Oracle on-Sea November 2018 by Oracle Publications

February 2018 November 2018

Your all-seeing local

OR CLE ORACLE

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

WIN! A meal for 2 worth Â£55 at Clarence Yard Southend

LOCAL ISSUES! A new direction? #SaveSouthend

COUNCIL! Reclaiming our High Street

Cover image by Wayne Blows Oracle Photographic Competition Entry 2017

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November 2018

ORACLE

WELCOME

Well! Last month’s article ‘The demise of Southend’ written by Philip Miller certainly caused a stir. There are many of you out there, who are obviously extremely unhappy with how the town is being managed. Because of this strong feeling, I invited Mick Thwaites to write his thoughts on the subject. Plus, Cllr Woodley’s article again tackles this problem. He has asked ‘Full Council’ to support local struggling business in the town and suggests how the funds could be raised. So many of you wrote letters or called me expressing your concerns. With permission, I have had the letters uploaded, on Oracle’s website and also added a comment section to the site, so going forward, residents will be able to upload their comments directly to the website for all to see. Obviously, this debate is open to everybody and all are welcome to contribute, including members of the council. This month, win a meal for two including a lovely bottle of wine at Southend’s Clarence Yard. Enjoy wholesome tasty food or delicious traditional Heritage fish and chips. Clarence Yard also offers a take-away service see www.clarenceyard.com for more information. To enter the Oracle/Clarence Yard competition please either email info@oraclepublications.co.uk or visit the competition page on our website and leave your name and contact details. The closing date for the competition is 30th November 2018. Good Luck!

Emma Wynne-Morgan Publisher

01702 393838

Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1AN www.oraclepublications.co.uk info@oraclepublications.co.uk Oracle Publications and Creative Media @oracle_essex Printed by Printwize Ltd, Witham CM8 3BN – 01376 500900

November 2018

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CONTENTS Southend - A new direction?

9/10

Local Issues by Mick Thwaites

Reclaiming our High Street

Council by Cllr. Ron Woodley

Rock the latest looks this Autumn

Salon advice by Craig Smith

Hot apricot souffles

Recipe by Judy Barden

Change in Season and Immunity Health by Genesis Ali

Brainbox 38 What’s On 42 Useful Number’s 44 Advertiser Directory 46

Based in

Rayleigh

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NEW EXCITING GARDEN FURNITURE SHOWROOM

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WE OFFER THE HIGH QUALITY OUR CUSTOMERS EXPECT Highgate Furniture, Southend-on-Sea is now open. Displaying everything from garden and conservatory furniture, accessories to BBQS, fire pits to awnings and gazebos. At Highgate, our team have expertly sourced high quality products for people who like us, enjoy using their gardens, patios and balconies all year round. With our extensive range, we are here to help you in making the right lifestyle choices to complement your outside space. Highgate is one of the largest garden furniture and leisure showrooms in Essex and we only work with brands that we trust. Our site is wheelchair friendly plus free parking.

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November 2018

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November 2018

LOCAL ISSUES

A new direction? Southend is a town built on family businesses who track their beginnings back through several generations. To this day those businesses are still fighting for survival, in particular those that operate in and around the seafront, still relying very much on day trippers! One thing they have in common, they passionately believe tourism is still extremely important to the future of Southend! There are some who perhaps differ in their view! and clearly there is a battle ensuing to persuade them that is the case! I won’t ‘rake-over’ the discussion re our high street but ‘safe to say’ there is an argument to bring together both the retail and tourism offer as part of the same debate? We all have a strong desire (personally and as businesses) to see Southend grow and promote its tourism offer, in order to bring to the town more year-round visitors, thus encourage the established businesses to reinvest in high quality attractions and facilities.

Clear vision and strategy needed We surely can agree Southend needs a clear vision and strategy to ensure ‘Tourism’ is the key driver for the local economy over the next 20 years, supporting retail to thrive yet again. November 2018

There is a major concern that development plans such as ‘Southend Area Action Plan’ (SCAAP) is certainly not a vehicle for success! It does appear our decision makers sometimes rely too heavily on so called experts and flawed data, rather than the empirical evidence available from the businesses themselves, who have worked the seafront for decades.

Afforadble pleasure There are strong emotional attachments many have for Southend as a seaside resort, built up over many years! Our great town and seafront still offers affordable pleasure to many (as has done for 200 years) and is still part of our culture and heritage, many of us wish to protect! In recent times there seems to have been a push towards the gentrification of Southend (plenty saying we need more culture-what does that mean?) moving away from the broad base appeal Southend has, as somewhere that epitomises our national identity ‘enjoying a fun day out, with the family, at the seaside’! We hear on many occasions, and read in various documents the need to ‘change perceptions’? Presumably these purveyors of good taste feel Southend represents garish and shoddiness, evidenced by everyone

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wearing kiss me-quick hats and string vests, exposed tattooed arms, whilst chomping their way through vinegar soaked fish and chips? These lesser human beings (who actually look forward to a day at the seaside with the family) and on those fun packed days abstain from ‘lobster thermidor’ and ‘skinny chai latte’’ should not be sneered at! This does not mean we can’t have a vibrant, creative environment with modern restaurants and music venues, theatres etc, in proximity to high quality attractions, sideshows, fun Park, beach, lagoon, cafes etc!

Great opportunity and uniqueness We have a great opportunity to have this debate and ensure our decision makers take Southend in a direction the majority want to go (it’s called democracy), avoiding mistakes that will have severe consequences for years to come! There is an appreciation that decisions have to be made across a vast number of competing demands and requirements, particularly at the moment when ‘Retail’ is taking a battering! Most of us are not against development, but what we ask is (within the SCAAP area, resortseafront-high Street) although the seafront is contiguous with the high street and other areas, consider its uniqueness in terms of the significance and benefits it brings to the local economy! Therefore any development needs careful consideration!

It is essential that any such development should not undermine businesses in the resort /seafront area. In the current iteration of the SCAAP, this will certainly be the case unless amended. If visitors cannot access high quality, conveniently located car parks, with easy access to seafront attractions, then this will undermine the businesses that form the basis of Southends appeal. It is also worth mentioning the need to understand the nuances that differentiate the terms ‘Tourism’ and ‘Leisure’, which are generally misunderstood. ‘Leisure’ facilities (e.g. cinemas, sports facilities) mostly provide for the local community, ‘tourism’ facilities provide for visitors from out of town. Clearly there is some cross-over between the two, but it is important that the distinction is properly understood when considering development on or near the seafront. Most are still very positive about the future! but I am sure decisions as to when businesses risk investment going forward, will be very much be predicated on the decisions made by the local authority! by Mick Thwaites

MickT870

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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November 2018

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November 2018

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COUNCIL

Reclaiming our High Street Philip Miller and I don’t often see eye to eye but on the demise of the High Street we definitely do. I understand his and other people’s frustration that the council administration has only just woken up to the fact that the High Street is in dire need of support. It needs help to make it a place we want to visit, rather than it being known as a place where most of Southend’s homeless gather. We need to find accommodation of the right type and level for Southend residents who are genuinely homeless, coupled with the necessary help to overcome some of the addictions (drink, drugs and mental health issues) that our homeless people are suffering from.

No-go area for many residents Unfortunately, the High Street has become a no-go area for many residents, but we need to re-claim our streets, and it is a positive sign that we will try and start enforcing the by-laws and dispersal orders that are already in place, but have failed to be enforced in the past. The public should not be abused and hassled for money as they go about their daily business. Bedding should not be piled in doorways or on the High Street, and tents should never be allowed to be pitched in our parks or other unauthorised areas. These sort of items, if left unattended must be cleared away. The situation gets worse at night when the 16

homeless use alleyways and shop doorways as toilets, and congregate in large groups, which is very intimidating for any residents on a night out at a restaurant or the cinema.

Community safety officers welcomed The plans of the council to increase Community Safety team officers should be welcomed by residents and businesses. However, six officers, over a 24 hour, 7 day week, must leave them very thin on the ground. One way to help achieve the aims of the council, and all residents to be honest, is to re-claim the High Street with shoppers. Maybe the council, for the next 5 months, should look at a free 2-hour parking scheme for on-street parking and in town centre car parks. Enforcement alone will not re-claim the High Street. People and footfall will. The council has a business transformation reserve – let’s use it to support our High Street businesses. by Cllr Ron Woodley BERA Chairman and Independent Councillor for Thorpe Ward 01702 588662 ronwoodley@hotmail.co.uk (Oracle invites other Councillors to respond to articles)

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November 2018

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Rock the Latest Looks This Autumn

BEAUTY The #MeToo movement has had a seismic effect on social politics and naturally the fashion and beauty industry has wasted little time in putting the notion of female strength at the forefront of catwalk shows and hence into the pages of glossy magazines, national newspapers and influential blogs.

Further echoing trends from the decade that also gave us the neon hues associated with Acid House, on-trend women have added a bold bolt of colour to their makeup. Paintbox-bright eyeshadow and eyeliner applied to colour-match vibrant yellow, pink and red eyewear or hot pink, yellow and green clothing is being spotted right across London and beyond.

This was manifested through a variety of different looks, including statement red lips and hair.

Don’t let go of Summer

Thankfully, for some us there’s a faintly reassuring sense of déjà vu with the iconic look of Robert Palmer’s glamorous backing band in his ‘Addicted to Love’ video, bringing one of the Eighties hottest looks back into vogue.

Fashion-forward women To coin a phrase, you could call it Strictly Boardroom, as stylists and fashion-forward women have recreated the classic, slicked-back hairstyle that made such an impact in 1985. Team the wet-look with powerful red lips and you’ve really turned up the volume on your own sense of empowerment. The scarlet pout’s what it’s all about. But don’t stop their sisters, if you’re wearing mascara, it’s time to up the ante and wear a lot of it. Fluttering lashes not only look ultra-feminine but echo style queens, not just of the Eighties but also the Swinging Sixties.

Another trend that looks set to carry over from the summer into late autumn is that of glitter. It seems the youngsters don’t want to let go of memories of summer and the hottest festival look, shimmering cheeks, eyelids, lips and even foreheads. Of course, the current style maven for this look on our TV screens is the larger than life Burgundy, who shows you don’t need to be a teenager to look AMAZING in the sparkly stuff! Going back to the ‘power look’, glossy, highmaintenance styles are back, baby. If there’s ever been a time to fall back in love with your hair dryer, it’s now. If ‘Dynasty the Reboot’ isn’t quite your thing, why not take inspiration from your nearest post box? Yes, bold, bright, pillar-box reds are back. And with the colours of autumn also changing our trees and hedges, why not follow Mother Nature and go for a dramatic colour change? by Craig Smith Director of Grateful Heads Hair Salon

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Really positive signs Hopson Property Services

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November 2018

RAYMOND GUBBAY presents

The 18th century is brought to life in this enchanting concert staged in an elegant candle-lit setting with an evocative programme crowned by Vivaldi’s sublime masterpiece.

HANDEL Arrival of the Queen of Sheba • Ombra mai fu Water Music Suites • Let the Bright Seraphim BACH Air on the G String PURCELL Trumpet Suite MOZART Alleluia from Exsultate, jubilate and VIVALDI

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November 2018

Shortlisted with Eton for School of The Year Award Thorpe Hall School has been shortlisted for an Independent School of the Year Award, alongside some of the country’s oldest and most prestigious schools including Eton, Rugby, Cheltenham Ladies College and St Pauls. The Independent Parent Magazine’s judging panel comprises leading Heads and representatives of the sector’s membership associations. ‘Celebrating Student Experience’ is the theme and those that made the shortlist were selected on their ability to demonstrate how they support positive student experiences. The winners will be announced in December.

2018 - Shortlisted by The Independent School Parent Magazine for School of The Year Award 2018 (Whole School)

2017 - ISA National Award for Excellence & Innovation in Early Years (Nursery & Reception)

2016 & 2017 - A Sunday Times Top UK 100 Independent Preparatory School (Lower School)

2016 - ISA National Award for Excellence & Innovation for Senior Provision (Upper School)

“Thorpe Hall’s new £2.4m sports facility will be unveiled at our Open Day on Saturday 24th November, with Britain’s top Olympic gymnast Max Whitlock MBE the guest of honour. Everyone is welcome to join us, from current Thorpe Hall families and alumni to our local community and prospective parents. Our Nursery, Lower, Senior and Forest Schools will be open from 10am until 12pm, with plenty of activities for children of all ages. We are delighted to be launching this next exciting phase for sport at Thorpe Hall and hope you will join us to mark the occasion.”

Andrew Hampton BA; LTCL; MEd; NPQH; FRSA –

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November 2018

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Get ready for winter As the leaves begin to fall, before we know it, winter will be upon us. From design to installation, we provide the full service. With the days getting shorter and the clocks due to go back, now is the time to consider how you can efficiently heat your home. At Thornwood we have the perfect solution for those cosy nights and weekends in front of your woodburner. So let’s make sure you don’t have to go through another winter without the warmth and comfort of a wood-burning stove in your home. Contact us for a free home consultation or pop in to discuss options at the showroom.

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FOOD

Hot apricot souffles

A lot of cooks donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t try souffles because they think they are too complicated. They are in fact very easy and often I will turn out a cold sunken souffle, turn it upside down and bake it again! Plus, they can also be frozen. This recipe uses ready available dried apricots which are a good source of potassium and fibre. Great if you want to impress friends. Enjoy!

Ingredients: 125g/5oz dried apricots, chopped 100ml/31/2 floz orange juice 2tbsp single cream 2 large eggs, separated plus 1 extra egg white 40g/11/2 oz caster sugar plus extra for coating Knob of butter, melted Icing sugar, to dust You will also need 4 straight sided souffle dishes or ramekins (150ml). Brush them with the melted butter and coat the base and sides with a little extra caster sugar, shaking out the excess. Put the apricots, orange juice and 50ml/2

floz of boiling water into a saucepan, bring to the boil then reduce the heat, put a lid on and leave to simmer on a very low heat for 30 minutes. The apricots should be soft and the liquid absorbed. Blitz with a hand held blender to a thick puree. Cool then stir in the cream. Heat the oven to 200c/fan 180/gas 6. Fold the egg yolks into the apricot cream. In a large clean bowl whisk the 3 egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Add the sugar gradually until you have a firm glossy meringue. Carefully fold the whites into the apricot mixture using a large metal spoon, a third at a time, until evenly mixed. Divide between your souffle dishes filling them to the top. Run your thumb around the edge to create a little ridge. Put the souffles on a metal baking tray and cook for 12-15 mins until golden and puffed. Dust with icing sugar and serve immediately. Serves 4 by Judy Barden Next month: Garlic infused slow-roast pork shoulder with roasted apples

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VE SI N E M XTROO E , GE HOW R LA S November 2018

Your Stove is waiting for you! Photo for illustration purposes only

November 2018

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HEALTH

Change in season and immunity It’s starting to get dark much earlier in the evenings. The clocks going back an hour in the UK signals the official end to the British summer! Less sun exposure, lower temperatures, increased sugar/alcohol consumption between Halloween and the festive season all add to stress on our immune system. It is therefore important to keep wellnourished and give your body a better fighting chance throughout the cold months ahead. So, what is the immune system and how does one ‘boost’ it? The immune system is simply your body’s natural defence system against pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and even fungi, which all have the potential to make you sick. The following are suggestions on how to boost your immunity: Vitamin D3 supplements may be essential to ensure adequate levels as a decrease in sun exposure can lead to a drop in serotonin. Some people may even suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Vitamin C combined with zinc play an important role in nutrition and immune defence. In terms of diet, eat protein rich foods to get plenty of zinc such as fish, eggs, nuts and seeds, beans and lentils. Omega-3 fatty acids (O-3) can help boost immunity, as they are needed to help vitamin D to

work in an optimal manner. O-3 supplementation increases the activity of white cells but also protects from respiratory infections. Probiotics are defined as “live-micro-organisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit”. Almost 70% of the immune system is located within the gut, so taking probiotics to boost immunity seems plausible. Garlic may have infection-fighting capabilities as it is anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. Other herbs and spices which have a similar mechanism include ginger, cayenne pepper and turmeric. Immune boosting antiviral herbs such as olive leaf extract, grapefruit seed extract and elderberry extract have been found to contain thousands of medicinal compounds including anti-oxidants that attack virus’ without creating resistant viral strains. Additional lifestyle factors to help boost your immunity include avoiding/limiting sugar and processed foods. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables as they contain anti-oxidants. Drink more water as it is essential in the production of lymph, which carries white bloods cells and other immune system cells. Finally get plenty of sleep as this allows the body to restore and repair itself while you rest. by Genesis Ali Nutritionist at V Health Thorpe Bay

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November 2018

! til 30.11.18 F F t* un O % ver

1wit0h this ad

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November 2018

Quality Kitchen Facelifts Why replace when you can reface?

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November 2018

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Santry Davis Chartered Certified Accountants

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9 5

7 WORK

SUDOKU – Enter numbers

FILE

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.

W R

O N

Clue: Invented in the 9th century! 4

Last month’s solutions: WORD LADDER –

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November 2018

TACTICAL FAMILY LAW SOLICITORS BECAUSE LIFE ISNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T ALWAYS BLACK & WHITE White & Co Solicitors, 51 Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1BW

November 2018

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The Crystal Tree

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

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November 2018

Come for a free initial consultation over a coffee Please contact our Southend office

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WHAT’S ON BIG BEACH BANG DATE 3rd November 2018 TIME 18:00 - 21:00 VENUE Shoebury East Beach, SS3 Shoeburyness spectacular fireworks display lasting around 25 minutes.

CREATE 98 OPEN DAY DATE 8th November 2018 VENUE 98, Leigh Broadway

TIME 20:00 - 22:00

Drop by, take part in our competition and creative activities. Cake and coffee available, look forward to seeing you!.

CHARITY CHRISTMAS FAYRE DATE 10th November 2018 TIME 10:30 - 14:30 VENUE Dolphin Court, 179 Eastern Esplanade , Thorpe Bay Free admission.

LEIGH POP UP CHRISTMAS MARKET DATE 10th November 2018 TIME 12:30 - 16:30 VENUE Leigh Community Centre, 71-73 Elm Road Leigh-on-Sea Leigh on Sea’s best designers, crafters, makers and small businesses will be under one roof for the Leigh Pop Up Christmas Market.

SOUTHCHURCH VILLAGE FRIENDS WI TIME From 19:30 DATE 12th November 2018 VENUE Thorpe Bay Methodist Church, SS1 3HQ Join a local Chocolatier for a sumptuous evening of Cocoa luxury.

LEIGH FARMERS MARKET TIME 09:00 - 13:00 DATE 16th November 2018 VENUE Leigh Community Centre, 71-73 Elm Road Leigh-on-Sea FREE ENTRY TO ALL. Disabled and Buggy Access. Our Farmer’s Market is one of the longest running markets in the Essex area, and prides itself on delivering local produce to our residents. We provide a range of stalls selling all different types of homegrown produce .

FREE SEAFRONT FIREWORKS

TIME 19:30 - 19:45 DATE 17th November 2018 VENUE City Beach, Southend Seafront, SS1 2EJ

HENLOE EXECUTIVE C A R S

The Southend Seafront Fireworks are back with a bang this year, and are set to be the most amazing displays ever! So wrap up warm, grab some friends and family and head down to City Beach! DON’T FORGET the last display on the 17th November is also the Christmas Lights Switch On!

THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON

DATE 17th November 2018 TIME 12:00 - 19:00 VENUE Southend-on-Sea, High Sreet The High Street will come alive with festive fun and Christmas spirit. The main stage will be Victoria Circus and hosted by Heart FM’s Dom Atkins with a warm up of activities taking place. At the other end of the High Street, the Royals Shopping Centre plays host to a wealth of events.

LEIGH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS 2018 DATE 30th November 2018 VENUE Leigh-On-Sea

TIME 17:00 - 20:00

The Town will be lit up as visitors arrive. The Yuletide Parade, featuring joyful fundraisers will start from Kings Road at 6.30 p.m., travelling along Leigh Road, Broadway and finishing in Broadway West around 7.30.

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November 2018

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November 2018