Oracle on-Sea January 2020

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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


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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!

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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

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Useful Numbers

36

Advertiser Index

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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.

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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

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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

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January 2020


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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

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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

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January 2020


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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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January 2020


Fed up with drafty and unsightly windows? We give

We specialise in windows, doors & conservatories. We repair and replace the following:

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Window handles Locks

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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

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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

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Based in

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LOGS FOR SALE !

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January 2020


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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

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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

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January 2020


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

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January 2020


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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

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