Oracle on-Sea January 2020

Your all-seeing local

February2020 January 2018

OR CLE ORACLE

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

COMPETITION! WIN a course of 4 x Vitamin B12 shots to help boost energy levels - Worth £120!

NEW DIRECTORY FOR SOUTHEND! www.SouthendOracle.co.uk COUNCIL! Let’s make Southend High Street a social place again LOCAL ISSUES! Rejuvenating Southend

Cover image 'Beast From The East’ by Richard Swinscoe - Oracle Photographic Competition 2018 entry

2

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

January 2020

F TIM REE AT ES !

ORACLE

ES

WELCOME

New Year is always a great time to take stock and make plans for the year ahead. During 2019 Oracle published a number of articles on the subject of Seaway. This proposed development is causing division between businesses and Council which I feel, is becoming detrimental to the town. It is important for you all to know how representatives on both sides feel on the sensitive subject of Seaway.

I hope that 2020 will bring the right result for the benefit of the town.

This month’s competition is a great way to recover from the festive period. Fully qualified and insured technician, Chelsey White at Health Boost, is offering one lucky winner a course of 4 x Vitamin B12 shots worth £120. Vitamin B12 is a vital vitamin for our health and is important in the production of myelin, the insulation around nerves which contributes to proper brain function, healthy nervous system function and energy production. For more information on this service and other services that Chelsey offers please visit: www.healthboostuk.com.

Terms and conditions apply.

To enter Oracle/VitB12 competition, please visit Oracle’s competition page on our website or we still accept entries by post to Oracle’s offices, see addresss below. We just need your full name and contact details. Closing date is 31 January 2020.

Happy New Year to you all!

EXPERT ROOFING SERVICES With years of experience, we offer: SLATING / TILING ALL ASPECTS OF FLAT ROOFING LEAD WORK CHIMNEY REPOINTING UPVC PLASTIC CLADDING, FACIAS, SOFFITS & GUTTERING WE ARE FULLY INSURED & ALL WORK IS FULLY GUARANTEED

Contact:

07504698026 01702 743570

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

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 is now 100% recyclable

Oracle Publications and Creative Media @oracle_essex January 2020

sales : 01702 334353 lettings : 01702 390990

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

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

3

Antique and modern reupholstery french polishing & repair service, pub club & hotel work undertaken Ercol, Cintique, Parker Knoll

CONTENTS Rejuvenating Southend

9/10

Local Issues by Andy Crow

Let's make Southend High Street a social place again 17/18

George Evans Upholstery t . 01702 716921

e. georgeevansupholstery@yahoo.co.uk

Unit 3, R/o 213 Leigh Road, Leigh-on-Sea

Council article by Cllr Tony Cox

Four top hair trends to get excited about in the New Year 24 Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith

Welcome to the 2020’s. What do you want them to look like for you?

28 Editorial by Charlotte Wood

Brainbox 32 What's on

34

Useful Numbers

36

Advertiser Index

38

Advertorials Independent Party

20/21

VitB12 23 High-Tech Membrane

30/31

All All rights rights reserved. reserved. No No part part of of Oracle Oracle Publications Publications UK UK Ltd Ltd may may be be reproduced reproduced or or used used in in any any form form or or by by any any means means either either wholly wholly or or in in part without prior permission of the publisher.

Oracle Publications part without prior permission of the publisher. Oracle Publications UK UK Ltd Ltd is is editorially editorially autonomous autonomous and and the the opinions opinions expressed expressed are are not not those those of of the the publisher publisher unless unless expressly expressly stated. stated.

4

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

January 2020

And they called it puppy love!

SALE NOW ON! CARPETS VINYLS LAMINATES

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

MODULEO KARNDEAN RUGS REMNANTS

ENGINEERED WOOD

Trade Carpets S

AR

ED

30

YE

SH

I BL

TA

ES

An Independent Supplier

1000s OF CARPETS sales IN STOCK EXPERT FITTING • FREE DELIVERY : 01702•334353 SHOWROOM OPEN 9AM–5.30PM EVERY DAY lettings : 01702 390990

01702 612424 / 01702 612425 e : info@hopsonproperty.co.uk w : hopsonproperty.co.uk

640 SUTTON ROAD, SOUTHEND-ON-SEA, ESSEX SS2 5PX tradecarpetssouthend.co.uk e: sales@tradecarpetssouthend.co.uk January 2020

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

5

Just

£2 For our class timetable and more info:

www.activelife.uk.com

4

£

6

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

January 2020

January 2020

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

7

8

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

January 2020

LOCAL ISSUES

Rejuvenating Southend We are living at a time where there seems to be so much bad news, anger and resentment in the world that it is worth remembering that it can be the simple things that can make us happiest.

A drink or meal with family and friends, a walk in the park or a stroll along the seafront are simple pleasures that most enjoy. We are lucky to live in an area where these things are possible and it’s worth remembering that Southend began as a tourist resort. One wonders how many visitors to the town bother returning these days.

not available. If it isn’t recorded, then it should be.

For us residents, we need the council to stop the permeant bickering about policies and concentrate on getting through what is best for the town and its environment and not what is best for their egos.

Most locals consider the Town Centre to be an embarrassment. The quality of shops and restaurants has deteriorated (with a few exceptions) and the general feeling of safety is often questioned.

Southend now has some of the highest drug-related crime figures in the country.

Where are the extra Police officers that we were promised gone?

Split Council spending equally Basic things spring to mind. Improve road surfaces for the whole town not just certain wards. I would like to see proof that spending is split equally between the 17 wards. I recently put in a Freedom of Information request asking for this information and was told it was January 2020

Housing left in appalling condition Builders are legally bound to repair any damaged pavements caused from their work. Yet with so many house improvements being carried out, some are left in appalling condition after work is completed. This is particularly dangerous for disabled people and older people. This legislation is not strictly enforced and would be relatively easy for officers to monitor as they know where permission for work has been granted.

It’s a sad fact that it is quite possible that the chance to redevelop Southend into a vibrant shopping area like Chelmsford has become, has passed.

We need to improve the whole

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

9

experience of living and visiting our town.

One problem we have is the infrastructure. New housing developments, the multitude of out of town supermarkets and just 2 main roads coming into the town means gridlock most weekends let alone when the warm weather arrives. Park and Ride works in Chelmsford and Cambridge surely it can be developed out of town for Southend.

(Not the current idea which is bizarrely based on the seafront).

More parking for Southend For those that insist on driving, create more parking. The debacle of the Seaway Project sell off, is only going to make the problem worse. Replacing it with a leisure park is an idea from the 1990’s.

Cinemas across the country are losing money due to the popularity of Netflix and Amazon Prime and the restaurant trade is suffering terribly in the town.

Does anybody really think that a couple of restaurant chains will make Southend thrive? A new hotel being built isn’t going to be successful unless there is a huge increase in demand to come and stay.

My concern is, over the years seafront parking has been greatly reduced, just one example was the loss of spaces for the cycling track. Accessible parking for the seafront is essential and the Seaway development planned parking won’t be enough to service both the seafront and the new development plans, during the towns busy periods. Where will they park and will they bother to visit 10

again? Southend’s main attraction is its seafront and what we don’t want is for seafront traders to stop investing in their businesses!

Also, make life easier for those that wish to travel by train. Cuts in bus services and the Council’s lack of pressure in enforcing routes, is another huge negative. For example, Chalkwell doesn’t have a bus route that runs within half a mile of the station.

It is time that we begin to run the town as a business and not as a political battleground. We have many thriving businesses in Southend so why not engage with the entrepreneurs who understand business acumen and customer needs to put together a plan to rejuvenate the town? The area has so many fantastic things to encourage people of all ages to live and visit us. We have fantastic parks, the new sporting and wellbeing facilities at Garon Park, the relaxed atmosphere of Old Leigh and the hustle of the Golden Mile.

There really is something for everyone here, but we have to unleash the potential.

Andy Crow, Director Chorus Business Advisers 07779 720 873 0845 867 1263 andycrow@chorusadvisers.co.uk www.chorusadvisers.co.uk Oracle welcomes thoughts from all sides as balance is very important. Write your letter in the comment section located under the relevant article on our website. oraclepublications.co.uk #SaveSouthend

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

January 2020

The digital revolution is coming to Southend-on-Sea Southend is being transformed into one of the best digitally connected locations on the planet.

Thanks to a partnership between CityFibre and Vodafone, nearly every home and business in the borough will have access to the fastest, most reliable full fibre broadband.

Find out more at cityfibre.com/gigabit-cities January 2020

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

@CityFibre 11

THE ADVENTURE INSIDE 12 MONTHLY PASS ULD YOU CO YDAY ER VISIT EVWHOLE A R FO HS 12 MONTONE T S U FOR J T OF… PAYMEN

Incredible Value! Incredible Fun! Keep those smiles coming all year with an amazing Adventure Inside 12 Monthly Pass for just £28!!

You pay nothing more for a whole year of soft play and fun-tastic rides.

Open everyday* - See our website for more details.

www.adventureinside.co.uk GREAT O IT’S A D TO NT CAR DISCOU % OFF YOUR 0 WITH 2 ILL AT ALL B TOTAL LAND URE IS T N E V D A Y L FAMI RANTS! RESTAU

12

* except Christmas Day and Boxing Day Terms and conditions apply.

NEW LAR SEATING GER A AND TOIL REA ETS

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

January 2020

RAYMOND GUBBAY presents

New 2020 season brought to life by magical special effects

The Nutcracker 9 February at 2pm & 5.30pm Swan Lake 8 March at 2pm & 5.30pm Performed by The

Russian State Ballet of Siberia Orchestra of the Russian State Ballet

Accompanied by The

CLIFFS PAVILION - SOUTHEND thecliffspavilion.co.uk I 01702 351135 January 2020

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

13

interest FREE

Our carpet department has a huge selection of colours and designs from Axminster, Brintons, Associated Weavers, Abingdon, Crucial Trading, Westex, Ulsters and many more.

Our stores have a fantastic selection of engineered woods and laminate flooring from a variety of suppliers including Ted Todd, Parador and many others. We have an extensive collection of design flooring from Karndean and Moduleo. Add to this our superb collection of rugs, you can see we have every floor covered.

So why not come and visit our showroom today!

14

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

January 2020

HETAS and OFTEC Registered Installers

THESE PRICES INCLUDE: flue pipe, closure plate, liner, caps, clamps, plates etc., and fitting by HETAS and OFTEC Registered Installers.

January 2020

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

15

New Year - New Look 10% OFF any jobs booked before 31.01.20*

Expertise in fireplaces, cinema and audio system Visit our showroom or contact us to discuss your room transformation.

327 Southchurch Road, Unit 8 Southchurch Business Park, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 2PE.

t: 01702 904002 e: info@thornwoodfireplaces.com w: thornwoodfireplaces.com *T&C's - 10% offer valid from date of Publication of the January edition of the Oracle Magazine.

Fireplaces • Electric Fires • Gas Fires • Stoves • Radiators • Bespoke Design Service

16

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

January 2020

COUNCIL

Let's make Southend High Street a social place again

It may sound dramatic, but we all yearn for a return for a vibrant Southend High Street.

I’m sorry to say, that it is struggling, and has been for quite some time.

We shop online for everything from groceries to candles, books to sofas. The High Street needs to become a place to

How do we do this?

Whilst more needs to be done by Central government to ease the crippling burden of business rates on the retail sector but there is more that we should and could

do things. Why can’t there be an online

be doing locally. The top end of the High

shopping hub in the High Street so

Street should be a place where people

people can write a report in a coffee shop,

can gather rather than the barren space

go to the gym, have a pint with friends,

that it currently is. I have for a long while

get your nails done and then meet family

been an advocate for relocating the

for dinner and then collect your online

screen outside the Forum into the top

purchases and do further shopping. The

end of the High Street for example to

High Street needs to be a destination and become social again.

showcase major events.

The Christmas lights switch on shows that

What is the solution?

Now is the time to introduce a plan that is dynamic and allows flexibility for future uses in our High Street. Southend High Street has a lot of opportunity. Any plan

the top end of the High Street can attract people. The recent Rugby World Cup final was a missed opportunity where the bars could have opened and breakfast could

has to clearly recognise that retail is still

have been served and then the match

the priority but has the flexibility to allow

finished at a time when the shops started

for mixed use and become a destination

to open with footfall already there.

again.

January 2020

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

17

Next Summer we have the football

I have never understood the reluctance

European Championships and the

of the current Administration to do so.

Olympic Games which has the potential

The argument given for not doing so is

to attract people into the High Street.

that people would drive around to look

Live images of the High Street

for the free parking and not use the

When visitors come to Southend along Victoria Avenue and come to Victoria Circus, the real issue is that nobody

paid car parks. By this logic, would the Administration take away the free parking from Thorpe Bay High Street? I think not.

knows the High Street is just yards in

Safer and more accessible

front of them. For relatively small cost we

To create this vision the High Street

could make Victoria Circus like Piccadilly

needs to be accessible and for people

Circus and showcase live images of the

to be safe. More work needs to be done

High Street and seafront on the back of

to reduce anti-social behaviour. More

the Odeon Cinema and New Look with

importantly it needs to be accessible.

advertising.

Does anyone really think removing over

To entice people to come we need to

100 spaces at Seaway Car Park and

make more free parking available. I will

removing the underpass at Queensway

be the first to admit the removal of the

will assist? We need to press on with

1 hour parking band was a mistake and

creating more car parking at Tylers

when in Administration we got this totally

Avenue Car Park and stop the draft

wrong. Free parking could compliment

Queensway proposal otherwise we may

our paid car parks. This works well in

just as well put a sign at Progress Road

places like Thorpe Bay High Street. The

saying ‘Please turn around, Southend

side roads off the High Street should be

closed for business’.

made free parking, removing unnecessary

Cllr Tony Cox West Shoebury Ward Leader of the Conservative Group

yellow lines to create more capacity whereby there is a mixture of 2 hours free parking and 20 minute bays so people can come and collect their online purchases made at home.

18

Oracle welcomes thoughts from all sides as balance is very important. Write your letter in the comment section located under the relevant article on our website. oraclepublications.co.uk #SaveSouthend

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

January 2020

advertorial

Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up? Established for over a decade Cloudy2Clear windows have become a leading company for glass replacement.

Issues with double glazing can often be gradual and may only be noticed during a clear sunny day or during the winter. A failed glass unit may no longer provide you with the protection you need or be energy efficient. Why not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you have any failed double glazing?

If you act now you can avoid these problems.

Now, you may think you need to replace the whole window including the frames and all the hardware, however Cloudy2Clear have come up with a simple and cost saving solution‌ Just replace the glass!!

If you see condensation in your windows just visit our website or give us a call on 0800 61 21 118. We will send out our highly experienced engineers for a free no obligation quote. A Cloudy2Clear quote takes on average no longer than 20 minutes. Once the quote is completed, we will sit down with you and

explain the problem and tell you how we can fix it. With years of experience Cloudy2Clear have a wealth of knowledge and are recognised as a Which Trusted Trader, plus our work is backed by an industry leading 25 year guarantee. Cloudy2Clear also replace faulty locks handles and hinges on all windows and doors.

Your friendly local Cloudy2Clear specialist is Chris Miller and he services the Thorpe Bay & Southend area.

So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Chris a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118.

Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!

Cloudy2Clear Windows...

Service With A Smile!

January 2020

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

19

Advertorial

An Independent View Improvement and opportunities for Southend

Why is the Seaway leisure development so important?

We have in the past few weeks and over the

• There will be a new state of the art eleven

years, heard so much about the negativity

screen IMAX cinema, a new Hollywood ten pin

on the Seaway development from a number

bowl facility, including an 80 bed hotel.

of Seafront businesses that fear competition

• There will be 550 new full time jobs

and will go all out to destroy a fundamental

creating permanent work and apprenticeship

re-generation of the town centre.

opportunities for residents in Southend,

I think at this point, we must understand that the whole town centre redevelopment is not just about the Seaway car park. It needs to be understood that Southend-on-Sea has been told by central Government that we have to build more homes for our residents. A great number of these will be in the town centre.

So as a Council, we have to consider that

with an additional 94 jobs created during the construction. This will enable Southend residents to up-skill and master a trade to secure better working opportunities going forward.

• The Seaway development will regenerate a tired and under used car park site, delivering a new public realm, a square and tree planting that would enhance the area, including the

these additional residents will have decent

historic St John’s The Baptist Church. This will

homes, but they also need to have some form

bring a real form of a golden opportunity for

of all year-round leisure facilities. These new

Southend and will breathe new life into the

leisure facilities will create a vibrant town

town centre, which will boost not only visitor

centre shopping area and add to the current

numbers, but also the footfall into the High

entertainment venues along the Seafront.

Street, all of which is desperately needed.

20

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

January 2020

• There will also be active indoor activities,

town centre businesses (BID) who are very

such as a rock-climbing wall, indoor golf and a

supportive of the Seaway regeneration

gym including restaurants and cafes, offering a

scheme.

wide range of cuisine.

Benefits for residents and businesses

• It will include 555 car parking spaces, which

Things are happening in Southend-on-Sea

is 87 more than was originally on the site. To

that will bring benefits for residents and

dispel any concerns about car parking, we

businesses and over the coming years people

now have the gas works site and the proposed

will see change in the creation of jobs, decent

multi-storey car park on Tyler’s Avenue, with a

housing, all year-round leisure facilities, an

brand new bus station.

improvement in our parks and open spaces

• It will also enable 93 trees to be planted to

and a street scene that people will be proud

help create a green lung in the centre of town.

of.

This is a major investment which gives a bright

One final thought in all this, planning

future not only for the town centre, but also

applications are not allowed to be judged

for our young people and residents that are

involving competition on any developments,

looking for full time employment.

be it retail or leisure. I personally believe

So therefore, why is there so much negativity

this will not be in competition with any

from certain people for a site that will deliver

other business in Southend, but what it will

a state of the art all year-round leisure

do is help drive up the quality of leisure,

experience, create hundreds of jobs and bring

entertainment and restaurants that we have

in over £15m a year for the local economy?

in Southend-on-Sea. Once again this is a

All this negativity can be called looking after

bright future, it has been a long time coming

their own interests in trying to convince local

from when I first signed the contract back in

people that they know best by protecting their

November 2014 and I have not changed my

businesses, which have over the years created

mind since then as to the benefits it will bring

zero hour jobs and pay minimum/low wages.

to the whole town.

We cannot afford to have acres of empty

Businesses that do not embrace change and

tarmac for the majority of the year that does

competition will not survive and quite frankly

not create jobs and training opportunities

do not deserve to do so. It is up to them,

because of a few self-interested business

please embrace what the Council is doing for

people who want to detract or stop the

its residents.

overwhelming desire of residents and

Cllr Ron Woodley Independent Councillor, Thorpe Ward

January 2020

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

21

Specialists in Marble and Granite Kitchen & Bathroom Worktops Tailor-made Fireplaces to suit your home

Units 8–9 Robert Leonard Industrial Estate, Stock Road, Southend-on-Sea SS2 5QD

Call: 01702 615760

22

www.abbeymarble.co.uk

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

January 2020

Advertorial

Always exhausted?

Memory not what it used to be?

B12 shots could be your answer! Vitamin B12 is an all-natural energy and metabolism booster.

It has been proven to increase mood, levels of happiness, decrease feelings of fatigue, lower stress and even improve mild signs of depression.

Vitamin B12 is a vital vitamin for our health. It is important in the production of myelin, the insulation around nerves, which contributes to

A B12 shot is the perfect, natural solution to have you feeling well rested and refreshed!

Why Injections?

Fast administration - The B12 shot is an IM (intra-muscular injection) administered into the muscle of the upper arm to maximize the absorption of the vitamins into the body’s tissue

proper brain function and it is crucial for healthy

cells.

nervous system function and energy production.

No Downtime - Appointments take

It is also essential in producing DNA for cell division.

Everyone complains about feeling tired and low on energy. Despite drinking multiple cups

approximately 10-15 minutes, and following the intra-muscular shot you can return straight back to your normal routine.

of coffee in the morning, most of us end up

Our Guarantee - Inclusive of the price of your

exhausted and drained midway through the

B12 injection is a prescription for the B12

afternoon. You can use a vitamin B12 shot to

vitamin and if needed a consultation over the

help boost your day to day energy levels to help

phone with our company G.P.

fight the signs of fatigue or if you are just feeling low and run-down.

They are ideal in preparing for a big week in work or from working long hours or if you are preparing for a social function or special

Fully qualified and insured, giving the reassurance our technicians are fully qualified and insured. Your health is our priority and we want you to feel confident and safe when

occasion when you need to combat tiredness.

attending your appointments with us.

You may also want a boost when returning back

We are a mobile service.

Chelsey White Health Boost - The Clinic Chelseywhiteb12@gmail.com 07855863416 www.healthboostuk.com

from travels when suffering with Jet Lag. B12 shots are great for promoting healthy skin, hair and nails too.

January 2020

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

23

HAIR & BEAUTY

Four top hair trends to get excited about in the New Year

Well, hello and a very happy New Year to you!

As we look forward to the year ahead, join me – Mystic Craig – as I polish my crystal balls (one is never enough, sweetheart) and reveal what I foresee to be the hot hair trends of 2020.

Last year, well-groomed, sleek and shiny bobs were plastered all over my Instagram feed. However, this absolute classic cut looks set for a messy makeover.

Its successor will have a looser, more choppy and textured appearance.

The key to making this bob look so radically different is that it will have soft layers on the ends, so it doesn’t look so distinctively shaped. It also has bags of tousled sexiness to it, giving you a bit of a naughty, rebellious look.

Dyed hair

Exactly twelve months ago, I wrote about dyed hair being TNBG (the next big thing). In a way, that is set to continue but now, we’re adding an extra, contrasting colour. What may have started out being inspired by face-framing streaks of vibrant colour is now set to be statement-making differences. These can be complimentary, like a spicy ginger teamed with lovely cream tones, or lipstick pink against raven black. The bigger the difference, the better.

Regular readers might recall that I also said that hair accessories were coming back into vogue in

2019. Well, this will continue in the coming months, albeit that this time round we’re going to see less emphasis on adding sparkle and luxury to the hair.

In fact, quite the opposite.

Look for hair pins and clips that are made from stainless steel or aluminium. Better still, look for accessories that like unlikely choices for your hair, such shoe buckle shapes, or clips made from old cutlery. You would not believe how much a repurposed spoon looks modern, contemporary and sophisticated!

Balayage Appropriately, last summer balayage was a big thing in the world of hair. Balayage is the technique of hand painting highlights onto the hair, to create a soft, sun-kissed natural look. Balayage became hugely popular as it is not a blondes-only look.

Brunettes can also enjoy that cool surfer but to stay on-trend in the New Year, avoid the harsher blonde tones and go for richer, warmer hues, such as cinnamon, hazelnut and even tobacco-like colours.

If you are feeling more adventurous, then why not experiment with soft, pastel blue tones? Lavender, dusky pink and turquoise look absolutely stunning, done professionally.

by Craig Smith Director of Grateful Heads Hair Salon

Providing Providing expert expert hair care hair care to Essex to Essex for 30 foryears.

30 years.

Isn’t Isn’t it time it time you made you made your your headhead grateful? grateful?

01702 01702 340965 340965 32 Alexandra 32 Alexandra Street, Street, Southend Southend SS1SS1 1BU1BU 24

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

January 2020

Apple Computer Repairs & Sales Apple Mac Networks Apple Mac IT Tech Support 01702 680005

www.applecheck.co.uk info@applecheck.co.uk

January 2020

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

25

SALE DISCOUNT CARPET WAREHOUSES LIMITED

CONTINUES

ON SELECTED ITEMS

Celebrating 45 years of success!

Thanks to all our customers over so many great years!

Carpet • Ceramic Tiles • Kitchen Vinyl Full rolls/room size and remnants in stock.

At Kenbro we are proud. We don’t pay rent, passing our savings onto our customers!

USE OUR OWN FREE CAR PARK 141-159 SUTTON ROAD, SOUTHEND-ON-SEA, SS2 5PB

01702 614397 SALES@KENBRO.CO.UK WWW.KENBRO.CO.UK 26

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

January 2020

January 2020

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

27

Welcome to the 2020’s.

What do you want them to look like for you?

As we start a new decade, it’s the perfect opportunity to take stock of what we want our lives to look like over the next ten years. By the time 2030 comes around, how do you want to be spending your time? Do you plan to still be working full-time? Or have retired early and spending more time with grandchildren?

Are you on track to achieve the life you want for the 2020’s, and have you considered drawing up a financial plan? Make it your new year’s resolution to get to grips with your financial position now, and check whether you could be saving more into your pension. The tax incentives mean a generous amount of “free money**” is available, which will boost your savings more than any high street bank account.

Importantly, there are also some major changes to pensions on the way which you may need to factor into your planning.

Want more content like this? Subscribe to our mailing list at www.rosewoodfp.co.uk, where you can also read blogs and book in a free, noobligation discovery meeting.

Pensions

This year, the state pension age will rise to 66 for everyone, and will increase again to 67 by 2028.

The change will also affect people with private retirement savings, as the age that private pension pots can be accessed is also set to rise to 57 from 2028.

But the state pension alone isn’t enough to provide a comfortable standard of living in retirement. It is therefore important to have accumulated assets that could see you through a potential 30+ years after stopping work.

How much should you be aiming to save?

*Assuming a local address, non-smoker and good health.

Annuity on a level basis with no guarantees. **Tax relief on pension contributions- source The Money Advice Service – Why save into a pension?

A pension is a long term investment. The fund value may fluctuate and can go down. Your eventual income may depend upon the size of the fund at retirement, future interest rates and tax legislation.

The answer will depend on individual circumstances such as whether you are mortgage free, the lifestyle you want in retirement, and whether you have dependents.

Charlotte Wood trading as Rosewood Financial Planning is an appointed representative of The OnLine Partnership Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

As an example, a 65-year-old female with savings of £100,000 in a private pension would get an average income of around £5,000 a year if they were to buy an annuity today* (a form of insurance product that guarantees a set annual income for life).

Charlotte Wood APFS Director, Chartered Financial Planner 07738 118 845 charlotte@rosewoodfp.co.uk www.rosewoodfp.co.uk

28

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

January 2020

Fed up with drafty and unsightly windows?

We give

We specialise in windows, doors & conservatories.

We repair and replace the following:

free of charge, no obligation quotes!

Window handles Locks

Adjussng windows or doors Replacing leeerboxes

Hinges

Door knockers

Misted or broken glass

Panels

Specialist installers and service engineers in all forms of double glazing, triple glazing, UPVC, aluminium and hardwood windows, doors, conservatory's and roof line. All new installations are fully guaranteed, FENSA registered and also come with an independent security guarantee against break ins. We repair all types of windows, doors and conservatory's. We offer a full range of security upgrades and service packages. We also provide break in assistance.

A family run business proudly serving the local community for over 25 years!

01268 527112 www.thewindowmanessex.net window.man@btconnect.com January 2020

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

29

Advertorial

Lifetime guaranteed

Flat Roofing Up to

3 YEARS

INTEREST FREE* Limited funds available 100% resistant to algae & moss Free of stone chipping’s Manufactured never to blister or crack 100% maintenance free Proven in all climates

Another flat roof guaranteed for life

Durable enough to be walked on Designed with a unique anti-slip finish Storm resistant

High-Tech Roofing has now installed and guaranteed more than 10,000 domestic projects – every roof we install comes complete with a LIFETIME guarantee. We give the homeowner absolute peace of mind.

Installed never to leak Aesthetically pleasing

New Showroom now open: 850 London Road, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3NQ Winter Discounts

Savings up to Brochure and free sample available on request

15% OFF *T&Cs apply.

For a Free Quotation

Are you retired?

Possible savings now available

Call: 01702 668977 www.flatroofs.net *T&Cs apply. Head Office: Linden House, 30 Linden Road, Benfleet, Essex SS7 4BA

30

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

January 2020

Advertisement Feature

Winter is Upon Us! Is Your Roof Secure?

After experiencing some mild winters could this be the year the beast strikes back? Is your flat roof ready to cope?

growth. The membrane has a unique anti-slip finish allowing the roof to be walked on and is aesthetically pleasing. As it is a vapour permeable product it will never blister or become brittle and crack. High-Tech will create a 100% storm resistant watertight roof, maintenance free and guaranteed for life never to leak.

Are you one of 70% of home owners in the UK incorporating a mineral felt flat roof?

Mineral felt generally has a slow breakdown often allowing water ingress to cause unnecessary damage before anything can be visibly detected within the home.

A failing roof & the warning signslook for signs of cracking around the roof edge, pipes, upstands and roof lights etc. Beware of blisters on the roof surface, during colder months they can become brittle and crack.

THE HOME-OWNER SHOULD ALSO BE MADE AWARE that insurance companies will no longer accept any liability for any external or internal damage caused by a leaking flat roof which is over 10 years old.

FURTHER VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION: - ALL PROPERTY OWNERS PLEASE BE AWARE when a flat roof is replaced there are Building Regulations that the homeowner and the contractor must comply with. Failure to comply can leave the homeowner open to major problems when selling the property.

PLEASE CALL FOR FREE INFORMATION REGARDING THE REGULATIONS. In 1999, High-Tech Roofing first introduced the most advanced flat roof technology to the homeowner.

Protan, based in Norway, has a pedigree in the design and manufacture of water- proofing materials dating back to 1939, and producing the first roofing membrane in 1971. Protan is our preferred PVC single-ply flat roofing system and will cope with all climates, millions of square metres are installed here and abroad with a proven track record stretching over four decades.

Protan is predominantly an architectspecified roofing system, winning many awards serving the very competitive commercial sector.

A High-Tech roof is dimensionally stable and solar reflective, the material is unaffected by climate change and 100% resistant to moss & algae

We will be delighted to welcome you at our brand-new showroom located in Leigh-on-sea. This gives us the opportunity to show you first hand our superb Lifetime Guaranteed flat roofing systems. We have a variety of displays showing the glass skylights and roof lanterns offering the opportunity to view everything before you buy. We welcome you come and visit us at 850 London road, Leighon-Sea, Essex SS9 3NQ. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9:30am till 4:30pm and Saturday 10am till 2pm. However, we do offer a service whereby we will open upon request outside of opening hours.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WINTER DISCOUNTS. For a limited period only - All Roofing products will be discounted to a maximum of 15%. The discount structure will depend on timing and work specification. There is INTEREST FREE funding available subject to available funds. There is never any obligation to buy.

The Problem The Solution Always 100% committed to customer care and satisfaction January 2020

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

31

Based in

Rayleigh

LOGS FOR SALE !

BRAINBOX QUALIFIED • LICENCED • INSURED • 24HR EMERGENCY

6

8

7 1

3

Tree Pruning • Shaping Precision Felling • Thinning Stump Grinding • Dead Wooding • Ground Maintenance

8

2

4

Call us now:

8 9

7

1 3

Discounts Available for OAP & Disabled in the local area

4

3

6

7

01268 857550 07719 837777 or email: enquire@tree-king.co.uk www.tree-king.co.uk

9 6

9

7

5

4

8

9 PENS

SUDOKU – Enter numbers

BEND

WORD LADDER – Climb the ladder, changing one letter each rung to make a new word.

into the blank spaces so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.

CONUNDRUM – Unscramble to solve the clue.

E

B

A

T

E

C

E

R

L

Clue: It's time to _________ this time of year!

3

Last month’s solutions: WORD LADDER –

CARDCORDLORDLOADROAD CONUNDRUM – ORNAMENTS

32

4

9

7

8

5

1

6

2

1

2

7

4

6

3

5

8

9

8

6

5

2

1

9

3

4

7

7

5

4

6

3

2

9

1

8

6

3

8

9

4

1

2

7

5

9

1

2

5

7

8

6

3

4

2

8

6

3

5

4

7

9

1

4

9

3

1

2

7

8

5

6

5

7

1

8

9

6

4

2

3

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

January 2020

WORRIED ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE? your single or outdated ...THINK CLIMATEC Upgrade uPVC windows to reduce your WE MAKE THEM

home’s carbon footprint

WE FIT THEM

WE GUARANTEE THEM

ENERGY SA VING WINDOWS THAT WON ’T COST THE EARTH

Climatec Home Improvements

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE

01702 447600

www.climatec-hi.co.uk

NEW WINDOWS - USE LESS FUEL - PRODUCE LESS CARBON DIOXIDE/GREENHOUSE GASES Contribute to a greener environment with new energy efficient windows, while at the same time making your home more comfortable and reducing your heating costs too!

Climatec Home Improvements fit ‘A Rated’ energy saving windows at prices to meet most budget, so why not give us a call today to arrange a free quotation, with absolutely no obligation or high pressure selling.

Home visits take around 20 minutes and quotes are always in written format, we do not sell on the day!

DIRECT FROM OUR FACTORY= UPVC AND ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS = WIDE RANGE OF COLOURS/ FINISHES = COMPOSITE, FRENCH, PATIO & BI-FOLD DOORS = TIMBER ALTERNATIVE WINDOWS & PERIOD STYLED DOORS = THERMALLY EFFICIENT FRAMES = REHAU APPROVED PARTNER = SECURITY LOCKING Installsure logos, colours and typeface = SECURED BY DESIGN PRODUCTS = 10 YEAR PRODUCT GUARANTEE Find us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter

Climatec Home Improvements Ltd is part of the Climatec Group Fletchers Square, Temple Farm Industrial Estate, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS2 5RN Green CMYK: 80/21/100/6 RGB: 52/138/54 #348a36

Tint 60%

Grey CMYK: 0/0/0/60 RGB: 134/134/134 #868686

Installsure.co.uk

January 2020

Typeface: Myriad Pro Light, Myriad Pro Regular, Myriad Pro Semibold, Myriad Pro Bold

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

33

WHAT’S ON To see more and to add your own events visit www.southendoracle.co.uk/events NETWORKING MEET-UP DATE 16th January 2020 TIME 12:00 - 14:00 VENUE Southend Rugby Club, Sumpters Way There are no whistles, bells or 60 second pitches just a room full of like minded business that what to meet up with other businesses and build long lasting relationships.

SOUTHEND ANTIQUE FAIR DATE 19th January 2020 TIME 9:00 - 18:00 VENUE The Chase Sports & Fitness Centre This Southend Vintage Fair will showcase products like Antiques, Collectables and Vintage. Including silver, glass and more.

MASTERS FREE GIRLS DAY TIME 9:00 - 16:30

DATE 25 January 2020 VENUE 2-4 Totman Crescent

The FREE OF CHARGE day open to GIRLS aged 13yrs up will consist of a variety of classes in a mixed genre of Performing Arts. Which could include : Technical Jazz / Musical Theatre / Commercial Jazz / Ballet / Acting / Singing. The day will be held at our brand new purpose built studios - giving an insight into what life is like for girls training at masters.

SOUTH ESSEX COLLEGE RECRUITMENT EVENT TIME 17:00 - 19:30 DATE 14th January 2020 VENUE Waves Restaurant, South Essex College, Luker Rd South Essex College is currently recruiting for a whole range of roles and we’re keen to meet enthusiastic and talented industry professionals who are looking to make a difference to the lives of young people. This event is aimed at anyone who is interested in working for the College, particularly those who aren’t currently teaching but are looking for a route into Further Education teaching.

SATURDAY ART CLUB - DIGIFEST DATE 18th January 2020

TIME 10:30 - 12:30

VENUE Focus Point Gallery, Elmer Avenue As part of Focal Point Gallery’s Digifest programme, Saturday Art Club sessions will have a digital focus in the month of January.

Taylor Jack Smith will be leading workshops creating characters and learning key digital photography skills.

ADD YOUR EVENT ...

It’s FREE to add your local charity, fundraiser, club, school, music, church, in fact any event.

www.southendoracle.co.uk/events 34

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

January 2020

Straight, whiter teeth for 2020 UP TO £1000 OFF INVISALIGN! *With this advert. Until the end of January 2020.

The most advanced clear aligner tooth straightening system in the world!

• NEW Scanner! No need for impressions • Teeth straightening

FREE cosmetic/teeth straightening consultation with this advert

• FREE teeth whitening • Now accepting new patients!

call

01702 352450

Now open all day Saturday!

(For enquiries and appointments) You can book an appointment online at:

royalmewsdentalpractice.co.uk 17 Royal Mews, Southend on Sea, Essex SS1 1DB

January 2020

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

35

Sponsored by:

01702 393 838 www.southendoracle.co.uk

USEFUL NUMBERS Advice & Helplines AR Adams Funeral Directors 586383 Child Protection 534495 Citizens Advice 0344 4770 808 Cllr Ron Woodley 588662 Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Cruse Bereavement Care 213843 Drugs, Alcohol & Substance Misuse 456800 HARP – Southend's Homeless Charity 615000 Jobcentre Southend 0800 169 0190 National Drugs Freephone 0300 123 6600 Pier & Foreshore Inspectors 215620 Samaritans Freephone 116123 Southend Carers 393933 Southend Council Civic Centre 215000 Southend Talking Newspaper 898900 Victim Support Group 0845 4565995 Clubs & Associations Actorcrats (Amateur Dramatics) 306506 Belfairs Mixed Bowling 525648 Burges Estate Residents Association (BERA) 588662 Charles Dicken’s Fellowship 588069 Cockleshell Clog Morris 218081 Essex Handicrafts Association 479862 Essex Society for Family History 522992 Leigh-on-Sea Royal British Legion 559996 Lower Thames Rowing Club 482205 Naval & Military Club 347169 Piertalk 07474 119899 Prittlewell Bowls Club 612476 Scouts: Southend, Thorpe Bay & Shoeburyness

584026 Southchurch Park Bowling Club 07434 190067 Southchurch Croquet Club at Rayleigh 525106 Southend Anglo Italian Circle 478105 Southend & District Pensioners Campaign 341047 Southend Blind Welfare Association 342131 Southend Bowls Club 467073 Southend Cardiac Support Group 309042/293469 Southend Chess Club (Steve – Club Secretary)

345902 Southend Golf Club 473206 Southend-on-Sea Lions Club 582828 Southend Photographic Society 332491 Southend Rugby Club 546682 South Essex Natural History Society 588115 St Augustine’s Church 587597 Stone Masons & Dry Stone Wallers 292867 Thames Estuary Lacemakers 476034 The Shoebury Society 586622 The Wine Circle 295325 Thorpe Bay Art Group 585382 Thorpe Bay Bowling Club 582074 Thorpe Bay Bridge Club 875234 Thorpe Bay Floral Arrangement Group 585350 Thorpe Bay Horticultural Society 588297 Thorpe Bay Ladies Thursday Club 296975 Thorpe Bay Lawn Tennis Club 585245

36

Thorpe Bay Men’s Forum 588297 Thorpe Bay Afternoon Townswomen’s Guild 588909 Thorpe Bay Probus 07947613594 Thorpe Bay Yacht Club 587563 Thorpe Hall Golf Club 582205 Hospitals & Health Primary Care Trust 224600 Southend General Hospital 435555 Pharmacies Bansal Pharmacy 587500 178 The Broadway, Mon–Fri 9–6.30pm/Sat 9–1pm Howells and Harrison Thorpe Bay Pharmacy 582658 The Broadway, Mon–Fri 9–6.30pm/Sat 9–5.30pm Closed 1–2pm Wed+Sat Local MP James Duddridge (Conservative) 616135 Animal Welfare Downes & Prtnrs, Veterinary Surgeon 584511 RSPCA Rochford 0300 1234 999 Police Services Police emergency 999 Police non-emergency 101 Essex Police Marine Unit 01621 782121 HM Coastguard 01702 294998 Public Services Southend Forum 215011 Bournes Green Post Office 582241 Traveline 0871 200 2233 Arriva Southend 0844 800 4411 First 01268 525251 National Express 08705 80 80 80 Odeon Cinema 0871 2244007 SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmens Families Assoc.) 463113 24 hour Emergency Homeless Shelter 430696

Our customers are our priority Free quotation and design consultation*

10%

Discount

When you mention the Oracle Ends 30.01.20

We are a family run business covering Essex, London and the South East. We offer the following home improvement services:

BLINDS SHUTTERS CURTAINS AWNINGS AND CANOPIES 07848 149848

sales@retracxblinds.co.uk www.retracxblinds.co.uk

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

January 2020

Santry Davis Chartered Certified Accountants

Need help with your accounts?

Hate bookkeeping?

VAT Return keeping you awake?

We can help!!

Sole Trader accounts from £375 plus VAT (introductory offer)

Company accounts from £550 plus VAT (introductory offer)

Bookkeeping from £15 per hour plus VAT (introductory offer)

Contact us today for more information Pinnacle House 2-10 Rectory Road Hadleigh Essex SS7 2ND

January 2020

T: 01702 780055 W: www.santrydavis.co.uk E: admin@santrydavis.co.uk

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

37

Ensure your business is listed in our expanding new online directory. Call us on 01702 393 838 or email info@oraclepublications.co.uk for introductory offers.

DIRECTORY Santry Davis

37

The Clean Ear Clinic

8

37

Need an Electrician

32

Worth & Co

27

Hopson Property

Retracx Blinds

36

ESTATE PLANNING

Abbey Marble

22

4

Southend Oracle Directory

CityFibre 11

FIREPLACES

CAR DEALERSHIP

Fireplace & Design

39

CSJ Freeman & Sons

Thornwood Fireplaces

16

High-Tech Membrane

GAT Fire

15

Roofing

CARPETS & FLOORING Trade Carpets Gainsborough Carpets

5 14

8

Independent Party

Oracle Estate Planning

2

Kenbro 26

GARDEN SERVICES

CLEANING SERVICES

Paul’s Gardening

7

25

3

Cliffs Pavilion THEME PARK

Molly Maid

25

VitB12 23

Adventure Island

HEALTH & FITNESS

TREE SERVICES

Active Life

37

THEATRES & ENTERTAINMENT

HEALTH & BEAUTY

13

30/31

GSS Roofing

22

Rotary Club

3

P Howarth Roofing

Maid in Essex

CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS

20/21

ROOFING SERVICES

FURNITURE SHOWROOM John James

1/40

POLITICAL PARTY

BROADBAND

Fairfield BMW

34

ONLINE DIRECTORY

ESTATE AGENTS

BLINDS

Granite Transformations MARBLE WORKTOPS

ELECTRICIAN

AIRPORT TRANSFER Air & Back

KITCHENS

EAR CLINIC

ACCOUNTANTS

6

13

12

Tree-King 32

HOME IMPROVEMENT

TUITION & EDUCATION

Climatec Home Improvement 33

Kumon 1

DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIR

IT SUPPORT

UPHOLSTERY

Cloudy2Clear 19

Applecheck 25

George Evans Upholstery

DENTAL Royal Mews

The Window Man

38

35

4

29

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

January 2020

January 2020

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

39

40

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

January 2020