Oracle on-Sea April 2017

April 2017

Your all-seeing local

ORACLE

Leigh, Chalkwell, Westcliff & Southend Conservation Area

WIN! Tickets to Dudley Moore tribute at Annie’s Jazz Club

Fixing our broken housing market

by Cllr Woodley

Relaunching historic Alexandra Yacht Club

Cover photo courtesy of David Coe

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April 2017

ORACLE

WELCOME

Snow drops, cherry blossom and daffodils! Let’s hope spring has finally arrived, however what I do know is that Southend’s Alexandra Yacht Club is relaunching! This month’s Local Issues focuses on this great club, so you can read about its fascinating history from its royal beginnings to the devastating fire which destroyed nearly everything in 2014.

Also this month, Cllr Ron Woodley updates us on his opinion on the Government’s Housing White Paper, recently published, the article gives readers further insight regarding this ongoing issue.

This month’s competition is from Annie’s Jazz. Win four tickets (excluding food and drink) to see ‘The Jazz of Dudley Moore’ on 24th April. Beloved Dudley Moore was one of the UK’s most dazzling, swinging, jazz pianists and composers, and the highly acclaimed Chris Ingham Quartet will be revisiting Moore’s music in this truly unique tribute. To see more on this event and other great nights, please visit: anniesjazz.vpweb.co.uk.

To enter, please send in your name and contact details to: Oracle/Annie’s Jazz Competition, 11 Clarence Road, Southend, Essex SS1 1AN or email: info@oraclepublications.co.uk by Tuesday, 18 April 2017.

Happy Easter and good luck!

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 Printed by Printwize Ltd, oracleessex Witham, Essex CM8 3BN oracle_essex

01376 500900 April 2017 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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CONTENTS Relaunching Alexandra Yacht Club 9/10 Local Issues by Philippa Coe

Bad hair day? Time to get a grip!

16

Salon advice by Craig Smith

White Papering over the cracks?

24/25

Council news by Cllr Ron Woodley

Rolo Brownies with Sea Salt

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Judy’s Recipe Page

Designer gardens that won’t cost the earth

32

Grass-roots advice by Katrina Kieffer-Wells

Local Letters

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Residents have their say

Brainbox 38 What’s On

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Useful Numbers

44

Advertiser Directory

46

Advertorials Cliff House Clinic

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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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April 2017

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April 2017

LOCAL ISSUES

Relaunching Alexandra Yacht Club Enduring two world wars, two major fires and almost a century-and-a-half of attacks from Mother Nature, the oldest yacht club in Southend-on-Sea has fought hard to retain its prestigious standing. As its relaunch gets underway, we take a look aft and fore at the life of the unsinkable Alexandra Yacht Club …

On Wednesday 15th January 1873 at 8pm, eleven gentlemen met at Edward Barron’s house in Clifftown Parade. The purpose of their meeting was to discuss the formation of a club for “gentlemen of known respectability”. The club was to be named after the Princess of Wales, later Queen Alexandra, and to be known as The Alexandra Club. Stationed in the newly built public hall in Alexandra Street, the club was open from 10am to midnight, Monday to Saturday and, by the end of the year, was serving wines and spirits to as many as sixty members.

went out. Ten of the now legendary Thames Estuary One Design (TEOD) boats were built at a total cost of £370.3.8 which included the price of the sails!

Britannia rules the waves During the First World War, the club held several concerts for wounded soldiers. Although sailing was not banned, only the TEODs continued to race and they followed a much-reduced programme. In 1919 a joint committee was formed between the Alexandra and Nore yacht clubs to try and rejuvenate the sailing programme and a year later, the Interclub Committee and Southend Yachting Week were founded.

In 1921 King George V raced the Royal Yacht Britannia at Southend in the town’s first yachting week and the king won the race. His return, two years later, was just as memorable but for all the wrong reasons. Britannia ran aground right in front of the London Belle which was carrying many spectators and several local yachtsmen. Their cries of, “For goodness sake, tack!”, may have been heard a little too late for the unfortunate king.

Pushing the boat out In 1878, a proposal to focus the club on yachting was carried unanimously and Alexandra Yacht Club was officially launched, introducing sport and leisure sailing to the shores of Southend. It was not until Trafalgar Day 1884 that the club, flying its new (and current) burgee – blue with the Essex coat of Arms – moved into the iconic Indian Pavilion, Clifton Parade.

In 1911 the club commissioned the creation of a one-design boat able to sit on the mud when the tide

King George V at the helm of Britannia.

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clubhouse. With the club’s jetty also unusable due to weather damage, the facility was forced to close, leaving Alexandra Yacht Club at an all-time low. Sailing ceased, membership dwindled. Things looked very bleak for the remaining members.

Help was at hand, however, as the committee, along with Southend Borough Council, were hard at work negotiating a replacement jetty – pivotal for the club’s survival. As the demolition and rebuild commenced in 2016, Benfleet Yacht Club and the Southend Sea Cadets also generously stepped in to offer temporary storage for the now homeless AYC boats – a demonstration of community spirit that Alexandra Yacht Club is extremely thankful for.

Take a bow For many years, Alexandra Yacht Club was famous for its entertainment and concerts, which included artistes of such unsurpassed brilliance as the famous Harry Houdini and his box of tricks then, at the start of the Second World War, a total ban on sailing was imposed at Southend. The club remained open, however, and military officers in the area were invited to become honorary members. By 1946 sailing was again allowed and the club set about preparations for a successful coming season.

In 1955 the club not only adopted the 505 dinghy but also hosted the National Firefly Week and was first on the foreshore to race the Enterprise Class.

Ship-shape Now, with a brand new, custom-built jetty and double-width slipway with plenty of room for dinghy boat storage and safety boats, things are, once again, looking up for Alexandra Yacht Club, who are welcoming the Lower Thames Rowing Club, onto the jetty to share the facility. A warm welcome is also being extended to old members and anyone new interested in joining to take full advantage of the best tidal window for dinghy sailing and other water sports this side of the Thames estuary!

In 1972 the club suffered a dreadful blow when an electrical fault caused a fire which gutted a large part of the clubhouse’s interior. Miraculously the club’s trophies survived and a refurbishment of the clubhouse allowed the club to return to form.

During the 80s, AYC held open days, inviting local schools and non-members to try sailing. Windsurfing was the new sport and the club became the headquarters of the Essex Windsurfing Club and formed a close association with the Southend Sea Cadets.

The perfect storm On 23 August 2014, the club suffered a second devastating fire, resulting in the total loss of the

Despite all odds, Alexandra Yacht Club continues to be Southend’s oldest yacht club but perhaps it is also the most resilient. It seems that nothing can knock the wind out its sails and it is set to remain a joyous and active feature of Southend’s coastline long into the foreseable future.

“Southend has every reason to be proud of its Sailing Clubs, who all do what lies in their power to keep their respective burgees flying and preserve the true spirit of sportsmanship afloat and ashore” Southend Standard 1923

by Philippa Coe Honorary Treasurer

www.alexyachtclub.co.uk e: contact@alexyachtclub.co.uk 10

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April 2017

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SALON

Bad hair day?

Time to get a grip!

There are times in life when you simply don’t have the time – or the inclination – to primp and prettify your hair.

Rather than simply reach for any old Alice band or scrunchie, there is a raft of exciting new products that will bring glamour to your barnet on even the baddest of bad hair days.

low-key get-togethers with friends, or you can wear the clip vertically to show off a fancy pair of earrings at a swankier event.

Pin-up, girl Pin there, done that! Whether star-shaped and bejewelled or simple, solid gold, pins are a quick and easy way to take your hair from a day in the office to a night on the tiles in a matter of seconds.

You can also pop a pin into any hairstyle – up, down, half-up, messy, straight, bun, chignon, whatever.

Once the pin is in, you look great. For extra staying power, try spraying your pins with dry shampoo before wearing them.

Chain reaction Give a low ponytail some Hollywood glamour with a hair chain. Essentially, this is an ornate chain fastened by a comb at one end of the chain. The comb goes around the ponytail with the metal links then draping over your hair. The look can be princess pretty or full-on rock chick, depending on the style of chain that you choose. Either way, it looks amazing and is a brilliant way to dress up a humble ponytail.

Strike up the band

Raise the bar Keeping unruly strands under control is the work of a moment with a barrette. Barrettes make hairstyles look elegant and grown-up when using simple shapes and luxurious metals. A curved clip, pinned horizontally at the back of your head to hold a halfup, half-down ’do works wonderfully for relaxed,

Of course, the ultimate no-fuss hair accessory has to be the headband. For maximum impact, make it metallic. You’ll look like you’ve put some serious thought and effort into looking oh-so sexy and cool, when all you really did was chill and pop the headband on. From Grecian style laurel leaves to a nautical-but-nice striped band, a headband gives any hairstyle a stylish update.

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Advertorial

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April 2017

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COUNCIL

White Papering over the cracks?

While Chairman of the Residents’ Association, as a Councillor, and particularly as Leader of Southend-onSea Council, I have spent much of my energy campaigning on adult social care and housing issues, with letters to the Prime Minister, housing ministers and meetings with Government officials.

Within the Government’s Housing White Paper, ‘Fixing our Broken Housing Market’, published on the 7th February 2017, there are some encouraging signs that the Government has listened, but the Paper lacks substantive measures, only detailing a high-level agenda to the problem of housing, and not going deep enough in its approach to solving the housing crisis. It fails to demonstrate how to fund the building of new homes, be it affordable, shared ownership, starter homes or social rented, but it does emphasise the need to build the right homes in the right place, to meet the wider needs of local communities.

Paper pushing However, local councils’ ambitions must be greater than the White Paper’s. Councils need to be creative in their actions, enabling housing growth in areas for residents at the sharp end of the housing crisis by building genuinely affordable houses, either to rent or purchase. It is crucial that the building of new homes remains locally-led, to ensure that the

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infrastructure – such as roads, schools, doctors and hospital capacity – are in place, and the Government does not just set national housing targets on individual councils, without understanding the needs of local communities.

Local community housing needs are becoming crucial to the well-being of residents in many towns and cities, and it is a fact that home ownership has fallen to the lowest level in England for 30 years, with eight out of ten families across England being unable to afford newly built homes in their local area. With the continuing drop in social and affordable rented homes combining with private sector rents rising above incomes, it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to get on the housing ladder. I am aware that half of young adults are now renting in the private sector, in houses where 28% are of a non-decent standard compared to social housing, in which the number of families living in them has declined to 17.2% of all households.

Paper boards The White Paper also sets out plans for private tenants and leaseholders, with the intention to bring about a fairer deal on rents and tackle the problems of leaseholders by consulting on reforms designed to tackle unfairness. There is no doubt that reforms are necessary within the leasehold part of the housing strategy. Residents living in Southendon-Sea can testify to the trials and tribulations they had, to get a fair deal in respect of their leases and restrictive covenants. The Government must tackle the lack of clarity for private tenants, and also the

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April 2017

Stockwool’s design proposals for Marine Plaza.

underlying practises arising from an out-of-date legal and regulatory system that does not match the reality of the private sector housing market.

Not worth the paper it’s written on How do we ensure homes are built faster? The Government in the past has raised concerns that local councils, through the planning process, were delaying planning permission. They are trying to overcome this obstacle by allowing planning departments to increase their fees by 20% to ensure extra financing of staff. However, it is clear in Southend-on-Sea, that developers have been sitting on previously approved applications and have delayed building. We can see this on sites including

the old gasworks and Marine Plaza opposite the Kursaal. The White Paper indicates planning permission will only be valid for two years. However, it does not indicate the penalty for not complying. I would go further by charging developers council tax on properties they have permission for, but failed to build.

Paper weight The Government are now considering extending the right to buy for housing association tenants as well as council tenants. I would extend that further, giving tenants the opportunity of using the rent to purchase their property, encouraging more home ownership. It is imperative that all receipts are retained locally, removing responsibility from the council or housing association of managing, maintaining and investing in capital repairs, which will become the responsibility of the new home owner. This will deliver substantial funds to build homes faster and more energy efficient, without needing to borrow. New homes should be considered for the elderly, in a way that helps the social care aspect of people living longer.

Consideration should also be given to using our current sheltered housing revenues to help fund adult social care, rather than just relying on council tax increases.

by Ron Woodley

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BERA Chairman and Independent Councillor for Thorpe Ward Southend’s old gasworks, circa 1970.

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April 2017 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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Rolo Brownies with Sea Salt

FOOD

Easter time is always associated with chocolate and these gooey brownies are very indulgent. If you are worried you might eat them all, freeze some quickly for another day! They are lovely warmed through and served with ice cream to make a great dessert, or nice with just a cup of tea. Top with a mini egg for a festive treat. Enjoy!

Method

Ingredients (makes 12, or 24 mini):

3. Mix the chopped Rolos into the batter, then pour into the prepared tin. Press the whole Rolos into the surface. Bake for 25–30 minutes until firm to touch but still gooey in the middle – they’ll continue to cook as they cool. Leave to cool completely in the tin, then transfer to a board and slice. If you’re stuck for time, put them in the fridge to set.

• 200g unsalted butter, plus extra to grease • 200g plain chocolate (70% cocoa solids), broken into small pieces

• 125g light muscovado sugar • 125g caster sugar • 4 medium free-range eggs, beaten • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 125g plain flour • 1 tbsp cocoa • ½–1 tsp sea salt flakes to taste • 126g bag Rolos, half chopped, half left whole

ORACLE estate planning

In association with Countrywide SE LLP 28

1. Pre heat the oven to 170°C/fan 150°C/Gas Mark 3½. Grease and line a 20cm square cake tin so the baking paper comes higher than the tin. Melt the 200g butter and the chocolate together in a saucepan, stirring, over a low heat. Don’t overheat as the chocolate may seize. Allow to cool slightly.

2. In another mixing bowl, beat together the sugars, eggs and vanilla extract until pale and fluffy, then stir in the cooled, melted chocolate to combine.

Sift in the flour and cocoa, then fold through the batter with the sea salt to taste.

4. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.

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O

Next month: Thyme Marinated Lamb with Lentils and Feta

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GRASS ROOTS

Designer gardens that won’t cost the earth

Unlike interiors, exterior spaces can take a while to evolve and take shape, and they have the propensity to be more unruly. Here’s how to get that designer look and feel for a fraction of the cost …

Be bold with the colour of your garden boundaries and push your creativity in a direction that you wouldn’t normally consider. Rather than opting for safe, neutral tones, pick a strong, eye-catching colour for your fences or walls to create year-round interest. Alternatively, try painting your boundaries dark grey or black. This will make the plants stand out and will add a luxurious glamour to any garden.

Create rhythm and symmetry by including a series of identical planters to your design. Line them up along the edge of the patio to create division and definition. Planters are also a great way to play around with scale and proportion. Select a tall, skinny planter and install short, architectural plants such as carex to add a dash of quirky style.

With a fibreglass planter, the sky’s the limit with colour. To add a modern edge, opt for stainless steel or courten steel. Even terracotta planters will add impact to any space when arranged in an interesting way. Don’t be frightened to place the planters in

Concept-to-Completion Garden Design & Build to help you realise the garden of your dreams

existing beds, especially the tall, tapered ones.

Repeated patterns will always create harmony.

Plenty of the green stuff Don’t be frightened to remove plants that just don’t work in the space – too often we buy a plant that works for a few years and then gets straggly or too big. Maybe select one or two colours. Green and white is always a winner and an all-green garden is currently very trendy. Make sure that you consider all the leaf shapes, colours and textures as they also have a huge effect on the finished planting scheme.

Make sure you have maximised the vertical lines in your garden. This is especially important if you have a small garden. Consider dividing your space with screens made from laser-cut metal, Perspex, steel mesh, or even reinforcing sheets. A simple timber frame can provide suitable support for any panel or screen and will sit with fences, to hide ugly storage units, or even in a planting bed as a backdrop for a specimen plant. It will add depth, texture and interest. It’s a win-win situation.

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Something on your mind?

Consult the Oracle by email: info@oraclepublications.co.uk or post to: Oracle Letters, Oracle House, 11 Clarence Rd, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1AN

LOCAL LETTERS

BAND TOGETHER ---------Wednesday 22nd March saw the second of the new, monthly open mic nights at The Castle Hotel on Eastern Esplanade. It was great to see live music being supported in Southend by so many fantastic musicians playing a variety of instruments: fiddle, accordion, washboard and ukulele, as well as the ubiquitous guitar.

The night was especially piognant as a number of tributes were paid to local musician, businessmen and friend, Ruben Caruana, who was due to perform, but had sadly passed away unexpectedly over the weekend. We will remember him and his performances fondly.

Dave Bartlett

Train the Trainer s on the Train!

Dear Oracle, A s a daily commu t er, I pay a stagger ing amount of money for a seat on an A bellio Great er A nglia train but whenev er I board, I am forced to travel the length of the carriag e simply to find one seat that doesn’t have some sort of dirty foot mark imprint ed upon it. Southe nd student s appear to be the main culprits but the habit ext ends to many others, includin g laboure rs, clearly fresh from the sit e. Is it now socially accepta ble to scrape ones shoes through the many types of dirt on the street, then ent er a public area and sit, knees raised, as if you were at home in front of the t elevisio n, or about to give birth, with your soiled feet firmly grinding upon someon e else’s chair for purcha se? A t least one young ‘lady’ had the breath taking manne rs to remove her feet from the seat opposit e to allow me space to sit down, only to keep them lift ed from the floor, twist ninety degrees and place them on the seat beside her! Some days as many as half the passeng ers in a carriag e have their feet laid up on the seat opposit e. In this day and age, it is extraordinary that such a major hygiene issue should be so prevale nt, blatant and unchall enged. Despit e numero us post ers, stickers and announ cement s from A bellio remind ing passeng ers to pay for their tickets, I have never seen or heard one single suggest ion that the seats are not, in fact, either footsto ols, doormats or birthing stirrups . Whether it is down to the failure of society or the rail company, as with planes, taxis, and even restaurants or the dentist , when I exchan ge my money for a seat, I believe that it is implicit within that transaction, that I am paying for, and should receive , a clean seat.

Mr L. Dear Oracle, I appreciate that for many of our passengers this is a source of much annoyance. Whilst we always discourage people from doing so, it is disappointing to learn that your reader has noted incidences of this taking place.

Unlike other anti-social issues, there is no specific Bye Law relating to ‘feet on seats’ although this is broadly covered under Bye Law No.21 (2) relating to the soiling of fixtures and fittings. We do expect our on-train staff to politely ask passengers to remove their feet from the seats when they encounter this. We have also considered including a request via announcements for passengers not to put their feet on seats.

However our research suggests that if there are too many announcements, passengers tend to ignore what is being said. We therefore decided not to pursue this option.

I am sorry that I have been unable to give a direct solution to this problem, but unless everybody shares the same view on this matter, it is difficult for us to entirely eradicate people behaving in an antisocial manner.

Yours sincerely, Greater Anglia Customer Relations Advisor

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Festival of Wheels Sun 23rd April, 11am–5pm. Southend High Street and Seafront. Super cars, classic cars, wheelchair dancers, daredevil BMXs and more. www.visitsouthend.co.uk Leigh Travel Club Wed 3rd May, 7.30–9.30pm. Iveagh Hall, 67 Leigh Rd, Leigh SS9 1JW. Julia Hammond presents a talk on Puerto Rica. For information call Lynda: 01702 474475.

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