Oracle Thorpe Bay May 2017 by Oracle Publications

Your all-seeing local

May 2017

ORACLE

Thorpe Bay, Southchurch, the Garrison & Shoeburyness

Local Issues: Returning the Jones clock to Southend

WIN! Alexandra YC family membership worth £150!

Cover photo: St Brelade’s Bay, Jersey – www.islandretreats.uk

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May 2017

ORACLE

WELCOME

Last month, I was invited by islandretreats.co.uk for an activity weekend at St Brelade’s Bay, Jersey. Set in beautiful surroundings and with the added bonus of great weather, this retreat did not disappoint. Please read the article on page 6 for further details on this very enjoyable weekend away. For this month’s competition, Alexandra Yacht Club are offering the chance for one lucky family to win a full year’s membership for 2017 worth £150 (£110 membership fee plus £40 joining fee). Full membership includes voting rights at the Annual General Meeting, use of the brand new jetty, double-width slipway and, of course, invitations to the club’s many sailing and social events. The competition is open to new members only and terms and conditions apply. Please see their website for further information on the historic club itself: www.alexyachtclub.co.uk To enter, please send in your name and contact details to: Oracle/Alexandra Yacht Club Competition, 11 Clarence Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1AN or email: info@oraclepublications.co.uk by Monday 29th May 2017. Good luck!

Emma Wynne-Morgan Publisher

01702 393838

Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1AN www.oraclepublications.co.uk info@oraclepublications.co.uk Printed by Printwize Ltd, oracleessex Witham, Essex CM8 3BN oracle_essex 01376 500900 May 2017 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

CONTENTS Putting the Clock Back

9/10

Local Issues by Jackie Edwards

Sun, Sea and Strands

Salon advice by Craig Smith

Southend on the Up!

Council news by Cllr Alex Bright

Thyme Roasted Lamb with Feta & Lentils Judy's Recipe Page 36 NEW! New Tax Cuts for Homeowners! Money Matters by Clive Rowe 43 Mary, Mary, how does your Garden Grow?

Grass-roots advice by Katrina Kieffer-Wells 48

Brainbox 52 What's On

Useful Numbers

Advertiser Directory

Advertorials Island Retreats

6/7

PGR Builders & Timber Merchants

Cliff House Clinic

High-Tech Membrane Roofing

22/23

Callie + Finn Studio

34/35

Shoeburyness High School

56/57

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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Advertorial

Island Retreats on your doorstep If you’re dreaming of a rejuvenating getaway practising yoga on white sandy beaches, idyllic cliff path runs and kayak tours around hidden beach coves but think that such life-improving experiences are out of reach, then it’s time to wake up and smell the sea air … Island Retreats is – as of this month – merely an hour away, thanks to a new, weekly schedule of flights, direct from Southend Airport. Situated on the picturesque island of Jersey, this inspirational health and well-being resort is the brainchild of celebrated trainer, Lewis Smith, who claims a wholesome and commendable mission statement: “To rejuvenate, spending as much time outdoors as possible and making the most of what our beautiful little island has to offer”.

Retreat guests can experience the most breathtaking views while enjoying beach yoga, paddleboarding workshops and round-island cycle trips, all under the professional guidance of the numerous specialist trainers. St Brelade’s beach, voted the third best beach in the British Isles (and arguably, the warmest) is but a stone’s throw away from the retreat’s home in the luxurious St. Brelade’s Bay Hotel, which houses a state-of-the-art gym, a treatment spa, a steam and sauna room, an indoor swimming pool, and a heated outdoor pool set within the beautifully maintained gardens. Full access to the hotel’s extensive facilities is included.

Your place in the sun Each retreat boasts a variety-packed schedule to accommodate even the most discerning holidaygoer’s tastes. “Our aim is to offer the complete package, assessing all areas of the term ‘fitness’.”,

A breath of fresh air Being the warmest place in the British Isles, Jersey boasts some of the Isles’ most stunning beaches and

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May 2017

explains Lewis. “We want to invigorate your body through exercise, relax your mind with mindfulness sessions and refuel you each day with a specially tailored healthy menu using the highest quality local produce.” Island Retreat guests are asked to fill out a detailed questionnaire upon booking, allowing the team to tailor each retreat to guests’ requirements and

make the most of the fun-packed itinerary, downtime and relaxed socialising are just as highly valued elements of the whole experience. Retreats are restricted to just sixteen guests, which makes Island Retreats the perfect getaway for couples and individuals wanting to explore different aspects of their wellbeing in a peaceful, secluded and supportive environment. Your time away can be as active or as relaxed as you desire.

The whole works

preferences. A typical day can include anything from yoga and meditation workshops to high-speed cycle trails, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and hill runs, and whilst guests are encouraged to

Lewis adds: “We want to share with people the importance of having a variety in their fitness regime and to teach people the importance of balance and sustainability”. Guests are therefore not only put through the paces on a physical level (should they choose to be) but can also expect to be educated on some of the most important aspects of mind, body and well-being. Workshops run throughout the retreat and are hosted by some of Jersey’s leading field specialists, which means you come back not only healthier and fitter, but better equipped to maintain a healthier and more active lifestyle upon your return home. Retreats run throughout the year and full details are available on Island Retreats’ website below.

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LOCAL ISSUES

Putting the clock back A timely campaign to restore the historic R A Jones clock and return it to the heart of Southend’s High Street is now underway. The project is being spearheaded by a Facebook group of local history enthusiasts, Ros Southend Past in Photos. Old Southend and memories, who are working in conjunction with Southend Museums in order to raise the funds needed to bring the clock back to working order and reinstate it in its rightful and original place outside the shop which was once occupied by R A Jones, Jewellers, for the benefit and future enjoyment of the residents of Southend and visitors to the town.

Timeless quality A Jones clock has been a landmark of our town since 1890, watching over our High Street for more than

a century, since it was a thoroughfare teeming with horse-drawn vehicles to the pedestrianised space of today. Unfortunately, with time quite literally taking its toll, it was deemed necessary for the clock to be taken down last year due to safety concerns.

Father Time Robert Arthur Jones (1849–1925) was born in Liverpool but moved to Southend-on-Sea after training as a watchmaker in Manchester, and set up his shop at 76–78 High Street in 1890, eventually employing 40 staff. After his death in 1925, the business was continued by his son, Edward Cecil Jones (after whom a local school was named) but finally closed its doors in 1979. The building currently hosts Yours ladies wear, and it is still a prominent building in the High Street, where the name R A Jones can still be seen moulded into the facia. An archive of papers, receipts and photos

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relating to the business is cared for at the Central Museum in Southend.

Running like clockwork The clock, during the time the building was occupied by R A Jones and Sons, was always accurate as Mr Jones insisted it was checked by his staff at 10am every day. R A Jones was Southend’s greatest benefactor, giving back to the town and its people through his gifts of Priory Park and the Priory, Jones Memorial Ground (in memory of his wife), Victory Sports Ground (in memory of sportsmen who died during the first World War), many historic structures, and funds for schoolchildren and the elderly. He is quoted as saying, “It is a sin for a man to die rich and it is a great privilege for me to be able to do this”, therefore, through his generosity since starting his jewellers and watchmakers business in 1890, he has enriched the lives of generations of Southend residents by giving large open spaces for all ages to enjoy and partake in sports. Many local football clubs play regularly at Jones Memorial Ground and Victory Sports Ground to this day.

Ticking time bomb The Jones clock is iconic to the landscape of the High Street and is the third incarnation – the most recent clock being a replacement for one that was damaged during a Messerschmitt raid in 1942. Much of the clock has original components salvaged from its predecessor, and it is this ethos that will be retained in the current plans for restoration. Again, as much of the original structure will be salvaged in conjunction with sympathetic repairs. The clock is currently in the care of a local specialist metal worker who has

Unbeknownst to most, the Jones clock was actually the inspiration for, and the first ever Hot Spot on the revamped Oracle puzzle section, ‘Brainbox’, Jan 2016. researched the history and made contact with a former employee of the Jones company who will advise on the restoration of the mechanism.

Make good time 2017 is a very important year in the town’s history – it being the 125th anniversary of the Borough and the centenary of Mr Jones’ gift of Priory Park to the people of Southend. It therefore seems proper to honour Mr Jones’ memory by giving something back to him in this year. The aim is to restore and re-instate the clock to its rightful position – looking down over the shoppers and visitors – later this year, retaining its historical status as the people’s meeting place and a significant heritage asset to the town.

Spend time The positive response to this project from the residents of Southend has been overwhelming. The restoration of the Jones clock will not only return a historical landmark to the town, but will be a fitting and lasting tribute to Mr Jones and his philanthropy. Any reader wishing to become part of this worthwhile project can make a donation through Justgiving.com/crowdfunding/projectticktock by Jackie Edwards

ROldos Southend Southend Past in Photos. and memories

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Advertorial

Team PGR go nuclear! To celebrate 35 successful years of PGR Builders & Timber Merchants, a team of colleagues are tackling a brutal obstacle course at the Nuclear Race event in Brentwood, in aid of raising important funds for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance and Havens Hospice. PGR has grown from a small timber merchants in Laindon to dominating the Essex southern coastline and even branched out to Surrey, with seven branches now in operation. PGR stock a wide range of building and timber materials, and no job is too large or small. You can find PGR in Southend, Rayleigh, Laindon, Brentwood, Harold Hill and Romford in Essex. To highlight 35 years, PGR wanted to give something back to the community and felt it was important to support two local charities. The independant family merchants offer exceptionally high levels of stock and service. PGR’s commitment is to provide all their customers, whether trade or retail, with a first class experience.

Air support PGR chose Essex & Herts Air Ambulance as it receives limited government funding, but the charity provides a free life-saving Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) for the critically ill and injured of Essex and surrounding areas. PGR also chose the charity Havens Hospices, whom focus on the individual needs of the adults and children they care for, ‘Making every day count’ for those with life-limiting illnesses and their families. The hospices are the only place in the area wholly dedicated to looking after those with an illness which could shorten their life. A team of novice hurdlers from PGR will be taking in the 12km race on Sunday 14th May. Training has been gruelling but that hasn’t put them off taking part and raising valuable funds for these two very deserving local charities. Please get behind PGR and show your kind support by donating online at: www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/teamPGR or at one of our seven branches. You can find your nearest branch at: www.pgrtimber.co.uk/branches or look us up on Facebook or Twitter: @PGRtimber

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Sun, sea and strands

SALON

Blessed as we are to be beside the sea, fun in the sun can come at a cost. It’s time to get ready for those long, balmy days that wreak havoc with your hair. Most women over-work their hair during the summer. Whether on holiday, heading to work or weekend partying, what you need are effortless looks without being too primped or fussy. Use lightweight products that won’t weigh hair down or keep it from moving. Mousse is ideal, as it adds vibrancy and creates a lightweight hold for your curls and a natural texture. To avoid frizz, dryness and limp hair, run lightweight finishing oil through your mid-length and ends. This combats frizz and dryness in one stroke. If your hair is limp, apply a quality dry shampoo at the scalp. Bright sun, salt spray from waves and chlorinated water can damage your crowning glory. Many products are made with UV filters to prevent sun damage but if you find yourself stranded, apply a deep conditioning masque to your hair and slick it back into a simple bun – it’ll help protect and condition the cuticle layer of your hair.

key. It’s the lack of moisture in the air that causes hair to expand and frizz, so after shampooing and conditioning, use a leave-in conditioner. If your hair is coarse, kinky and/or tends towards a dry texture, use a cream leave-in conditioner. If it is fine, curly and/or wavy, you should add moisture with a liquid, spray-in treatment. Before stepping outdoors on very hot days, run a gel, cream, or mousse through when you’re styling your hair. Look for products with anti-humectant (frizz-controlling) properties.

Beach combers When I’m abroad I often see people on holiday trying too hard. We Brits – and curiously, Russians – are prone to forgetting that holiday hair is languid and breezy, and you don’t get that vibe by slaving over it – less is most definitely more. As part of your pre-holiday visit to the salon, ask for a cut that works best for the climate you’re heading out to. You’re after ‘low maintenance’ and ‘easy to style’ but in a cut also suited to your hair type and face shape. Finally, pack a good, dry shampoo in your toiletry bag and bang!, you’re ready to send temperatures soaring to over phwoar-ty degrees in the shade!

If you have naturally curly hair, summer can either be a time for dancing in the streets, or hiding in your hotel room with the dreaded frizz. Hydration is the

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?

01702 340965 32 Alexandra Street, Southend SS1 1BU 18

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Southend on the up!

COUNCIL

Having served as a Southend-on-Sea Borough Councillor for a year now, I am proud to be part of a Conservative administration that is making great strides in taking this town forward, with plenty of excellent projects of which the whole town can be proud. In February, we approved a budget that included a freeze on car parking charges right across the town. Fees for a 6–7 hour or more stay have been significantly reduced, with a winter tariff also introduced, all of which are vital in supporting the local residents, businesses and tourists who rely heavily on the car parking available. We are also looking to create additional car parking capacity and have invested in improving parking signage. Southend Pier will also receive £11.5m worth of investment, largely contributing to maintenance, repairs and major improvements over the next four years. This ensures that we can prolong the life of the pier, enabling residents and visitors to enjoy the landmark for many more years to come. The Council is undertaking works to extend the entrance of the

pier, which will offer a more attractive, modern and larger entrance, helping to attract more visitors. Entrance charges to the pier have also been frozen. As tourism brings an estimated £400m to the local economy, we recognise the importance of making Southend-on-Sea as pleasant and as enjoyable as possible for our visitors. I also welcome the news that Southend Borough Council has been awarded nearly £20m for our Airport Business Park project – a £150m venture that will host technology businesses, high specification office space, an innovation centre and a hotel, attracting occupiers from the medical technology, aviation, advanced engineering and manufacturing sectors.

Flowers and hearts Finally, it is fantastic to see the positive reception that the iconic Poppies: Wave sculpture has received both from local residents and from visitors further afield, as well as from over 300 volunteers helping to host the sculpture. This really is an honour for the town and a fitting tribute to all those who lost their lives whilst serving their country during the First World War. The sculpture is on display until 25 June. by Cllr Alex Bright

Councillor for Southchurch Ward

07790 590708 e: CllrBright@southend.gov.uk www.alexbright.org @CllrAlexBright 28

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Advertorial

High fashion meets high street From the moment you enter the new, crisp, white environment of Callie + Finn Studio. Your shopping experience begins. The very best of boutique international fashion will greet you upon the industrial steel pipe rails, where you will be led on an exciting adventure of sumptuous fabrics, clean cut lines and impeccable detailing.

Callie + Finn are covering the bases right now – in a big way. Things have changed. Things seem to demand a gentle reverence upon glance, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed: ‘We want to bring the very best quality garments physically possible to our clients’, explains studio owner, Jane. ‘There was a desperate need for someone to generate a departure from mass produced, high street branding, and we had the confidence to do it!’

Stamp my style And that confidence shows, for as you glance the neatly stacked rows of beautifully coordinated garments, the names upon the labels begin to reveal themselves with the confident echo of every international fashion bible/magazine – these names carry accredited prestige. ‘This is one of our latest labels to join the team’, explains Jane, ‘The brand originates from Amsterdam. It brings a cool luxurious vibe to the store. I love the clean lines and structured shapes. You tend to find this no-fuss field of fashion will stand the test of time.’ And she is right. Standing the test of time and quality go hand in hand. ‘A wardrobe classic can only become such by giving you time. In some cases a lifetime’, says Callie + Finn buyer, Olivia, ‘The weave quality and architecture of a garment will ensure that you and your beloved purchase will make many wonderful fashion memories together, for years to come. Therein becoming your go-to classic!’. And for Callie + Finn Studio, the classics not only reside upon the long bespoke rails, but also within its cabinets. And even upon the floor …

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May 2017

I WOULD want to be in your shoes Another new dynamic for the ever-expanding concept fashion store are the shoes! If I were to paint you a picture of the unique collection I see before me, it would be that of cool, functional, contemporary, easy wear design, produced with the minimalist approach to craftsmanship one comes to expect from our modular neighbours in Scandinavia. Simply put, they are amazing! From the brightly coloured yellows and mint-green lace-ups, to the muted rose gold splash and nude pink suede trainers, one almost doesn’t know where to begin when presented with such exciting variety! The lightweight feel and clever architecture of the shoes impact those that wear them in a big way – they are just so comfortable! ‘That’s the thing,’ Jane states, ‘when you elevate the quality of your brands to such a high standard where you can combine both style and substance, then you know you are on the right track!’.

Gold standard design One of the areas Callie + Finn place the upmost importance on quality design would undoubtably be their extensive jewellery collections. According to manager, Bea: ‘We like to work with designers that have a unique appreciation for mineral materials such as gold, silver, rose gold, and precious stone. It’s so exciting for us to see what these creative minds and acclaimed brands can create for us, always in keeping with our minimalist criteria.’ ‘Acclaimed brands’ would certainly describe one particular jeweller featured at Callie + Finn, after recently receiving accolade from the Evening Standard as ‘A go-to name for modern, minimalist design’ within the field of luxury jewellery.

Dressing up After six years of trading under the title of Callie + Finn Studio, one can’t help but wonder how the business has evolved over that time: ‘We have grown in so many ways, but most notably, in quality’, says Jane. ‘I made a decision last year to break free of stereotypes and locational restrictions, and go for it – bring my clients the very best I could find them and start a revolution against the naysayers that believe high level fashion starts and stops at the London border. I’m so pleased I did. My existing clientele has been joined by a new wave of custom, all with an appreciation of quality and a desire to own something special – whether you own one piece of luxury fashion or an entire wardrobe, what’s important is that you have that magical experience of having a little luxury. We all deserve it, after all.’ We certainly do, Jane. by Rachel O

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Thyme Roasted Spring Lamb with Lentils & Feta

FOOD

This Mediterranean-inspired dish is great for feeding family and friends. Lamb and feta go really well together so get the butcher to bone out the leg and tie it up. The lovely Green Puy lentils can be premade and added later to warm through. The Aleppo chilli flakes are Turkish but replace with a pinch of regular chilli flakes if you like a bit of spice. Enjoy!

Method:

Ingredients (serves 6–8):

2. Put the lentils in a large pan with the hot stock and cook for 25–30 mins until tender.

For the lentils –

3. 10 mins before the lamb is done, toss the olives into the tin and stir in the remaining glaze. Once cooked, remove the joint to rest. Turn the oven off but leave the olives, garlic and stock inside to keep warm. Add the lentils to the hot roasting tin and drizzle the olive oil with a generous amount of salt and pepper. Squeeze in the roasted garlic flesh and stir (discard the skin).

• 4 tbsp balsamic glaze (available in supermarkets) • 1.5kg boned and rolled British lamb leg • 5 fresh thyme sprigs, torn into short lengths • 500ml good-quality, fresh, chicken stock • 1 garlic bulb, sliced in half horizontally • 290g jar pitted black olives, drained • 500g Puy lentils • 1 litre chicken stock (made from 2 cubes) • Generous drizzle extra-virgin olive oil • 1 bunch fresh oregano leaves, finely chopped • 1 bunch fresh basil leaves • 4 spring onions, finely sliced • Juice of ½ lemon • 200g feta • Aleppo chilli flakes (optional) 36

1. Heat oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/Gas Mark 6. Rub half the glaze on the lamb and season with salt and pepper. Pierce slits in the lamb and push in the sprigs of thyme. Put in a roasting tin, pour in half the stock and add the halved garlic bulb. Cover, roast for 25 mins, then turn down to 170°C/fan 150°C/Gas Mark 3½ and cook for 50–60 mins (or 80–90 mins for medium, up to 2 hours for well done). Keep an eye on the stock in the tin – when it has nearly all evaporated, add the rest of it and flip over the garlic.

4. Stir through the herbs, spring onions and lemon juice. Taste and season (it may need a little sugar), then crumble through the feta and divide among shallow bowls, spooning up the liquid from the bottom. Slice the lamb and place on top of the lentils, scatter over a few chilli flakes, if using, and serve. by Judy Barden Next month: Summer Fish Pie

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MONEY MATTERS

New tax cuts for homeowners! Tax can be a bitter pill to have to swallow, especially when demanded shortly after the loss of a loved one, but new rules mean that you could now save hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Therefore, the tax saving could amount to £70,000 for a single estate and up to £140,000 for the estate of a widow/widower/civil partner and will protect most family homes from Inheritance Tax. Standard NRB Max RNRB Widow/Widower, Date of Death Individual inc Civil Partner 06.04.09–05.04.17 £325k n/a £650k n/a 06.04.17–05.04.18 £325k £100k £650k £200k 06.04.18–05.04.19 £325k £125k £650k £250k 06.04.19–05.04.20 £325k £150k £650k £300k 06.04.20–05.04.21 £325k £175k £650k £350k

The Nil Rate Band (NRB) is the amount of money that one can inherit before having to pay Inheritance Tax and currently stands at £325,000. This amount doubles when the original heir dies – for instance, if your late spouse had previously left their entire estate to you, and then you yourself died, then your heirs would be permitted double the NRB (£650,000).

Taxing issues

From April this year, a new rule was introduced: the Residential Nil Rate Band (RNRB) allows for an additional £100,000 on top of the £325,000 NRB. Not only this, but the RNRB will rise by £25,000 each year to reach £175,000 in April 2020.

Certain criteria must be met however – the main one being that the home is left to direct descendants: children (including adopted, step and foster children), grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but not nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters or parents.

This means that the total NRB for the estate of someone who dies after April 2020 could be as high as £500,000 (£325,000 NRB + £175,000 RNRB). The same doubling rule will apply for widows/widowers/ civil partners whose late spouse left everything to them – when they die there will be a maximum total NRB of £1 million (£650,000 NRB + £350,000 RNRB).

If you would like more information on NRBs or for friendly, free advice on all aspects of estate planning, please give me a call on 01702 393838.

ORACLE estate planning

In association with Countrywide SE LLP

Source: Treasury/HMRC

by Clive Rowe

Estate Planning Consultant at Oracle Estate Planning in association with Countrywide SE LLP Will Writing • Power of Attorney • Trusts • Funeral Plans Will Updating & Storage Facilities • Probate Administration

Call Clive Rowe on: 01702 393838 e: crowe@countrywide-se.com w: www.countrywide-se.co.uk Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend SS1 1AN

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Mary, Mary, how does your garden grow?

GRASS ROOTS

According to Rightmove.co.uk, gardens are in the top 5 on most homebuyers’ wish list, so it’s worth making the most of your space. Here are some tricks to make a small garden seem bigger …

Diagon Alley Simply take your squares and rectangles and rotate by 45 degrees. Bingo! The lines fly out to the sides, giving the garden a dynamic structure and creating deep planting pockets. The garden will feel wider and have much greater scope for planting. Furniture can make a small garden feel crowded as chairs are not always returned neatly under tables. Include fixed bench seating if you can, as this helps keep things ordered. Storage space can also be incorporated into boxed seats, doubling the benefit.

Shed the shed To not have a shed at the bottom of the garden seems an alien concept to many people, however, they often sit unused or filled with junk. Perhaps a storage box or bike store would better suit your needs. Also, if that is your sunniest area with the best view, why waste it? Make use of it for yourself.

Concept-to-Completion Garden Design & Build to help you realise the garden of your dreams

Push the boundaries Cover boundaries as much as possible to create the feeling of extended space. Blur the edges, don’t accentuate them. If you have attractive, high-end fence panels then by all means paint them a bold colour. If not, go for neutral colours to avoid drawing attention to cheap shiplap panels. Climbing plants, deep beds and screens (such as a decorative chain curtain) will help to add layers and disguise where your garden starts and finishes.

Grow up Include a vertical element or two to your garden to help draw the eye freely through the space. Install wide archways, again on the diagonal if you can, for plants to clamber over. Small plants do not always work better in a small space – they can look a little pathetic and actually draw attention to the lack of space. A few wellplaced, large, leafy plants will add depth. Create false perspective by planting large plants in the foreground and smaller ones towards the back. This will make the garden seem much longer than it actually is.

by Katrina Kieffer-Wells

Creative Director at Earth Designs Senior Garden Design Tutor at From Bud to Bloom

FREE Design Consultation! to all SS postcodes until the 31st May 2017.

01702 597587 / 07717 453401 e: info@earthdesigns.co.uk www.earthdesigns.co.uk 48

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Advertorial

Firing imaginations at Shoeburyness High School Friday 10th March 2017 marked the beginning of British Science Week. Shoeburyness High School celebrated this annual event with a wide range of activities to engage our students. British Science Week aims to promote the STEM subjects – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – to show young people that these subjects are not only exciting, but also extremely relevant in the modern technological world.

A meeting of minds Each day during the week assemblies took on a scientific theme. On Monday, Year 7 students had their knowledge of everyday science challenged with a very competitive quiz. Questions such as ‘How long is the memory of a goldfish?’ and ‘Is there gravity in space?’ stimulated some fantastic scientific debate! Year 8 and 9 assemblies saw Mr McAvoy and Ms Hawker demonstrating how everyday chemicals can be used to carry out some spectacular (and smoky!) demonstrations. Chemical reactions known as ‘the wall of flame’ and ‘big bottle whoosh’ earned cheers and rapturous applause from students and staff alike.

Food for thought During lunch breaks, teachers carried out a range of fun, hands-on activities. The best learning in Science often comes from the most memorable moments, as the pupils who watched teachers receiving electric shocks will testify! Physics teacher, Mr C Smith demonstrated several scientific principles using the Van De Graaf generator with the help of several teachers who volunteered to be charged and discharged, much to the delight of a big audience of students of all ages. Later in the week, Miss Adams and Miss Judge gave students the opportunity to carry out practical activities in the form of some scientific challenges, such as making bubbles in the shape of a cube. Mr McAvoy and Ms Hawker also took the opportunity to reprise their spectacular chemistry demonstrations, this time, outdoors! A rocket building competition gave students the chance to test their engineering skills during lunchtime on Friday. Using only cardboard, sticky

Later in the week, Year 10 and 11 students were prompted to consider the importance of scientific literacy in a world of unlimited, unmoderated information and ‘fake news’. By considering how scientific-sounding language can be used to manipulate an audience, students were challenged to separate scientific myths from reality.

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tape and plasticine, our budding rocketeers needed to build a rocket which could be launched over the school buildings using only the power of compressed air. Lessons in aerodynamics and air pressure were quickly learned, but the ultimate winner was Physics teacher, Mr Pender! Hopefully the students will learn from their experiences and challenge Mr Pender during Science Week next year.

Our excellent examination results in Maths, Science and the Technology subjects are the result of the enthusiasm of our students and the commitment of our teachers. I am certain that our energy and passion for STEM will continue to see our young people being very successful in these subjects, maintaining our record of students progressing to university courses in science and engineering.

Reaching for the moon

by Mark Smith

The phases of the Moon – where Earth’s only satellite changes appearance during the month – are well known. What is less well known is that Venus also exhibits phases as it travels around its orbit. March 2017 provided an excellent opportunity to observe these phases and our Astronomy Club took full advantage. With Mr Benson leading the observations, our budding astronomers followed Venus each lunchtime, taking some excellent photographs. On Friday 17th March, our Year 7 Selective Pathway students took part in an Energy Quest challenge day organised by the Engineering Development Trust. Our guest presenter, along with a STEM Ambassador from Olympus KeyMed, gave our most-able students an exciting insight into the world of science and engineering in the real world. Each group was tasked with designing and building a self-powered vehicle, testing the full range of skills and understanding along the way. The students were very much up to the task, with our guests being genuinely impressed with their attitudes and understanding.

STEM sell Once again, British Science Week proved to be a huge success. STEM subjects are extremely successful and popular in our school and we are very proud of the achievements of our students.

Head of Science, Shoeburyness High School

SOUTHEND EAST COMMUNITY ACADEMY TRUST

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

STOP PRESS! Year 7 Awards Evening Tuesday 11th July 2017, 4pm at Shoeburyness & Thorpe Bay Baptist Church Years 9 and 10 Awards Evening Tuesday 11th July 2017, 6.30pm in the Dining Hall Gradu8 Awards Evening Tuesday 18th July 2017, 6.30pm in the Sports Hall

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WHAT’S ON WI Southchurch Village Friends Meeting Every 2nd Mon, 7.30pm. Thorpe Bay Methodist Church, The Broadway, Thorpe Bay SS1 3HQ. 8th May – AGM & birthday social. Guest speaker from the Air Ambulance Service. Visit: www.southchurchvillageandfriendswi.weebly.com. WI Great Wakering Evening Meeting Every 3rd Mon, 8pm. The Memorial Hall, High Street, Great Wakering SS3 0EF. 19 June – Linda Scholes on lifestyle advice. The National Jazz Archive FREE Fri 5th May–Mon 29th May. Mon-Fri 8am–10pm, Sat 8am–6pm, Sun 11am– 5pm. The Forum, Elmer Square, Southend SS1 1NS. Exhibition. Visit: www.nationaljazzarchive.org.uk Southend Pier Health & Wellbeing Fair FREE Sun 14th May, 10am–4pm. Royal Pavilion, Southend Pier, Western Esplanade, Southend SS1 1EE. Range of information on physical, mental and spiritual health. Pier admission prices apply. Call: 01702 215620. The Impact of the Great War upon Local Children FREE Wed 17th May, 7.30pm. Wesley Methodist Church, Elm Road, Leigh SS9 1SJ. Illustrated talk by Andrew Emeny at The Leigh Society. Visit: www.leighsociety.com Family History Drop-In Surgery FREE Thurs 18th May, 11am–2pm. Helliwell Room, The Forum, Elmer Square, Southend SS1 1NE. Overcome your family-tree research obstacles. Visit: www.theforumsouthend.co.uk Quiz Night Fri 19th May, 7pm. Leigh Community Centre, 71–73 Elm Road, Leigh SS9 1SP. £10 per person to include fish & chips. Bring own drinks and nibbles. Teams up to 8 or join others. For tickets, call Sally: 01702 712894. Poppie Wave FREE Weds 12th Apr–Sun 25th Jun. Barge Pier, Shoeburyness, Southend SS3 9HG. Iconic memorial sculpture. Visit: www.southend.gov.uk/125years. Sing-a-Long Mary Poppins FREE Sun 21st May, 2.30pm. The Forum, Elmer Square, Southend SS1 1NS. Open air. Bring own seats. Visit: www.theforumsouthend.co.uk Annual Belfairs Dog Show FREE Sun 14th May, 12pm. Belfairs Woodland Centre, Eastwood Road North, Leigh SS9 4LR. Around 200 dogs, guest judge, refreshments, stalls. Call: 01702 477467 or visit: www.visitessex.com. Southend Film Festival 2017 Sun 14th May–Sat 3rd Jun. Films shown at various venues. For information, visit: www.southendfilmfestival.com.

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