since like some kind of phantom aircraft with beating propeller blades that would not quite fall silent.

In this light the downside of any Estuary Airport Whilst Jim was very careful neither to champion proposal should be examined; very little will be nor denigrate the need or principle of a major positive, perhaps another correspondent could present a case in favour? Whilst it may have seemed attractive for Southend and Essex to jump on the airflight bandwagon 80 years ago, in the current situation it does not hold water.

We now have a thriving Southend (London) Airport with clear expansion plans and London itself boasts an effective City Airport. If a hub is built in the Estuary the flight paths will conflict and both these will close.

The Estuary itself has attracted many nature based designations, not least of all as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means that much is to be learned from the preservation of nature in the region and that it should be preserved for that reason. The hub developers would be required to replace like for like in another area for the disruption to this reserve.

APRIL 2014

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Presumably they will learn to emulate Dr. Doolittle in his ability to talk to the animals, birds and fish so that they will understand that their centuries old breeding and feeding grounds have re-located up the river.

We have experienced the dredging of the river of late to facilitate access of large cargo ships down to Tilbury. As a suspected result of this, groins and other features, not to mention wartime bombs, have re-appeared on our beaches, having not been seen for decades.

Ground water has been seen at the top of Leigh Hill this winter, evidencing the presence of water table throughout the borough at unprecedented levels. The proposed Health Centre at Gunners Park, Shoeburyness seems to have been shelved, possibly as a result of the emergence of new lakes in the area, causing the closure of the children’s play area on the edge of the Garrison Estate. Anyone in their bath tub with an idea of the cause of a certain Greek’s shout of ‘Eureka’ can visualise the cause and effect of construction, floating or otherwise, in the waters of the Estuary.

Proposals also exist, at Government behest, for the development of who knows where housing estates of large volume. This effective concreting of land and loss of flood plain will direct water that cannot soak into the former green belt, presumably, to our waterways. This will flow to the Estuary, causing raised levels and pressure on the lamentable sea defences, especially at Shoeburyness and northwards – perhaps only to meet the concrete apron of the Estuary Airport!

Comparitively considerations:-

minor,

but

numerous

Increase in noise levels.

Increase in pollution levels.

Increased risk of accident in a built-up area.

Increase of congestion on roads and rail.

Increase in passenger traffic into the mooted hub airport............................

WAIT A MINUTE! Are we not in a recession, or just coming out of one depending on who you listen to politically? That being the case, from whence comes the extra passengers that justify any further aiport expansion, let alone any new scheme?

Finally, might someone advise Boris that his jurisdiction as Mayor ends at the Crowstone – go read the plaque on it for confirmation of that.

Curious then that the alternatives to any Estuary development would be on the fringes of London, where Boris does seem to hold some power.

And, to end on a political note, in an unprecendented show of solidarity, both Essex and Kent Councillors have unanimously condemned any such plan to turn the Estuary into a new Heathrow. This opposition will, of course, be totally ignored if Boris bees get into Government bonnets.

By Alan Kristian

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Advertorial

Southend Seafronts first Salt Beef Bar

S

ome of the choices on the new Water’s Edge Café menu may have taken a thousand years to develop but, thankfully, they’ll only take a matter of moments to order - giving you more time to savour and enjoy.

The popular restaurant on Southend seafront, famed for filling stomachs and warming hearts for over five years, has launched the town’s first kosherstyle Salt Beef Bar and Homemade takeaway service.

Traditional favourites such as salt beef, gefilte fish and chopped liver can now be ordered to take home for a properly satisfying lunch in the office or round to mum’s as a peace offering for not visiting sooner.

“If you’re too pushed or bushed to cook, we’ll happily do it for you!”, says owner Steve Halfteck.

“Whether you want one of our amazing, hot, salt beef sandwiches as a lunchtime treat, or you’re having a party and would prefer to be the perfect host,rather stuck in the kitchen,we can cater for you.”

Whilst the Water’s Edge Café’s menu satisfies all tastes, it is their epic salt beef - pickled for up to two weeks and then simmered in a secret blend of ingredients for up to five hours – for which the Café is justifiably famous and Steve is most proud of.

“We’ve always prided ourselves on the quality and freshness of the ingredients we use. I’ve never cut corners when it comes to looking after my customers and when I wanted to introduce salt beef onto the menu, nothing quite matched my Following traditional recipes and using only the mother’s.There was nothing else to do, so I brought freshest, quality ingredients, Water’s Edge’s home- her to the Café and got her to teach my son in law made specialties are wonderfully heimishe – and Head Chef, Lee. It took a few goes - and some homely, comforting. harsh words from her - but I’m proud to say that we now serve the best salt beef this side of Golders

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Green. Enjoy it with a homemade Latke – for those who don’t know, it’s a potato pancake, similar to a rosti or hash brown, but waaaaay better than both.”

He adds:“If you don’t believe me, buy some and try it. If you do believe me, buy some and tell your friends. And your mother too!”

Other perennial favourites appearing on the menu include a Steak & Mushroom Pie Dinner, (choice chuck steak and mushrooms combined in a rich red wine and onion gravy), Liver and Onion Dinner (lamb’s liver cooked to perfection with rich onion gravy) or succulent Hand Carved Ham with Egg and Chips.And in keeping with its seafront location, Cod, Plaice, Haddock and Salmon are all on the menu along with Wholetail Scampi. All fish can be cooked in Matzo meal or batter, or grilled as a healthier option.

If you are you having a party, social gathering, or inviting a few friends over for a rubber of bridge, let Water’s Edge take care of the catering, while you take care of your guests. We can supply anything and everything you see on menu – and more!

“Tell us more about the party or event you’re organising and we’ll happily put together a suggested menu to tickle your taste buds and placate your purse.”

You can find Water’s Edge at 9 Palmeira Parade, Under the Arches on Westcliff seafront.

Alternatively, the Take Away is available!

Wednesday to Sunday 12– 8pm. Free Delivery within a 4 mile radius on orders over £10, (£2 charge otherwise). 10% discount on collection. Find out more about Water’s Edge by visiting Facebook.com/WatersEdgeWoS or Twitter: @watersedgewos The full takeaway menu can be found online at: www.scribd.com/doc/75575801/Water-s-EdgeTake-Away-Menu

Don’t forget - Steve’s Salt Beef Bar As a result of the success of our Salt Beef at Waters Edge, we have opened Steve's Salt Beef Bar at 226a Station Road Westcliff (opposite Valkyrie Road), telephone 01702 808253.

You can eat in, have takeaway or delivery, or have us cater your private functions.

Our Salt Beef is now famous locally, favourably compared to the bagel bar in Brick Lane (whom we share our meat supplier).All our meat,fish and potato products are freshly made by us on the premises.

Given notice we can provide gluten free fried products, including fish and not forgetting our homemade latkes.

April offer Mention the Oracle at Steve’s Salt Beef Bar, when ordering, for a free drink to accompany your meal.

01702 353331 www.facebook.com/watersEgdeWoS 9 Palmeira Parade, Westcliff Seafront APRIL 2014

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Oracle Hair & Beauty

Nautical but nice A

s something of a regular follower of fashion, I’m something of an early-adopter for the latest looks and trends. However, I draw the line at certain things. Take for example, fashionistas’ near obsession with attempts to introduce cowboy style to Britain’s High Streets.

But I must admit to *cough* harbouring a soft spot for the seafaring look. Living on the Essex coast, this makes perfect sense and it works for both men and women.

Trawlerman look Blokes can adopt the rugged, Scandinavian trawlerman look with an expressive beard, cable knit jumper and jeans teamed with sturdy, waterproof boots (if the weather is inclement), whilst simple lines and a palate of navy, yellow, white and red will breathe fresh sea air into any girl or guy’s wardrobe.

A hooped matelot top paired with bold red jeans and a yellow jacket will make a bold statement. For the full effect, opt for a fitted tank, tee, or sweater that features the ever-popular pattern, and pair it with your favourite pair of navy slacks, dark denim jeans, a navy skirt, or even khaki bottoms. Stripes can be less than slimming, so consider a waist cinching accessory to add definition to the look—extra style points will be awarded if said accessory just so happens to be red! Pair your outfit with flats, heels, or even boat

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shoes, to create a perfectly fun and casual l ook – perfect for enjoying a glass of wine with friends in Old Leigh, or taking the sea air as you stroll down the pier..

Impeccable fashion sense.

Bold red lips, cat eye liner, and clean, flawless skin are the perfect complement to a nautical outfit.

The trick is to enhance, not overwhelm, and to showcase your impeccable fashion sense. An artful application of winged black eyeliner, dewy rouged cheeks, and a glossy red pout will pull your whole look together.

Of course, it is important not to stray too far and end up looking like Captain Birdseye, or Popeye or a deranged children’s TV presenter. You can avoid this fashion equivalent of the doldrums by choosing tops with fun, applique designs and prints featuring anchors, seahorses and sailing boats and by choosing swashbuckling accessories.

O

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Oracle Interior Design

Natural elements I

recently had the pleasure of staying in a beautiful old chateau in the heart of the Champagne Region. The dining room was a beautiful room, painted in cream but it was lacking atmosphere, however the panelled drawing room painted in a stunning rich green looked and felt really wonderful. The way pockets of daylight hit the walls and changed the colour entirely. There was such a stark contrast to how those two rooms made me feel!

Happy, relaxed, motivated Maybe I’m one of the few people that really notice the colours that are used in interiors but I’m definitely not the only person that ‘feels’ the colours that surround us. Colour whether you notice it or not has the ability to alter a mood, make you feel warm or cold regardless of the temperature. It can make you feel happy, relaxed, motivated or maybe even sad without you really taking in why your mood may have changed.

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The Psychology of colour is a fairly complex issue. But we are probably more in tune with colour than we realise. How does a fresh Spring morning make you feel? Usually colours associated with this would be greens, yellows, pinks and sky blue. These colours evoke a combination of feelings calm and relaxation (green), peace (pink), happiness (yellow) and more productive and thoughtful (blue). On a cold winters evening there is little colour to be found and we generally feel more tired less motivated by a lack of sunlight and colour to stimulate our senses.

Neutral / Natural The majority of people I come into contact with when I’m working are looking for neutral colour schemes and spend vast amounts of time and money selecting the right shade of white or grey. Now whilst I do totally agree that neutral works well almost anywhere, when colour is used either in place of neutral or in addition to it, this is when a space turns from ordinary and something that blends into it’s surroundings to somewhere that really evokes feeling & emotion and that can only be a good thing.

Colour should not be something to be afraid of, rooms that lack natural light do not always need to be painted a light shade.

Embrace the natural elements of a room, create something cosy and inviting and use lighting, lots of it! Take notice of the colours that surround you and how they make you feel, don’t be afraid to experiment.

O

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Advertorial

Easter’s full of animal magic at the Royals Shopping Centre

A

s Easter draws near, millions of chocolate eggs, bunnies and chicks are bought in readiness for the big day.

However you might also hear the barely suppressed groans from anxious parents wondering quite how on earth to occupy their children throughout the corresponding school holiday.

If you visit the Royals Shopping Centre you'll certainly be spoilt for choice, as they are providing an absolute feast of totally free fun for all the family right through from the 5th – 21st April.

Dr Zoolittle On Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th, Dr Zoolittle brings the incomparable magic and wonder of cuddly meerkats, real life Easter

bunnies and fluffy little chicks to The Royals.

Promising an interactive fun and educational experience for children of all ages, your little ones get to see and touch the chicks and rabbits whilst supervised by friendly experts.

Bring the family down to meet the animals between 10am and 5pm each day – and don’t forget to bring your camera to take some great pictures. Also check out more pictures on our Facebook page afterwards. Simples!

Easter Dressing up Fun for Babies and Toddlers There’s also a chance for your baby or toddler to dress up, play and become a local star in The Royal’s Baby and Toddler photography competition.

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APRIL 2014

Brought to you in partnership with the Southend Echo, a professional photographer will be in the Royals on the 8th, 9th and 10th April, assisted by the paper’s very own mascot, Echo Man and everyone’s favourite cuddly king of the shopping centre, Ryan the Lion.

Little ones will have a fabulous time creating Easter-themed outfits to model using the dressing up box provided as part of the fun.

Proud parents can also buy photos on the day to take home or give to friends and relatives as unique gifts.

Every child photographed will appear in a special Echo pull-out supplement published on 18th April and phone-lines will be opened to find

out who is top of the tots. After the votes have been added up, each category’s winner will be announced in a pictorial feature and the successful youngster will receive a prize.

Easter Shopping at The Royals With a terrific blend of famous name stores and cool, independent boutiques plus cafes and food outlets all under one roof, the Royals Shopping Centre is your ideal destination for treating yourself to some serious shopping, or meeting up with friends.

If you’re one of those lucky enough to be jetting off for the Easter break, it’s the perfect place to pick up your holiday essentials - from sun cream to swimwear, currency to cameras.

The Royals Shopping Centre High Street, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1DG

01702 461650 royalsshoppingcentre.co.uk APRIL 2014

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25

recipe of the month

1. Melt the butter in a large pan, add the onions and thyme and season, then cover and cook gently for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are soft and starting to caramelise. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.

In the Kitchen with Judy Barden

2. Make the pastry, put the flour and butter and salt

in processor and pulse until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the egg and pulse again until mixture just binds. (If it is dry add a little cold water). Tip the pastry onto a worktop, knead into a ball, then roll out and line a 20 x 30cm rectangular loose-bottom tranche tin or 23cm x 2.5cm round loose-bottomed, fluted flan tin. Press the pastry into the flutes and trim the pastry edges with your thumb just pressing down gently on the edges so not to stretch. Prick the base lightly with a fork, then chill for 10 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 200c/ fan 180c/gas 6.

3. Line the pastry case with foil, shiny side down, fill with baking beans (or dry rice) and bake for 15 mins. Remove foil and beans and bake for further 5 mins until pastry is golden. If you notice any cracks, patch up with pastry trimmings.

Sweet Red Onion and Emmental Tart

A

classic onion tart with lovely short crust pastry is just a very simple dish. The slow cooking of the onions gives it a lovely creaminess with a flavour that’s gentle but bold at the same time. It’s lovely served warm with a dressed green salad for either a starter or lunch. Enjoy!

Sweet Red Onion and Emmental Tart Serves 6-8 For the Pastry 200g/7oz plain flour 125g/4 ½ oz cold butter, cut into pieces 1 egg Pinch of salt For the filling 25g butter 1 large red onions, thinly sliced 2 large white onion, thinly sliced 1tbsp fresh thyme leaves 330ml low fat crème fraiche 3 eggs Large pinch grated nutmeg 15g packet fresh chives, chopped (reserve a few blades to garnish) 150g Emmental or Gruyere cheese, grated ORACLE-ON-SEA

5. Bake for 30 minutes until the surface is golden and the filling set. Allow to stand for 5 mins then garnish with reserved chives. Serve with a tomato salad and crusty bread.

O

Booking now for SpringCooking demonstrations Please email : judy.barden@btinternet.com

Ingredients

26

4. Place the crème fraiche, eggs, nutmeg and chives in a bowl, season with freshly ground black pepper and whisk together. Stir in the caramelised onions and half the cheese, and pour the mixture into the pastry case. Scatter the remaining cheese over the top.

Next month’s recipe: Curried Mussels with Spiced Chips

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Mobile Website Solutions

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APRIL 2014

Open Gardens Charity Day Sunday 13th April

Sun 20 July

2-5pm Admission: £3.50

Admission: £3 Children FREE Children FREE Home-made Tea’s available Home-made Teas available Tel: 01702 299022

SouthSHOEBURY Shoebury Hall SOUTH HALL Church Road, Shoeburyness Church Road, Shoeburyness, SS3 9DN (Entrancenext next to Church) (Entrance tothethe Church)

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27

Delicious home cooked food at

cockadoodledoo Clements Arcade, 11 Broadway, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 1PA Open 9am to 5pm - seven days a week Home Cooked Meats

Oven Baked Jacket Potatoes

Freshly Roasted Chickens

Delicious Homemade Cakes

Homemade Burgers

Hot & Cold Drinks

Omelettes

Hand Cut Chips

Freshly Made Salads

Sunday Roast

Delicious Healthy Specials

Sandwiches

Private Venue Hire Take Away available Free Wi Fi

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Advertorial

A thoroughly enjoyable shopping experience.

Above all, the Cameo team are committed to ensuring all our customers have a thoroughly enjoyable retail experience & leave knowing they have the right outfit. Whatever the occasion our friendly & experienced staff will work with you to ensure you look & feel your very best for your special day.

New Collections added for 2014

Not in the High street C

street.

We continue to expand our Occasionwear Collections & react to the trend for an increasing demand for less formal collections, we are pleased to announce 4 new labels to compliment our existing offer. This is very exciting as they all bring something new & different to those which we already stock.

Veni Infantino – designed by Veni herself, this collection is elegant & feminine & offers endless options for the lady who wants to look & feel sophisticated & stylish.

Dress Code – launched only in 2013 but has taken the market by storm & offers a fresh & different look.

Dressed Up – brand new for 2014, this is the first ameo Boutique - Beautiful clothes and plus size Occasionwear label. accessories you won’t find on the high Irresistible - fabulous dresses to take you from day into evening for the fashion conscious woman About us

Cameo is situated in the main shopping area of Hadleigh. It is a charming independent boutique offering clothes & accessories that can’t be found on the high street.All the ranges are handpicked for their compatibility with each other allowing many of the collections to be mixed & matched to create a unique offering. We are best known for our Mother of Bride Collections and are stockists of some of the best British Occasionwear Designers. We offer a really fantastic personal service helping all our customers to make the right decision on their outfit & make sure that have all the coordinating accessories.

Exclusive Collections, whatever your budget Looking for a special outfit is exciting but can be stressful too, there are so many options. At Cameo we work really hard to ensure that the clothes we have are more exclusive & select our collections from designer labels who only supply into independent boutiques. So you won’t find the things we have on the general high street or in department stores.

APRIL 2014

01702 552250

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www.cameo-boutique.com

223 London Road, Hadleigh, Essex, SS7 2RD

Find us on Facebook ORACLE-ON-SEA

29

Health & Beauty

Getting fit for Summer Fun

L

onger days and brighter weather mean that, at last, summer is just around the corner. If you want to look good for your holiday, then NOW is the perfect time to do something about it.

Becoming fitter and healthier needn’t involve the expense of going to a gym.

Instead, take yourself out and about here in Southend.

Challenging terrain Try walking or running along the seafront – start on the flat from Thorpe Bay and head towards Sea-Life Adventure. If you are feeling brave then try a more challenging terrain, such as the undulating paths and steep steps throughout the beautiful Cliff Gardens. Finding somewhere visually appealing to do your exercise is ideal as it makes the whole process more enjoyable.

A word of warning though, if you constantly run on concrete or the pavement; your joints will take a real beating - use grass or the beach to run on whenever possible.

Make use of the many parks in the local area - either take a brisk walk with the dog, kick a ball around with friends or even try your hand at tennis. Many parks have playground and exercise equipment (some even have rock walls to climb) so, there’s a fabulously diverse range of ways to make getting fit fun.

World class How about exercising in your garden? Most of us spent hours running around them as children and had a great time just doing that. At least you’ll entertain the neighbours! Or if you prefer the ‘life aquatic,’ then head over and make the most of the world class swimming pool facility at Garon Park.

Most importantly, whatever activity you choose, enjoy yourself whilst doing it!

Remember, I offer a free consultation to anyone who is looking to make positive changes to their health and fitness.

Our seafront now has miles of wonderful, new, safe lanes for those of us who enjoy cycling, so dig out yours from the dark recesses of the garage and go for a spin with the family.

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Sponsored by

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For primary school children we can help develop reading and writing skills including preparation for KS1 phonics screening test and SATS. For secondary school children we offer French and German tuition including GCSE and A level exam preparation.

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31

ORACLE Enigmas No humdrum conundrum s

7 5 6

6 7 2 9

2 7 3 1 1

3 6

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1 8 2

1 2 5 6

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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.

The answer to last month’s puzzle is at bottom.

Bathroom suites Showers Wet rooms Taps Radiators Toilets Accessories Shower Doors Towel Rails

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

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6 Boscombe Mews, Boscombe Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 5JD www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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Your Stove is waiting for you!

Photo for illustration purposes only

APRIL 2014

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Our vision H

ARP are delighted to announce that to help more people. The services HARP’s their new combined facilities building, professional staff provides are: the Bradbury Centre, 103 – 107 York Road, SS1 A caring environment and 28,000 hot meals.

2DL, opened its doors to service users at 9am on April 4th. Operating from this Centre will enable Emergency Accommodation if needed. (This is HARP to provide the essential services needed by the only emergency accommodation available the homeless of Southend all from under one in Southend). roof. In the past the Day Centre services and Advice on all issues of homelessness which can Emergency Night Shelter have been in two include: homeless prevention, housing, financial different locations. Moving into one building and medical issues. means people no longer have to travel across Training, volunteering and skills enhancing town in all weathers to get the help they need. It courses that help people move into a home of also brings efficiency in both services provided to the homeless and in running costs.

The vision, planning and renovations themselves have been years in the making. The Bradbury Centre, with it’s 18 emergency bedrooms, essential services provision, hot meals, advice and guidance from professional, caring staff, and access to health related services has been the goal of the Chief Executive, Gill Garwood, since she took office in 2004.

HARP’s vision is to end rough sleeping in Southend by 2018. To be able to provide supportive services from the Bradbury Centre is a huge step towards achieving this. The Bradbury Centre will provide more emergency rooms than HARP previously had and improved training facilities that will enable people to rebuild their lives.

The need for homeless services in Southend is great. In the past 12 months HARP have assisted over 1500 people in turning their lives around in order to find secure housing. The improved facilities at The Bradbury Centre will enable HARP

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“The new Centre will provide a safety net for the young and vulnerable in our town who find themselves homeless and without a future. The Centre will provide a supportive and caring environment to enable them to learn the skills they need to support themselves.” Chief Executive, Gill Garwoood.

If you would like to make a donation to HARP please visit the website harpsouthend.org.uk and click on ‘Donate Now’ or send a cheque to: HARP Ltd, 4th Floor, Dencora Court, Tylers Avenue, Southend on Sea, Essex. SS1 2BB

01702 615000 www.harpsouthend.org.uk

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+ FREE 5 YEAR WARRANTY On Selected TVs *Terms and Conditions apply.

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Cloudy2Clear Windows – Service With A Smile!

It’s been a crazy few months for Cloudy2Clear Windows.

The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has grown rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their services.

Managing Director Chris Miller feels that it’s all about service.

‘Our product is simple.

If your double glazing is misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 5 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although

that obviously helps.

Many tradespeople have struggled since last year and I honestly feel that during the good times a minority perhaps didn’t focus on customer care as much as they should have done. We make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. I often get comments back from customers on how they really didn’t expect that sort of service which, in a way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole.’

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Oracle Motoring

After 93 years, the tax disc is to be scrapped.

V

ehicle tax was introduced in the 1888 Budget and the VED applying specifically to motor vehicles was introduced with the Roads Act 1920. In 1921 the DVLA introduced the tax disk, but this is now to be scrapped as officials say it is no longer needed as police now rely on an electronic register. The new system will allow people to pay the charge by monthly direct debit. As it stands, people can decide whether to pay the amount for a 6 month or 12 month period, with 6 months costing 10% extra per year â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but this is now expected to be cut to 5%. The new monthly direct debit option is also expected to cost 5% more than paying for the year in one go.

These changes are expected to come into effect in October 2014.

160,000 untaxed vehicles The government announced its intention to bring a direct debit system for paying VED in the 2012 Budget, seeking the views of motoring groups on the advantages of such a change. The DVLA received 160,000 reports from members of the public of potentially untaxed vehicles last year, and 200,000 drivers in all were spotted having not paid VED (Vehicle Excise Duty) last year. Through analysis of records, the DVLA also took action against 60,000 drivers whose noncompliance was revealed.

38

ORACLE-ON-SEA

After the paper disk is demolished, enforcing the digital system with entail a greater use of surveillance cameras. With this new system, more data will be logged and could potentially be sold on.

Abolishing the tax disk may not make too much of a difference for many people, but what do you think?

By Danielle Wheeler â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Marketing Assistant

O

959 London Road, Leigh-On-Sea, Essex, SS9 3LB

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

01702 410 470 APRIL 2014

Adult & Youth Counselling

I can help with: Anger, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, ERG\ LPDJH ORZ VHOI FRQÂż GHQFH VWUHVV drugs & alcohol & associated feelings, panic, emotional abuse, self harm, bullying, loneliness, isolation, sexual abuse, loss, guilt, shame & sexuality.

Diary Dates

Telephone: 07950 964524 Email: cacounselling@hotmail.com www.carladamscounselling.co.uk 534 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 9HS

THORPE BAY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY SPRING FLOWER AND HOMECRAFT SHOW Saturday 12th April from 2.15 p.m.

St. Augustines Church Hall Refreshments, Bric a Brac, plant sale etc Entrance 50p Members free

FREE

half-hour initial consultation

FREE Wednesday 16th - Thursday 17th April.

Bring the familiy along to see real life bunnies and fluffy little chicks! 10am-5pm DR ZOOLITTLE - ROYALS SHOPPING CENTRE

CATS PROTECTION SOUTHEND BRANCH 12th APRIL - EASTER BAZAAR St Andrews Church Hall, Church Road, Shoeburyness 10.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.

Come and bag a bargain!

Lots of goodies for sale - Refreshments Raffle and Tombola 26TH APRIL - CAT HOMING SHOW St Andrews Church Hall, Church Road Shoeburyness. 10.30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

All our cats are vet checked and vaccinated. Adult cats are neutered and microchipped. Admission 50p Can you give a cat/kitten a good home? please come along or call Rita 01702 710630 BIODIVERSITY: ANGLIAN WATER'S NATURAL PARTNER Southend Central Museum at 7-9pm on Thursday 27th April 2014.

Chris Gerard, of Anglian Water, gives a talk describing the variety and role nature in the local area.

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41

Air&Back

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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.

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WE NEED YOU! IS YOUR HOME IN NEED OF A SERIOUS SPRING CLEAN? DO YOU FIND HOUSEKEEPING AN OVERWHELMING CHORE AND AVOID IT AT ALL COSTS?

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Estuary Blues The Brent Geese come in October

Are we the last generation to know them?

Siberian breath in their wings

Here since time began.

A distant murmur of thousands To graze on the tidal fringe.

It's just the place for an airport There's no-one there to complain

Are we the last generation to know them?

Boris Johnson has got it all figured -

Here since time began.

A terminal bearing his name.

Then in the long summer evenings

By E.D. Simpson

Owls on the prowl sweep and glide

Local Leigh resident

Wild orchids are growing on Canvey Grey seals come in with the tide.

APRIL 2014

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43

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

ANIMAL WELFARE 118 500 393838

Cushing Vadden & Partners

393838

RSPCA Rochford LOCAL MP David Amess (Con)

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 587647 Southend West District Scouts (19 groups) 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

476404

0207 219 3452

POLICE SERVICES 24 hour Emergency Number Leigh Police Station (Mon-Fri 9-7pm) Southend Police Station (24 hours) Marine Police 01268 Thames Coastguard

01702 430696 431212 0300 3334444 775533 01255 675518

PUBLIC SERVICES Central Library 215011 Southend High Street Post office 391063 Belfairs Post Office 525354 Traveline 0871 200 2233 Arriva Southend 08701 201 088 First 01268 525251 National Express 08705 80 80 80 Odeon Cinema 0871 2244007 Leigh Heritage Centre 470834 SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen Families Association) 463113

Tony Benn (1925 - 2014)

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

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ORACLE-ON-SEA

608908 224600 435555 462944 08454647

Hope is the fuel of progress and fear is the prison in which you put yourself.

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Oracle-on-Sea

ORACLE Index to advertisers

ACCOUNTANTS 18 Taylors Chartered Accountants AIR CONDITIONING Aspen Air 3 AIRPORT TRANSFER Air & Back 42 BATHROOMS Better Life Bathrooms 4 BATHROOMS & PLUMBING JCA Merchants 32 BICYCLES Bikebase 1/15 BLINDS Worth & Co Blinds 45 BOUTIQUE Cameo 29 BUILDERS AJ Properties 48 CAR LEASING Planet Leasing 38 CARERS & NURSES Choices Healthcare 31 CARPETS Trade Carpets 5 CHARITY HARP 34 CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINMENT Karen's Children's Entertainment 3 CLEANING Maid in Essex 36 COMMERCIAL/DOMESTIC PLUMBING & HEATING Essex Maintenance 14 CONFERENCE & BANQUETING CENTRE The Lawn 19 COUNSELLING Carl Adams Counselling 40 DENTAL Parmar Dental 17 DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIR Cloudy 2 Clear 37 FASHION BOUTIQUE Just Fox 11

ORACLE FIREPLACES Fireplace & Design GAT Fireplaces FITTINGS Grove Fittings FLOORING Athena Flooring GARDEN CENTRE Morley's Garden Centre HAIR & BEAUTY Grateful Heads HEALTH & FITNESS Ramis Health & Fitness GARAGES Cars 4 all GARDEN SERVICES Paul's Garden Services GIFTS Native Earth Shamanics GUTTERS & FASCIAS AC Solutions HEALTH & BEAUTY Simply Stride HOME ACCESSORIES Gardners HOMECARE Caremark INTERIOR DESIGN Morris Interiors KITCHEN INTERIORS Prittlewell Interiors LANGUAGE TUITION Language to Treasure LETTINGS Millers & Co MARBLE WORKTOP Abbey Marble OPEN GARDEN South Shoebury Hall OVEN CLEANING Ovenclean PEST CONTROL Pestcleare PET CARE Bubbles Pet Care PET SHOP Leigh Pet Express

33 20

View the latest issues ONLINE THORPE BAY - April 2014_Layout 1 31/03/2014 13:18 Page 3

Oracle-on-Sea

28

April 2014

ORACLE

Thorpe Bay

OR ACLE

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

publisher’s letter

21 39 16

Y

ou may remember in February’s edition of Oracle, Jim Worsdale kindly contributed to Oracle’s local issues regarding the history of the ‘Boris Island’ idea? Since that article local resident Alan Kristian contacted me and wanted to give a response….let the debate continue! If you have something that you would like to highlight about your community/area or just something to share then please contact me as local issue pages are free to anybody.

Oracle Competition WIN! A pair of tickets to see Lee Mead at the Cliffs Pavilion

I have been away recently and it was drawn to my attention that the Echo printed a letter from a local resident who had been wrongly informed that the Oracle was owned by the Burges Estate Residents Association and since then an apology has been received. I would just like to make it very clear to all of my readers and my clients that I am the sole proprietor of Oracle Publications UK Ltd. and that I run my business wholly independent of any political party, local faction, pressure group or other controlling influence.

Local Issues

Response to Boris Island

Interior Design Natural Elements

Recipe Page Sweet Red Onion and Emmental Tart

Win a pair of tickets to see Lee Mead in concert on Sunday 5th October at the Cliffs Pavilion. The West End star will entertain everyone to an evening of songs from musical theatre to include his personal favourites and much more. www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk

Hair & Beauty Nautical but Nice

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