Oracle Thorpe Bay December 2019

February 2018 December 2019

Your all-seeing local

OR CLE ORACLE Thorpe Bay, Southchurch, the Garrison & Shoeburyness

COMPETITION! WIN an Elemis Life Elixir candle & perfume worth £60, plus an Eden beauty gift voucher worth £30!

NEW SERVICE FOR SOUTHEND! www.SouthendOracle.co.uk LOCAL ISSUES! Continuing demise of the High Street COUNCIL! 100 years of Council Housing

2

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December 2019

ORACLE

WELCOME

During the festive time, everybody is bombarded with so many different messages from the media; magazines, newspapers, online advertising, direct mail etc all promising that their products or services advertised are the best. This bombardment can be confusing and I wanted to take this opportunity to remind you that the local businesses very much need your continued support during this busy period. Internet shopping is damaging their custom and if local support is not given, the choice of shops and services will decline in Southend!

10 % CREAM

Wishing You a Wonderful Christmas

This month’s competition has been kindly donated

by Eden Beauty and Aesthetics based at 76/78 The Ridgeway, Chalkwell SS0 9NU. Win an Elemis Life Elixir candle and perfume worth £60 plus an Eden gift voucher worth £30. Eden Beauty has just undergone a refurbishment of its premises plus its renowned reputation of superior treatments, you are sure to have an enjoyable experience. For more information on the salon, please visit : www.edenbeautyandaesthetics.co.uk To enter Oracle/Eden Beauty competition, please visit Oracle’s competition page on our website or we still accept entries by post to Oracle’s offices, see address below. We just need your full name and contact details.

Closing date is 31 December 2019.

Good luck and Merry Christmas to you all!

Emma Wynne-Morgan

170 The Broadway Thorpe Bay SS1 3ES

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 December 2019

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22/03/2019 10:47

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CONTENTS The continuing demise of Southend (dire) High Street 9/10 Local Issues by Philip Miller

Celebrating 100 years of Council housing

19/26

Council article by Cllr Ron Woodley

Light Christmas pudding with Butterscotch sauce

40

Recipe by Judy Barden

Christmas beauty tips

46

Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith

Brainbox 52 What's on

58

Useful Numbers

64

Advertiser Index

66

Advertorials

Richard Attfield

7

La Petite Petanque

13

The Angel Inn

17

WDC Physiotherapy

21

Sales Lettings Valuations Management Mortgages

VitB12 25 Essex Equity Southend Oracle Directory CHC Aesthetics High-Tech Membrane

33 34/35 42 54/55

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

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December 2019

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December 2019

London's loss is Southend's gain Established in 1994. We have worked with many of London’s leading designers and local interior designers to create the look they needed for the client, we have worked on many high profile projects some of which include a large proportion of the cinema chains in the United Kingdom and Europe who have embraced the soft lounge style cinema experience.

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Helping to

BRING THE OUTDOORS IN

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December 2019

LOCAL ISSUES

The continuing demise of Southend (dire) High Street

It’s been over a year since I wrote my 'Save Southend Dire Street' article.

(See October 2018's Oracle issue via their website on p17)

and make them into extra free parking.

• Open certain segments of the High Street again to cars.

The article at the time caused quite a stir of

All three suggestions were well received

the right kind. Many readers made contact

and nobody spoke out against the proposed

with letters of support, agreement and

suggestions.

suggested further good ideas. So much

Road to recovery

so I arranged a public seminar where two highly regarded local/national architects presented their own visions for Southends future prosperity.

If taken forward by the council, these easy to do quick wins would have sent a positive message to customers and given a strong message to the retailers. My suggestions

Positive vibes

alone will not win the battle long term,

I invited the 'Oraclers' who had made

but would start the road to recovery, a real

contact, leaders of the political groups, the

confidence booster and an encourager for

press and other interested parties. We held

new businesses to the High Street.

the meeting at Sands on the seafront and it

However, here we are a year or so later and

was well attended with a very positive vibe

where are we on that road to recovery you

in the room.

may ask?

My three suggestions from the article were:

What has been done? Zilch!

• Make all side roads from Royal Terrace to

What is new? Nothing!

Queens’s road free two hour parking.

• Remove all unnecessary double yellow

Any short, medium, long term plans or strategies at all? None at all!

lines in particular the ones outside M&S December 2019

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9

Did they listen? No!

the High Street from the railway bridge

Has the decline worsened? Yes.

to the Victoria shopping centre, starting

On the positive side the rough sleepers have now been displaced, although the aggressive beggars are still in abundance.

They even have their own pitches nowadays and we still have to run the gauntlet with 'yobbo' cyclists intimidating us with their agressive cycling, and it’s not just the kids!

More cops on the beat Although promises of more to come, we have a few more cops on the beat but hardly enough. We also have a team of local security guards that are reassuring to see, but like Coca-Cola you can’t beat the real thing! Not that many years ago, before the cuts in Police budgets, Southend had a permanent squad of twenty four PCs, two sergeants and an inspector just for the High Street, plus two PCs for the seafront, shameful really, in comparison to today.

Petition for 2 hours free parking

with forcing the Odeon out of business by opening a bright new shiny cinema on the Seaway Car Park. Are cinemas not toast anyway with all the ways of watching film and affordable big TVs at home? I’m not sure those businesses in the doomed zone have been told as yet? What can you say or do?

Last time out, we had a Conservative council who wouldn’t listen and lost the election, they listen now! The coalition who came into power promising to play an open and fair game are not doing so. Maybe time for a complete change of tack? To this end we could lose the cabinet system and return to the committee structure as Basildon have done, or go for an elected mayor who has “carte blanche” over everything. The first is safe, the second could be a wild ride, you might even get somebody like me! The latter I wouldn’t

From the meeting, one of the attendees

recommend, my idea of running anything

Josie Hewitt took the 'bull by the horns' and

is with a committee of one, just me! That’s

gathered a two thousand plus signature

it for now, let’s hope somebody at SBC gets

petition supporting the two hour 'free'

motivated in the meantime!

parking initiative. Please sit down when

Philip Miller M.B.E Executive Chairman Stockvale Group Of Companies

you hear the current adminstrations reason for refusal. “If you give free parking, it will cause congestion making it too busy!"

What I do hear though is they have a plan to eliminate the northern end of 10

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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December 2019

December 2019

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It’s a fabulous full day of festive fun!

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December 2019

10% off Festive Prosecco afternoon tea with promo code Fest19

Fancy a festive Afternoon Tea? La Petite Petanque is set within the grounds of Alexandra Bowling Green in the charming conservation area of Southend-on-Sea. We are proud to serve superbly cooked modern British cuisine in the heart of Southend (open daily).

The elegantly styled Art Deco property that houses the restaurant sits on the edge of the bowling green, an ideal setting to enjoy breakfast, lunch or a delightful afternoon tea. The bowls club often have matches in play and this adds to the tranquillity and quintessential essence of the place.

Our breakfast menu The breakfast menu offers a wide choice with the classic Full English Breakfast and eggs benedict sitting alongside weekend specials such as American style pancakes and a bucks fizz brunch.

Throughout December there is evening dining every Friday from 6pm offering our wonderful Christmas set menu and live music. This menu is also available for lunchtime dining throughout the month with advance bookings.

(Please see our website for menu.)

Festive afternoon tea To celebrate the magic of Christmas why not try our Festive Afternoon Tea, a luxurious Afternoon Tea with a Christmas twist.

Adding to the magic of this special time of year we will be serving Mulled wine daily with home made mince pies.

December 2019

La Petite Petanque specialises in the traditional afternoon tea, the head chef being a renowned pastry chef – all the delicious cakes and scones are homemade freshly baked on the premises. We strive to deliver first class personal customer service, taking care to cater to any particular dietary requirements. La Petite Petanque is a very popular venue for private functions and available to hire for your baby shower, birthday or wedding celebration. We aim to be as flexible as possible to accommodate individual requests, making it the perfect venue for your special event.

Sunday roasts Sundays are always popular, with roasts being a firm favourite. There are three meats to choose from, accompanied by the all usual trimmings, all home made and freshly prepared using local suppliers. Sittings run from 12.30 and last orders are at 5pm. The wine list offers a good selection of whites and reds all hand-picked by the owners together with the wine supplier.

For all bookings and enquires please refer to our website www.lapetitepetanque.co.uk Clare, Oliver and the team look forward to seeing you here soon!

Clare Finch, owner 01702 353208 info@lapetitepetanque.co.uk www.lapetitepetanque.co.uk The Bowling Green Pavilion, Cambridge Road, Southend SS1 1EY

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December 2019

Christmas at The Angel Inn When the time came to give a second life to the Angel Inn, one obvious place managers Paul & Fiona turned to was the food, and more importantly the kitchen. They are proud of the Angel’s new kitchen team and their head chef, Ryan Donovan.

Ryan, a head chef since the age of 26, lives locally with wife and 1-year old daughter. He joined The Angel as head chef in February of this year and was tasked with rebuilding the kitchen’s operation.

A new well established team He built an entirely new kitchen brigade - hiring team members from well-established hotels and casinos. The team’s synergy and workflow were critical as the kitchen at the Angel has limited space and is usually bustling with activity.

Chef Ryan and his team have a passion for good food - and it shows. With the launch of 14 new menus and 150 new dishes in the past 10 months they are clearly enjoying what they are doing. All of the desserts are also homemade!

The Chef prefers traditional cooking methods, done well, using fresh meat, fish and produce, without the need for foams, multiple purees, water baths, etc.

All food is made to order - whether it’s a pub classic or a dish from one of the seasonal restaurant menus.

Ingredients are sourced from local family run suppliers, right down to fruit and vegetables coming from their next-door neighbour, Kirby & Lewis.

December 2019

The new Lunchtime Set Menu has been a real success, along with the traditional Sunday Roast, the new Kid’s Menu and the new homemade desserts.

The kitchen never closes and serves the Bar Menu all day - everyday!

Ryan has balanced the menus to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, and those with gluten, dairy and other allergies. Detailed allergy information for all dishes is available on the Angel’s website. (www. angelinnpub.co.uk) The Angel’s reputation for it’s food and kitchen has been restored, with quality and freshness raised as well as prices lowered across their entire menu range.

Book your Christmas meal With Christmas around the corner, the Angel has dispensed with the usual pre-ordering headaches for groups and parties and are offering a traditional Two or Three Course Christmas Set Menu (2 for £20 / 3 for £25). If you’re looking for somewhere to hold your annual Christmas party or a small get together, look no further than the Angel!

Merry Christmas!!

Paul & Fiona The Angel Inn 01702 589600 info@angelinnpub.co.uk www.angelinnpub.co.uk Parsons Corner, Shoeburyness, Essex SS3 8UD

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December 2019

COUNCIL

Celebrating 100 years of Council Housing The need to overhaul the housing sector

being called social rents. But is the term

whether to rent or to buy is now more

social the correct word to use? Should they

drastically required than ever before. There is widely said to be a ‘housing crisis’ which affordable housing might help to solve.

The arguments in favour of more affordable housing include: that it is simply a necessity for many families; that it could reduce poverty; that it would significantly reduce the housing

be called just “Council homes” and the rents associated with housing called something different and be based upon a clear measure of affordability, linked to earnings, and applied transparently be it a single person or that of a family.

benefit bill; and that it is essential to retain

Morally wrong

key workers.

The stigma that seems to be associated with

Affordable?

the term social housing and social rents is

But what is “affordable” to the average person or family who want to purchase a home, clearly the price of houses have constantly over the years outpaced the earnings of many ordinary working people to a point where the young and not so young have no other choice but to venture into the private rented sector for somewhere to live, or as many do, stay at home and hope their savings can fund a home in the future.

Over the years council housing has been transformed into social housing with rents December 2019

unnecessary, demeaning and morally wrong.

We need to stop labelling people because of the type of housing they live in, we need to stop this continuing rise in the cost of somewhere to live which is forcing a single parent or both parents into working to fund somewhere to live or child care and more than likely the cost of living.

The above is easily said, but how can we (the Government) continually not support the supply of decent quality homes for a population that need housing as a necessity Contiuned on page 26

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December 2019

Finally, one of the nation’s leading back pain experts, Wendy McCloud, who has already helped 1000’s of people over the last 13 years with her back-pain recovery advice has released a free 10 page ‘Back pain consumer awareness’ report, that reveals the best kept secrets on back pain. How to actually get to the bottom of back pain without having to visit the doctor or needing to take gut rotting painkillers.

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If you or a loved one suffer from chronic back pain, so bad that it can even stop you from walking, then reading this report may be the most important thing you do this year. It may unlock the agonising mystery of your back pain and show you a way to get back to the life you deserve before back pain struck.

A life where you can sleep at night without tossing and turning, hoping to find just one position where the pain stops.

A life where you can wake up in the morning and not take 20 minutes to get out of bed, then another 20 minutes to put on your socks and shoes, always restricted by a back so stiff and tight.

A life where you can pick up and play with your children/grandchildren without worrying when your back is going to ‘give out’ and leave you crippled on the floor or stuck in the chair.

A life where you can do and enjoy all the things you see so many others doing and enjoying but your bad back has kept you watching from the side lines. Basically, a life without the curse of back pain.

December 2019

This report exposes how pain medications and anti-inflammatories might be easy for a doctor to prescribe, but may not necessarily be right for you in the long run. Have you seen the list of crippling side effects these days?

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You are frustrated with the ”take these pills and wait and see” approach and are fed up with back pain side-lining you from having an active lifestyle.

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Continuing from page 19

at a price that is truly affordable, (and I dislike

• Any landlord who no longer wishes to rent

that word immensely) through rent or to

in the private rented sector, should enable

purchase, to the majority of normal working

council’s to take ownership at market price

people and families.

and bring into council owned stock.

More affordable housing

• Allow councils to build homes through a rent

Yes, we as a country do need more homes,

to buy system of their existing housing stock

but should we keep flooding the market with

up to 90% of the home’s value and allow all

more and more homes that are unaffordable,

the receipts and capital/maintenance costs to

enabling the house builders to make high

fund the building of new homes.

profits and for the buy to let landlords to take

• All new homes built through this method to

away the initial rung of the property ladder

be allowed into the rent to buy scheme after a

from people, to allow these same landlords

10 year period of renting.

to charge extortionate rents that ordinary

• Stop the influence of developers and private

working people can ill-afford to pay and for

sector landlords in government policies.

the government to ill-afford to pay in benefits up to the Local Housing Allowance.

• Allow councils to charge council tax on properties that have approval after a 2 year

There is no doubt that we need more homes

period if there has been no substantive

and yes we need councils to build them, but

progress on the development.

stop calling them social housing, just call them homes for the hundreds of thousands of families waiting desperately to have somewhere decent to live at an affordable rent, linked to earnings that will enable citizens to afford to pay all the other costs associated with living a decent life in decent

• Therefore the Government should over the next 5 years allow all rents to be slowly aligned and be based upon a living rent that takes into consideration the income of the family/person living in the property, being

26

purchase orders buy all empty homes and refurbish to sell or rent.

• Allow senior citizens to downsize into smaller properties without incurring stamp duty.

Unless action is taken now to stop the ever

neighbourhoods.

private or council owned.

• Councils should through compulsory

increasing cost of somewhere to live, future governments will be paying billions pounds more in additional benefits than what is necessary.

Cllr. Ron Woodley Deputy Leader of Southend Borough Council Independent Councillor for Thorpe Ward

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

December 2019

You don’t have to be able to sail to join our yacht club. (...but we’d love to help you learn!)

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December 2019

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Have yourself a merry little Christmas …

Have yourself a merry little Christmas, Let your heart be light …

According to the latest news from the media, following a study of over 9,000 65-year-olds, over an 8 year period, experts have come to the conclusion that those who have an interest and purpose in life are likely to have a better sense of well-being, in addition to a more positive attitude, leading to greater longevity.

Not sure as to what qualifies one to be an expert in this particular field – presumably an honours degree in the bloomin’ obvious! Still, there you have it, it’s official – get yourself a hobby, start socialising, and happiness will follow.

Your troubles will be out of sight What they forgot to factor in though, is that although the best things in life may come free, hobbies and socialising cost money! As you get older you may have the time to do all the things you want, but you’re unlikely to have the income or savings to make the most of it.

So, don’t forget that it’s never too late to be the person you always wanted to be, and if your New Year’s resolution is to grasp the chance to do so, if only you could afford to … perhaps you should look

at releasing some of the cash locked up in the value of your home. The monies released can be used for any purpose including travel (cruises or visiting distant relatives), hobbies and activities (golf or bowls, art and education), you’re never too old to learn new tricks or make new friends!

Here we are as in olden days, Happy golden days of yore, Faithful friends who are dear to us, They gather near to us once more And whilst it is also a truism that money can’t buy you happiness, it can certainly make misery a whole lot more palatable!

Through the years we all will be together, If the fates allow, Until then we’ll have to muddle through somehow But you don’t have to muddle through – find out if Equity Release can work for you. It’s not suitable for everyone, and you will need to seek Independent Financial Advice. Call now for a quick chat, or arrange a consultation.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas now.

And a happy and prosperous New Year!

by Ron Radway, Financial Consultant

Essex Equity Release Advice Centre 01702 410016

Essex Equity Release Advice Centre For a free consultation and friendly, professional advice, call 01702 410016

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beautiful apartment in Tuscany, Italy, as well as an opportunity for an overnight stay for two in a superior room at the Holiday Inn, Southend, with breakfast and a three course evening meal on their rooftop restaurant included. More competitions like these are being announced regularly, so please visit SouthendOracle.co.uk for more details.

Publicise your events for FREE!

Add events FREE! It’s been two months since the launch of Oracle’s latest service; the brand-new Southend Oracle Directory! We’ve added more great features since the launch in October and businesses and residents alike are enthusiastically creating accounts as a result.

Having supported the initial launch of the directory with a 60,000-door drop, with additional support in both Oracle magazines over the last few months, plus the extra activity on social media, it’s no surprise that the directory has been a massive success.

To add to this, we’ve had fantastic support from some of the larger businesses in the town, like BMW, London Southend Airport, Kenbro, Gainsborough, Bright’s Locksmiths and many more, which have helped make a huge difference to the directory’s overall impact. This has given all of the businesses who have already signed up a huge online boost. I can’t thank you all enough for this great gesture which has helped the directory hit the ground running.

Newest features

For all new and existing businesses who have become Southend Oracle Directory (SOD) members with a full listing, you should now be able to add up to six images to your page, including any promotions/events you might have planned. For ease, each business listing can now be shared direct to social media by members of the public wishing to make recommendations to their friends or family.

To help local residents engage with the directory, the site has been promoting various unique and exciting competitions. Visit the site for your chance to win a week for two at a December 2019

Get involved - members of the public are now able to add events to the directory free of charge, giving residents even more reason to visit the site. All you have to do is create an account, which takes just a couple of minutes. Each event can easily be shared with friends and family through social media. More features like this will be added to the directory in the future as it constantly evolves to meet your demands.

The feedback from all users, whether from a business or a resident, has been positive so far.

They have found the experience of using the directory very easy and consistent on all forms and devices.

If you have mislaid your copy of the Oracle, or wish to see a larger selection of alternative businesses, then visit the Southend Oracle Directory where you can find digital copies of the magazine and ultimately a larger selection of traders offering a variety of services so that you can continue to support your local businesses.

If you are looking to promote an event locally then look no further than Southend Oracle Directory and add your event free. Or perhaps you are looking for a local Christmas fair or perhaps you are getting married next year and would like some inspiration by visiting the many wedding fairs Essex has? The new directory features a lot of information and is very easy to use.

Lastly, I would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and thank you all for your continued support.

Emma Wynne-Morgan Managing Director Oracle Publications UK Ltd. 01702 393 838 info@oraclepublications.co.uk www.oraclepublications.co.uk

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

35

Remember!

Revised Collection Days Normal collection day

Revised collection day

Wednesday 25th December

Friday 27th December

Thursday 26th December

Saturday 28th December

Friday 27th December

Monday 30th December

Tuesday 31st December

Normal collections

Wednesday 1st January

Thursday 2nd January

Thursday 2nd January

Friday 3rd January

Friday 3rd January

Saturday 4th January

Please put the right thing in the right bag, box or bin!

Your recycling and waste collection day will change over Christmas and New Year.

For more information please visit www.southend.gov.uk/recycling

Please put everything out by 7am. Collections continue until 6pm.

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Light Christmas pudding with Butterscotch sauce

FOOD

This is a great recipe from Sue Lawrence (Masterchef winner). No Weighing required just use a coffee mug with a 300ml capacity and make sure you fill it to the top. My family love butterscotch sauce and serve it with cream, custard, ice cream or all 3.

Enjoy! (Serves 8-10)

Pudding Ingredients 1 cup raisins 1 cup sultanas 1 cup self-raising flour 1 cup finely grated butter about 115g/4oz 1 cup fresh brown breadcrumbs (from around 4 thick slices of bread) 1 cup light muscovado sugar 1 cup mixed nuts, chopped plus extra to decorate 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground mixed spice 1 cup milk 1 large egg Butter, for greasing

Pudding Ingredients 85g butter 100g light muscovado sugar 200ml double cream 1 tsp vanilla extract

Put the butter in the freezer for 30 minutes so it is really hard whilst you get the rest of the ingredients together and then hold it with a piece of kitchen paper and grate it.

For the pudding, empty the first six cups and the nuts, if using, into a mixing bowl with the spices, then stir in the milk and egg. Once well combined, tip into a buttered 1.5 litre pudding bowl.

Cover with a double layer of buttered foil, making a pleat in the centre to allow the pudding to rise. Tie the foil securely with string, then place in a steamer or large pan containing enough gently simmering water to come halfway up the sides of the bowl.

Steam, covered with a lid, for 2 ½ hours. Check the water level during cooking, topping up if necessary.

If you are preparing this pudding ahead, remove the foil, let it cool slightly, then wrap in cling film and then fresh foil. If you are serving it immediately, unwrap and invert onto a deep plate.

For the sauce, put everything in a pan and bring slowly to the boil, stirring. Allow to bubble away for 2-3 minutes, still stirring, until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce is pale caramel in colour and slightly thickened. Remove from the heat. Pour the sauce over the pudding and decorate with the whole mixed nuts.

by Judy Barden Next month: Classic Minestrone

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HAIR & BEAUTY

Christmas beauty tips

Whether you’re driving home for Christmas, seeing old friends for a swanky dinner or wriggling into something sparkly before the office party, you’ll want to look fabulous when you arrive. So, with these Christmas beauty tips you’ll be looking hotter than a fresh-out-of-the-oven mince pie.

If you put your eye shadow on first, then apply your foundation and any other make-up you want to wear, this solves that perennial problem of loose eye shadow working its way into the places you really don’t want it to go.

Show-stopping hair

While many women ideally want show-stopping hair for a big, glitzy party, the reality – especially during the frantic festive season – is that simple is best. If you want to put your hair up, try twisting one section from the front of your hair and once you’ve done that, simply pin it into place at the back of your head. Repeat this process with the other side.

Finally take the remainder of your hair and tie a messy bun. Et voila, timeless elegance achieved in mere moments.

Now, let’s look at your lips. For me, Christmas is all about the glitter - but why should kids and tree baubles have all the fun?! Pimp your pout by lining your lips with a light-coloured lip pencil and add a dab of foundation to the corners of your mouth.

Then apply a creamy lipstick using a lip brush before using a flat brush to add on some glitter. Add extra glam with some clear lip gloss.

Caring for your skin

Unless you’re teetotal, booze will almost inevitably play a big part in your celebrations. Unfortunately, alcohol dehydrates you and can leave your skin dry, grey and dull. To counteract this, buy a cleansing milk containing hyaluronic acid and consider applying a face mask containing alpha-hydroxy acid, as this compound helps to destroy dead skin cells, moisturise and firm up skin.

As Christmas is all about dressing up, this can be fraught with frustration. That LBD you haven’t worn since last year, or the skinny jeans you couldn’t resist in a sale and now desperately want to wear, can be heartbreakers if you’ve got an uncomfortable stomach from an excess of wine and rich food.

Peppermint tea and aloe vera juice are amazing for your digestive system and prevent bloating. Also, try to cut back on products containing refined sugar, cheese and, I’m afraid to say, alcohol itself.

Of course, the best tip of all, is to enjoy yourself.

Spend this wonderful, magical time of the year with friends, family and your pets. Why? Because laughter and having a great time releases endorphins; and those little chemicals in your brain help to make your skin glow, your eyes brighten and give your mental and physical health a boost. The perfect gift to yourself.

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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?

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HAS SANTA CLIMATEC GOT YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST YET? AD ARE YOU CONSIDERING NEW DOORS AND WINDOWS FOR 2020?

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WHAT’S ON SANTA AT BELFAIRS DATE 15th December 2019 TIME 9:30 - 16:30 VENUE Belfairs Woodland Centre, Vardon Drive, Leigh SS9 4LR Come and meet Santa at Belfairs Park! A Gap has arisen in Santa's busy Christmas schedule and he's kindly agreed to visit Belfairs for seven days in December! Booking is by phone or in person only.

REMEMBRANCE SERVICE DATE 7th December 2019 TIME 15:00 VENUE Southend Crematorium, Sutton Road, Southend SS2 5PX Join us for a free remembrance service and light a candle in memory of your loved one.

SANTA ON THE PIER TIME 10:30 - 17:00 DATE 7th/8th December 2019 VENUE The Royal Pavilion, Southend Pier Take the train down to the end of the Pier where you will head to the Royal Pavilion, there you will discover Santa and his elves. When you’ve said goodbye to Santa, you’ll be taken to his toy shop to pick your own present. Tickets are priced at £14.00 per child. This includes a train ride for the child and one accompanying adult (extra adults, pay on the day) a visit with Santa and a present of the child’s choice. Tickets need to be pre-booked, either in person at the Visitor Information Centre at the Pier or over the phone on 01702 215620.

CHRISTMAS MARKET TIME 09:00 - 17:00

DATE 7th December 2019 VENUE Southend High Street

Come down to the Christmas Farmers and Craft market and pick up some festive foodie treats! You’ll be able to get your hands on some locally grown produce, classic hot chestnuts, a wealth of unique crafts and gifts, and sample mouth-watering authentic German bratwurst cooked over charcoal on a traditional swing grill! Other dates include 14th, 16th-24th December.

SOUTHEND CHRISTMAS VEGAN FAIR 2019 DATE 8th December 2019

TIME 10:00 - 16:00

VENUE Project 49, 49 Alexandra Street, Southend SS1 1BW Southend Vegan Fair's annual Christmas event will be returning for the 3rd year in a row. We will be holding it at Project 49 down Alexandra Street near Southend high street. Entry £3 on the door under 16's go free.

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SOUTHCHURCH VILLAGE AND FRIENDS WI TIME 19:30 DATE 11th December 2019 VENUE Thorpe Bay Methodist Church Hall, SS1 3HQ Designer Christmas Arrangements. Florist Tracy Cullender creates stunning Festive arrangements.

LEIGH-ON-SEA TOWN COUNCIL OVER 60'S SOCIAL CLUB TIME 10:00 - 12:00 DATE 11th December 2019 VENUE Leigh Community Centre, Elm Road, SS9 1SP Christmas party. Music, games and more.

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GMH Renovations tel: mob:

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Professional IT Services

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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 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

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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 AIRPORT TRANSFER Air & Back 61 BARBERS Headhunters 29 BATHROOMS John Howard Bathrooms 31 St Ann's Building Supplies 36 BLINDS Worth & Co. 49 Retracx Blinds 31 BLOCK PAVING Brooks Paving 61 BUTCHERS Philip Splett 41 CAR DEALERSHIP Fairfield BMW 11 CARE HOME Boulevard Lodge 29 CARPETS & FLOORING Trade Carpets 5 CARPENTER John Sorrell 52 CARPET & OVEN CLEANING Gates Services 23 CLEANING Maid in Essex 53 COMPUTER SERVICES Computopia 63 CYCLE SHOP Bikebase 8 DECORATORS GMH Renovations 58 DENTAL Royal Mews 32 DIRECTORY (ONLINE) Southend Oracle Directory 34/35/58 DOUBLE GLAZING The Window Man 20 A1 Glazing 8 DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIR Cloudy2Clear 48 Discount Window Clinic 22 DRIVEWAYS Bespoke Resin Surfaces 38 DP Resin Driveways 53

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ELECTRICAL Emergency Electrician 63 Need an Electrician 50 RDM Electrical 43 ESTATE AGENTS Hunt Roche 3 Goldings 1 EQUITY RELEASE Essex Equity Release 33 Fosters Financial 57 FIREPLACES Fireplace & Design 30 Thornwood Fireplaces 14 FUNERAL SERVICES AR Adams Funeral Services 18 FURNITURE/FURNITURE RESTORERS Richard Attfield 7 TS Baskett 62 GARAGES RS Automotive 28 Service Garage 59 GARDEN CENTRE Morleys 6 GARDEN SERVICES Paul’s Gardening 18 HAIRDRESSERS Jerry Bell 15 HANDYMAN Piper Construction 22 HEALTH & BEAUTY CHC Aesthetics 42 VitB12 25 HOME IMPROVEMENT Climatec Home Improvement 56 INTERIOR DESIGN Morris Interiors 47 IT SUPPORT Applecheck 44 JEWELLERS AV & BV Andrews 37 JOBS Oracle Delivery 62 KITCHENS Granite Transformations 43 Gregorys of Essex 45 LANDSCAPE GARDENING RJM Landscaping 51

RESTAURANTS La Petite Petanque 13 The Angel Inn 17 Polash 68 ROOFING SERVICES CSJ Freeman & Sons 31 High-Tech Membrane Roofing 54/55 P Howarth Roofing 52 GSS Roofing 22 SANTA LETTER Santa's Surprise Letter 67 THEATRES & ENTERTAINMENT Cliffs Pavilion 23/60 THEME PARK Adventure Island 12 TRAVEL Oracle Travel Offers 65 TREE SERVICES Tree-King 50 Mike’s Tree Services 62 WASTE MANAGEMENT Veolia 36 YACHT CLUB Thorpe Bay Yacht Club 27

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John Howard Management & Lettings 4

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