Oracle on-Sea August 2017 by Oracle Publications

August 2017

Your all-seeing local

ORACLE

Leigh, Chalkwell, Westcliff & Southend Conservation Area

WIN! Snap up a £150 prize in our Photo Competition U-turn on Southend A & E! Report by Cllr Woodley

Local Issues: Youth Crime Rate Rising in Southend?

Cover photo by Shelley Harris, 2016 Phot Photographic Competition p entrant

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August 2017

ORACLE

WELCOME

This month’s Local Issues has been written by local lad, Toby Skinner. He writes about the disturbing subject of youth crime in the area and its effects on our neighbourhood. Great piece, Toby, I am sure you have a great career in writing ahead of you. In Council News, Ron Woodley gives his account of the recent U-turn regarding Southend Hospital’s Accident & Emergency Department. However, Ron’s concern is that although a battle may have been won, this is just the beginning of things still to be fought for. For the third year running, Oracle is running its popular Photographic Competition in association with local award-winning photographer, Keith Hoskins of Picture Perfect Photographic Studio, Chalkwell. So get snapping, whether you have a top of the range camera or a smartphone, you never know – you might have a shot at the prize! The winner will win a portrait shoot for themselves, their family or a friend and a printed canvas to keep, worth £150! Winning entries will also feature in September’s Oracle magazine and be displayed in Picture Perfect’s studio window on the Ridgeway. Please email your high-res images to: info@oraclepublications.co.uk no later than Monday 21st August 2017. The competition is open to all ages and we have introduced an exciting, new category this year, please see further details on page 21. 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 Oracle Publications and Creative Media @oracle_essex Printed by Printwize Ltd, Witham CM8 3BN – 01376 500900

August 2017 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

CONTENTS Young Blood

9/10

Local Issues by Toby Skinner

Oh, I Do Like To Be Beside The Riviera

Salon advice by Craig Smith

Oracle Photo Competition 2017

Your chance to snap up an amazing prize from Picture Perfect photographic studio!

Emergency U-turn

23/24

Council news by Cllr Ron Woodley

Baked Nectarines with Almonds and Marsala

Santry Davis

Judy’s Recipe Page

Brainbox 28 Playing with Money 30 Money Talks by Clive Rowe

What's On Useful Numbers Advertiser Directory Advertorials Cliff House Clinic

32 36 38

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August 2017

LOCAL ISSUES

Young blood Although the town of Leigh-on-Sea was recently named “the best place to live in the UK”, our safe and happy neighbourhood has been called into question as we see an increase of youth crimes in the area. The latest news reported that a gang of youths, armed with a machete, threatened a father outside the children’s play centre Kids Kingdom. No one was harmed in the incident, but the fact that the verbal abuse came from people of such a young age, not to mention the youths in question having possession of a weapon, has caused upset in the community. Furthermore, the other day a man was stabbed four times by a group of young individuals over the fact that he would not hand over his phone to them. This unnecessary act of aggression, leaving the victim with serious injuries, again illustrates the unsettling surge of youth crimes in the local area.

been a growth in vandalism. Could this perhaps be down to boredom, or a lack of things for the younger generation to do? Personally, I have witnessed groups of teenagers aimlessly hanging around - especially along the seafront, Southend town centre and local events, such as Leigh Lights. In most cases many teens enjoy socialising with their friends and spend time with them in public places. This is perfectly acceptable if the correct amount of respect is shown to the people and area around them. However, when certain groups of youths begin being disrespectful to the community, vandalising property and harassing the public, many people begin to stereotype all groups of teenagers as having the same attitude when this is not always the case.

Safety in numbers Statistics show that since April there have been 209 reports of violent acts, with an overall total of 889 criminal offences in the Southend area. Although it may be unfair to place the full blame on the younger generation for these crime reports, there have been increased sightings of teenage violence, such as the report of two teens who were assaulted outside the Kursaal by an 18 year old, sending them both to hospital with injuries. It is also clear that there has

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Off the rails Unfortunately, there have recently been numerous cases of poor behaviour from youths in the community. One of the main areas this behaviour has been reported is on the trains. There have been extensive complaints about offensive teenage behaviour, such as foul language, not giving up their seats to those who need them, making substantial amounts of noise and generally causing a problem on the local trains. Still, this is only one example of where teenage disrespect occurs, and although it may not be seen as a serious crime, any form of discourtesy towards the public by a particular group will tend to give youths in general a bad name.

Partners in crime So why has there been such an increase in youth crime? One reason could be the inexperience of youth, or maybe the lack of role models in teenagerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives to teach them the way the law works. In addition, maybe due to lack of government funding there are less police on the streets? Should the amount of officers be increased? It has been reported that more than 20 police stations in Essex are likely to close to the public and all 24-hour stations could face reduced opening times. This may cause the issue of there being less police available to respond to criminal activity and the public being less able to report any upset in the community. However, despite the numerous reasons there may be for the rise in youth crimes, I believe there are possible changes that can be made to minimise these antisocial behaviours. Perhaps parents and schools need to become more involved? If a member of staff has seen an increase in an illmannered attitude from a student this should be

reported to the parents immediately. Keeping strong communication between teachers and parents can be vital in hopefully preventing the problem escalating into something more serious where the police may need to get involved. In doing so they may be able to help youths understand the consequences of their actions.

Safe hands The local area is still a lovely place to bring up a family and events such as the ones stated very rarely occur. With the support of families, schools and organisations, such as the Southend Community Safety Partnership, along with the local police, who constantly work to tackle crime, our neighbourhood can maintain its reputation as a tranquil seaside area. by Toby Skinner

Toby is from Leigh-on-Sea, has just finished his GCSEs and is set to embark on a career as a writer, specialising in scriptwriting. This is his first published piece.

Photo courtesy of Wayne Blows

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August 2017

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August 2017

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SALON

Oh, I do like to be beside the Riviera À la mode

Miles of shimmering sea, palm treelined beaches and glamorous locals; the similarities between the Cote D’Azur and Southend-on-Sea are obvious.

In Riviera, Georgina’s hair falls a few inches below her shoulders and is generally worn loose, with long curls. This is usually in relaxed settings but it is noticeable that her hairstyles become higher as both the tension and social occasions ratchet up.

Okay, I confess – I’ve been box-set bingeing on Sky Atlantic’s impossibly glamorous Riviera. As the series progresses, art dealer and wife of a deceased billionaire, Georgina Clios (played by Julia Stiles) increasingly uncovers more about her dead husband’s mysterious double life.

For a meeting, her hair will normally be tied in a loose ponytail at the back, with long bangs at the front, either side of a centre-parting. In one episode, she goes for maximum power-styling by sweeping her hair to the right and modelling a sophisticated French plait which starts above her left ear then falls downwards, across the nape of her neck. The beginning of the braid is accessorised with a jewelled clip, to up the glamour stakes.

Gripping as the storyline is, I’m also obsessing over the wardrobes and hairstyles of the cast. Wearing designer day dresses and tailored jumpsuits, Georgina looks effortlessly chic as she takes on her dysfunctional step-children, a scheming ex-wife, the attentions of the police and ruthless Russians.

Top dollar

Hot-headed Looking and staying cool when the heat is on can be a nightmare. We may not quite experience the searing heat of Provence but south Essex can still be hot and humid during the height of summer, so work with that moisture in the air for extra volume, messy up-dos, loose braids, or sassy braids, and wispy buns that are all as sexy as hell.

At the Riviera launch event in London, Stiles rocked a sophisticated chignon worn as a textured bun, teamed with a long-sleeved and fitted maxi dress. You may not own a Porsche or luxury villa in Grasse but by stealing Georgina Clios’ style, you can look very Nice.

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August 2017

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August 2017

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Sunrise at the Boom, by Paul Tidey – 2016 winner.

COMPETITION

Oracle Photo Competition 2017 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! There are three categories this year, open to all ages – Local Wildlife, Local Landscape, and Local Architecture. The winner of each will receive 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 beginners’ mentoring by local, award-winning, professional 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! 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 up to three photos (one per category) with titles and/or a brief description, along with your contact details, to our email address: info@oraclepublications.co.uk, no later than Monday 21st August 2017. If you are

under 18, please also include your age as this will be taken into account during judging.

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

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August 2017

COUNCIL

Emergency U-turn Dear Readers, many of you will be aware that I stood at the last general election to give people an opportunity to vote for an alternative to the main political parties. One of the main reasons for standing – and I believe the major issue – was the proposed downgrading of Southend Hospital’s Accident & Emergency Department. Although I was not elected, I believe we won the argument, as it made one of Southend’s local MPs and the NHS sit up and take notice of the result and of the pressure from local residents. The proposed health shake up in Essex – namely the NHS Success Regime – was wrong from the start. We residents, with the help of Save Southend A & E Group, fought hard to safeguard our services, and to improve our adult social care services. Now, the MPs and the NHS are promising to listen and act on the issues that residents felt would clearly have negatively affected them and the quality of the health and wellbeing of the community.

all about saving money, and to try and cope with the undermanned and underfunded situation in our three hospitals, where there are 2,600 vacancies for medically trained staff. The route that was being taken was to maximise the remaining trained staff, in a way that the bureaucrats believed would consolidate the specialities within the three hospitals. I can understand their thinking and logic, but could not – and would not – accept that the downgrading of Southend’s A & E Department was the right route to follow. As Chairman of BERA, I first mooted this downgrading in the autumn of 2016, after which I was severely criticised for informing local residents that this was imminent. Had they continued down that path, the NHS bureaucrats would not just have destroyed our A & E Department, but would have eventually destroyed the hospital’s overall ability to look after local residents.

One at the price of two We should remember why the NHS were choosing to take the route of downgrading two of the three A & E Departments at Southend, Chelmsford and Basildon. They might say it was to make things more efficient, but we know and understand it is

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Loss of vision I have always felt that we should not be looking to downgrade any local A & E Department, especially the one at Southend. This would be very shortsighted and a lack of vision as to our needs and requirements in the future. The aspirations, not just from me, but I believe residents, are far higher than that of the NHS bureaucrats, as without a fully functioning hospital and A & E Department, Southend, Castle Point, Rayleigh and Rochford would be critically affected in their ability to provide the health service we need. This also goes for the ambulance service. We residents understood that the time taken to travel to Basildon, which was being mooted as the preferred option to be a specialist A & E Department, would have been catastrophic to the very patients they were trying to look after, because it was not just about the time getting to hospital, but the time taken for ambulances to get back to emergencies in the Southend area, let alone those that may happen in Great Wakering or Foulness Island.

A & E, I O U

However, we should all congratulate ourselves that having put across the point about a rising population, an international airport, a growing local economy, visitors approaching seven million a year, and the busiest RNLI station in the country, the ambitions of residents for our hospital are bigger than the bureaucrats’ plans. We pointed out that downgrading the A & E would mean a reduction in consultants, specialists, doctors and medical staff wanting to work here. Having won the battle we need to win the war, and that war is for the NHS to build a brand new hospital, central to the populous areas, with the required infrastructure and modern services, thus creating a major university hospital that the people of Southend and this area are demanding. And finally, to relieve the pressure on the A & E, the NHS will need to build satellite medical centres giving 24/7 services. I hope our MPs are listening.

It is therefore extremely pleasing that there has been a U-turn on the bureaucrats’ original plans for Southend’s A & E Department. But now we know what their ambitions are, we need to be aware of “Mission Creep”. What I mean is, over the next few years, those running our local NHS could gradually not recruit the health specialists we need

for our hospital, and then move services, stating the shortage of trained medical clinicians as the reason. In other words, my faith and trust has been severely dented.

by Ron Woodley BERA Chairman and Independent Councillor for Thorpe Ward

01702 588662 e: ronwoodley@hotmail.co.uk

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August 2017

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FOOD

Baked Nectarines with Almonds and Marsala

Oh the joy of summer peaches and nectarines! This is an old magazine recipe and a simple dessert – totally delicious, requires very little effort and it’s great even if your peaches or nectarines are slightly hard. I have also used Amaretto di Saronno if I haven’t any Marsala (bit of a guilty pleasure).

Method:

Enjoy!

4. Push spoonfuls of the mixture into the cavities of the nectarines, piling more on top until the mixture is evenly divided among them.

Ingredients (serves 6–8):

1. Heat the oven to 180°C/fan 160°C/Gas Mark 4. 2. Cut the nectarines in half and remove the stones. Sit the nectarine halves snugly in a baking dish, cut-side up. 3. Put the amaretti biscuits into a large bowl and use the end of a rolling pin to bash them into crumbs. Soften the butter and add it into the bowl along with the ground almonds, caster sugar and egg, and stir it all together.

• 6 nectarines • 100g amaretti biscuits

5. Scatter with almonds, then carefully pour the Marsala into the dish through a gap between the fruit so the topping doesn’t get soggy.

• 100g butter • 85g ground almonds • 85g golden caster sugar • 1 egg • 2–3 tbsp toasted, flaked almonds • 250ml Marsala • Greek yogurt or crème fraîche, to serve

6. Bake for 30–40 mins until golden and crisp, and the fruit is soft.

(crunchy ones – not the soft)

ORACLE estate planning

In association with Countrywide SE LLP 26

7. Eat warm with the juices spooned over, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche alongside. by Judy Barden

Next month: Quick Beef Stroganoff 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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August 2017

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August 2017 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

25 Years’ Experience

BRAINBOX 8 7

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2 3

7 8

1 9

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KING

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

CONUNDRUM – Unscramble to solve the clue.

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August 2017

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Playing with money

MONEY TALKS

Chess players rely on having a strong strategy in place to increase their chances of winning. In life, the same rules apply – those who take the time to plan ahead succeed. Your hard-earned assets could be lost if you don’t put some simple planning in place today. Wills – Many people put off making a Will for a variety of reasons, but the harsh truth is that you can put off making a Will until it’s too late, causing all kinds of problems for the people you leave behind and end up giving some, or all of your inheritance, to the wrong people or even the State! Trusts – Trusts are not only for the very wealthy – they are an important part of any Estate Planning strategy if you want to protect your hard-earned assets for future generations after you are gone, against attack from remarriage, divorce, bankruptcy and Inheritance Tax. Lasting Powers of Attorney – Managing your own affairs can be difficult later in life, or you could become seriously ill or even have an accident. Who would look after your financial affairs then? Who would make decisions for you regarding your

ORACLE estate planning

In association with Countrywide SE LLP 30

medical treatment, living arrangements or care? Creating Lasting Powers of Attorney in advance ensures that, if the worst were to happen, both your financial affairs and personal welfare would be in safe hands. Funeral Plans – Free your loved ones from the emotional and financial burdens of organising and paying for your funeral after you are gone. Act now to ensure that your wishes are carried out exactly as you would want. Probate – Many people choose relatives or friends to be their Executors, but fulfilling the duties required at such a difficult time can prove time-consuming and emotionally overwhelming. Appointing a professional Executor in your Will ensures that your estate is dealt with as quickly and efficiently as possible. With fixed costs at the outset, and a dedicated team of sympathetic, expert Case Handlers on hand, the entire process can be stress-free.

Check, mate For friendly, free advice on all aspects of Estate Planning, please give me a call on: 01702 393838.

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August 2017

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WHAT’S ON Southend Art Trail Fri 4th–Sun 13 August, 10am–5pm. Southend High Street. Over 30 businesses displaying art from local artists. For more information visit: www. visitsouthend.co.uk/whats-on/1629/Southend-Art-Trail Southend Carnival Beer Festival Fri 11th–Sun 13th August. Leigh Community Centre, 73 Elm Road, Leigh SS9 1SP. Real ales and ciders, live music. Free entry, beer tokens: £10. Souvenir glasses, £3. Annual Garden Fete FREE Sat 12th August, 2pm–4pm. Elkington House, 9 Imperial Ave, Westcliff SS0 8NE. Cakes, tombola, raffle, children’s games, tea, Southend Operatic and Dramatic Society and bell ringers. Call: 01702 342131. Southend Carnival Dog Show Sun 13th August, 11am–4pm. Priory Park, Victoria Avenue, Southend SS2 6ND. Annual show. Entries open 11am. Pedigree: £2, Novelty: £1.50 per entry. All dogs must be over 6 months old and kept on a lead. Visit: www.visitsouthend.co.uk/whats-on/1435/ Southend-Carnival-Dog-Show Havens Hospices Family Fun Day Out Sun 13 August, 11am–3pm. 124–126 Chalkwell Avenue, Westcliff SS0 8HN. Alice in Wonderland theme. Cream teas, flamingo croquet, ice cream, hoop la flamingo, face painting, trading, belly dancers, wood turning and much more. Email Emily at: ETucker@havenshospices.org.uk The Holly Jolly Company – Fun Pirate Party Tues 15th August, 12pm–1pm. Leigh Community Centre, 73 Elm Road, Leigh SS9 1SP. Balloons, treasure hunt, pirate games, magic and more. To reserve a place, please call: 01702 477248. Teddy Bear’s Picnic Wed 16th August. Children’s fancy dress competition and other activities aimed at children aged 3–8. To book, please visit: www. southendcarnivalevents.org.uk/southend-childrens-events Southend Seafront Walking Tour Fri 18th August, 11am– 1pm. Meet at Cliffs Pavilion. Walk covers architectural, anecdotal and social history. Visit: www.southendmuseums. co.uk/whats_on/event/Seafront-Walk Southend Carnival 2017 Sat 19th August, 6pm–12am. Procession starts Southchurch Park, 6.45pm, will reach City Beach at 7.30pm and finish at Shorefield Road around 9pm. Seafront car parks will be closed. Visit: www.visitsouthend. co.uk/whats-on/1350/Southend-Carnival-2017 WI Great Wakering Evening Meeting Every 3rd Monday, 8pm. The Memorial Hall, High Street, Great Wakering SS3 OEF. August 21st: “Tripe and Trotters” – Brian Carline. Flower Festival Sat 26th–Mon 28th August, 10am. St. Nicholas Church, 2 New Road, Great Wakering SS3 0AH. Refreshments available. North Shoebury, Barling & Little Wakering WI Every 1st Monday of the month (excluding bank holidays), 2pm. St Mary’s Church Hall, N. Shoebury Road (by Asda). All welcome. Sep 4th: Craft Meeting.

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August 2017

August 2017 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

The Crystal Tree

69 Broadway West Leigh-on-Sea SS9 2BX (opp Leigh Library) Angelic Reiki, Crystal Healing, Rahanni Crystals Crystal Jewellery Angel Gifts Incense & Space Clearing Items Candles Salt Lamps Books, Cards & CDs Meditation Groups & Workshops www.the-crystal-tree.co.uk Healing for Mind Body and Soul 34

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August 2017

advertorial

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Southend West District Scouts (19 groups) South Essex Natural History Society Thames Estuary Lacemakers Westcliff-on-Sea Cricket Club Westcliff Poetry Prose Lyric Club Westcliff Rugby Club