Oracle Thorpe Bay January 2017 by Oracle Publications

January 2017

Your all-seeing local

ORACLE

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Changes to A & E: senior officials have their say!

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ORACLE

WELCOME

Firstly, I would like to wish you all a very healthy and prosperous 2017. The end of 2016 saw much speculation over the future proposals for A & E in Essex. I was contacted by three senior officials in the town who asked me to publish an article on their perspective of this very important issue. I present all three articles so that you may draw your own conclusions and know where to look for further information. We have not one but two competitions provided by local businesses this month. Firstly, Callie & Finn Boutique of Alexandra Street, Southend are kindly giving one lucky winner a Black & Sigi mookaite gemstone bangle with matching wrapped ring and a Juno wrapped necklace (retails at £100!). The second competition prize comes from GRT Productions and is a pair of tickets to see ‘Legend of a Band’ at the Palace Theatre on Saturday, 28th January. This tribute features the music of the Moody Blues performed by legendary musicians, singers and songwriters, including the original Moody Blues drummer, Gordy Marshall; current 10cc singer, Mick Wilson and many more. For more information, please visit: www.southendtheatres.org.uk To enter please send in your name and contact details to: Oracle/Callie & Finn Competition or Oracle/Moody Blues Competition, 11 Clarence Road, Southend SS1 1AN or email: info@oraclepublications.co.uk by Friday, 20th January 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

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CONTENTS Accident emergency

9/10

Emergency response

A keen bill of health

2017: Year of the Silver Fox

Local Issues by Cllr Ron Woodley Council news by MP James Duddridge

Focus on healthcare proposals by Dr Ronan Fenton Salon advice by Craig Smith

Zabrano – let Za good times roll! 36/37 Wine & Dine with Oracle’s restaurant review

Smoked Haddock, Leek & Potato Chowder Judy’s Recipe Page 40 Making it your business 46 Spotlight on Richard Grey

Living Vicariously

Local Letters

Brainbox What's On Useful Numbers Advertiser Directory Advertorials Royal Polishing Fairfield BMW Oracle Publications (UK) Ltd Cliff House Clinic Shoeburyness High School

56 62 68 70

Law & Order by Richard Curtis Residents have their say

6/7 14/15 22/23 45 60/61

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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January 2017

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Advertorial

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Kitchen renovations If you are looking for a change of colour to freshen up your existing décor Royal Polishing can spray finish existing doors and units or if you are wanting to update your kitchen, they can go as far as changing your doors to Shaker, flat or bespoke – whatever it is you are looking for, their designated team will fully project manage your transformation. New handles can be incorporated along with additional cupboards, wine racks, bespoke islands.

Worktop restoration Specialising in worktop repair and restoration Royal Polishing can “completely transform your solid wood worktops, be they in a bar, kitchen, bistro or restaurant” says Greig. Therefore, just because your current worktop has got the odd scratch, water mark or general wear and

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January 2017

tear, there is no need to go to the expense of fitting a new worktop, Royal Polishing can sand, polish and restore your worktops to their former glory.

Wood floor sanding and polishing Sanding removes the existing protective layer of your floor – be it varnish, oils or wax – and makes its surface smooth, clean and flat. The floor may then be stained – to change the floor colour – and sealed with either lacquer or natural wax oils, to both protect it and bring out its natural beauty whether it be pine floorboards, parquet or oak block.

Royal service Greig and his team are very proud of everything they have achieved so far: “We deliver a standard of affordable service like no other, with excellent customer service and clear, simple advice on maintenance that couldn’t be easier.”

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January 2017

LOCAL ISSUES

Accident emergency Although according to the recent Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP) there are no plans to close Southend’s Accident & Emergency department, there is a proposed plan to consolidate the A & Es of Basildon, Chelmsford and Southend, with one becoming a specialist emergency hospital providing 24-hour blue light A & E services. I believe this indicates that the other two will be downgraded. The speculation is that Basildon Hospital, with its relatively new A & E department, will be best placed to become the major emergency centre. According to the NHS, having just one hospital concentrating on major emergencies will free up doctors and nurses, enabling planned operations and specialist care in the other two hospitals. All three of our main hospitals are experiencing difficulties recruiting doctors, nurses and technicians. In emergency departments, where we should have 28 consultants, there are only 16. Therefore, are these proposals just shuffling the pack rather than filling posts? Will we have ambulances travelling on a 35-mile round trip from Basildon to Southend on roads that are already severely congested, especially during rush hour, with the increased likelihood of them

being delayed further while they have to queue up at the hospital to discharge their patients?

Doctor’s orders The STP states that the plan is up for public discussion over the next few months before sign-off in 2017. However, I have reason to believe that the plan has already been agreed and the consultation in 2017 will be on their proposals and not on any alternative solutions. Is this really a true consultation? Why are our MPs already consulting with bus companies about services to Basildon Hospital? Already people in Rochford, Hockley, Rayleigh and Chelmsford are voicing their concerns about getting to Basildon Hospital in the event of a serious accident, a stroke or a heart attack, where the first hour can be lifechanging. Instead of Southend Hospital selling off land at Fossetts Way to allow houses to be built, maybe they should work with the Council to build a first rate A & E department with supporting facilities to cater for a city of the future.

Plaster over the cracks In my opinion, these planned proposals for A & E are a short, five-year fix to overcome the NHS’s financial problems rather than improving the emergency needs of residents in the medium term. There is a need for a think tank that does not just include NHS managers, but residents as well, to formulate a proper plan that serves Basildon, Chelmsford and Southend to get a more rounded perspective of what is required.

January 2017 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

The current population of Southend-on-Sea is 178,000, which is going to increase to 200,000 by 2030. Furthermore, with the exception of London, we are the 8th most densely populated borough in the whole country with one in four of our children living in poverty, and 18% of our children aged 10–11 classed as obese. Our aging population (aged 65 and over) will be rising by 13,000 to over 46,000. As we have 22% of adults still smoking and the highest rate of benefit claimants due to drug and alcoholism in the East of England, life expectancy across the town varies by 10 years. Coupled with over 6 million visitors every year, in every sense of the word we are already a city. Can you visualise a city without a multi-functioning A & E emergency department? Already there are over 500,000 patients attending Southend Hospital each year. Now imagine when we also include the likely total increased populations of Southend, Rochford and Castle Point due to their proposed housing developments and the pressure this will put on our hospital services and road infrastructure.

Ambulance chasing It seems perfectly clear to me that the latest Sustainability and Transformation Plans (STPs) being muted by the NHS are to save money, because of the multi-million pound deficit hospitals will be facing by 2020. Can we be confident that these current proposals will succeed? Are the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) planning more ambulances with their specialist crews to ensure that the extra time spent travelling will be covered by additional ambulances? In total the hospitals are currently short of over 2,000 clinically trained staff, so how will the CCG cope with that in the future? As with local Government, our NHS, police and fire services are in a financial crisis which will get worse, as the country’s debt is forecast to rise to £2 trillion.

Emergency call The Agenda of the People Scrutiny Committee and guide to the Mid & South Essex Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP) can be found on the Council website: www.southend.gov.uk If you are concerned about these potential changes, there is a petition online at: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/167608

Response time I hope our local MPs will support their constituents over this matter.

by Ron Woodley BERA Chairman and Independent Councillor for Thorpe Ward

01702 588662 e: ronwoodley@hotmail.co.uk 10

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rica Hay Wealth Management has recently accepted an invitation to become an Associate Partner Practice of the award-winning St. James’s Place Wealth Management. We firmly believe that joining St. James’s Place provides the opportunity to offer clients a more holistic, personal, wealth management service. Erica Hay comments “My clients benefit from a wide range of financial planning opportunities ranging from pension and Inheritance Tax planning through to investment management from many of the top fund management teams.” An investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise.You may get back less than the amount invested. For further information, or to request your complimentary guide to wealth management, contact:

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January 2017

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Advertorial

Fairfield BMW – 0 – 50 in the blink of an eye Offering an edge over the PLCs and car supermarkets, Fairfield stands out as being one of only a handful of independent BMW retailers in the UK offering a truly personal service. Located on the A127, Leigh-on-Sea, Fairfield is still a family-run business and has won numerous accolades over the past 5 decades, including the prestigious ‘BMW National Dealer Of The Year’. Now celebrating its 50th year of successful trading, Fairfield has become the trusted provider of quality vehicles in the neighbourhood.

Start her up It all started back in 1967 when Fairfield opened the doors of their first dealership in Leigh Road, with a total staff of nine, selling Lotus.

“Being a successful Business in the local Community carries a responsibility and we are keen to seek opportunities to support organisations where there is a direct impact and benefit to local families,” says Peter Dodson, Head of Business at Fairfield. In 2016 they agreed a 2-year sponsorship deal with Southend United and became the football club’s main sponsor of the East Stand at Roots Hall. One of their latest sponsorships sees them team up with Oracle, so look out for some great offers throughout the year.

Any colour, so long as it’s green Being green has never been more fun at Fairfield. If you are considering making the switch to electric driving the BMW i3 could be the answer. The new BMW i3 can now travel up to 125 miles on a single charge. What’s more, it can repower in as little as

After Lotus came BMW, then in 2001, Fairfield added MINI to their offerings. They now employ over 150 local people across both brands. The one-stop shop for anything BMW/MINI, their services include: new and used car sales, servicing and parts. Add to the mix a BMW/MINI approved bodyshop and Fairfield clearly stands out as the obvious choice for anyone thinking BMW or MINI in the local area.

Off the forecourt Fairfield’s enthusiastic charitable support for local sports clubs for children, community projects, schools and a children’s hospice have earned them a proud reputation in the area.

Andy Matthews presents Emma Wynne-Morgan with a new Oraclemobile – keep an eye open for top BMW offers in the Oracle throughout 2017!

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January 2017

40 minutes thanks to the DC Rapid Charge feature, now available as standard. The electric vehicle is going to be the future of motoring and BMW are leaps and bounds ahead of the competition in this area. With running costs from three pence per mile, the BMW i3 has to be on your shopping list if you are looking for a small hatchback to pop around locally. To arrange a test drive (test drive subject to applicant status and availability) please call: 01702 420111.

You can control the weather Winter is here and BMW xDrive is ready for it. The intelligent, all-wheel drive system enables you to drive in complete confidence, whatever the weather. xDrive continuously adapts to road conditions by instinctively redistributing power between the front and rear axles. This improves handling, cornering and above all, safety. Whether it’s snow, ice, rain or simply a loose road surface, xDrive ensures that your BMW has the grip you need, reacting in a tenth of a second to any change in conditions. There are over 120 xDrive models across the range, including the BMW X Series and BMW 1, 2, 3, 4 new 5 and 7 Series.

Taking it up a gear This year will see some amazing new models added to the current thirty-one car BMW range, with the biggest event likely to be for the new BMW 5 Series to be launched on Saturday 11th February. The BMW 5 Series has always been the best selling vehicle in its class and it certainly doesn’t look like

it will disappoint when this new model hits the road. This is a car that has been designed with pure ambition to be the most innovative car in its class, and connect driver, road and outside work in a truly seamless way. The brand-new design has athleticism at its heart and a character that is as confident as it is refined.

Full service Being a family-run business, exceptional customer service comes naturally to the team at Fairfield. Everyone has the autonomy to make decisions themselves without having to repeatedly relay questions to and from a superior. This has an immediate, positive effect on customer’s experience and allows the team to really get to know the customer’s needs and offer a truly effective, personal service with intelligent recommendations and advice. So, if you are looking for a new or approved used BMW, or are looking for a bodyshop, parts or servicing by people you can trust, then make Fairfield your first point of call. by Andy Matthews

New Car Sales Manager at Fairfield BMW

01702 420111 Fairfield A127 Arterial Road, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 4XX BMW www.fairfieldbmw.co.uk fb: FairfieldBMW tw: BMWFairfield

January 2017 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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January 2017

COUNCIL

Emergency response A number of concerned constituents have contacted me regarding the proposals to Accident and Emergency care. Let me be clear from the outset there are no plans to close Southend A & E Department. The cost of health care is increasing faster than other costs and the local NHS spends more than £100m over the money it has coming in. Clearly this is not sustainable and we quite rightly want even better health care for ourselves and our families. The proposals to review A & E care in Southend, Basildon and Chelmsford are called the Sustainability and Transformation Plans (STPs). To reassure you, there are no proposals to close any of these departments and they will continue to operate a ‘turn up in an emergency’ system. However, the volume of patients going through Southend A & E has increased rapidly over the last five years and the current building and staffing was not designed to cope with these numbers. Improvements have been made but much more is needed. One proposed option sees ambulances travelling to an A & E department located at one of the three hospitals with that hospital having a much higher level of 24-hour cover in terms of doctors and technical staff. This is needed to get the best, fastest, specialist care. As a husband and father, and after speaking to local residents, I know that patients want the best care possible, and that may not necessarily be provided at the local hospital but where the specialist doctors and equipment are located. The STPs are about ensuring that the NHS is sustainable in the long term.

You may be aware that in 2014 I fell seriously ill. The NHS gave me first class care and nursed me back to health. I am passionate about ensuring the best care is provided to patients and am committed to the NHS. I believe we will need a new bus route between the three hospitals for staff, discharged patients and visitors, and I have discussed the possibility of a route serving the hospitals specifically with Arriva. I reassure you that any proposed changes to services will involve public consultation and detailed planning with the ambulance service, allowing for full consideration of resources and journey times by ambulance. The consultation is not due to start until around May 2017 because the NHS are still finalising the proposals and these proposals will be subject to the usual public scrutiny. To reassure you again – no decisions have been made and all three hospitals would continue to provide an A & E for walk-in patients and for ambulances carrying patients referred by their GP. There is no way that I, as your Member of Parliament, would support any plan that saw our A & E Department close their doors. I urge you to participate in the formal consultation once it is underway and submit your feedback directly into the consultation. If you have any questions at any point, please contact my office. by James Duddridge MP

Conservative Member of Parliament for Rochford and Southend East

t: 01702 616135 e: james@jamesduddridge.com

January 2017 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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Enjoy a glass of prosecco and sample some of our delicious canapés whilst our dedicated events co-ordinator introduces you to the rooms we have on offer for weddings; the intimate Bay room, or our NEW larger capacity Tides Ballroom. These will be laid out in various styles to really give you a feel for the breathtaking standard you can expect from a wedding with us. You’ll also have the opportunity to have a look around our bedrooms, including the Honeymoon Suite.

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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

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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January 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

01702 393838 e: info@oraclepublications.co.uk www.oraclepublications.co.uk Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1AN

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FOCUS

A keen bill of health Area and services involved For emergency care, the aim is to develop a network The Mid and South Essex Success Clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), Service providers of urgent and emergency care in the community, Regime has published a Sustainability which plan and buy health services on Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS keep walk-in A & E and assessment services for frail your behalf Foundation TrustPlan (STP), which older people, children and surgery at each hospital and Transformation Basildon and Brentwood East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust and designate one of the three hospitals [Southend, Castle Point and Rochford proposesMid changes to the way health Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust and Basildon and Chelmsford] as a specialist emergency Mid Essex NELFT NHS Foundation Trust centre. Southend These services would serve the majority care services are delivered over the next North Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust of emergency cases locally, including overnight Thurrock five years. Provide stays for observation and treatment, but for the

Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust most serious and life-threatening cases, national The plan is not yet final and local people are Local authorities: South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust evidence tells us that we could save more lives with continuing to have their say over the next few Essex County Council a specialist emergency Borough hospitalCouncil for the 1.2 million months to help develop the proposals. Any proposed Southend-on-Sea people Thurrock of Mid and South Essex. changes will then be subject to national checks Council and a formal public consultation before any final Heart of the matter decisions w w w . s is u cmade c e s s rby e gthe i m Clinical e e s s e xCommissioning .co.uk 8 Groups as the statutory bodies accountable for With one hospital concentrating on the major planning healthcare for their local populations. emergencies, the other two hospitals would have more space and specialist doctors and nurses for Open ward planned operations and specialist care. We already see this working at the Essex Cardiothoracic Centre Options to modernise and redesign services in in Basildon – anyone suffering an acute heart attack the hospitals are being developed, not by a group goes not to their local A & E but directly by ambulance of managers behind closed doors, but by some to Basildon, where they are seen immediately by top 70 local senior doctors, nurses and healthcare specialists working round the clock. professionals, working together since March.

The full Mid and South Essex Sustainability and Transformation Plan, and a summary guide is available at: www.successregimeessex.co.uk as well as details of how to have your say. by Dr Ronan Fenton

Joint Medical Director of the Mid and South Essex Success Regime

www.successregimeessex.co.uk January 2017 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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2017: The year of the Silver Fox

SALON

If you’re getting set for a landmark birthday this year or know someone who is, then it really is time to celebrate. Middle-aged men are no longer cardigan-wearing, pipe-toting, slipper-shod Mumps (that’s manfrumps), now they’re the new Phwoarty-somethings!

Grey matter As we advance in years, darker haired men almost inevitably see grey hair become more prominent. Silver strands can begin to appear in a man’s twenties, but by the time he reaches forty, you can pretty much guarantee that a fair percentage is grey. Thinning is also a natural aspect of ageing, so it is essential a chap adopts a hairstyle that accentuates the grey, rather than highlight parts of his scalp. This can be done by adding highlights, which on palerskinned blokes can break up the stark ‘white on white’ appearance. However, fellas with darker skin complexion should limit the grey coverage colour treatments, allowing the shades of grey to create a healthy transitional appearance.

Going full pelt If you look after your hair as you would the bodywork on a classic Maserati, then your foxy tones will shine,

rather than look washed-out and dull. Always opt for a good quality shampoo and conditioner. Choosing cheaper products tends to result in your man-pelt (it’s a thing – I’ve just invented it!) drying out with each wash and deprive it of the nutrients needed to keep it looking glossy and healthy.

Top fear Regular appointments for a cut are also essential. Why invest in cool clothes, a great car and a trim waistline if your hair makes you look like the lovechild of all three Grand Tour presenters? Your role model should be Mr Rutherford (Google him) not any one of May, Hammond or Clarkson; or a frightening mishmash of all three.

Crazy like a fox Of course, nothing shines brighter and steely grey than your own confidence. Don’t fight it – embrace it. Being a Silver Fox is a something to be proud of. You’ve earned your grey stripes and they are a sign of your maturity and experience. So long as you’re not trying to sport clothes that wouldn’t look amiss on a teenager …

by Craig Smith

Director of Grateful Heads Hair Salon, Southend Providing expert hair care to Essex for 30 years. Isn’t it time you made your head grateful?

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Essex Equity Release Advice Centre Are you a home owner aged 55 or over? Want to unlock cash from your home? What is Equity Release? If you’re a Home Owner aged 55 or over, Equity Release is a way of getting Cash from the Value of your Home without having to move Either as a Lump Sum or Regular Income

How Does it Work? In short, you receive the funds, but are not required to make repayments during your lifetime

Is it Right for Me? Everyones’ circumstances are different & unique.Equity release is a long term commitment.Schemes should be tailored to individual needs. You should seek Independant Financial Advice & Legal Advice to adjudge suitability

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WINE & DINE

Zabrano – let Za good times roll

Well done, you spotted it! Oracle has been here before, way back when Zabrano first opened its doors in September 2007. Go on, check your collection (we know you keep them all!) And we know that you remember our praising words because you’ve been following our recommendation and enjoying the family-run bar and restaurant ever since! Now, as Zabrano prepares to celebrate a fantastic 10 years of success, we return to see how it has grown to be so popular with the community.

Only Za brave Okay, just in case you’ve generously lent out your 2007 copy of Oracle or are a little too young to remember, here’s a quick recap, just for you: Sri Lanka-born, Menaka Raj – a busy wife and mother – had a dream: ‘One day I will have my own wine bar’, she recalls fondly. Despite having little knowledge of running such a business, she waited until her children were independent enough, then assembled a small team of experts and family members to help her: ‘I just had to get it out of my system!’, she laughs. Armed with a top quality menu and

winelist, and sensibly located on fashionable Leigh Road, Zabrano was launched with its striking black, white and red stylings as a contemporary fine dining restaurant and bar. Embracing the local community, Menaka’s welcoming energy and talent for hospitality quickly became apparent, and made Zabrano particulary popular among single ladies who felt more at ease with the female host at the helm, even calling on her to make the occasional introduction: ‘So many people who met here went on to get married!’ says Menaka, proudly, ‘they often come back to celebrate.’ Inspired by many good times in Spain, Menaka also introduced tapas to the menu – perfect for sharing a carefree evening with friends and a cocktail or two – and the rest, as they say, is history.

Okay, juZ one … Or, perhaps history in the making, as Menaka’s son, Hari, sets before us two such cocktails, both sleekly styled and devilishly enticing. The Cosmopolitan (£5.95), pink and fruity from the cranberry juice, and generously laced with vodka and Cointreau, is a refreshingly sharp and fun loosener. It’s the

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January 2017

creamy Espresso Martini (£9.95), however, packed with Khalua and a DOUBLE shot of vodka, that really kicks the stress of the day out the door. Oh yes – this is the way to start an enjoyable evening. And, we predict, the perfect way to finish it, too. Fortunately, before we decide to cancel our table and head straight to the bar, Menaka arrives with a tantalising selection of tapas …

Say cheeZe The meaty slabs of Halloumi Cheese, Confit Peppers and Garlic Butter (£4.95) with all of their grilled, salty naughtiness, immediately get our mouths watering and ready for the Chilli & Garlic Tiger Prawns (£6.95). Succulently al dente, these are sprinkled with a delicate hint of chilli that enhances their flavour and never overpowers it. Time for a quick palate cleanse with the fresh and super crunchy, Traditional Greek Salad (£4.95), its crisp leaves and soft feta energised with zippy balsamic vinegar. Now, the really great thing about tapas is not having to choose just one dish, but if you did, we would definitely recommend the Greek Lamb Kofta with Tzatziki Sauce (£5.95). Cannily elementary in appearance, this moist, savoury patty secretly packs a punch that’ll blow your socks off! It’s okay – the tantalisingly tangy tzatziki will cool you off and you’ll be right back for more. Of course, you will still have to decide between the kofte and the Beef Meatballs with a Rich Tomato Sauce (£5.95). Here, the homemade nature of the food made with locally sourced ingredients really comes into its own. Generously hearty, oh so moreish, and with an exciting and surprising (almost orangey?) sauce, this is just how Mama used to make it and why everyone loved Mama (NB: For ‘Mama’, read: local boy, Southend United Football Club devotee and Zabrano’s Head Chef, Kirk Willis!). We wash it all down wth the house’s Californian Chardonnay (£3.50) and Shiraz Merlot (£5.95). Both excellent choices, the white is light and not too

oaky, even for non-Chardonnay fans and the red flows smoothly without a jot of tannin. For dessert, a large hunk of Chocolate Brownie will soak up some of that alcohol, while the Baileys Cheesecake, with its firm, biscuit base, creamy topping and knockout hit, certainly has the opposite effect. Both are £5.95, come with delicious, homemade, vanilla ice cream, and both put a smile on our faces.

At eaZe Indeed, that is the essence of Zabrano – stylish food, swanky drink, in trendy Leigh, but with none of the pretentiousness. It’s laid back but always polished. It’s homely but still a night out. It’s fun without trying. No wonder it’s so popular with the locals. And Menaka’s community spirit isn’t confined to the bar – she also holds regular charity evenings and recently filled the upstairs restaurant with a series of stalls run by eleven neighbouring Leigh Road traders for the Love Leigh Road fundraising event. Sustained with an array of titillating mini-tapas, together they raised hundreds of pounds towards a new playground for Chalkwell Hall School. ‘Don’t you know Leigh is a happy town?’, says Menaka, modestly. ‘Come to Zabrano and be happy!’ she chuckles. Well, we certainly are, and we’re sure it’s not just from all the alcohol. Shtill, maybe there’s time for juz one more …

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Event hosting (up to 58 seats): £20 for 3 courses (£5 goes to charity).

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January 2017 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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FOOD

Smoked Haddock, Leek & Potato Chowder

This hearty soup is easy to make and very tasty. It is lovely served with some warm, freshly baked soda bread. The soup, once cooled, can be frozen in batches for up to one month. Just defrost and reheat in a pan for a delicious filling lunch or supper. Enjoy!

heat and leave for another 5 mins. Lift the fish onto a plate and, when cool enough to handle, break it into large flakes, discarding the skin and any bones. Strain the cooking liquid into a jug. 2. Melt 25g of the butter in a large saucepan. Add the leeks, stir well to coat them with butter and season lightly. Cover and cook gently for 5–10 mins on a low heat until just tender. Scoop out with a slotted spoon and add them to the haddock. 3. Add the rest of the butter to the pan. When melted, stir in the flour. Gradually stir in the reserved cooking liquid from the fish and bring to the boil, stirring. Add the potatoes, cover and simmer for 12–15 mins until the potatoes are tender and just beginning to fall apart.

Ingredients (serves 6)

• 600g thick, undyed, smoked haddock fillet • 4 bay leaves • 60g butter • 400g trimmed leeks, thinly sliced • 25g plain flour • 600g floury potatoes, cut into 2cm pieces • 600ml whole milk • 120ml double cream • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

4. Press some of the potatoes against the sides of the pan to break them up slightly. Stir in the milk and cream and bring up to a simmer but don’t let it boil. Stir in the smoked haddock, leeks and half the parsley, season to taste, then leave to heat through for a minute or two. Serve in warmed bowls, sprinkled with the rest of the chopped parsley.

Method 1. Put the smoked haddock in a deep frying pan with 600ml water and the bay leaves. Bring to a simmer, cook for 2 mins, then cover, take off the

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January 2017

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Making it your business

SPOTLIGHT

At the age of fifteen, alongside the general antics of teenage life, I was studying hard towards my GCSEs at Southend High School for Boys. However, there was ultimately one goal I had in mind – starting my own business. I was in luck, with my dad already running two successful businesses locally for over 30 years, I had entrepreneurial spirit within my genes and now I just needed a killer idea. My friends will say I was never a fashion guru, however, I felt there was an opportunity through Myspace to create a fun, unique clothing brand producing limited edition t-shirts at affordable prices. Having spent three years prior to this saving up from my Honeycomb newspaper round, it was time to retire at the paperboy top and invest the money into my business. With just a £500 budget, I hired a designer, researched a screen printer and before I knew it, my first delivery of fresh t-shirts landed on my doorstep and Priority Clothing was born.

started rolling in from all over Europe, America and Asia. We also started working with a large German online retailer. Little did they know I was simply a 17-year-old kid flogging t-shirts from a spare room! I then approached Keaton Henson – an extremely talented designer who has worked with the likes of Topman, ASOS, etc. – and his designs have allowed me to sell 1000s of t-shirts worldwide with my brand being worn by musicians such as You Me At Six and Enter Shikari. Ten years on from creating Priority Clothing, I still passionately run the brand on a daily basis alongside my full-time job as stockbroker in London. We’ve recently released our popular ‘God Shave the Queen’ t-shirt especially for Movember and we’ll be releasing brand new designs in Spring 2017.

You wanna be starting something

I began to spread the word around Southend and hosted a number of gigs at Club Riga and Chinnerys with local bands, to showcase my new designs on stage. As we released more products online, orders

To any aspiring entrepreneurs who would like to realise their dreams too, I am proof that all you need is a good idea and to be ready for a lot of hard work. I’d love to hear about your ideas by contacting me via: info@priorityclothing.com, it might just be the first step to something huge!

by Rich Gray Director of Priority Clothing

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Living vicariously

LAW & ORDER

The following is a sad story, but one that explains vicarious liability from a recent High Court case on vicarious liability, Bellman v Northampton Recruitment [2016] EWHC 3104. John and Clive had been friends for over forty years and worked for the same company. John was a director and shareholder, and Clive an employee. They both attended their work’s Christmas party. After the meal, John and Clive left with others and went to a local hotel to continue drinking into the early hours. For no apparent reason – but presumably due to the alcohol he had consumed – John assaulted Clive, punching him twice and knocking him to the floor. Clive’s head hit the marble floor and was left with permanent brain damage. The issue for the High Court was whether John and Clive’s employer was liable for the injury to Clive. This is known as vicarious liability – where someone can be held liable for the actions of a third party. In this instance, the company being liable for John’s actions. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided not to prosecute John. The High Court Judge heavily criticized the CPS for this error. John went to

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

live abroad. The only compensation Clive could realistically expect to get was from the company.

Crown of thorns The High Court applied two tests based on the caselaw. The first: what was the employee’s job and how far could it be said that he was doing his job at the time of incident? The second: was there sufficient connection between the position in which he was employed and the wrongful conduct to make it right to hold the company liable? Consideration should also be given to the time and place, which will be relevant but not conclusive. The High Court fully recognized that Clive was entitled to feel aggrieved at the assault by John which had caused such serious injury. He was also entitled to feel aggrieved at the effect of John’s claim that he acted in self-defence (contradicted by the video evidence of the assault from the Hotel’s CCTV cameras) which led to the mistake by the CPS in not prosecuting John. However, as the High Court said, “sympathy with his position cannot impact upon the proper application of principle.” They refused to award Clive any damages.

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Cracking code at Shoeburyness High School Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 have been making good progress in developing their computing skills since the shift from ICT to Computing in 2014. Key Stage 3 classes have been looking at a variety of areas of computer science during their lessons. The different types of hardware components within a computer are now integrated into the curriculum and students in Year 7 have been identifying these within a PC. Year 8 students have been developing their programming skills using the Scratch program to build and create basic games and Year 9 have been exploring text-based programming using the Python programming language. This has allowed all students to explore the many areas that come under the umbrella of Information Communication Technology.

developed several different programs using the in-built LEDs and input buttons. These programs included simple text scrolling messages, basic games and turning the micro:bit into a Magic 8-Ball fortune teller! Many of the students made excellent progress with their basic programming skills and started to explore other methods and programs for their micro:bits. We will continue to use the micro:bits during our Academy Plus after-school club, allowing the students to explore different uses for the small device. The computing curriculum at Shoeburyness High School allows students the opportunity to develop their computing skills with the aim of preparing them for an unknown digital future.

BBC free At the end of the summer term every current Year 8 student was given the opportunity to experiment and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;playâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; with the BBC micro:bit. Each student was provided with a micro:bit from the BBC for free. The micro:bit is a pocket sized codeable computer with motion detection, a built-in compass and Bluetooth technology. The idea behind this digital initiative followed on from the 1980s when the BBC Microcomputer introduced many students to computing for the first time and this development will build upon the legacy of that project for the digital age. Shoeburyness High School students

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January 2017

Business A-Level Christmas Fair Over the years, students following the A-Level Business course at Shoeburyness High School have organised many events as part of their final piece of coursework. The coursework requires the students to plan and organise a substantial one-off event, allowing students the exciting opportunity to manage and administer team roles and build on practical knowledge and understanding. This coursework constitutes a significant aspect of their final A-Level grade and is used extensively in discussion points when applying for University. This year, after careful deliberation on viability, the students decided to hold a Christmas Market in the school. They considered possible dates and decided that Saturday 26th November would be most suitable. The event would raise funds for Friends of Shoebury High School (FOSH) and with FOSH’s help the students worked towards the final event. Each student would take shared responsibility for one stall at the event. These stalls would show the strengths of the student’s creativity and entrepreneurship as many of the products sold would be handmade. The students organised a variety of stalls. There were homemade cookies and cakes made by four boys in the group. These were all wrapped in clear cellophane bags. Another very popular stall was the homemade Christmas cards. These cards could be created by visitors or purchased readymade. This stall proved very popular, with orders being taken to fulfil before Christmas. The students needed to spend time making these orders after school.

Other stalls organised and planned by the students included sweets for sale, mulled wine and home made Christmas decorations. To attract more custom, teachers were asked if they would like to participate in the event. We were delighted with the response and numerous stalls including film posters printed onto vintage encyclopaedias, as well as original art all created by members of staff at the school.

The best plans laid This will be the last occasion on which Year 13 Business students will organise and plan an event. We are sorry to see it go under the new A-Level reforms. These events have given students the confidence and understanding of how to manage a large project with careful consideration of all constraints; a perfect insight into the world of work.

by Martin Root Cross Phase Development Leader Computing/Business

SOUTHEND EAST COMMUNITY ACADEMY TRUST

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

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WHAT’S ON Leigh Travel Club Wed 4th Jan, 7.30–9.30pm. The Iveagh Hall, 67 Leigh Road, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 1JW. David Portwain presents a talk on Southeast Burma. For further information call Lynda on 01701 474475. Southend Pier Health & Wellbeing Fair FREE Sunday 15th Jan, 10am–3pm. The Royal Pavilion, Southend Pier, SS1 1EE. Inspiring ideas to becoming healthier. Stall holders in the Royal Pavilion. Entry to the fair is free, pier admission prices do apply. 01702 215620. Horror-on-Sea 2017 20th–29th January at various venues. Southend’s horror festival taking place over two weekends. www.horror-on-sea.com Radio 4 Any Questions FREE Fri 27th Jan, 6.45–9pm. Avenue Baptist Church, Milton Road, Southend SS0 7JX. Avenue Baptist Church are hosting Radio 4’s weekly topical programme ‘Any Questions’. Questions for the panellists will be collected on the evening. Contact to book: admin@avenuebaptist.com or 01702 331024. Big Belfairs Birdwatch FREE Sat 28th Jan, 10am–3pm. Belfairs Woodland Centre, Belfairs Park, Vardon Drive, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 4LR. Spend an hour looking for your favourite species, have a cup of tea and enjoy the winter woodland. Spotters guides provided. Make a bird feeder to take home and attract the birds to your garden the next day! Legend of a Band Sat 28th Jan, 8pm. Palace Theatre, 430 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 9LA. The music of the Moody Blues with drummer Gordy Marshall, keyboard player Paul Bliss, who performed together with the Moody Blues for over 20 years. They are joined by current 10cc lead singer Mick Wilson, Leona Lewis guitarist Tim Maple, James Blunt bass player Malcolm Moore and flautist/singer/ saxophonist, Lindsay Goodhand. 01702 351135 Dick Whittington Pantomime 15–18th Feb at various times. Thorpe Hall School Theatre, Wakering Road, Southend SS1 3RD. Merlin Productions presents a family-fun pantomime. Box Office: 07779 906040. See page 20 for more information. Finding God in the Everyday Sat 25th Feb, 9am–4pm. Shoebury & Thorpe Bay Baptist Church, 90 Thorpedene Gardens, Shoeburyness SS3 9JD. Annual Women’s Conference with guest speakers and lunch. For more information, contact: 01702 292620 or email: alifelessordinary@stbbc.org.uk

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Something on yo

Train Wreck

ur mind?

Consult the Orac le by sending your let ters to: info@oraclepu blications.co

.uk

LOCAL LETTERS

I go to work to Southend from Basildon and have the bad luck of being on the same train as a large number

of teenagers (in black uniforms) who go to school on somewhere in Southend. They leave lots of rubbish loud to listen up, clean to soul the train for some poor music, which clearly has an effect on their hearing as they are constantly screaming into each other’s ears

when they’re less than a foot away from each other and have their feet on seats, which makes a mess AND takes up room! We shouldn’t have a Quiet Zone

THE SHOWS MUST GO ON! Anon Kids’ Zone carriage! have should -----, we carriage ----------a--We are so very fortunate to have prominently in the places to visit. town’s top Mrs R. RE: THE SHOWS MUST GO ON! (in December's Oracle)

I'd like to agree with Mrs R. who said in your last issue that the two theatres in our area are gems. Also, she is right about 'The Plough' on bus timetables. That should be changed to 'Palace Theatre'. I have to disagree, however, about using the buses to get to The Cliffs Pavilion. They are very infrequent and do not coincide with the times of the shows at all. We could really do with a bus service that is useful to the theatre-going public. If the bus companies won't oblige, maybe the theatre itself could provide a variation on the 'Park & Ride' service, for a nominal charge, to ferry patrons from The Cricketers (the nearest bus stop with actual buses running) or from the c2c station, and back again, in the hour or so before and after the shows. In many people's estimation, both of these places are a long, steep walk away from The Cliffs Pavilion. Laura

– PARTY ON, SOUTHEND! – Southend High Street’s run up to Christmas has been so much fun. What a difference a few pop-up vendors make to the general atmosphere (even if they are all only selling burgers and hotdogs). There have been some amazingly skilled musicians playing Christmassy music and (far too briefly) a fantastic projected video show on the side of one of the shops. Other bits and pieces have been going on in the Royals and Victoria Plaza, and the visit by the lorry from a certain soft drinks company certainly attracted plenty of attention from happy residents. All in all, it has been a wonderful effort and I, for one, would like to thank everyone involved. Such a shame to know that it will all be over soon. There are many other religions, cultures and festivals observed in the area that have much to offer. Perhaps now Christmas is over, we could bring some multi-cultural celebrations to the town centre, promote a little understanding, and keep the positive energy going until next Christmas! Si

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January 2017

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Thorpe Bay Bowling Club Thorpe Bay Bridge Club Thorpe Bay Floral Arrangement Group Thorpe Bay Ladies Thursday Club Thorpe Bay Lawn Tennis Club Thorpe Bay Men’s Forum Thorpe Bay Yacht Club Thorpe Hall Golf Club Tram Stop Shelter Charity