Oracle-on-Sea
February 2014
ORACLE Leigh, Chalkwell & Southend Conservation Area Est. Oct 2006. Circulation 6,700
Oracle Competition WIN!Two people dine at the Southend Holiday Inn's 1935 Rooftop Restaurant & Bar - Value ÂŁ60
Local Issues
Boris Island - Resurrection of an old idea
Oracle Interiors Style Secrets
Travel Expert Elephant Hills Thailand adventure
Oracle Exclusive Vouchers See page 11
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publisher’s letter
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his month Oracle has some great ideas, offers and information, something for everyone. Jim Worsdale takes the stand again and has written this month’s local issues on the not so new idea of Boris Island. Visit Thailand’s Elephant Hills with Melanie Williams or perhaps interior design is your thing, read about some style secrets from Samantha Gundy…….and lots more! Another fabulous competition this month that offers two lucky people the chance to dine either for lunch or dinner at the Southend Holiday Inn’s 1935 Rooftop Restaurant & Bar to the value of £60 (food only). This restaurant is the only rooftop restaurant and bar in Essex and offers traditional food with a modern twist. You will be able to experience the panoramic views of London Southend airport and the surrounding Essex countryside. For further information on the restaurant and bar please visit their website on www.hisouthend.com To enter please send your contact details to: Oracle/1935 Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, 39 Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1BW or email info@oraclepublications.co.uk closing date 25th February 2014. Good Luck!
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 Printed by EVONPRINT, Small Dole, Sussex 01273 494631 FEBRUARY 2014
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ALEXANDRA GUNS New & second - hand sold and bought
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Shot Guns Air Guns & Pistols BB Guns Knives
contents Local Issues Boris Island - resurrection of an old idea 9/10 by Jim Worsdale How to gym and bear it Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith
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Style Secrets Oracle Interiors by Sam Gundy
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Elephant Hills Thailand Adventure
22
Oracle Travel by Melanie Williams
Creamy Chicken Gratin
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Judy's Recipe Page
A New You for 2014
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Oracle Health by Cris Ramis
Do you know your Security 'ABC'?
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Oracle Security by Simon Wakefield
6 top tips to prevent viruses
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Oracle IT by Ray Snow
Sudoku Diary Dates Vouchers Advertiser Index
28 38 11 42
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Local Issues
Boris Island - resurrection of an old idea I
have been searching among old papers and documents, in a collection gathered through a long lifetime as a journalist and well into retirement, for references to airports in Southend and in our county. And I have unearthed some real surprises I now share with Oracle readers. For long before the Stobart group bought Southend Airport and developed it into today’s much expanded, much in demand and still growing hub; long before London Mayor Boris Johnson began his campaign for an island airport in the Thames and, even, ahead of the highly controversial proposal of the early 1960s for a Maplin airport, our neighbourhoods and our county were eyed for such development. 78 years ago investigation commissioned Way back in 1936 -- yes, some 78 years or so ago – Essex County Council commissioned an investigation and report into future aviation needs or possibilities. A London-based firm of consultants, Norman & Dawbarn, produced a substantial document entitled Air Planning in the County of Essex, dealing with “the new science of aeronautics” and hoping that it “may make some lasting contribution to the correct planning of air facilities in a county destined to play an important role in the future of English flying.”
FEBRUARY 2014
Listed as existing, or as sites already selected those almost eight decades ago, were Ashingdon, Southend, Burnham-on-Crouch, Chelmsford, Clacton, Colchester, Abridge, Broxbourne, Stapleford, Ilford and Fairlop Plain. The report stressed: “The development of air transportation is at present at such an early stage that it is difficult to form any reasoned estimate of the future air needs of the population of Essex. Position of greatest importance “It is clear, however, that in addition to the local requirements the county occupies a position of the greatest importance as an approach sector to the Metropolis. The Fairlop site may be developed as one of the major London air terminals, while we believe that the Thames Estuary may also one day become a base for large marine aircraft.” Well, as we have known since the late 1960s, the Thames Estuary was very much a target of dreamers, planners and politicians, as the site for London’s major new airport – not for large marine airliners, of course, but for jetliners in the worldwide network. Long before the current speculation of a “Boris Island” in the Thames, somewhere off the Isle of Grain, there was much debate and loud fanfares of publicity or opposition to the idea of an airport out
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on the Maplin Sands, with a possible monorail link
to the capital and a vast new highway cutting across Essex, below the Crouch and linking to London. That particular dream or nightmare ended when the Government of the day, headed by Ted Heath, cancelled the Maplin project and the idea of Stansted as London’s third international airport, after Heathrow and Gatwick, became reality. Manmade island still visible From Foulness Island and from east Shoebury, where the Thames opens its wide mouth to the North Sea, the manmade island created to test tidal flows ahead of any massive development out on the sands, can be seen still on clear days. It remains as a monument to a scheme that many so gratefully saw killed-off – or a reminder of what might have been, to those who saw Maplin airport as a much more acceptable proposition than Stansted.
Some 30 years prior to the decision to expand Stansted and abandon possible development of airports at Maplin and elsewhere; long before Southend Airport would boom in its popularity of today, Air Planning in the County of Essex recommended a series of Class 1 airports “to satisfy the needs of main airline traffic as far as we are able to foresee them,” and Class II airports for restricted, more localised use. The Class I recommendations were for Fairlop Plain, Colchester and Southend, with reserved sites at Chelmsford and Bishops Stortford. Some became pie in the sky. Flight of fancy - Boris Island If a similar investigation and report was made today, about the tomorrow of aviation directly affecting us here in the county of Essex we so love, especially here in Southend borough, what on earth – or above earth – might we be in for? Well, if London Mayor Boris Johnson and his supporters have their way, if their dream is no flight of fancy, there will indeed be an island airport in the Thames upriver from us. Good thing? Bad thing? Debate will go on and on, that’s one thing for sure. by Jim Worsdale
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Oracle Hair & Beauty
How to gym and bear it A
s you read this, my Grateful Heads colleague Joe Tonge and I will be trekking to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, to raise £8000 for the Southend Cystic Fibrosis Association. So, looking good whilst exercising was foremost on my mind when writing this month’s column! Hitting the gym is great for your figure, but it can affect your skin and hair. Here’s my run down of the best tips for getting fit and looking great.
Sport a Braided High Bun - for the perfect post gym hair do, create a high ponytail using a hair band, then braid the tail and twist it into a bun. After you're done exercising, blast the damp bun dry and then unleash the waves. Also use a humidity blocker to eliminate frizz and save your hairstyle post-gym. Pin your hair back off your face, or wear a sweatband – this prevents sweat getting trapped on your forehead which can lead to spots.
Avoid Makeup – it clogs pores by not allowing your skin to breathe naturally during workouts. If you absolutely cannot survive without it, use mineral based products are they aren’t as heavy on the skin and allow it to function more naturally. Apply a Leave-In Conditioner - Going for a swim? Make sure to apply a leave-in conditioner afterwards, to protect your hair from chlorine damage. 14
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B.Y.O.T. (Bring Your Own Towel) - Using the same towel to dry your face during an exercise session that you’ve also used to wipe down sweaty workout equipment can transfer another person’s bacteria to your skin. To avoid issues with your complexion, bring a soft clean towel, and use it exclusively for your face.
Wear Loose Attire – Close-fitting lycra can chafe and occasionally causes skin infections. Wearing loose clothing helps to wick away sweat, so that it doesn’t stick to your skin. Cleaning out your kit bag and washing your gym clothes every day helps to keep you feeling fresh and body confident.
Hydrate - Drinking plenty of water before you workout is as important as taking fluid on board during it, as you will boost the flushing out of toxins and maintain great-looking, healthy skin. It is also a superb way to increase circulation, which helps your hair – and you – to shine. Sponsored by
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Oracle Interior Design
Style Secrets I
love to shop, that’s no secret. Like most women I love shoes and clothes but I’m far more passionate about Interiors. This month I will share with you some of my secret shopping destinations a few of which you may be surprised with but I promise they will not disappoint you! Any style, any budget, you can achieve high end style without breaking a sweat or busting your bank balance!
1. BHS - Yes indeed, always been a bit of a star with their lighting, worth checking out. They really keep abreast of latest trends and deliver great lighting at amazing prices. 2.
H&M Home online. In true H&M style their homeware is amazingly affordable and really well designed. I am a sucker for a Chevron or a Stripe and in beautiful bright zingy colours. I’ve just filled up a basket online with cushions and towels Get them before I do!
3. West elm London. If you haven’t yet heard of West elm I invite you to check out their website and their facebook page. Their website has just launched but I urge you to visit their store, it’s really luxurious and inspiring. Their styling is second to none and I am really 18
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excited about having them here in London. It’s well priced and the staff are really friendly and helpful. It is without doubt my new favourite place to shop for homeware.
4. Marks & Spencer - Doing some great pieces of furniture in collaboration with some talented designers. Not too keen on their website but if you know what to look for they have some very design forward pieces on offer. 5. Anthropologie. They are the bigger more grown up Sister of Urban Outfitters. Some quirky pieces from Hooks and Handles to Towels and bedding. This is also a lovely inspirational space to shop in. Happy Shopping Samantha Gundy
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recipe of the month In the Kitchen with Judy Barden
Good knob of butter 2 leeks, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves crushed 2 tbsp plain flour 500g/1 lb 2oz cooked chicken (could use leftover roast chicken), shredded 25g fresh parsley finely chopped 200ml double cream 200ml chicken stock Method: 1. Put the potatoes in a pan of cold salted water, bring to the boil and simmer for 1 minute. Drain well and leave to one side 2. Meanwhile, heat the oil and butter in a pan and gently fry the leeks for 10 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for a further 30 seconds. Add the flour and cook for a further minute and then add the stock and cream, stirring until you get a creamy sauce. Stir through the shredded chicken and the parsley and season well. 3. Preheat the oven to 180c/fan 160/gas.
Creamy Chicken Gratin Serves 4
T
his is one of those family dinners that you make on a budget and the original recipe was using leftovers from Sunday lunch. It is much cheaper to buy a large chicken and roast it and then the next day use the meat. However for quickness you can also buy a ready cooked chicken. If you need to make up the weight just add some thick pieces of ham, it is just as nice. Enjoy!
4. Tip the mixture into a 2 litre gratin or lasagne type dish and then roughly top with pieces of potato. Brush the potatoes with a little extra oil and then sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Bake in the oven for 50-60 minutes until bubbling and golden.
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Creamy Chicken Gratin Serves 4 Ingrediants: 1 kg potatoes, unpeeled cut into chunks 2 tbsp olive oil or rapeseed oil plus extra for brushing
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Your Stove is waiting for you! Photo for illustration purposes only
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PLACE
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Health & Beauty
A New You for 2014 A
s 2014 begins, I am sure many of you are making resolutions to improve your health and fitness. Here are a few simple steps to help you get started.
SORT YOUR POSTURE OUT - Poor posture can make you look shorter and fatter. Improving your posture can help flatten your abs and improve overall appearance.
CUT OUT THE JUNK FOOD AND EAT ORGANIC Avoid junk food, processed food, alcohol, caffeine and sports drinks, and eat organic food which contains higher levels of beneficial minerals, essential amino acids, vitamins and cancer-fighting antioxidants.
REDUCE YOUR STRESS AND LEARN TO RELAX Find some daily 'me' time to chill out, such as 30minutes of daytime walking, Yoga or just simple stretching.
DRINK HALF YOUR BODYWEIGHT IN WATER EACH DAY - Water naturally suppresses appetite and helps the body metabolize stored fat. Drink at least half your bodyweight in ounces of water per day. GET TO BED ON TIME TO REPAIR PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY - To recover from your daily exertions and maintain optimum health, you need around eight hours of quality sleep. Aim to be asleep before 10.30pm as often as possible. DO THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF EXERCISE - Do too little exercise and you won't get any benefit. Do too much and you'll either injure yourself or OVERTRAIN and make yourself ill with a virus, which could stop you training for months.
START EXERCISING NOW! - This gives you a fighting chance of shedding bodyfat before summer. Losing 1lb of fat a week between now and then is a sensible and achievable goal. MAKE POSITIVE CHANGES GRADUALLY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Adopt your new, healthier lifestyle choices one at a time. This makes it more likely that they'll stick and become long-term habits, rather than short-term efforts fuelled by the best of festive intentions. I offer a free consultation to anyone who is looking to make positive changes to their health and fitness. Contact me on 07803 042 070 or visit www.ramis-hf.com
TRAIN WITH WEIGHTS - This will build lean muscle tissue, increase strength, boost metabolism and reduce bodyfat.
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Oracle Security
Do you know your Security ‘ABC’ ?
I
t’s really important to know your security ‘ABC’. Over the forthcoming months we’ll be giving you some FREE security tips to help make you feel safe, secure, protected & confident. Most of us don’t like spending money on things that don’t really give us something immediately ‘tangible’ in return. We ‘Brits’ consider security as a ‘grudge buy’ & leave it until something happenswhich of course means we become victims of ever increasing crime ‘statistics’. If you think you’ve done all you can to secure your property & belongings you might want to run through our ‘ABC Checklist’ to make sure you’re really ‘on the ball’. We’ve numbered them according to their importance but will cover one subject at a time over forthcoming issues so keep your eyes open.
A} B}
C}
1. Locks 2. Safes/Security Boxes 3. Alarm 4. CCTV 5. Laminated Glass/Bandit Film 6. Grilles, Bars & or Roller Shutters
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New ‘TS007’ Security standards are on the way so make sure you’re covered. Another dreadful statistic is that a disturbing amount of people do not lock their doors properly, thinking that ‘pulling the door to’ is sufficient; in short… IT’S NOT! This casual approach has led to a marked increase in burglary across the country, especially in Essex, and is very easy to remedy if you simply deadlock your door. Don’t be a victim follow the ‘ABC’ system Next months issue: Part2: Safes/Security Boxes
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1. Locks: Your locks will be the first point of attack so it’s vitally important that you’ve got the very best. It might be surprising to know that around 80% of British homes have ‘Euro Cylinder’ locks installed that offer very poor security.
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These cylinders aren’t very strong at all and are prone to attack by snapping, drilling and other methods and can result in a burglar getting in to your premises within 10 to 15 seconds! If that isn’t SCARY enough it should also be shocking to hear that Insurance Companies won’t pay out if you’re burgled and you have the wrong types of locks (Ouch)! That’s why it’s always best to check your insurance documentation or call them direct as they often specify a particular type of lock.
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Oracle IT Support
6 top tips to prevent viruses H
ere are 6 ways to prevent viruses on your Pc. Over the years we have found that these are the most commonly missed aspects. We hope you find it useful. 1. Install quality antivirus Free anti-virus products are always better than no protection at all. However the level of protection required in this modern age has increased. All Windows users should install professional, internet security grade antivirus software on their PCs. Pro-grade antivirus programs update more frequently throughout the day and protect against a wider range of threats such as rootkits. 2.Install real-time anti-spyware/ protection/anti mailware Most free anti-spyware programs do not provide real-time, or active, protection from adware, Trojan, and other spyware infections. So check that your anti-virus covers this. . Threats now spread with alarming speed, thanks to the popularity of such social media sites as Twitter, Facebook, and My Space.
4. Don't click on email links or attachments Don't click on unknown email links or attachments. Users frequently fail to heed the warning. Never click on email attachments without at least first scanning them for viruses using a business-class anti-malware application. 5. Surf smart A good anti-virus includes plug-ins that help protect against drive-by infections, phishing attacks, financial, and similar exploits. Others provide "link protection," in which Web links are checked against databases of known-bad pages. So ensure your anti-virus products includes this. 6. Use a hardware-based firewall Most routers include a firewall so check with your internet provider that your device includes this functionality, as this will help prevent hackers from getting into your system using obscure methods.
O
by Ray Snow
3. Perform daily scans Enabling complete, daily scans of a system's entire hard drive adds another layer of protection. Daily scans can be invaluable in detecting, isolating, and removing infections that initially escape security software's attention.
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Applying common sense to complex matters
DIVORCE AND FAMILY LAW | POWER OF ATTORNEY PROBATE | WILLS | CIVIL LITIGATION
We know your problems don’t work 9-5, so we have out of hours appointments to suit you – contact us today for your FREE Initial Consultation Call: 01702 804 106 Mobile: 07967 991 472 Email: vincent@vmsolicitors.co.uk Visit: www.vincentmccarthysolicitors.co.uk The Gateway Building, 10 Elmer Approach, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1LW FEBRUARY 2014
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Vincent McCarthy Solicitors ORACLE-ON-SEA
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LOOKING FOR A HANDS ON ACCOUNTANT? .....then call Colin Taylor NOW!
Diary Dates ACTIVE 50+ FESTIVAL 12th Feb 13:00 - 15:00 Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre Fun & Friendly Activities for the over 50’s! The activities will include; Dance Fit, Line Dance, Seated Fitness, Yoga, Active Circuits & Free Health Checks! No need to book just come along and join in the fun! £2.00 includes refreshments. www.activelife.uk.com
For help and advice with:
Self Assessment Tax Returns Accounts Bookkeeping VAT Payroll / RTI Tax Planning TAYLORS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
01702 552008 colin.tca@virgin.net
ACTIVE PIER FIT Every week 26th Feb - 19th Mar 2014 12:30 - 14:30 Southend Pier, Western Esplanade A healthy fitness walk along the pier to the Royal Pavilion, take part in a fun, lively exercise session, enjoy a cuppa and then walk or take the train back. Walk both ways £1.00 / Walk & ride Concessions £2.00/ Adults £3.50 To book your place contact Active Life: 07740 626226 www.activelife.uk.com DEMENTIA SUPPORT Tues 11th Feb 10-12, Thurs 13th Feb 2-4, Sat 15th Feb 10-11. Kent Elmes Library Specialist staff will be answering questions and offering advice about memory problems, services and help. READING CHALLENGES AT THE LIBRARY A new initiative to get the nation reading! Go to your library or online for more information. www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk www.oraclepublications.co.uk www.twitter.com/oracle_essex
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MAINTENANCE MAN All Garden Work Shed Roofs Renewed Fencing & Repairs Guttering & Cleaning Carpentry Work Painting Etc Crazy Paving Re-pointing & Power Cleaning ANY OTHER WORK CONSIDERED! PHONE KEN:
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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
Call today for a competitive quote Air & Back, 75 Mayfield Avenue, Southend-on-Sea Essex SS2 6NR
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ORACLE Index to advertisers
ACCOUNTANTS Taylors Chartered Accountants 38 AIRPORT TRANSFER Air & Back 41 BLINDS Worth & Co 39 BOUTIQUE Cameo 7 CAKES Debbie's Cake Emporium 28 CAR DEALERSHIP Essex Auto Group 21 CARERS & NURSES Choices Healthcare 17 CARPETS Trade Carpets 5 CERAMIC TILES IMPORTERS Kenbro 16 CLEANING Deep Cleen 11 Maid in Essex 35 COMMERCIAL/DOMESTIC PLUMBING & HEATING Essex Maintenance 33 COMPUTERS Res Info-Tech 36 CONFERENCE & BANQUETING CENTRE The Lawn 6 COUNSELLING Carl Adams Counselling 4 DENTAL Parmar Dental 31 DOG GROOMING PARLOUR Head 2 Paws 23 DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIR Cloudy 2 Clear 24 EDUCATION St. Hilda's School 20 ENTERTAINMENT Classic Ghosts 2 Kindertransport 43
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February 2014
Thorpe Bay at a glance Est. Sept 2005. Circulation 5,100
Oracle Competition
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WIN! Two people dine at the Southend Holiday Inn's 1935 Rooftop Restaurant & Bar - Value £60
Local Issues
February 2014
Leigh, Chalkwell & Southend Conservation Area Est. Oct 2006. Circulation 6,700
Oracle Competition WIN!Two people dine at the Southend Holiday Inn's 1935 Rooftop Restaurant & Bar - Value £60
Local Issues
Boris Island - Resurrection of an old idea
Boris Island - Resurrection of an old idea
Travel Expert
Oracle Interiors
Elephant Hills Thailand adventure
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ORACLE ORACLE Creamy Chicken Gratin
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Travel Expert Elephant Hills Thailand adventure
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