Oracle on-Sea May 2019 by Oracle Publications

February May 20192018

Your all-seeing local

OR CLE ORACLE

Leigh, Chalkwell, Thorpe Bay, Southchurch, Westcliff & the Garrison Southend Conservation & Shoeburyness Area

BRAND NEW SERVICE! Oracle Travel Offers p6/7

WIN! Family ticket to Sea-Life Adventure - worth £50! LOCAL ISSUES! Cllr Mulroney on Southend’s past

Front cover image by Terry O’Connor - Oracle photographic competition entry 2017

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WELCOME

As you know, each month I aim to bring residents unique articles from people who either live/work locally, entrepreneurs or Councillors. One of this month’s guest writers is Cllr. Carole Mulroney (Liberal Democrat Group Leader) giving her thoughts on our town and its history. If you would like to be an Oracle guest writer then give me a call. With much competition out there, Oracle has had to evolve over the years, and I am very pleased to announce its first partnership, with Arrive Relax Travel Ltd. Launching Oracle Travel Offers with Richard and Angie, who both share a wealth of knowledge having worked in the travel business for many years. Oracle Travel Offers will bring Oracle’s readers incredible holiday savings with the assurance of dealing with a safe local company. To start your next holiday experience read pages 6 & 7 or visit www.oracletraveloffers.com Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Sea-Life Adventure and seeing the wonderful work that is being done there for many rescued animals and so much more to enjoy. This month’s competition was an easy choice, WIN a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) to enter Sea-Life Adventure Aquarium and Wild – worth £50. Valid until the end of 2019. To enter Oracle/Sea-Life Adventure competition, please visit Oracle’s competition page on our website or we still accept entries by post to Oracle’s offices, see address below. We just need your full name and contact details. Closing date is 31 May.

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Structural Calculations \ Building Control Applications \ Planning Applications

CONTENTS

Structural Openings RSJ & Lintel Sizing Structural Frames Extension Design Loft Conversions Foundation Sizing New Structural Roofs Structural Surveys

Photo by Miriam Fleming

Introducing Oracle Travel Offers

Structural Design for: New Build Houses & Flats Existing Houses Commercial Buildings

Article by Arrive Relax Travel

History is not just a load of bunk

9/10

#SaveSouthend by Cllr Carole Mulroney

Reflecting on the good in Southend

#SaveSouthend by Denise Rossiter

A new shed in town

www.structuralworks.co.uk T: 07977 510378 E: hello@structuralworks.co.uk 42 Castleton Road \ Southend on Sea \ Essex \ SS2 4UD

Article by Clive Shiret

The only way is ethics

Salon advice by Craig Smith

Ham cheese and chive muffins

Recipe by Judy Barden

Brainbox What’s On Useful Numbers Advertiser Index

34 38 40 42

Advertorials Oracle Travel Offers CHC Aesthetics High-Tech Membrane

6/7 18 20/21

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 is editorially autonomous and the opinions expressed are not those of the publisher unless expressly stated.

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Recently, I was approached to partner with a travel company called Arrive Relax Travel Ltd. After meetings and talks, I was convinced this was a good move for Oracle's readers. The proprietors Richard Dobinson and Angie Akister both have a wealth of knowledge and many years of experience within the travel industry, and they are local. After researching the local magazines in the area, I am very proud they chose the Oracle, because of its reliability, attention to publishing unique articles, quality feel and target audience. Both partners felt that Oracle was the right vehicle for this partnership. Oracle Travel Offers aim to bring Oracle’s readers some wonderful exclusive holiday packages and much more. I realise that when booking a holiday, trust and expert advice, is very important. I asked Angie and Richard to explain to you why you should choose Oracle Travel Offers for your next holiday:At Arrive Relax Travel we like to do things a little differently. Unlike the high street agencies who mostly sell their parent company’s products, or the faceless booking engines that can’t really answer your questions, our Travel Designers work with you every step of the way to create “a world designed by you”. We specialise in tailormade holidays, cruises, winter holidays, weddings & honeymoons around the world and with over 60 years combined experience in the industry we like to think we are rather good at it. We are proud of having travelled to over 90 countries in 6 continents, visiting most world cities & checking out what each country has to offer along the way. This personal experience enables us to give you the 6

right advice about places you would like to visit & perhaps suggest some you hadn’t considered before. Our passion for travel sets us apart and guarantees that Arrive Relax Travel will go further for you, our customer, creating your holiday to uniquely fit you and giving exceptional value for money on all travel services we provide.

A great deal no matter what your budget We are 100% independent, which means that we are not affiliated to any travel company. We have exclusive fares with every major airline, special rates with every cruise company and access to rooms in tens of thousands of hotels across the world. We can even create holidays using low cost carriers too. This means when it comes to quality and price, we can ensure you get a great deal no matter what your budget & of course all our packages that include air travel are fully ATOL protected. Arrive Relax Travel Limited is a member of the Travel Trust Association (TTA), licence number Q7122. This means that when you book with us your money is paid directly into a Trust Account, not ours. Additionally, you will also receive a financial guarantee. Your money is 100% protected should any of our suppliers become insolvent. You can rest easy knowing not only have you got a great price but your money is protected too. Angie and Richard Directors & Travel Designers Arrive Relax Travel www.oracletraveloffers.com

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History is not just a load of bunk Famously Henry Ford said on 6 June 1916 "History is more or less bunk. It's tradition. We don't want tradition. We want to live in the present, and the only history that is worth a tinker's damn is the history that we make today."

saved if it can be, recorded if it cannot.

An untimely comment seeing 3 weeks later

damage that we as humans are doing to our

the greatest slaughter in a single day on the

planet and the consequences – and we are

Somme took place–and for a 100 years we

also learning that the technical revolution

have been trying to learn from the experience.

which we are living through is changing

And 26 years later to the day his country,

the world in which we live, work and play.

along with other Allied troops, were fighting

Nowhere is this more so than in our town

it out on the Normandy beaches. Another

centres and we have to adapt to this. But

salutary lesson we are still struggling with.

we mustn’t throw the baby out with the

Is history really bunk and is our

bathwater. And in this case the baby is our

heritage unimportant? For over 20 years I have been involved in local and family history in Leigh-on-Sea, a place where there is a huge amount of pride in our heritage, a deep desire to preserve what’s left and a constant battle to do so. Leigh is not unique, there are towns and villages all over the country which have a rich and varied history and it is vital that this is May 2019

What has this got to do with my life on the Council? We are living in strange and earth shattering times – we are learning, oh so quickly, the

heritage. Yes buildings will have to change to cater for the changing needs of the modern world, how we shop, eat, play, and that can be done, but in our historic areas it has to be done with sensitivity and care, otherwise we will lose far more than we think. Southend Borough has a rich history, and its not all about Saxon Kings and shipwrecks,

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important as they are. There are areas of great importance to how we, as a Borough, have grown over the centuries. Hamlet Court Road is a prime example – a thrusting, important thoroughfare at one time. Those glory days may have gone but the work that is now going on to establish the road as a conservation area should be supported by the Borough Council and other bodies - it is too important to lose.

Street experience, which is going to change

Dating back to Domesday

with more residential and leisure uses.

Shoebury, with its unique military history –

Built with an aura of history

the Borough needs to support local groups

There are, however, lots and lots of buildings

in preserving that heritage. There are many

of great character, detail and historic

other areas such as Prittlewell, Southchurch

significance to the town. Above ground level

and Milton, all worthy of heritage care, some,

they are still there and evoke a time gone by

like Leigh, dating back to Domesday – far

when major entrepreneurs and benefactors in

longer than dear Old Southend.

Southend, like Keddies and R A Jones, built

But the big problem facing Southend at the

buildings to last with an aura of history built

moment is its High Street. I have recently,

in.

with other Councillors, been looking at

So in the headlong rush to save our High

this knotty problem in detail – how can we

Street let’s take off the blinkers and see it as it

improve it, how can we enhance it, how can

was and as it could be again – not preserved in

we save it?

aspic, but remodelled, adapted and enhanced

Well of course we have to change with the

with more relevant uses - but don’t let’s

times. But we don’t have to forget past times.

change our heritage.

Just walk down the High Street and look up.

The meaning of BUNK is absurd, ridiculous,

There are many truly awful buildings which

nonsense – Southend’s history is certainly

have interspersed with the old and ruined the

none of those things.

High Street’s character – change should start

Cllr Carole Mulroney

there, and I don’t mean by bulldozing them. For those of a functional design – flat roofs and massive concrete blocks – they need to be enhanced to fit in properly, given some detailing and interest to add to the High 10

Liberal Democrat Group Leader & Councillor for Leigh Ward Oracle welcomes thoughts from all sides as balance is very important. Write your letter in the comment section located under the relevant article on our website. oraclepublications.co.uk #SaveSouthend

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May 2019

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Reflecting on the good in Southend I was trying to think of a song to describe

the Palace Theatre, the Cliffs Pavilion and the

Southend at the moment. Personally I think

Beecroft Gallery, all of which goes to show that

that old Monty Python song “Always Look on

we’re more cultured than some people make us

the Bright Side” probably describes it best. There’s a lot of negativity in the County at the moment and unfortunately a lot of that negativity seems to be directed at Southend. No town is

out to be. The town also has its own professional football team Southend United FC whose fortunes have fluctuated recently but they do put us on the map as a Football town.

perfect but lets reflect for a moment on some of

Our successful businesses

the good things about ours.

Southend is also home to many successful

Time to reflect on the good

businesses. Some are long established while

The two things that probably everyone knows Southend for is of course the Pier and Adventure Island. Sir John Betjman once said “the Pier is Southend, Southend is the Pier” so I can’t be far wrong. It is of course iconic being the longest pleasure pier in the world and a Grade II listed building to boot. Whilst Adventure Island has grown to be one of the best loved theme parks in the Country located right by the Pier. Our sea front literally stretches for miles and has some gorgeous views across the Thames Estuary, especially at sunset. We have our gardens and the Cliff Lift, which is unique and dates back to 1912. Of course Southend is about more than just the Pier and the sea front. Away from the sea front we have some wonderful parks and for recreation of a different kind 16

others have moved into the area fairly recently. The Airport is expanding rapidly and proving increasingly popular with people who don’t want the hassle of some of its’ larger competitors. Alongside that we are seeing the start of the business park that will bring other businesses into the area. As someone who has lived and worked in the town for many years it saddens me to read some of the comments we see reported in the local press and on social media. A town is what you make of it and we all have a stake in its’ future. So let’s stop carping and work together for a change.

Denise Rossiter Chief Executive Essex Chambers of Commerce

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Heard the word Pilates? Know what it is or

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A new shed in town! Wellbeing at Garon Park is proud to be a

“At our open event last year, we had great interest

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from the peaceful surroundings around the

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National Lottery Awards for All to enable it to purchase a building, which will be on site this Spring. John Hills of Hills Building and Decorating Ltd have volunteered their services to install the shed and Wellbeing at Garon Park is keen to hear from volunteers who can spare a few hours to come along and help refurbish the building to get it ready for use. No matter whether you’re a skilled tradesperson

the Vitality Park. WB@GP will soon be installing a near 1km wellness trail with a number of activities along the way specifically for use to improve the health and wellbeing of the local community. The Shed forms the first community activity with many more planned. Clive Shiret www.wellbeing@garonpark.com 07946855295 Charity no. 1178841

or have never held a paintbrush there will be something to do and everyone is welcome. 22

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BEAUTY

The only way is ethics

Greggs may have stolen headlines with their vegan ‘sausage’ roll (other bakeries are available) and the ‘Flat White with Oat Milk’ might well be the go-to drink for the cyclists hanging out at Birdwood Café in Leigh-on-Sea, but newcomers to the lifestyle might still be trying to replace their regular beauty products with those that don't contain any animal-based ingredients. With summer fast approaching here’s some handy advice to help you stay on track with swapping leather for pleather and eating plants not pigs.

'Cruelty free' products First, avoid the mistake of buying ‘cruelty free’ believing its vegan. In the strictest sense, 'cruelty free' means that the products and ingredients of that particular product have not been tested on animals at any point during their production. Agreed, it is a big plus point but do check the list of ingredients. You’ll be amazed to see just what some firms use as ingredients – from insects to part of fish - in lipstick and makeup. The reason why I suggest this is because not all animal-derived ingredients are listed on the packaging as such. Some are often given scientific names or referred to as an E number. So, look out for Carmine (also known as cochineal, crimson lake, natural red 4, C.I. 75470, E120, carminic acid) – which is composed of crushed insects – traditionally known as cochineal. It’s also one of the most common non-vegan ingredients used in makeup production.

Beeswax (also known as cera alba, cera lava) regularly found in lip balms and mascaras - is considered vegetarian, but not 100% vegan by others. This is because some vegans regard it as a naturally-occurring animal product, meaning it will depend entirely on your own personal choice. The bi-product used to create the shimmering effect in certain beauty products could be Guanine (AKA CI 75170), or better known to most of us as fish scales. If that hasn’t put you off your chips, then consider Lanolin. It’s the oily secretion found in wool. However, Collagen is a little tricky. You can buy a synthesised version (the label will state 100% vegan, if that’s the case) but otherwise ‘natural’ collagen can be a cocktail of animal and fish bones, connective tissues and even skin.

Makeup accessories Don’t forget to consider your makeup kit’s tools and accessories. The heads of brushes can use fur from animals such as squirrel, mink and sable. Goat and horse hair are also commonly used for brushes. If the fur industry horrifies you, then make a stand by buying synthetic versions. The vegan revolution is becoming ever more mainstream, and for those of you embracing it, there are increasingly fewer reasons to compromise your principles, especially when it comes to looking good. by Craig Smith Director of Grateful Heads Hair Salon

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Celco Lighting CLASSIC & CONTEMPORARY DESIGNER LIGHTING Over 70 years of trading 144–146 London Road, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1PH - 01702 348234 28

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May 2019

Stairway to heaven! • FULL ROLLS OF CARPET AVAILABLE • 1000’s OF CERAMIC TILES IN STOCK • LARGEST STOCKIST OF CUSHION FLOORING • LAMINATE FLOORING AVAILABLE WE DO NOT PAY RENT SO WE PASS ON THE SAVINGS TO OUR CUSTOMERS TRADING 7 DAYS A WEEK USE OUR OWN FREE CAR PARK

141-159 SUTTON ROAD SOUTHEND-ON-SEA SS2 5PB

01702 614397 WWW.KENBRO.CO.UK

CARPETS: (01702) 614397

CUSHION FLOOR: (01702) 462328

CERAMIC TILES: (01702) 610414

LAMINATE FLOORING: (01702) 462328

DISCOUNT CARPET WAREHOUSES LIMITED

May 2019

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Ham cheese and chive muffins

FOOD

This is such an easy savoury muffin to make. They are lovely warm with a bowl of soup or with a salad. You can take them to work as part of a packed lunch or on a picnic. Freeze them on the day they are made and then just warm through in the oven. I have used chives but rosemary works as well. Enjoy!

Ingredients: 225g/8oz plain flour, sifted 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp vegetable stock granules Âź tsp cracked black pepper 75g/3oz gruyere or emmental cheese, cut into tiny cubes Small handful of chives, finely chopped 2 large eggs 150ml/ Âź pt milk

You will need a 6 hole muffin tray, oiled and lined with non stick paper cases

Method Mix all the dry ingredients into a bowl, reserving a little of the cheese and chives. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil and 1 tbsp of cold water. Preheat the oven to 200c/fan 180/gas 6. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry, including the ham and mix to form a moist lumpy batter, ensuring there are no pockets of unmixed flour. Spoon the mixture into the muffin tray, scattering with the reserved cheese and chives. Bake for 30 minutes until the muffins are browned and crusty. Serve with extra butter if you like.

Serves 6

50ml/2 floz extra virgin olive oil 75g/3oz thick good quality ham, chopped

into tiny cubes

by Judy Barden Next month: Home-style piri-piri chicken

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May 2019

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SUNSHINE IS OUR FAVOURITE ACCESSORY AND IT GOES GREAT WITH NEW WINDOWS AND DOORS FROM CLIMATEC HOME IMPROVEMENTS

WE MAK

E THEM

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WE INSTALARE NOW LIN FIT W G FLUSH IN A VAINDOWS COLOU RIETY OF R OPTIO NS

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE

01702 447600 www.climatec-hi.co.uk

*Certain exclusions apply. Price may vary depending on property type and size. Bay and Non-Casement windows excluded.

flush sash window

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DIRECT FROM OUR FACTORY = UPVC AND ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS = WIDE RANGE OF COLOURS/FINISHES = COMPOSITE, FRENCH, PATIO & BI-FOLD DOORS = THERMALLY EFFICIENT FRAMES = REHAU APPROVED PARTNER = SECURITY LOCKING = SECURED BY DESIGN PRODUCTS = 10 YEAR PRODUCT GUARANTEE Find us on Facebook and Instagram

Climatec Home Improvements Ltd is part of the Climatec Group Fletchers Square, Temple Farm Industrial Estate, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS2 5RN

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May 2019

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Based in

Rayleigh

LOGS FOR SALE !

BRAINBOX QUALIFIED • LICENCED • INSURED • 24HR EMERGENCY

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

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Discounts Available for OAP & Disabled in the local area

3 9 5

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Call us now:

01268 857550 07719 837777 or email: enquire@tree-king.co.uk www.tree-king.co.uk

2 1

6 8

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DEBT

SUDOKU – Enter numbers

BAND

WORD LADDER – Climb the ladder, changing one letter each rung to make a new word.

into the blank spaces so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.

CONUNDRUM – Unscramble to solve the clue.

Clue: An electrostatic discharge. 4

Last month’s solutions: WORD LADDER –

LAKELAMECAMECOMECOMB CONUNDRUM – CHOCOLATE

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May 2019

NEW EXCLUSIVE GARDEN FURNITURE SETS & GAZEBOS

At Highgate all our garden sets & gazebos are on display for you to try in-store.

Highgate Pandora Leaf Pergola 3 × 3.6m slatted roof pergola £980

Highgate Blakeney Comfort Dining set with height adjustable table £1259

Life Timber Garden Lounge set with all weather khaki cushions - White aluminium frame £1899

WE OFFER THE HIGH QUALITY OUR CUSTOMERS EXPECT Highgate is one of the largest garden furniture and leisure showrooms in Essex and we only work with brands that we trust. We have ample free parking for our customers

Call 01702 904000

327 Southchurch Road, Unit 8 Southchurch Business Park, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 2PE www.highgatefurniture.co.uk | sales@highgatefurniture.co.uk

May 2019

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The Crystal Tree

69 Broadway West Leigh-on-Sea SS9 2BX (opp Leigh Library) Angelic Reiki, Crystal Healing and Crystal Sound Activation Healing Crystals, Minerals, Gemstones Crystal Jewellery Angel Gifts Incense & Space Clearing Items Candles Salt Lamps Books, Cards & CDs Meditation Groups & Workshops www.the-crystal-tree.co.uk Healing for Mind Body and Soul

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May 2019

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25 Years’ Experience

WHAT’S ON CHARITY CONCERT TIME 19:30

DATE 8th May 2019

VENUE Southend Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, SS0 7RA A charity concert by The Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines Collingwood.The concert is in aid of the RNLI Southend Lifeboat Station RCN209603 and Southend Hospital Charity RCN105266. Book online or visit the box office. Tickets: £30 / £28 / £20 (Includes Booking Fee).

LEIGH-ON-SEA TOWN COUNCIL OVER 60'S SOCIAL CLUB TIME 10:00 - 12:00

DATE 8th May 2019

VENUE Leigh Community Centre, Elm Road, SS9 1SP A fun quiz with picture rounds and puzzles. Sessions cost £2 for unlimited refreshments and all activities, everyone is welcome. Please phone 01702 716288.

ALEXANDRA YACHT CLUB DATE 5th/25th/26th May 2019

TIME 10:00 - 17:00

VENUE Alexandra Yacht Club, Southend, SS1 1DT Try sailing! Contact sailing@alexyachtclub.co.uk or visit www.alexyachtclub.co.uk.

SOUTHCHURCH VILLAGE AND FRIENDS WI TIME 19:30

DATE 13th May 2019

VENUE Thorpe Bay Methodist Church Hall, SSI 3HQ The story of Southend Carnival. Speaker: Gary Lowen tells us the history and modern story of the popular Southend Carnival.

THE WINE CIRCLE DATE 2nd Monday of the month

TIME 20:00

VENUE St Augustine's Church Hall, Thorpe Bay, SS1 3HX Over 65? Meet some new friends and have a sociable, relaxing evening. Come and join us, you are most welcomed. Please contact Chris on 01702 295325.

ITALIAN CIRCLE DATE 15th May 2019

TIME 20:00 - 22:00

VENUE Room 7 Leigh Community Centre An illustrated presentation in Italian on the nomadic, eccentric, but remarkable Renaissance painter Lorenzo Lotto.

SUMMER FETE DATE 25th May 2019

TIME 12:00 - 16:00

VENUE St. Nicholas Church, Great Wakering All the fun of the fayre - Free admission, refreshments available.

SOUTHEND CLIFF RAILWAY DAY DATE 11th May 2019

TIME 10:00 - 18:00

VENUE Southend Cliff Lift Southend's Cliff Lift is taking part in it's first Cliff lift Railway day.

MUSIC IN THE PARK SIDEWINDERS DATE 11th May 2019

TIME 15:00 - 17:00

VENUE Priory Park, Victoria Ave Sidewinders will be playing in Priory Park. This is a free event for all.

GREAT PIER WALK DATE 12th May 2019

TIME 10:00 - 16:00

VENUE Southend Pier Kindly hosted by the Rotary Club of Leigh-on-Sea. Please register your interest, please contact 01702 385337.

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May 2019

COAST CAPITAL

SOUTHEND TO LONDON

Kids’ fares for £2* Buy train tickets at c2c-online *T&Cs apply Bringing you closer

May 2019

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