Your all-seeing local
February2020 January 2018
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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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This month’s competition is a great way to recover from the festive period. Fully qualified and insured technician, Chelsey White at Health Boost, is offering one lucky winner a course of 4 x Vitamin B12 shots worth £120. Vitamin B12 is a vital vitamin for our health and is important in the production of myelin, the insulation around nerves which contributes to proper brain function, healthy nervous system function and energy production. For more information on this service and other services that Chelsey offers please visit: www.healthboostuk.com. Terms and conditions apply. 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
Oracle Publications and Creative Media @oracle_essex January 2020
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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
The Angel has a whole lot of reasons to make your visit this year a great one... and here are just a few. Cheers To A New Year!
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jazz playing softly in the background and be well looked after by the attentive staff. This is the way lunch was meant to be. Available Monday through Friday, 12-3pm.
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Whether it's Sirloin Beef cooked to order, Lamb Rump, Pork or Turkey - there is a Sunday Roast built for every taste. All fresh, all homemade and with all the trimmings (available in the Restaurant until 5pm and in the Bar until 8pm every Sunday. You can book & secure your table easily online - a good idea as the Sunday Roast has become very well known & loved! Walk into our warm restaurant, sit down and enjoy 2 courses for £12 or 3 for £15, listen to some casual
6
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! Thank you Nick! 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!) Join us for a complimentary coffee, tea or soft drink and enjoy the superb Estuary views from our clubhouse and balcony, with a wide range of food and drinks on offer. If you like what you see and experience, a lunchtime membership could be just what you need - and at just 71p a week, it’s a great way to meet new friends. Full sailing membership is also available from £156 per year, and with our comprehensive sail training programme, you don’t even need to be an expert. Bring this advert with you when you come for your complimentary drink.... we promise you’ll love our club! Scan this QR code with your smartphone to find out more.
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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 are looking for new members, all ages welcome, to join our group in a relaxed and friendly environment. Each month we have an interesting speaker or demonstration on a variety of subjects. We also arrange many other events throughout the year such as dining out, theatre trips and book clubs. Why not come along either by yourself or with a friend, for our first meeting in the New Year which will take place on
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We hope to bring you a programme that caters for fun, inspiration and education! For more information or an informal chat, please ring our President, Anne Andrews on 07872054040
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January 2020
Advertorial
If you feel pain in various parts of your body, you are worried about being tired all the time, and even wondering what can be done to help you, then please read on.
“I’ve been told I have Fibromyalgia & I feel so alone!” This is perfect for you if you’ve been told you have Fibromyalgia or think you may have it and you would like to know what to do about it. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia or think you may have it then please read on. Being in constant pain is never fun, but it’s even worse when no-one believes you are suffering and you face each day feeling alone and confused to know what to do. We have lots of Fibromyalgia clients tell us they struggle with ‘brain fog’ and tiredness and how frustrating that is for them. Maybe this is you? Having Fibromyalgia may have knocked your confidence, and you may be worried about being able to do every day activities due to pain and fatigue. You may even be concerned about being able to hold down your job due to needing to have days off sick due to the symptoms. If this sounds like you or someone you know, I’d like to invite you to attend a supportive and educational workshop on Fibromyalgia help. Coming to the workshop may be the most important thing you do this year, as it will help you find out if you have problems with Fibromyalgia that you weren’t even aware of. Plus, exactly what to do if you, or a loved one have been diagnosed with it. We will show you ways to get back to the life you deserve, the one before fibromyalgia issues struck.
Would you like to get back to this?
What we know is that so many people don’t even realise that the symptoms they are struggling with, maybe due to Fibromyalgia. Even if they do, sometimes they put it down to their age or they are just a bit run down due to their lives being so busy. What often happens is they do nothing, hoping that it will all settle and improve with time, but alas time on its own rarely helps muscle and joint pain problems like Fibromyalgia. The other side of Fibromyalgia issues that we frequently see, are those that have gone to the GP or other health care professionals, but are feeling let down, alone and at the end of the road, by the advice they’ve been given. Perhaps even sceptical about their chances of living with less symptoms in the future, and that’s why I created this supportive, educational workshop entitled: “How to live life with Fibromyalgia”. It’s FREE for you, and a family member or friend, to attend.
Here's what you'll learn • The 5 coping strategies everyone must be aware of when they have a flare up. • Why so many people never even realise they have Fibromyalgia in the first place. Have you seen the list of symptoms? • The top most common causes of Fibromyalgia. • 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.
Here's what to do next
• 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.
To attend our next workshop, please call us now. We only have 10 seats available for the next workshop to be held at our Southend clinic on Tuesday 14th January between 6.30pm – 7.30pm.
• 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.
WDC Physiotherapy 01702 613 542 www.wdcphysiotherapy.co.uk
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. Whether it is a foot stool or a 4 seater settee and anything in between we pride ourselves on hand crafting beautifully upholstered furniture, whether it is a modern piece or restoring an antique, we love furniture.
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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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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. 01268 799211, for a quick chat, or to arrange a meeting. by Ron Radway, Financial Consultant
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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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Advertorial
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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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advertorial
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Now, you may think you need to replace the whole window including the frames and all the hardware, however Cloudy2Clear have come up with a simple and cost saving solution‌ Just replace the glass!! If you see condensation in your windows just visit our website or give us a call on 0800 61 21 118. We will send out our highly experienced engineers for a free no obligation quote. A Cloudy2Clear quote takes on average no longer than 20 minutes. Once the quote is completed, we will sit down with you and
explain the problem and tell you how we can fix it. With years of experience Cloudy2Clear have a wealth of knowledge and are recognised as a Which Trusted Trader, plus our work is backed by an industry leading 25 year guarantee. Cloudy2Clear also replace faulty locks handles and hinges on all windows and doors. Your friendly local Cloudy2Clear specialist is Chris Miller and he services the Thorpe Bay & Southend area. So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Chris a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118.
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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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JIM DICKENS
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Advertorial
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Advertisement Feature
Winter is Upon Us! Is Your Roof Secure? After experiencing some mild winters could this be the year the beast strikes back? Is your flat roof ready to cope?
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The Problem The Solution Always 100% committed to customer care and satisfaction January 2020
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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
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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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January 2020
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A LOCAL PLUMBER FOR LOCAL PEOPLE 45
BRAINBOX 6
8
7 1
3
8
2
4
8 9
7
1 3
4
3
6
7 9
6
9
7
5
4
8
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
B
A
T
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Clue: It's time to _________ this time of year!
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Last month’s solutions: WORD LADDER –
CARDCORDLORDLOADROAD CONUNDRUM – ORNAMENTS
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January 2020
January 2020
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January 2020
Fed up with drafty and unsightly windows? We give
We specialise in windows, doors & conservatories. We repair and replace the following:
free of charge, no obligation quotes!
Window handles Locks
Adjussng windows or doors Replacing leeerboxes
Hinges
Door knockers
Misted or broken glass
Panels
Specialist installers and service engineers in all forms of double glazing, triple glazing, UPVC, aluminium and hardwood windows, doors, conservatory's and roof line. All new installations are fully guaranteed, FENSA registered and also come with an independent security guarantee against break ins. We repair all types of windows, doors and conservatory's. We offer a full range of security upgrades and service packages. We also provide break in assistance. A family run business proudly serving the local community for over 25 years!
01268 527112 www.thewindowmanessex.net window.man@btconnect.com January 2020
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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
Straight, whiter teeth for 2020 UP TO £1000 OFF INVISALIGN! *With this advert. Until the end of January 2020.
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January 2020
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• OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK
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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
Tel: Tel:
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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
07778 653339 01702 588892
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January 2020
y ilite b ia c l Luran l Fu ns I
MIKE’s Tree Services Est. 1982
15% off Felling for senior Pollarding citizens Shaping Pruning Shrub/Hedge Trimming Friendly & Reliable Service
For a FREE Quotation call Mike
07858 239944 01702 305217
ES FR TIM EE AT ES !
EXPERT ROOFING SERVICES With years of experience, we offer: SLATING / TILING ALL ASPECTS OF FLAT ROOFING LEAD WORK CHIMNEY REPOINTING UPVC PLASTIC CLADDING, FACIAS, SOFFITS & GUTTERING WE ARE FULLY INSURED & ALL WORK IS FULLY GUARANTEED
Contact:
07504698026 01702 743570
January 2020
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Thorpe Bay Men’s Forum 588297 Thorpe Bay Afternoon Townswomen’s Guild 588909 Thorpe Bay Probus 07947613594 Thorpe Bay Yacht Club 587563 Thorpe Hall Golf Club 582205
Sponsored by:
01702 393 838 www.southendoracle.co.uk
USEFUL NUMBERS Advice & Helplines
AR Adams Funeral Directors Child Protection Citizens Advice Cllr Ron Woodley Crimestoppers Cruse Bereavement Care Drugs, Alcohol & Substance Misuse HARP – Southend's Homeless Charity Jobcentre Southend National Drugs Freephone Pier & Foreshore Inspectors Samaritans Freephone Southend Carers Southend Council Civic Centre Southend Talking Newspaper Victim Support Group
Clubs & Associations
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Actorcrats (Amateur Dramatics) 306506 Belfairs Mixed Bowling 525648 Burges Estate Residents Association (BERA) 588662 Charles Dicken’s Fellowship 588069 Cockleshell Clog Morris 218081 Essex Handicrafts Association 479862 Essex Society for Family History 522992 Leigh-on-Sea Royal British Legion 559996 Lower Thames Rowing Club 482205 Naval & Military Club 347169 Piertalk 07474 119899 Prittlewell Bowls Club 612476 Scouts: Southend, Thorpe Bay & Shoeburyness 584026 Southchurch Park Bowling Club 07434 190067 Southchurch Croquet Club at Rayleigh 525106 Southend Anglo Italian Circle 478105 Southend & District Pensioners Campaign 341047 Southend Blind Welfare Association 342131 Southend Bowls Club 467073 Southend Cardiac Support Group 309042/293469 Southend Chess Club (Steve – Club Secretary) 345902 Southend Golf Club 473206 Southend-on-Sea Lions Club 582828 Southend Photographic Society 332491 Southend Rugby Club 546682 South Essex Natural History Society 588115 St Augustine’s Church 587597 Stone Masons & Dry Stone Wallers 292867 Thames Estuary Lacemakers 476034 The Shoebury Society 586622 The Wine Circle 295325 Thorpe Bay Art Group 585382 Thorpe Bay Bowling Club 582074 Thorpe Bay Bridge Club 875234 Thorpe Bay Floral Arrangement Group 585350 Thorpe Bay Horticultural Society 588297 Thorpe Bay Ladies Thursday Club 296975 Thorpe Bay Lawn Tennis Club 585245
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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
Local MP
616135
James Duddridge (Conservative)
Animal Welfare
Downes & Prtnrs, Veterinary Surgeon RSPCA Rochford
584511 0300 1234 999
Police emergency Police non-emergency Essex Police Marine Unit HM Coastguard
999 101 01621 782121 01702 294998
Police Services
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Southend Forum 215011 Bournes Green Post Office 582241 Traveline 0871 200 2233 Arriva Southend 0844 800 4411 First 01268 525251 National Express 08705 80 80 80 Odeon Cinema 0871 2244007 SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmens Families Assoc.) 463113 24 hour Emergency Homeless Shelter 430696
GAS, HEATING AND PLUMBING
CALL NOW FOR A FREE ESTIMATE
With over 30 years experience in the industry, we offer the following services:
• New boiler installation
• Gas safety inspections
• Full central heating
• Bathroom suites
• System upgrades
• Plumbing
Robert Bailey Plumbing & Heating Limited
01702 585780 07725440928
RobBailey15@hotmail.co.uk
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January 2020
Carpenter & Joiner JOHN SORRELL - your local carpenter and joiner for over 25 years
Our customers are our priority Free quotation and design consultation*
Most aspects of woodwork and property maintenance undertaken, including:
* Doors hung * Kitchens refurbished * Wardrobes built * Wooden & laminate floors laid * Shelves fitted * Stairs refurbished * Locks supplied & fitted to insurance specification For advice and free, no-obligation quotations please telephone:
01702 902796 or 07984 924916 Friendly, professional service guaranteed
10%
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When you mention the Oracle Ends 30.01.20
We are a family run business covering Essex, London and the South East. We offer the following home improvement services:
BLINDS SHUTTERS CURTAINS AWNINGS AND CANOPIES 07848 149848
sales@retracxblinds.co.uk www.retracxblinds.co.uk
Apple Computer Repairs & Sales Apple Mac Networks Apple Mac IT Tech Support 01702 680005
www.applecheck.co.uk info@applecheck.co.uk
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
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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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