Oracle on-Sea February 2017

February 2017

Your all-seeing local

ORACLE

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ORACLE

WELCOME

Oracle is looking for some keen, reliable distributors to deliver the magazines each month. If you are over 14 years old or just young at heart and fancy a bit of exercise then please give me a call on: 01702 393838.

Hopefully the worst of the cold spell is over and we can all look forward to the spring, and with it some longed-for outdoor activities. Speaking of which, Adam Jones has written an article this month encouraging people to get out on their bike and has a request for all motorists.

This month’s competition is from Annie’s Jazz. I have been to a number of these evenings and can thoroughly recommend you give it a try. Step to it, because up for grabs are four tickets to see the amazing Michele Drees Tap Project, on Tuesday, 7th March (ticket excludes food and drink). It is a spectacular mix of rhythm tap dance and jazz.

Please see: anniesjazz.vpweb.co.uk for further details on this evening and other great nights.

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 Friday, 24 February 2017.

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 oracleessex oracle_essex

Printed by Printwize Ltd, Witham, Essex CM8 3BN

01376 500900

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Southchurch Park by Wayne Blows

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CONTENTS Staying alive at 1.5

9/10

Local Issues by Adam Jones

Get a Lob!

16

Salon advice by Craig Smith

Looking out for our blue light services 24 Council news by Cllr Ron Woodley

Nachos with Oxtail Chilli

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sales : 01702 334353 lettings : 01702 390990

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

Judy's Recipe Page

Don’t be left high and dry this holiday

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Law & Order by Richard Curtis

Brainbox 34 What's On

36

Useful Numbers

40

Advertiser Directory

42

Advertorials Oracle Publications

22/25

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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February 2017

LOCAL ISSUES

Staying alive at 1.5 When it comes to overtaking cyclists there is only one way to do it safely, so mind the gap!

You’re a sensible, reasonable person. I’d be willing to wager that, despite the odd transgression, you’ve led a largely blameless life.

Naturally, this extends to your friends, colleagues and family. None of you would wake up in the morning, throw back the curtains while still in your jim-jams and casually say to the other half, ‘Think I’ll give manslaughter a go today!’

It seems daft doesn’t it? Unthinkable even. But last year 63 people died and 955 were seriously injured on Essex’s roads. These figures are a considerable increase on the 44 deaths and 788 people seriously injured in 2015.

Life cycle Arguably, of all road users, cyclists are the most vulnerable and an extensive study in America discovered that 40% of fatal accidents involving bike riders were caused by collisions from the rear.

During the Rio Olympics, Chris Boardman had to return to the UK because his mother had been killed by a pick-up truck driver in North Wales. Accidents such as this occur as a result of motorists skimming past a cyclist when it isn’t safe to do.

On a bicycle made for 1.5 As a cyclist, I am all too aware of the inherent dangers of riding on our roads and regularly use my

wife as a counselling service as I relay yet another tale of nearly being knocked off my bike.

Recognising that vehicle drivers have a duty of care to fellow road users, some twenty-two US states have passed legislation specifying that a space of 1.5 metres be observed when overtaking a cyclist. Over here in Europe, Belgium, Germany, France and Portugal, have also now adopted 1.5m (or a whisker under 5 feet) as the pre-requisite safe passing distance.

A bumpy ride Last year, West Midlands Police became the first force in the UK to target ‘close-pass’ motorists. It said it felt that prosecuting drivers was the most effective way of improving the safety of cyclists.

In just four days, the scheme saw 80 drivers pulled over and given ‘roadside advice’. 38 drivers were deemed so dangerous that they were prosecuted.

I would like to see Essex Police follow their West Midlands counterparts’ lead.

Southend’s roads are already congested and many are too narrow for a vehicle to overtake a cyclist at a distance of 1.5m, so I’d also like it to become mandatory that vehicles must travel behind the bike until it is able to overtake it lawfully.

February 2017 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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Public information films in the 1970s offered common sense advice to both cyclists and drivers.

Where there’s a wheel there’s a way Whilst riding in Sardinia last summer, I noticed that car drivers now give a little toot of the horn to make you aware that they are behind and preparing to overtake. It is a simple but effective means of communication which allows both parties to go about their business safely and with mutual trust and good will.

More recently, I have lobbied Councillors at Southend Borough Council to support my campaign to create greater awareness of safe-passing and the 1.5m gap between rider and vehicle. This has met with a favourable response and you may soon see the illuminated traffic signs in and around the town, reminding drivers to give cyclists a distance of 1.5m when overtaking.

leisure riders and youngsters. So please, don’t be tempted to wind down the window, scream abuse and demand we ride in the cycle lane. Or, as one chap did, try to shepherd me off the road!

The route to success I’m just trying to get from A to B as quickly as I can.

Just like you and, with a bit of patience and respect, we’ll both get there. But I’ll stay alive if you will please just give me 1.5.

by Adam Jones

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Get in the right gear In the 1970s the Government produced a series of public safety films, one of which advised motorists that cyclists could see objects and hazards on the road far more clearly than someone cocooned in a car or van. They may suddenly need to avoid uneven road surfaces or obstacles like drain covers so it’s always important to afford cyclists plenty of room.

Also, you may be surprised at just how fast a thin, middle-aged man can pedal a bicycle – with a tailwind and a flat or downhill road surface, speeds of around 30 mph can be reached, but turn into a battering headwind and one’s pace can suddenly drop to as low as 8mph. In a car you might not be aware of that but a good rule of thumb is that if they’re clad head to ankle in Lycra, they’re a keen rider and out ‘training’.

Consequently, competitive cyclists and very fit riders are not wanted or required to be on the cycle path running along the seafront, as it is intended for

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SALON

Get a Lob! Sing it loud because the Lob is the haircut that works for everyone!

Essentially, there are three types of lob: Blunt, Longlayered and Choppy.

The long layers also allow you to play with a variety of different styles. If you’re going out on a super-swanky date, a Grecian updo with braids looks amazing, but so do loose twists, straight, wavy … whatever takes your fancy.

To be blunt

For the chop

The Blunt, as its name suggests, is cut blunt – uniform in length with no layers. This makes it super-easy to live with and manage day-to-day.

From a beauty perspective it elongates your neck, creating a more statuesque effect. Don’t be tempted to shorten it, as you’ll simply create a classic bob whilst losing the lob’s versatility.

Now consider the Choppy lob.

For inspiration, take a look at January Jones’ character in the TV show, Mad Men. It’s all about the wispy layers, girls. Ask your stylist to use thinning scissors for the back layers as these will soften any hard lines. And make sure they’re long – no shorter than an inch above your chin.

This style rocks for women with fine or heat-damaged hair. The Blunt lob gives back the health and vitality of your hair without having to go short. It also trims off split ends and makes your hair look thicker.

Why the long face?

Next, my little Rock Lobsters, is the Long-layered lob.

This requires longer tresses as chin-length layers will add texture and movement. I recommend it to any clients who have a longer face structure because it adds width. The overall effect is chic and more sophisticated than flowing, beachy layers.

The Choppy is ideal for all face shapes and gives you a young, hip and slightly edgy look, without going all ‘Lily Allen’. If you’re loathe to cut your hair, the Choppy is also an ideal solution because it’s long enough to be pulled into a chignon or ponytail and it can also take being twirled into full-on glamorous, glory-days-of-Hollywood styles. The Choppy is the hair equivalent of Tinder, you don’t have to commit to one particular look if the fancy doesn’t take you.

O

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February 2017

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Advertorial

Oracle – giving you the business Before I talk about 2016, I would like to remind you that in November 2015 we published a recipe book, in celebration of Oracle’s 10th anniversary.

the year before, Oracle remains the only glossy, local, popular and respected magazine that has a very desirable specifically targeted audience, with the advantage of self-managed distribution. Please visit our website to see a map of Oracle’s coverage.

Full of local readers’ very own recipes, it was sold in aid of HARP – Southend’s Homeless Charity and I am very pleased to announce that by the end of 2016 it had raised just under £5,000! I would like to thank everybody who participated in making Cooking-onSea such a great success for a worthwhile cause!

Set your sites higher

Good as gold In February 2016, Oracle was awarded ‘Gold’ by the Southend Business & Community Charter. This award recognises local businesses who support the community through fundraising, volunteering, mentoring, pro bono work; or anything that helps ensure we have a thriving, vibrant community.

January last year, saw the launch of our very own ‘Community Spirit Award’ to celebrate individuals who have selflessly contributed to local charities or supported the community in different ways. If you know of a local hero that should be recognised for their efforts, then please send in their details and explain why you feel they deserve this award. No deed is too small – it’s the heart that counts!

Due to popular demand, both Oracle magazines increased their circulation in March 2016. With a combined circulation increase of 2,500 households, Oracle’s total monthly coverage is now 14,000! This increase was made at no extra cost to our clients, and with the addition of the laminated front covers

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With PCs, smart phones and iPads everywhere you look these days, all businesses must have an on-line presence. For a number of years, I have listened to many of my clients complain about the web developers they use and their unreasonable charges.

For example, when they want to move their website to another developer or take control of it themselves, they have been told that they do not own the domain name and therefore will have to pay additional costs to release the passwords for their own site!

I have felt there has been a gap in the market for a transparent, honestly-priced website development company for a long time. Early last year, I was approached by web designer, Scott Hartfield, who has years of experience creating large database and e-commerce sites for many companies in and around London. After meeting Scott, I felt there was a real opportunity for somebody with his wealth and depth of knowledge to work with us developing sites for local businesses at affordable prices while still offering clients an expert, professional service.

Subsequently, our sister company, Oracle Creative Media Ltd was launched in July 2016. Since then, OCM has developed a number of sites and has had some great client feedback. All of our clients own their sites and are offered tuition on how to content manage their websites if required, saving them

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February 2017

money in the future. You can see examples of OCM’s work on www.oraclecreativemedia.com

The secret of success

Touching isn’t it?

• A focussed, desirable target market – Delivery of

Despite the ease and popularity of online media, the range of printed magazines has continued to rise – people simply enjoy their instant, tactile qualities.

Whether while waiting for the doctor, getting your hair styled, or at a friend’s house while they’re making the tea, we all reach out for the nearest magazine to find the latest conversation piece. Not only that, but consumers still continue to have the most trust in local advertising printed in magazines and newspapers. The power of the printed word from a recognised and reliable source still rings true and has great value when evaluating advertising.

Customers like to feel they can trust the brand and seeing it more than once is very important to help create impactful awareness of your product or service. A mixed media campaign, i.e. print media boosted with internet advertising would help reinforce the message you wish to convey to your potential customer. However, if this amount of spend is out of your budget and you are providing a local service rather than a global one, then a print campaign should be your first priority. Repeating adverts over many months in one, smaller area has more impact than trying to reach a larger audience in a bigger area as the budget will be spread too thinly.

This then means that your businesses share of the market will grow in that specific area, as potential clients will have seen your adverts over a number of months and grow in trust. Many of Oracle’s long-term clients attribute their success to advertising with Oracle regularly, each month without fail.

Going … going … gone!

Knowing the type of customers and the message you wish to convey is also key and I can’t recommend enough to research this before any advertising campaign. Don’t buying something cheap if it doesn’t reach your key audience, as you may as well be throwing your money down the drain.

Be sure that your advert says what you need it to say. Remember, consumers don’t really care who you are, they want to know what you have to offer them.

Consider offering a readers’ discount on the advert, unique to that publication so that you can measure the response. If you have an advert that is clearly communicating your product or service, you are targeting the correct market, and have added an offer or a gift, then you really should see some results once the advert has been running for a few months.

So why has Oracle been successful for so many years?

Oracle is concentrated on desirable households in Thorpe Bay, The Garrison, Southchurch, Shoeburyness, Leigh-on-Sea, Chalkwell, Westcliffon-Sea and the Southend Conservation Area, so no magazine is wasted.

• Reliable, monthly, self-managed distribution –

With our own dedicated team of distributors, we can ensure that the magazines are delivered correctly and on-time and offer an unbeatable level of reliability. Monthly publishing affords us time to create an exceptional quality product whilst keeping repeat adverts highly memorable.

• Coffee table quality – Because of it’s high-quality production, Oracle isn’t treated in the same way as a newspaper might be. It can be kept for months and never get tatty or fall apart.

• Complementary services – Advert design, leaflet distribution, web-design, print design and brand management all combine to fulfil our clients’ businesses needs and help them to grow.

• Never afraid to develop – Now in our 11th year, Oracle is always growing and leading the way!

With brave editorial content that connects with its readers, Oracle has become a trusted source for local information and is a popular and wellrespected, mouth-piece too.

Consult the Oracle Feel free to give me a call to discuss how you might grow your business this year through advertising.

I would be very happy to give you some free, noobligation advice. Let Oracle give you the business!

by Emma Wynne-Morgan Publisher & Owner of Oracle Publications (UK) Ltd

ORACLE publications (uk) ltd

01702 393838 e: info@oraclepublications.co.uk www.oraclepublications.co.uk Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1AN

February 2017 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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COUNCIL

Looking out for our blue light services

Funding for all of the services that we rely on – Local Government, the Police, Fire and Rescue Services – has been severely cut since 2010, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future.

Collaboration alone will not deliver, in full, the potential benefits that have been identified, and evidence has found that control through a single governance structure was and is the key driver for achieving change.

The need for these services to look for change is paramount, otherwise change will come looking for them, and unless they are prepared, they will surely fail.

But, although I am supportive of change, I wonder whether these proposals are going far enough?

Should they also include the Ambulance service with all three headquarters based at one site, sharing backroom facilities and management structures?

The New Bill On that basis, I welcome the Policing and Crime Bill, which introduces measures that will place a duty on emergency services to collaborate, enabling the Police and Crime Commissioner to take on full responsibility for both the Police and Fire and Rescue Services, ensuring closer cooperation.

The initial business case is still in a draft form, not yet a full business case, and council members of the Fire Authority still have an opportunity to shape the final document. It identifies three key drivers for change in Essex:

Blue-sky thinking

Could a similar structure operate locally, sharing the same building that is centrally located, to enable rapid response to any emergency that arises? I have often wondered why it is necessary for the Police to spend so much time at serious accident scenes when the Fire and Rescue service have adequate forensic means to investigate in the aftermath of such events. This could free up the Police to attend to other demands, which is of paramount importance when there is clearly a serious lack of resources for the Police in Southend-on-Sea.

• Operational benefits which will keep the

How to fund the services in the future? I have ideas, but that’s for another debate.

• Improved management for both

by Ron Woodley

• Financial benefits through more economic

BERA Chairman and Independent Councillor for Thorpe Ward

It is recognised that a step change in governance is needed to deliver benefits in all the three areas.

01702 588662 e: ronwoodley@hotmail.co.uk

public safer.

emergency services.

and efficient provision of services.

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February 2017

advertorial

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Nachos with Oxtail Chilli

FOOD

Great for a cold winter’s supper, the Oxtail Chilli can be served with rice or as a nacho appetiser for everyone to share. It has a long slow-cook so be patient. Enjoy!

Ingredients (serves 4–6):

• 4 tbsp olive oil • 1kg British oxtail • Plain flour, seasoned, to dust • 2 onions, finely chopped • 2 green chillies, finely chopped • 2–4 dried chipotle chillies or red chillies, to taste • 1 tbsp ground cumin • 2 tsp ground coriander • 2 tsp ground cinnamon • 3 tbsp tomato purée • 400g tin chopped tomatoes • 750ml good quality beef stock • 2 star anise • Bunch of fresh coriander, leaves/stems separated • Tortilla chips • Grated Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese • Pickled jalapeños • Soured cream

ORACLE estate planning

In association with Countrywide SE LLP 28

Method:

1.

Heat the oven to 150°C/fan 130°C/Gas Mark 2.

Heat some olive oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Dust the oxtail with the flour, add to the pan and brown in batches, adding oil if needed, then transfer to a flameproof casserole.

2.

Heat a little more oil in the pan and gently fry the onions until softened. Add the green, chipotle/ red chillies and ground spices and fry for 1 min.

Add to the casserole with the chopped tomatoes, purée, stock, star anise and coriander stems.

Season, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook in the oven for 3½ hours. Remove the lid, then return to the oven for 1 hour.

3.

Scoop the oxtail from the sauce and set aside.

Remove the surface fat. Bubble the casserole sauce on medium heat for about 20 mins or until rich and sticky. Shred the oxtail meat from the bone, return to the reduced sauce and set aside.

4.

When ready, spread a platter with tortillas, scatter with cheese, spoon the chilli over, then scatter more cheese. Grill for 5–6 mins on medium-high until the cheese has melted.

Scatter with chopped coriander leaves and jalapeños, dollop with soured cream and serve.

by Judy Barden

O

Next month: I ndian Spiced Chicken

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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LAW & ORDER

Don’t be left high and dry this holiday

Before you book your summer holiday, be sure your approach is water-tight or you might just get that sinking feeling …

First, avoid booking any overseas hotel direct. If the hotel fails to live up to the description or you find that they have booked you into a cheap alternative hotel, then your only legal redress will be to issue legal proceedings in the overseas country – something the hotel management know you will wish to avoid at all costs.

Preferably book your flight and hotel though a UK tour operator who are members of The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) and have Air Travel Organiser’s Licencing (ATOL) protection. Not only do UK tour operators usually have a rep nearby to help you with any complaint, but ABTA and ATOL will be able to help if your tour operator becomes insolvent and cannot get you home. Also, you can sue a tour operator in the UK if your holiday does not meet the description. However, you cannot sue an UK tour internet facilitator as they have no legal liability, e.g. trivago, Booking.com and lastminute.com.

You will have additional protection if you pay using a VISA, MasterCard or AMEX card as, if you get no holiday, they will stand in for the tour operator and refund you the full cost.

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

What happens if your plane is delayed and you miss some of your holiday? This is covered by the Montreal Convention. Depending on the length of the delay, you could be entitled to vouchers to buy food and drink at the airport, the tour operator or airline could pay for a hotel for the night, and you may receive some cash compensation. Similarly, if your luggage or possessions are lost or damaged you can claim up to £400 for your loss, which will hopefully be enough to compensate you. The only way to get more is to take out travel insurance.

If you travel within the EEC, you should get a medical card to obtain basic medical help without charge. If you are worried about getting more comprehensive medical help, or even repatriation to your home for you or your family, then again, the best option is travel insurance before you go.

Holiday snaps If your holiday is a disaster, then make sure you keep a diary and photographs of what went wrong and retain a copy of the holiday description from the brochure or website as evidence.

Be safe and have a relaxing trip. Happy holidays!

by Richard Curtis

O

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

M: 07990 015500

E : R I C H A R D @ C U R T I SA N D C U R T I S L AW. C O.U K W W W. C U R T I SA N D C U R T I S L AW. C O.U K

G A R R I S O N C H A M B E R S , 7 7 G U N N E R S R I S E , S H O E B U RY N E S S , S O U T H E N D - O N - S E A S S 3 9 F D

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February 2017

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BRAINBOX 1

3

2

8

HOT SPOT – Where am I?

7 3

5

5 8

6

6

2

1

4

9 4

5

7

9

3 6

1

7 5

6

8

1

4

SUDOKU – Fill in the grid so

TALL

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.

DARK

CONUNDRUM – Unscramble to solve the clue.

F

I

N

E

R

B

O D

Y

Clue: A fellow valentine?

Last month’s solutions: HOT SPOT – Southend University

Hospital, Prittlewell Chase, Westcliff WORD LADDER – MAKEWAKEWALEWALLWELL CONUNDRUM – DIAGNOSIS

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9 3 1 7 4 8 2 6 5

4 5 8 9 2 6 7 1 3

6 7 2 1 5 3 9 8 4

7 4 3 5 6 1 8 9 2

8 6 9 2 3 4 1 5 7

1 2 5 8 7 9 4 3 6

3 1 6 4 8 2 5 7 9

2 9 7 6 1 5 3 4 8

5 8 4 3 9 7 6 2 1

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February 2017

Your Stove is waiting for you!

Photo for illustration purposes only

February 2017 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

35

WHAT’S ON

For more information please call:

01702 615999

or Email: info@prideandjoyclassiccars.com www.prideandjoyclassiccars.co.uk

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

Ellora Quartet FREE Wed 8th Feb, 12.15–1pm. Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend SS1 9SB. Lunchtime recital, free with retiring collection.

Basic Computer Skills Workshop FREE Fri 10th Feb, 1–3pm.

The Hub, 1st Floor, Victoria Plaza, Southend SS2 5SP. Free childcare. thehubsouthend.net/2017/01/12/free-basiccomputer-skills-workshop Cat Homing Show FREE Sat 11th Feb, 10.30am–12pm.

Shalynn Cattery, 569 Princes Ave, Westcliff SS0 0JN. All cats vet checked, neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Call: Rita 01702 710630 or email: rita@southendcats.org.uk Valentine’s Fashion Show FREE Sat 11th Feb, 5 shows 11am–4pm. Royals Shopping Centre, Southend SS1 1DG. Essex Antiques Fair Sun 12th Feb, 9.30am–4.30pm. Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend SS0 7RA. £3.50 to attend.

Valentine’s Crafts Drop-In FREE Sun 12th Feb, 10am–3pm.

Belfairs Woodland Centre, Belfairs Park, Leigh SS9 4LR. Make a heart-shaped gift. No booking required.

WI Southchurch Village Friends Meeting Every 2nd Monday, 7.30pm. Please note that as from Feb 2017 we will be meeting at Thorpe Bay Methodist Church, The Broadway, Thorpe Bay SS1 3HQ. 13th February – Reflexology.

Green Bunch – Boynett Rangers FREE Wed 15th Feb 10am–3pm. Belfairs Woodland Centre, Belfairs Park, Leigh.

For girls and boys aged 11–16. Take part in practical conservation work. Booking essential: www.essexwt.org.uk/ events/2017/02/15/green-bunch-boynett-rangers Quiz Night Fri 17th Feb, 7pm. Shoeburyness & Thorpe Bay Baptist Church, 90 Thorpedene Gardens, Southend SS3 9JD. Teams of eight, bring own refreshments. £7 per person. Call: Wendy 01702 870 895.

Board Game Club FREE Sun 19th Feb, 12–4pm. 1st Floor Meeting Rooms, The Forum, Elmer Square, Southend SS1 1NE. Fortnightly board game club for all ages. Games will be available but feel free to bring your own.

Leigh Travel Club FREE Wed 1st March, 7.30–9.30pm. Iveagh Hall, 67 Leigh Rd, Leigh SS9 1JW. Julia Hammond presents talk on Extremadura, Spain. Call: Lynda 01702 474475.

Laurel & Hardy Film and Talk Night Sat 4th March, 6.30–9.30pm. Laurel & Hardy Room, Park Inn Palace, Church Rd, Southend SS1 2AL. Free tea and coffee. £7 per person.

Call: Wendy for tickets on 01702 870895.

Dance Exercise Class Mondays 7.30–8.30pm, Holy Trinity, Southchurch Boulevard SS2 4XA. Tuesdays 9.30–10.30am, Christchurch Centre, Colbert Ave, Thorpe Bay SS1 3BH. All ages welcome £5/£6.

Strength & Balance Class Tues 10.45am, Christchurch Centre, Colbert Avenue. Thurs 10.15am, Holy Trinity, Southchurch Blvd. Mon 2.30pm, St Augustine’s Church, Thorpe Bay SS1 3JH. £5/£6. Call: Elaine 01702 582231.

CLEANING & SEALING OF DOMESTIC DRIVEWAYS & PATIOS

Matt Finish

After

Before

“Avoid Cowboy Trades & Services”

Public Liability: £1,000,000 View our policy details

Before you use them

WWW.SEALINGTECHNIQUE.COM for only £9 per sq metre Call Lionel or Luke

01268 449771 / 07834 897654 / 07817 726966 19 St. Davids Way, Wickford, Essex SS11 8EX 10% OFF with this leaflet/advert

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Simply Business

Always

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21/01/2015 14:54

February 2017

February 2017 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

37

Air&Back

Q Airport Transfer Specialists Air & Back, the airport-transfer specialists, provide an efficient and friendly door-to-door transfer to and from your airport. seaport or ferry terminal, at a reasonable cost.

Get your holiday or business trip off to a comfortable start with an effortless transfer from Air & Back.

Q Q Q Q

Q

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Detailed confirmation to you the day before departure

Call today for a competitive quote Air & Back, 22 Coronation Close, Great Wakering, SS3 0JG

Tel/Fax: 01702 435722 Mobile 07903 301086 airandback@yahoo.co.uk

CITY H STANSTED H GATWICK H LUTON H HEATHROW 38

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February 2017

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39

Sponsored by:

Thames Estuary Lacemakers Westcliff-on-Sea Cricket Club Westcliff Poetry Prose Lyric Club Westcliff Rugby Club

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Council Tax & Benefits Council Waste Department Environment and domestic Jobcentre Southend Leigh-on-Sea Town Council Southend Council Civic Centre

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BMI Southend Private Hospital NHS Direct Primary Care Trust Southend General Hospital Spire Wellesley Hospital

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Council & Services

01702 780066 www.brymanrecruitment.co.uk

USEFUL NUMBERS Advice & Helplines

Child Protection Citizens Advice Crimestoppers Cruse Bereavement Care Drugs, Alcohol & Substance Misuse HARP – Southend’s Homeless Charity National Drugs Freephone Pier & Foreshore Inspectors Samaritans Freephone Trading Standards Victim Support Group

Clubs & Associations

Local MP

David Amess (Conservative)

Animal Welfare 534495 0844 4770 808 0800 555 111 213843 440400 615000 0800 776900 215620 116123 0845 4040506 0845 4565995

Belfairs Golf Club 526911 Belfairs Mixed Bowling 475766 Charles Dicken’s Fellowship 588069 Cockleshell Clog Morris 218081 English Speaking Union 588069 Essex Handicrafts Association 479622 Essex Society for Family History 522992 Essex Yacht Club 478404 Estuary Social Club 477022 Fairwood Bowls Club 525648 Highlands Badminton Club 476009 Hoy & Anchor Folk Club 715111 I.C.C Saturday Club 437861 Leigh Afternoon Women’s Institute 710232 Leigh Camera Club 478717 Leigh Film Society 07957 129309 Leigh-on-Sea Cricket Club 712105 Leigh-on-Sea Lions Club 715111 Leigh Motor Boat Club 714858 Leigh Sailing Club 476788 Leigh Travel Club 474475 Lower Thames Rowing Club 482205 Naval & Military Club 347169 Prittlewell Bowls Club 612476 Royal British Legion Leigh-on-Sea Branch 559996 SEESS Scottish Country Dancing

585473 Southend Athletics Club 472195 Southend Anglo Italian Circle 478105 Southend Chess Club (Steve Wedlock) 345902 Southend & District Pensioners Campaign 341047 Southend Photographic Society 332491 Southend Rugby Club 546682 Southend West District Scouts (19 groups) 587647 South Essex Natural History Society 588115

40

Hospitals & Health

Downes & Prtnrs, Veterinary Surgeon RSPCA Rochford

Police Services HM Coastguard Marine Police Police

Public Services

0207 2193452 584511 548261

01702 294998 01268 775533 emergency 999 / non-emergency 101

Arriva Southend 08701 201088 Bournes Green Post Office 582241 First 01268 525251 National Express 087050 80 80 80 Odeon Cinema 0871 2244007 Southend Forum 215011 SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmens Families Assoc.)

463113 Traveline 0871 200 2233

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February 2017

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41

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INTERIOR DESIGNS Morris Interiors 26 KITCHENS Kitchen Base 37 KNITTING Knitting Emporium 8 LANDSCAPE GARDENING RJM Landscapes 11 MARBLE WORKTOPS Abbey Marble 20 MID-20TH CENTURY FURNITURE Retrovia 29 PLUMBING & HEATING Hammond & Sons 20 PROPERTY SERVICES Hopsons Property Services 4 RESTAURANTS The Anchor 6 Manoly’s 11 ROOFING & CLADDING Simmons Roofing & Cladding 19 SCHOOLS St. Michael’s School 43 SKIP HIRE Leigh Skip Hire 4 SOLICITORS Curtis & Curtis 32 TRAIN TRAVEL c2c 27 TREE SERVICES Mike’s Tree Services 30 Tree-King 34 TUITION 11+ DIY 19 Genie Tutors 14 WILLS Oracle Estate Planning 28/39

42

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THINKING BMW? THINK FAIRFIELD

The Ultimate Driving Machine

THE NEW BMW 5 SERIES. ARRIVES 11 FEBRUARY 2017.

This is a car that has been designed with pure ambition. Ambition to be the most innovative car in its class, and connect driver, road and outside world in a truly seamless way. Thanks to its extremely lightweight core, the car’s driving dynamics have been fine-tuned to provide maximum stability, class-leading efficiency and sublime agility. The brand new design has athleticism at its heart and a character that is as confident as it is refined.

Visit www.fairfieldbmw.co.uk to find out more and register your interest.

FAIRFIELD

Arterial Road, Leigh-on-Sea Essex SS9 4XX 01702 669292 www.fairfieldbmw.co.uk Official fuel economy figures for the new BMW 5 Series range: Urban 60.1-29.7mpg (4.7-9.5l/100km). Extra Urban 74.347.8mpg (3.8-5.9l/100km). Combined 68.8-39.2mpg (4.1-7.2l/100km). CO 2 emissions: 108-164g/km. Figures may vary depending on

44

driving style and conditions.

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February 2017