Oracle Thorpe Bay November 2016 by Oracle Publications

November 2016

Your all-seeing local

ORACLE

Thorpe Bay, Southchurch, the Garrison & Shoeburyness

WIN! Colchester Zoo family ticket – £66!

Spotlight on Leigh’s greatest Endeavour Another local hero awarded. But who?

THE MINI CLUBMAN. To discover more please call 01702 667352 or visit www.fairfieldmini.co.uk

Fairfield Southend Arterial Road Leigh-on-Sea SS9 4XX Cover photo courtesy of Anne Hinton van’t Hof (www.leighcameraclub.co.uk) 34612_bs198168_MINI_Clubman_Awareness_Press_Ad_46x128_V2.indd 1

18/07/2016 09:31

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

November 2016

ORACLE

WELCOME

I cannot believe that Christmas is only seven weeks away and if, like me, you are just giving a thought about presents to buy and services you might need for this festive occasion, please try and support our local businesses as much as you can. As a local, small business ourselves, producing a local community magazine advertising and promoting businesses in and around the Southend area, we are always very appreciative of the support we get from both our clients and readers. Consequently, we have recently celebrated 11 years as a successful, local, monthly publication. This month sees another local hero who has been awarded Oracle’s Community Spirit Award, please turn to page 34 and read his inspiring story. Colchester Zoo is offering a family ticket worth £66! Be transported to a winter wonderland on 26 and 27 November and every weekend throughout December plus every day between the 17–24 December to enjoy their popular Christmas events. The Zoo will also remain open for the ‘Christmas Starlight Nights’ on 26 Nov, 17 Dec and 23 Dec. For more information on Colchester Zoo and their events this Christmas visit www.colchesterzoo.org To enter, please send your contact details to: Oracle/ Colchester Zoo Competition, 11 Clarence Rd, Southend SS1 1AN or email: info@oraclepublications.co.uk by 21/11/16. Please see Oracle’s website for terms and conditions of the family ticket. Good Luck!

Emma Wynne-Morgan Publisher

01702 393838

Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1AN www.oraclepublications.co.uk info@oraclepublications.co.uk oracleessex oracle_essex

Printed by Printwize Ltd, Witham, Essex CM8 3BN 01376 500900

November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

CONTENTS Mind your Ps

9/10

Local Issues by Cllr Carole Mulroney

Giving short hair the chop

Salon advice by Craig Smith

Leigh-on-Seaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest Endeavour 22 Spotlight by Finlay Marshall

A battle of Wills

Law & Order by Richard Curtis

Oracle Community Spirit Award

Recognising our local heroes

Hot and Sour Pork and Pepper Stir-Fry 40 Judy's Recipe Page

Brainbox 48 What's On

Useful Numbers

Advertiser Directory

Advertorials My Health Insured

6/7

Silverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hair Salon

14/15

Cliff House Clinic Shoeburyness High School

33 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.

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

November 2016

November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

Advertorial

Health insurance – are you paying too much? The private medical insurance market can be a confusing place, with concerns and fears that can leave you paying too much for your health insurance. I want to address some of the concerns of the policyholder and issues with the market place, and more importantly, how to get the best deal in the market. I have worked in the health insurance market for nearly 20 years and have seen my fair share of highly inflated and simply unfair premiums. I am often appalled at some of the amounts of money some insurers are charging.

Misconceptions There are usually significant fears and reservations about what is and isn’t covered with a new insurer. The main reason and common misconception for people not moving insurer, is a new insurer not accepting pre-existing medical conditions or placing exclusions for recent treatment or newly diagnosed medical conditions. In reality a lot of insurers need to operate with a competitive edge, this means they are more likely to take on pre-existing medical conditions, therefore you may be able to move insurer with no exclusions or exceptions on your medical past. The message is; shop around!

Sticking point I want to address another common misconception – the concept of loyalty. We would like to think, if we have been with an insurer for a long time, for our loyalty, they will be loyal to us. In practice, loyalty doesn’t put you in a better position and I will explain why; whether you have been with an insurer 20 years or 1 week, they will treat all claims in the same way. They will only pay a claim if they are contractually obliged to. Often people reduce their cover with the existing insurer rather than looking around, only to find out when they claim, their policy does not cover an element of treatment. My message is simple – don’t be loyal to an insurer, be savvy. You may also be dubious about a deal that seems a lot less expensive, is this an introductory offer? The answer to this is usually NO – they rarely offer a cheaper premium in the first year only to hike it up in the second year. We work with a number of

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

November 2016

insurers however, that do offer 2 free months for new members. This offer is clear, as you know it is only for the first year.

Heart of gold Saving people money is at the heart of our business. It’s what we do best. Usually we aim to match your cover so you don’t lose any benefits and still save money. Sometimes you can adjust cover and remove benefits such as psychiatric cover or complementary therapies, to save even more money. Speak to us and we can explain ways you may be able to reduce your health insurance bill. We regularly save our clients in excess of 40% on their health insurance premiums. One of our clients recently, was with BUPA paying £3,800 per year, we moved them to AXA/PPP for a premium of £2,300 and obtained better cover for them, and covered a pre-existing heart condition too. My Health Insured are a completely independent broker who work with insurers such as AXA/PPP, Aviva, Vitality, The Exeter and many more. We aim to save you money on your health insurance without compromising on cover and are proud that we are successful in saving some of our clients upwards of 40% off their health insurance premiums.

• We are regulated by the Financial Conduct •

Authority (FCA).

Above all we aim to save you money on your health insurance premiums.

Healthy, wealthy and wise Be smart about your cover and follow my simple rules for a less expensive way to insure yourselves:

• Shop around . • Look for insurers that will continue cover for preexisting medical conditions .

• Don’t be loyal to an insurer .

We are happy to make sense of the minefield of private medical insurance for you and to guide you through the market. For free, friendly, expert advice regarding your existing cover or assistance exploring potential alternatives, please call My Health Insured on: 0800 999 3037 and we will be only too happy to help you. by Rick Perkins

Partner & Senior Healthcare Advisor at My Health Insured

The benefits of dealing with My Health Insured are:

• We offer free no-obligation advice and won’t •

charge you a fee.

We will search the market to ensure you are getting the best deal.

• We consider ALL pre-existing medical conditions. • We negotiate every year with your insurer to keep your premiums low, so you don’t have to.

t: 0800 999 3037 e: enquiries@myhealthinsured.co.uk www.myhealthinsured.co.uk

November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

5 Great Offers for just £55 Get your ‘Business’ out there, with these 5 great offers... 1: 500 Luxury Matt Laminated Business Cards 2: 1x 850mm x 2000mm Roller Banner 3: Five x A2 5mm Foamex Board Signs 4: 500 x A5 Full Colour Leaflets 5: 3x1 metre Outdoor PVC Banner

Call today 01268 573486

Search online for i-print-4u.com of Wickford 8

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

November 2016

LOCAL ISSUES

Mind your Ps Planning and Parking – two topics close to the heart of residents in Leigh, and the Borough for that matter, that provide an ever-increasing challenge for the Council. Over recent years, planning has become a hot topic as the need for housing continues to grow. In Leigh nowadays there are familiar and repeated cries

of “We can’t take anymore, when is it all going to stop?” and “Why does the Council let this happen?”

Spaced out Well, the Council can’t prevent developers making planning applications. In Leigh, we are suffering the consequences of being short of space for development and are constantly having to battle against the surge of development which could destroy our town and its heritage. With no readily available sites and with ever increasing pressure to accommodate the people who want to come here because it is a great place to live, we have more and more applications to build flats, convert bungalows into houses, demolish houses to build in more capacity and extend.

Sounds like a plan So how do the public make their voices heard? Well, you can, of course, object to applications but if there is nothing wrong with them in planning terms then that is a difficult mountain to climb. There is another, rather longer way, of making your voice heard. The Borough will shortly be producing its new Borough Plan. If that sounds dry as dust (no offence to the planners), well it probably will be. It will be a long and detailed document setting out the Borough’s planning policies for the future. Boring as it may sound, I urge everyone who has ever moaned about new development coming in, or about the pressures on our resources, to make the effort to look at the document and comment on its proposals. It is the chance that all of us have to influence the

November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

way our Town and Borough is planned and that is a responsibility we should all take seriously. As a Leigh Town and Southend Borough Councillor I will make every effort to ensure that the documents are available for people to see and comment on in Leigh.

Park that thought Parking, or lack of it, is one of the most emotive and troublesome problems that councillors face. In highly residential areas like Leigh it is a particular problem and with the increasing number of requests for dropped kerbs and frontage parking, the problem is just getting worse. There are also a number of ways in which we as citizens frustrate the situation ourselves. Many roads are completely clogged up with the huge expansion in car ownership and it is difficult to park in your own street or sometimes even close by. It has meant the considerable concreting over of our front gardens and the whole ambience of some of our residential areas has been destroyed by this loss of greenery and kerb appeal.

Drive to despair Nearly every time a dropped kerb is granted we lose on street parking which creates more problems for those whose frontages cannot accommodate a parking space. Yet with a little good neighbourliness and forethought there are ways we could all help ease the situation in many of our roads.

How frustrating is it to see a dropped kerb parking space not being used but the owner’s car parked on the road using up a valuable space, or to see a car parked and overlapping 2 spaces? There are lots of little niggles like this which reduce our on street parking capacity. So perhaps we could all do our bit and park more considerately. One of the big areas of concern is parking near schools. It is unbelievable sometimes to see the risks parents take dropping off and picking up their children by parking indiscriminately or just stopping anywhere, including on crossings. To park positively recognising the needs of others will not solve the problem of capacity but it could help make life a little easier and safer.

The cue to mind our Ps No one can solve the parking problem with a wave of a magic wand, nor can we solve our planning issues quickly, but all of us coming together as communities can influence, help and improve the situation. So I urge everyone – don’t sit on the sidelines and moan later – get involved.

by Cllr Carole Mulroney Chairman of Leigh Town Council and Southend Borough Councillor for Leigh Ward

t: 01702 475117 e: cllrmulroney@southend.gov.uk

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

November 2016

25 Yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Experience

November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

November 2016

Established 1975

Flat Roofing Problems? Specialise in Felt and Asphalt Roofs Approved contractors to most major Felt Manufacturers For your FREE quote Phone

ESTUARY ROOFING LTD.

01702 295314 Mob: 07970 746712 estuaryroofing@blueyonder.co.uk

November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

Advertorial

Handing over the manes at Silver’s Hair Salon Silver’s Hair Salon has been a highly acclaimed feature of Barnstaple Road, Southend-on-Sea for over a decade with original owner, Roy Silver, providing the latest and best in hair styling to an evergrowing list of loyal clientele. Earlier this year, Roy handed over the manes to his son, Spencer, and things took off with a bang … ‘The first thing was to remodel, redecorate and reorganise the salon,’ says Spencer, ‘and get it suited to my way of working. I moved all of the styling stations to the walls. I wanted to enhance the space and develop the comfortable and relaxing atmosphere, and I think that’s really been achieved. Silver’s is not just about getting your hair styled – it’s about the whole grooming experience.’

Straight as a dye And experience is something Spencer has in spades. With fifteen years in the family business, he spent five years training with bigwigs, Vidal Sassoon, and also worked for head honchos, Toni & Guy, in London. He was a regional finalist in the largest competition for hairdressers in the world – the L’Oréal Colour Trophy – an outstanding achievement for someone so young. He is regularly employed for professional photoshoots and was even involved with reality TV show, Show Me Your Wardrobe. In 2015, Spencer moved to Los Angeles for six months to teach and study hairdressing, and returned ready and geared up to put all of his learning into practice.

Silver bullet Training his staff up ‘the Spencer way’ and introducing exciting promotions, innovative work, and new intiatives – such as children’s pamper parties – within just a few months, ladies and gents both young and old were coming from all around the area to get styled, coloured and groomed by him. ‘I often get called on to rescue customers who have had disastrous experiences at less scrupulous salons, especially since I specialise in colouring’, explains Spencer. ‘I recently had to completely fix a lady’s hair. It was a lot of work. We were there for four hours but we got there in the end. She was so relieved!’ ‘We also tackle a lot of the current trends. More and more people – especially women – are being more daring these days and really trying to express their individuality through their styling. There are no old-fashioned rules on what you can and can’t

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

November 2016

do anymore, the emphasis is on being creative and having fun.’

Juliet Stylist at Silver’s Hair Salon Specialities: C olour, Cutting

Fringe benefits

• • Trained at Vidal Sassoon • Nine years’ experience

Back after having her son, Arthur

‘Also due to demand, we’re now open 7 days a week,’ Spencer adds, ‘a rarity in this area but a very popular option for our busy clientele.’ So, what does dad, Roy, think of all the changes to the business he spent ten years building up? ‘Spencer has matured and grown, tranformed the salon in his own way and had incredible success. Our regular customers are very happy and new clients come through the door every day. Silver’s Hair Salon is in the best hands possible and the future is looking bright’, he says proudly.

Ilsa Stylist at Silver’s Hair Salon Speciality: Blow Drys

• • Thirty years’ experience • Great with updos

Formerly known at Definition at LA Fitness

Meet the team:

Nicole Party Planner at Silver’s Hair Salon

Spencer New Owner at Silver’s Hair Salon Speciality: Colour

• Trained at Vidal Sassoon and Toni & Guy • L’Oréal Colour Trophy – 5 times reg. finalist • Worked on many professional photoshoots • Involved in TV show, Show Me Your Wardrobe

Specialities: Pamper Parties for Children

• Range of packages available including:

nails & glitter, temporary glitter tattoos, mini makovers, glitter hairspray, dress-up accessories, facemasks, hair curls, build a bracelet, kids’ cocktails

• Extras including: chocolate fountain, sweetie •

table and lots more

Available 7 days a week

Shannon Junior Stylist at Silver’s Hair Salon Speciality: Updos

• • Much reduced price range • Updos for any occasion • Taking bookings for Sundays

Working hard to build up clientele

Lisa Stylist/Nail Technician at Silver’s Specialities: Extensions, Highlights, Tints

• Twelve years’ experience • Qualified Nail Technician • Offering 10% off hair extensions and nails*

*new clients only

/ HAIR SALON / 01702 589482 40 Barnstaple Rd, Southend SS1 3PA info@silvershair.co.uk www.silvershair.co.uk

50% OFF! HAIR SERVICES

*Until 30.11.16. Offer limited to 1 per customer. T & Cs apply.

November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

Giving short hair the chop

SALON

It has long been said that you can judge the health of the nation’s economy by skirt lengths. Perhaps this needs revising to how long a woman’s hair is, especially as she matures.

pull off in your forties than trying to maintain its appearance from when you were twenty-something. Thinning hair can be treated with modern shampoos, conditioners and treatments, but don’t rule out extensions. What we call fillers, are a new technique that uses extensions to create volume rather than length. Of course, the golden rule is to go for quality, rather than quantity. Long hair should suggest health rather than wealth, unless you’re auditioning to be in a new franchise of ‘Real Housewives of …’

Increasingly, it’s not just the whipper-snappers who want long, tumbling Kim Kardashian-esque manes. With so many more advanced products now that specifically cater for more mature hair, the days of having to be ‘sensible’ by cutting all your hair off just because you hit forty are long gone and its time to follow the example of such stylish women as Julianne Moore, Elle MacPherson and Kylie Minogue.

The long and short of it Of course, maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle also plays a hugely significant part in how your hair maintains its vitality as you age and one should always follow the old mantra of ‘everything in moderation’ – shoulder-length flowing tresses look great up to a certain point but trying to be a blonde glamazon in your mid-seventies is a bit like walking down Leigh Broadway dressed as a cowboy.

Now, being a hairdresser I know you’re bound to say, ‘well he would say that, wouldn’t he’ but if you can afford it, a weekly salon blow-dry will keep your long locks looking lustrous for days. You could also consider a bi-annual keratin treatment, which will smooth your hair and eliminate frizz for ages. As you age, your oestrogen levels drop, which means your hair grows at a slower rate, while hormones such as testosterone can make hair thinner. So if you have curly hair, it takes a little extra planning to manage your wild, natural looks into later life. In some cases, straightening your hair is easier to

Conversely, too short a haircut can make your face look hard, so talk to your hairdresser about finding the right length for you and you’ll never be sold short again!

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 16

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

November 2016

Reveal

BEAUTIFUL Results Introducing

A range of modular facial programmes, combining treatments to provide amazing skincare results CACI ULTRA SKIN PEELS

firms + smoothes

resurfaces + brightens

MICRO NEEDLING

for fine lines + scars

IMAGE SKIN CARE

hydrates + protects

HARLEY STREET Skin Clinic, Leigh on Sea t ge nt ice e atm f pr tre hal DS 6 1 N 1 d ok 2n ER ET 20 Bo our OEFCF 31S y D

Call Sally for more information on 01702 710 470 or 07740 088 191 www.harleystreetskinclinic.co.uk

AS FEATURED IN

November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

November 2016

Replacing an empty mind with an open one.

Mathematics

Science

English

11 Plus

ESOL

AS and A2 Level

GCSE

01702 480341 8 Grainger Road, Southend, SS2 5BZ

www.athenatuitioncentre.co.uk November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

GIVE THE GIFT OF A ROSLIN EXPERIENCE THIS CHRISTMAS Choose from: Our exclusive Sunday special hotel package, food & drink in our award winning restaurant, a visit to our spa, afternoon tea or sparkling afternoon tea

BOOK NOW

01702 586375 | www.roslinhotel.com

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

November 2016

November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

Photograph by Anne Hinton van’t Hof

SPOTLIGHT

Leigh-on-Sea’s greatest Endeavour

Leigh’s top tourist attraction after cockles must surely be her heroic little ship, Endeavour. Looking just as she did when launched in 1924, she has become well known on the Thames and abroad through TV appearances and now two major films about the Dunkirk evacuation of 1940.

Making waves

The boat is run by the Leigh-on-Sea Endeavour Trust, a registered charity, which organises cruises and talks for young and old alike throughout the county. Local schools such as Belfairs even have an Endeavour hub, and pupils have taken part in projects relating to the boat and her part in evacuating troops from France in 1940. The number of Dunkirk veterans decreases year by year but their gratitude towards the little ships which saved them never diminishes. One event organised by the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships (ADLS) is at Hampton Court in September and Endeavour has lowered her mast and gone upriver to take veterans for cruises on the upper Thames. Every five years ADLS boats cross the English Channel to France to commemorate the evacuation.

Mike King, chairman of the Trustees said: “We have been fortunate to have sponsorship from local businesses over the years but keeping a wooden boat in good order is an expensive business and we can always do with additional support. As well as finding younger members, we need to raise as much money as we can to give her a long term future.”

Endeavour has acquired a reputation for being at sea when others prefer to stay in harbour. Her maiden voyage after being re-built was in a force 6 wind, under sail to Ramsgate. The rest of the fleet told us: “You’re mad!” Maybe, but it was one of the most exciting sails the crew ever had. What the Trust needs now are intrepid volunteers to learn to sail the boat and maintain her for the future. She is made of wood and that means lots of hard work to keep her painted and seaworthy.

To join The Endeavour Trust please contact the Membership Secretary, Peter Dolby at: 10 Harley Street, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 2NJ or via our website: www.endeavourtrust.co.uk by Finlay Marshall

Endeavour Trust Committee Member and Trustee

www.endeavourtrust.co.uk

Sponsored by:

www.OracleCreativeMedia.com

01702 393838

Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1AN WEBSITES • PRINT DESIGN • FLYERS • BUSINESS CARDS • BRAND MANAGEMENT • EMAIL MARKETING

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

November 2016

November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

November 2016

November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

Traditional Butchery with Local Specialties 4Christmas

Orders being taken

OPEN

Thurs-S 8am to 2pat m (Display da ys Fri Sat)

Including Turkeys, Crowns, White & Bronze 4Salt

Marsh New Seasons Lamb

Minted & boneless/butterflied legs to order 4Prime

Scotch Beef Prime Rib Breed Pork 4Natural Chickens auties! Barling Be 4Superb Low Fat Sausages 4Winter Warmers including Oxtail, best Braising Steak and necks of Lamb 4Roasting Joints available including Turkey and Veal 4Hog and Lamb Roast specialists 4Dry Cured Bacon made and smoked on-site 4Snowdonia range of Cheeses stocked www.philipsplett.com and award-winning Pies 4Rare

01702 216062

We are at Burtons Farm on Barling Road, SS3 0LZ with ample parking available. 26

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

November 2016

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

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

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

What can I use the Money for? Anthing you want!! • Clearing Mortgage or Debt • • Supplementing Pension • • Maintaining Life Style • Moving Home • • Helping family with finances • • Just to spend as & when you like •

Is it Safe? All schemes recommended by EERAC are sanctioned by THE EQUITY RELEASE COUNCIL & include built in guarantees • No monthly payments during your lfetime • • Remain in your property for as long as you wish • You may move home if you wish (subject to criteria) • You will never owe more than the value of your home •

Specialists for the Baby Boomer Generation! For a free consultation, friendly professional advice and more info about equity release call

01268 799211 or visit FSA NO. 313397

www.essexequityrelease.co.uk

November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

A battle of Wills

LAW & ORDER

Disputes over Wills are now much more common with the increase in home ownership and charities persuading the elderly to leave their estates to them. If you have a dispute, my strongest advice is to seek initial advice and assistance from an experienced solicitor. You should enter a caveat at the deceased’s local registry office. This can be done by downloading a form from the internet and sending it with a small fee to the registry office dealing with the Will. The registrar will not grant letters of probate on the deceased’s estate, preventing the executors from distributing the deceased’s estate while you resolve the dispute.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way There are two main types of claim over a Will:

• The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975

• That the deceased lacked testamentary capacity The first claim can only be made by a direct family member or dependent and must be made within six months. The direct member of the family or dependant must show that the deceased was domiciled in England and Wales. Claimants must be

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

an un-remarried spouse or cohabitant, a child of the deceased or someone receiving support from the deceased immediately before their death. A court will then consider whether reasonable provision is made for the for the claimants and if not, what provision should be made. The second claim has a time limit of 12 years, but you must not delay. Challenging the deceased’s lack of testamentary capacity is difficult and requires the strongest evidence. The evidence of the testamentary capacity is provided by the person drafting the Will – usually a solicitor – coupled with their attendance note from a witness to the Will. Their evidence can be challenged if:

• The Will was created shortly before the death • The Will is inexplicably inconsistent with •

previous Wills

The deceased suffered some medical illness or was taking medication affecting their mental state at the time of the Will (the executors will obtain the medical evidence).

Courts will act if they are satisfied that the deceased was unduly influenced when making their will.

by Richard Curtis

Barrister at Curtis & Curtis Law Firm, Shoeburyness T: 0 1 7 0 2 2 9 3 2 7 7

M: 07990 015500

E : R I C H A R D @ C U R T I SA N D C U R T I S L AW. C O.U K W W W. C U R T I SA N D C U R T I S L AW. C O.U K

G A R R I S O N C H A M B E R S , 7 7 G U N N E R S R I S E , S H O E B U RY N E S S , S O U T H E N D - O N - S E A S S 3 9 F D

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

November 2016

CARPET &

For more informatio n or a

FREE No Obligat ion please contQuotation,

act us

UPHOLSTERY CLEANING OVEN CLEANING

UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

l Guaranteed not to soak, stretch or shrink your carpet or furnishings l Domestic and Commercial work undertaken l Ovens and Hobs Sparkle and shine like new l Remove all traces of Burnt-on Fat, Grease & Carbon

Gates Cleaning Services

125 HIGH STREET

GREAT WAKERING

01702 216377

November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

advertorial

Cloudy2Clear Announce Trusted Trader Partnership Consumer champions Which? have now joined the thousands of customers who recognise that Cloudy2Clear Windows really are a business that you can TRUST. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has received the coveted ‘Which Trusted Trader’ status after going through a rigorous accreditation process entirely focussed on customer service. Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company

policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Thorpe Bay & Southend area and

manager Chris Miller agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Chris a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!

November 2016

November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

Q UA L I T Y

CHRISTMAS MENU FO

BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS

MICHELIN BIB GOURMAND

2017

THE ANCHOR RIVERSIDE

PTI

R O NA L P

Starters Homemade roast parsnip soup - apple - chestnut cheddar & thyme bread (v) Classic cocktail - poached prawns - cocktail sauce lettuce - lemon dressing Buttered chicken liver pate - onion chutney - toasted brioche Whipped goats cheese - roast squash & pumpkin seeds - pumpkin jam (v) Mains Roast turkey - chestnut & sage stuffing swede purée - buttered sprouts - watercress - roast potatoes & turkey gravy Roast Dingley Dell pork belly - caramelised swede bubble & squeak - apple - crackling Tempura cod - Indian spices - sweet potato dhal peanut bombay crumb - masala mayonnaise BBQ duck ‘cottage pie’ - roasted winter vegetables cheddar mash Chestnut mushroom & Nordic cheese risotto (v) Desserts Chocolate & baileys crémeux - coffee cracker & syrup Gingerbread brûlée - cranberry sorbet - BBQ clementine Christmas pudding - brandy custard - boozy fruits & nuts

Our delicious Christmas set menu is still available to book, running from Monday to Friday during December 1st to Christmas Eve. Make sure to reserve your place now!

Classic sherry trifle - almonds - custard - sherry jelly British cheeses - grapes - red wine jelly biscuits (£2.50 supplement) Lunch: 2 courses £17.95, 3 courses £19.95 • Evening: 2 courses £20.95, 3 courses £22.95

The Anchor Riverside Ferry Road, Hullbridge, Essex SS5 6ND

theanchorhullbridge.co.uk

01702 230 777

SONRAY

EST 1986

HEATING n

BATHROOMS

PLUMBING

Leaks, Ball Valves, Outside Taps Radiators Boilers Full Heating Systems Bathrooms designed, supplied and installed n

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

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

A LOCAL PLUMBER FOR LOCAL PEOPLE November 2016

Advertorial

As seen in

VOGUE

magazin

Move over Botox, Collagen Wand is here! For those in the know, Botox has become yesterday’s news. A host of ‘the great and the good’, who rely upon their youthful appearance, have suddenly ‘discovered’ Collagen Wand Stimulation Therapy. For celebrities and A-listers, Collagen Wand is the treatment for the face, forehead jawline and neck. Cliff House Clinic was at the forefront of pioneering this technology. Our specialised equipment is truly cutting edge: not only this, but our Clinicians are professionally trained, qualified and experienced in providing these revolutionary treatments.

What is Collagen Wand? The principle is that heat is delivered into the deeper layers of the skin by a ‘wand’ which glides across the skin’s surface, without damaging or marking it in any way. This heating action causes collagen structures in the skin to tighten as well as stimulates new collagen growth. The result is healthier and smoother skin with a more radiant and youthful appearance. The treatment is not only totally painless: many of our Clients have commented that their treatment has been warm, pleasant and comfortable. In addition, there is no ‘down-time’ and, in fact, make-up can be applied immediately after a treatment session. Another major advantage is that Collagen Wand Stimulation Therapy can be combined safely with other skin rejuvenation and aesthetic treatments.

Unlike Botox, there is no invasive or potentially painful treatment, nor the risk of the dreaded ‘frozen features’. No wonder the A-Listers have turned to Collagen Wand as the only proper alternative. Take advantage of our Trial Treatment offer! Our Practitioners will be pleased to answer any questions you may have both before and during the Trial. Please note that, as Professionals, we insist on a prior (and free) consultation before we undertake any treatments at all.

We also offer

• Cool Sculpt Laser Lipo with Sonic Acoustic Wave Technology

• • Permanent Hair Removal • Semi-permanent Makeup • Stretch Mark Reduction • IPL Skin Rejuvenation

Collagen Wand Non-invasive Face Lift

November 2016 Offer: Trial Treatment & Consultation - until the end of November ’16

O Only

£50

Cliff House Clinic 01702 431 970 Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1AN email: penny@cliffhouseclinic.co.uk www.cliffhouseclinic.co.uk

November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

Do you e omeon know s anding t s ut t with o irit tha ? nity sp d commu be recognise o t s to: n s o e v ti r a dese r nomin s.co.uk u o y d n n If so, se clepublicatio ra tion. info@o short explana a all – h m wit too s ds are rt a No dee e h ig it’s a b unts! that co

COMMUNITY

Oracle Community Spirit Award

This month, Oracle celebrates local hero, Garry Lowen – saviour of one of Southend’s biggest community events … Southend born and bred, Garry spent 25 years working at the Ministry of Defence before joining the Department for Education. This led to him successfully devising and implementing systems and initiatives to help protect and improve the high standard of education offered by our schools. It wasn’t until 2012 that Garry and his wife, Penny followed their dream, took control of Gleneagles Guesthouse & Tea Rooms and rebuilt it into the highly respected, successful business it is today. They now employ a dedicated team of ten and generously hosts meetings for local clubs and groups. Garry insists on sourcing the best of everything for the Grade II listed guesthouse locally: ‘If, like us, you rely on the local community then you have to put something back in.’ A man of his word, in 2013 Garry volunteered to become Chair of Southend Carnival and used his business know-how to revive the celebrated but floundering festival: ‘By organising fundraising events such as Carters Steam Fair and Leigh Beer Festival, and generating sponsorship from many local businesses, we made it possible for carnival participants to collect for their own charities instead of taking a split of a diminished pot. Now, thousands of pounds go directly to each charity.’ ‘We’ve also just had our second Charities Ball,’ says Garry. ‘We bring together small charities and organise a raffle. It’s about supporting others to raise money. This year £3,500 was raised.’

Garry is also a member of the Portico Academies Trust and Chair of the Mayor’s Charity – which has raised tens of thousands of pounds for local charities (in 2014, the Mayor himself raised £7,000 by daring to ride the Wall of Death at the Steam Fair). Not only that, Garry is the Southend Business Partnership Tourism Rep too, where his big ideas work to effect improvements to the area through planning consultations with the Council. And if this wasn’t enough, Garry gives 60 Minute Mentoring, in which he visits local schools to inspire children and demonstrate – by using his own life as an example – that with enough hard work and passion, you really can achieve anything you wish.

Behind every good man … So, how can a man manage to do so much work for the community and still get up at 5.45am to cook 28 full English breakfasts? ‘I could not have done any of this without the outstanding support and help of my wife and best friend, Penny’, Garry says emotionally. So, next time you’re enjoying the carnival, a festival or fair, spare a thought for the personal efforts that have gone into organising an event that benefits our town and charities, helps bring our community together and spreads so much happiness and goodwill. ‘I hope I’m able to keep giving back, even when I retire’, Garry considers. ‘This is a fantastic town. We all need to work to keep it that way and make it more fantastic. You can’t just take – you’ve got to give back, and you’ve got to get out there to make things different.’ Yes, we do have a fantastic town, and in no small part thanks to you, Garry.

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

November 2016

10% OF F Fo

r OAP’s on Wednesday m ornings

RDM Electrical Contractors Ltd has the experience to get it right! Electrical Installation Domestic, Industrial and Commercial Heating Storage and Quartz Fire Alarms, CCTV Access Control Installation of L.E.D Lighting

Computer Network Ventilation Air Conditioning Test and report Rewires

Broomfield Construction & property maintenance

Extensions • Loft Conversions Alterations • Kitchen & Bathroom refurbs Wet Rooms • Brickwork & Plastering All aspects of building work undertaken

Call Matthew

9 Huntingdon Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 2XU

tel: 07966510457 or 01702 535669

01702 464829 / 07885 737575 www.rdmelectrical.co.uk

114 High Street, Great Wakering, Southend On Sea, Essex, SS3 0EJ

broomfieldmatthew@gmail.com

November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

November 2016

November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

Strong Stylish Secure Call Our Bespoke Door Team Today 01702 608844 Or Visit

www.dawesandgreen.co.uk

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

November 2016

COLE & SON

CASAMANCE

DE SI

NS UL TA T

FR EE

JANE CHURCHILL

DESIGN, STYLE & CRAFTSMANSHIP Visit our extensive showroom and workshop in Thorpe Bay. We offer a complete interior design service. A fantastic choice of styles, finishes, fabrics, leathers, accessories, BESPOKE UPHOLSTERY, CURTAINS, BLINDS AND SHUTTERS – a talented and dedicated team of interior designers, furniture craftsmen and curtain makers to create your specific requirements – let us transform your home. We also provide a full RE-UPHOLSTERY and RE-MODELLING service and have a huge selection of FABRICS, WALLPAPERS and CARPETS. Interior design by MICHELLE ELLIOTT-BRITTO. MORRIS

INTERIORS

C2C RAIL

STATION ROAD

THORPE HALL

THE BROADWAY

ACACIA DRIVE

MAPLIN WAY

AVENUE

THORPE BAY STATION

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA

SEA

THORPE ESPLANADE SEA

SANDERSON

SHOEBURYNESS

23-25 Station Road, Thorpe Bay, Essex SS1 3JY Tel. 01702 586800 Fax. 01702 586054 www.morrisinteriors.ltd.uk Opening hours: 9am–5pm Monday–Friday 9am–4pm Saturday

ROMO

ZINC

COLEFAX AND FOWLER

November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

Hot and Sour Pork and Pepper Stir-Fry

FOOD

This is a lovely little supper recipe for 2 people. It’s a fresh, simple dish with a hint of lime and can be cooked in the same time as going to get a Chinese takeaway! The toasted sesame seeds really add to the dish so are worth doing.

Method

Enjoy!

3. Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan or wok, add the pork and peppers and stir-fry for 5–6 mins over a high heat until the pork is lightly browned and cooked through.

Ingredients (serves 2)

• 100g Thai jasmine rice • 1 tbsp sesame seeds • 1 tsp sunflower oil • 250g pork fillet, cut into finger-width strips • 1 red and 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and sliced • 2 tsp cornflour • 2 tsp soy sauce • juice of 1 lime • 2 tbsp clear honey • ½ a red chilli, sliced • 100g of fresh beansprouts

ORACLE estate planning

In association with Countrywide SE LLP 40

1. Place the rice in a saucepan with 300ml boiling water. Bring to the boil, stir once, cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 15 mins, by which time the rice should have absorbed all the liquid and be perfectly cooked. 2. Dry-fry the sesame seeds until toasted golden, then tip into a small bowl and set aside.

4. Mix the cornflour and soy sauce together in a bowl, then add the lime juice, honey, chilli and sesame seeds, plus 6 tbsp cold water. 5. Pour into the wok and cook until the sauce has slightly thickened, tossing the pan to coat the pork and peppers.

6. Serve with the rice. by Judy Barden Next month: Chocolate Orange Tart

Will Writing • Power of Attorney • Trusts • Funeral Plans Will Updating & Storage Facilities • Probate Administration t: 01702 393838 head office: 01277 202233 e: crowe@countrywide-se.com w: www.countrywide-se.co.uk Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend SS1 1AN

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

November 2016

we are here and we are...

Structural Calculations \ Building Control Applications \ Planning Applications Structural Openings RSJ & Lintel Sizing Structural Frames Extension Design Loft Conversions Foundation Sizing New Structural Roofs Structural Surveys Structural Design for: New Build Houses & Flats Existing Houses Commercial Buildings

www.structuralworks.co.uk T: 07977 510378 E: hello@structuralworks.co.uk 42 Castleton Road \ Southend on Sea \ Essex \ SS2 4UD

November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

Kitchens Transformations & Replacement Doors

Made in

100’s of Door Style and Colour Options Full Installation Service Project Managed Free Survey & Design Fully Appointed Showrooms Major Appliances Supplied & Fitted All Worktop types Supplied 1600 Sq ft Essex Showroom

WE ALSO SUPPLY NEW KITCHENS FROM OUR EXTENSIVE RANGE

PROFESSIONALLY FITTED QUARTZ OVERLAY WORKTOP

CALL NOW FOR A FREE PROFESSIONAL DESIGN & WRITTEN QUOTATION

KitchenBASE

Showroom: Company House, Stock Road, Southend on Sea, Essex, SS2 5QF 42

Ask in Store for details and T&C’s Minimum spend, applies

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

November 2016

November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

Oﬀering London skills at local prices … Website Design

Standard Websites • E-commerce Websites Database Websites

n g i s e D & t n i r P Business Cards • Flyers/Brochures Brand Management

s Email Service

Responsive Email Design • Analytical Reporting Targeted Email Campaigns

Call us on 01702 393838 www.OracleCreativeMedia.com

Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1AN 44

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

November 2016

INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR DECORATING Painting & Wallpapering

Professional, friendly and reliable Local Thorpe Bay Decorator Top quality workmanship Guaranteed City and Guild qualified Competitive prices Fully Insured

M K Decorating Services For more information please call:

01702 615999

or Email: info@prideandjoyclassiccars.com www.prideandjoyclassiccars.co.uk

For a free no obligation quotation, Please call Michael

01702 312964 07973 796270

mk.decorating@hotmail.co.uk

November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

November 2016

November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

BRAINBOX 3

HOT SPOT – Where am I?

9 4 5

6 1

8 8

1 8

PAINTING & DECORATING

COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC

Interior & Exterior

SUDOKU – Fill in the grid so

BURN

that every row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1–9.

Over 30 years experience

WORD LADDER – Climb

Established connections to local building trades

the ladder, changing one letter each rung to make a new word.

FUSE

CONUNDRUM – Unscramble to solve the clue.

W O

St Clement’s Church, Leigh-on-Sea WORD LADDER – HOWLCOWLCOOLMOOLMOON CONUNDRUM – CAULDRONS

2 6 4 8 1 5 7 3 9

5 9 8 3 7 4 6 2 1

1 3 7 9 2 6 4 5 8

7 5 3 2 6 8 9 1 4

6 8 1 5 4 9 3 7 2

High Quality service guaranteed References available upon request Fully Insured Experience of hanging all wallcoverings No job too small!

Clue: They make your party go with a bang! Last month’s solutions: HOT SPOT – Dunkirk Memorial,

Local, Reliable and Trustworthy

4 2 9 1 3 7 5 8 6

9 7 2 6 8 3 1 4 5

8 4 5 7 9 1 2 6 3

3 1 6 4 5 2 8 9 7

GMH Renovations tel:

01702 219 870

mob: 07775 500 420 email: goldhen@aol.com 63 Goldsworthy Drive, Great Wakering, Essex, SS3 0AU

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

November 2016

DON’T Leave it to chance...

“MAKE SURE YOUR PROPERTY IS AS SAFE AS IT CAN BE”

FREE Crime Prevention Risk Assessment FREE Crime Prevention Risk Assessment FREE Crime Prevention Risk Assessment

ACT NOW, BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE! Brights LOCKSMITHS Ltd T. 01702Ͳ346Ͳ274

41, Alexandra Street, SouthendͲonͲSea, Essex, SS1 1BW

November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

EXPERT CAR REPAIRERS AND SPRAYERS Your Local Garage - Trading over 15 Years aFriendly Reliable & Competitive aFast Turnaround aFree Loan Car Available aInsurance Work Approved aAccident Repairs aScratch & Dent Repairs aRe-Sprays/Spraybooth Reﬁnishing aLifetime Guarantee aFree Estimates

BRIDGE PAINTWORK Bridge Garage, Ness Road

Experienced, professional, patient tutor

Smartphone IPad, Tablet PC, Laptop

1-1 Lessons in your own home

Fun, social, relaxed group classes

Back due to popular demand!

£20 OFF AT TIME O QUOTATIO F N

Our Highly trained staff can match any car colour to ensure a perfect end result!

Tel: 01702 291 300 WWW.BRIDGEPAINTWORK.CO.UK

All ages welcome SMARTPHONE WORKSHOP

Get the best out of your Smartphone with our afternoon workshop. Learn how to email, text, share photos, connect to wifi + much more! Or enrol on a Tablet, Computer refresher or other short 4 week course. Date/times avail. on request Free refreshments provided for all courses! Autumn offer – Book 4 lessons get 5th FREE : Claire on 01702 584144 or 07734347073 : www.learncomputersathome.co.uk : claire@learncomputersathome.co.uk

Don’t delay, call LearnComputers@Home today

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

November 2016

www.climatec-hi.co.uk

CLIMATEC Home Improvements

WE MAKE THEM

WE FIT THEM

WE GUARANTEE THEM

...why would you go anywhere else? Tailor Made For Your Home

In all Colours

Keep Intruders Out High Security Doors h Reduce Heating Bills wit Energy Rated Windows

PVCu and Aluminium

Police Preferred Products

Call us today about our WINTER WARMER OFFER from £3750.00

Full house of new windows, including fitting and VAT*

*Certain exclusions apply. Bay and other non casement windows excluded. Price may vary depending on property type and size.

: Manufacturers of aluminium & PVCu windows, doors & conservatories

: Composite doors

: Thermally efficient frames : High security locking

: Secured By Design, police preferred products

: Rehau approved partner

: Insurance backed guarantee

: Wide range of colours/ finishes

: French, patio & bi-fold doors

““Excellent work, very clean no damage unable to fault anything always on time, will recommend.” Customer, Southend -

Checkatrade Find usReview on

TELEPHONE: 01702 447600 CHI Ltd are part of the Climatec Windows group. 11-14 Fletchers Square, Temple Farm Industrial Estate, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS2 5RN

November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

November 2016

November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

WHAT’S ON Seafront Fireworks FREE 7.30pm every Saturday until 19th Nov. City Beach, Marine Parade, Southend SS1 1EE. Thorpe Bay Youth Club FREE Every Tuesday, 5–6.30pm. Thorpe Bay Methodist Church, The Broadway, Thorpe Bay, SS1 3HQ. Years 6–9, dodgeball, football, music, pool table. Saturday Storytelling FREE Every Saturday, 2–3pm. The Forum, Elmer Square, Southend SS1 1NS. Room Escape 1st–27th Nov, various times. 12 West Street, Southend SS2 6HJ. Try to complete the Southend Asylum puzzle in 60 minutes. £15. www.roomescapesouthend.com Christmas Fair FREE Sat 12th Nov, 10am–1.30pm. Leigh Community Centre, 71–73 Elm Road, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 1SP. Pre-loved and craft stalls. Festive Craft & Gift Fair FREE Sat 12th Nov, 10am–4pm. Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend SS0 7RA. 70 stalls of crafted products by locals. Tabletop Sale Sat 12th Nov, 10.30am–2.30pm. Royal Naval Association, East St, Southend SS2 6LQ. 50p in aid of RNA. A Concert for Remembrance Sat 12th Nov, 7.30pm. Westcliff High School for Boys, Kenilworth Gardens SS0 0BP. Southend Boys’ and Girls’ Choirs with Rayleigh Brass Band and Southend Choral Society. £10 (con £9). 01702 465 560 Southend Faith & Belief Day FREE Sat 12th Nov, 11am– 3pm. Civic Centre, First Floor Foyer, Victoria Avenue, Southend SS2 6ER. Showcase of work for community from Jewish, Muslim, Humanist and a range of Christian groups. WI Southchurch Village Friends Meeting Every 2nd Monday, 7.30pm. The Hamstel Children & Families Centre, Hamstel Rd, Southend SS2 4PQ. 14th Nov: Back to Basics Jams/Chutney. Handmade Craft Fair FREE Sat 19th Nov, 10am–3pm. Leigh Community Centre, 71–73 Elm Road, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 1SP. Family craft activities and gifts. Christmas Bazaar FREE Sat 19th Nov, 1.30–4.45pm. Chalkwell Park Methodist Church, Westcliff SS0 9XF. Cakes, Christmas gift stalls and Father Christmas (1.30–3pm). Christmas Lights Switch On FREE Sat 19th Nov, 11am–8pm. Southend High Street, Victoria Plaza and Royals Shopping Centre, SS1 1DG. Radio stage and various activities throughout the day. Night of the Lights FREE Fri 25th Nov, 5–8pm. Leigh Road, Broadway, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 1PE. Fairground and procession in Christmas celebration. Christmas Fair FREE Sat 26 Nov, 10am–2pm. Shoeburyness High School, Caulfield Road SS3 9LL. Food, gifts, craft stalls. International Board Games Day FREE Sat 26th Nov, 10am–4pm. 1st Floor Meeting Rooms, The Forum, Elmer Square, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1NS. Carols for Christmas FREE Sat 3rd Dec, 11am–5pm. Victoria and Royals Shopping Centre, SS1 1DG. Local choirs perform throughout the day. Fantastic 4D Light Show FREE Sat 3rd–10th Dec, 5–8pm. Southend High Street (nr. the railway bridge), SS1 1DG.

Reiki Master  Crystal Healing

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

November 2016

10% DISCOUNT ON ALL FLOO

RING

SHOWROOMS DISPLAYING A WIDE RANGE OF FLOORING

SPECIALISTS IN KARNDEAN AND CARPETS VINYLS • WOOD & LAMINATE • AMTICO

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK OPEN TO THE PUBLIC & TRADE

Daniel James Flooring 17 Purdeys Way, Purdeys Industrial Estate, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1ND

01702 547774

www.danieljamesflooring.co.uk

info@danieljamesflooring.co.uk

November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

Advertorial

Shoeburyness Highest! It has been a tough year in education with more rigorous assessment at GCSE level, which saw national figures for the percentage of students gaining C grades and above at GCSE fall. However, at Shoeburyness High School Community Academy, we recorded our best ever GCSE results, placing Shoeburyness High School well above the national average. Our core subjects absolutely smashed previous records in a year which saw national averages plummet. In English, our students achieved 76% A*–C (15% above national). In Maths, they achieved 70% A*–C (9% above national). And in Science, they achieved 76% A*–C (22% above national). In addition to this, another 13 subjects achieved A*–C grades above the national averages. This is an unprecedented and phenomenal achievement by our students and we are very proud of what they have shown our community can achieve!

Each qualification is then awarded a number, 1 being the lowest and 9 being the highest. To calculate the Attainment 8 score, these are simply added together. Our school average came out at 48.7, which is an average of a C grade at GCSE. For the Progress 8 score this is then averaged out across all 8 subjects and then taken away from their target. If they end up with a 0, then they have made the expected progress in all 8 subjects, when averaged out. This is then averaged out across all students in the school, to give a final Progress 8 score for the school. We know 0 doesn’t sound very exciting, but we can assure you that it is! All students are set very challenging targets at the end of KS2 and in order to meet them, they have to make significant progress over their five years at secondary school. Here at Shoeburyness, we have been preparing for this new performance measure over the past four years, ensuring that our students have the

Making the grade This year saw two new performance measures in schools across the country – Progress 8 and Attainment 8. These indicators take the best 8 GCSE grades students achieve in the following subjects:

• English and Maths (each counted double) • 3 from Science, Languages, History or Geography • 3 others 56

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

November 2016

right selection of GCSE courses in order to achieve success in Progress 8. We now have more students than ever taking double Science, History, Geography, Spanish and French GCSEs; all to make sure they succeed in this new measure. This year we recorded a −0.03 across the whole school! Again, we realise that doesn’t sound very exciting, but pause for a moment in order to realise what that means: It means that almost EVERY single one of the students in Shoeburyness High School has hit his or her targets in EVERY GCSE subject they took last year! We are so proud of them!

Subject successes Several other subject areas reported fantastic grades at A*–C grade in GCSE this year too:

• French 94% • Music 92% 83% (with 26% at A*–A grade) • Textiles D rama 94% (with 67% at A*–A grade) • A rt 88% (with 24% at A*–A grade) • E nglish Language 95% A-C grades • †

and Lit. AS level

This fast-track group achieved this amazing result a year before most students take A levels! †

Year 10 success Our current Year 11 students are on target to eclipse last year’s results too, after their success in their Year 10 GCSE results! Already, 60% of them have passed GCSE Science!

This again, is due to our students attending school on a regular basis and working hard in lessons, fully supported by our committed teaching staff. Last year we achieved our highest ever attendance in the history of Shoeburyness High School with 95.5%. We celebrated with 171 students who had never missed a day’s education throughout the year. As you can guess, we have now set a new target of 96.0% for 2016/17. It really has been a breath-taking achievement by the students of Shoeburyness High School Academy this year and at no other time has our school motto been so appropriate – Expect Excellence! Our challenge now is to beat this next year for our 13th consecutive year of increased achievement.

by Bill Peel

Assistant Headteacher, Shoeburyness High School

Attendance At Shoeburyness High School we place great emphasis on our students achieving an excellent attendance level. The reason for this is clearly shown above, in our best results ever. In last month’s Oracle we gave details of our Year 12 and Year 13 achievements: We recorded an overall 98% pass rate, and the following subjects achieved A*–C at A2:

• Business 93% • Textiles 86% • Maths 75% • English 73% • History 73% • Music Technology 67% • Sociology 67%

SOUTHEND EAST COMMUNITY ACADEMY TRUST

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

STOP PRESS! Year 11 into 12 Information Evening will be held on Thursday, 10th November 2015 at 7–9pm.

November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

November 2016

MAINTENANCE MAN Shed Roofs Renewed Carpentry Work Shed & Fence Staining Crazy Paving Re-pointing & Power Cleaning ANY OTHER WORK CONSIDERED! PHONE KEN:

01702 781140 November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

November 2016

y ilite b ia c l Luran l Fu ns I

MIKE’s Tree Services Est. 1982

Felling Pollarding Shaping Pruning Shrub/Hedge Trimming Friendly & Reliable Service

For a FREE Quotation call Mike

01702 305217 07505 794203

SW PHYSIOTHERAPY LTD

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:

SUSAN WHITE

CHARTERED PHYSIOTHERAPIST HPC REGISTERED

TEL : 01702 322606 14 BUCKLAND, SHOEBURYNESS

GENERAL PHYSIOTHERAPY SPORTS INJURIES NECK AND BACK PROBLEMS SPRAINS AND STRAINS WHIPLASH INJURY ARTHRITIS

07778 653339 01702 588892 FULL ASSESSMENT UNDERTAKEN REGISTERED WITH ALL MAJOR INSURANCE COMPANIES

November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

Air&Back

Q Airport Transfer Specialists Air & Back, the airport-transfer specialists, provide an efficient and friendly door-to-door transfer to and from your airport. seaport or ferry terminal, at a reasonable cost. Get your holiday or business trip off to a comfortable start with an effortless transfer from Air & Back.

Q Q Q Q

Polite, experienced and wellpresented drivers Full comprehensive insurance including Hire and Reward Drivers and vehicles licensed by the local authority. Detailed confirmation to you the day before departure

Call today for a competitive quote Air & Back, 22 Coronation Close, Great Wakering, SS3 0JG

Tel/Fax: 01702 435722 Mobile 07903 301086 airandback@yahoo.co.uk

CITY H STANSTED H GATWICK H LUTON H HEATHROW 62

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

November 2016

November 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

Thorpe Bay Art Group St Augustine's Church Stone Masons & Dry Stone Wallers Southend Chess Club Steve Wedlock (Club Secretary) Southend-on-Sea Lions Club Southend & District Pensioners Campaign Thames Estuary Lacemakers