Oracle on-Sea Sep 2015

Oracle-on-Sea

September 2015

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

Local Issues Trust Links - Southend’s best kept secret

NEW! Local Letters Residents have their say

Oracle Travel Discovering Andalucia

Cover photo: The Very Hungry Caterpillar – by Gemma Rogers (age 9), Leigh-on-Sea.

Photographic Competition Winners

Dinner Time – by Richard Pryor, Leigh-on-Sea.

Blazing Reflection – by Manda Rose Sivyer, Thorpe Bay. 2

ORACLE-ON-SEA

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

SEPTEMBER

2015

OR ACLE Publisher’s letter

F

irstly, I would like to thank everyone who took the time to enter Oracle’s first photographic competition. Because of the great response, there are now winners for both adult categories. The prize is a day’s mentoring with award winning photographer Keith Hoskins, of Picture Perfect, Leigh. The overall standard was exceptionally high and after much deliberation Keith and I made our final decisions and I am very pleased to announce the following winners:Landscape over 18: ‘Blazing Reflection’ – Manda Rose Sivyer Wildlife over 18: ‘Dinner Time’ – Richard Pryor

Are you struggling with life at the moment?

Then call me, I may be able to help. $V D TXDOLÂżHG H[SHULHQFHG FRXQVHOORU I work with people suffering from many LVVXHV LQFOXGLQJ DQ[LHW\ GHSUHVVLRQ ORZ VHOI HVWHHP VWUHVV GUXJV DOFRKRO SUREOHPV VH[XDO DEXVH VHOI KDUP EXOO\LQJ ORQHOLQHVV ORVV JXLOW DQG VH[XDOLW\

Call Carl Adams on: 07950 964524 email: cacounselling@hotmail.com www.carladamscounselling.co.uk /RQGRQ 5RDG :HVWFOLII RQ 6HD 66 +6

FREE

Wildlife under 17:‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ – Gemma Rogers (age 9)

initial consultation

Runner-up: ‘Jiminy Cricket’ – Holly Rogers (age 7)

Adult and Youth Counselling

The winning photographs have been printed in this month’s issue and will be displayed on Oracle’s website along with a selection of the runners-up.

Keith will also showcase the winners’ entries in his shop window on The Ridgeway, Chalkwell.

Over the years many of our readers have suggested we include a letters page. Bearing this in mind, Oracle has decided at long last to initiate this popular request starting this month.

Obviously, this page will need you, the readers, to send in your letters on local subjects that concern you or perhaps notify us of something good that is happening locally. I look forward to reading your letters so please send them to info@oraclepublications.co.uk Best wishes, 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

Antique and modern reupholstery french polishing & repair service, pub club & hotel work undertaken Ercol, Cintique, Parker Knoll

George Evans Upholstery t . 01702 716921

e. georgeevansupholstery@yahoo.co.uk Unit 3, R/o 213 Leigh Road, Leigh-on-Sea

Printed by Printwize Ltd, Witham, Essex CM8 3BN 01376 500 900 SEPTEMBER 2015

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

ORACLE-ON-SEA

3

ORACLE

Direct Cleaning Services Ltd.

BEFORE

AFTER

Conservatory Roof Cleaning Blocked Gutters Cleared Block Paving - Patios Cleaned Soffit & Fascia Cleaning Caravan Cleaning No Area Too Large or Too Small Professional, Local & Reliable

BEFORE

AFTER

Photograph by Holly Rogers (age 7), Leigh-on-Sea

contents

Special rates for O.A.P.s Fully insured, all work guaranteed.

Free no obligation quotes and friendly service.

OFFICE

Local Issues

01702 205098

MOBILE

07774 252535

Trust Links – Southend’s best kept secret 9/10 Keep your skin in shape while you workout 16 Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith

Caring for the town’s elderly

22

Council News by Cllr Ron Woodley

Wild Mushroom Risotto

32

Judy's Recipe Page

Discovering Andalucia

36

Oracle Travel by Melanie Williams

NEW!Local Letters

42

Residents have their say

Sudoku Diary Dates Useful Numbers Advertisers Index

46 48 52 54

Advertorials Bryman Recruitment First Class Learning Cliff House Clinic c2c Fairfield Mini 4

ORACLE-ON-SEA

6/7 15 19 23 28/29

...Not just for weddings

Whether you’re catching an early morning business flight or simply want a fabulous end to a night at the theatre, relax in the luxury of a chauffeured Mercedes.

Quality Service Our prestige vehicles and uniformed staff will make you feel a million dollars but won’t cost the earth.

Fares and other services available on our website:

AbbeygateChauffeurs.com 01702 313800 43 Highfield Gardens, Westcliff, SS0 0SY

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

SEPTEMBER

2015

640 SUTTON ROAD, SOUTHEND-ON-SEA, ESSEX, SS2 5PX

01702 612424 / 01702 612425

YE A RS 27 ES TA BL IS HE D

Trade Carpets

OPEN DAILY: 9.00am - 5.30pm

COME & VISIT OUR SHOWROOM

CARPETS

REMNANTS RUGS

VINYLS

LAMINATES

MODULEO KARNDEAN ENGINEERED WOOD

1000’S OF CARPETS IN STOCK QUALITY FITTING SERVICE FREE DELIVERY SEPTEMBER 2015

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

ORACLE-ON-SEA

5

Advertorial

You can get the staff A

t Bryman Recruitment we have a wealth of experience and we believe in going the extra mile when sourcing the right employee for our clients.

We re-opened our doors in Southend in October 2014. We have a sterling reputation and strive to be the employment agency of choice. We have the skills and expertise to work with you to manage your recruitment process, saving our clients time and money by providing carefully selected candidates.

We recruit for employers seeking full-time, part-time or temporary workers. We can fulfil all staffing needs from our extensive and sophisticated database. As well as commercial recruitment we also have specialist recruitment divisions for professionals working in Information Technology, HR, Estate Agency and Sales.

We have also established a new desk for Facilities Management.

Lesley Finch Director and Owner An experienced HR Professional with over 20 years’ experience in HR, media, training & coaching. It was her disatisfaction of working with lesser recruitment agencies when she was an HR Director that led her to become passionate about launching a specialised and intelligent service.

Using her experience to build and deliver a first class service to both clients and candidates, she has extensive knowledge of coaching and outplacement. With her creative flair, empathy and her great work ethic, she aspires to coaching people for success from many different areas.

6

ORACLE-ON-SEA

Wayne Mearns Director and Owner Originally from the retail logistics world where he managed teams of people, he thrives on the challenge to succeed in everything he does. He believes that treating people, staff and customers how they wish to be treated and allowing a team to think for themselves, brings and drives results. Wayne has managed a lettings and property management company for the last eight years before becoming a Director of Bryman Recruitment in 2014.

Cutting edge On a day-to-day basis our recruiters spend their time sifting through potential candidate CVs, headhunting through LinkedIn and job boards, and networking as much as possible.

The edge in recruitment these days comes from being able to reach and assess the best candidates faster and more professionally than anyone else. This means becoming great at building relationships. We go out and see our candidates, and go out and meet our clients.

This is excellent for relationship building, and we pride ourselves on getting to know our clients and their business. Lesley Finch, Director of Bryman Recruitment will jointly interview candidates with clients if they wish and then do a post interview review once the candidate has left. This ultimately produces superior hiring results.

Bryman is a successful recruitment agency and recruits across the full range of roles in the technical, commercial, HR, IT, Estate Agency,

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

SEPTEMBER

2015

Sales and Facilities Management functions in the UK and Europe. With many of our clients being high-tech, we have had to adapt to new ways of doing things, and that has included incorporating Skype conferencing into our business processes.

Tailor-made to fit Recruitment is a key function for any business.

Seeing and speaking with the best talent at the right time can be a challenge due to the time it takes to arrange and get to meetings. At Bryman we are proud to offer a personally tailored service to meet our clients high standards in an ever more competitive marketplace.

We recruit for various sector and job disciplines including: COMMERCIAL STAFF: such as secretaries/PA’s, Data Entry, Accounting (all levels); Administration; Customer Services/Call Centre, Sales and HR.

We have a number of add on services including: Attending interviews with our clients Interview Training Coaching Silver Gold and Platinum service levels where you can pay a monthly retainer Employment advice and issues

Take the Bryman Challenge!

Simply interview your own candidates alongside our selected, fully-vetted candidates and experience the difference. We will also conduct your whole interview process at no extra charge if you wish, either at our premises or your own. We are so confident our candidates are the best that we offer a full free of charge replacement!

TECHNICAL STAFF: including CAD Draughtspersons, Electronic/Mechanical Engineers, Building Services, Surveyors etc HUMAN RESOURCES: HR Consultants, HR/Training Managers, Legal Advisors

SPECIAL OFFER:

ÂŁ1000

+VAT for your first placement for new clients. offer expires: 31/10/15

SALES: from Internal Sales, Telesales to Field Sales Execs and Business Development Managers INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Project Managers, Senior Architects, Consultants, Business Analysts, Developers and Testers.

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT: including Maintenance and Receptionist INDUSTRIAL: Labourers, Warehouse, Picker/Packers, Fork Lift, Gardeners, Waste Management and Cleaners.

SEPTEMBER 2015

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

01702 780066 info@brymanrecruitment.co.uk www.brymanrecruitment.co.uk Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend on Sea, Essex, SS1 1AN ORACLE-ON-SEA

7

SATURDAY FULL-TERM CLAS SES

20 OFF

£

BOOK BY 30/09 T&C’S APPLY

Local Issues

Trust Links –Southend’s best kept secret A

Since then it has helped many local people find a way through their mental health issues. Its members have gone on to find employment as gardeners at Hyde Hall and with the Darby & Joan organisation and others have moved into work in shops, factories and offices as they have The answer is a resounding yes, you can come in. become more confident and able to work.

The site is Trust Links’ Growing Together Garden and is a hub of activity and a tranquil space for What’s in it for me? wildlife to thrive and people to unwind.

Growing Together Westcliff is open to visitors The path to recovery from Monday to Friday 9am–4pm and is a wonderful place to relax in during the summer Trust Links is Southend’s dynamic, independent or buy some plants and vegetables grown local charity for wellbeing, offering support to organically on site. You are also welcome to visit people experiencing mental health problems and Growing Together Shoeburyness on Elm Road, those who have learning disabilities.

Shoebury on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am–4pm. t the corner of Prittlewell Chase where it meets Fairfax Drive is a big hedge with greenery behind that many of you will have seen but know nothing about. Is it an allotment? Is it a nursery? Can I go in?

Through the charity’s Growing Together Gardens in Westcliff, Shoeburyness and a new site in Thundersley, it offers therapeutic gardening and other services to help people through difficult times and find a path to recovery. It also offers support to people with learning disabilities to develop new skills and gain confidence. Trust Links aims to nurture the wellbeing of its members, improve mental health, offer a quiet place to think and relax, provide access to new skills in horticulture leading to job opportunities and build strong community links.

Trust Links holds many events throughout the year such as the May Fayre and the Christmas Open Day. Growing Together Shoebury hosts a

The Growing Together Garden in Westcliff was the first Trust Links site and was established in 2000.

SEPTEMBER 2015

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

ORACLE-ON-SEA

9

great variety of events with a Vintage Tea Party taking place there on Saturday 26 September which is also the day of Trust Links sponsored walk: Walking Together which will link up all three sites.

protecting the old ones, clearing away the undergrowth and nurturing the area into a really thriving space. In October it will celebrate Apple Day at the Orchard, showcasing local and other varieties of apples and other fruit.

Trust Links members have access to a range of activities as well as working in the garden. The charity offers yoga sessions, art and music classes, woodwork, courses for carers, a job club, a women’s group at Shoeburyness and a range of trips to places of interest. It could not run without the help of an amazing team of volunteers who help at events, run activities and support members in gardening activities.

A breakthrough in support

The newest site in Thundersley will be used by students from SEEVIC, clients with dementia and learning disabilities in partnership with Carers Choices, and adults with mental health problems.

It is a blank canvas at the moment and everyone at the charity is excited to start work on it and transform it into a productive, useful site for new members and local groups. Trust Links will need lots of help so if you have any spare time to volunteer, please do get in touch.

How d’ya like them apples?

Trust Links also look after the historic St Laurence Orchard in Eastwoodbury Lane on behalf of Southend Borough Council. This lovely orchard, planted after the First World War, is a small but vital oasis for wildlife and is home to apple and pear trees. Monthly working parties are held to restore and maintain it, planting new trees and

10

ORACLE-ON-SEA

Trust Links provides the Breakthrough Carers service to support carers of adults with mental health problems in Southend borough. The service includes person-centred counselling, listening support, yoga relaxation classes and support groups. These all take place at the Westcliff site.

If you or someone you care for is experiencing mental health worries, Trust Links may be able to help. Call in to the Westcliff site to talk to a member of staff. Or ask your healthcare provider or support worker to refer you or them. Contact Trust Links on 01702 213134, email them on office@trustlinks.org or go to www.trustlinks.org for more information. Trust Links also welcomes volunteers and fundraisers, so do let us know if you are interested in being involved, or just pop in!

O

01702 213 134 office@trustlinks.org www.trustlinks.org

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

SEPTEMBER

2015

We are very excited to announce the opening of the new Charles Goldsworthy showroom, coming soon at Dansk International Furniture Store.

To find out more about this new venture contact Craig on:

07852 413593

Dansk - Rayleigh Showroom 48-50 Stadium Way, Rayleigh Retail Park, Rayleigh SS7 3NZ Tel: 01268 775688

Š 2015 Charles Goldsworthy

branding by

joepublic.co.uk

From a simple door swap to a full kitchen.

• Trusted Reputation • Huge choice of Doors, Worktops, Appliances, Sinks & Taps • Made to measure custom-built doors & units • Free estimating, planning & design kitchen before service ..!

Call Jai for your FREE quote on 01702 713533 Visit our showroom: 1741 London Road, Leigh on Sea, Essex SS9 2SW

www.dreamdoors.co.uk

Proud members of

Find us on

Did Di D id dn n’’tt get n ge g et the the grades th gr g rad ra ad de es you yo y o wanted? ou wa w an ntte ted ed d?

Didn’t O maybe ma m ay ybe yb be you yo y ou did diid d an a nd d are are looking llo oo ok kin ki ing d and Or t kick-start kiic k ck k-sstta kar rt your r yo y ou ur career? ca c ar reer? to Get the career you want...with a Seetec Skills Apprenticeship.

You Y ou don’t need a degree deg to work your way to a successful career career..

Apprenticeships of offer ffer fe on the job training, higher level fer qualifications as well as a wage. With many employers looking to it’s invest in apprentices, it’ s a great way to get into an industry and ladder.. work your way up the career ladder T To o find out more please contact Seetec on: 01702 208 270 www.seetecskills.co.uk www .seetecskills.co.uk | @Seetecskills

Seetec

EMPLOYMENT & SKILLS

12

ORACLE-ON-SEA

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

SEPTEMBER

2015

Anything similar is just not the same!

01702 426 067 www.fireplaceanddesign.co.uk 132 Kiln Road, Benfleet, Essex, SS1 1TE • mail@fireplaceanddesign.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2015

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

ORACLE-ON-SEA

13

14

ORACLE-ON-SEA

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

SEPTEMBER

2015

Advertorial

First Class Learning – an excellent choice W elcome to First Class Learning at the Leigh Community Centre. 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.

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.

Individually tailored 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.

No more struggling at school

I run two other successful centres in Hadleigh and Benfleet where students have excelled in their maths and English development – 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 (drop-in times): Leigh – Monday 3.30–6.30pm Hadleigh – Tuesday & Thursday 3.30–6.30pm Benfleet – Wednesday 3.30–6.30pm, Saturday 9.00am–3.00pm For more information please call Laraine Harris.

O

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.

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

SEPTEMBER 2015

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

First Class Learning 01702 612 317 0771 800 3141 leigh@firstclasslearning.co.uk www.firstclasslearning.co.uk ORACLE-ON-SEA

15

Sweat the small stuff

Oracle Hair & Beauty

When you exercise, the skin responds to increasing body temperature by sweating and opening the pores by relaxing and enlarging them. If you add a layer of make-up, no matter how good the quality, it will start to streak and you’ll increase the likelihood of breaking out in spots, or blackheads at the very least.

The irony is, trying to look terrific whilst working out will result in dull skin and uneven texture.

Strip off To achieve the healthy, fresh look you really want, you use a cleanser prior to exercising, then leave your skin bare, or apply a light serum that’s suitable for your skin type.

Keep your skin in shape while you workout I

confess, I had to do a double take.

There I was, in the East End of London, first thing in the morning and about to cycle to Southend when I noticed the lady next to me. Like me, she was wearing lycra kit – but it was her make-up that caught my attention. She looked like she was about to go out for the evening at some celeb-filled bash in the West End rather than attempt to ride a bike 52 miles.

Just as a post-workout shower is second nature, cleansing your face is equally important. With your pores opened, sweat and – if you’re out cycling – road dirt can become trapped. So a light cleanse won’t strip the skin of essential oils, but it will keep it free of the bad stuff. After that, I’d recommend a very light cleanse so as not to strip the skin, and then apply your normal cream that’s appropriate for the time of day.

Want to look like a teenager?

‘Let’s be realistic, Craig,’ I hear you say. ‘What if I bump into someone I know?!’ Well, if this scenario is a genuine concern, I’d go for a light, oil-free, tinted moisturiser. Once back home, cleanse your skin as soon as possible – before it has a chance to cool down and your pores close again, which will trap any make-up and dirt and make you look like a pubescent teenager when the spots emerge. Not a look when you’re over 30 and that alone should put off even the most ardent of make-up lovers.

Sponsored by

As I set off, I couldn’t help but imagine how her immaculate lippy, eye shadow and bronzer would bear up on the journey. Would it, as Marc Almond sang in ‘Say Hello, Wave Goodbye’, slide down her face?

16

ORACLE-ON-SEA

O

by Craig Smith

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

32 Alexandra St., Southend SS1 1BU

01702 340965 SEPTEMBER

2015

TTHE HE S OUTH EAST'S SOUTH EAST'S LLEADING EADING FITNESS, RACKETSPORTS, RACKETSPORTS, RUGBY FITNESS, RUGBY & R RUNNING UNNING SPECIALISTS SPECIALISTS

!

N O W O RWC with us SCeAlebrLateEthN e 2 0 15 f f o 30% ock t s y b g all ru

- Closed 01702 718944 Sunday / 718949 MON Closed MON to to SAT SAT - 9am 9am till till 55:30pm :30pm SSunday u n d ay - C losed

W WWW.ORIGINALSPORTS.CO.UK WW.ORIGINALSPORTS.CO.UK 18 Close, Progress Road, eigh-on-Sea, SSS9 S9 55LQ LQ 18 & 19, 19, Rutherford R u t h e r f o rd C lose, P ro g re s s R oad, EEastwood, astwood, LLeigh-on-Sea,

18

ORACLE-ON-SEA

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

SEPTEMBER

2015

SEPTEMBER 2015

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

ORACLE-ON-SEA

19

O

JIM DICKENS

HARLEQUIN

D

ES

IG

N

CO

N

SU

LT AT I

FR EE

N

JANE CHURCHILL

DESIGN, STYLE & CRAFTSMANSHIP Visit our extensive showroom and workshop in Thorpe Bay. We offer a complete interior design service.

A fantastic choice of styles, finishes, fabrics, leathers, accessories, BESPOKE UPHOLSTERY AND CURTAINS – a talented and dedicated team of interior designers, furniture craftsmen and curtain makers to create your specific requirements – let us transform your home. We also provide a full RE-UPHOLSTERY and RE-MODELLING service and have a huge selection of FABRICS, WALLPAPERS and CARPETS. Interior design by MICHELLE ELLIOTT-BRITTO.

MORRIS

* * 9(03

INTERIORS :;(;065 96(+

;/697, /(33

;/, )96(+>(@

(*(*0( +90=,

4(7305 >(@

(=,5<,

;/697, )(@ :;(;065

:6<;/,5+ 65 :,(

:,(

;/697, ,:73(5(+,

:/6,)<9@5,::

:,(

SANDERSON

23-25 Station Road, Thorpe Bay, Essex SS1 3JY Tel. 01702 586800 Fax. 01702 586054 www.morrisinteriors.ltd.uk Opening hours: 9am–5pm Monday–Friday 9am–4pm Saturday

ROMO

ZINC

COLEFA X AND FOWLER

SEPTEMBER 2015

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

ORACLE-ON-SEA

21

Council News

Caring for the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elderly M

any people dream of retiring to somewhere near the sea, but some can find that that dream relies on the support of others.

Physical wear and tear, or the onset of iIllnesses such as dementia, can unexpectedly impact on residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives, and leave them unable to continue caring for themselves.

to be about dignity and kindness. We therefore need care homes of excellence, run by us, rather than just being available from the private sector.

All care home providers need a reason to improve, and provide a service they aspire to deliver and be something the whole town can be proud of.

Sticking our heads in the sand

Council run care homes need to be set up as viable businesses, providing appropriate training and producing staff who feel valued and happy in their work, who will regard this as a long term career. Apprenticeships will be offered to young people, creating employment and a prosperous future and career path for them, and committed and motivated staff for our elderly that need appropriate help and care.

We have a population of 33,600 aged 65+ and by 2030 this number is expected to increase to 46,200. Unfortunately due to the increase in the elderly population there is an increasing demand for the number of residential places required, especially as we have people coming to Southend from all over Essex who want to spend their remaining years here. We need to be able to look after our elderly population as they have served the town and the country well over the years and we can't sit by and watch as services suffer, or just stick our heads in the sand and ignore what will be required in the future.

Care homes of excellence Despite huge cuts to local government funding, I am passionate about caring for our elderly so I have therefore decided to invest in their future, rather than spending money closing care homes down. Care should not be about money, it needs

22

ORACLE-ON-SEA

At a loss I am therefore at a loss as to why opposition councillors, as illustrated at the last full council meeting, are continuing in their efforts to not provide for our current and future elderly residents and are against the plans to build a new 60-bed dementia care home and care campus but rely solely on the private sector.

Cllr Ron Woodley 01702 588662 Leader of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

SEPTEMBER

2015

YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS WITH c2c FROM JUST £5 If you’re 65 and over there’s some great savings to be had on your train travel, with c2c rail.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS From just £5 you can hop on and off at any c2c stations between Upminster, Chafford Hundred and Shoeburyness. This means you can fly up and down the route at no extra cost.

HOW DO I GET MINE? Ask your local ticket office for a Senior Rover ticket.

Please bring identification with you, we may ask for proof if you’re lucky enough to look under 65.

If you wanted to travel further, it’s only £9 into London Fenchurch Street.

HERE’S SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE ADVENTURES:

To avoid revealing your superhero identity and rush hour madness, you must travel during off-peak weekdays after 9.30am.† LONDON

ROUTE MAP

SOUTHEND

INTU LAKESIDE

KEY Grays Service Southend Central via Grays Service Shoeburyness via Southend and Basildon Service Limited Service Step Free Access -(Street to Platform)

†

For full terms and conditions visit c2c-online.co.uk

LONDON ADVENTURE Sightsee, explore, and adventure.

The world’s greatest city is on your doorstep. Combine with 2FOR1 Offers for over 100 great attractions.

COASTAL ADVENTURE Southend, Leigh-on-Sea, Westcliff…

7 miles of blue flag beaches, cockle sheds, Adventure Island and fish and chips.

SHOPPERS ADVENTURE Have a great day out, at fantastic shopping destinations along the route. intu Lakeside, Basildon, London there’s super bargains to be had.

Head to your local c2c station today and start your adventure, Superhero outfit is optional…

eeeting e Fr lm

a iti n I

Specialists in work place pensions (Auto Enrolment)

Whether you want assistance with auto enrolment or a fully managed solution, Broom

Payroll & Pension Solutions Limited has a range of compliant services to suit your companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs.

T: 01277 202222 F: 01277 202233 E: gemma@bpps.com Broom Payroll & Pension Solutions Ltd, Sterling Court, 4 Gresham Road, Brentwood, Essex CM14 4HN

24

ORACLE-ON-SEA

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

SEPTEMBER

2015

LEIGH'S GREAT NEW VENUE Christmas Bookings Being Taken Now!

STONE FLOOR TILE RESTORATION

PARTIES FOR ALL AGES! Children/Adults • Licensed Bar • Dance Hall Let us host your party so you can enjoy it

The Smart place to book, The Smart place to be!

GREAT NEW VENUE

STRICTLY SMARTZ 1a Elm Road, Leigh-on-Sea

IT'S PARTY TIME!

BIRTHDAYS • ANNIVERSARIES • CHRISTENING ANY EXCUSE FOR A PARTY

Clean - Protect - Beautify

01702 715361 or 07766540757 Book your viewing NOW - Ring Carole:

07859 836 891

Or visit www.strictlysmartz.com

ART AR RT wi with th a D DIFFERENCE IFFERENCE

painting p aint aiint nting g IN IN numbers num mb b rs be

Broomfield Construction & property maintenance

Weekend breaks Weekend breaks Days out including supper Evening lessons Meet new people Great Gr eat experience Enjoyable, fun & sociable

Extensions • Loft Conversions Alterations • Kitchen & Bathroom refurbs Wet Rooms • Brickwork & Plastering All aspects of building work undertaken

If you like painting and drawing, or just want to have great a go, good food, gr eat company and have a good time a painting IN numbers event is for you.

tel: 07966510457 or 01702 535669

Call Matthew

broomfieldmatthew@gmail.com To To book or for more more information information please contact sharon sharon

07850 370880 sharon@paintingINnumbers.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2015

114 High Street, Great Wakering, Southend On Sea, Essex, SS3 0EJ

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

ORACLE-ON-SEA

25

making life easier for you

Are you looking for a Maid to do the cleaning and ironing you don't have time for?

Then call us on:

0800 014 1960

Domestic Cleaning and Ironing

Same dedicated maid each week.

Competitive hourly rates.

Email: info@maidinesse x.com or Web: www.maidinesse x.com

24 HR EMERGENCY

LOGS FOR SALE

SERVICE

Qualified

Discounts Available for OAP & Disabled in the local area.

Tree Pruning Shaping Precision Felling Thinning Stump Grinding Ground Maintenance Dead Wooding

Licensed

Insured

01268 857550 07719837777 Call us now:

www.tree-king.co.uk

26

ORACLE-ON-SEA

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

SEPTEMBER

2015

HU I 2I

DO 6SHFL

I RI X

H X WU QL )U GHQ

*DU HPEHU 6HSW Q L F U 3X KDVHG

W DGYHU V KL W

RI RQ L RGXFW SU RQ

25

Advertorial

Fairfield MINI goes a long way to welcome you.

M

otorists driving on the A127 near Eastwood, Leigh-on-sea could not have failed to notice the funky new curb-appeal of Fairfield MINI next door to its big brother, BMW. A fibreglass MINI body shell fixed to the front of the building has been the talk of the town, and from the moment you step inside you realise it is like no other car showroom.

The neon lighting, multiple display screens and bright colours inside the new MINI Centre would give Times Square a run for its money! The new MINI Centre dĂŠcor perfectly emanates the hugely successful, exciting and fun brand.

Small beginnings The first Mini designed by Sir Alec Issigonis hit the UK market in 1959 and was way ahead of its time with interior space, reliability, handling and road holding. Still being built in Cowley near Oxford in the original factory, this Great British brand has gone from strength to strength.

The flagship MINI Hatchback is complimented by a further 6 MINI models in a variety of shapes and sizes making MINI diverse enough to cater for every family member.

Award-winning The MINI range has been continually developed and upgraded since BMW acquired the brand in 2001. MINI now boasts some of the worlds best made compact vehicles.

28

ORACLE-ON-SEA

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

SEPTEMBER

2015

Auto-Express gave the new MINI Hatch its prestigious ‘Car Of The Year’ award in 2014 and with further new models planned over the next 18 months, this really is an exciting time for MINI and its customers.

The next new model to join the range will be the new generation MINI Clubman. Motoring magazines have already expressed their excitement towards the new model and Fairfield cannot wait for it to be launched on the 31st of October 2015.

Emma and Andy show off the Oraclemobile.

Andy continues, ‘There is ample parking on site and the extra space enables us to display many more Approved Used MINIs than we could before MINI Brand Manager, Andy Matthews says, ‘We the move. This means that there is now a much now operate from the largest MINI Centre in wider variety of used models to choose from, Essex. Although we’re only down the road from extending the choice to our customers.’ where we were, our new home offers us far superior facilities and in a much better location.

The larger showroom allows us to display 11 new cars, representing the entire MINI range, plus a few exciting extra derivatives.’

Spoilt for choice

FAIRFIELD

O

01702 429 429 www.fairfieldmini.co.uk Arterial Road, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 4XX

Mention the Oracle when you buy a new MINI and get free TLC! (5 Years’ Servicing) Offer valid until the end of this year.

SEPTEMBER 2015

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

ORACLE-ON-SEA

29

recipe of the month

Ingredients continued...

300g risotto rice like Arborio 125ml dry white wine 1 tbsp olive oil 250g wild fresh or cultivated mushrooms 1 tbsp flat leaf parsley chopped 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, plus extra to serve

In the Kitchen with Judy Barden

Method: Soak the dried porcini mushrooms in 250ml boiling water for half an hour and then drain, reserving the soaking liquid. Squeeze them dry.

Strain the mushroom water leaving behind any sediment. Add the mushroom water to the chicken or vegetable stock and bring the whole thing to a gentle simmer in a saucepan.

Melt the butter in a large deep frying pan and add the shallots. Cook for one minute then add the risotto rice and soaked porcini and stir until all the rice is coated in the butter and becomes shiny. Add the white wine and stir it in, allowing the rice to absorb it.

Once the wine has almost gone, add the stock one ladleful at a time, stirring until each batch is absorbed before adding the next.

Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and briefly sauté the fresh mushrooms until they are just cooked through and season with salt and pepper.

Wild Mushroom Risotto

W

hen making a mushroom risotto it is worth getting the dried porcini as they have a great flavour. Try and buy wild mushrooms but failing that, oyster and chanterelles would be a good mix. Never hurry a risotto. It takes at least 20-25 minutes to add all the stock and stirring constantly gives it a wonderful creamy texture.

Enjoy!

Wild Mushroom Risotto Serves 4

Ingredients: 20g dried porcini mushrooms 750ml vegetable or chicken stock 2 tbsp butter 2 shallots, finely chopped

32

ORACLE-ON-SEA

Once all the stock has been added to the risotto, taste it and make sure it is cooked to your liking.

If it is too al dente make up a little more stock.

Then add the parsley and the parmesan, season and give it a quick stir and top with the freshly cooked wild mushrooms.

O

Next month’s recipe: Farmhouse Chicken Casserole Sponsored by: Will Writing • Power of Attorney • Trusts • Funeral Plans Will Updating & Storage Facilities • Probate Administration

OR ACLE estate planning

01702 393838 w. oracleestateplanning.co.uk e. info@oracleestateplanning.co.uk Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 1AN

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

SEPTEMBER

2015

SEPTEMBER 2015

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

ORACLE-ON-SEA

33

ADVERTISEMENT

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.’

Cloudy2Clear service the Southend, Leigh on Sea and Thorpe Bay areas DQG &KULV LV ÀQGLQJ WKDW his approach is a major

factor in his success.‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for,

which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated.’

So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Chris a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

78)%1)( 94 (39&0) +0%>-2+# (SR´X VITPEGI XLI *VEQIW NYWX XLI 4ERIW

&VSOIR SV (EQEKIH ;MRHS[W# *EYPX] ,MRKIW ,ERHPIW SV 0SGOW# ;ERX 8LI 0EXIWX )RIVK] 7EZMRK +PEWW# %PP +PE^MRK &EGOIH &] 3YV =IEV 1ERYJEGXYVIVW +YEVERXII 4VMSVMX] *VIITLSRI

[[[ GPSYH] GPIEV GSQ [I QEOI WEZMRK QSRI] TIVJIGXP] GPIEV 34

ORACLE-ON-SEA

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

SEPTEMBER

2015

Leiggh Peet Exp xpreess Family Run Business Live an a d frozen food Pet food, cages and accessories Livestock: Small furries, birds and reptiles Valid until 31/12/15 (no photocopies will be accepted)

Great Prices, Great Selection, Great Atmosphere.

1516 London Road Leigh-on-sea Essex, SS9 2UR

SEPTEMBER 2015

01702 471239 www.leighhpetexpresss.co.uk

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

ORACLE-ON-SEA

35

Oracle Travel

Discovering Andalucia M

y journey starts in Malaga – the new destination arising from the regeneration of the Muelle Uno Port area and artistic centre Soho. Leafy promenades and vibey tapas bars coupled with the Old Town and world-class museums like the Picasso and now the Pompidou Centre. Looking for a place away from the crowds of Marbella and the Costa del Sol, then Old Town Malaga is a must for a quick weekend away any time of year. There are not many places where you can visit museums in the morning, eat lunch on the beach in the afternoon and dine out in the evening in one of the Michelin star restaurants and not need a cab.

Add a little oil Moving north we travelled to Jaen the capital of the region and the centre for olive oil production in Spain. This region produces 25% of the world’s olive oil, trees as far as the eye can see growing at angles out of the rocky outcrops of the rolling

hills. For something different, go olive oil tasting at one of the extensive organic farms.

Jean City hosts some interesting preserved Arab Baths and a Grand Cathedral, but best of all is a visit to the Paradore clinging to the cliff with far-reaching views across the valley. Drive up there for lunch or stay overnight before moving on to Baeza.

Best kept secret Baeza and Ubeda are two very different but equally beautiful Andalusian towns, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Cobbled streets, history, Renaissance architecture, and best of all – it feels like it is your secret. Ubeda, the larger of the two cities, was renovated in the 16th Century to show wonderful examples of the Italian influences on architecture at that time. Baeza reminded me of a small Spanish carcassone – narrow cobbled streets, a majestic cathedral and the remains of the town walls all-encompassing this tranquil place.

Here we discovered Tendal by Marcus Castillo, an up-and-coming Spanish Chef serving Tapas with his own twist. Since opening in 2014 it has risen to one of the top Andalusian restaurants.

by Melanie Williams

Melanie @ Hermes Travel

O

781 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 9SU mob: 07932

176589

direct: 01702 580630 office: 01702 711336

36

ORACLE-ON-SEA

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

SEPTEMBER

2015

SEPTEMBER 2015

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

ORACLE-ON-SEA

37

38

ORACLE-ON-SEA

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

SEPTEMBER

2015

SEPTEMBER 2015

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

ORACLE-ON-SEA

39

Specialists in Marble and Granite Kitchen & Bathroom Worktops Tailor made Fireplaces to suit your home

#! '& '$ "

$ $

%' $# % # $(' # $#

&'

&& )

SEPTEMBER 2015

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

ORACLE-ON-SEA

41

Local Letters SMELLS FISHY SOMETHING ---------------------at lict sun shelter on the seafront DEAR ORACLE, for years, the dere loped deve be to was it that news the Westcliff had been an eyesore. So, . mism opti ious caut locally with and turned into a café was greeted with developers looking to maximise Unfortunately, as so often happens letely of local residents have been comp their investment, the interests The Oyster Creek have we , café ised prom the of disregarded. In place d on from the kitchens and toilets site Restaurant with extractor vents ting emit and ic publ the ng access to the roof of the shelter, preventi s has ring homes. Relocation of the vent foul smells which invade neighbou or en happ will this her whet be seen been promised but it remains to me a this seafood restaurant will beco whether the disgusting smells from . ront seaf our of A. Resident permanent feature of this part

THE BUSINESS OF CHARITY

Dear A. Resident,

A few years back I worked as a volunteer for a We have been granted a temporary local charity shop. There were quite a few of us consent to place our extraction to cover Monday to Saturday openings and we equipment on the roof for a made very tidy sums indeed for the charity we maximum of one year, while the supported. We kept prices reasonable and, at council completes the work to shift’s end, went home happy that plenty of stabilise the cliffs. As soon as the needy folk had benefited. cliff to our west has been stabilised, These days, I do begin to have worries. I hear our extraction will be moved to the of charities that have increasingly large, paid side of the building and be hidden. staffs. I know of some with executives and The council’s selected contractors managers on substantial salaries. Many have have communicated this may be become huge organisations. possible as early as autumn and we It is understandable that they cannot be are working with them to achieve totally managed, staffed and run by unpaid this. We would like to point out that volunteers but how much of what is raised may our extraction unit currently, is be swallowed by various areas of spending? significantly further from the local I do wonder just how much of what is given by residents and contains more filters so many caring supporters to so many grand in comparison to many other charities may only go to pay salaries and expenses, extraction units in the local and never reach our intended recipients. vicinity.

Perhaps some readers – charity workers or Best regards, charity supporters – may consult The Oracle Antoni a Waite, Oyster Creek with their own thoughts or experiences after reading the foregoing?

Regards, Have a local issue or concern?

Jim Worsdale Consult the Oracle by sending your letters to: info@oraclepublications.co.uk 42

ORACLE-ON-SEA

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

SEPTEMBER

2015

Your s h u tt e r s p e c ia li s ts

“You’ll love the look” “You’ll love the quality” “You’ll love the price”

For further information or to arrange your no obligation home consultation call 0800 6120469 or 07971 964 246 35 Somerville Gardens, Leigh-on Sea, SS9 4DF

Shutters

Connect with us:

Curtains

Awnings

Blinds

The perfect finishing touch to compliment any room www.lovemycurtainsandblinds.com

SEPTEMBER 2015

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

ORACLE-ON-SEA

43

44

ORACLE-ON-SEA

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

SEPTEMBER

2015

www.gatfireservices.org.uk

CARRON ENAMEL MULTIFUEL

NEWARK MULTIFUEL STOVE

Range of colours

7.3kw Output (Group 7) Defra approve

ÂŁ1 5 9 9 . 00

OPEN: MONDAY - SATURDAY 9.15AM - 5PM SUNDAYS 10AM - 3PM We have lots more to choose from all offering the same great value for money

Visit our website www.gatfireservices.org.uk or visit our showroom at

1731 London Road, Leigh on Sea, Essex, SS9 2SW

SEPTEMBER 2015

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

ORACLE-ON-SEA

45

ORACLE Enigmas

^,K hZzE ^^ ,/', ^ ,KK> KDD DhE/dz WZK: d^ WZ ^ Ed^͘​͘​͘

No humdrum conundrum s

6

3

^ d dhZ Z z z >> dd ŐĞƐ ϯ-ϱ LJĞĞĂƌƐ ϵͶϵ͘ϰϱ ϱĂŵ

6 5 9 5 6 8 4 7 5 6 2 7 2 9 8 5 2 5 8 1 9 4 5 3 8 2 5SUDOKU

TWIGS

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.

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

SCALP

SCAMP

SCARS

SCAMS

TEARS

SEARS

BEARS

BEARD

^ d dhZ z z^ d, d dZ ^ ,KK> D/E/ zzE DK͛Ɛ '> >h ϭϭ͘ϯϬ-ϭϮ͘ϯϬ άϱϬ ƉĞƌ ďĂůůĞƚ Žƌ ƐƐƚƌĞĞƚ ĚĂŶĐĞ ĐůĂƐƐ ƉĞƌ ƚĞƌŵ Žƌ άϱ ƉĞƌ ĐůĂƐƐ Ă ǁĞĞŬ ĂŶĚ άϲϱ ĨŽ Žƌ dŚĞĂƚƌĞ ƐĐŚŽŽů ƉĞƌ ƚĞƌŵ Žƌ άϲ ƉĞƌ ǁĞĞŬ͘ WůĞĂƐĞ ŵĂŬĞ ĐŚĞƋ ƋƵĞƐ ƉĂLJĂďůĞ ƚŽ ^ŚŽĞďƵƌLJŶĞƐƐ ,ŝŐŚ , ^ĐŚŽŽů͘ ŽŽŬŝŶŐƐ ǁŝůů ďĞ ƚĂŬĞĞŶ ŽŶůŝŶĞ Ăƚ ǁǁǁ͘ƐŚƐĐƉ͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ͕ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ŶŽƚĞ ƚŚĞ ǁĞďƐŝƚĞ ĚŽĞƐ ŶŽƚ ŐŽ ůŝǀĞ ƵŶƟů ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ ϭƐƚƚ ϮϬϭϱ ďƵƚ LJŽƵ ĐĂŶ Ŭ ďĞĨŽƌĞŚĂŶĚ ĨŽ Žƌ ƚŚĞ ĂďŽǀĞ ĂĐƟǀŝƟĞƐ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ƚĞƌŵ ƟŵĞ ƐĞĐƟŽŶ͘ ůů ĐůĂƐƐĞƐ ƚĂŬĞ ƉůĂĐĐĞ Ăƚ ^ŚŽĞďƵƌLJŶĞƐƐ ,ŝŐŚ ^ĐŚŽŽů͕ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ĞŶƚĞƌ ǀŝĂ ƚŚĞ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ĞĞŶƚƌĂŶĐĞ ŽŶ ĂƵůĮĞůĚ ZŽĂĚ ĂŶĚ Ě ĨŽůůŽǁ ƐŝŐŶƐ͘ ůů ĐůĂƐƐĞƐ ĐŽŵŵĞŶĐĞ ƚŚĞ ǁĞĞŬ ďĞŐŝŶŶŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ϳƚŚ ^ĞƉƚĞŵďĞƌ ϮϬϭ ϭϱ ĂŶĚ ƌƵŶ ŝŶ ƚĞƌŵ ƟŵĞ ŽŶůLJ͘

Paul’s Gardening Services A Friendly, Family run business Very competitive quotes (with concessions) GARDEN MAINTENANCE (From weekly visits to total clearouts)

SPECIALISTS IN LAWNS (Removes weeds, give it a feed, make it green) SHEDS & FENCES (Repaired and preserved) WOODCHIP Delivered & Distributed

SUPPLIER OF LOGS

Give us a call and see how we can help!

LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS

46

^ d dhZ z zz ^dZ d E ŐĞƐ ϱ-ϭϭ LJĞĂƌƐ LJ ϭϬ͘ϯϬ-ϭϭ ϭ͘ϭϱĂŵ

TREES FELLED & TOPPED (Hedges also trimmed)

3

STOLE

^ d dhZ z >> d ŐĞƐ ϲ-ϭϭ LJĞĞĂƌƐ ϵ͘ϰϱ-ϭϬ͘​͘ϯϬĂŵ

ORACLE-ON-SEA

Phone Paul on 07957 388285

or freefone 0800 043 3913 email: paulthegardener@hotmail.com Established 1994 - Recommendations & references available www.oraclepublications.co.uk

SEPTEMBER

2015

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

Really positive signs Hopson Property Services

Selling, managing and letting properties consistently for over 20 years.

• FREE Rental and Sales Appraisal Service • Rent Guarantee Available • A.R.L.A Members (offering client money protection) • FREE Professional advice • Large Client-Base of Fully-Vetted Tenants and Purchasers

Southend Carnival Night

Diary Dates TONY COMPTON & JACK EMBLOW – 2 ACCORDIONS FREE

9th September 12.15pm – 13.00pm Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend A unique chance to hear the accordion supremos perform together. Free to attend with a retiring collection. All are welcome. Call 01702 215624 for further details.

POP-UP STELLA & DOT SALE

FREE

Wed 9th September 6pm-9pm 170 The Broadway, Thorpe Bay Join us as we showcase an irresistible line of fashion jewellery and accessories exclusively for one day only.

THE FORUM BIG SCREEN PRESENTS

FREE

sales : 01702 334353 lettings : 01702 390990

e : info@hopsonproperty.co.uk w : hopsonproperty.co.uk

Last Night of the Proms Sat 12th September 7.15 pm SOUTHCHURCH VILLAGE FRIENDS MEETING

FREE

The Hamstel Children & Families Centre Hamstel Road Every 2nd Monday at 7.30pm.

WDC OPEN DAY

FREE

Sat 19th September 9am – 2pm Running Biomechanics, Pilates, Balletbefit, ask the physio, sports massages,check posture analysis.

Call 01702 613 542 to reserve.

VINTAGE TEA PARTY

FREE

Sat 26th September 1-3.30pm Growing Together Shoebury, Elm Road, next to The Woodlands SS3 9RZ Learn how to jive with Mr Dickie Bows, vintage hair styling, afternoon tea.

Call 01702 213134 for more details. No need to book.

THORPE BAY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY AUTUMN FLOWER AND HOMECRAFT SHOW

Sat 12th September 2.15 p.m.

St. Augustines Church Hall Bric a Brac, plant sale, refreshments Entrance 50p, members free.

BIRD SALE SHOW

The Bird Keepers Association of Essex Augustines Hall. Thorpe Bay, SS1 3HX Sun 27th Sept open to all, doors open at 10.30am.

Bird Breeders can book a table to sell or swap their birds by phoning Len on 01702 582303 or Malcolm on 01702 584107.

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

info@oraclepublications.co.uk

48

ORACLE-ON-SEA

bubbles pet care

. com

“The Home of Healthy Pet Food” Formerly Leigh Pet Centre 36/38 Broadway, Leigh on Sea, Essex SS9 1AJ T: 01702 831286 & 17 high Street, Ongar, Essex CM5 9DS 01277 366182 Stockists of quality pet foods from James Wellbeloved, Burns, Barking/Meowing Heads, Natural Dog Food Company, Arden Grange, Orijen, Markus Muhle Loyalty card scheme, Healthy food and treats Vast range of accessories Newly Refurbished

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

SEPTEMBER

2015

www.climatec-hi.co.uk www.climatec-hi.co.uk

CLIMATEC CLIMA ATEC T Home Improvements Improvements

IMPROVING IMPROVING HOMES A ACROSS CROSS ESSEX LEIGH - WEST WESTCLIFF CLIFF - SOUTHEND - RAYLEIGH RA AYLEIGH Y YLEIGH - ROCHFORD - BENFLEET HOCKLEY - SHOEB URY - THORPE B AY SHOEBURY BAY

WINDO WINDOWS WS S

DOORS

PORCHES PORCH HES

CONSERVATORIES CONSERVATORIES : ‘A’ ‘A’ RATED RA ATED TED WINDO WINDOWS WS : HIGH SECURITY L LOCKING OCKING

SUMMER SPECIAL!

GET UP TO 40% DISCOUNT WS ON WINDOre ed befo Orderre 9th SSept 2015

: REHAU REHAU APPROVED APPROVED PARTNER PARTNER PVCU : PV CU OR ALUMINIUM ALUMINIUM : WIDE RANGE OF COLOURS/FINISHES COL OURS/FINISHES : COMPOSITE DOORS FROM OUR SOLIDOR RANGE : FRENCH, PATIO PATIO & BI-FOLD DOORS

“Very professional and thorough.

77UXVWZRUWK\ ÀWWHUV ZKR SDLG UXVWZRUWK\ ÀWWHUV ZKR SDLG S DUWLFXODU DWWHQWLRQ WR WKH ÀQHU SDUWLFXODU DWWHQWLRQ WR WKH ÀQHU details to ensure we were happy with installation.”

– Customer in Leigh-on-Sea (as reviewed on checkatrade.com)

DIRECT FROM OUR F FACTORY ACTORY : INSURANCE B BACKED ACKED GU GUARANTEE ARANTEE POLICE PREFERRED PRODUCTS TAILOR YOUR TS : T TAIL AILOR MADE FOR Y OUR HOME

Find us on

TELEPHONE: TE T ELEPHONE E LEPHONE: 01702 01702 447 447600 600 00 0

Find F ind d us on CHI Ltd ar are e par partt of the Clima Climatec tec Windows ws g group. ro oup.

11-14 Fletchers Fletchers Squar Square, e, Temple Temple F Farm arm Industrial Esta Estate, te, Southend-on-Sea, So Esse Essex x SS2 5RN

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

/

For a FREE Quotation call Mike

07505 794203 50

ORACLE-ON-SEA

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

SEPTEMBER

2015

WORRIED ABOUT YOUR SELF ASSESSMENT? Don’t be....call Colin Taylor NOW!

For help and advice with:

Self Assessment Tax Returns Accounts Bookkeeping VAT Payroll / RTI TAYLORS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

01702 552008 colin.tca@virgin.net

The Cry rystal Tree 69 Broadway West Leigh-on--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

ǁǁǁ͘ĞƐƐĞdžůŝŐŚƟŶŐ͘ĐŽŵ ĞƐŝŐŶ ͮ ^ƵƉƉůLJͮ /ŶƐƚĂůů ^ƵƉƉůŝĞƌƐ ĂŶĚ ƋƵĂůŝĮĞĚ WĂƌƚ W ŝŶƐƚĂůůĞƌƐ ŽĨ Ă ǁŝĚĞ ƌĂŶŐĞ ŽĨ ĞdžƋƵŝƐŝƚĞ͕ ŵŽĚĞƌŶ ĂŶĚ ƚƌĂĚŝƟŽŶĂů ůŝŐŚƟŶŐ͘ tĞ ĂƌĞ ĂůƐŽ ĂƉƉƌŽǀĞĚ ŝŶƐƚĂůůĞƌƐ ŽĨ >ŝŐŚƚǁĂǀĞZ& ƐŵĂƌƚ ŚŽŵĞ ƐLJƐƚĞŵƐ͕ ĞŶĂďůŝŶŐ LJŽƵ ƚŽ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů ůŝŐŚƟŶŐ͕ ŚĞĂƟŶŐ ĂŶĚ ƉŽǁĞƌ ŝŶ LJŽƵƌ ŚŽŵĞ ĚŝƌĞĐƚ ĨƌŽŵ LJŽƵƌ ƐŵĂƌƚƉŚŽŶĞ Žƌ ƚĂďůĞƚ

www.the-crystal-tree.co.uk Healing forr Mind Body and Soul SEPTEMBER 2015

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

ϭϲϴ >ĞŝŐŚ ZŽĂĚ ͮ >ĞŝŐŚ-ŽŶ-^ĞĂ ͮ ƐƐĞdž ͮ^^ϵ ϭ d ͗ ƐĂůĞƐΛĞƐƐĞdžůŝŐŚƟŶŐ͘ĐŽŵ ͮ d͗ ϬϭϳϬϮ ϴϮϲϴϮϮ

ORACLE-ON-SEA

51

useful numbers

Sponsored by:

01702 780066 www.brymanrecruitment.co.uk ADVICE & HELPLINES Child Protection Citizens Advice Crime Prevention Crimestoppers Cruse Bereavement Care Pier & Foreshore Inspectors Drugs, Alcohol & Substance Misuse HARP National Drugs Freephone Samaritans Southend Carers Southend Talking Newspaper Victim Support Group Southend Council Civic Centre Jobcentre Southend Cllr Ron Woodley

ANIMAL WELFARE 534495 0844 4770 808 464199 0800 555 111 213843 215620 440400 615000 0800 776900 08457 909090 393933 554536 0845 4565995 215000 575700 588662

CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS Belfairs Mixed Bowling 475766 Burges Estate Residents Association (BERA) 588662 Charles Dickenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fellowship 588069 Cockleshell Clog Morris 479622 Essex Handicrafts Association 479622 Essex Society for Family History 522992 Lower Thames Rowing Club 482205 Prittlewell Bowls Club 612476 Southchurch Park Croquet Club 303957 Southend Blind Welfare Association 342131 Southend Cardiac Support Group 309042 / 293469 Southend Photographic Society 332491 Southend Rugby Club 546682 Southend Golf Club 473206 The English Speaking Union 588069 Thorpe Bay Bowling Club 582074 Thorpe Bay Bridge Club 616145 Thorpe Bay Floral Arrangement Group 585350 Thorpe Bay Lawn Tennis Club 585245 Thorpe Bay Yacht Club 587563 Thorpe Hall Golf Club 582205 Scout Groups Southend, Thorpe Bay & Shoeburyness 587647 Actorcrats (Amateur Dramatics) 306506 Thorpe Bay Art Group 585531 St Augustine's Church 587597 Stone Masons & Dry Stone Wallers 292867 Southend Chess Club Steve Wedlock (Club Secretary) 345902 Southend-on-Sea Lions Club 582828 Southend & District Pensioners Campaign 341047 Thames Estuary Lacemakers 476034

Downes & Prtnrs, Veterinary Surgeon RSPCA Rochford

584511 548261

POLICE SERVICES 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 24 hour Emergency Homeless Shelter 01702 430696

HOSPITALS & HEALTH Primary Care Trust Southend General Hospital

224600 435555

LOCAL MP James Duddridge (Con)

01702 616135

PHARMACIES Bansal Pharmacy 178 The Broadway Mon-Fri 9-6.30 pm / Sat 9-1pm Howells & Brooks The Broadway Mon-Fri 9-6.30 pm / Sat 9-5.30 pm Closed 1-2 pm Wed+Sat.

52

ORACLE-ON-SEA

587500 582658

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

SEPTEMBER

2015

Oracle-on-Sea

ORACLE

ORACLE

View the latest issues ONLINE

Index to advertisers

O

Thorpe Bay

September 2015

27/08/2015 12:24 Page 1

Oracle-on-Sea

September 2015

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

Local Issues

Local Issues

Trust Links - Southend’s best kept secret

Losing local sports facilities!

ACCOUNTANTS Taylors Chartered Accountants 50 30 Wilkins Kennedy ADULT COLLEGE Southend Adult Community College 1 AIRPORT TRANSFER Air & Back 50 APPRENTICESHIPS Seetec 12 AUCTIONS 41 Stavey's Auctions BLINDS & SHUTTERS Worth & Co 44 BOWLING Essex County Bowls 43 BUILDING SUPPLIES St. Ann's 47 CAR DEALERSHIP Fairfield Mini 28/29 CARPETS Trade Carpets 5 CHAUFFEURS Abbeygate Chauffeurs 4 CLASSIC CARS Pride & Joy Classic Cars 37 CLEANING Maid in Essex 26 CONSERVATORY/EXTENSIONS Create Space 31 CONSERVATORY/GUTTERS/PATIO CLEANING Direct Cleaning Services 4 COUNSELLING Carl Adams Counselling 3 DOORS Dream Doors 12 DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIR Cloudy 2 Clear 34 DRIVEWAYS Sealing Technique 37 ELECTRIC DMB Electric 33 EVENTS Painting in Numbers 25 Shoebury High School 46 FIREPLACES Charles Goldsworthy 11 Fireplace & Design 13 GAT Fireplaces 45 FLOORING Daniel James Flooring 55

GARDEN CENTRES Morley's Garden Centre GARDEN SERVICES Paul's Gardening GENERAL BUILDING PJ & LJ Plastering GRANITE TRANSFORMATIONS Granite Worktops GUTTERS & FASCIAS AC Solutions HAIR & BEAUTY Dexter Hair & Beauty Grateful Heads HANDMADE JEWELLERY The Crystal Tree HEALTH & BEAUTY Cliff House Clinic The Running School HOMECARE Caremark HOME IMPROVEMENT Climatec Home Improvements HOUSE REMOVALS King Removals INTERIOR DESIGNERS Morris Interiors KITCHENS Apollo Kitchens DK2 Kitchens KITCHEN INTERIORS Prittlewell Interiors KNITTING Knitting Emporium LETTINGS AGENT Hopsons Property Services LIGHTING Essex Lighting MARBLE WORKTOP Abbey Marble NATURAL STONE RESTORER Stone Floor Tile Restoration OVEN CLEANING Ovenclean PENSIONS Brooms Payroll PET CARE Bubbles Pet Care PET SHOP Leigh Pet Express

NEW! Local Letters

NEW! Local Letters

27

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

Residents have their say

Residents have their say

Oracle Travel

Oracle Travel Discovering Andalucia

Discovering Andalucia

46 52 Cover photo: Blazing Reflection – by Manda Rose Sivyer, Thorpe Bay.

Cover photo: The Very Hungry Caterpillar – by Gemma Rogers (age 9), Leigh-on-Sea.

33 38 17 16

To advertise in ORACLE call

01702 393838

51 19 21 39 49 39 20 14 40 35 33 48 51 41 25 50 24 48 35

PLASTERING PJ & LJ Plastering Taylor Plastering PROPERTY & MAINTENANCE Broomfield Construction RECRUITMENT Bryman Recruitment SHUTTERS, CURTAINS & BLINDS Love my Curtains & Blinds SKIP HIRE Leigh Skip Hire SPORTSWEAR Original Sports STORAGE Moving Boxes THEATRETRAIN PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL FOR KIDS Theatretrain TRAIN TRAVEL c2c TRAVEL COUNSELLOR Hermes Travel TREE SERVICES Mike's Tree Services Treefella Tree King TUITION First Class Learning UPHOLSTERY George Evans VENUE Strictly Smartz WINDOWS BJ Davis

52 37 25 6/7 43 51 18 37 8 23 36 50 35 26 15 3 25 53

ORACLE - the smart little glossy mags for Southend

Reach a 29,000 readership in Leigh, Chalkwell, Southend Conservation Area, Thorpe Bay & the Garrison 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.

54

ORACLE-ON-SEA

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

SSEEPPTTEEMMBBEERR 2 0 1 5

10% DISCOUNT ON ALL FLOO

RING

SHOWROOMS DISPLAYING A WIDE RANGE OF FLOORING

SPECIALISTS IN KARNDEAN AND CARPETS VINYLS • WOOD & LAMINATE • AMTICO

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Daniel James Flooring OPEN TO THE PUBLIC & TRADE

01702 547774

17 Purdeys Way, Purdeys Industrial Estate, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1ND

www.danieljamesflooring.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2015

info@danieljamesflooring.co.uk

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

ORACLE-ON-SEA

55

PRESENTS

POP-UP STELLA & DOT SALE JOIN US AS WE SHOWCASE AN IRRESISTIBLE LINE OF FASHION JEWELLERY AND ACCESSORIES EXCLUSIVELY FOR ONE DAY ONLY WEDNESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 6PM-9PM

stelladot.co.uk/essex 170 THE BROADWAY, THORPE BAY, ESSEX SS1 3ES

ONE DAY ONLY