Oracle on-Sea August 2016 by Oracle Publications

August 2016

Your all-seeing local

ORACLE

Leigh, Chalkwell, Westcliff & Southend Conservation Area

Sir David Amess – on being a local MP

Oracle Photographic Competition is back!

San Fairie Ann – a taste experience!

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August 2016

ORACLE

WELCOME

Over the last six weeks, the main media focus has been on the major political changes that have been happening with our country and government. With this is mind, August’s Local Issues has been written by your local Member of Parliament, Sir David Amess, who has given us an exclusive insight into his ever-changing role as your local MP. You may remember that this time last year, Oracle ran its first ever photographic competition. It was a great success, with members of our local community of all ages getting involved, displaying their talents and having fun in the process. I am pleased to announce that Oracle is running the competition again this year, in association with award -winning photographer, Keith Hoskins of Picture Perfect photographic studio, Chalkwell. Four eagle-eyed winners will win a portrait shoot for themselves, their family or a friend and a printed canvas to keep, worth £150! They will also receive one-to-one professional mentoring from Keith (half a day for two under 18s winners, a whole day for two over 18s winners). Not only that, but the winning entries will also feature in the Oracle magazine and be displayed in Picture Perfect’s studio window on the Ridgeway! For more information on how you can take part in this competition please go to page 15. Happy Snapping!

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 oracleessex oracle_essex

Printed by Printwize Ltd, Witham, Essex CM8 3BN 01376 500900

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CONTENTS A week is a long time in politics

9/10

Local Issues by Sir David Amess MP

Oracle Photographic Competition

WIN! Mentoring and photoshoot with Picture Perfect.

The hair and the tortoise

Salon advice by Craig Smith

The business of change

Council news by Cllr James Moyies

San Faerie Ann – mind, body & soul 26/27 Wine & Dine with Oracle's restaurant review

Chicken breast with ham, spinach and pine nuts

Judy's Recipe Page

Serving you rights

Law & Order by Richard Curtis

Local Letters

Residents have their say

Brainbox 44 What's On

Useful Numbers

Advertiser Directory

Advertorials Osborne & Sons

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 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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August 2016

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Advertorial

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LOCAL ISSUES

A week is a long time in politics I was first elected to parliament in 1983, since then I have lived through extraordinary changes in the way parliament works and what is entailed in representing constituent’s interests. Whilst the Palace of Westminster might literally look the same, much of its inner workings are unrecognisable from those bygone days. Whilst these dramatic changes have taken place, people’s perception of what they believe a Member of Parliament can do for them has also changed. When I was first elected to parliament, parliament worked five days a week and other than a Friday, sittings often went on until the small hours of the morning. Every word and line of a Bill was thoroughly scrutinised so, for instance, the first Bill I sat on was the Rate Capping Bill which sat for 150 hours over a period of months. Nowadays, committee stages of Bills are much shorter and they are time limited. What this in effect means is, if constituents were interested in a particular issue, members of parliament had a much longer time to represent constituents concerns and make an impact.

Moving with the times The next big change is that when I was first elected my secretary sat at a golf ball typewriter and everyone wrote letters. Letters would take 2–3 days to arrive and obviously people’s expectations of

getting a swift answer were not so high. Today I get relatively few hand written letters with most people sending emails and obviously expecting a quick response. So people’s expectations are higher and there is not the understanding or appreciation that the civil servants and bureaucrats do not give the answers to questions any more quickly.

Time for a change I hold regular constituency surgeries, that is something that hasn’t changed and anyone can come to my surgery and share with me, in complete confidence, whatever problem they might have. Surgeries are not really suitable for discussions about party politics but rather for individual problems which could be to do with health, education, transport, immigration, housing, benefits, the list is endless. I have a constituency office and a Westminster office. The constituency office is at 67 Leigh Road, SS9 1JW or anyone can phone or email me at House of Commons, Westminster, SW1A 0AA. Whilst no one is in my office 24 hours a day, when the office is unmanned telephone messages can be left and will be returned. Recent constituency issues, of a general nature, which have been brought to my attention are firstly the impact of c2c timetable changes. This is something I have continually raised in Parliament and I have had meetings with the management, ministers and departmental officials. However difficult it may be I am determined that we have a service that the overwhelming majority of commuters find satisfactory. At the same time, I have had representations about the train service on the

August 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

Greater Anglia line. I hope the new franchise will be awarded soon and that improvements in rolling stock, reliability and price can happen quickly.

Local time On a business front I do my best to help and encourage local companies. By this I mean through the appropriate departments I try and get the best deal possible in business rates. Through UKTI I try to ensure that local businesses, whatever their size, are made aware of national and international trading opportunities. Education is something I am very involved with. Issues range from school catchment areas, allocation of secondary school places and challenges in terms of further education, access to courses and student loans.

referendum that took place and the consequences of the vote. Whenever national matters are brought to my attention I always pass on the points that have been raised to government ministers. I certainly do not always accept the answers I am given if I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel the response is rigorous or fair. Likewise, local issues I always share with elected local councillors, who then will ensure that their representations are acted on by council officers. I very much believe in making my views known to those who represent organisations that impact on the quality of peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives. Whilst they might delegate, I always hold them responsible for the management of their own organisations and that is why they are paid more than anyone else!

No time like the present

Healthcare generally is something that local residents often lobby me about. They might want to praise the hospital or local GP, or conversely they might find getting an appointment at a GPs surgery difficult and they might also be dissatisfied with care at the hospital. Care of the elderly is something which is a growing issue.

I am very much a constituency MP who never forgets that once an election is over it is my duty to represent everyone regardless of their politics. Whilst I cannot guarantee to produce a successful outcome in every problem that is brought to my attention it is never for the want of trying. People can contact me on 020 7219 3452 or by emailing me at amessd@parliament.uk

Hit the big time

by Sir David Amess MP

Sometimes local residents will come to parliament to lobby me on national policy. They might be raising issues to do with defence, renewal of Trident, everything concerning the European Union, the

Conservative MP for Southend West

t: 020 7219 3452 e: amessd@parliament.uk

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Blazing Reflection by Manda Rose Sivyer – one of last year’s winning entries

COMPETITION

Will you be Oracle’s 2016 winner? It’s time to clean up those Kodaks and lose those lens caps because Oracle is, once again, looking for its local photographers of the year! Four eagle-eyed winners will each win a portrait shoot for themselves, their family or a friend and a printed canvas to keep, worth £150! They will also receive one-to-one professional mentoring (half a day for two under 18s winners, a whole day for two over 18s winners) by local, award-winning photographer, Keith Hoskins, of Picture Perfect photographic studio, based in Chalkwell. Not only that, but the winning entries will also feature in Oracle magazine and be put on display in Picture Perfect’s studio window on the Ridgeway! Entries must have been taken within the last year and will be judged under two categories – local wildlife and local landscape, which can include the man-made environment – buildings, parks, etc. You may use any camera, including smartphones, but your pictures must be high-resolution and of good enough quality to reproduce in the magazines. All entries may be used by Oracle for any other purpose and the author will be credited where practicable. To enter, please send in only one photograph per category, along with your contact details, to our

email address: info@oraclepublications.co.uk, no later than Monday 22nd August 2016.

Give it your best shot To help you take that perfect picture, Keith has a few hints and tips to help you on your way:

• If you have a case on your smartphone, it’s best to

take it off and give the lens a wipe before shooting.

• Lighting is most dramatic in the early morning •

and late afternoon/early evening.

Unless it’s setting, taking a photograph directly into the sun can be dangerous for eyes and can also cause flare in the lens. Avoid this by shooting away from the sun or side-on to it.

• Wildlife often moves quickly so use the ’sport’

setting on your camera and a fast shutter speed setting. If your subject is moving across your vision then move your camera with it while you take the photo. This is called ‘panning’.

• Remember the ‘rule of thirds’ when composing

your shot, i.e. a shot looking across land out to sea usually looks best if either the sea or the land take up two thirds of the photo.

Good luck everyone! Visit Keith’s website to see some of his awardwinning work: www.pictureperfect.pro

Professional Photographer Portraits • Weddings Events • Commercial

01702 474079 or 07931 593241 e: smile@pictureperfect.pro www.keithhoskinsphoto.co.uk 44 The Ridgeway, Chalkwell SS0 8NU

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The hair and the tortoise

SALON

Being an enthusiastic cyclist and fashion icon is tough – I speak from personal experience – so, before you go racing in, it’s important to find a hairstyle that minimises the dreaded ‘helmet hair’. Olympic superstar, Laura Trott, races with super-cute pigtails, whilst other riders – including reigning road world champion, Lizzie Armistead – often favour a neat plait or braid. Even moments after a last-gasp sprint for the line, Laura and Lizzie look effortlessly cool and chic with their classic styles.

Head start For the plait, simply start with a basic pony tail, placed in the middle of your head. Separate your pony tail into three, braid as far down as possible, then secure with an elastic. Don’t position the pony tail too high or low or it will get in the way of the webbing in the back of your helmet. When you don your helmet, pull the braid through the opening in the webbing of the helmet. This will allow a super secure and comfortable fit for longer rides or races. Alternatively, try rocking the simple pony tail: start by gathering short layers to the top of your head. Separate the hair into three and plait down to the

centre of your head where the pony tail will be. If your layers are too short for a regular braid, try a French plait instead. Gather the rest of your hair and secure it with a hair band at the centre of your head. Again, if it is too high or low, your helmet won’t fit snugly. As with the plaited style, when you’re about to head out on a ride pop your helmet on and pull your ponytail through the webbing at the back.

Bunny hop One of the great pleasures of cycling is the coffee and cake stop. Taking your lid off and shaking your hair loose as you enjoy a cheeky Chelsea is one thing, but if you want to do up your ’do and pop your helmet back on quickly, a bun is the order of the day. Depending on the length of your hair, fold it over once or twice and secure with a hair elastic. When putting your helmet on, tighten the retention system above the bun, making sure that the front of the helmet is above your eyebrows and flush to your forehead without being overly tight. Now you should look and feel like Ciara Horne, and all without riding yourself into the floorboards of the Rio velodrome, Winner, winner, tortoise dinner!

by Craig Smith

Director of Grateful Heads Hair Salon, Southend Providing expert hair care to Essex for 30 years. Isn’t it time you made your head grateful?

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COUNCIL

The business of change

I have campaigned for twenty-seven years for Brexit and was the East of England Regional Director for the successful Vote Leave campaign. I worked hard for the result we achieved because I believe the UK is now liberated and can thrive both domestically and in the global marketplace.

of our trade is with the European Union but 100% of it needs to comply with all the regulation. Open Europe estimates that this currently costs UK businesses over ÂŁ33 billion per year.

Market disturbance is something I have always kept central to any company board I have been a member of. Changes in the economic outlook, shopping habits or new technologies offer opportunities that businesses can exploit. Leaving the European Union is a major market disturbance.

Changing customs The vast majority of our local businesses trade internally to the UK and therefore will not see too much immediate change. In the very short term there could be an increase in the cost of imported goods due to the weakening pound but as we develop new trade deals with the rest of the world we will see medium term costs reduce. Our tourism businesses may experience a boost as the exchange rate makes weekend visits more affordable for Europeans.

Trading places The reduction of free movement will be welcomed by tradespeople who have been undercut with prices someone with a mortgage and family canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t survive on. There is no argument over the quality of work these transient Europeans do; but many live in large groups, in rented accommodation and send money home to their families; who live in areas that are much cheaper than Southend.

Moment in the sun We are one hour from the capital of the world, we have the driest and sunniest beaches in the UK and our people are entrepreneurial. There will never be a better opportunity to take advantage of a significant market disturbance.

by Cllr James Moyies Southend Independence Group

Local authority The biggest change for local businesses will be the reduction in regulation. Only around 8% percent

Local government contracts may once more become available for smaller UK companies as advantages could be offered to local business. The present regulations work in favour of large European contractors who win contracts, strip out the profit and then use local businesses as subcontractors.

07950 472295 e: cllrmoyies@southend.gov.uk

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August 2016

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WINE & DINE

San Fairie Ann – mind, body and soul

You may think, from its modest, Parisienne style shopfront, that San Fairie Ann is a little coffee shop/café. You may think it serves only cream teas and red wine. You may even think that you’ve been there before. Well, think again … Hiding away, just seconds from the bustle of the town centre, San Fairie Ann sits peacefully on Southend’s historic Alexandra Street. It has experienced many changes, but none so dramatic as the last few months thanks to new Executive Chef, Raoul Speakman, Dietician, Deborah Hillairet, Food Designer/Pastry Chef, Harriet Austin and owner, Sonia Edwards.

The big reveal Stepping over San Fairie Ann’s threshold is like stepping into another dimension – no, it is not a little coffee shop/café. It’s big. Well, to be more precise – long. And it’s astounding. There is colour and creativity everywhere you look – pots, pans, bottles, painted canvases, statuettes. A tailor’s dummy, a life ring, a grand piano, a buffalo head!? Dresses, parasols and bunting dangle from the Sistine Chapel-inspired ceiling as Sonia tells us that

Despite a Michelin history – he has worked at the Waldorf, Ramsay’s and the Hilton, Paris – Dover lad, Raoul is as down-to-earth as they come. ‘I’m not trying to be fancy,’ he tells us, ‘I just want to use locally and ethically-sourced ingredients to give people something different – something they’ll enjoy.’ With the creative guidance of Harriet, who specialises in artisan pastries and desserts, and Sonia, who, during an enlightening stay with Tibetan monks, discovered vegetarianism, fruitarianism and all kinds of plant-based diets, the actual mission may be a little less modest – ‘To create food that is nourishing and nurturing, filling you with vitality, health and radiance. To show that dietary requirements, such as gluten-free or lactose-free are not restrictions but open you up to the wonderful spectrum of super and healing foods.’ Wow, now we really don’t know what to expect as we are welcomed inside …

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August 2016

there is even more to see in the cocktail lounge and function rooms below! As we are led deeper and deeper into this Aladdin’s cave we wonder whether it’s worth rubbing the film set lamp to see if a genie pops out. Which table will we sit at? No two items of furniture are the same, but all look equally inviting. We choose a table under the large skylight and look to the heavens. Alice, we have gone through the looking glass.

Drink me Continuing the eclectic blend of influences, we are offered the House rosé – le Cazelou Pays d’Oc (£4.25 for a 175ml glass) – and Crouch Vale Brewery’s equally refined Essex Boys bitter (£4.25 per bottle). Water is attentively brought to the table too, served in a shapely, blue jug. However, the best is yet to come: the Rainbow Garden of Southend (£7.95) is an allotment of vegetables – carrot, fennel, asparagus, radish, onion, beetroot, courgette flower – all either raw, candied, or marinated in brandy, garnished with pansies and artistically presented for exhibition. At first glance, a carnivore’s nightmare. At first taste, a magical mystery tour of Mother Nature’s finest that could turn even the hardiest meat-eater veggie, each bite cracking with different and exciting flavours. At the end, the pot doesn’t contain gold, but a velouté vine tomato Bloody Mary dip, infused with lavender. It is clear that a great deal of thought, effort and passion has gone into producing this nutritous dish. Next, we are presented with a biscuit of crushed, roasted flax seed, chia seeds, cashew nuts, walnuts, pine nuts and herbs, stacked with red onion jam, candied beetroot and marinated goat’s cheese coated with toasted chia seed, surrounded by sweet and sour strawberries marinated in red wine and reduced syrup, and dressed with leaves, edible flowers and a balsamic raspberry vinaigrette. We ask Raoul what it’s called. ‘Er … Goat’s Cheese and Strawberries,’ he offers, unpretentiously. Again, each mouthful has been lovingly crafted. The strawberries, soaked with flavour, burst in the mouth and are a treat unlike anything we have tasted before and, despite the wine, sugar and cheese content, it all feels so natural and healthy that the only guilt we feel is paying just £8.95 for such a complex creation.

Magic beans For mains we have the ‘Rump of Lamb’ (£14.95), Raoul again playing down its long list of artisan ingredients. Generously served with a cold green bean and honeyglazed fennel salad, stem ginger, black Venus rice poached with star anise, chilli, raspberry mint jus, etc, etc. It is another aromatic and stimulating journey as you explore the plate, testing out different combinations, one sweet, one sour, one fiery, one fragrant. The lamb, steeped with marinade is succulent and cooked to perfection. For dessert it’s Lime & Rum Pannacotta (£8.95), with sticky toffee pudding, homemade mascarpone ice cream, gingersnap biscuit and roasted white chocolate, It is another masterpiece, the peach and mango coulis literally painted on the plate, an extravaganza of indulgence without ever being too rich, too heavy or too naughty. We have been spoilt.

Close sesame Our journey is at an end and it has been truly sensational. Now we understand the team’s intentions. We do feel better, in body, mind and spirit, and we’ve had a great meal to boot. We wonder how they create such magic at such reasonable prices – ‘It’s all in the preparation,’ confides Raoul, ‘and you’ve got to love what you do.’ It’s clear that they do, and now, so do we.

• • New breakfast menu • Live jazz nights • Cocktail lounge and

Open 7 days, 10am til late

function room available

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Chicken breasts with ham, spinach and pine nuts

FOOD

This is an easy summer dish and can be prepared in advance. The chicken goes really well with summer vegetables and new potatoes. Perfect for entertaining in the garden. Enjoy!

Ingredients (serves 8):

• 8 skinless chicken breast • 300g young spinach leaves, washed • 3 tbsp toasted pine nuts • 2 tbsp raisins, chopped • pinch of Chinese five-spice powder • 75g butter • 8 thin slices of bayonne ham or prosciutto • 2 tbsp olive oil • 3 shallots, finely chopped • 150ml dry white wine • juice of half a lemon • 200g tub crème fraîche • cornflour to thicken, optional • handful of chives, chopped

ORACLE estate planning

In association with Countrywide SE LLP 30

Method: 1. Heat oven to 190°C/fan 170°C/Gas Mark 5. Cut each breast almost in half and butterfly, flatten with a rolling pin then season. Put the spinach in a colander and pour boiling water over to wilt. Drain as much water as possible then transfer to a bowl. Add the pine nuts, raisins and spice, season and combine. Melt half the butter and add to the bowl. 2. Place a slice of ham/prosciutto over each chicken breast and spread with a thin layer of the spinach mixture. Roll up and secure with cocktail sticks or string. Heat the oil and a knob of butter in a pan. Fry the chicken until browned, then remove to a tin and roast for 10–15 mins til cooked through. 3. Add the shallots to the pan with the remaining butter and cook gently until softened but not browned. Add the wine and lemon, bring to the boil, then simmer until reduced by half. Stir in the crème fraîche and simmer for 1–2 mins. To thicken, mix a little cornflour with cold water and stir until the required consistency, then add the chives. Remove the sticks or string, then slice the chicken, spoon the sauce around and serve with summer vegetables. by Judy Barden

Will Writing • Power of Attorney • Trusts • Funeral Plans Will Updating & Storage Facilities • Probate Administration t: 01702 393838 head office: 01277 202233 e: crowe@countrywide-se.com w: www.countrywide-se.co.uk Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend SS1 1AN

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Where pets truly come first!

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Serving you rights

LAW & ORDER

Consumers are often told by retailers that their statutory rights are not affected but what does that actually mean? Here are some key statutory rights that are useful to know about. The Sales of Goods Act 2015 has replaced by The Consumer Rights Act. The new act gives consumers the right to claim against the retailer if the goods or services are not as described, are of unsatisfactory quality and/or are not fit for purpose. Further, it gives consumers the right to have faulty goods or services repaired, replaced or refunded. The right is against the retailer and not the manufacturer.

Many happy returns If desiring a refund, consumers should raise the matter quickly – certainly within a few weeks. In all cases, consumers need to show that the goods or services were faulty when purchased and have not become so due to wear and tear or misuse. Consumers have six years to issue court proceedings. In the first six months it is for the retailer to show that the goods or services were not faulty. After that period, consumers will need an expert to prove that the fault existed at the time of sale.

Curtis & Curtis The local law firm with 30 years of City experience

Take at face value The Consumer Rights Act 2015 also replaced the Unfair Contract Terms Act. It makes retailers ensure that their terms and conditions are clear, unambiguous and do not take advantage of the retailer’s bargaining position by, for instance, varying the price after the consumer has already ordered goods or services. Any terms that are unfair to the consumer will not be upheld by a court. It is important that consumers retain their till receipts or other evidence – such as a credit card statement – to show when they purchased the goods or services.

Clean up their act The act also restricts a retailer or supplier of services from excluding liability for death or personal injury due to their negligence. For instance, owners Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd were held liable when customers riding the “Smiler” rollercoaster at Alton Towers last summer, received injuries. The act does not apply to contracts of employment.

by Richard Curtis Barrister at Curtis & Curtis Law Firm, Shoeburyness T: 0 1 7 0 2 2 9 3 2 7 7

M: 07990 015500

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advertorial

Cloudy2Clear Announce Trusted Trader Partnership Consumer champions Which? have now joined the thousands of customers who recognise that Cloudy2Clear Windows really are a business that you can TRUST. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has received the coveted ‘Which Trusted Trader’ status after going through a rigorous accreditation process entirely focussed on customer service. Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company

policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Leigh on Sea & Southend areas and

manager Chris Miller agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Chris a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

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Something on your

Dear Oracle,

- Clean Your Plates -

mind? I guess we are all aware that many roads in Thorpe Bay - Thorpe Hall

Consult the Oracle by sending your letter s to: info@oraclepublicat ions.co.u

LOCAL LETTERS

Ave, Barnstable Road etc. - are now little more than race tracks. As someone who enjoys walking, I have noticed that many of the vehicles seen speeding here have illegal number plates. I'm not talking about so-called personalised vanity plates, but plates actually configured to represent something they are not. Dozens can be seen regularly on our roads and are presumably local to the area. Given that we no longer have the tax disk, the only way we members of the public have of identifying a vehicle is by the number plate. After all, this is the only reason vehicles have these plates - not as playthings for car owners. The Essex Police website says they take this crime very seriously. But, it would seem not seriously enough to do anything about it. Harriet Havard.

SEEING RED! Dear Oracle, why is it that there is always one individual who spoils things for the majority of others? This is the situation we are faced with in our nice Thorpe Bay area where people take pride in their properties and the surrounding environment for the benefit of all. The vista along our road is blighted by a commercial red van that is parked evenings/weekends/holidays on the road, obscuring the view of the estuary for all. Generally this is the only vehicle parked on the road as residents usually park on their drives. Covenants attached to properties in this area preclude the parking of such vehicles on private drives so this individual has chosen to get around this by parking on the road. Althrough technically parking on the road is not forbidden, what about showing a sense of moral responsibility and respect for other residents and not ruining the ambience of the area? Obviously that is too much to ask in this case. Anon

KEEPING THE WOLF FROM THE DOOR In Shoeburyness, we have had a spate of residents being misled by fraudsters and rogue traders. This has involved roofers, builders, fake parking fines and even inconsiderate drivers. I do feel that we need to do more to ensure any elderly neighbours have our support. It is better to knock on their door NOW and offer such help, as it will give them the confidence to seek your advice, should they receive a cold call or leaflet through their door. Remember, these people are experienced and often use common phrases like “We have been working at your neighbour’s property”, “we have worked here before”, or “I was driving past and noticed a loose tile on your roof”, or even “we have some material left over from another job”. When I was a volunteer with Victim Support I visited victims who had been burgled and, while still shocked and confused, had later given their card details to the burglar when he rang pretending to be a police officer. Another fraudster saw an elderly man walk into his house, then knocked his wall down and charged him to repair it, only to leave after walking him to the bank to collect the money. Twin ladies in Westcliff were charged £1,000 to replace a roof tile which was never even loose and, after washing his hands, the conman claimed she had a problem with her hot water. They took out the cylinder and all the copper and left. We have to stop these people destroying people’s lives. What can we do? Check flyers and report any inconsistencies with telephone numbers or no physical address. Note vehicle registration numbers that look suspicious. Call your neighbour if they look confused or stressed with visitors. If you get a cold caller, let your neighbours know not to answer the door, especially if they are elderly. Remember under the new Consumers Rights Bill, if you have been bullied or misled into buying goods or service, you have 90 days to seek redress. If in doubt, call Citizens Advice on 03444 111444. If the situation becomes volatile then call the police. We can all reduce this sought of crime by becoming a “Good Neighbour”. Can you? Peter Lovett

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August 2016

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August 2016

Air&Back

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BRAINBOX

HOT SPOT – Where am I?

2 6

3 5

8 7 5

5 3

6 2

SUDOKU – Fill in the grid so

SAND

that every row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1–9.

WORD LADDER – Climb

the ladder, changing one letter each rung to make a new word.

DUNE

CONUNDRUM – Unscramble to solve the clue.

Really positive signs Hopson Property Services

Selling, managing and letting properties consistently for over 20 years. • FREE Rental and Sales Appraisal Service • Rent Guarantee Available • A.R.L.A Members (offering client money protection) • FREE Professional advice • Large Client-Base of Fully-Vetted Tenants and Purchasers

Clue: The kiosk has a bouncer. Last month’s solutions: HOT SPOT – Never Never Land, Southend-on-Sea

WORD LADDER –

ROADTOADTRADTRAPTRIP CONUNDRUM – VACATIONS

1 4 8 5 9 7 3 2 6

7 6 5 2 8 3 4 1 9

9 3 2 1 6 4 8 5 7

6 7 4 9 3 5 2 8 1

3 2 9 8 1 6 7 4 5

5 8 1 4 7 2 9 6 3

4 1 3 7 5 8 6 9 2

2 5 6 3 4 9 1 7 8

8 9 7 6 2 1 5 3 4

sales : 01702 334353 lettings : 01702 390990

e : info@hopsonproperty.co.uk w : hopsonproperty.co.uk

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August 2016

Strong Stylish Secure Call Our Bespoke Door Team Today 01702 608844 Or Visit

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August 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

Beer Festival Fri 5th August, 2–11pm. Sat 6th August, 12–11pm. Sun 7th August 12–7pm. Leigh Community Centre, 71–73 Elm Road, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 1SP. Southend and the Somme 6th–7th August. Southend Central Museum, Victoria Avenue SS2 6EW. Talks: 11am and 2pm, £5 entry. Activities: 10am–4pm, £1 entry. Music in the Park 3–5pm. Priory Park, Southend. Season of concerts. Visit: www.southend.gov.uk for schedule. Prittlewell Priory Tours Every Sat until 3rd September, 11am–12.30pm, 3pm–4.30pm. Priory Park, Priory Crescent, SS2 6NB. Adults £5, children £4. Booking essential from: http://SouthendLaM.eventbrite.co.uk Sunday Showcase Sun 14th August, 12.30–6pm. Royal Pavilion, Southend Pier SS1 1EE. Selection of live music. Usual pier admission prices apply. 01702 215620. Email: vic@southend.gov.uk Leigh-on-Sea Farmers’ Market 19th August, 9am–12pm. Leigh Community Centre, 71–73 Elm Road, Leigh SS9 1SP. Casino Night Thurs 20th October, 7–10.30pm, The Arlington, 905 London Road SS9 3LL. Presented by RDP Newman. Roulette raffle. £20/person (inc. £5 of chops, buffet). 01702 366 886. www.themusicmanproject.com Homing Show – Cats Protection, Southend Sat 20th August, 1.30pm–3.30pm. 1603–1609 London Rd SS9 2SQ. All cats neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. Carnival Procession 20 August, 6pm–9pm, Southend Seafront. Starts at Southchurch Park and finishes at Shorefield Road, 9pm. Floats, costumes, dancers and more. Leigh Maritime Festival Sun 21st August, 11am–4pm. Leigh Old Town. Fun, crafts, food and family entertainment. Southchurch Hall Tours Every Sat until 27th August, 11am–12.30pm, 3–4.30pm. Southchurch Hall Gardens, Southchurch Hall Close SS1 2TE. Adults £5, children £4. Booking essential: http://SouthendLaM.eventbrite.co.uk Island to Island Mud Run 27th August, 2pm. Bell Wharf to Two Tree Island. A fun run in the mud to raise money for Haven’s Hospices. www.havenshospices.org.uk 53rd Annual Southend-on-Sea Barge Match 28th August, 10am–4pm, Southend pier head. A sailing barge exhibition will be held in the Royal Pavilion 27th–29th August. Freda Parry Classical Singing Competition Sat 3rd September, 6.30pm. Westcliff High School for Boys, Kenilworth Gardens SS0 0BP. Competion for a £1200 prize. Audience: £10/8. 01702 580413 / 07890 340279. Tweed Ride Sun 4th September, 2–4pm. Belfairs Woodland Centre. Prizes for the best dressed rider and best vintage inspired bike. Finishes Southchurch Park, 3.15pm.

Keep me, you never know when you might need me?

WHAT’S ON

CLEANING & SEALING OF DOMESTIC DRIVEWAYS & PATIOS

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588115 476034 342700 541499 525648

South Essex Natural History Society Thames Estuary Lacemakers Westcliff Poetry Prose Lyric Club Westcliff Rugby Club Woodside Bowling Club