Oracle Thorpe Bay January 2020

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January 2020

ORACLE

WELCOME

New Year is always a great time to take stock and make plans for the year ahead. During 2019 Oracle published a number of articles on the subject of Seaway. This proposed development is causing division between businesses and Council which I feel, is becoming detrimental to the town. It is important for you all to know how representatives on both sides feel on the sensitive subject of Seaway.

I hope that 2020 will bring the right result for the benefit of the town.

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To enter Oracle/VitB12 competition, please visit Oracle’s competition page on our website or we still accept entries by post to Oracle’s offices, see addresss below. We just need your full name and contact details. Closing date is 31 January 2020.

Happy New Year to you all!

Emma Wynne-Morgan

170 The Broadway Thorpe Bay SS1 3ES

Publisher

01702 393838

Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1AN www.oraclepublications.co.uk info@oraclepublications.co.uk Oracle is now 100% recyclable

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22/03/2019 11:34

3

CONTENTS Rejuvenating Southend

9/10

Local Issues by Andy Crow

Let's make Southend High Street a social place again 16/22 Council article by Cllr Tony Cox

Welcome to the 2020's. What do you want them to look like for you?

21 Editorial by Charlotte Wood

Four top hair trends to get excited about in the New Year 26 Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith

Classic minestrone

36

Recipe by Judy Barden

Shoebury Hub - Everyone's welcome 42 Article by Chris Gostling

Brainbox 46 What's on

50

Useful Numbers

56

Advertiser Index

58

Advertorials The Angel Inn

6

WDC Physiotherapy

15

Richard Attfield

19

Essex Equity

25

CHC Aesthetics

29

Independent Party

30/31

High-Tech Membrane

40/41

All All rights rights reserved. reserved. No No part part of of Oracle Oracle Publications Publications UK UK Ltd Ltd may may be be reproduced reproduced or or used used in in any any form form or or by by any any means means either either wholly wholly or or in in part without prior permission of the publisher.

Oracle Publications part without prior permission of the publisher. Oracle Publications UK UK Ltd Ltd is is editorially editorially autonomous autonomous and and the the opinions opinions expressed expressed are are not not those those of of the the publisher publisher unless unless expressly expressly stated. stated.

4

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January 2020

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Advertorial

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Regular Angel patrons will recognise Nick’s friendly face and welcoming attitude. As the Assistant Manager, he has been greeting customers and ensuring that their experience meets their expectations for the past 9 years. Here’s to another 9!

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Have a great January and a fantastic year ahead!

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January 2020

January 2020

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

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January 2020

LOCAL ISSUES

Rejuvenating Southend We are living at a time where there seems to be so much bad news, anger and resentment in the world that it is worth remembering that it can be the simple things that can make us happiest.

A drink or meal with family and friends, a walk in the park or a stroll along the seafront are simple pleasures that most enjoy. We are lucky to live in an area where these things are possible and it’s worth remembering that Southend began as a tourist resort. One wonders how many visitors to the town bother returning these days.

not available. If it isn’t recorded, then it should be.

For us residents, we need the council to stop the permeant bickering about policies and concentrate on getting through what is best for the town and its environment and not what is best for their egos.

Most locals consider the Town Centre to be an embarrassment. The quality of shops and restaurants has deteriorated (with a few exceptions) and the general feeling of safety is often questioned.

Southend now has some of the highest drug-related crime figures in the country.

Where are the extra Police officers that we were promised gone?

Split Council spending equally Basic things spring to mind. Improve road surfaces for the whole town not just certain wards. I would like to see proof that spending is split equally between the 17 wards. I recently put in a Freedom of Information request asking for this information and was told it was January 2020

Housing left in appalling condition Builders are legally bound to repair any damaged pavements caused from their work. Yet with so many house improvements being carried out, some are left in appalling condition after work is completed. This is particularly dangerous for disabled people and older people. This legislation is not strictly enforced and would be relatively easy for officers to monitor as they know where permission for work has been granted.

It’s a sad fact that it is quite possible that the chance to redevelop Southend into a vibrant shopping area like Chelmsford has become, has passed.

We need to improve the whole

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9

experience of living and visiting our town.

One problem we have is the infrastructure. New housing developments, the multitude of out of town supermarkets and just 2 main roads coming into the town means gridlock most weekends let alone when the warm weather arrives. Park and Ride works in Chelmsford and Cambridge surely it can be developed out of town for Southend.

(Not the current idea which is bizarrely based on the seafront).

More parking for Southend For those that insist on driving, create more parking. The debacle of the Seaway Project sell off, is only going to make the problem worse. Replacing it with a leisure park is an idea from the 1990’s.

Cinemas across the country are losing money due to the popularity of Netflix and Amazon Prime and the restaurant trade is suffering terribly in the town.

Does anybody really think that a couple of restaurant chains will make Southend thrive? A new hotel being built isn’t going to be successful unless there is a huge increase in demand to come and stay.

My concern is, over the years seafront parking has been greatly reduced, just one example was the loss of spaces for the cycling track. Accessible parking for the seafront is essential and the Seaway development planned parking won’t be enough to service both the seafront and the new development plans, during the towns busy periods. Where will they park and will they bother to visit 10

again? Southend’s main attraction is its seafront and what we don’t want is for seafront traders to stop investing in their businesses!

Also, make life easier for those that wish to travel by train. Cuts in bus services and the Council’s lack of pressure in enforcing routes, is another huge negative. For example, Chalkwell doesn’t have a bus route that runs within half a mile of the station.

It is time that we begin to run the town as a business and not as a political battleground. We have many thriving businesses in Southend so why not engage with the entrepreneurs who understand business acumen and customer needs to put together a plan to rejuvenate the town? The area has so many fantastic things to encourage people of all ages to live and visit us. We have fantastic parks, the new sporting and wellbeing facilities at Garon Park, the relaxed atmosphere of Old Leigh and the hustle of the Golden Mile.

There really is something for everyone here, but we have to unleash the potential.

Andy Crow, Director Chorus Business Advisers 07779 720 873 0845 867 1263 andycrow@chorusadvisers.co.uk www.chorusadvisers.co.uk Oracle welcomes thoughts from all sides as balance is very important. Write your letter in the comment section located under the relevant article on our website. oraclepublications.co.uk #SaveSouthend

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January 2020

January 2020

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January 2020

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We hope to bring you a programme that caters for fun, inspiration and education!

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January 2020

Advertorial

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• Fun activities you can do to not to physically exert the body to add to the fatigue, but getting the body moving and active which will help build up resistance to the tiredness.

• The 4 best forms of exercise that’ll help you get out and about with more confidence, less pain & less tiredness.

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• A life where you can get on with your day as you used to. Without using up all your energy just getting out of bed to get washed and dressed in the morning, and feeling shattered for the rest of the day.

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• A life where you have the energy to pick up and play with your grandchildren/children without worrying when pain or exhaustion is going to come on and leave you feeling worried and fed up.

Please call us today to register your interest, ask questions or secure your place on 01702 613 542, or text us on 07758 220 963 and we will get back to you to see how we can help you.

• A life where you can do and enjoy all the things you see so many others doing, and enjoying. A life that you used to have, but your worsening pain and tiredness is slowly eating away at your happiness and confidence.

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January 2020

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15

COUNCIL

Let's make Southend High Street a social place again

It may sound dramatic, but we all yearn for a return for a vibrant Southend High Street.

I’m sorry to say, that it is struggling, and has been for quite some time.

We shop online for everything from groceries to candles, books to sofas. The High Street needs to become a place to do things. Why can’t there be an online shopping hub in the High Street so

How do we do this?

Whilst more needs to be done by Central government to ease the crippling burden of business rates on the retail sector but there is more that we should and could be doing locally. The top end of the High Street should be a place where people

people can write a report in a coffee shop,

can gather rather than the barren space

go to the gym, have a pint with friends,

that it currently is. I have for a long while

get your nails done and then meet family

been an advocate for relocating the

for dinner and then collect your online

screen outside the Forum into the top

purchases and do further shopping. The

end of the High Street for example to

High Street needs to be a destination and

showcase major events.

become social again.

The Christmas lights switch on shows that

What is the solution?

the top end of the High Street can attract

Now is the time to introduce a plan that is

people. The recent Rugby World Cup final

dynamic and allows flexibility for future

was a missed opportunity where the bars

uses in our High Street. Southend High

could have opened and breakfast could

Street has a lot of opportunity. Any plan

have been served and then the match

has to clearly recognise that retail is still

finished at a time when the shops started

the priority but has the flexibility to allow

to open with footfall already there.

for mixed use and become a destination again.

16

Continued on page 22

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January 2020

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January 2020

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

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January 2020

Welcome to the 2020’s.

What do you want them to look like for you?

As we start a new decade, it’s the perfect opportunity to take stock of what we want our lives to look like over the next ten years. By the time 2030 comes around, how do you want to be spending your time? Do you plan to still be working full-time? Or have retired early and spending more time with grandchildren?

Are you on track to achieve the life you want for the 2020’s, and have you considered drawing up a financial plan? Make it your new year’s resolution to get to grips with your financial position now, and check whether you could be saving more into your pension. The tax incentives mean a generous amount of “free money**” is available, which will boost your savings more than any high street bank account.

Importantly, there are also some major changes to pensions on the way which you may need to factor into your planning.

Want more content like this? Subscribe to our mailing list at www.rosewoodfp.co.uk, where you can also read blogs and book in a free, noobligation discovery meeting.

Pensions

This year, the state pension age will rise to 66 for everyone, and will increase again to 67 by 2028.

The change will also affect people with private retirement savings, as the age that private pension pots can be accessed is also set to rise to 57 from 2028.

But the state pension alone isn’t enough to provide a comfortable standard of living in retirement. It is therefore important to have accumulated assets that could see you through a potential 30+ years after stopping work.

How much should you be aiming to save?

*Assuming a local address, non-smoker and good health.

Annuity on a level basis with no guarantees. **Tax relief on pension contributions- source The Money Advice Service – Why save into a pension?

A pension is a long term investment. The fund value may fluctuate and can go down. Your eventual income may depend upon the size of the fund at retirement, future interest rates and tax legislation.

The answer will depend on individual circumstances such as whether you are mortgage free, the lifestyle you want in retirement, and whether you have dependents.

Charlotte Wood trading as Rosewood Financial Planning is an appointed representative of The OnLine Partnership Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

As an example, a 65-year-old female with savings of £100,000 in a private pension would get an average income of around £5,000 a year if they were to buy an annuity today* (a form of insurance product that guarantees a set annual income for life).

Charlotte Wood APFS Director, Chartered Financial Planner 07738 118 845 charlotte@rosewoodfp.co.uk www.rosewoodfp.co.uk

January 2020

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21

Council article continued from page 16

Next Summer we have the football European Championships and the Olympic Games which has the potential to attract people into the High Street.

Live images of the High Street

purchases made at home.

I have never understood the reluctance of the current Administration to do so.

The argument given for not doing so is that people would drive around to look for the free parking and not use the

When visitors come to Southend along

paid car parks. By this logic, would the

Victoria Avenue and come to Victoria

Administration take away the free parking

Circus, the real issue is that nobody

from Thorpe Bay High Street? I think not.

knows the High Street is just yards in

Safer and more accessible

front of them. For relatively small cost we could make Victoria Circus like Piccadilly Circus and showcase live images of the High Street and seafront on the back of the Odeon Cinema and New Look with advertising.

To create this vision the High Street needs to be accessible and for people to be safe. More work needs to be done to reduce anti-social behaviour. More importantly it needs to be accessible.

Does anyone really think removing over

To entice people to come we need to

100 spaces at Seaway Car Park and

make more free parking available. I will

removing the underpass at Queensway

be the first to admit the removal of the

will assist? We need to press on with

1 hour parking band was a mistake and

creating more car parking at Tylers

when in Administration we got this totally

Avenue Car Park and stop the draft

wrong. Free parking could compliment

Queensway proposal otherwise we may

our paid car parks. This works well in

just as well put a sign at Progress Road

places like Thorpe Bay High Street. The

saying ‘Please turn around, Southend

side roads off the High Street should be

closed for business’.

made free parking, removing unnecessary

Cllr Tony Cox West Shoebury Ward Leader of the Conservative Group

yellow lines to create more capacity whereby there is a mixture of 2 hours free parking and 20 minute bays so people can come and collect their online 22

Oracle welcomes thoughts from all sides as balance is very important. Write your letter in the comment section located under the relevant article on our website. oraclepublications.co.uk #SaveSouthend

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January 2020

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Walk in Showers Walk in Baths Wet - Rooms Supplied & Fitted

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January 2020

Advertorial

ENJOY YOURSELF, IT’S LATER THAN YOU THINK!!

Enjoy yourself, while you’re still in the pink, The years go by, as quickly as you wink, Enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself, It's later than you think.

Well, whoever wrote that song knew what they were talking about – Just where did all the time go?

It’s good to be wise when you’re young, ‘Cos you can only be young just the once, Enjoy yourself & have lots of fun, Be glad & live life longer than you’ve ever done.

Well, for sure, we are all living longer than we ever imagined, but do we have the money needed to make the most of it?

You work & work for years & years, you’re always on the go, Someday you say, you’ll have your fun, when you’re a millionaire, Imagine all the fun you’ll have in your old rockin’ chair.

Well, now you’ve stopped working, do you have the money to have that fun?

You’re gonna take that ocean trip, no matter come what may, You’ve got reservations made, but you just can’t get away, Next year for sure, you’ll see the world, you’ll really get around, But how far can you travel, when you’re six feet underground?

Well, now you have the time, do you have the money? of us Healthy & Wealthy, some of us the Aches & Pains of Old Bones & Empty Wallets, but whatever state we’re in, it can be improved by an injection of cash - & if your income & savings are dwindling, it might be an idea to consider unlocking the cash tied up in your house via an Equity Release Plan. It might not suit you, everyone’s circumstances are unique, & you’ll need Advice from an experienced Equity Release Specialist to ensure you get rounded advice.

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www.essexequityrelease.co.uk January 2020 22

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FSA No. 313397

25 February 2019

HAIR & BEAUTY

Four top hair trends to get excited about in the New Year

Well, hello and a very happy New Year to you!

As we look forward to the year ahead, join me – Mystic Craig – as I polish my crystal balls (one is never enough, sweetheart) and reveal what I foresee to be the hot hair trends of 2020.

Last year, well-groomed, sleek and shiny bobs were plastered all over my Instagram feed. However, this absolute classic cut looks set for a messy makeover.

Its successor will have a looser, more choppy and textured appearance.

The key to making this bob look so radically different is that it will have soft layers on the ends, so it doesn’t look so distinctively shaped. It also has bags of tousled sexiness to it, giving you a bit of a naughty, rebellious look.

Dyed hair

Exactly twelve months ago, I wrote about dyed hair being TNBG (the next big thing). In a way, that is set to continue but now, we’re adding an extra, contrasting colour. What may have started out being inspired by face-framing streaks of vibrant colour is now set to be statement-making differences. These can be complimentary, like a spicy ginger teamed with lovely cream tones, or lipstick pink against raven black. The bigger the difference, the better.

Regular readers might recall that I also said that hair accessories were coming back into vogue in

2019. Well, this will continue in the coming months, albeit that this time round we’re going to see less emphasis on adding sparkle and luxury to the hair.

In fact, quite the opposite.

Look for hair pins and clips that are made from stainless steel or aluminium. Better still, look for accessories that like unlikely choices for your hair, such shoe buckle shapes, or clips made from old cutlery. You would not believe how much a repurposed spoon looks modern, contemporary and sophisticated!

Balayage Appropriately, last summer balayage was a big thing in the world of hair. Balayage is the technique of hand painting highlights onto the hair, to create a soft, sun-kissed natural look. Balayage became hugely popular as it is not a blondes-only look.

Brunettes can also enjoy that cool surfer but to stay on-trend in the New Year, avoid the harsher blonde tones and go for richer, warmer hues, such as cinnamon, hazelnut and even tobacco-like colours.

If you are feeling more adventurous, then why not experiment with soft, pastel blue tones? Lavender, dusky pink and turquoise look absolutely stunning, done professionally.

by Craig Smith Director of Grateful Heads Hair Salon

Providing Providing expert expert hair care hair care to Essex to Essex for 30 foryears.

30 years.

Isn’t Isn’t it time it time you made you made your your headhead grateful? grateful?

01702 01702 340965 340965 32 Alexandra 32 Alexandra Street, Street, Southend Southend SS1SS1 1BU1BU 26

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January 2020

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January 2020

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April 2018 29

Advertorial

An Independent View Improvement and opportunities for Southend

Why is the Seaway leisure development so important?

We have in the past few weeks and over the

• There will be a new state of the art eleven

years, heard so much about the negativity

screen IMAX cinema, a new Hollywood ten pin

on the Seaway development from a number

bowl facility, including an 80 bed hotel.

of Seafront businesses that fear competition

• There will be 550 new full time jobs

and will go all out to destroy a fundamental

creating permanent work and apprenticeship

re-generation of the town centre.

opportunities for residents in Southend,

I think at this point, we must understand that the whole town centre redevelopment is not just about the Seaway car park. It needs to be understood that Southend-on-Sea has been told by central Government that we have to build more homes for our residents. A great number of these will be in the town centre.

So as a Council, we have to consider that

with an additional 94 jobs created during the construction. This will enable Southend residents to up-skill and master a trade to secure better working opportunities going forward.

• The Seaway development will regenerate a tired and under used car park site, delivering a new public realm, a square and tree planting that would enhance the area, including the

these additional residents will have decent

historic St John’s The Baptist Church. This will

homes, but they also need to have some form

bring a real form of a golden opportunity for

of all year-round leisure facilities. These new

Southend and will breathe new life into the

leisure facilities will create a vibrant town

town centre, which will boost not only visitor

centre shopping area and add to the current

numbers, but also the footfall into the High

entertainment venues along the Seafront.

Street, all of which is desperately needed.

30

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January 2020

• There will also be active indoor activities,

town centre businesses (BID) who are very

such as a rock-climbing wall, indoor golf and a

supportive of the Seaway regeneration

gym including restaurants and cafes, offering a

scheme.

wide range of cuisine.

Benefits for residents and businesses

• It will include 555 car parking spaces, which

Things are happening in Southend-on-Sea

is 87 more than was originally on the site. To

that will bring benefits for residents and

dispel any concerns about car parking, we

businesses and over the coming years people

now have the gas works site and the proposed

will see change in the creation of jobs, decent

multi-storey car park on Tyler’s Avenue, with a

housing, all year-round leisure facilities, an

brand new bus station.

improvement in our parks and open spaces

• It will also enable 93 trees to be planted to

and a street scene that people will be proud

help create a green lung in the centre of town.

of.

This is a major investment which gives a bright

One final thought in all this, planning

future not only for the town centre, but also

applications are not allowed to be judged

for our young people and residents that are

involving competition on any developments,

looking for full time employment.

be it retail or leisure. I personally believe

So therefore, why is there so much negativity

this will not be in competition with any

from certain people for a site that will deliver

other business in Southend, but what it will

a state of the art all year-round leisure

do is help drive up the quality of leisure,

experience, create hundreds of jobs and bring

entertainment and restaurants that we have

in over £15m a year for the local economy?

in Southend-on-Sea. Once again this is a

All this negativity can be called looking after

bright future, it has been a long time coming

their own interests in trying to convince local

from when I first signed the contract back in

people that they know best by protecting their

November 2014 and I have not changed my

businesses, which have over the years created

mind since then as to the benefits it will bring

zero hour jobs and pay minimum/low wages.

to the whole town.

We cannot afford to have acres of empty

Businesses that do not embrace change and

tarmac for the majority of the year that does

competition will not survive and quite frankly

not create jobs and training opportunities

do not deserve to do so. It is up to them,

because of a few self-interested business

please embrace what the Council is doing for

people who want to detract or stop the

its residents.

overwhelming desire of residents and

Cllr Ron Woodley Independent Councillor, Thorpe Ward

January 2020

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31

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January 2020

advertorial

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Issues with double glazing can often be gradual and may only be noticed during a clear sunny day or during the winter. A failed glass unit may no longer provide you with the protection you need or be energy efficient. Why not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you have any failed double glazing?

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FOOD

Classic minestrone

This is a really good filling vegetable, bean and pasta soup. Very healthy and nutritious and great to have for lunch or supper. You can add any vegetables you like really and this makes a big pot so that you can freeze half for another day or portion up and freeze to take to work.

add the vegetables to a large bowl. Cut the ends off the leek, quarter it lengthways, wash it under running water, then cut into 1cm slices. Add to the bowl.

Enjoy! (Serves 8-10)

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the bacon and fry gently for 2 minutes, or until golden.

Ingredients 1 clove of garlic 1 large onion 2 carrots 2 sticks of celery 1 courgette 1 small leek 1 large potato 1 x 400 g tin of cannellini beans 2 rashers smoked streaky bacon olive oil ½ teaspoon dried oregano 1 fresh bay leaf 2 x 400 g tins of plum tomatoes 1 litre vegetable, chicken or ham stock 100 g pasta, any shape ½ a bunch of fresh basil (optional) Parmesan cheese

Method

Peel and finely chop the garlic and onion. Trim and roughly chop the carrots, celery and courgette, then

36

Scrub and dice the potato. Drain the cannellini beans, then set aside. Finely slice the bacon.

Add the garlic, onion, carrots, celery, courgette, leek, oregano and bay and cook slowly for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened, stirring occasionally.

Add the potato, cannellini beans and plum tomatoes, then pour in the vegetable stock. Stir well, cover with a lid and bring everything slowly to the boil, then simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the potato is cooked through.

Add the pasta to the pan, and cook for a further 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. This means that it should be soft enough to eat, but still have a bit of a bite and firmness to it. Try some just before the time is up to make sure you cook it perfectly.

Pick over the basil leaves (if using) and stir through.

Season to taste with sea salt and black pepper, and a pinch of sugar, then serve with a grating of Parmesan and a slice of wholemeal bread, if you like.

by Judy Barden Next month: Red Curry Chicken Risotto

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January 2020

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January 2020

Advertisement Feature

Winter is Upon Us! Is Your Roof Secure?

After experiencing some mild winters could this be the year the beast strikes back? Is your flat roof ready to cope?

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The Problem The Solution Always 100% committed to customer care and satisfaction January 2020

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41

Shoebury Hub - Everyone's welcome What is behind the Yellow Door in West Road?

will agree that there is a thriving, fun community hub, but there is always room for more.

“What are you talking about?” I hear you say.

Well, anyone who has been down West Road recently and walked past the Ice Cream Factory (if there are many of us who can actually walk right past an ice cream manufacturer) you will have seen the little church building with the bright yellow doors.

We have just completed a workshop in the back of the building, I say we, it was in fact a gorgeous 90 years young man and a young amputee who together have transformed the place. Here we can do anything you want, we are calling it ‘The Make and Mend Workshop’ because we think it covers everything that is possible in this space.

Once more, if you have something along the craft or artistic lines please let us know, we can get you going! We will also house a tool library and repair shop back there.

It is in fact Shoebury Hub, where you can find lots of exciting things going on almost every day of the week. If you find that there is nothing here for you, let us know what you would like to see and we will do our best to make it happen.

Folks like us Currently on Mondays and Wednesdays you will find ‘Folks Like Us’, a project aimed specifically at our 65+ years members of the community. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are SECH (South Essex Community Homes) where you can get help with rent, housing, benefits, work, computers, CAB and Peabody to name but a few of the many things we offer.

Group meetings Thursdays and Fridays see lots of groups meeting regularly. U3A Groups have a Book Club, Film Group, Board Games, Photography, Astronomy. With a coffee morning every Monday Morning I think you

42

Now all you have to do is to come in and see it all for yourself, along with your ideas.

Rent the hub The hub is also available for rent, a perfect venue to hold classes, meetings and events. If you would like to talk over some ideas or just have a chat, please ring Chris on 07718903259. I look forward to your call.

Chris Gostling 07718 903 259 chrisg09@talktalk.net 151 West Road, Shoeburyness, SS3 9EF

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January 2020

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including: Electrics, Tiling, Plastering and Carpentry Call Stephen Mash on:07778 007535 or 01702 547824 sonrayheating-bathrooms.co.uk stevemashsonray@gmail.com 3 Dalys Road, Rochford, SS4 1RA

January 2020

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A LOCAL PLUMBER FOR LOCAL PEOPLE 45

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9 PENS

SUDOKU – Enter numbers

BEND

WORD LADDER – Climb the ladder, changing one letter each rung to make a new word.

into the blank spaces so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.

CONUNDRUM – Unscramble to solve the clue.

E

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Clue: It's time to _________ this time of year!

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Last month’s solutions: WORD LADDER –

CARDCORDLORDLOADROAD CONUNDRUM – ORNAMENTS

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January 2020

January 2020

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January 2020

Fed up with drafty and unsightly windows?

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WHAT’S ON To see more and to add your own events visit www.southendoracle.co.uk/events NETWORKING MEET-UP DATE 16th January 2020 TIME 12:00 - 14:00 VENUE Southend Rugby Club, Sumpters Way There are no whistles, bells or 60 second pitches just a room full of like minded business that what to meet up with other businesses and build long lasting relationships.

SOUTHEND ANTIQUE FAIR DATE 19th January 2020 TIME 9:00 - 18:00 VENUE The Chase Sports & Fitness Centre This Southend Vintage Fair will showcase products like Antiques, Collectables and Vintage. Including silver, glass and more.

MASTERS FREE GIRLS DAY TIME 9:00 - 16:30

DATE 25 January 2020 VENUE 2-4 Totman Crescent

The FREE OF CHARGE day open to GIRLS aged 13yrs up will consist of a variety of classes in a mixed genre of Performing Arts. Which could include : Technical Jazz / Musical Theatre / Commercial Jazz / Ballet / Acting / Singing. The day will be held at our brand new purpose built studios - giving an insight into what life is like for girls training at masters.

SOUTH ESSEX COLLEGE RECRUITMENT EVENT TIME 17:00 - 19:30 DATE 14th January 2020 VENUE Waves Restaurant, South Essex College, Luker Rd South Essex College is currently recruiting for a whole range of roles and we’re keen to meet enthusiastic and talented industry professionals who are looking to make a difference to the lives of young people. This event is aimed at anyone who is interested in working for the College, particularly those who aren’t currently teaching but are looking for a route into Further Education teaching.

SATURDAY ART CLUB - DIGIFEST DATE 18th January 2020

TIME 10:30 - 12:30

VENUE Focus Point Gallery, Elmer Avenue As part of Focal Point Gallery’s Digifest programme, Saturday Art Club sessions will have a digital focus in the month of January.

Taylor Jack Smith will be leading workshops creating characters and learning key digital photography skills.

ADD YOUR EVENT ...

It's FREE to add your local charity, fundraiser, club, school, music, church, in fact any event.

www.southendoracle.co.uk/events 50

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January 2020

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January 2020

January 2020

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Professional IT Services

Emergency Electrician Established locally over 25 years Faults our speciality No Job too small Special rates for OAP’s No call out charge

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54

Desktop/Laptop Repairs & Upgrades Custom Build Specialist (incl. Water-cooling) Full Health Checks & Diagnostics Software Installation Home & Business Network Setup Full Windows 10 Support Remote Support Smart TV & Sound System Setup We are now at Unit C15, Seedbed Centre, Vanguard Way, Shoeburyness SS3 9QY

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January 2020

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January 2020

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USEFUL NUMBERS Advice & Helplines

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Hospitals & Health

224600 435555

Primary Care Trust Southend General Hospital

Pharmacies

Bansal Pharmacy 587500 178 The Broadway, Mon–Fri 9–6.30pm/Sat 9–1pm Howells and Harrison Thorpe Bay Pharmacy 582658 The Broadway, Mon–Fri 9–6.30pm/Sat 9–5.30pm Closed 1–2pm Wed+Sat

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January 2020

Carpenter & Joiner JOHN SORRELL - your local carpenter and joiner for over 25 years

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January 2020

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Ensure your business is listed in our expanding new online directory. Call us on 01702 393 838 or email info@oraclepublications.co.uk for introductory offers.

DIRECTORY AIRPORT TRANSFER Air & Back 52 BATHROOMS John Howard Bathrooms 18 St Ann's Building Supplies 24 BLINDS Worth & Co. 47 Retracx Blinds 57 BLOCK PAVING Brooks Paving 54 BUTCHERS Philip Splett 34 CAR DEALERSHIP Fairfield BMW 11 CARE HOME Boulevard Lodge 20 CARPETS & FLOORING Trade Carpets 5 Kenbro 2 CARPENTER John Sorrell 57 CARPET & OVEN CLEANING Gates Services 32 CLEANING Maid in Essex 48 CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS Thorpe Bay Yacht Club 8 WI 14 COMPUTER SERVICES Computopia 54 DECORATORS GMH Renovations 35 DENTAL Royal Mews 51 DIRECTORY (ONLINE) Southend Oracle Directory 60 DOUBLE GLAZING The Window Man 49 A1 Glazing 45 DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIR Cloudy2Clear 33 Discount Window Clinic 43

58

DRIVEWAYS DP Resin Driveways 27 ELECTRICAL Emergency Electrician 54 Need an Electrician 48 RDM Electrical 14 DMB Electrical 18 ESTATE AGENTS Hunt Roche 3 EQUITY RELEASE Essex Equity Release 25 FIREPLACES Fireplace & Design 53 Thornwood Fireplaces 17 GAT Fire 12 FUNERAL SERVICES AR Adams Funeral Services 32 FURNITURE RESTORERS Richard Attfield 19 TS Baskett 55 FURNITURE SHOWROOM John James 7 GARAGES RS Automotive 59 Service Garage 28 GARDEN SERVICES Paul’s Gardening 48 GUTTER CLEANING Super Gutter Vac 18 HANDYMAN Piper Construction 46 HEALTH & BEAUTY CHC Aesthetics 29 Hello Gorgeous 27 HOME IMPROVEMENT Climatec Home Improvement 44 INTERIOR DESIGN Morris Interiors 37 IT SUPPORT Applecheck 57 JEWELLERS AV & BV Andrews 14

KITCHENS/BATHROOMS Granite Transformations 50 Gregorys of Essex 39 Avalon Kitchens & Bathrooms 23 LANDSCAPE GARDENING RJM Landscaping 38 LOCKSMITHS Keycentre Locksmiths 43 MARBLE WORKTOPS Abbey Marble 35 MOBILITY SOLUTIONS John Howard Mobility 24 OPTICAL CC Optical 52 PHYSIOTHERAPY WDC Physiotherapy 15 PLUMBING & HEATING Sonray Heating 45 Hammond & Sons 20 DG Plumbing & Heating 35 Robert Bailey Plumbing & Heating 56 POLITICAL PARTY Independent Party 30/31 PROPERTY MAINTENANCE T.H.M Property Maintenance 38 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT John Howard Management & Lettings 4 PUBLIC HOUSE The Angel Inn 6 ROOFING SERVICES CSJ Freeman & Sons 20 High-Tech Membrane Roofing 40/41 P Howarth Roofing 46 GSS Roofing 55 THEATRES & ENTERTAINMENT Cliffs Pavilion 23 THEME PARK Adventure Island 13 TREE SERVICES Tree-King 24 Mike’s Tree Services 55 TUITION & EDUCATION Kumon 1

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