Oracle Thorpe Bay Feb 2016

February 2016

Your all-seeing local

ORACLE

Thorpe Bay and the Garrison

New flood threat alarms Garrison's residents!

Oracle announces circulation increase!

New local budget breakdown by Council.

WIN! Tickets to 3 top shows at the Cliffs!

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February 2016

ORACLE

WELCOME

I am delighted to announce that from March 2016 due to popular local demand, Oracle will be increasing its distribution to an extra 2,500 homes at no extra cost to our clients! Please give me a call for information or take a look at our website.

ORACLE’s

CIRCULATION

JUST GOT

With the local budget much in the news, Leader of the Council, Ron Woodley has given his insight into some difficult changes the Council is proposing.

Chair of the Garrison Residents Association, Vivien Byczynski has written this months local issue, expressing her major concerns at developers plans.

This month's competition offers three lucky couples the chance to win a pair of tickets to one of 3 top stage shows at the Cliffs Pavilion courtesy of Entertainers Agency and Events Company. The shows are A Night for Dirty Dancing – Ultimate Tribute Show, or Thank You For The Music – the Abba & Bee Gees Show, or One Night of Rock which includes rock anthems from Bon Jovi, Meatloaf, Rolling Stones and many more. For more information on these shows, please go to www.oraclepublications. co.uk and click on the competition page.

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To enter, please send your contact details to: Oracle/ Entertainers Competition, Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1AN or email details to info@oraclepublications.co.uk Happy Valentine's!

Emma Wynne-Morgan Publisher

01702 393838

Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1AN www.oraclepublications.co.uk info@oraclepublications.co.uk oracleessex oracle_essex

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PLUMBING & HEATING CONTENTS Garrison Flood Plain Going Under

9/10

Local Issues by Garrison Residents Association and Friends of Shoebury Common

Fringe Benefits

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Salon advice by Craig Smith

Breaking the Budget

23/24

Council news by Cllr Ron Woodley

A Rose By Any Other Name …

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4 BOILER SERVICING & BREAKDOWN

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4 ALL ASPECTS OF PLUMBING & HEATING

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4 BEAT ANY REASONABLE QUOTES

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4 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE

The Oracle guide to saying it with flowers

Indian Potato Pancakes Judy's Recipe Page

Quid-each Match for Kids Sports news by Southend United FC

Local Letters Residents have their say

Brainbox 44 What's On 54 Useful Numbers 60 Directory 62 Advertorials Essex Equity Release Advice Centre 7 Cliff House Clinic 20 Burges Estate Residents' Association 29 Karen Goldman - Travel Counsellor 47 Shoebury High School 52/53

All rights reserved. No part of Oracle Publications UK Ltd may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means either wholly or in part without prior permission of the publisher. Oracle Publications UK Ltd is editorially autonomous and the opinions expressed are not those of the publisher unless expressly stated.

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February 2016

Advertorial

Fings ain't wot they used to be!

"It used to be fun – Dad an' old Mum, paddling down Southend. But now it ain't done. Never mind, chum – Paris is where we spend our outin's."

Ah, Max Bygraves taking us back to the Fifties! Even in those dark days of austerity we were aspirational – things could only get better! And indeed they did, for the parents of the Baby Boomers, compared with how they were brought up before and during WW2.

But it’s not how I remember it. Brown sauce sand­ wiches, sugar buppies, Camp coffee, welfare orange juice, daily spoonful of malt, freezing cold lino, outside lavs, ice inside of windows, coal fires (when you could afford it) that burnt your front and froze your back! That’s what I remember. The good old days, when we had nothing – which so many hark back on with affection. When we could leave our front doors unlocked and not worry about burglars – that's because we had nothing worth burgling!

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clothes for the masses, 2, 3 or 4-car families and home ownership for most. All attainable for a generation that grasped the opportunity.

But what of those Boomers, now in their 60s and 70s, surviving on a depleted pension, mortgaged and in debt to credit cards? Will they be as stoic as their parents? Will they suffer the cold days of winter, turning down the bars on the electric fire, terrified of the bill? Will they make do on bread and dripping, instead of prawn cocktail? I doubt it, unless forced to – they’re used to better fings! Central heating, double glazing, bathrooms, fitted kitchens, holidays abroad, cars, eating out – all the things that Baby Boomers worked for and have come to expect as their right! But there is a choice – they can access the cash locked in their homes with a suitable Equity Release Scheme, using their property to maintain the lifestyle they have become used to. And why not? We’re only here once! Equity Release Schemes don’t suit everybody and you need expert independent advice as to the best way forward, but if you need to raise money, for any reason, it’s worth finding out about. If you would like to discover more, feel free to call for a quick chat.

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February 2016

LOCAL ISSUES

Garrison flood plain going under The flood plain at Shoebury’s Old Gunners Park site is once again under threat as Developers and Council Planners consider new plans to build on the fragile area of land.

Over a decade ago, in 2004, this roughly rectangular area of land (between Campfield Road to the north, Ness Road to the west, and New Barge Pier Road to the south and east) was given outline planning permission for B1 commercial use as part of the wider plans of previous owner Gladedale, who purchased the Garrison site from the Ministry of Defence in 1998. The land is now classed as a Category 3 flood plain but the planning designation was given long before there was public awareness of the devastating effects of flooding that we are now seeing across the UK due to inappropriate development and global warming.

Old Gunners Park was purchased in 2010 by the current owner, the developer Garrison Developments LLP, who applied to build 172 homes and 15,000 square metres of Class B1 offices.

That application was rejected by local councillors in a resounding 13 to 3 vote at a Southend Borough Council (SBC) planning meeting on 8th July 2015 on grounds of flood risk and traffic issues.

Despite such a comprehensive refusal, the developer has appealed – to the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol – against the decision to refuse their application but the appeal date has not yet been set.

Making waves Just before Christmas, the developer lodged a near identical planning application with Southend Borough Council to erect 172 Dwelling Houses and 14,130 square metres of Class B1A Offices and a Class D1 Health Centre Outline Application (Amended Proposal).

The local residents associations – who represent hundreds of local residents – are currently going through the extensive documentation put forward to Southend Borough Council with the planning application and they are encouraging everyone who is concerned at these plans to submit a personal objection by the deadline – originally given as the 7th January but subsequently extended following lobbying by the Garrison Residents Association (GRA) and the Friends of Shoebury Common (FoSC).

We are taking these steps because we believe the unique nature of Old Gunners Park and its importance as an effective flood plain makes it an asset of community value that needs to be preserved for residents and for future generations.

The area was – and is – increasingly acknowledged as having considerable historic and military significance. Additionally, even though this land is currently privately owned, moves are afoot to establish Coastal Country Park status for the combined areas of Shoebury Common, Gunners Park and Shoeburyness East Beach. This is possible due to the recent formation of a Coastal Community Team for Shoebury and the ability to bid for Government funding. We believe that this fine

February 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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aspiration would be severely diminished if Old Gunners Park were built on as proposed.

Keeping our heads above water Also, and most importantly, the land at Old Gunners Park is designated by the Environment Agency as a High Risk (category 3) flood plain. Any building work could only take place after considerable 'making up' of the land together with substantial drainage works to mitigate the effects of surface water flooding, plus the provision of additional sea defences at Shoebury Common.

There would also be the loss of the natural drainage effect that Shoebury has enjoyed for generations that stops other parts of Shoebury from flooding.

Everybody must be aware of the terrible flooding that occurred on the Somerset Levels last year and the Lake District very recently. The principle areas flooded were designated flood plains – let’s not have this happen at Shoebury!

If all of this were not enough, there are general infrastructure issues as well – the additional pressure the extra numbers would place on the inadequate existing road system in the area, local schools and facilities.

Going against the flow

Firstly, in relation to the planning appeal made

by Garrison Developments, we believe we

If you would be willing to make a contribution it would be very much appreciated if you would please email your response to: old.gunners. park@btinternet.com indicating your support for the challenge together with an indication of the financial contribution you could make for this purpose.

At this stage please do not send any money (full details of the legal fund and additional details will be advised later).

Secondly, regarding the new planning application, please email your objection letter as soon as possible to: planningregistrationteam@southend.gov.uk quoting reference: 15/02053/OUTM. You can also view the new GRA website news section at: www.shoeburygarrison.com for further information on this topic and everything that is happening at the Garrison.

Garrison Residents Association and Friends of Shoebury Common

e: old.gunners.park@btinternet.com www.shoeburygarrison.com

KHAN TANDOORI RESTAURANT

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We hope very much that you support the actions we propose to take in this matter and that you would be willing to help us by making a donation to a Save Old Gunners Park Fighting Fund.

Kind Regards,

The combined forces of the GRA and FoSC will be objecting to the latest proposals, but we also need your help.

Open 7 days a week including Bank Holidays

will need legal representation to support a technical challenge to arguments put forward by the representatives of the owner/developer, unfortunately this will cost money.

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Fringe benefits

SALON

For years the humble fringe has been derided for being a little frumpy and passé – but now it’s back. And hotter than ever!

The fringe can also add a certain, je ne sais quoi, something the gorgeous actress Gemma Arterton picked up on when she posted a selfie on Instagram.

Whether below your brows or swept to one side, bangs are very much de rigeur this season and with them, comes the fringe.

Hang loose The overall look is effortless cool, which is perfect for winter days when you just don’t want the faff.

Besides, a fringe is an easy and versatile way to update your style. You don’t need to go for a severe, straight-edged chop and you can have it short or long. The key thing is to have it well cut and in a way that suits your face shape.

I love the fringe as it also suits a number of hairstyles, from Californian beachy waves to fullbodied tumbling curls, a messy bob or an Audrey Hepburn-esque up-do, there are so many options.

Bring to the fore Stars and celebs have flocked to the fringe, including Katy Perry and Rihanna, along with Alexa Chung and Kylie Jenner.

Rihanna created a rockier, edgier look by matching flawless make-up and leather jacket with her long, choppy fringe. As part of her transition to appealing to a more mature audience, Taylor Swift framed her heart-shaped face with a blunt trim, whilst retaining her trademark shoulder-length locks.

Lunatic fringe Of course, the ubiquitous Kardashians have seized upon the fringe. Kourtney cut a dash first with a centre-parted fringe, teamed with a Sixties-style bouffant. Her sisters quickly followed her lead and it was Kim herself who caused a stir when she was photographed with an eye-lash scraping fringe. By having her hair cut in a sexy but sophisticated way, keeping her hair length to bust level, Kim achieved a versatile look that could be relaxed or glam whenever required.

There’s a style for every face shape, every hair colour and every personal preference, so you can see why VIP’s can all see the benefits of a fringe.

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February 2016

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February 2016

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February 2016

Advertorial

COUNCIL

Breaking the budget Before going into detail about the council’s budget, it is worth outlining the Government's problems in controlling the national debt, in that the £650 billion debt that they inherited in 2010 is now fast approaching £1.7 trillion and although the rate of the year-on-year deficit is slowing, the national debt is still increasing substantially.

decisions that will deliver significant savings and raise revenues. Council tax will need to be raised by 1.99% and the 2% adult social care precept also accepted, which will be ring-fenced to fund our adult social care programme. The proposed increases will mean a Band D household will pay an additional 89 pence per week. I accept my decision will not be popular, but I must protect the economic stability of the council, the town and its services, both now and for future years.

Therefore readers should not be fooled by the rhetoric in November about 'spending power'.

The Government's announcement of a 2% adult social care precept that raises £1.3 million is in itself welcome, but at the same time they withdrew £1.1 million from our adult care grant and with other pressures this meant we needed to find £2.1 million.

•

Delicate balance

Budget savings next year of £10.5 million across the Council are as follows:

• Department for People (looking after children and adults) = £5.311 million

Department for Place (looking after street scene, highways) = £3.367 million

• Department for Corporate Services (dealing with •

legal, finance and asset issues) = £1.408 million

Public Health (dealing with smoking, obesity and STIs, etc.) = £381,000

• 60 full-time posts will be lost and various staff restructuring will take place

It is on this background that this budget has proved hugely challenging, drawn up in possibly the most difficult circumstances to date. By 2020 there will be further Government cuts of £35.5 million and financing costs of £65 million from Conservative borrowings. By 2020 we will receive no rate support grant and be largely reliant on council tax and business rates alone to fund services to residents.

Just to balance the council’s books, I have no other choice but to announce some incredibly difficult

February 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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More power to you Being aware of the continuation of Government cuts, we took the decision to set up Southend Energy Company. By switching suppliers, average savings for residents are over £200 per year, giving an opportunity to recoup some of these increased costs.

Building on our success Some of the planned £177 million of capital projects over the next 4 years include £18 million creating additional secondary school places, £6.8 million earmarked for highways and footway improvements, regeneration of Victoria Avenue including creating up to 245 extra car parking spaces, hundreds of new homes via the council and the private sector and we plan to start building a further 18 council houses this year in Shoeburyness. There will be £1.9 million for cliff slip improvements and the Belton Hill Steps in Leigh, some £15 million on Energy efficient and Solar PV projects, including the LED street light replacement programme, and £32 million to continue the completion of the Decent Homes programme.

A total of £4.63 million of much needed investment will go to the Pier for maintenance and structural works, with a further £150,000 for a feasibility study on replacing the pier railway and further entertainment facilities. Plans are also underway for a new museum of the Estuary and a tourist attracting lagoon on the seafront.

make improvements. We remain an open, honest, ambitious and forward-thinking administration and plan to be prudent where we can, whilst protecting important existing services to our residents and supplying the best service possible for our town’s businesses. We have a thriving local airport, planned airport business park, proposals for the Seaway car park and Marine Plaza development, the possibility of a new football stadium, and a plan for the Town Centre ensuring its continued viability, all of which should create many thousands of jobs.

I am full of confidence for the future of Southend and remain committed to reducing the planned borrowings of the previous administration (currently down by £76 million) and ensuring that future capital projects don't burden the council’s revenues.

Development in the town is moving forward and my joint administration is proving successful in decision making and managing the Council’s finances and services. A recent independent review remarked that 'Southend-on-Sea joint administration is offering stability through change and they are working really hard to maintain a collective focus on leading the council. They have adopted a very collaborative and mature approach in doing so.'

A recent comment by the Echo was titled 'There’s no dispute … Southend-on-Sea is on the up', something I wholeheartedly agree with.

by Cllr Ron Woodley

On the up

Leader of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council

This budget aims to achieve the very best for every resident of Southend-on-Sea, while continuing to

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February 2016

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A rose by any other name…

VALENTINE'S

Roses can be such a thorny issue – one is practically obliged to hand over a bunch of the traditional twelve on Valentine's day to say 'I love you'. But not everybody loves them, so here's some romantic alternatives to freshen your bouquet and ensure that you come up smelling of …

Gerbera conveys purity, loyal love and cheerfulness.

Amaryllis is symbolic of splendid beauty. It is also

confidence. White lilac symbolizes humility and innocence, field lilac symbolizes charity while purple symbolizes first love.

used to indicate worth beyond beauty.

Carnations symbolize pride and beauty. Red

symbolizes love, pride and admiration; pink, the love of a woman or a mother; while white symbolizes innocence and pure love.

Chrysanthemums symbolize fidelity, optimism, joy and long life. Red conveys love; white symbolizes truth and loyal love while yellow symbolizes slighted love.

Delphinium symbolizes big-heartedness, fun, lightness and levity. It also indicates ardent attachment.

Gardenia symbolizes purity and sweetness. They indicate secret love. They convey joy. They tell the receiver you are lovely.

Heather Lavender symbolizes admiration, solitude

and beauty while white heather symbolizes protection and indicates that wishes will come true.

Iris symbolizes eloquence. Purple iris is symbolic of

wisdom and compliments. Blue symbolizes faith and hope. Yellow iris symbolizes passion while white iris symbolizes purity.

Lilac symbolizes youthful innocence and

Lily symbolizes purity and refined beauty.

White symbolizes modesty and virginity, orange symbolizes passion, yellow symbolizes gaiety while Lily of the Valley symbolizes sweetness and purity of heart. The Easter lily is the symbol of the Virgin Mary.

Orchid is a symbol of the exotic beauty. It suggests refinement, thoughtfulness and mature charm. It also symbolizes proud and glorious femininity.

Ranunculus symbolizes radiant charm. It conveys a message that you are radiant with charm or you are attractive.

Tulip signifies a declaration of love. It also symbolizes fame and perfect love.

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Indian Potato Pancakes

FOOD

Turn Shrove Tuesday into a savoury pancake day with these lovely tasty Indian treats. The mixture is easy to make and you can use either shop bought pancakes if you are short of time or make your own pancake batter.

The potato filling can also be used as a side dish for a curry. Enjoy!

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 4 tbsp olive oil • 2 shallots, finely chopped • 1 tsp mustard seeds • ½ tsp turmeric • 1 green chilli, deseeded and chopped into small pieces

• • 1 garlic clove, crushed • 300g potatoes, chopped into small chunks • 400g can green lentils, drained • 4 pre-made pancakes 1 tsp finely grated ginger

or you can make your own

ORACLE estate planning

To serve –

• 80g bag baby spinach • mango chutney (optional) • natural yoghurt (optional) Method: 1. Heat the oil in a large pan over a low heat.

Add the shallots, mustard seeds, turmeric, chilli, ginger and garlic, and cook gently until the shallots are soft. Add the potatoes and continue to cook slowly for 15–20 mins, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are soft.

3. Stir through the lentils, season and continue to cook for another 2–3 mins to warm them through.

4. Warm the pancakes wrapped in foil in the oven for 10 mins then pile a quarter of the mixture into each pancake and fold the sides in to make a triangle.

5. Pop the spinach in the pan while it’s still hot, just to wilt it, and serve on the side, with mango chutney and yoghurt, if you like.

by Judy Barden Next month: One-Pan Salmon Bake

01702 393838 e: info@oracleestateplanning.co.uk w: oracleestateplanning.co.uk Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend SS1 1AN

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Quid-each match for kids

SPORT

Southend United host Chesterfield at Roots Hall on Saturday 5th March (3pm kick-off) and under 16s will be admitted for just ÂŁ1 with a paying adult.

A shrew'd move

The season has now reached its halfway point with Southend challenging for the play-off positions, and the club is offering young supporters the chance to cheer on the Blues for next to nothing.

The striker comes in to add some firepower to The Blues' attack, offering support to the current forwards at the club.

The maximum amount of under 16s tickets that can be purchased for this price is two per paying adult.

This deal applies to both season card holders and non-season card holders, and the child must be 16 or under at the time of purchase.

On the pitch, the club has added a new striker to their ranks during the January transfer window, with Tyrone Barnett signing on loan from Shrewsbury until the end of the campaign.

Barnett fair Barnett has scored six times this season for Shrewsbury and prior to that, he has enjoyed successful spells at Peterborough United, Crawley Town and Macclesfield Town.

Playing the long game

Keep your eye on the ball

The club hopes the offer will help create the next generation of loyal Blues supporters. If interested please contact the ticket office at Southend United on 08444 770077.

If you would like to watch Southend United in style this season, why not try the Blues hospitality packages?

To find out more go to the hospitality page on Southend United’s official website: www. southendunited.co.uk/commercial/hospitality

by Tom Jarvis

O

SUFC Media & Communications Executive

08444 770077 Southend United Football Club www.southendunited.co.uk Roots Hall Stadium, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS2 6NQ 42

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February 2016

Advertorial

Trust me – I’m a Travel Counsellor!

Recently, the BBC’s ‘Rip Off Britain’ programme shared the stories of many distraught would-be holidaymakers who had lost thousands of pounds by falling victim to a number of online scams.

And you don't have to travel far to find further holiday horrors – we all know someone who has been taken for a ride over some aspect of their arrangements, whether it be by following a fake online review, booking a broken-down rental car, splashing out on a dried-up swimming pool or losing your luggage to a cut-corners airline.

With 93% of UK consumers planning to go on holiday within the next 12 months, the market is certainly bountiful for unscrupulous agents so it is perhaps unsurprising then that a recent survey revealed that trust is by far the most important factor to us when booking a holiday.

Of the 335 UK consumers surveyed, only 23% valued online ratings and reviews as most important when researching their holiday options. For most – an overwhelming 71% – a real travel agent with first-hand knowledge of destinations and accommodation was considered the most important source of information for making such decisions.

by an established, experienced and trusted company like Travel Counsellors – a global, award-winning travel company with over 20 years' experience. But I'm not just your friendly, local Travel Counsellor – I genuinely care that you enjoy the best experience possible and will tailor-make your holidays according to your specific wants and needs. All my customers know they can have complete peace of mind when they book through me.

Going the extra mile Despite only 4% of people ranking 'cheapest price' as the most important factor when making travel plans, far more were worried about financial protection, raising serious concerns about online advice. Travel Counsellors provide 100% financial protection and 24/7 assistance to ensure you have absolutely nothing to worry about while you're away.

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47

Dear Oracle,

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

There has been some interest in your magazine regarding charities' predicaments about finance.

Would it not be possible to create in Southend a charity like the Pret Foundation Trust through which Pret a Manger gives to charities and further set up a similar system by which companies arrange for spare food to be delivered to charities at the end of the day? I ask as I was horrified to find out that all unsold – but perfectly edible – food from a local carvery (such as the turkey carcass) goes straight in the bin every night.

Pat Wortley

LOCAL LETTERS

Steaming Trains ––––––––––––––– Delays, a lack of seats, armpits in your face and cancellations, have all been a part of the brand new morning commute with c2c, who changed their timetable on 13th December, resulting in a less than perfect service. Just days into the new timetable, the service suffered severe delays, cancellations and commuters had to stand the full length of their journey. c2c assured it was just teething problems and customers getting used to the new service, however the issues continued and are still providing problems today.

A fellow passenger, Rosa, from Thorpe Bay, who travels everyday on the service, said: “It was a complete and utter nightmare. People were so annoyed and the new service wasn’t great. There weren’t as many carriages and the cancellations and delays were just frustrating. People wanted the old reliable service back.”

Despite claiming it was teething problems, c2c listened to commuters and made further changes to their timetable in January, to remedy the issues. However the train service which travels into London Fenchurch Street, continued to experience these problems throughout January. John, from Leigh-on-sea told me: “The journeys home were just as annoying. When you’ve finished work you just want to get home.

Sometimes you’d sit on a platform for ages. Often the platform number changed and you’d have to run with a crowd of people to get a seat.”

Towards the end of January, c2c offered to refund two days of travel for season, monthly and weekly ticket holders. The new timetable and shorter trains were due to c2c boasting the changes would accommodate more passengers to the growing service.

Commuters are far from convinced this is the end of the ‘teething problems’ and have lost faith in the service which costs them thousands of pounds a year. Customers using the service have protested against the new timetable and c2c’s Twitter has continued to receive abuse and complaints. But when you are riding a train for over two hours a day, paying out a lot of money and experiencing problems regularly, can we blame them? Every passenger that frequently uses the service will tell you they have ‘their seat,’ a morning routine and ‘their train’ that they catch. But with the new changes, this has thrown off commuters and messed up their perfect morning commute.

Coffee has been spilt, new shoes have been scuffed and armpits have been squashed in our faces. We can only hope c2c stop ‘teething’ and start getting back on track.

Daniel Harding

48

Something on your mind?

Consult the Oracle by sending your letters to: info@oraclepublications.co.uk

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

February 2016

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February 2016

ADVERTISEMENT

Cloudy2Clear Windows – Service With A Smile!

It’s been a crazy few months for Cloudy2Clear Windows.

The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has grown rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their services.

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Advertorial

Making a song and dance at Shoeburyness High Shoeburyness High School has a reputation for putting on high quality musical productions, noted for both their inclusiveness and their brilliance.

In previous years we have performed awardwinning interpretations of musical classics such as Copacabana and Fame but for our most recent show, the school’s acclaimed Theatre Arts and Music departments decided to showcase a new production, fresh from London’s Union Theatre, titled Loserville.

Written by Pop Punk band Son of Dork, the show traces the advent of email and the rise of digital technologies in the fictional 1970s town of Loserville. The subject may be ‘modern’ but the story is nevertheless traditional; mixing love, envy, ambition and revenge in equal measure to create a thrilling and energetic ride through high school life.

The show played for five nights; each one received with excited appreciation by an enthusiastic audience of friends and family, whose rapturous applause was reward for the hard work and sacrifice of the pupils and their teachers, who had rehearsed tirelessly in the months leading up to the opening night. I brought my own family to see the show and they were blown away by the energy and talent of the whole cast.

played the two leading parts beautifully. Each of them made the character their own by bringing a unique set of skills to their performance. Jack Tobin and James Gordon played dumb jock Eddie with perfectly judged amounts of egotism and foolishness whilst Leia, Eddie’s self-obsessed girlfriend, was delightfully played by Rosie Walton and Sophie Carrick. Michael’s best friend Lucas was sensitively acted by Abdullah Khallif and Ben Neagan, a newcomer to a leading role, who is sure to be cast in further named roles. Ellis Smith, Edie Jarvis, Josh Sweeting, Connor Gregory, Charlie Guiver, Paige Dadds, Nicole Crane, Reece Emery, Mia Doney, Olivia Bennett and Nathan Smith also contributed performances of great skill and artistry.

Singing their praises The Shoeburyness High performance of Loserville was reviewed by Tessa Davies from the National Operatic & Dramatic Arts Society, who wrote that, ‘The ensemble cast were, as always at Shoebury,

Acting up To enable as many students as possible to take on speaking roles, the principal parts were played by different actors on alternating nights. Jake Bailey, Luke Reid, Laura Joseph and Elloise Bennett

52

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

February 2016

outstanding; with well drilled dancers, strong supporting singers and a vibrant and enthusiastic chorus. What was particularly enjoyable was seeing those actors who had been principals in one performance still giving total commitment to the show as chorus members in the other performances.’

This was a view shared

by Shoeburyness Head Teacher Mark Schofield, who commented that the choreography was as good as anything he’d seen in the West End. Of course, a musical would be nothing without the music and this year’s was energetic, precise and engaging. Our Shoeburyness eight-piece show band, made up of pupils and staff, performed the score flawlessly, providing the rich tapestry of sound with which the students could perform so wonderfully.

And the nominations are …

Last year’s production of Fame was awarded the NODA award for the ‘Best Chorus’ and the overall prestigious award of 'Best Youth Production', building upon the success of 2013’s production which was also celebrated as the ‘Best Youth Production’. These awards were won in the face of stiff competition from both secondary and stage schools.

The pupils and their teachers are hoping for a hattrick of successes this year, having been nominated for the category of 'Best Youth Production' again, with the results being decided in April. I think it would be richly deserved.

Star quality I’m so pleased to say that once again the school has proved itself to be overflowing with talent. A cast of 80 students worked tirelessly to win the audience over with some gutsy and great performances, belting out all numbers with remarkable energy and musicality. The acting was a joy too, moving from fine comic timing to moments of real emotive drama. For many of the students this was their first year playing a lead role. The dance routines by all of the cast were slick and professionally executed with outstanding energy. The show was absolutely outstanding and all credit should be given to

both casts who were wonderful and extremely professional throughout all rehearsals and shows.

The entire crew, cast, band and production team worked incredibly well together and should all be extremely proud of what they achieved.

Encore!

Finally, the weeks leading up to the show were particularly exciting because Sarah Oddy, Head of Drama and Creative and Expressive Arts and Danni Jameson, Performing Arts teacher, gave birth to beautiful baby girls. Heidi Young stepped in as Head of Department and directed the show with great professionalism and unshakable calmness.

Here’s looking forward to Shoeburyness High School’s production in 2016!

by Edward Harper

O

Acting Head of Creative and Expressive Arts

STOP PRESS! We have our Year 9 Options evening on the 11th February in the Singleton Centre at 7pm.

All parents of year 9 students in the school should attend to find out what is on offer in years 10 and 11.

Shoeburyness High School 01702 292286 schooloffice@shoeburyness.southend.sch.uk www.shoeburynesshigh.co.uk

February 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

53

WHAT’S ON Women's Institute Southchurch Village Friends Meeting Every 2nd Monday at 7.30pm The Hamstel Children & Families Centre, Hamstel Road. 8th February: Colour Me Beautiful – What colours suit you?

Southend Cats Protection - Homing Show Saturday 13th February, 10.30 a.m. to 12 noon. Shalynn Cattery - 569 Prince Avenue, Westcliff, SS0 0JN All our cats are neutered and microchipped, vaccinated and vet checked. Please come along and meet our moggies; all looking for a good home.

Pearl Dragon New Year's Lunch Sunday February 21st 12-3pm, Pearl Dragon, Eastern Esplanade. Celebrate Chinese New Year with the Mayor and Mayoress. To reserve your tickets contact Mrs Sandy Cast. Email: sandracast@hotmail.co.uk or phone 07596 702854.

Clandestine Cake Club If you like baking cakes and want to join our monthly events at secret locations around Southend then please go the Clandestine Cake Club website and search for Southend Branch to contact Dan and book into this event which is in aid of The Mayor's Charity Fund this month. Suggested donation £5. www. clandestinecakeclub.co.uk.

Cheese & Wine Charity Evening at Porters Friday February 26th 7–10pm, Porters Civic House.Join us at Porters Civic House for an evening with Cheese and Wine Tasting.To reserve your tickets contact Mrs Sandy Cast. Email: sandracast@hotmail.co.uk or phone 07596 702854.

SOS BUS 10th Anniversary Fundraising Meal 17 February 7pm, Maya's World Buffet, 42 London Road, Southend, Essex. Join the SOS BUS team for a fantastic night of fun, food and fundraising. Tickets are £15 and if you would like to book please call: Andrew Lane on 07837546436.

Leigh Travel Club Wednesday 2nd March, 7.30pm–9.30pm, Iveagh Hall, Leigh-on-Sea. This month, Sandra Moore will be giving a talk on Hout Bay and Zulu Land. For further information call Lynda on 01702 474475.

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25 Years’ Experience

February 2016

February 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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