Oracle March 2021 by Oracle Publications

March 2021

Your all-seeing local

ORACLE Thorpe Bay, Southchurch, Garrison, Shoeburyness, Leigh, Chalkwell, Westcliff & Southend Conservation Area Circulation: 14,000

SPOTLIGHT Aspirations for Southend COMPETITION Hawkins dine at home competition worth £60! LOCAL ISSUES

Fighting

the virus together?

Be a part of Census 2021 Census day is 21 March 2021. By taking part and encouraging others to do the same, you’ll help make sure your community gets the services it needs.

Find out more at www.census.gov.uk Follow @Census2021

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March 2021

ORACLE

WELCOME

Spring is definitely in the air and I am very happy to be back after having to suspend February’s edition. The positive news of the vaccine roll out has given a real boost to our mental health and businesses are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Obviously, it is still very important that we all continue to follow the government’s guidelines on keeping safe.

10 % CREAM

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During this last lockdown we have taken the opportunity to revamp the Oracle and I hope you like its fresher more updated look. The Oracle is still being reliably distributed by our own great team of deliverers to 14,000 homes and I am proud to say it is the longest running local magazine in the area (16 years)! This month’s competition will appeal to any foodies Oracle/Hawkins At Home! Since Covid-19 it’s become popular to eat restaurant tasting food at home. Hawkins At Home was set up by local chefs who found themselves out of work due to the pandemic. Win a deliciously prepared food box for 2 people worth £60 and dine-in in style! To enter please visit Oraclepublications.co.uk, competition page closing date, 15 March 2021. Finally, as a local business, I would like to thank both clients and residents for the tremendous support during this last year. Stay safe!

170 The Broadway Thorpe Bay SS1 3ES

Emma Wynne-Morgan Publisher

01702 393838 Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1AN

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

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Find out how we could help your business

CONTENTS Accountancy support & finance consultancy for small to medium businesses.

Fighting the Virus Together?

10/11

Local Issues by Philip Miller

- Bookkeeping & accounting - Corporation Tax & VAT - Payroll - Business consultancy

"My Aspirations for the Prosperity of Southend"

01702 870133

Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith

16/17

Spotlight by John Harland

Love is in the Hair

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Is a Will enough?

Estate Planning by Clive Rowe

Apple pancakes with toffee sauce

4 Page Ad.indd 1

08/12/2020 10:30Recipe

by Judy Barden

Give the next generation a head start

36/37

Money Matters by Rob Burgeman

D-Day. We are not out of the WARS!

Health & Wellbeing by Jacqui Sayer-Noble

Brainbox 46 Useful Numbers

Advertiser Index

Advertorials High-Tech Membrane

28/29

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 All reserved. NoOracle part of Oracle Publications Ltdis may be of rights the publisher. Publications UKUKLtd editorially reproduced or used in any form or by any means either wholly or in autonomous the opinions expressed not those part without priorand permission of the publisher. Oracleare Publications UK of the publisher unless and expressly stated. Ltd is editorially autonomous the opinions expressed are not those of the publisher unless expressly stated.

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March 2021

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LOCAL ISSUES

Fighting the Virus Together? S

outhend, alongside the rest of the country is going through hell, economically speaking. Businessmen are counting down the days until breakout day. If Southend is not going to vanish down the financial plug hole, it will need a huge boost to drag us out of the abyss. The Council in particular will need to throw in the kitchen sink to help businesses revival. For many it is already too late. Walking past parades of shops in the area makes me wonder how many will re-open after the war’s end? The Chancellor has done a good job in trying to keep businesses afloat and hopefully this will continue. However, we also need local government to follow suit. If raising parking charges and coming up with a parking pass that allows you to park where you don’t want to for a few hours is the best they can do, we might as well all go on the dole now!

visited Leigh, Thorpe Bay, Shoebury etc. or the High Street! The revenue lost could have paid for a parking reduction and filled a few pot holes! The local authority is the only organisation in the position to make Southend great again, we just need decent leadership. I have serious concerns about the current administration, mind you I said that about the last lot!

No penalty for failure Certain local councilors have no skin in the game. It's not their money they are burning or their businesses they are wrecking! They talk big about wasting tax payers money with no penalty for failure. By the way, could you see any sense in closing parking on the seafront during the lockdown? Seemingly to stop the spread of the virus. Well it must be a very well trained virus as it never 10

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March 2021

❝ I believe

there will be an end to the prohibition feel across the UK

Squeezing tax payers for more cash as we receive less and less is not the answer. They have had it ‘cushy’ through lockdown with full pay and perks. We the taxpayers need a better return on our investment. We need all parties working to one goal ‘The health & wealth of the town’ I have always followed my Dad’s advice that the cheapest thing in the world is other people’s brains. Now it’s time for local leaders to cross the Rubicon and not just pay lip service or conduct phoney consultations, but sit down with local businessmen, really listen and act for the best of the town. They need to understand that without business creating wealth, they will have nothing left to waste it on.

❝

What a bargain! For my part I’m giving it my best shot! I’m reducing prices by an average of 41% across Adventure Island and the Sealife Adventure Zooquarium. This is thanks to the Chancellor discounting VAT which we are gambling on Rishi continuing. Adventure Island 12 month passes will be £50 (half of last year) and Sealife 12 month passes just £15! Single entry’s online and in the park are cheaper as well! Excuse my advert, but what a bargain! Furlough, whilst saving jobs, has left

many short of money and there will be millions more unemployed once furlough ends. So many previously sound businesses are on life support and are close to ‘throwing in the towel’ Why would you just keep on increasing your debt without an exit in sight?

A fraught year Many businessmen in the town are thinking life would be much easier just getting a job….if they can find one. Let somebody else have the worry, who can blame them? However, for us on the seafront, we have done the unthinkable and done more or less a bit of a reboot so to speak. We are leaner, meaner and keener than we have ever been. Depending on how we exit the virus, I believe there will be an end to the prohibition feel across the UK. I do not believe folks will be wasting money for the sake of it. Many will have accumulated wealth through the lockdowns and are ahead of the game, but I can’t see them throwing it away, just because they can. I think many have become very canny about who gets their ‘dosh’ maybe with one exception, the booze game which will flourish! Just hope its controlled with boundaries set and followed. Philip Miller

To all you self-employed, entrepreneurs and business folk, you are the only wealth creators! Your town needs you to push hard! I’m sure with the right mind-set we will come out the other side feeling good about ourselves. We just need a little nurture, that’s all! It’s in our DNA to succeed – it’s the Essex Way! Online companies are here for keeps, but share and share alike. Nothing beats the real experience of shopping….just ask my daughters! Forget the past, let’s push on and not get beaten by the BUG! Finally, I wish the town and all who sail in her the best of British going forward. Let’s help each other when we can, buy local including suppliers if you can. I have for years.

March 2021

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March 2021

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Spring Back To Health in 2021

The last year has meant more sitting, more screen time and more aches and pains for a lot of us. Do you want to get back to living with less aches and pains? If this is a yes for you then make 2021 the year to move more and have less aches and pains. Give your body the love and care it needs this spring and come in for an pain/injury initial consultation with one of our therapists to get you back to your best.

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March 2021

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SPOTLIGHT

John Harland:

"My Aspirations for the Prosperity of Southend"

am delighted to be the prospective Conservative Candidate for Milton Ward which encompasses Our Town Centre and much of our Seafront, as well as the delightful Cliff Gardens and Prittlewell Square. I have worked in this area for over 40 years so this particular area is very well known to me. However, the effects of the dreadful pandemic has shattered many lives and businesses, so we really need to work together to bring the Town back to the prosperous position it once boasted.

certainly need to encourage visitors to come and enjoy these facilities and bring all parts of the Town back to life again. It is our Tourism offering that boosts our local economy and creates employment, which is essential to our future, as we recover from the restrictions we have all found ourselves under in the past year.

Cliff Gardens, Southend On Sea

Crime is an issue to be considered

Talking to residents in Milton Ward, this is what matters to them as well. Like all residents, they also want a safe Town, so crime is an issue to be considered. It is my intention We are a Town renowned for its leisure to work with the authorities and agencies to play my part in making activities, the seven mile seafront, the Ward a safer place. I have built up iconic pier, superb hotels and guest relationships with different groups houses, beautiful parks and first class over the years especially through my restaurants to attract all ages and of work with several Southend Charities. course our two great theatres, The Cliffs Pavilion and Palace theatre. We Unfortunately the challenge of crime 16

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March 2021

All future development needs to complement the businesses that already exist and we certainly will be hoping that a thriving Town Centre will return in the very near future, offering employment to our young people.

Town Centre will return I know another of the concerns of residents in Milton Ward is parking. Milton Ward has so many beautiful Victorian houses and very few have garages. At this time its essential, that residents are able to park close to their homes. This means we must ensure that parking charges are not increased to a level that in the Town and Seafront areas, hence then bringing stress to residential streets. Also, as businesses have suffered so much over the past year we need to ensure that we support them and not put obstacles in their way as they attempt to rise from the restrictions that Covid-19 has placed upon them as well. March 2021

email: johnharland5 @gmail.com facebook: John Harland Conservative Candidate Milton Ward Southend 2021

So I`m looking forward to being able to make a difference, to being part the massive effort to bring the Town Centre back to life and seeing visitors flocking to Southend, to enjoy our wonderful heritage. It`s only by working collaboratively that we can bring about change. My wish is to see Milton Ward a happy and thriving area, where people feel safe, have secure employment and live enjoyable and fulfilled lives.

❝I hope you share these

sentiments. Together we will get the feel good factor back

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❝

and disorder has not gone away and we certainly need to address these issues especially in the Town Centre.

I have always worked with integrity and continue to encourage people to be positive and have a can do attitude. I will always put the issues before party politics and wont be afraid to speak up for people whatever their concerns.

John Harland Conservative Candidate for Milton Ward

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March 2021

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HAIR & BEAUTY

L♥ve is in the Hair

re we still in lockdown? What tier are we in now? To be honest, I’m not even sure what day it is... With – at the time of writing - limited places to go and few people to see, it’s been rather too easy to adjust to the new lifestyle choices of joggers or jimjams, another Netflix binge or make yet another banana bread loaf? Y’know, just for old times’ sake. Dress Up Not Down Of course, as is the way of all thing’s social media, there has been a reaction to this with #DUND, or Dress Up Not Down. It’s a great way to break the monotony of lockdown and bring a little glamour back into your life. For many of us, especially those in a long-term relationship or marriage, the concept of a ‘date night’ when you can’t go anywhere might seem rather odd. But I think it’s definitely worth making the effort. Even though salons like mine remain closed as I write this, it’s quite easy to create a professional look for your date night. Arguably, frizz is almost always a hair passion killer, so smoothing and softening it makes a big difference. So, squeeze a moisturising product into your hands and take the very top layer of your hair and just touch it. It’s not about putting the cream into the hair or layering it in, but more about just touching it.

Then, still in the top section of hair, take either side of your parting and smooth it down with your fingers. Then, use a hairdryer to quickly dry your hair and voila, smooth and glossy hair!

by Craig Smith Director of Grateful Heads Hair Salon

Smooth and glossy hair Of course, it’s also bearing in mind that we are still in the grip of winter, so don’t try to make your hair look too elaborate or ‘done’. In many respects, less is very much more. So, begin by de-frizzing and then bend your hair lightly around a tong, without exposing it too much heat. The resultant curls will look super sexy and give you an air of chilled sassiness at the same time. After weeks of being locked in your home together, something new and unexpected could add a fresh spark into your relationships. And well, after dinner and a few glasses of wine, there’s only so much Netflix and chill you can do…

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March 2021

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March 2021

Cloudy2Clear, A Local Service With A Smile. I think we can all agree that the sooner we see the back of 2020 and this dreadful corona virus the better. That said, there are also some heart warming positives that we can take out of this situation. It has often been said that we can only really get to know one another and realise what is truly important in times of crisis. I think few would argue that in this case what has proven to be important is local community spirit. When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear windows Chris Miller it became clear that these values have been held dear for a number of years. Since starting the business some years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their core values of

supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public money. The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. Chris commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help again”.

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ESTATE PLANNING

Is a Will enough? Assets not protected by a Trust, face attack from... !

our home being sold to pay Y for your long term care costs

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Trusts The strategic use of Trusts can ensure that your children and grandchildren are able to benefit completely from the inheritance you want them to receive and at the same time, protect the family home and other assets from being lost to the costs of long term care. Friendly and professional service When estate planning, it is important that you can rely on and trust the adviser you choose. Oracle Estate Planning offers a friendly and professional service including

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March 2021

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March 2021

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RECIPE Step one Make the toffee sauce. Put the butter, sugar and golden syrup into a small saucepan and bring slowly to the boil, stirring. Reduce the heat and simmer for 3 minutes or until thick. Stir in the cream, then remove from the heat and set aside to cool. Make clarified butter by melting the butter in a pan. Remove from the heat and stand for a few minutes. Pour off the clear butter into a bowl and reserve. Discard the milky-white solids at the bottom of the pan.

Apple pancakes with toffee sauce Serves 4-6

Ingredients by Judy Barden Next month: Lamb Cornish Pasty Pie'

his recipe is great to use all year as Bramley apples are always available. Buttermilk is readily available and you will usually find it with the cream. The pancakes are more American in style but if you prefer a normal crepe type recipe it works just as well. I have served it with Greek yoghurt but I know lots of people would love vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!

50g butter 225g self-raising flour 2 tsp baking powder 50g caster sugar 175ml buttermilk 2 medium eggs 175ml full-cream milk 500g Bramley apples 1 tsp vanilla extract reek-style natural G yogurt, to serve For the toffee sauce: 50g unsalted butter 50g light muscovado sugar 2 tbsp golden syrup 2 tbsp double cream

Step two Sift the flour, baking powder and sugar into a bowl. Make a well in the centre, then add the buttermilk, eggs and milk. Whisk until smooth and thick. Peel, core and coarsely grate the apples and measure out 300g. Stir into the batter with the vanilla. Step three Heat a large, non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Brush the base with a little of the clarified butter. Add 4 large spoonfuls of the batter, spaced well apart, and cook for 2 minutes or until bubbles appear on top of the pancakes and they are golden brown underneath. Flip and cook for another minute. Transfer to a plate and keep warm while you cook the rest, to make about 16. Step four Pile the pancakes onto warmed plates, top with a large spoonful of yogurt and drizzle with the toffee sauce. Serve immediately.

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March 2021

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MONEY MATTERS

Give the

next generation a head start Save into a Junior ISA You can invest up to £9,000 into a Junior ISA (JISA) in the 2020-21 tax year. Dividends and growth within these accounts are tax free. While only parents or legal guardians can open a JISA, anyone can contribute – be they grandparents, godparents, or family friends. The child can access money in a JISA at age 18, using this however they wish – perhaps towards university costs, or building a property deposit.

❝It can be tricky

knowing when and how to give money to your family alongside securing your own financial future

❝

our child or grandchild could face significant financial challenges in an uncertain economic environment, alongside high property prices and living costs. Here are a few simple ways you could potentially transform their financial future.

Make use of bare trusts If you hold assets on behalf of a child in a bare trust there are no investment limits, and money can be used at any time for the child’s benefit, such as towards school fees. Gains or income on investments held in a bare trust can use the child’s personal allowances for tax purposes, and the account can remain open beyond the child’s 18th birthday, although at that age they become legally entitled to access the money if they wish. 36 www.oraclepublications.co.uk www.oraclepublications.co.uk

March 2021

Brewin Dolphin Limited is a member of the London Stock Exchange, and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services Register reference number: 124444). Registered office: 12 Smithfield Street, London, EC1A 9BD. Registered in England and Wales – company number: 2135876. VAT number: GB 690 8994 69

Pay into a junior pension

Make a gift count

If you would like to give a child a head-start for retirement saving, a junior pension is an attractive option.

You can gift wealth you have accumulated over the years in several ways. Each year you can give away up to £3,000 which will not be subject to IHT when you die. You can also give £250 to any number of people each year, free from IHT.

You can save up to £2,880 a year - boosted by tax relief from the government to a maximum of £3,600 a year. Anyone can invest on behalf of a child into a junior pension, but only a parent or legal guardian can open the account.

It is also possible to make further tax-free gifts – known as ‘potentially exempt transfers’ – but you have to survive for seven years after making the gift for your estate to get the full benefit. However, it can be tricky knowing when and how to give money to your family alongside securing your own financial future. A financial adviser can help you to build a tailor-made plan to ensure you and your family have the financial security you need today and in the future.

The value of investments, and any income from them, can fall and you may get back less than you invested. Tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in the future. Information is provided only as an example and is not a recommendation to pursue a particular strategy. Information contained in this document is believed to be reliable and accurate, but without further investigation cannot be warranted as to accuracy or completeness.

We are here to help you achieve your ambitions through expert, personalised financial planning. Rob Burgeman

March 2021

020 3201 3900 l www.brewin.co.uk www.oraclepublications.co.uk www.oraclepublications.co.uk 37 37

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A LOCAL PLUMBER FOR LOCAL PEOPLE March 2021

March 2021

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

D-Day We are not out of the WARS!

s the fear of catching the virus continues, waiting for the vaccine is the main daily focus! Many have been told to shield and not go out of their homes to protect them, but no one is telling them how to keep healthy so that if they contracted the virus they would stand the best chance of fighting it. Sunshine is important There is clear evidence in reports from the US that 90% + of people who have died from the virus were deficient in vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin! It supports the immune system and promotes well being physically and mentally. Sunshine is so important for us, so if you are shielding and cannot get this naturally then your body needs a supplement. I have been telling all my friends, contacts and especially the group H.E.A.L.L I run in Chelmsford for people suffering with Autoimmune conditions. Please ensure you take vitamin C and D as well as making sure you get

H.E.A.L.L JSN Therapies 42

your bloods checked for vitamin D deficiency as it is vital. Only a few weeks ago I was told by one of the group who has a very serious autoimmune condition that her blood test confirmed she was deficient in vitamin D, alike many people unknowingly. When speaking to her GP, a comment was made via telephone that she wished everyone was taking their vitamin D supplements to help protect them from this virus!

by Jacqui Sayer-Noble H.E.A.L.L / JSN Therapies

Vitamin D is in the food we eat As this is a vitamin and not medication it’s not freely available on prescription. However, it can be purchased over the counter at Boots, any chemist or in most local supermarkets. Vitamin D is also in the food we eat, such as, dairy, eggs, fish, mushrooms and peas. Please ensure you research this yourself, as well as taking control of yours and your loved ones Health!

If you are suffering from stress or anxiety, I can help you! 0771 785 69 99 l jacqui@jsntherapies.co.uk I am able to do consultations via Face Time, Skype or Zoom www.oraclepublications.co.uk

March 2021

We have invested! We now have the fastest and the most accurate scanner, primarily for our invisalign patients! We are open to provide all treatment in a safe environment! See video on our website*

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MOLLY MAID Benfleet MOLLY MAID Benfleet

Keeping your home Healthy Keeping your home Healthy The HomeSafe cleaning system puts the health and The HomeSafe cleaning safety you,the your family systemofputs health andand our team of maids the core safety of you, your at family and of weofwork. ourhow team maids at the core In all our of how wecleans work.we use our specialist andour In all our disinfectant cleans we use anti-microbial Xtra Protect specialist disinfectant and cleaner which Xtra passedProtect anti-microbial independent laboratory cleaner which passed tests proving it’s effective against independent laboratory tests all enveloped virusesagainst including proving it’s effective all coronaviruses. all enveloped viruses including all coronaviruses. Call us today to learn more about HomeSafe and why you trust to MOLLY MAIDabout in your home. Call can us today learn more HomeSafe and why

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March 2021

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Oracle March 2021

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