Oracle October 2020

February2020 October 2018

Your all-seeing local

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

COMPETITION! WIN a Hydra Oxygen Facial Treatment from CHC Aesthetics worth £150!

MONEY MATTERS! Should I invest during the coronavirus crisis?

NEW LETTERS PAGE! Residents have their say!

LOCAL ISSUES! A Country in lockdown!

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October 2020

ORACLE

WELCOME

This month, due to popular demand, local resident and independent property consultant David Dedman has written about his concerns on the pandemic’s effect on business and the community.

10 % CREAM

Busy Selling Homes for the Best Possible Price

Each month articles in this magazine are written by local residents and once again we have included a letters page. Take part and send in your letter either by email, royal mail or carrier pigeon!! It’s great to receive your letters on either an issue of concern or just some good news you would like to share and shout about! The contact details are at the bottom of this page, so get scribbling and perhaps your letter will be printed in next month’s edition!

It’s always a treat when CHC Aesthetics do a competition and this month is no exception! Win a Hydra Oxygen Facial available to anyone, regardless of age or skin type. This treatment penetrates deep within the dermis, creating healthy and glowing skin, worth £150.

To enter Oracle/CHC Aesthetics competition please visit www.oraclepublications.co.uk and click on the competition page, giving your name and contact details or simply send me in a postcard via royal mail.

Closing date 31 October 2020.

Happy Halloween!

Stay well and keep safe!

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

170 The Broadway Thorpe Bay SS1 3ES

Oracle is now 100% recyclable

01702 588 599

Emma Wynne-Morgan Publisher

01702 393838 www.oraclepublications.co.uk info@oraclepublications.co.uk

Oracle Publications and Creative Media @oracle_essex Est. 2005 Printed by Print Acumen, Rettendon, Essex

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22/03/2019 11:44

Photo by Ian Green Photographic competition 2020 entry

CONTENTS A Country in lockdown

9/10

Local Issues from David Dedman FRICS

H.E.A.L.L

20

Health & Wellbeing by Jacqui Sayer-Noble

Shock of the blue

26

Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith

Should I invest during the coronavirus crisis?

40/41 Money Matters by Rob Burgeman

Chicken Bacon and Potato Braise

46

Recipe by Judy Barden

PAINTING & DECORATING

Why do you need Lasting Power of Attorney?

52

COMMERCIAL&DOMESTIC Interior & Exterior

Estate Planning by Clive Rowe

NEW Letters

56

Residents have their say

Brainbox Useful Numbers Advertiser Index

Advertorials PACE Properties

WDC Physiotherapy High-Tech Membrane

58 64 66

Local, Reliable and Trustworthy Established connections to local building trades High Quality service guaranteed References available upon request Fully Insured

6/7 33 48/49

All All rights rights reserved. reserved. No No part part of of Oracle Oracle Publications Publications UK UK Ltd Ltd may may be be reproduced reproduced or or used used in in any any form form or or by by any any means means either either wholly wholly or or in in part part without without prior prior permission permission of of the the publisher. publisher. Oracle Oracle Publications Publications UK UK Ltd is editorially autonomous and the opinions expressed are not Ltd is editorially autonomous and the opinions expressed are not those those of of the the publisher publisher unless unless expressly expressly stated. stated.

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October 2020

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What landlords need to know during the Covid pandemic We understand the current Covid-19 pandemic is a confusing and stressful time for most and as a landlord you may be worried about whether your tenants can pay their rent, what will happen if essential works, such as gas safety inspections, are required on your property or what happens during the lockdown if your tenant reports an emergency, alongside other concerns.

We want to offer as much support as possible, so to help put that stress at ease, we’ve put together the landlord’s guide to keep you informed on everything you need to know during the COVID-19 pandemic as advised by the government.

Reporting repairs and emergencies If a tenant reports an emergency situation, or your property needs urgent maintenance, this should be addressed quickly but everyone involved needs to remain safe and protected. If your property is managed by Pace, we’ll continue to handle all maintenance requests, essential works and emergency call outs. There may be some delays because of government restrictions 6

and guidance but rest assured, we will do everything we can to make sure our service is running as smoothly as possible.

Can I access my property?

Landlords remain legally obliged to ensure properties meet the required standards – therefore emergency call outs and essential works should still be dealt with.

Landlords need to make every effort to abide by existing gas safety and electrical safety regulations. If your property is not managed by Pace, please be aware there are provisions in both regulations to account for situations in which a landlord cannot abide by existing gas and electrical safety regulations but you must demonstrate you have taken all reasonable steps to comply with the law.

If you aren’t able to access the property due to restrictions in place to tackle COVID-19, or you’re not able to engage a contractor to carry out the work, we

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October 2020

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

recommend you document your attempts to do so and all correspondence with your tenants. If your property is managed by us, we will handle all of this on your behalf.

An agreement for non-urgent repairs to be done later should be made between tenants and landlords, which we can help negotiate for landlord’s whose properties we manage.

Worried your tenants can’t pay their rent?

If we manage your property then we have directed all of our managed tenants to get in contact with their property manager if they are worried they might not be able to pay all or some of their rent.

We will then get in touch with you on your tenant’s behalf and try our best to work out a way forward for both parties. Solutions, where possible, might involve temporary rent reductions or rent repayment plans.

October 2020

property professionals

My property is not managed by Pace We’re very happy to provide advice to any landlords during this difficult time, whether your property is managed through us or not. So, if you’d like some guidance, or perhaps you are interested in your property becoming managed by Pace, please get in touch with us on 01702 445 600 or arrange an appointment at our main office in Southend, located at 461 - 463 Southchurch Rd, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2PH. We have made changes in our offices to allow for social distancing and our team will be happy to help you.

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October 2020

LOCAL ISSUES

A country in lockdown

V

iews are divided within our country

many people, including the elderly, as well

as to the way central government has

an enforced segregation of older people, not

gone about dealing with the Covid 19

least of all in nursing and care home is having a marked impact on our nation. My own

Pandemic.

It certainly appears that the government has lost its way in dealing with the issue, if indeed, it had any definite course of action

mother in law is in a care home in Southend and her children have been unable to see her properly for nearly six months.

to take. It is increasingly apparent the

An intolerable situation

government is following the crisis rather than

This is an intolerable situation for anyone to

being in any control to quell the Pandemic

be in. Worse, there are many others who have

in any meaningful way. Not that I blame the

not seen either friends or family for several

government, it is a poisoned challis to behold

months and the fear amongst so many people

in dealing with the matter. On the one hand,

is powerful. Business too has clearly suffered

the scientists and leaders of Public Health

with the whole country being in a very severe

England and NHS are saying that the lockdown

recession (should I say depression), which will

was eased too soon and that very shortly we

take years to climb out of. Tax receipts must

will need to re-enter lockdown, which could

be down enormously, which remember, help

endure for many months. On the other hand,

fund the NHS as well as other social offerings

there are those of us that take the view that

provided by both local authorities and central

the obvious mental health issues affecting

government. This cannot go on. Businesses,

October 2020

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9

especially in the entertainment, restaurant,

to have their lives shortened from other

bars, pubs establishments are labouring

complaints rather than Covid in the next year

and endeavouring to make the best of a bad

or so.

situation. Many other trades are in a similar

No Covid patients

position. Remember, HM Government has not

Anecdotally, we hear that Southend and

written off tax not paid in July or VAT due from

Basildon hospitals are by no means full and

March onwards, but simply deferred payment

that there are virtually no Covid 19 patients in

and all these payments will be required to be

either hospitals at the present time. This may

paid on January 31, 2021. This is a timebomb

or may not be the case but what is certainly

for so many businesses.

true we are gripped by the Pandemic and it

The furlough scheme

seems to the detriment of the many other

The furlough scheme, which should come to

extremely serious health issues affecting our

an end is likely to do so in the next month

people.

or two. This brings me onto the subject of

In the 1920 budget, the Chancellor of

income and other taxes, which surely must

the Exchequer Neville Chamberlain, in

increase very substantially both in the autumn

an extremely long speech addressing the

budget as well as with effect from April next

country, as to a remedy to recharge the

year. Small businesses in particular are

nation’s finances following the first World War

already hit by a serious of additional taxes

mentioned Spanish Flu only once during his

imposed by central government since 2015

speech, when in fact over 260,000 people

and this will only become worse.

had died in that year from the disease. The

It appears to me, however, that the

Pandemic is obviously very serious, and no

bureaucratic process from government and

one is trying to deny that, but these things

local government as well as other quasi-public

must be kept in proportion for the overall

bodies will continue to reduce the activities

wellbeing of all of us. Obviously, anyone

of our country to a virtual standstill. It is now

with serious underlying health issues or the

time for us to simply say that we will have to

very elderly should as much as possible self-

carry on as far as we can as normal (whatever

isolate, but everything needs and requires to

that term means) and return to our office,

be kept in a sense of proportion.

shops, factories and simply get on with it.

David Dedman FRICS

Remember, there are so many of us who are suffering from a number of extremely serious

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

health issues and those suffering are likely 10

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October 2020

October 2020

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Equity Release with Gaudium Associates Limited Gaudium Associates is an established firm of Independent Financial Advisers and we would like to talk to you about Equity Release.

Our service begins with a meeting to conduct a detailed assessment of your current situation and we discuss your objectives and requirements. As each client has unique needs our recommendations are tailored accordingly.

We will give you a written report prior to implementing advice which is only done with your agreement. Our remuneration is by fees, adviser charges or commission or a mixture of these and is agreed after discussion with you.

What is Equity Release? It is the means by which you convert the value of your home into cash.

Your reason for needing the money will dictate whether you need a lump sum or a regular income.

How Equity Release works: There are two methods to access your equity, “Home Reversion” where you sell part of your home in return for cash. You do not have to sell your entire home and you retain the right to live in it rent free for ever.

The alternative is a “Lifetime Mortgage” and with this method you have a mortgage in much the same way as a mortgage when you purchase a property. However, you do not need to make any repayments unless you wish to.

PENSIONS

INVESTMENTS

LIFE ASSURANCE

MORTGAGES

EQUITY RELEASE

A life changing impact We do not pretend that Equity Release is simple.

Not all Equity Release Schemes are the same, there are conditions applied which require proper explanation and it is not appropriate for everyone. However, when it is done properly, for the right reason, it can have a life changing impact. We always recommend that children or other relatives be involved so that your family understands the benefit to you and we invite them to ask questions. As IFAs we are able to give advice across the whole range of financial matters which is an undoubted benefit to clients with a need that Equity Release may not resolve.

Our Equity Release adviser is Bill Taylor, a vastly experienced IFA who has been giving independent advice since 1986. His background includes being a board Director of the Association of Independent Financial Advisers and a founding member of the Transparency and Accessibility panel at the Financial Ombudsman Service.

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INHERITANCE TAX PLANNING 14

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October 2020

October 2020

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October 2020

Strong community Strong partnership Strong schools

Academy Committee Governor Vacancies

We are seeking to appoint new Academy Committee Governors for our SECAT schools – Richmond Avenue Primary School, Hinguar Primary School, Thorpedene Primary School and Shoeburyness High School who can make a real difference to the future life chances of young people in our Trust and communities.

Our mission is to achieve outstanding outcomes for the young people in our community by providing an engaging, challenging and linear learning experience from 3–18, that equips them to live happy and successful lives.

We are looking to further strengthen the Academy Committees to support the Headteacher and staff in continuing to achieve outstanding outcomes. The Academy Committees report to the Trust Board. Their work is vital for the Trust Board to be plan strategically for the development of the Trust.

You do not need to be a parent or carer of a child at any of the schools within our Trust. You may already be a member of an Academy Committee within the Trust and would be willing to also support this Academy Committee.

Please contact the Trust Clerk: katylove@secat.co.uk for more information, an application pack and to arrange a suitable time to talk. For more information about SECAT, please visit: www.secat.co.uk The closing date for applications is 30 November 2020.

SECAT is committed to safeguarding the welfare of young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post will be subject to an enhanced disclosure check from the Disclosure and Barring Service and a Right to Work in the UK check.

October 2020

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October 2020

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

H.E.A.L.L

Health. Education. Autoimmune. Life & Living.

H

.E.A.L.L is a self help group I started

that can help ease symptoms of pain and

one year ago in Chelmsford to assist

discomfort.

people with Autoimmune conditions

Sadly due to COVID-19 our monthly meetings

and now to include those rehabilitating

are on hold, but we are doing monthly Zoom

after Cancer, meet others with chronic

meetings.

conditions and share experiences and helpful information. Additionally to provide alternative complimentary therapies that may assist in dealing with day to day issues, such as pain, discomfort, lack of mobility and general assist in making life brighter.

I would like to bring monthly meetings to the residents of Southend and surrounding areas, so that a wider audience can be helped by the knowledge of what alternative therapies can offer you.

Oracle Creative Media are currently in the

Our monthly meetings At our monthly meetings we have had talks from a Homeopathic Therapist,

process of developing a new website for H.E.A.L.L and a new Facebook page will follow.

Physiotherapist, Nutritionist, Yin Yoga

In the meantime if you would be interested in

Therapist, Hypnotherapist/Psychotherapist

joining our group, please

and mini therapy sessions too. An essential oil

contact Jacqui.

therapist was due to attend in March, but had

Jacqui Sayer-Noble 07717 856999 H.E.A.L.L / JSN Therapies jacqui@jsntherapies.co.uk

to be postponed .

There are so many alternative therapies 20

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October 2020

“I’m the Queen of Scones!”

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October 2020

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HAIR & BEAUTY

Shock of the Blue: The glare from your phone or computer could be ageing your skin

R

esearch published recently has stated that

In short, blue light has an ability to alter your skin -

‘blue light’ emitting from your computer and

and given our exposure to technology every day and

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prematurely age. So, should we be slapping on the Factor 30 before we turn on our PC’s or mobile

indeed, our closeness to it, there are increasing calls for us to wear some form of protection, just as we would if spending time in strong sun.

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average teenager, who probably spent most of lockdown in their bedroom staring at their phone, laptop or gaming screen?!

Speaking to your optician Concerns over its effects on our eyes have also led to blue light-blocking glasses to be introduced onto

When the scientists say a ‘week’, what they actually

the market. So if you have concerns, it is definitely

mean is five working days spent in front of a

worth speaking to your optician about what lenses

digital device for more than six hours. This leads to

they have available.

exposure to ‘blue light’, which is the highest-energy

Reduce screen time

on the visible spectrum.

A simple measure we can all take, is to simply

Exposed to blue light

reduce our screen time. However, for many of us,

Given our lifestyles, we can be exposed to blue light

that is easier said than done. Swapping a tablet for

during our commute, at our office desks and then

a good-old fashioned book is a small but effective

while chillaxing at home watching Netflix. Although it occurs naturally, it is our exposure to this form of light that has led to greater scientific interest. Not least because it penetrates deeper into lower levels of the skin than UV rays from the sun.

step, as is weaning yourself off checking your social media pages before bed, as blue light can affect your ability to nod off and enjoy a decent night’s sleep.

by Craig Smith Director of Grateful Heads Hair Salon

Providing Providing expert expert hair care hair care to Essex to Essex for 30 foryears.

30 years.

Isn’t Isn’t it time it time you made you made your your headhead grateful? grateful?

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October 2020

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October 2020

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October 2020

Advertorial

PILATES: “I Didn’t Realise My CORE Was That Bad And Causing My Aches & Pains!”

T

his is perfect for you if you are 40+ and noticed you are struggling with aches & pains, you feel stiffer and weaker than you used to and you would like to know what to do about it.

 They have grown in height because they are standing more upright

Now more than ever before we ALL need to be doing all we can to keep ourselves active, healthy and mobile.

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October 2020

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Here’s What You’ll Learn In Our Pilates Taster Session  Whether Pilates is the right way forward for you and your health and wellness goals  How to activate your core the right way!  How to breathe properly. Yes, the diaphragm is connected to the core so if you don’t breathe well your core won’t work well either  What neutral spine is and why it’s so important Here’s What To Do To Attend Your Pilates Taster Session: Please call us now, we only have “3” of these sessions available each week. Please phone us today to ask questions or book your session by calling free on: 01702 613542... You can also leave a message, 24 hours, and we will get back to you.

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October 2020

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39

MONEY MATTERS

Should I invest during the coronavirus crisis?

G

lobal stock markets have suffered

their nerve and buy into the market. When the

amid the coronavirus crisis. Yet

market falls, you may buy shares in businesses

while they have made a recovery,

at cheaper valuations, and the sooner you

the FTSE100 took another fall when it was

start investing, the sooner you have time on

announced in August that the UK was in

your side to produce long-term returns.

recession.

Time in the market

Of course, no-one can be certain which way the market will move next, or that there won’t be further volatility. Yet history shows that, over the long term, markets will recover.

Holding your nerve

As the old investment adage goes, it’s about time in the market – not timing the market.

That means leaving your money invested for at least five years, and ideally, far longer. The longer you invest, the greater your potential

The price of investments is influenced by

for making a profit. So, it doesn’t typically

supply and demand. For those in the market,

pay to hold off on an investment decision if

the temptation may be to cash in rather than

you’ve got time on your side, whatever the

endure any further falls on the horizon. But

wider economic circumstances.

while this is a natural inclination, doing so

After all, it’s impossible to know where the

only serves to crystallise losses.

market will move next. Trying to time the

Meanwhile, future sell-offs provide an

market or cashing in risks missing out on

opportunity for others who are willing to hold

some of the market’s best days.

40

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October 2020

Managing risk

then you should contact us. Investment values may increase or decrease as a result of currency fluctuations. The information contained in this document is believed to be reliable and accurate, but without further investigation cannot be warranted as to accuracy or completeness.

Your returns will be subject to stock market movements. But you can reduce volatility by placing your money in a broad range of assets in different funds, investing across the globe.

So, no matter when you invest, you know that any losses to one investment could be offset by gains to another, as they will not react in the same way to economic shocks. Over time, this reduces the impact of volatile periods on your investments’ performance.

Taking action Periods of extreme uncertainty are undoubtedly unsettling. Yet if you’ve no immediate need for your spare cash, and some set aside for emergencies, investing for your long-term future may provide a focus. At a time of worldwide turmoil, this could give you some sense of control over your long-term financial future.

The value of investments and any income from them can fall and you may get back less than you invested. Past performance is not a guide to future performance and performance. Opinions expressed in this document are not necessarily the views held throughout Brewin Dolphin Ltd. This information is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. No investment is suitable in all cases and if you have any doubts as to an investment's suitability

Brewin Dolphin 020 3201 3900 www.brewin.co.uk October 2020

Rob Burgeman Brewin Dolphin 020 3201 3900 www.brewin.co.uk

expert hair care to Essex for 30 years.

We are here to helpProviding you achieve it time you made your head grateful? your ambitions throughIsn’t expert, personalised financial planning.

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October 2020

NEW ELECTRIC FIRE SHOWROOM OPENS THIS OCTOBER

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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.

Our New Fireplace showroom opens this October featuring a large selection of Electric Fires on display selected from the top brands in the industry.

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43

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”.

All C2C employees operate a strict social distancing policy.

For a free quotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit cloudy2clear.co.uk.

Have Your Windows Steamed Up? Replace the pane, not the frame!

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Love Your Home - Protect Your Windows - Save Money 44

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October 2020

Make your conservatory SPARKLE again FREE Our services include:

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October 2020

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A LOCAL PLUMBER FOR LOCAL PEOPLE 45

FOOD

Chicken Bacon and Potato Braise

T

his recipe works well for a family meal or casual entertaining. It is finished with tarragon but if you can’t find fresh just

use half the amount of dried. The buttermilk is optional but makes it lovely and creamy. It can also be made in a slow cooker, if you have one and the chicken literally falls off the bone. Serve with a medley of green vegetables. Serves 4-6.

Enjoy!

Preheat oven 180c/fan160/gas 4.

Heat the oil in a large saute pan and brown the chicken thighs for about 10 mins, until they have a nice golden colour, then remove and set aside.

Tip in the bacon and shallots, and brown these, too.

Add the flour and stir for about a minute to cook out then add the white wine. It should thicken

Ingredients

instantly and the alcohol will burn off. Add the

1 tbsp olive oil

chicken stock and put the browned chicken

6 large bone-in chicken thighs , skin

thighs back in along with the potatoes, thyme

removed

sprigs and 1 tbsp of the tarragon Bring to a

12 rashers smoked streaky bacon , chopped

simmer, put the lid on and then transfer to the

200g shallot

oven for 1hour 30 minutes.

2 tbsp plain flour 350g baby new potatoes , larger ones halved or quartered few thyme sprigs 200ml white wine 500ml hot chicken stock 280ml pot buttermilk (optional) squeeze lemon juice 2 tbsp tarragon, chopped

46

Method

Remove and stir through the buttermilk, if using and lemon juice. Taste for seasoning and then sprinkle over the remaining fresh tarragon.

Serve with a medley of green vegetables, such as French beans, mange tout and sugar snaps.

by Judy Barden Next month: Freeze Ahead Smoked Trout Pate

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October 2020

October 2020

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47

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October 2020

s

Advertorial

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Winter is Upon Us! Is Your Roof Secure?

After experiencing some mild winters could this be the year the beast strikes back? Is your flat roof ready to cope?

growth. The membrane has a unique anti-slip finish allowing the roof to be walked on and is aesthetically pleasing. As it is a vapour permeable product it will never blister or become brittle and crack. High-Tech will create a 100% storm resistant watertight roof, maintenance free and guaranteed for life never to leak.

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Always 100% committed to customer care and satisfaction October 2020

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49

no job too small at your beck and call

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October 2020

HETAS and OFTEC Registered Installers

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NE

D T GE VI IAN RRAN CO PL N BE A M S CA CO EETING

I NL O

M

D.

Why do you need Lasting Power of Attorney?

ESTATE PLANNING

Loss of mobility or mental capacity can make it difficult to manage your affairs.

What if I am unable to manage my affairs?

There may come a time in your life when you are unable to manage your financial affairs or personal welfare, owing to some form of incapacity and you will need someone to act on your behalf.

Even when we are young, we can find ourselves incapacitated owing to illness or injury and it can be invaluable having a reliable person, who is able to manage your personal affairs and remove the anxiety of having unpaid bills, at a time when you most need peace of mind.

Similarly, as we get older, the need for an attorney increases as we are more prone to illness and injuries.

What kind of LPA do I need?

There are two types of LPA: Property and Financial LPA - This type gives your attorney the authority to deal with your property, your bills, bank account and investments. This can be used while someone is still capable but has chosen to delegate to their attorney.

ORACLE estate planning

In association with Countrywide SE LLP 52

Personal Welfare LPA - This can only be used when you have lost capacity and are unable to make decisions for yourself. It gives someone you trust authority to make decisions about where you should live and what medical treatment you should receive.

Don’t leave it too late!

Instead of preparing while we are physically and mentally fit enough, many of us choose to put off dealing with such unwanted eventualities until the inevitable happens and by then it’s too late.

Who can I rely on for sound advice?

When estate planning, it is important that you can rely on the adviser. Oracle Estate Planning offers a friendly and professional service, including Wills, LPAs, Trusts, Probate and Funeral Plans. We offer the best possible advice at the time you need it most.

Covid compliant, we can arrange an informal chat or meeting via zoom/skype at our offices or in the comfort of your own home. Please feel free to contact me on 01702 393838.

by Clive Rowe Oracle Estate Planning in association with Countrywide SE LLP

Will Writing • Power of Attorney • Trusts • Funeral Plans Will Updating & Storage Facilities • Probate Administration Call Clive Rowe on: 01702 393838 e: crowe@countrywide-se.com w: www.countrywide-se.co.uk Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend SS1 1AN

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October 2020

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Really positive signs Hopson Property Services

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

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Phone Paul on 07957 388285 or freefone 0800 043 3913 e: paulthegardener@hotmail.com Est. 1994 1994 –– Recommendations Recommendations & & references references available available Est.

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October 2020

October 2020

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55

LETTERS PAGE

Residents have their say CCTV on Clifftown Parade?

Route 68

M

y husband and I recently had the pleasure of travelling on the oldfashioned omnibus as part of The

Ensign Bus Company’s charity day.

What a great experience and so much fun.

The sun was shining and round trip along the seafront, to Old Leigh, the Broadway and back along the seafront was a delight.

The driver honked his klaxon horn at the

R

ecently I was attacked and beaten up whilst trying to retrieve my wife’s shopping which was stolen from our

car, parked outside our house. Although hurt, I managed to raise the alarm at the Westcliff Hotel and the staff were very helpful and called for an ambulance and the police. The police did a great job and arrested the culprits.

passers by who waved back to us sitting on

One of the culprits was so incapacitated by

the open top bus. Everyone had smiles on

alcohol and drugs it took the police more than

their faces and there was much laughter

24 hours to be able to charge them! I have no

onboard.

criticism of the police, they did an excellent

A big thank you to the management, drivers

job but it would make their life a lot easier,

and conductors who ran the buses all day and

as they also pointed out, if we had CCTV all

gave up their time for free. A grand total of £2,695 was raised from fares and donations from passengers and members of public passing by, which was donated the RNLI

the way along Clifftown Parade. This is not an isolated situation as I and my neighbours have observed on numerous occasions drug dealing

charity.

and drug taking here. It is not uncommon to

We look forward to seeing Route 68 return in

see people using on the benches and then

2021 and highly recommend the trip to all.

discarding the needles on the ground.

Happy Local Resident

I am not the only resident who has observed

56

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October 2020

this awful behaviour. More recently a shelter was burnt down on the Parade by the drunks/users and it is not unusual to see young girls being harassed as they walk past these people. The police said that CCTV cameras would be a great asset to them, as they are already very over stretched! This is a beautiful road and people are proud of living here which is also used by tourists and local families. It is a great shame to allow it to lose its ambiance and beauty to these people. Tony Wates – Southend Conservation Area.

Tony Wates - Southend resident

Cyclists, E-Scooters have a place

A

s if the High Street hasn’t got enough to worry about attracting custom during these difficult times, it is not helped by the increasing number of cyclists and e-scooters not dismounting when they are supposed to, which it seems is being generally ignored by

the police/community officers/street rangers.

Why don’t the Council help the situation by adopting the idea that other towns have by displaying signs at the start of each pedestrianised section asking cyclists and e-scooters to dismount or face a fine which is actively enforced.

P Lewis – Local Resident

Traditional & Contemporary

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Photographic competition 2020 entry by Philip Young

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SUDOKU – Enter numbers

TAKE

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.

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Last month’s solutions: WORD LADDER –

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October 2020

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The Best Start for Every The Child The Best Start for Every Child T Thorpe Thorpe Hall School is one of the county’s Hall leading Early Years School settings. It has been recognised is

nationally nationally innovation excellence awards for from Thesettings.

Independent innovat Association n Thorpe Hall for School is one and of the county’swith leading Early Years It hasSchools been recognised for for the breadth the and quality its breadth provision.

2019 and 2020, Times Educational and f q nationally for innovation andof excellence withInawards from TheThe Independent Schools Association Supplement Supplement (TES) also shortlisted the school for an award for (TES) its outstanding work to support S als for the breadth and quality of its provision. In 2019 and 2020, The Times Educational pupils’ pupils’ mental health wellbeing. mental health p Supplement (TES) alsoand shortlisted the school for an award for its outstanding work to support

pupils’ mental healthare andnow wellbeing.

T Tours ours of the school of available. Parents the looking for the school best possible start to their child’s T a learning learning journey are invited to come along journey and meet our Reception Class team, see are the school’s le Tours of the school are now available. Parents looking for the best possible start to their child’s i first-class first-class facilities and find out more about thefacilities many things that set Thorpe Hall apart. f an learning journey are invited to come along and meet our Reception Class team, see the school’s first-class facilities and find out more about the many things that set Thorpe Hall apart.

cle Best start backBest cover 2020 v3.indd start 1 Oracle back cover 2020 9/22/20v 1 Early Years

Early Years

Top 100 Early UK Prep School

Top 100 UK Prep School

Y Pupils’ ears Wellbeing

Pupils’ Wellbeing

Pupils’ Wellbeing

Pupils’ Wellbeing

School School tours are now available. tours are n Please Please book an appointment. book an ap Visit: Visit: www.thorpehallschool.co.uk/open-day School tours are now available. www.thorpeh Please book an appointment.

68 www.thorpehallschool.co.uk/open-day www.oraclepublications.co.uk October 2020 Visit: T: 01702 582340 Wakering W Roadakering | Southend-on-Sea | Essex | SS1 3RD Road | S