September Leigh Oracle 2012 by Oracle Publications

Leigh-on-Sea

September 2012

ORACLE Leigh at a glance

Est. Oct 2006. Circulation 5,500

Oracle Competition WIN! ÂŁ100 Voucher with Andraste Medispa

Local Issues

Is our local ecology and coast under threat?

Travel Expert Las Vegas for the girls

Under the Hammer Bank on it!

Recipe Toad in the hole

Leigh

OR ACLE

publisher’s letter

his month’s Local Issues has been written by Ron Woodley on a very important local environment issue that everybody should be made aware of and is a real concern for Southend’s foreshore. Oracle’s competition this month has been kindly donated by Andraste Medispa who are a ground breaking specialist spa who specialise in non invasive anti ageing treatments for the face and body, using state of the art high tech equipment with guaranteed and immediate results. One lucky winner will be given a voucher worth £100 to spend on any of their treatments. Please check out their website www.andrastemedispa.co.uk or call 01702 333540 for further information. To enter simply send in your contact details to, Oracle/Andraste Medispa, 39 Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1BW or email info@oraclepublications.co.uk closing date 28th September.

Emma Wynne-Morgan Publisher

01702 393838

39 Alexandra Street, Southend, Essex SS1 1BW

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contents Local Issues Is our local ecology and coast under threat? By Ron Woodley

9/10

Caught in the Middle Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith

Threat of Inheritance Tax Money Matters by Jacqui Moyies

Toad in the hole Judy's Recipe Page

Las Vegas for the girls Travel Expert by Karen Goldman

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Bank on it! 30 Under the Hammer by Trevor Cornforth Sudoku

Diary Dates

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C A R PE T S

Local Issues

Is our local ecology and coast under threat? T

he Thames Estuary is a finely balanced natural habitat that has developed over millennia where eroded mud and sand from North Sea coastal regions and elsewhere is deposited by tidal currents and flows. Much of the sand and mudflats off Southend are designated as SSI areas, sights of Special Scientific Interest. The Estuary mudflats contain all manner of life including small crustaceans, worms and shellfish.These are sources of food for much wildlife including many species of fish and birds, many of which migrate to the estuary specifically for the food it provides. The Thames has also been a source of food supply for people over thousands of years. Fish caught by local fisherman spawn in the mudflats and in the past the Burges Estate included Oyster beds in the Estuary. Even now residents can harvest oysters providing they are for personal consumption. However, recently councillors and residents have complained about gangs stripping oysters from the mudflats on an industrial scale and leaving behind razor sharp shells for any unsuspecting person walking out to the sea having the possibility of having their feet badly cut. SEPTEMBER

2012

This practice of industrial harvesting of our oyster beds has coincidentally raised and possibly revealed a far larger problem. It would seem that the reason oysters are more vulnerable is that they are more exposed and visibly prominent than before. Normally they are buried away in the mud but it now appears that the mud and sand is disappearing. Simple observation from the shore reveals that the mud is being eroded on a huge scale which in certain areas has revealed the natural pebble core. I would advise anyone to go and look at the changes around the Crowstone area at Westcliff where virtually all the mud has disappeared. The Crowstone area is not the only place where changes are taking place, I recently walked out to the Mulberry Harbour; something I have not done for a couple of years. There appear to be more pockets of holes in the mud and sand and when out there the sand around the harbour was soft in places and ankle deep instead of being firm to stand on. This was not previously the case. At the same time local in-shore fisherman are reporting that the quantity and quality of fish is

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severely depleted with some species disappearing. Local cockle fishermen are reporting that over the past 2 seasons much of the cockle spat (the newborn) has died and those that are there are small and full of sand, a sign of stress. There is a large shellfish industry in Leigh dependent upon the cockle harvest. As well as the financial concerns for our local economy there is the potential death of a fantastic natural habitat which depends upon the mud and sands as a source of food. We desperately need to address this now and try to determine exactly what is happening. I hope that this article and recent coverage of this situation in the local press will raise the profile of this huge problem. The concerns are so great that the Environment Agency is now investigating the cause and have stated that there has been a significant loss of mudflats at Leigh, Chalkwell and Thorpe Bay.They are taking the unprecedented step of asking people what changes they have noticed along the foreshore by way of a public notice.There is a suggestion that this could be to do with the weather and the diminishing silt may well be a natural situation caused by rising sea levels, but Is it a coincidence that these severe and there is scepticism about this. potentially disastrous changes to the Thames Estuary and our foreshore have happened following the dredging of a 300 metre wide channel from the former Shell Haven Oil Refinery to the Maplin Sands for the new container port near Stanford-le-Hope? Some side effects were forecast and fishermen in the Canvey area have been compensated but this could potentially be a far bigger problem if a link is established. Importantly, we need to remember that the mudflats also provide a natural â&#x20AC;&#x153;damperâ&#x20AC;? for wave action and help protect the beach and foreshore infrastructure from erosion.Maybe one of the other questions we should be asking is this the real reason why our shore defences along Shoebury Common and other areas need to be reinforced? Ron Woodley Chair, Burges Estate Residents Association. 10

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Oracle Hair & Beauty

Caught in the Middle E

very once in a while comes a trend that inspires us to step out of our comfort zones and take a walk on the wild side. Currently in Hollywood, the bare midriff is the hot look as it flaunts one of the most desired symbols of beauty and health today: flat, toned abs. Yes, the thought of bare bellies can be terrifying to most of us who don’t spend 4-hours each day in the gym, but a midriff-revealing ensemble can translate into a sophisticated and chic look even if you don’t have a Jessica Ennis style 6-pack. You don't have to go all out Britney or Shakira and expose your entire stomach to pull off this sultry clothing trend. As Kristen Stewart demonstrated at the Snow White and the Huntsman premiere, it's all about showing just a hint of skin. It's enough to turn heads and make a statement, without being overly revealing. There’s actually nothing new about revealing the midriff, it was introduced to fashion in 1932 by French designer Madeleine Vionnet when she offered an evening gown with strategically cut openings at the waist. Through the 1960s' sexual revolution, the popularity of halters, tube tops and crop tops in the 1970s, Madonna in the 1980’s and so onwards through naval piercing to today. But that’s just Western culture - the cholis (the blouse under the sari) worn by some Indian women also exposes a thin section of midriff, usually 3 to 4 inches, though the garment is not known for

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having sexual connotations and is traditionally a mark of modesty. So if you’re not a gym bunny, how do you go about pulling off this trend without making yourself look ridiculous? Admittedly, putting together a bare-midriff ensemble seems simple enough—just pair a crop top with a skirt or trousers. But if it's a sophisticated and chic look you're after, there are a few specifics you should note.To avoid looking too casual, you'll want to choose a top that is fitted (but not in a fabric that is clingy or stretchy – unless you are deliberately aiming for the My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding look). Modest dressers will want a top that hits a few inches below the bust line or lower. A high-waisted bottom is key – perhaps go for a skirt with a longer hemline than normal as that balances things up. And colour wise, if you are worried about being a little porky round the middle, then black is – and always will be - the most slimming of all colours.

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Money Matters

Do you have the Will to protect your wealth from the ever-present threat of Inheritance Tax?

t seems like a long time since the Conservative Party said it would raise the Inheritance Tax (IHT) threshold, above which deceased estates are taxed at 40%. Since forming the coalition government they have yet to turn those words into action and have confirmed the threshold will remain unchanged until at least 2015. Indeed, in their first year of office IHT receipts rose by 14% (Source: Telegraph 28/4/12). The days are long gone when IHT could reasonably be regarded as a tax only for the very wealthy. Many of us still think that we are unlikely to be affected by it, but many of us would be wrong. The IHT threshold – officially known as the ‘nil rate band’ – currently stands at £325,000. Consider what your house is worth today. For many people, this alone is enough to exceed the threshold. Married couples and civil partners can pass assets to each other without paying IHT, while they are alive or on their death. It is now possible for the surviving spouse or partner to leave assets of up to £650,000 before IHT becomes payable. (It’s important to remember that the full nil rate band of £650,000 is not available to unmarried couples.) Thankfully, there are a number of things you can do to reduce any liability. A good place to

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start is with your Will. Everyone should consider having a Will and, just as important, one that is IHT-efficient. If you own a business, your Will should cover your business assets unless you have made appropriate succession plans with your partners. And you should review it whenever your circumstances change – a subsequent marriage, for example, automatically invalidates a Will. There are other well-proven methods to reduce IHT, and one is making gifts during your lifetime. These reduce the size of your estate and therefore the size of any IHT bill. Potentially the most generous exemption for IHT purposes, however, is the one that allows you to make regular gifts as part of normal expenditure from your income. Remember that IHT is a complex area and, without professional help, it can be very easy to get things wrong. by Jacqui Moyies To receive a complimentary guide covering Wealth Management Retirement Planning or Inheritance Tax Planning, contact Jacqui on :

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Advertorial

Belfairs Academy - Shaping The Future R iding on the crest of success, Belfairs has much in common with the London 2012 Olympic Games motto ‘Inspire a generation’ but a fundamental difference is that the new Academy aspires to inspire at a local level, focusing on our home grown talent and extending the pursuit of excellence beyond sporting prowess. We want all our students to fulfil their potential, intellectually, emotionally and socially and because we are a fully inclusive academy, it’s a level playing field!

September 2012 is a new chapter in the history of the school with the transition to academy status and the appointment of a new head coach for Team Belfairs, alias the new Principal, Mrs Beverley Williams. She will continue to build on the successful training regime that has been gathering momentum over the years and similar to the resounding achievements of the British cycling team, Belfairs, as a forward thinking academy will be innovative in getting the best out of all its students. All the teaching /coaching staff are astute in recognising raw talent and each and every child attending Belfairs will be accepted and valued as an individual with the potential for enormous growth and development. Obviously, they will be expected to put the effort in and raise their game to peak at their personal best.

environment that promotes achievement? Further to a major building programme, significant investment has ensured that the facilities at Belfairs are the best your child can experience in order to optimise performance.

Although Belfairs has big ideas and an imagination that knows no bounds we don’t want our students to feel like a number on the starting blocks. To ensure that each and every student is known and their progress closely monitored the Academy functions on the basis of three distinct hubs Operating in this way means we are always aware if students aren’t crossing the finishing line when they should. Perhaps they have pulled a muscle or are experiencing a short burst of cramp. Either way we are quick to put the right support in at the right time.

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SEPTEMBER 2012

students to progress rapidly, reap the educational benefits and realise ambitions; a highly professional staff at the top of their game who are motivated by excellent human resource practice that encourages continuous professional development and values them for the critical asset they are; a focus on strong leadership which is values driven and communicates clearly and concisely the ethos and vision of Belfairs; a collaborative approach to achieving excellence which is wholly inclusive, actively engaging parents/carers, local businesses, stakeholders; and a greater emphasis on community development Intellectual or vocational agility we do and do well, where the benefits are reciprocal in terms of drawing physical contortion we don’t do at all! on expertise and knowledge as well as contributing to Irrespective of whether your child is a Bolt, Ennis, community projects to enhance the locality for all. Farrah,Trot or Hoy, Belfairs will see them over the finish A warm-up event taking place shortly which is worthy line.They may not all achieve gold, silver or bronze, but of a calendar entry in the diary is 27th September. irrespective of their ranking we will all be confident in the knowledge that they achieve their absolute Open Evening for Prospective personal best when they leave Belfairs. Parents/Carers This is an opportunity to visit the Academy, meet the staff and get a feel for the place where your child can develop their self-confidence, self-worth, be encouraged to explore their creativity and innovative thinking. Emphasis is placed on team working and effective communication skills. Belfairs has the ability to innovate and transform learning approaches as well as exercise greater flexibility to meet diverse needs. The Academy has more autonomy with regards to curriculum design whilst still meeting the requirements of all academic routes. We tailor the curriculum to the individual student rather than bend and shape the student to fit the curriculum.

Your child’s achievement will be down to a range of factors including co-operation, motivation, dedication, collaboration and transformation. It will all have been the culmination of ‘Shaping the Future’ which dismantled the virtual walls of Belfairs and saw education evolve into a product of mass community engagement.

‘In a time of drastic change it is the learners who inherit the future. The learned usually find themselves equipped to live in a world that no longer exists’.

Eric Hoffer (1902-1983) American philosopher and author

01702 509000 Belfairs High School ,Leigh on Sea, Essex, SS9 3TG SEPTEMBER 2012

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SEPTEMBER 2012

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recipe of the month

For onion gravy 25g unsalted butter 2 large onions, halved and thinly sliced ½ tsp sugar 1 tbsp plain flour 600ml fresh beef stock or made from 2 cubes 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce ½ tsp English mustard 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

In the Kitchen with Judy Barden

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 220°C/fan200°C/gas 7. Pour 1 tbsp olive oil into a 1.5-litre shallow roasting tin and preheat in the oven. Sift the flour and salt into a bowl. Make a well in the centre, add the eggs and milk, and whisk to a smooth batter.

2. Wrap 8 rashers smoked streaky bacon around 8 pork sausages. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan and cook the sausages for 5 minutes, until browned on all sides.

3. Meanwhile make the gravy. Melt the butter in a large frying pan, add the onions and sugar and cook over a medium heat, stirring now and then, for 20-30 minutes until very soft and nicely browned. Stir in the flour and cook for a few seconds, then slowly add the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and thyme leaves. Season, then simmer for 20 minutes. Toad in the hole with Tomatoes and Rosemary

oad in the hole is a family favourite. The key to making the yorkshire pudding puff up is ensuring that the fat is really hot, so make sure the oil is shimmering hot before you add the batter. A quick transfer to the oven is also key. Serve with good mash. Enjoy!

4. Arrange the browned sausages in the preheated dish and pour the batter around them. Dot the batter with a handful of vine-ripened cherry tomatoes and a few rosemary leaves and return to the oven for 20-25 minutes, until risen and browned. Next month’s recipe:

‘ Thai Chicken Burgers with Cucumber Relish' Sponsored by

Ingredients 2 tbsp sunflower oil 250g plain flour, ½ tsp salt 4 eggs, lightly beaten 300ml milk 8 rashers smoked streaky bacon 8 pork sausages A handful of vine-ripened cherry tomatoes A few rosemary leaves

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Travel Expert

Las Vegas for the girls By Karen Goldman

as Vegas is an ideal destination for a Once you have been pampered from top to toe, birthday celebration or a hen weekend. you can hit the shops, where you will find everything from huge shopping malls, to designer Even without a celebration, it is a great holiday boutiques and speciality and outlet stores. The away with the girls.There are so many things to see opening of the Fashion Show Mall, just opposite the and do that you can be guaranteed to be Wynn Hotel, means that Las Vegas is becoming a entertained throughout the day and night. rival to the New York shopping scene. When it comes to choosing a hotel in Las Vegas there is something to suit all budgets. Most are resorts in their own right with shopping malls, spa facilities, theatres and the odd gaming table or two ! I find the Wynn and Bellagio hotels are the most popular. These are both very central and offer fantastic facilities and luxurious furnishings. The Wynn has 45 treatment rooms in their Spa, offering massages, body treatments, facials and hydrotherapy. There is also a gymnasium, swimming pool and sauna.

Las Vegas really comes to life in the evening with hundreds of shows and concerts to choose from, as well as a huge amount of restaurants, bars and nightclubs to suit all tastes.You can also try your luck at the vast number of casinos all along the Strip. The most popular excursion is of course The Grand Canyon. You can take a helicopter over the Hoover Dam and onto to the Grand Canyon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; spectacular ! A number of the trips also include a night time ride over The Strip on the way back. The pound is strong against the dollar at the moment and therefore it is a good time to visit the USA as it is very good value. Both British Airways and Virgin now have direct flights to Las Vegas.

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Under The Hammer

Bank on it! By Trevor Cornforth

s the auction market has changed, and it does on a very regular basis, the importance of some of the specialist auction rooms around the country has been reduced. Live internet sales are the main reason because sales such as ours have access to exactly the same customers as the major auction houses. The important difference for both sellers and buyers, though, is that we charge less commission and have much more regular sales. Recently we were given instructions on a couple of specialist collections and the sellers were very pleased with the results. The first was an unusual retirement collection of mostly modern postage and commemorative stamps but with incredible amounts of printing details. Not long ago it would have been hard to access the right buyers, and even now I was a little uncertain, but sure enough they found us and fought tooth and nail for what they wanted and, let’s face it, that’s what you need in an auction.

An album of British and Commonwealth stamps sold at £550 The following sale we were presented with coins and bank notes and once again they found their mark. With thousands of people viewing each auction online I guess it isn’t surprising though and the lots have now set off to their new homes around the world. Militaria and collections of medals are also very sought after at the moment so ideally suited for sale by auction. So, don’t forget if you need advice on single items, collections or a full estate then we are only a short drive or a phone call away.

A 19th C Bank Note Designer's business "card" in the form of a bank note sold at £50.

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aving been open now for getting on three years Volkswagen Van Centre Chelmsford are delighted to announce that Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles have awarded Chelmsford Van Centre Tour Dealer status from January 2012.

opening. We are really excited to now be able to offer this fantastic vehicle to Essex and the surrounding area". For further information with regard the Volkswagen California or any other exciting Commercial vehicle products please call.

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MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING Sat 29th September from 10.30am At Beach Hut 503 (On the promenade close to car park & Uncle Tom's Cabin Thorpe Bay) Delicious Cakes and Coffee, Raffle - All proceeds to Macmillan Nurses SOUTH ESSEX NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY 01702 588 115 Global History of Otters Thurs 20th September 7.30pm, Southend Central Museum Talk given by Dr Daniel Allen. Rainham Marshes Sun 16th Sept 10.30am Meet at RSPB car park. Free to RSPB members, otherwise, ÂŁ2.50 for adults. Moth Night Vera Tring's, Call SENHS for more information. Exact date to be announced. www.oraclepublications.co.uk www.twitter.com/oracle_essex

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