Oracle on-Sea January 2019

February2019 January 2018

Your all-seeing local

OR CLE ORACLE

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

COUNCIL! Snails pace

LOCAL ISSUES! Seaways’ brighter future WIN! A pair of tickets for Soul Legends with special guest Lemar

Front cover image by Paul Murgatroyd Oracle photographic competition entry 2018

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January 2019

ORACLE

WELCOME

As you have probably noticed over the last few months, Oracle has been featuring some quite contentious articles concerning our town. Balance is very important, and I am pleased to welcome an article from Cllr. James Courtenay, deputy leader of Southend council, who has given his version on the issue of Seaway car park, in response to last month’s article, by local businessman Paul Thompson.

Oracle uploads the articles each month on its website, enabling residents to leave their own comments on any article featured. Thank you to all our readers who have already contributed.

Enter this month’s competition to win a pair of tickets to see Soul Legends with special guest Lemar, on Thursday, 28 February at Cliffs Pavilion. Whether you’re a Soul Man, a Natural Woman, or just a plain old S@x Machine. For more details on this show please visit: southendtheatres.org.uk To enter the Oracle/Soul Legends competition please either email info@oraclepublications.co.uk or visit the competition page on Oracle’s website and leave your name and contact details. Alternatively, for those of you who would prefer, we still accept competition entries by post to Oracle’s office address, please see below for those details. The closing date is 31 January 2019.

Happy New Year and let’s hope that 2019 will bring Southend’s High Street back to a shopping destination desired by all!

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 Oracle Publications and Creative Media @oracle_essex Printed by Printwize Ltd, Witham CM8 3BN – 01376 500900

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we are here and we are...

Structural Calculations \ Building Control Applications \ Planning Applications Structural Openings RSJ & Lintel Sizing Structural Frames Extension Design Loft Conversions Foundation Sizing New Structural Roofs Structural Surveys

CONTENTS Seaways’ brighter future

9/10

Local Issues by Cllr James Courtenay

Snails pace

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

16

Council by Cllr Ron Woodley

To Dye For: The hot hair colour trends for 2019 20

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

Salon advice by Craig Smith

Smoked Haddock and Wild Mushroom bake 26 Recipe by Judy Barden

Let's talk about the sunshine Vitamin 30 Health by Genesis Ali

Brainbox 32 What’s On

34

Useful Number’s Advertiser Directory

36 38

Advertorials Sorrell 6/7

All rights reserved. No part of Oracle Publications UK Ltd may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means either

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

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January 2019

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January 2019

LOCAL ISSUES

Seaways' brighter future On 7 December, the developer Turnstone submitted a planning application to Southend-on-Sea Borough Council for a £45-£50m leisure development on the site of the Seaways Car Park. If it gains planning approval, it could generate 500 jobs and turn around the fortunes of our High Street by bolstering it as a leisure destination.

Importantly, the plans should put the council on a firmer financial footing by generating business rates and rental income. This means that the council becomes less reliant on council tax and parking revenue to fund council services, such as social care, libraries and parks.

This is particularly important as councils across the country have been receiving significantly less grant from central government each year and will need to be financially independent in the near future.

I became a councillor because I am passionate about my town. I know our town centre is a top priority for our local January 2019

residents. I have been realistic about the challenges the High Street faces: an increase in crime, shops closing, competition from online retail and increased rough sleeping. That is why I held a High Street Summit in September.

As a result of this summit, we have: made progress in addressing issues of aggressive begging and rough sleeping, created a team of six community safety officers who are now patrolling the town centre and is helping connect rough sleepers to support services. However, I also recognise that the High Street and seafront need to adapt to survive. We cannot rely on retail alone.

Right fit for our town?

Ultimately, the Council’s Development Control Committee will determine whether Turnstone’s planning application is the right fit for our town and helps provide the right balance of uses.

In brief, the planning application proposes an IMAX cinema, a Hollywood Bowl, restaurants and cafes, indoor

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

9

leisure (such as rock-climbing, indoor golf and a gym), a Travelodge hotel and a new public square together with a 555 space multi-storey car park.

The council is yet to set a date for the cross-party Development Control Committee to determine the application, as the plans must first be assessed by planning officers, after which there will be further public consultation.

However, I thought it would be helpful to provide some facts and figures about the site and the application the council has received as well as dispelling some of the rumours that have been circulating.

Freehold retained Firstly, the council has not sold the Seaways car park for £1! We have retained the freehold of the land and expect to receive an initial rent of £282k a year under the lease. This rent has (upward only) review points where the Council will receive a percentage of the income Turnstone receive across the site.

Over and above this, once built, it is estimated the Council would receive £0.75m a year in additional business rates, increasing to £1.1m a year if the government, as expected, allows councils to retain 100% of business rates collected in future. The council would continue to receive parking revenue from the site until the development starts, at which point the rent (and subsequent business rates) is payable.

Enough parking The planning application includes 555 public car parking spaces. This is 75 more than the number provided at the site when the agreement was signed. Since 10

then we have moved the coach parking elsewhere and acquired the Gasworks site, creating additional parking spaces.

At present, Seaways car park generates a net income (after VAT and running costs are deducted) of around £330k a year, most of which is during the summer season. An all-weather leisure development would have year-round appeal, so it could be safely presumed that car parking revenue would in fact increase and the Council will continue to receive a share of this through the rent without the costs of managing it.

Creating 500 new jobs The scheme could create up to 500 new jobs bringing an additional £12-£15m of added value to the local economy while the extra local spend resulting from the scheme is estimated at £16m.

Given some of the fanciful figures being bandied about, I could forgive readers for thinking that this was a bad deal for the council and therefore for the council taxpayer. Due to commercial confidentiality, the council has had to keep quiet while it waited for the planning application.

However, as I hope you can now see, exchanging the £330k net income from the Seaways car park for over £1m (and rising) we would receive under the Seaways development is clearly in in the best interests of Southend, its residents and businesses.

By Cllr James Courtenay Deputy Leader of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council

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. Or contact a member of our team if you would like an article printed. oraclepublications.co.uk #SaveSouthend

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COUNCIL

Snails pace

Seafront traders are concerned about the potential loss of car parking spaces for visitors – but are these worries justified?

When these plans were originally developed in 2012 under a Conservative administration, they were for a new leisure facility that would help revitalise that part of the seafront and town centre. However, it’s easy for people to criticise a single development without fully understanding the whole picture and vision the council have for Southend-on-Sea. Future plans for parking spaces in the town centre and seafront vastly exceed the spaces that the original economic decision was based upon. But what the town will gain are 450 additional full time, permanent jobs and the positives the development will bring with its year round leisure facilities, including restaurants, retail, and a hotel. The revenue the site will generate is well over the income received from car parking each year, and will also rise in future years as the income from the site grows.

Planning application just recieved!

The criticism that should and can be aimed at the Seaway development has to be the fact that after four years a planning application has only just been received. However, the council needs to be confident that there are no further delays or any other problems by the developer going forward. If the development of Seaway 16

had happened quickly and was driven by the current administration, would we be having this argument today? Probably not.

Varied economic sectors needed The town cannot survive solely on leisure and culture. It needs a variety of economic sectors for it survival, creating opportunities for all and although tourism and culture are important, so are our many businesses including the airport, the business park, improved retail sector and especially jobs in the building industry, which will happen with the planned redevelopment of the Seaway car park and town centre with its future housing aspirations.

People can and should question and criticise the council for not driving the Seaway and town centre re-development faster? The council without question must review the situation with the current developer and hold them to account. However, the ambition for the Seaway site and the town centre is sound and should not be questioned.

by Cllr Ron Woodley Independent Councillor for Thorpe 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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January 2019

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BEAUTY

To Dye For: The hot hair colour trends for 2019

Well, here we all are, together again for an exciting new year ahead. Pun intended.

During the Christmas break I had the chance to catch up with some of my friends and colleagues in the fashion, hair and beauty industries to discuss what hair trends will be huge in 2019.

Bottle green If you’ve not seen it already on Instagram, then bottle green hair is set to be ‘a thing’. The trend echoes what has been the must-have fashionista’s colour for their winter wardrobe and if done professionally, bottle green can look super-healthy, vibrant, strong and glossy. Not only that, it goes perfectly with gold jewellery or burgundy-coloured clothing.

In the late 80’s and early 90’s, ‘petrol’ hues were essential in the fashion world, especially in men’s suiting. Now it is one of the coolest looks for your locks. Naturally dark hair and deep skin tones are perfect for this shade. However, if you fall in love with the colour and want to keep it, you may have to bleach your hair first.

Remember Sigue Sigue Sputnik and their hit Love Missile F1-11? In the summer of 1986 they were the oddest-looking band on Top of the Pops by

a mile and their guitarist, Tony James, became just as famous for his crazy hairstyle, complete with cerise extensions, as he did for being in the group. So, while the band’s fashion sense is far from making a comeback on the High Street, neon pink hair most definitely is.

Jet black Another 80’s-throwback trend will be rich, jetblack hair. If you were a goth back in the day, here’s your chance to be so much cooler than your kids – without the angst. Make sure you keep your new inky-black do shiny and glossy by using colour-enhancing products.

One of my favourite looks for 2019, and will look ultra-hot on those of you who have or suit chestnut hues, are golden, face-framing highlights. If you’re already from a brown base, this colour is a doddle to maintain.

Last year’s passion for silver hair takes a step towards the dark side as ash grey looks set to become the chic choice across the generations.

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FOOD

Smoked Haddock and Wild Mushroom bake I love smoked haddock and this all in one dish is easy for a warming January supper.

Ask the fishmonger to skin and bone your smoked haddock and if wild mushrooms are not available use chestnut mushrooms as they have a little more flavour.

Enjoy!

Ingredients: 3 medium Maris Piper potatoes (about 450g), very thinly sliced 150ml chicken stock 1 tbsp olive oil 2 onions, sliced 75g crème fraîche 2 x 140g/5 oz smoked haddock fillets, skin and bones removed 140g wild mushrooms, chopped 50g butter, diced 3 lemon thyme sprigs, leaves only 1 slice of brioche (about 50g/2oz), blitzed to breadcrumbs

gently simmer for 8-10 mins until tender. Carefully remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving the stock.

Heat the oil in a frying pan and cook the onions for about 8 mins until golden brown. Spread them over a 26 x 5cm ovenproof dish and arrange the potatoes neatly on top. Season well and pour over the chicken stock. The stock should soak into the onions, leaving the potatoes dry.

Spoon the crème fraîche over the potatoes in an even layer. Lay the haddock on top, then scatter over the mushrooms and butter, leaving some of the potatoes and onions visible. Cover with foil and put in the oven for 8 mins.

Meanwhile, make the topping by mixing the lemon thyme, brioche breadcrumbs and Parmesan.

Remove the foil from the fish and sprinkle over the crumb topping (making sure that some of the mushrooms are still visible). Return to the oven for 5 mins, then place under the grill for about 2 mins or until golden brown.

Serve with wilted spinach or green vegetables of your choice

25g parmesan, finely grated wilted spinach, to serve

by Judy Barden

Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Put the potatoes in a large pan and cover with the chicken stock and 50ml water. Bring to the boil, then

Next month: Root Vegetable bhajis with coriander and lime dip

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HEALTH

Let’s talk about the sunshine Vitamin

According to the meteorological calendar we are now in the winter season (Dec, Jan, Feb).

For most this means when you get up early for work its dark and when you leave the office after work its dark. This means shorter days, less sunlight and therefore less natural vitamin D from the sun light. For many this can add to the winter blues.

What is Vitamin D Also known as the sunshine vitamin, Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that promotes the absorption of calcium, regulates bone growth and plays a role in immune function. Your skin produces vitamin D3 when its exposed to sunlight. There are two main forms – D2 & D3, the difference being their chemical structure and the way they are manufactured. Vitamin D3 comes from animals and D2 from plants and fortified foods.

Main benefits: 1. It helps absorption of calcium and phosphorus 2. It strengthens bones 3. It improves brain development and function 4. It can reduce inflammation

Sources of Vitamin D3 include oily fish (cod liver oil), liver, egg yolk, red meat and butter.

Sources of Vitamin D2 include mushrooms and fortified foods such as cereals, milk and flour.

Supplements come in tablets, capsules and liquid drops. Most adults need 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D per day for adequate bone health, recommendations vary. However, several factors can influence your recommended intake.

Over the counter doses range from 25 IU up to 10000 IU. Public Health England recommends everyone gets 400 IU per day.

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Other signs of deficiency can manifest in the form of health conditions such as coughs and colds, tiredness and fatigues, seasonal affective disorder, poor bone and tooth health and low mood.

Of course, the sun is the best source of Vitamin D. However, to maintain adequate levels during the darker seasons, make sure to regularly eat plenty of foods rich in Vitamin D or take a supplement, ideally in drop form.

by Genesis Ali Nutritionist at V Health Thorpe Bay

5. Support immune function (beat colds & flu)

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January 2019

January 2019

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BRAINBOX 1

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MIND

SUDOKU – Enter numbers

POST

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.

S

C

A

A

R

N

D

L

E

Clue: Time for a new one of these.

4

Last month’s solutions: WORD LADDER –

WORDWORETORETIRETIME CONUNDRUM – SNOWFLAKE

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2

7

1

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9

3

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1

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1

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1

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January 2019

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WHAT’S ON MUSIC IN THE PARK

TIME 14:00 - 15:00 DATE 1st January 2019 VENUE Priory Park, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea Free Community Carol Concert with The Southend Band.

FIELDS OF BATTLE-LANDS OF PEACE 14-18 DATE 1st - 6th January 2019 TIME No specified time VENUE Beecroft Gallery, Victoria Avenue, Southend This exhibition is the work of photo-journalist Michael St Maur Sheil.

THE LONDON EXHIBITION DATE 1st - 31st January 2019 TIME No specified time VENUE Southend Central Museum, Victoria Avenue, Southend The London exhibits finds from the London shipwreck, a 17th Century Cromwellian warship that mysteriously exploded in the Thames Estuary in 1665.

DAVID WATKINS DATE 1st - 31st January 2019 TIME No specified time VENUE Artists' Studios, Station Road, Westcliff, SS0 7RA Focal Point Gallery is pleased to present a temporary public artwork by Southend artist David Watkins.

TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILD MEETING TIME 14:00 - 16:00 DATE 3rd January 2019 VENUE St Augustine’s Church Hall, Johnstone Road, Thorpe Bay This month the guest speaker is Carol Saunders Magrath talking about her time as a Bluebell Dancer. These meetings take place every 1st Thursday.

THE LLANGOLLEN CANAL BY NARROW BOAT TIME See below DATE 9th January 2019 VENUE The Iveagh Hall, 67 Leigh Road Leigh-on-Sea SS9 1JW Leigh Travel Group. An illustrated talk by Colin Henry. Meeting at The Iveagh Hall, Doors open 7:15pm for 7:45 start. Admission £3:00 includes refreshments. All welcome, further details tel. 07973 347842.

BACK TO YOUR ROOTZ DATE 11th January 2019 TIME 20:00 - 01:00 VENUE The Arlington, 906 London Road, Leigh, SS9 3LL Hits from the 70s, 80s and 80s from DJ Pauly B from MDM Entertainment. Please note over 25s and 'smart casual' dress code.

Free before 10pm, £5 after.

SOUTHCHURCH VILLAGE FRIENDS WI TIME 19:30 DATE 14th January 2019 VENUE The Methodist Church Hall, The Broadway, Thorpe Bay Creative Crochet.

ITALIAN CIRCLE TIME 20:00 - 22:00 DATE 16th January 2019 VENUE Leigh Community Centre Informative, entertaining talk in Italian on San Gimignano.

THE 58TH ESSEX OPEN EXHIBITION DATE 19th January 2019 TIME 10:00 - 17:00 VENUE Beecroft Gallery, Victoria Avenue, Southend Open art exhibition with work by artists from all over the county.

34

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January 2019

Have yourself a Happy New Year…

Tel/Fax: 01702

426067

www.fireplaceanddesign.co.uk Showroom: 132 Kiln Road, Benfleet, Essex SS1 1ET January 2019

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36

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Sir David Amess Member of Parliament for Southend West

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ORACLE Wo u l d l i ke t o w i s h y o u a Prosperous and Healthy N e w Ye a r !

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2019 January 2019

January sale 10% off

Lifestyle fireplaces & technology Combining Electronics with Heating

Our true specialism is combining electronics with heating. A TV above a fireplace is something that not only requires true understanding of both products, it allows a focal point in the room to become your family media centre. Whether you are all watching a film together with a bowl of popcorn or playing music in the backround with friends and family, we will provide a platform to entertain and enjoy.

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Come for a free initial consultation over a coffee Please contact our Southend office

• Audit & assurance

1 Nelson Street, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1EG

• Corporate and personal tax

T 01702 348646 E southend@wilkinskennedy.com

• Payroll services

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www.oraclepublications.co.uk January 2019 For more information www.wilkinskennedy.com

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