Oracle Thorpe Bay September 2016

September 2016

Your all-seeing local

ORACLE

Thorpe Bay, Southchurch, the Garrison & West Shoebury

Leigh is the best! – Cllr Bernard Arscott

Photo Competition winners announced!

Polash – flame of Shoeburyness

‘East Beach Sunrise at the Boom’ by Paul Tidey – Oracle Photographic Competition Winner 2016

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September 21/07/2016 2016 10:45

ORACLE

WELCOME

August’s photographic competition was hugely supported and I was especially pleased to receive an entry from our youngest ever competitor – just 4 years old! This year’s standard was exceptional, making professional photographer, Keith Hoskins’ job of judging extremely difficult. Please turn to pages 46–47 where the winners of each category will be revealed. With the amount of entrants this year, we were unable to show them all, but you can visit: www.oraclepublications.co.uk to see some more of the best. Thank you to all who entered the competition – if you were not one of Oracle’s winners then there is always next year.

This month’s competition gives readers the opportunity to win a pair of tickets to see one of two shows: Songs That Won The War – with The D Day Darlings appearing at Towngate Theatre, Basildon on Thursday, 20th October at 1pm, which offers a lighthearted journey through wartime Britain, reviving the popular music of the 1940s, or Frankly Sinatra – celebrating the golden anniversary of ‘Sinatra at the Sands’ at the Cliffs Pavilion on Sunday, 2nd October at 8pm. This brand new production features many of the songs from the classic album, performed just the way they were back in 1966.

To enter, please send your contact details to: Oracle/ (name of musical you’d prefer to see) Competition, 11 Clarence Road, Southend, Essex SS1 1AN or email: info@oraclepublications.co.uk by 23/09/16.

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

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CONTENTS The law of the land

9/10

Local Issues by Cllr Mark Flewitt

A dread-locks holiday

16

Living on the edge

22

Breaking the bank

28

Salon advice by Craig Smith

Council news by Cllr Bernard Arscott Law & Order by Richard Curtis

The Polash - flame of Shoeburyness Wine & Dine with Oracle's restaurant review 36/37 Cod Chorizo and Corn Chowder 42 Judy’s Recipe Page

2016 Photo Competition Winners 46/47 Spotlight on the hottest shots by Keith Hoskins

Local Letters

Residents have their say

48

Brainbox 52 What's On 56 Useful Numbers 64 Advertiser Directory 66 Advertorials Nekta 6/7 Harley Street Skin Clinic 15 Oracle Estate Planning 57 Shoebury High School 58/59

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

NEKTA – celebrating with flowers NEKTA Florist, in Thorpe Bay Broadway, are celebrating their 10-year anniversary this year. Following their redesign, we reflect on their journey and how they’ve become a part of the community over the last 10 years.

NEKTA was started on a bit of a whim. Sue Sanders had a creative itch that she needed to scratch. Sue and Mark Sanders were looking to relocate their garden furniture business and decided that cutflowers and planted gifts would complement their existing business. Sue took herself off to London and completed a two week floristry course with one of England’s top florists, Judith Blacklock. Although Sue had no floristry experience, she and Mark both had strong retail backgrounds and were confident that they could make a success of NEKTA.

Sue’s passion and drive saw her self-learning with the help of the internet, studying flower names and flower and plant care. Sue says, ‘Looking back, it was a bit of a mad thing to do but after teaching myself a language and running a successful business abroad for 10 years, opening a florist in Thorpe Bay seemed quite mild in comparison!’

Budding entrepreneurs With an Easter opening in 2006, NEKTA got off to a flying start. Mark had been selling garden furniture in the town for many years and a lot of his customers followed him to Thorpe Bay Broadway. People were very complimentary of NEKTA’s bright displays and Sue soon got a feel for what her customers wanted.

Sue and Mark always knew that space was going to be an issue with the furniture and, as the flower and plant business was more consistent and the furniture was far more seasonal, it was inevitable that the floristry would slowly become the stronger side of the business.

Blooming marvelous NEKTA pride themselves on their stunning flower combinations and can create the perfect seasonal creation, either as a hand-tied bouquet or an aqua pack. Plants make a wonderful alternative to fresh flowers and are a popular choice, being presented in a unique container and finished in bespoke wrap.

Small gifts for the home and garden, such as bird baths, statues and candles have also become an integral part of the business. Silk flowers are also very popular. ‘The quality is so good now, people

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September 2016

really can’t tell the difference a lot of the time!’, Sue says. ‘We sell single stems but most people like to choose the flowers to suit their colour scheme and we then arrange them free of charge in either one of their own favourite vases, or they treat themselves to one of our wide range of quirky containers.’

Give me your answer do So, a decade on, how do Sue and Mark feel about their foray into the flower business? ‘Floristry is a wonderful industry as you get to know so many families, sharing the happy and sad occasions of all generations. Although the busy periods in the floristry calendar make it tough at times, the different seasons mean that the selection of flowers is always changing, so every day is interesting and filled with beauty!’

N E K TA Florist

O

Open: Mon–Sat, 9.00am–5.30pm

155 The Broadway, Thorpe Bay SS1 3EX

Food for thought When you cut a rose stem and place it in a vase of water, bacteria start to grow. Within 3 hours there are 30 million bacteria in the vase! These bacteria plug the tiny straw-tubes that conduct water to the flower. As a result, buds fail to open, necks weaken and bend, and leaves wilt.

To prolong the life of your flower, always use the little sachet that the florist gives you. It contains chemicals (biocides) that kill the bacteria, acid that helps water move up the stem more easily, and sugar that acts as flower food.

• Always use a clean vase and quality water.

• Re-cut your flowers initially.

• Remove any leaves below the water line.

• Check the water daily and top it up.

• Remove any withering flowers.

01702 586520 www.nekta.co.uk e: sales@nekta.co.uk

Thanks a bunch!

Sue and Mark would like to thank all NEKTA customers for their loyal support and for making the last 10 years a success. They say: ‘We couldn’t have done it without our staff and loyal customers. To celebrate our anniversary we have given NEKTA a new look; we hope you like it and look forward to your continued support.’

September 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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September 2016

Scott Park locals were supported by Cllr Buckley, Cllr Flewitt and Sir David Amess.

LOCAL ISSUES

The law of the land Just a few days in Truro, innocently trying to spend some time in recess from council. All has not gone to plan and the phone has been ringing intermittently with some residents’ issues and, of course, the e-mails have been arriving both as serious and regular business.

Just before I left, poor St Laurence Ward found itself playing host to some folk from Ireland with tents who had decided that one of our local parks – Scott Park, off Western Approaches, Eastwood – would be a great, free place to live. This is the first time in our history that travellers have done this. I just hope it will be the last.

The tone of a few e-mails is enough to try the patience of a saint – sent late after hours with pure anger on the menu. Answering these has been a test – sometimes you pass and other times screaming seems a great idea! Of course, it is best to be proportionate, measured and reasonable, but if the halo slips, you can be bereft of useful ideas.

My inner voice says, “Take stock”, and my trusted life side kick says, “Put the phone away and relax.”

Great advice.

outsiders rocking up and claiming a piece of land as their own. It is a travesty that the law breaker calls the shots and the law abider is left with some overbearing rules and compliance, not to mention costs to encounter.

Talk shop The whole point about this holiday/land issue is that it makes clear to me just how necessary reform of our laws really is. The role of the police has been mentioned to me on more than one occasion and I make perfectly clear that they have responded to some residents’ issues as well as to the travellers.

Residents would have felt more comforted if the police had popped in to nearby stores to assure them that the council had enacted the possession process. I visited the stores. The supermarket became not only the information centre, but also a popular venue for petty theft.

Travellers cheque The issue of temporary land theft has really heightened peoples’ sense of insecurity about our levels of protection against the audaciousness of

September 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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Blue in the face The police may be short-handed and aggrieved with government but the quality of policing is an entirely justifiable issue to examine. The council law enforcement project will be looking at this issue among others. Ironically, the council cannot hold the police to account – that is for the Chief Constable and the Police Commissioner. Where were they when we needed them?

The frustration from residents was palpable and I am resolved to take this issue to Sir David Amess MP, along with the whole issue of land possession and h over 10 years’ local experience, we can give you a the need for a simplified recovery process minus the g-edge website ones in a wig! at a price to knock the others for six.

Russell Square giving further urgency to dealing an even train you to add or edit the content yourself. with such matters. London gets more armed police Home leave There are no hidden charges, no complications,but the home counties are left vulnerable, a balance So, this Truro break has nearly come to an end and at least needs to be created. and best of all – you own everything. the travellers have ceased the torment and left This article is dedicated to my mother who, at age 82, before they were evicted. My residents network has started aclehas foracted a FREE, no-obligation design consultation and another new chapter of her life, in Truro. quickly and I am able to get an expedited cleanup operation in place.

We secure the site on today.

by Cllr Mark Flewitt how we can get your business switched within the civilised padlock standards and I resist a Conservative Member for St Laurence Ward quip suggestion of landmines!

O

The security of the UK is permanently high in most minds with the atrocity (allegedly not terrorist) in

t: 07918 360399 e: CllrFlewitt@southend.gov.uk

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Advertorial

Harley Street Skin Clinic – not just another pretty face What can you do if you want smoother, younger-looking skin, but feel that Botox/filler is a little too drastic? Sally Jackson-Robins of Harley Street Skin Clinic might just have the answer …

Skin clinic owner and therapist, Sally JacksonRobins, is aptly placed in Harley Street, Leighon-Sea. Founding her business 10 years ago, she quickly noticed an issue with the most common treatments of the day – occasional pampering facials were relaxing, but just didn’t make a difference to skin tone or firmness. On the other hand, many of her clients felt that Botox or filler was just a step too far. It became apparent that what her clients were really interested in were results-driven facials.

So, Sally set about working on facial skin, to reveal the highest level of tone, smoothness and radiance possible, without using injectable products. Working on the 3 principle parts of the skin – the surface, the mattress (collagen), and the muscle tone, combining each technique to create the ultimate results facial.

Face facts Her first purchase was the highly-acclaimed CACI machine, which quickly became the rock on which all her other treatments were developed – ‘I combined CACI muscle toning with Glycolic and Enzyme Peels in one treatment. Many of my clients say that it is one of the best firming and resurfacing treatments they have ever had, even treating sensitive, acne and Rosacea skins. Last year,

I introduced from the USA, the latest technique in Microneedling – an electronic device that reduces pores, lines and wrinkles, improves scarring, stretch marks and pigmentation, and enhances collagen production, rejuvenating and improving tone and texture. I’m seeing fabulous results and also using the technique to work on three case studies for reducing hair loss in both men and women.’

‘I only use treatments and brands that have been established through thorough research, to make a difference,’ says Sally. ‘I always employ proven, clinically-tested products that are realistically priced, such as the amazing Image Skincare range from the USA and Dermaceutic Laboratories from France.’

The future looks bright So what can we expect to see from the Skin Clinic in the years to come? ‘New premises would be fabulous but it will be hard to find something as famous as Harley Street (call to action all estate agents!), I have an opening for the right therapist to join me, and definitely a new website,’ says Sally.

‘I’m very excited about the future.’

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A dread-locks holiday

SALON

We’ve all walked back into the arrivals lounge and nipped to the loo, only to spot our mop in the mirror. Suddenly, those sun-kissed waves look more like tangles of bladderwrack drying on the beach.

Of course, the best thing to do is visit your salon for a trim and a treatment to replace the moisture lost through sun damage. Don’t worry about losing length by cutting split ends – you only need to trim about a centimetre to be, literally, back in shape – and make sure that you remove the damaging chlorine and sea salt which builds up as you spend time on the beach or take dips in the pool. A good, deep-cleansing shampoo will do the trick, especially if you also invest in a moisture-replenishing conditioner.

Doctor Dread But, as any doctor will tell you, prevention is better than cure. Exposure to sunlight dehydrates and damages your hair causing it to bleach and become brittle. Just as you’d apply sun screen to your skin, shield your hair with a hat or seek some shade.

Many shampoo and conditioner companies now make UV and SPF products that give your hair a protective boost. You can apply a spray from the

comfort of your lounger but you should start using a UV shampoo and conditioner a week in advance, to give it time to build up a layer of defence.

As you’re on holiday, why not give the styling gizmos a rest? After all, it’s daft to worry about the effects of the sun, sea and pool, then subject your hair to the harsh, dry heat of a dryer, straighteners or tongs. Just go with the natural texture of your hair by rough drying and using moisturising products.

I don’t like cricket DO NOT attempt au naturel highlighting by using leave-in conditioner and lemon juice. I have heard of newly-blonde tresses turning a vivid green following a reaction with the chlorine used in a hotel pool. Unless you’re the joker or a member of Suicide Squad, it’s not a look I’d recommend! Blonde hair actually fades in strong sun while brunettes get more warmth in their colour – a sign that the pigmentation has started to break down. It makes sense then to ask your stylist to take your shade slightly darker post-holiday, and put in deeper, richer tones. Not only will this help make your hair look and feel more shiny and healthy, but it will also freshen up your look in time for autumn.

O

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

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September 2016

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Essex Equity Release Advice Centre Are you a home owner aged 55 or over?

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Living on the edge

COUNCIL

When the editor invited me to write an article for this edition of Oracle, it was suggested that I write about particular issues in Leigh that are topical. There are many issues that are widespread and by no means restricted to Leigh.

However, I decided to focus on the recently formed Leigh-on-Sea coastal communities team.

Coastal Community Teams are a national Government initiative, which are intended to encourage a greater level of partnership working to support the development of local solutions to economic issues. The initiative encourages the sustainable use of heritage and cultural assets for economic regeneration, particularly in areas that had once been dependent on the fishing industry as a mainstay of the local economy.

The sea board The Coastal Communities Team for the Leighon-Sea area is a partnership of a number of local organisations and groups that have a strong appreciation of the issues facing the area. It includes Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, the Leigh-onSea Town Council, the Leigh Port Partnership, the Leigh Society, local fishermen, businesses and other key community stakeholders. There are two other coastal teams in the wider Southend area; one for Shoeburyness and one for central Southend.

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A shore thing One of our first tasks was to draw up an economic strategy for Leigh-on-Sea, which identified a number of projects that could act as a catalyst for regeneration of the area. The plan was then submitted to the Government and was approved in January this year. A number of these projects have now been included in a funding application from the Coastal Communities Fund, including a new Heritage Trail, refurbishment of the Heritage Centre to improve the displays and improvements to Bell Bay. The decision about the funding will be made in the coming months.

Other projects that will be seeking funding in the future include the proposed Leigh Maritime Museum.

Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside Leigh-on-Sea has consistently been recognised, at national level, as one of the best places to live in the UK. It is the aim of the Costal Community Team to enhance and develop Leigh as a flourishing cultural and business community.

Anyone wishing to find out more information about the Leigh-on-Sea Coastal Community Team can visit our website: leighonseacct.com to view the economic plan and find out more about the projects that we are supporting.

O

by Cllr Bernard Arscott Conservative Member for Leigh Ward

t: 01702 212062 / 07771 344191 e: CllrArscott@southend.gov.uk

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September 2016

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Breaking the bank

LAW & ORDER

We may trust banks with our precious, pennies, but there’s no accounting for human error. Here’s what to do if your bank is testing your limit …

First, request a Subject Access Report (SAR) under the Data Protection Act. Write to ‘The Data Protection Officer’ at the Bank’s Head Office giving them 40 days to respond. They may make a small charge. The bank must disclose all of your data, save for anything commercially sensitive, such as your credit scoring.

The SAR will help you understand your dispute, for example, the bank may have wrongly assumed that you are employed and thereby mis-sold you a Payment Protection Insurance policy (customers missold PPIs have, since 2011, recovered £25 bn). The bank may have assumed you to be a sophisticated investor and mis-sold you a high-risk investment.

We made a full recovery for one client mis-sold Japanese warrants that lost most of their value.

Bank statement If you can identify any wrong-doing, you may then:

• • Complain to the Financial Conduct Authority.

• Issue court proceedings.

Complain to the Banking Ombudsman.

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

Your first choice should be a complaint to the Banking Ombudsman or to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The Ombudsman will look at most bank disputes, even non-contractual, e.g. withdrawing an overdraft. The FCA will just look at regulatory breaches, e.g. mis-selling.

Both the Ombudsman and the FCA are free to use.

The compensation they award is usually small and in the hundreds of pounds. You can reject the compensation and simply use their findings to make a complaint or seek higher damages in court proceedings. Before filing a complaint or issuing court proceedings, you will need to write to the bank’s head office to give them 14 days to respond.

Court proceedings are a last resort. You have to prove that the bank breached its contract. Not every breach is actionable, e.g. withdrawing an overdraft.

Some less obvious breaches are actionable, e.g. charging excessive fees. Court proceedings are formal, can take over 12 months, can be appealed by the bank, will incur court fees, and may leave you liable for the bank’s legal costs.

We are always happy to advise in all cases at all levels.

by Richard Curtis

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WINE & DINE

The Polash – flame of Shoeburyness

June 23rd, 1757. A momentous battle is being waged. As the small village of Palashi, West Bengal is defeated, the burning-red flowers of the Polash tree – also known as Flame of the Forest – fall to the ground. In time, all of India would fall to British rule.

With such a symbolic namesake, it is no surprise that The Polash Tandoori Restaurant on West Road, Shoeburyness has proud, Bangladeshi, family tradition at its heart. Serving us Brits since the late 70s, it has forged its own, long history which can be traced in the multitude of newspaper cuttings framed on its walls.

Myriad food awards, fund-raising events, even reports of their ‘World’s Hottest Curry’ tried by Adventure Island’s and Southend Radio’s own, Philip Miller – it’s all here. ‘Write whatever you like’, grins owner, Sheikh Khalique, almost defiantly, ‘they all do!’. ‘Everything’s good!’, he laughs, without a hint of doubt.

This confidence certainly makes choosing from its considerable menu somewhat easier. Forget about trying to select the ‘best’ dish – this is a restaurant that knows that whatever you eat, you’ll be back for more. We yield and select our starters at random.

While we wait, we admire our surroundings. Classic in style, the tables are partitioned by decorative planters and trellises bearing traditional, ogee arch ‘windows’. Within each hangs an ornate lightshade which casts amusing, delicate, flowery shadows upon the walls. Only the colourful mood lighting in the ceiling hints at something more contemporary.

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Je t’adore le tandoor Our starters arrive swiftly and immediately impress with their bold presentation and bright, salad accompaniment.

The large and meaty, Grilled King Prawns (£6.95) are cooked to perfection – not in the slightest bit chewy, or dry – and the sweet, tamarind sauce adorning the edge of the plate perfectly complements their subtle flavour.

Sitting on whole lettuce leaves and dressed in egg netting, however, the Polash Kebab (£4.95) really catches us off-guard, neither looking, nor tasting like anything we’ve had before. Packed with flavour and intensely moreish, this gob-smackingly, fresh take on a flame-grilled, minced lamb patty would make a far superior alternative to any late-night burger. Obviously loaded with cheese, mushrooms, chilli, and an army of spices, Khalique protects the finer details of his recipe with glee – ‘There’s lots of stuff in it!’, he chuckles, before growing serious: ‘We collect only the finest speciality spices from all over the world – India, Mexico, Spain, France – then grind and mix them ourselves to create our unique flavours.

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September 2016

You cannot find them anywhere else. Some of our curries have over eighty spices in them! And,’ he confides, ‘every good chef will add their own secret ingredient when no one is looking! It’s all in the mix.’

Variety is the spice of life To prove a point, Khalique brings us three chicken main dishes: Chicken Nawabi, Rose Ne Chicken Jal, and his latest concoction – Chicken Tawva – which arrives at the table sizzling and steaming excitedly.

All are similar in form – chunks of chicken marinated in a mix of spices for at least two hours – and all are priced at £11.95. They are coated in sauce, not swimming in it, and there is little sign of oil.

The Nawabi – charmingly garnished with a tomato carved into a flower – has subtle, delicate flavours, the spices infusing the chicken. The lava-red Rose Ne Jal has a more obvious chilli and garlic kick whilst the Tawva – which is grilled and pan-fried – releases a toothsome, barbecue smokiness but, once again, it is the roasted spices that steal the show. In each dish, the indulgent, mouth-watering flavours travel and change with each forkful. Just when you’re sure the Tawva is your favourite, you return to the Rose Ne Jal, then the Nawabi, change your mind, and start over again. We stand convinced – it is all in the mix.

To complement these dishes we are also served a very tasty, Vegetable Niramish (£3.75), a sumptuously sweet, freshly cooked Peshwari Nan (£2.95), and a portion of spot-coloured Pilau Rice (£2.95), cooked to perfection, each grain seemingly separated by hand.

If you can take the heat …

–

We are beaten. We wash down as much as we can with a pint of draft Cobra (£4.50) and a bottle of the house white – General Bilimoria Sauvignon Blanc (£13.95) – before Khalique offers to demonstrate his tandoor oven. ‘Come, I have nothing to hide’, he welcomes us proudly into his kitchen, clearly less secretive of it than he is his spice mixtures, which sit in a wall-long spice rack, bright and vibrant, ready to jump in the pot. Inside, one of Khalique’s team grabs a fistful of dough, kneads it flat, then throws it

against the inner wall of the tandoor. It rapidly begins to colour and become recognisable as the bread we so enjoyed earlier. It’s a fun ending to a very enjoyable meal.

Respectfully traditional yet deliciously groundbreaking, The Polash has certainly lit a flame in our hearts. May its long history continue, because it’s going to take an age to work through that menu, and we want to try everything.

• Open 7 days, 6pm til late • £20 set menu for fundraising events –

O

50% goes to charity (can host up to 60 people)

• Takeaway and free delivery service available • Air-conditioned

01702 294721 or 01702 293989 84–86 West Road, Shoeburyness SS3 9DS www.thepolash.com

NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR XMAS! SET MENU FOR TWO PEOPLE: Starters, Mains and Sides with Rice/Nan + Coffee Only £35! (group discount available) Advance booking required

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Cod Chorizo and Corn Chowder

FOOD

This is an easy one-pot for all the family.

It can be used as a quick lunch or supper and you can change the fish to your liking. It is especially nice with smoked haddock. Enjoy!

Ingredients (serves 6)

• 700g potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes • 600g skinless cod fillets, cut into chunks • 300ml milk • 300ml fish stock • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 large onion, chopped • 120g chorizo, diced • 1 tbsp plain flour • ½ tsp smoked paprika • 250g sweetcorn, fresh or frozen • juice of ½–1 lemon • small bunch parsley, leaves chopped • 4 spring onions, sliced To serve –

1. Put the potatoes in a large pan and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil and simmer until tender.

2. Meanwhile, place the fish in a pan and cover with the milk and stock. Bring to a simmer slowly and cook for 1 minute. Remove the fish with a slotted spoon and put to one side.

3. Heat the oil in a frying pan and add the onion.

Sweat over a low heat for 10 minutes then add the chorizo and fry for a further 5 minutes, until it is brown and beginning to crisp. Stir through the flour and paprika and cook out for 1 minute.

Gradually pour in the reserved liquid and simmer, stirring until thickened.

4. Add the sweetcorn and potatoes and cook for 5 minutes, then carefully tip in the fish. Add the lemon a little at a time and taste until you get the right flavour. Season with freshly ground black pepper, stir through the parsley and top with spring onions.

5. Spoon into warm bowls and serve with crusty bread.

by Judy Barden

O

Next month: Caramelised Shallot and Thyme Frittata

• crusty bread

ORACLE estate planning

In association with Countrywide SE LLP 42

Method:

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‘East Beach Sunrise at the Boom’ by Paul Tidey – winner of the over 18s local landscape category.

Photographic Competition Winners 2016

SPOTLIGHT

The Oracle Photographic Competition 2016 is over and the standard of this year’s entries has been simply incredible. Expert adjudicator, Keith Hoskins of Picture Perfect photographic studio offers feedback on his chosen few …

Sam by Edward Middleton (age 15) Under 18s landscape – Winner This soft rendition of the combination of a sunset and beach huts works well enough but has triumphed due to the introduction of the figure that dominates the middle of the image. Lovely silhouette.

Little Egret by Shelley Harris Over 18s wildlife – Runner-up I love the colour in this! It’s brave to leave in the blue reflection in the waves but it works wonderfully well.

Great detail too.

Turnstone on Cockleshells by Richard Swinscoe Over 18s wildlife – Winner The detail in this shot is breathtaking. It shows all the subtlety of the plumage and is pin-sharp.

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September 2016

Ladybird by Gemma Rogers (age 10) Under 18s wildlife – Winner Pin-sharp and fascinating shapes. The leaf almost looks like the ladybird’s wings – no distractions from the simple background adds to the effect.

Bush Cricket by Holly Rogers (age 8) Under 18s wildlife – Runner-up This one was so nearly a winner! Just a bit of cropping to the top of the image to remove the line and colour and this would be near perfect.

Sand-coated Sunshine by Emily Rajah (age 14) Under 18s landscape – Runner-up A silver sea and shiny pebbles complemented by the flare of the sun peaking through at the top of the photo and contrasted against the wooden structure works well and keeps the eye moving around the image.

East Beach Sunset at the Boom by Paul Tidey Over 18s landscape – Winner

Memorial, Southend by Sandra Mayhew Over 18s landscape – Runner-up

Beautiful capturing of the best of the sunsets we get. Following the rules of composition by keeping a main point of interest in the foreground, with two supports, one either side.

Evocative and thought provoking, showing that landscapes are not just pretty pictures. There is great detail captured in both the light and shaded sides of the monument, with the flowers leading the eye to the main subject.

Professional Photographer Portraits • Weddings Events • Commercial

Well done and thank you to everyone who took part. Now visit: www.oraclepublications.co.uk to view more fantastic entries and to see more great feedback from Keith!

O

01702 474079 or 07931 593241 e: smile@pictureperfect.pro www.keithhoskinsphoto.co.uk 44 The Ridgeway, Chalkwell SS0 8NU

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Another great d! carnival, Southen - Wel done to d. everybody involve Sue D. x LOCAL LETTERS ?

Something on your mind Consult the Oracle by sending your letters to: s.co.uk

Empty Vessels Make the Most Noise Dear Oracle, It’s great wor king in the heart of Southend when the weathe r’s as lovely as it has been, windows open, sea breeze and gulls calling. It’s only spoilt by thos e idiots on their motorbikes and in their cars that have engines that sound like a cross bet ween a pneumatic drill and a cannon. Making babies cry, setting off car alarms and genera lly causing upset. Are they deaf, stupid or just so horribly desperate for attention? If you own such a vehicle then please hear this - NO ONE LIKES NOISE POLLUTION ! The electric revolution can’t come soon enough for Sou thend.

Anon.

info@oraclepublication

- Paint the Town -

Dear Oracle, I was driving to work one morning when I had the misfortune of being stuck behind a dumpster truck, although usually a slow affair, this one proved to be much more disgusting.

What initially caught my attention was the haphazard way the men were working, rushing and loosely chucking the bags from far away, barely reaching the truck.

One of the men spat on the floor, then proceeded to do similarly from his nose.

Fortunately, I also passed another truck whose workers were much more careful Miss E and considerate with the rubbish and didn’t paint the floor with mucus.

Dear Oracle,

Spitting Image --------------

I was recently showing a visiting friend around Southend seafront. As we began our tour at the top of the cliff lift, a rather out-of-shape man in shabby shorts and a dirty vest - clearly trying to catch his breath following a jog - spat right in front of us. I apologised to my guest and we walked away, down the steps. Having caught his breath, the man then chose the same route, jogging past us on the other side of the railing. As we arrived at the bottom, there he was, even redder-faced, gasping for air. He spat in front of us again. I held my tongue. However, on the third occasion I asked, politely, if he would mind not spitting as it was not very nice for other people. Without even a pause to process my sentence, he instantly launched into a tirade of foul language and abuse. He yelled something about spitting because he was running, but the rest was simply aggression and threats. I do not believe that it’s acceptable to spit in public, whether taking physical exercise or not, but this man’s ignorant outburst certainly was not acceptable. This will now be my good friend’s first and lasting memory of Southend-on-Sea. How embarassing for us all.

Mark

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September 2016

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WHAT’S ON Strength & Balance Classes 5th Sept, 2.30pm, St Augustine’s Hall. 6th Sept, 10.45am, Christchurch Centre.

8th Sept, 10.15am, Holy Trinity Hall. If you have balance problems, call Elaine (PSI): 01702 582231. £5 per session.

Tony Compton & Jane Compton – Accordion and Flute Lunchtime Recital FREE Wed 14th Sept, 12.15–1.00pm.

Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue SS2 6ER. Retiring collection, all are welcome to attend.

Arts Council Open Day FREE Sun 11th Sept, 10am–4pm.

Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road SS0 7RA. Tables with local drama, musical societies, crafts and choirs.

WI Southchurch Village Friends Meeting Every 2nd Monday, 7.30pm. The Hamstel Children & Families Centre, Hamstel Rd SS2 4PQ. 12th Sept – Eve Regelous and membership reopened. New members very welcome.

Thorpe Bay Horticultural Society Autumn Flower & Homecraft Show Sat 17th Sept, 2.15pm. St Augustine’s Church hall. Bric-a-brac, plant stall, refreshments. Entrance 50p. Call: 01702 588297 for more info.

Trust Links: Walking Together Sponsored Walk Sat 17th Sept, 8.30am–2pm. Growing Together, Elm Road, Shoeburyness SS3 9RZ. 12 mile from Shoeburyness to Thundersley. Visit: www.trustlinks.org/events_134_WalkingTogether-Sponsored-Walk for more information.

Bat Walk FREE Sat 17th Sept, 7.30am–8.30pm, Hadleigh Country Park, Chapel Lane SS7 2PP. Tour listening with special bat detectors. Bring warm clothes, sturdy boots and torch. To book or for info, email: EBGpublicity@gmail.com.

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The Show Choir with Marion Storey & Friends FREE Sat 24th Sept, 7.30pm–9.30pm. Rochford Congregational Church, North Street SS4 1AB. Refreshments in interval.

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Advertorial

A fine state of affairs Who will manage your affairs if you lose mental or physical capacity? Who will make decisions on your behalf, control your assets and organise your care?

Instead of preparing while we are fit enough to, many of us choose to put off dealing with such unwanted eventualities until the inevitable happens and by then, it's too late.

Who would you trust with your life?

In the event that you are unable to make decisions for yourself due to mental or physical incapacity, Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) gives someone you trust – such as a relative or a friend – the power to make decisions on your behalf. Without it, all decisions will have to made through a lengthy, costly and highly restrictive court process and you still may not get what you want.

What kind of LPA do I need?

There are two types of LPA for you to choose from or you can have both: Property and Financial Affairs LPA – This type of LPA gives your attorney the authority to deal with buying and selling your property, your bills, bank

ORACLE estate planning

In association with Countrywide SE LLP

accounts and investments. This can be used while someone is still capable but has chosen to delegate to their attorney.

Personal Welfare LPA – This LPA can only be used when you have lost capacity and are unable to make decisions for yourself. It gives someone you trust authority to make decisions about where you should live and what medical treatment you should receive.

Who can help me?

When estate planning, it is important that you can rely on the adviser that you choose to put your trust in. Oracle Estate Planning offers a friendly and professional estate planning service, including Will Writing, LPAs, Trusts and Funeral Plans. We offer a confidential, reliable and professional service that will give you the best possible advice at the time you need it most.

So, don't leave it too late – to arrange an informal chat or meeting, which can be held at our offices or in the comfort of your home, or for any further information or advice, please feel free to contact me on 01702 393838.

by Clive Rowe

O

Oracle Estate Planning in association with Countrywide SE LLP 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

September 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

57

Advertorial

The SECAT combination for success Schools within Shoeburyness have a long tradition of working together for the benefit of the young people in our community. More recently, in 2013, the Shoebury Education Partnership (SEP) was born; further cementing the collaborative work of local schools in sharing ideas, resources and in offering support and challenge.

Welcome, MAT

Some of the schools from the SEP have now taken the next step of working even more closely together by formalising the partnership under the status of a MAT.

• Shoeburyness High School • Thorpedene Primary School • Hinguar Community Primary School and Nursery • Bournes Green Infant School

A MAT, or Multi-Academy Trust, is a group of individual academies who work together under a common board of Trustees and a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), whilst still retaining their own governance and Head Teachers. A MAT provides centralised services on the business side, which allows the member schools to make savings which can be used to provide more resources for students’ education.

Our MAT is called the Southend East Community Academy Trust (SECAT) and is a partnership between:

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Strength in numbers Improved communication between schools and families will allow a seamless transition for the students through the phases of their education.

The experience of primary school teachers with numeracy and literacy strategies such as phonics and SPAG (spelling punctuation and grammar) in key

58

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September 2016

stages 1 and 2 will support their secondary school colleagues in maintaining progress in key stage 3 and beyond.

The capacity of the secondary school will be used to support its primary partners with specialist programmes in subjects such as languages, science and the creative arts. This means that children from as early as year 3 will get specialist teaching in specialist facilities.

Learning will be at the heart of everything the MAT does and every decision it takes – education is the key focus.

Greater than the sum of its parts The formation of SECAT marks another historic milestone in the development of educational opportunities in our local area. The schools within our community continue to go from strength to strength, as shown by the recognition received from Ofsted and the Regional Commissioner’s office.

All of the schools within SECAT are very excited and positive about the benefits our partnership will provide. We have already seen children from Thorpedene take part in science activities in a collaboration between their staff and Shoeburyness High School staff, taking advantage of the specialist facilities at Shoeburyness High School.

of all the expertise, resources and facilities across the Trust for the benefit of all.

by Mark Schofield

O

Chief Executive Officer, SECAT Headteacher, Shoeburyness High School

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All for one and one for all SECAT has a responsibility to all students who attend any partnership school – to ensure they receive the best provision possible. This is exactly what we intend to do; to make full and flexible use

September 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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