Oracle Thorpe Bay February 2017

February 2017

Your all-seeing local

ORACLE

Thorpe Bay, Southchurch, the Garrison & Shoeburyness

WIN! Tickets to exciting rhythm tap show at Annie’s

Helping you weather the storm Choose an accountant that is perfectly moulded to your individual surroundings

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February 2017

ORACLE

WELCOME

Oracle is looking for some keen, reliable distributors to deliver the magazines each month. If you are over 14 years old or just young at heart and fancy a bit of exercise then please give me a call on: 01702 393838.

Hopefully the worst of the cold spell is over and we can all look forward to the spring, and with it some longed-for outdoor activities. Speaking of which, Adam Jones has written an article this month encouraging people to get out on their bike and has a request for all motorists.

This month’s competition is from Annie’s Jazz. I have been to a number of these evenings and can thoroughly recommend you give it a try. Step to it, because up for grabs are four tickets to see the amazing Michele Drees Tap Project, on Tuesday, 7th March (ticket excludes food and drink). It is a spectacular mix of rhythm tap dance and jazz.

Please see: anniesjazz.vpweb.co.uk for further details on this evening and other great nights.

To enter, please send in your name and contact details to: Oracle/Annie’s Jazz Competition, 11 Clarence Road, Southend, Essex SS1 1AN or email: info@oraclepublications.co.uk by Friday, 24 February 2017.

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 oracleessex oracle_essex

Printed by Printwize Ltd, Witham, Essex CM8 3BN

01376 500900

February 2017 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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Southchurch Park by Wayne Blows

CONTENTS Staying alive at 1.5

9/10

Local Issues by Adam Jones

Get a Lob!

16

Salon advice by Craig Smith

Looking out for our blue light services 22 Council news by Cllr Ron Woodley

Nachos with Oxtail Chilli

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Judy's Recipe Page

Don’t be left high and dry this holiday

44

Law & Order by Richard Curtis

Local Letters

48

Residents have their say

Brainbox 54 What's On 58 Useful Numbers 64 Advertiser Directory 66 Advertorials Essex Equity Release Advice Centre 27 Oracle Publications 34/35 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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LOCAL ISSUES

Staying alive at 1.5 When it comes to overtaking cyclists there is only one way to do it safely, so mind the gap!

You’re a sensible, reasonable person. I’d be willing to wager that, despite the odd transgression, you’ve led a largely blameless life.

Naturally, this extends to your friends, colleagues and family. None of you would wake up in the morning, throw back the curtains while still in your jim-jams and casually say to the other half, ‘Think I’ll give manslaughter a go today!’

It seems daft doesn’t it? Unthinkable even. But last year 63 people died and 955 were seriously injured on Essex’s roads. These figures are a considerable increase on the 44 deaths and 788 people seriously injured in 2015.

Life cycle Arguably, of all road users, cyclists are the most vulnerable and an extensive study in America discovered that 40% of fatal accidents involving bike riders were caused by collisions from the rear.

During the Rio Olympics, Chris Boardman had to return to the UK because his mother had been killed by a pick-up truck driver in North Wales. Accidents such as this occur as a result of motorists skimming past a cyclist when it isn’t safe to do.

On a bicycle made for 1.5 As a cyclist, I am all too aware of the inherent dangers of riding on our roads and regularly use my

wife as a counselling service as I relay yet another tale of nearly being knocked off my bike.

Recognising that vehicle drivers have a duty of care to fellow road users, some twenty-two US states have passed legislation specifying that a space of 1.5 metres be observed when overtaking a cyclist. Over here in Europe, Belgium, Germany, France and Portugal, have also now adopted 1.5m (or a whisker under 5 feet) as the pre-requisite safe passing distance.

A bumpy ride Last year, West Midlands Police became the first force in the UK to target ‘close-pass’ motorists. It said it felt that prosecuting drivers was the most effective way of improving the safety of cyclists.

In just four days, the scheme saw 80 drivers pulled over and given ‘roadside advice’. 38 drivers were deemed so dangerous that they were prosecuted.

I would like to see Essex Police follow their West Midlands counterparts’ lead.

Southend’s roads are already congested and many are too narrow for a vehicle to overtake a cyclist at a distance of 1.5m, so I’d also like it to become mandatory that vehicles must travel behind the bike until it is able to overtake it lawfully.

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Public information films in the 1970s offered common sense advice to both cyclists and drivers.

Where there’s a wheel there’s a way Whilst riding in Sardinia last summer, I noticed that car drivers now give a little toot of the horn to make you aware that they are behind and preparing to overtake. It is a simple but effective means of communication which allows both parties to go about their business safely and with mutual trust and good will.

More recently, I have lobbied Councillors at Southend Borough Council to support my campaign to create greater awareness of safe-passing and the 1.5m gap between rider and vehicle. This has met with a favourable response and you may soon see the illuminated traffic signs in and around the town, reminding drivers to give cyclists a distance of 1.5m when overtaking.

leisure riders and youngsters. So please, don’t be tempted to wind down the window, scream abuse and demand we ride in the cycle lane. Or, as one chap did, try to shepherd me off the road!

The route to success I’m just trying to get from A to B as quickly as I can.

Just like you and, with a bit of patience and respect, we’ll both get there. But I’ll stay alive if you will please just give me 1.5.

by Adam Jones

O

Get in the right gear In the 1970s the Government produced a series of public safety films, one of which advised motorists that cyclists could see objects and hazards on the road far more clearly than someone cocooned in a car or van. They may suddenly need to avoid uneven road surfaces or obstacles like drain covers so it’s always important to afford cyclists plenty of room.

Also, you may be surprised at just how fast a thin, middle-aged man can pedal a bicycle – with a tailwind and a flat or downhill road surface, speeds of around 30 mph can be reached, but turn into a battering headwind and one’s pace can suddenly drop to as low as 8mph. In a car you might not be aware of that but a good rule of thumb is that if they’re clad head to ankle in Lycra, they’re a keen rider and out ‘training’.

Consequently, competitive cyclists and very fit riders are not wanted or required to be on the cycle path running along the seafront, as it is intended for

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SALON

Get a Lob! Sing it loud because the Lob is the haircut that works for everyone!

Essentially, there are three types of lob: Blunt, Longlayered and Choppy.

The long layers also allow you to play with a variety of different styles. If you’re going out on a super-swanky date, a Grecian updo with braids looks amazing, but so do loose twists, straight, wavy … whatever takes your fancy.

To be blunt

For the chop

The Blunt, as its name suggests, is cut blunt – uniform in length with no layers. This makes it super-easy to live with and manage day-to-day.

From a beauty perspective it elongates your neck, creating a more statuesque effect. Don’t be tempted to shorten it, as you’ll simply create a classic bob whilst losing the lob’s versatility.

Now consider the Choppy lob.

For inspiration, take a look at January Jones’ character in the TV show, Mad Men. It’s all about the wispy layers, girls. Ask your stylist to use thinning scissors for the back layers as these will soften any hard lines. And make sure they’re long – no shorter than an inch above your chin.

This style rocks for women with fine or heat-damaged hair. The Blunt lob gives back the health and vitality of your hair without having to go short. It also trims off split ends and makes your hair look thicker.

Why the long face?

Next, my little Rock Lobsters, is the Long-layered lob.

This requires longer tresses as chin-length layers will add texture and movement. I recommend it to any clients who have a longer face structure because it adds width. The overall effect is chic and more sophisticated than flowing, beachy layers.

The Choppy is ideal for all face shapes and gives you a young, hip and slightly edgy look, without going all ‘Lily Allen’. If you’re loathe to cut your hair, the Choppy is also an ideal solution because it’s long enough to be pulled into a chignon or ponytail and it can also take being twirled into full-on glamorous, glory-days-of-Hollywood styles. The Choppy is the hair equivalent of Tinder, you don’t have to commit to one particular look if the fancy doesn’t take you.

O

by Craig Smith

Director of Grateful Heads Hair Salon, Southend Providing expert hair care to Essex for 30 years.

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Services: • Accountancy • Audit & assurance • Corporate and personal tax • Corporate finance • Payroll services • Wealth management

Helping you weather the storm

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COUNCIL

Looking out for our blue light services

Funding for all of the services that we rely on – Local Government, the Police, Fire and Rescue Services – has been severely cut since 2010, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future.

Collaboration alone will not deliver, in full, the potential benefits that have been identified, and evidence has found that control through a single governance structure was and is the key driver for achieving change.

The need for these services to look for change is paramount, otherwise change will come looking for them, and unless they are prepared, they will surely fail.

But, although I am supportive of change, I wonder whether these proposals are going far enough?

Should they also include the Ambulance service with all three headquarters based at one site, sharing backroom facilities and management structures?

The New Bill On that basis, I welcome the Policing and Crime Bill, which introduces measures that will place a duty on emergency services to collaborate, enabling the Police and Crime Commissioner to take on full responsibility for both the Police and Fire and Rescue Services, ensuring closer cooperation.

The initial business case is still in a draft form, not yet a full business case, and council members of the Fire Authority still have an opportunity to shape the final document. It identifies three key drivers for change in Essex:

Blue-sky thinking

Could a similar structure operate locally, sharing the same building that is centrally located, to enable rapid response to any emergency that arises? I have often wondered why it is necessary for the Police to spend so much time at serious accident scenes when the Fire and Rescue service have adequate forensic means to investigate in the aftermath of such events. This could free up the Police to attend to other demands, which is of paramount importance when there is clearly a serious lack of resources for the Police in Southend-on-Sea.

• Operational benefits which will keep the public

How to fund the services in the future? I have ideas, but that’s for another debate.

• Improved management for both emergency

by Ron Woodley

• Financial benefits through more economic and

BERA Chairman and Independent Councillor for Thorpe Ward

It is recognised that a step change in governance is needed to deliver benefits in all the three areas.

01702 588662 e: ronwoodley@hotmail.co.uk

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efficient provision of services.

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Advertorial

Help! I need somebody …

Help! Not just anybody.

Help! You know I need someone.

He-e-elp!

We all sang along with The Beatles back in ’64, in the back row of the local fleapit – the baby boomer generation, on the verge of a great adventure through life – well-educated, good health, new jobs a-plenty, financial independence, but completely unaware we were about to enter the most affluent period in the whole history of the world. But did we care? Course not! We had the confidence only the ignorance of youth can muster. Bring it on, we can handle it – that was the motto!

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Help me, get my feet back on the ground …

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Advertorial

Oracle – giving you the business Before I talk about 2016, I would like to remind you that in November 2015 we published a recipe book, in celebration of Oracle’s 10th anniversary.

the year before, Oracle remains the only glossy, local, popular and respected magazine that has a very desirable specifically targeted audience, with the advantage of self-managed distribution. Please visit our website to see a map of Oracle’s coverage.

Full of local readers’ very own recipes, it was sold in aid of HARP – Southend’s Homeless Charity and I am very pleased to announce that by the end of 2016 it had raised just under £5,000! I would like to thank everybody who participated in making Cooking-onSea such a great success for a worthwhile cause!

Set your sites higher

Good as gold In February 2016, Oracle was awarded ‘Gold’ by the Southend Business & Community Charter. This award recognises local businesses who support the community through fundraising, volunteering, mentoring, pro bono work; or anything that helps ensure we have a thriving, vibrant community.

January last year, saw the launch of our very own ‘Community Spirit Award’ to celebrate individuals who have selflessly contributed to local charities or supported the community in different ways. If you know of a local hero that should be recognised for their efforts, then please send in their details and explain why you feel they deserve this award. No deed is too small – it’s the heart that counts!

Due to popular demand, both Oracle magazines increased their circulation in March 2016. With a combined circulation increase of 2,500 households, Oracle’s total monthly coverage is now 14,000! This increase was made at no extra cost to our clients, and with the addition of the laminated front covers

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With PCs, smart phones and iPads everywhere you look these days, all businesses must have an on-line presence. For a number of years, I have listened to many of my clients complain about the web developers they use and their unreasonable charges.

For example, when they want to move their website to another developer or take control of it themselves, they have been told that they do not own the domain name and therefore will have to pay additional costs to release the passwords for their own site!

I have felt there has been a gap in the market for a transparent, honestly-priced website development company for a long time. Early last year, I was approached by web designer, Scott Hartfield, who has years of experience creating large database and e-commerce sites for many companies in and around London. After meeting Scott, I felt there was a real opportunity for somebody with his wealth and depth of knowledge to work with us developing sites for local businesses at affordable prices while still offering clients an expert, professional service.

Subsequently, our sister company, Oracle Creative Media Ltd was launched in July 2016. Since then, OCM has developed a number of sites and has had some great client feedback. All of our clients own their sites and are offered tuition on how to content manage their websites if required, saving them

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February 2017

money in the future. You can see examples of OCM’s work on www.oraclecreativemedia.com

The secret of success

Touching isn’t it?

• A focussed, desirable target market – Delivery of

Despite the ease and popularity of online media, the range of printed magazines has continued to rise – people simply enjoy their instant, tactile qualities.

Whether while waiting for the doctor, getting your hair styled, or at a friend’s house while they’re making the tea, we all reach out for the nearest magazine to find the latest conversation piece. Not only that, but consumers still continue to have the most trust in local advertising printed in magazines and newspapers. The power of the printed word from a recognised and reliable source still rings true and has great value when evaluating advertising.

Customers like to feel they can trust the brand and seeing it more than once is very important to help create impactful awareness of your product or service. A mixed media campaign, i.e. print media boosted with internet advertising would help reinforce the message you wish to convey to your potential customer. However, if this amount of spend is out of your budget and you are providing a local service rather than a global one, then a print campaign should be your first priority. Repeating adverts over many months in one, smaller area has more impact than trying to reach a larger audience in a bigger area as the budget will be spread too thinly.

This then means that your businesses share of the market will grow in that specific area, as potential clients will have seen your adverts over a number of months and grow in trust. Many of Oracle’s long-term clients attribute their success to advertising with Oracle regularly, each month without fail.

Going … going … gone!

Knowing the type of customers and the message you wish to convey is also key and I can’t recommend enough to research this before any advertising campaign. Don’t buying something cheap if it doesn’t reach your key audience, as you may as well be throwing your money down the drain.

Be sure that your advert says what you need it to say. Remember, consumers don’t really care who you are, they want to know what you have to offer them.

Consider offering a readers’ discount on the advert, unique to that publication so that you can measure the response. If you have an advert that is clearly communicating your product or service, you are targeting the correct market, and have added an offer or a gift, then you really should see some results once the advert has been running for a few months.

So why has Oracle been successful for so many years?

Oracle is concentrated on desirable households in Thorpe Bay, The Garrison, Southchurch, Shoeburyness, Leigh-on-Sea, Chalkwell, Westcliffon-Sea and the Southend Conservation Area, so no magazine is wasted.

• Reliable, monthly, self-managed distribution –

With our own dedicated team of distributors, we can ensure that the magazines are delivered correctly and on-time and offer an unbeatable level of reliability. Monthly publishing affords us time to create an exceptional quality product whilst keeping repeat adverts highly memorable.

• Coffee table quality – Because of it’s high-quality production, Oracle isn’t treated in the same way as a newspaper might be. It can be kept for months and never get tatty or fall apart.

• Complementary services – Advert design, leaflet distribution, web-design, print design and brand management all combine to fulfil our clients’ businesses needs and help them to grow.

• Never afraid to develop – Now in our 11th year, Oracle is always growing and leading the way!

With brave editorial content that connects with its readers, Oracle has become a trusted source for local information and is a popular and wellrespected, mouth-piece too.

Consult the Oracle Feel free to give me a call to discuss how you might grow your business this year through advertising.

I would be very happy to give you some free, noobligation advice. Let Oracle give you the business!

by Emma Wynne-Morgan Publisher & Owner of Oracle Publications (UK) Ltd

ORACLE publications (uk) ltd

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Nachos with Oxtail Chilli

FOOD

Great for a cold winter’s supper, the Oxtail Chilli can be served with rice or as a nacho appetiser for everyone to share. It has a long slow-cook so be patient. Enjoy!

Ingredients (serves 4–6):

• 4 tbsp olive oil • 1kg British oxtail • Plain flour, seasoned, to dust • 2 onions, finely chopped • 2 green chillies, finely chopped • 2–4 dried chipotle chillies or red chillies, to taste • 1 tbsp ground cumin • 2 tsp ground coriander • 2 tsp ground cinnamon • 3 tbsp tomato purée • 400g tin chopped tomatoes • 750ml good quality beef stock • 2 star anise • Bunch of fresh coriander, leaves/stems separated • Tortilla chips • Grated Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese • Pickled jalapeños • Soured cream

ORACLE estate planning

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Method:

1.

Heat the oven to 150°C/fan 130°C/Gas Mark 2.

Heat some olive oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Dust the oxtail with the flour, add to the pan and brown in batches, adding oil if needed, then transfer to a flameproof casserole.

2.

Heat a little more oil in the pan and gently fry the onions until softened. Add the green, chipotle/ red chillies and ground spices and fry for 1 min.

Add to the casserole with the chopped tomatoes, purée, stock, star anise and coriander stems.

Season, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook in the oven for 3½ hours. Remove the lid, then return to the oven for 1 hour.

3.

Scoop the oxtail from the sauce and set aside.

Remove the surface fat. Bubble the casserole sauce on medium heat for about 20 mins or until rich and sticky. Shred the oxtail meat from the bone, return to the reduced sauce and set aside.

4.

When ready, spread a platter with tortillas, scatter with cheese, spoon the chilli over, then scatter more cheese. Grill for 5–6 mins on medium-high until the cheese has melted.

Scatter with chopped coriander leaves and jalapeños, dollop with soured cream and serve.

by Judy Barden

O

Next month: I ndian Spiced Chicken

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LAW & ORDER

Don’t be left high and dry this holiday

Before you book your summer holiday, be sure your approach is water-tight or you might just get that sinking feeling …

First, avoid booking any overseas hotel direct. If the hotel fails to live up to the description or you find that they have booked you into a cheap alternative hotel, then your only legal redress will be to issue legal proceedings in the overseas country – something the hotel management know you will wish to avoid at all costs.

Preferably book your flight and hotel though a UK tour operator who are members of The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) and have Air Travel Organiser’s Licencing (ATOL) protection. Not only do UK tour operators usually have a rep nearby to help you with any complaint, but ABTA and ATOL will be able to help if your tour operator becomes insolvent and cannot get you home. Also, you can sue a tour operator in the UK if your holiday does not meet the description. However, you cannot sue an UK tour internet facilitator as they have no legal liability, e.g. trivago, Booking.com and lastminute.com.

You will have additional protection if you pay using a VISA, MasterCard or AMEX card as, if you get no holiday, they will stand in for the tour operator and refund you the full cost.

Curtis & Curtis The local law firm with 30 years of City experience

What happens if your plane is delayed and you miss some of your holiday? This is covered by the Montreal Convention. Depending on the length of the delay, you could be entitled to vouchers to buy food and drink at the airport, the tour operator or airline could pay for a hotel for the night, and you may receive some cash compensation. Similarly, if your luggage or possessions are lost or damaged you can claim up to £400 for your loss, which will hopefully be enough to compensate you. The only way to get more is to take out travel insurance.

If you travel within the EEC, you should get a medical card to obtain basic medical help without charge. If you are worried about getting more comprehensive medical help, or even repatriation to your home for you or your family, then again, the best option is travel insurance before you go.

Holiday snaps If your holiday is a disaster, then make sure you keep a diary and photographs of what went wrong and retain a copy of the holiday description from the brochure or website as evidence.

Be safe and have a relaxing trip. Happy holidays!

by Richard Curtis

O

Barrister at Curtis & Curtis Law Firm, Shoeburyness T: 0 1 7 0 2 2 9 3 2 7 7

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– ON YER BIKE! – The wide cycle lane running alongside the seafront promena de from Southend to Westcliff is one of the few road planning decision Something s the on your m ind? Council has made that actually benefits residents and visitors alike.

With its two way layout, it is probably one of the most well-use Consult the d cycle Oracle by lanes in the town which is why it is so puzzling that some cyclists sending yo ur letters to still insist on riding on the pedestrian promenade. Unlike other : info@oracl cycle lanes around the town that inexplicably disappear or are epublicati too ons.co.uk narrow, or have cars parked over them, this one is safe, clear and takes you on a straight route running the length of the seafront between Southend and Westcliff. So why is it preferable to ride on the pavement? For some reason, along with those anti-social cyclists who think nothing of speeding the wrong way down one way streets or dashing through red traffic lights at dangerous junctions, some clearly believe they have the right to weave aggressively in and out of pedestrians who are strolling, jogging or simply enjoying the view. If you’re fortunate enough to have a decent, dedicated, cycle lane then please use it. If you don’t, then perhaps you should ask yourself why the Council should waste our money on building any more. Anon.

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The Patients of Job Issues concerning Southend’s A & E, I felt I had Local Following January Oracle’s to put pen to paper to describe a recent visit there. Over Christmas my elderly father suffered a heart attack and was rushed to Southend Hospital by emergency ambulance and taken straight into the A & E department. Whilst I have every sympathy for the staff on the front desk of the A & E because of their obviously busy workload, I was a little surprised to say the least at the lack of empathy and interest I received from the particular lady I was speaking to.

My main point for writing however, is that I counted 4-5 elderly patients on trolleys waiting outside the A & E emergency, each with two paramedics in attendance waiting for the ‘handover’. Apart from the obvious unfortunate plight of the patients, I was concerned that there were at least eight paramedics waiting patiently to hand them over. This meant at least four ambulances unable to operate while they were waiting there. Surely, once arriving at hospital there must be a more efficient system by which the ‘handover’ by paramedics could be quicker so they can get on with their commendable and worthwhile job of frontline D. Fields attendance via ambulance to emergencies.

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Advertorial

Happy Days at Shoeburyness High School For their most recent show, Shoeburyness High School’s acclaimed Theatre Arts and Music departments performed a musical interpretation of the classic TV show, Happy Days.

Set in 1950s Milwaukee, the story concerns Fonzie, Richie, Joanie and the other kids fighting to save Arnold’s from demolition by hosting a dance contest and a wrestling match. Heeeyyy!

Don’t sit on it!

The show played for five nights, each 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.

What’s a Fonzie?

To enable as many students as possible to take part, the lead roles were performed by different actors on alternating nights.

Jake Bailey and Luke Reid played The Fonz, both actors capturing his braggadocio nature but also displaying the vulnerability that made him so loved.

Nida Savage and Emily Sylvester played the part of Marion, expertly capturing the essence of the homebound mum who yearns for more. William Lester and Charlie Guiver shared the role of Howard, the dad, both instilling the character with flair. Pinky, played by Sophie Carrick and Elloise Bennett, was sassy, strong-minded and independent, and both girls made the role their own.

Abdullah Khalif and Ben Neagan produced two equally strong interpretations of Richie Cunningham’s character, whilst Oliver Corkett’s Arnold and Reece Emery and Jack Cottham’s Chachi were deservedly well-received by the audience; as were the two other college mates, Ralph and Potsie, played by Alex Cohen and Ellis Smith. Joanie was acted beautifully by Gabrielle Klein and Mia Doney.

Olivia Bennet and Leah Floyd played Lori-Beth with great panache and Dane Brown and Kimm Howes portrayed the Malachi brothers with tremendous slapstick humour.

Inspiration point Once again the school has proved itself to be overflowing with talent. A cast of 80 students worked indefatigably to win the audience over with some gutsy performances, belting out all numbers

52

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

February 2017

with remarkable energy and musicality. The acting was a joy too, moving from fine comic timing to moments of real drama. The dance routines were slick and professionally executed with outstanding energy. Both casts 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.

Joanie loves Chachi Happy Days was reviewed

by Tessa Davies of the National Operatic & Dramatic Association (NODA), who wrote, ‘I must comment on the extremely high levels of energy displayed by the entire cast … I was engulfed by the waves of enthusiasm given out by this young and highly-talented cast. It is a credit to the teaching staff that they engender such enthusiasm and energy from the students. The singing was particularly strong with not a weak voice amongst the Principals and plenty of harmonisation when required.’

It is this enthusiasm and energy that the ensemble cast generates that made Happy Days so exciting to watch. We are so fortunate to have such a strong group of dancers and singers at the school, who year on year get better and better. This is a view shared by Head Teacher, Mark Schofield, who commented that the supporting cast were as well drilled and energetic as anything he had seen on the professional stage.

Of course, a musical would be nothing without music and this was precise and engaging. Our

eight-piece showband, made up of pupils and staff, performed the score flawlessly, providing the rich tapestry of sound on which the students could perform, so wonderful.

Exactamundo The students’ achievements have been recognised

by NODA, shortlisting them for Best Youth Production and Best Chorus. Additionally, Jake Bailey, Luke Reid and Alex Cohen have been nominated for three of just four places on the shortlist for Best Youth Performer.

This was Heidi Young’s first year as Director, having taken over as the head of Theatre Arts and I cannot imagine a more successful debut. Jane Lamberti, Danielle Griggs and Connie Jones were responsible for the outstanding choreography, Danielle Jameson was our fantastic musical director and Bobby Rudd led the amazing band. Finally, Claire Curtis was responsible for helping to create the look of the show by organising the props and scenery.

Here’s looking forward to Shoeburyness High School’s production in December 2017!

by Edward Harper

O

Acting Head of Creative and Expressive Arts

SOUTHEND EAST COMMUNITY ACADEMY TRUST

Shoeburyness High School 01702 292286 schooloffice@shoeburyness.southend.sch.uk www.shoeburynesshigh.co.uk February 2017 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

53

BRAINBOX 1

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February 2017

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WHAT’S ON Ellora Quartet FREE Wed 8th Feb, 12.15–1pm. Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend SS1 9SB. Lunchtime recital, free with retiring collection.

Basic Computer Skills Workshop FREE Fri 10th Feb, 1–3pm.

The Hub, 1st Floor, Victoria Plaza, Southend SS2 5SP. Free childcare. thehubsouthend.net/2017/01/12/free-basiccomputer-skills-workshop Cat Homing Show FREE Sat 11th Feb, 10.30am–12pm.

Shalynn Cattery, 569 Princes Ave, Westcliff SS0 0JN. All cats vet checked, neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Call: Rita 01702 710630 or email: rita@southendcats.org.uk Valentine’s Fashion Show FREE Sat 11th Feb, 5 shows 11am–4pm. Royals Shopping Centre, Southend SS1 1DG. Essex Antiques Fair Sun 12th Feb, 9.30am–4.30pm. Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend SS0 7RA. £3.50 to attend.

Valentine’s Crafts Drop-In FREE Sun 12th Feb, 10am–3pm.

Belfairs Woodland Centre, Belfairs Park, Leigh SS9 4LR. Make a heart-shaped gift. No booking required.

WI Southchurch Village Friends Meeting Every 2nd Monday, 7.30pm. Please note that as from Feb 2017 we will be meeting at Thorpe Bay Methodist Church, The Broadway, Thorpe Bay SS1 3HQ. 13th February – Reflexology.

Green Bunch – Boynett Rangers FREE Wed 15th Feb 10am–3pm. Belfairs Woodland Centre, Belfairs Park, Leigh.

For girls and boys aged 11–16. Take part in practical conservation work. Booking essential: www.essexwt.org.uk/ events/2017/02/15/green-bunch-boynett-rangers Quiz Night Fri 17th Feb, 7pm. Shoeburyness & Thorpe Bay Baptist Church, 90 Thorpedene Gardens, Southend SS3 9JD. Teams of eight, bring own refreshments. £7 per person. Call: Wendy 01702 870 895.

Board Game Club FREE Sun 19th Feb, 12–4pm. 1st Floor Meeting Rooms, The Forum, Elmer Square, Southend SS1 1NE. Fortnightly board game club for all ages. Games will be available but feel free to bring your own.

Leigh Travel Club FREE Wed 1st March, 7.30–9.30pm. Iveagh Hall, 67 Leigh Rd, Leigh SS9 1JW. Julia Hammond presents talk on Extremadura, Spain. Call: Lynda 01702 474475.

Laurel & Hardy Film and Talk Night Sat 4th March, 6.30–9.30pm. Laurel & Hardy Room, Park Inn Palace, Church Rd, Southend SS1 2AL. Free tea and coffee. £7 per person.

Call: Wendy for tickets on 01702 870895.

Dance Exercise Class Mondays 7.30–8.30pm, Holy Trinity, Southchurch Boulevard SS2 4XA. Tuesdays 9.30–10.30am, Christchurch Centre, Colbert Ave, Thorpe Bay SS1 3BH. All ages welcome £5/£6.

Strength & Balance Class Tues 10.45am, Christchurch Centre, Colbert Avenue. Thurs 10.15am, Holy Trinity, Southchurch Blvd. Mon 2.30pm, St Augustine’s Church, Thorpe Bay SS1 3JH. £5/£6. Call: Elaine 01702 582231.

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February 2017

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THINKING BMW? THINK FAIRFIELD

The Ultimate Driving Machine

THE NEW BMW 5 SERIES. ARRIVES 11 FEBRUARY 2017.

This is a car that has been designed with pure ambition. Ambition to be the most innovative car in its class, and connect driver, road and outside world in a truly seamless way. Thanks to its extremely lightweight core, the car’s driving dynamics have been fine-tuned to provide maximum stability, class-leading efficiency and sublime agility. The brand new design has athleticism at its heart and a character that is as confident as it is refined.

Visit www.fairfieldbmw.co.uk to find out more and register your interest.

FAIRFIELD

Arterial Road, Leigh-on-Sea Essex SS9 4XX 01702 669292 www.fairfieldbmw.co.uk Official fuel economy figures for the new BMW 5 Series range: Urban 60.1-29.7mpg (4.7-9.5l/100km). Extra Urban 74.347.8mpg (3.8-5.9l/100km). Combined 68.8-39.2mpg (4.1-7.2l/100km). CO 2 emissions: 108-164g/km. Figures may vary depending on

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driving style and conditions.

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February 2017