Oracle Thorpe Bay July 2017 by Oracle Publications

July 2017

Your all-seeing local

ORACLE

Thorpe Bay, Southchurch, the Garrison & Shoeburyness

WIN! A Sandra Salciute Double Makeover and Photoshoot Worth Â£290!

Local Issues: Developing Facilities at Garon Park

In the Raw: Summer Salad Recipe by Amber Locke

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July 2017

ORACLE

WELCOME

With all the beautiful summer sunshine, it’s the perfect time to take up a sport, so not only are we taking a look at the local cricket scene (page 30), we also have an exclusive Local Issues report on the latest plans to make Garon Park the most comprehensive, go-to sports facility in the area. I must say what an amazing time I had at the Essex Business Womens Experience last month. How heartwarming it was to talk to so many enterprising and inspiring entrepreneurs and business owners who, through hard work and discipline, each contribute to boost the local economy and ensure that the borough of Southend remains one of the most thriving business capitals of the UK. One such individual is local photographer, Sandra Salciute, who has generously offered us this month’s competition prize – a double makeover and photoshoot, plus £100 towards portraits. The entire experience is worth £290 and you can share it with your mum, sister, best friend or partner. Sandra recommends that you book a night out after the shoot and make the most of her fantastic makeovers! To enter, please send in your name and contact details to: Oracle/Sandra Salciute Competition, Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend SS1 1AN or email: info@oraclepublications.co.uk by Mon, 31st July. 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 Oracle Publications and Creative Media @oracle_essex Printed by Printwize Ltd, Witham CM8 3BN – 01376 500900

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CONTENTS Grounds for a Celebration

9/10

Local Issues by Clive Shiret

The Hollywood Holiday Hat-trick

Salon advice by Craig Smith

Middle East-Inspired Summer Salad

In the Raw with raw vegan blonde, Amber Locke

Testing Times for Local Cricket

Sport update by Rob Johnston

Griddled Courgettes with Toasted Pine Nuts and Feta

Judy's Recipe Page

Brainbox 46 What's On

Useful Numbers

Advertiser Directory

Advertorials Legal Mediation

Cliff House Clinic

Shoeburyness High School

44/45

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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July 2017

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July 2017

LOCAL ISSUES

Grounds for a celebration Garon Park is managed by the trustees of the Norman Garon Trust who have already made it home to a wide variety of sports and physical activities but under new proposals, it could be set to become the go-to venue for sports and wellbeing in the borough …

The vision is: “The improved health and wellbeing of citizens in Southend and the surrounding area”, and the concept has been defined as: “Caring for your community and your community caring for you”, with the following objectives:

In July 2015, Garon Park Community Interest Company (GPCIC) leased thirty acres of the overall site, including the cricket ground wedged between the leisure centre and the golf course, and has plans to make the facility a long-term, sustainable go-to destination for team sport and community wellbeing – a place where local community groups can flourish. GPCIC is set up as a ‘club for clubs’ with an independent board.

• To create a hub for wellbeing activities in a

National, regional and local policies are fully supportive of encouraging initiatives that increase the levels of physical activity and mental wellbeing to support healthy, happy communities. Garon Park and its extensive facilities – which includes the Southend Leisure Centre, its diving centre and athletics track, and the Garon Park Golf Complex – can clearly and easily excel in fulfilling such strategies and objectives.

• To work collaboratively with local stakeholders,

Too many sport facilities have a single purpose and are used a maximum of twice per week (weekends). GPCIC plan to maximize the use of the facility by making it available to different groups, seven days a week, and attract inward investment for the benefit of the community as a whole.

Pitch perfect

• To act as an agent for positive change within the •

local community.

To design and facilitate a sustainable Community Wellness trail. private and dedicated space.

• To develop sports and social facilities, and host

a wide range of indoor and outdoor community activities.

• To ensure activities are inclusive to all members •

of the community.

To create the opportunity for community volunteering to sustain and support activities.

such as Southend Council, the Clinical Commissioning Group, and local and international community and independent organisations.

We also believe in building resilience in the community and creating the capacity for citizens to develop their own solutions for their individual and collective challenges.

GPCIC is now home to over fifty teams from leading local sports clubs, including Southendian Manor Youth FC, Old Southendian FC, Brentwood Ladies FC, and Old Southendian and Southchurch Cricket Club.

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The Football Foundation has committed to part fund and install a 3G (synthetic) pitch in May 2018. GPCIC deliver a full range of club, schools, development and international cricket for both sexes, hosting over 80 matches in 2017, including Essex 1st XI, Netherlands, Denmark, Essex Ladies and Holland Ladies.

Trailblazers A detailed, consultant-led review of opportunities and likely needs of the community has already been carried out, confirming the benefits of features and activities along a secure Wellness Trail, which will run around the perimeter of Garon Park Cricket Ground, fitting into an improved wildlife-rich landscape, without impacting on the main open spaces. The ambition is for the community to not only participate but also volunteer time and skills to enhance community cohesion, provide opportunities to learn new skills, reduce crime and promote health benefits. Volunteers would benefit from meeting new people and learning new skills themselves, and all of this would help the local economy. GPCIC is forming wellbeing@garonpark into a charity to manage this initiative, offering local, third

sector, independent and statutory organisations the regular use of the facility for health and wellbeing activities, and will shortly be consulting the local community and asking for ideas on the types of features and activities it would like to see, use and participate in. Possibilities include: outdoor gym, arts and crafts, wellbeing, education, gardening, ‘Men in Sheds’, and conservation. The venue has a working title of The Southendian Club and we will be running a naming competition as part of the consultation.

Leading the field The project is currently run by volunteers and is sustainable, but to build capacity and improve services more funds are necessary. GPCIC is raising £1m through grants, loans, donations, sponsorships and crowd funding to install a 3G football pitch, a car park, café, children’s playground, Wellness Trail, and the necessary infrastructure. It is also launching a Social Bond, available to the community via crowd funding, which will offer local people the chance to be a part of this local, social initiative while enjoying the considerable benefits of Social Impact Tax Relief. More information will be available on GPCIC’s website: www.garonpark.com which is currently in development and will be launching soon.

by Clive Shiret Director of Garon Park Community Interest Co.

Garon Park, Eastern Avenue, Southend-on-Sea SS2 4FA GPCIC is kindly sponsored by:

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The Hollywood holiday hat-trick

SALON

As a stylist I am an expert at discussing holidays. ‘Going anywhere nice on your hols?’ is the first thing you are trained to ask and, ‘did you have a nice break?’ the second. When it comes to holiday hairdos, I’ve before and aftered every style under the sun.

silk scarf tied at the neck. Wearing ‘statement’ sunglasses will not only keep you feeling comfortable in the sun, but you’ll also look fabulous.

Some like it hot

So, if you’re planning a holiday on the Riviera (Italian or French), here’s my guide for creating three hot, Hollywood looks for sunny days by the sea. I love mixing classic shapes with contemporary trends, and who better to take your style cues from than Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn? Simplicity was the key then and now. From soft curls and smoky eyes to a sleek chignon and statement collar, it doesn’t take a film star’s fortune or wardrobe to look a million dollars.

To perfect your Monroe look you need bouncy curls. I recommend wrapping your hair around a downwards-facing curling wand, then pinning each curl in place at the scalp to keep the twist in place. Sweep to one side and wear ‘as bold-as-you-dare’ red lipstick. As sunglasses always add style and glamour, sashay down the esplanade in a pair of cat-eye sunnies.

My fair lady

Amazing grace You can create the Princess Grace of Monaco easily, just pull your hair into a low bun before giving it a quick toot of hairspray to tame any flyaway strands. Keep your eyebrows defined and wear minimal make-up, but add a dash of bright colour with a

Blending Breakfast at Tiffany’s with a dash of Roman Holiday, the ‘Hepburn’ simply requires taking a thick section of hair from the front of your head and pinning it behind the ear to frame a high bun. Holly Golightly’s signature makeup was softer, with fresh tones. However, apply lots of mascara – or, if it’s a date-night, add some falsies. Finish the look with a glossy but neutral lipstick, some statement jewellery and, naturally a pair of oversized sunglasses.

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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IN THE RAW

Middle EastInspired Summer Salad

Following last month’s Spotlight on Amber Locke, we celebrate the feel-good summer weather with one of her toothsome, health-conscious, salad recipes …

• Handful of pistachio nuts • Handful of fresh rose petals

This is a pretty, pink and greencoloured summer salad made with crisp lettuce, golden and candy beetroot, pomegranate seeds and chopped pistachio nuts with a sweet, spicy dressing. I also added fresh rose petals which aren’t essential but add a pretty, summery feel and a fragrant touch.

• 11/2 tsp Ras el hanout • 3 tbsp walnut or pistachio nut oil • Juice of 1 lemon • 1–2 tsp date paste, maple syrup (not raw) or

Candy beets are one of my favourite veg of the summer and I love their crazily-pretty, pink and white candy-stripe markings and sweet, mild taste. They’re drier and not as juicy as normal beetroot, so much easier to prepare raw, and the taste reminds me more of a cross between a beetroot and a radish. If you can’t get hold of them, substitute with radishes or normal red or golden beets (raw, not cooked). The pistachio nuts and pomegranate seeds give the salad a real super-food kick, as together they’re a rich source of anti-oxidants, vitamins E, C and K, potassium and dietary fibre.

Ingredients (serves 2–4) For the salad –

• 2 heads of crisp lettuce such as Romaine • 2–3 candy beetroot and/or golden beetroot • Handful of pomegranate seeds 26

For the dressing –

honey (not vegan) or sweetener of your choice

• 1 small red chilli (optional) Method:

1. To make the dressing, blend all the ingredients in a high-speed blender or food processor, or whisk together by hand. If you trickle the oil in slowly as you blend it will help the dressing emulsify and thicken. Season to taste, then cover and store in the fridge until required (for up to a week). 2. To make the salad, simply break the lettuce leaves into bite size pieces and slice the beetroots thinly using a mandolin or vegetable peeler, or carefully cut into wafer-thin slices with a small, sharp knife. Roughly chop the pistachios then gently combine all the salad ingredients together in a large bowl. 3. Pour the dressing over the salad and sprinkle on a little extra spice mix and fresh rose petals for decoration. by Amber Locke

www.ambaliving.com @rawveganblonde

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SPORT

Testing times for local cricket

Cricket is in crisis. At least, that is what the doomsayers would have you believe based on falling participation rates and a distinct lack of cricket in schools. In a survey last year, more children were able to recognise an American wrestler than England’s test match captain (and Essex legend) Alastair Cook.

Cricket League, the best league in the county: Southend Echo Monarch Trojans play at Southchurch Park, Old Southendian & Southchurch play at Garon Park and Chalkwell Park is home to Leigh and Westcliff. There are also plenty of other clubs playing in the T. Rippon League such as Great Wakering, Rankins and Eastwood.

It is true that many of the local clubs in this area have struggled in recent times to attract and retain youngsters and have seen their adult memberships reduced as people drift away from the game, leading to the almost total degradation of a once thriving Sunday cricket scene. To an extent that has been inevitable – people have a far greater range of entertainment options available to them now than, say, twenty years ago and cricket can be expensive and takes up lots of time (just ask my girlfriend!).

Bowled over So, next time you find yourself free on a Saturday afternoon during the summer months, why not pop down to one of our local clubs, grab a drink from the clubhouse and watch a bit of England’s summer sport? Who knows, you may even be tempted to get your whites on and have a game. by Rob Johnston

From the ashes But there remains a thriving local cricket scene if you want to find it. Four clubs play in the Essex

All of these clubs run a number of adult teams on Saturday and Sunday afternoons as well as junior sections catering for boys and girls of all abilities and ages. A new national initiative for 5 to 8-yearolds called All Stars Cricket (google it) has begun this year which a number of these local clubs have also signed up to. If you’ve played all your life or never at all, there will be something for you in the local area.

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FOOD

Griddled Courgettes with Toasted Pine Nuts and Feta

Courgettes are a great summer vegetable, fairly cheap to buy and perfect to griddle or put on a barbecue. This dish works well with meat, fish, or as a vegetarian dish, and is very simple to make. I love serving it as part of a barbeque along with other salads. You could also griddle an aubergine and add it to the platter. It must have lots of mint as that really brings the whole dish to life. I tore this recipe out of a magazine years ago and am still using it. Enjoy!

Ingredients (serves 6–8 as side dish):

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 3 large courgettes, thickly sliced • Zest of ½–1 lemon (if a large lemon, use half) • 200g feta cheese • 4 tbsp pine nuts, toasted • 1–2 red chillis, deseeded and chopped • Small bunch of mint, torn

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Method: 1. Slice the courgettes into 1cm slices, lay them on a board and brush one side of them with olive oil. Then season them with salt and freshly ground black pepper. 2. Heat a griddle pan to high, and place the courgettes oiled side down (this can be done on a barbeque) so that you can oil and season the top side whilst cooking. 3. Cook in batches for about 3 mins, until charred and cooked through. Keep warm while you cook the rest. 4. If you need to toast your pine nuts, just put them in a dry frying pan over a low to medium heat and stir until just golden. 5. Layer on a platter and sprinkle over with the lemon zest, then top with the feta, pine nuts, chilli and mint. 6. Drizzle over the rest of the oil and some seasoning. Serve warm or at room temperature. by Judy Barden

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Advertorial

Happiest days of our lives at Shoebury High It is often said that school days are the happiest days of our lives. Students from Shoeburyness High School tell us why it is so …

Bismark Hello, I’m Bismark Attatsi, a Year 7 student at Shoeburyness High School. When I joined this school in September 2016, I must admit I found it a very welcoming place. I have cherished my time here so far. I personally have had a wonderful time at Shoeburyness, with supportive staff who help me achieve my high targets as I am a student in the Academically More Able (AMA) scheme after passing my 11+. I’m involved in extra-curricular activities such as playing for my basketball team and throwing the discus. Travelling from London every day is definitely worth it – it is an honour to attend this school.

Millie I really enjoy being a Year 8 student at Shoeburyness High School, as the school is great at giving recognition for exceptional work standards. This is represented through giving out ACE award

certificates and through programmes such as Be The Best You Can Be and Gradu8, which I have experienced in my two years here. The school boasts a real buzz and celebration, which can motivate and give a positive incentive, based on encouragement and praise. Shoeburyness High School also supplies an excellent variety of extra-curricular activities, in any area that you are inspired by, or interventions if you need support on a specific topic.

Rosie Who would think that taking part in a law competition or sitting a GCSE in Year 9 would be available in their local school, as it is here at Shoeburyness High School, plus lots more! One of my favourite subjects is History, gaining me the chance to study Classical Civilisation

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July 2017

GCSE as an extra-curricular subject this year. For several years, Shoeburyness High has entered pupils for the Citizenship Foundation’s law competition. Our school’s team won the Essex Mock Court Trial competition (at Chelmsford Crown Court), then the East of England finals and has now reached the national finals, in Nottingham. I’m so lucky to attend a school whose teachers are so encouraging and supportive, helping me to pursue so many interests. I love being here and can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Lewis I, Lewis Liebeman, have been offered so many opportunities to better my own and my fellow students’ school lives. Now in Year 10, I have participated in many activities, extending my knowledge and learning. The excellent STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) CREST programme allowed us to create a presentation on any topic. Early in my schooling, I began the saxophone, joining the Band Method Programme to develop my skills and allowing me to rehearse with a band outside school, all enhanced by my GCSE music course. Through the Academically More Able (AMA) programme I spent three days at Essex University, participating in many interesting workshops. I have developed a great deal in my years here, making me into the student I am today.

Brandon It is an absolute honour for me, Brandon Sadler, to represent Shoeburyness High School as its new Head Boy. For over five years, this school has provided me with so many different opportunities to develop both my academic and extra-curricular strengths. Shoeburyness High School is different to

other schools because here they listen to each student’s goals and aspirations, then strive to help them achieve these. For me, this involved numerous trips to top universities, including Cambridge. I am confident that this school will continue to encourage me, as it has done year after year, and hope that I will be able to give something back through being Head Boy. Shoeburyness High School truly is amazing!

Colette Hi, I’m Colette Gordon. Being at Shoeburyness High School from Year 7 has opened many doors and opportunities for me, such as doing grades in three instruments, school bands and teaching drums, giving me the skills to drum in one of the South England Conference Drum Corps, where we tour around the world, and the confidence to be a sergeant at St John Ambulance. This school’s sixth-form support is overwhelming academically and emotionally. As Head Girl, it has given me more opportunities to help improve the school yet further. I want to thank Shoeburyness High School for everything it has done for me and I hope I can make the school proud.

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 WI Southchurch Village and Friends Meeting Every 2nd Monday, 7.30pm. Thorpe Bay Methodist Church, The Broadway, Thorpe Bay SS1 3HQ. WI Southchurch Village and Friends Meeting – Wine Tasting Evening with Wendy Monday 10th July, 7.30pm onwards. PLEASE NOTE THE VENUE – Thorpe Hall Golf Club, Thorpe Hall Ave, Southend SS1 3AT. Cheese and Crackers supplied. Members FREE, non-members £5.00. WI Great Wakering Evening Meeting Every 3rd Monday, 8pm. Memorial Hall, High Street, Great Wakering SS3 OEF. 17th July: Antiques and Collectables with Brian Billins. Music-on-Sea at Strand Wharf FREE Sunday 16th July, 11am–4pm. Strand Wharf, Old Town Leigh, Southend SS9 2EN. Enjoy the sunshine and discover music from local bands and artists. For more info: www.visitsouthend.co.uk/ whats-on/1521/Music-on-Sea-at-Strand-Wharf/ Sailing Ship Mercedes returns to Southend Pier Open days 20th and 21st July, 11am–5pm. Southend Pier, Western Esplanade, Southend SS1 1EE. Climb on board the 50 metre vessel and explore this beautiful ship. Price of admission is £1 for adults and 50p for children aged 3–14 years old. Usual pier charges apply. Cruises available. For more information, call: 01702 215620. Summer Fair in aid of Cats Protection Southend Saturday 22nd July, 10.30am–12.30pm, Nazareth House, 111 London Road, Southend SS1 1PP. Goods on sale, gifts, raffle, refreshments and homemade cakes. Summer Holiday Activites at Leigh Community Centre Monday 24th July–Tuesday 29th August, various days and times. 71–73 Elm Road, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 1SP. Seed sowing, arts & crafts, magic, dance, balloon modelling, pirates, dinosaurs, bouncy castles and more for all ages! £4 per child. Limited spaces – call: 01702 477248 or email: enquiries@leighcommunitycentre.com Prittlewell Priory Tours Friday 28 July, 2.00–3.30pm. Prittlewell Priory, Priory Lodge, Victoria Ave, Southend SS2 6NB. Discover the fascinating world of the Monks of Prittlewell Priory with a tour this summer. Tours begin at Prittlewell Priory Visitor Centre. Tickets £5, available from: www.wouthendlam.eventbrite.com Kids Zone Sunday 30th July, 11am–4pm. Strand Wharf, Old Town Leigh, Southend SS9 2EN. Young children can enjoy fairground rides, crafts, activities, princess and superhero appearances, performances from storytellers, dancers and musicians, a duck race and more! For more information, visit: www.oldleigh.com/events Leigh Travel Club Wed 2nd August, 7.30pm–9.30pm. The Iveagh Hall, 67 Leigh Road, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 1JW. Lynda Willens presents a talk on Krakow. For more information, call Lynda on: 01702 474475.

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