Thorpe Bay Oracle - March 10

March ‘10

Thorpe Bay

ORACLE Thorpe Bay at a glance Est. Sept 2005. Circulation 4,500

Local Issues Planning?What Planning?

Oracle Films Alice inWonderland & Clash of theTitans

Hair & Beauty HairToday,GoneTomorrow

Recipe of the Month Prawn Ricotta and Spinach Pasta

New Oracle Motoring

Tiffins exáàtâÜtÇà 9 _ÉâÇzx UtÜ

An Electrifying Future?

Fine Indian Cuisine

...also serving fresh-ground coffee, light bites and other lunch specials in our lounge bar...

01702 618678 No.1 Eastern Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2ER (Next to the Kursaal)

Look confident, feel confident...

Breast enhancement in a day at Phoenix Hospital Affordable, pioneering breast surgery - your chance to talk to our Consultant Surgeons Ophthalmology Dermatology

General Surgery Orthopaedics

Specialist Breast Seminar Tuesday 23rd March, 7.30pm Call 01702 608908 to reserve your place Gynaecology

Laser Treatment

Cosmetic Surgery 3D Baby Scans

w w w. p h o e n i x h o s p i t a l . c o . u k

Thorpe Bay

ORACLE publisher’s letter

N

ew to Oracle this month is a Motoring article from Darren Nash of Planet Leasing.

For those car enthusiasts amongst you, Darren has given an update on how the Electric car is progressing within this very competitive market. Cllr.Ron Woodley has taken Local Issues spot, highlighting his continued concern with planning for Southend and Judy’s recipe this month is the type of cooking I like, quick and simple.

For those of you who have Mothers amongst you a reminder that Mother’s Day falls on Sunday March 14th. I had not realised that the UK holds the prestige of being the first country in the world to dedicate a special day for mothers, originating as early as the 17th century. Enjoy your day whatever you decide to do. As a suggestion if you fancy spending your day in Leigh then there is a great local website unique to Leigh: www.leigh-on-sea.com well worth browse.

Enjoy!

Emma Wynne-Morgan Publisher

01702 393838 www.oraclepublications.co.uk info@oraclepublications.co.uk Printed by EVONPRINT, Small Dole, Sussex 01273 494631 MARCH

2010

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ORACLE ...Not just for weddings

March ‘10

Whether you’re catching an early morning business flight or simply want a fabulous end to a night at the theatre, relax in the luxury of a chauffeured Mercedes.

contents Local Issues

9/10

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith

16/17

Alice inWonderland & Clash of theTitans 20 Film Reviews by Andrew Dex Book Corner Reviews by Victoria Carew Hunt

34

The Grass isn’t always Greener...

Oracle Gardening by Marion Nasskau

38

Reducing Stress Levels Health & Beauty by Sarah Ellis

40

Su Doku

44

Diary Dates

48

Useful Numbers

52

Advertiser Index

54

Advertorials

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AbbeygateChauffeurs.com 01702 313800 43 Highfield Gardens, Westcliff, SS0 0SY

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Prawn Ricotta and Spinach Pasta Judy’s Recipe Page

Shoebury School

Fares and other services available on our website:

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An Electrifying Future?

Oracle Motoring by Planet Leasing

Jerry Bell Hairdressing

Quality Service Our prestige vehicles and uniformed staff will make you feel a million dollars but won’t cost the earth.

7 50/51 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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2010

MARCH

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Alan Blunden & Co Ltd Offering expert insurance advice in our local area since 1946

Competitive quotations for all General Insurance Products including: l d O O O

Commercial Insurance – Shops, tradesman liability, offices etc Home Insurance Travel Insurance

Call us for your free, without obligation quotation, on 01702 456321 or pop into our office – 7th Floor Maitland House, Warrior Square, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2NB (located behind the Nat West Bank).

Alan Blunden Insurance Brokers Alan Blunden & Company Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) – authority number 309694. Produced by Aura Design Limited 10/09 AD1638

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New! Brazilian Blow-Dry service New to Jerry Bell, this revolutionary, hair smoothing-system transforms hair from cuticle to tip eliminating up to 95% of ‘frizz’ & curl leaving the hair softer, smoother and shinier.Hair is rejuvenated and revitalised, becoming easier to blow-dry and is no longer effected by humidity or rain. Keratin, the natural hair protein, is infused deep into the hair follicle and, being completely natural, won’t damage your hair. Results are immediately visible after treatment which is suitable for all hair-types whether coloured, permed, highlighted or bleached.

A cutting edge just got sharper New Creative Consultant appointed Jerry Bell is delighted to introduce Joel Grant

J

erry Bell hairdressing pays attention to all of their clients’ needs to create a complete, luxury experience from the first step into the salon to the highly-trained team giving professional advice tailored to each individual client. Communication between stylist and client is essential to ensure the perfect style .

With this in mind, every haircut begins with a full consultation to establish the look you are trying to achieve and how we can make it work for you. All of the Jerry Bell team undergo continual training to keep them on top of the latest techniques and products to maintain the level of service provided to clients.

Jerry Bell’s reputation has not only been earned on the shop floor but extends through their many successes in professional hairdressing competitions and high-profile,photographic work.

We believe that a great haircut and colour is not only external but internal too, making you look fantastic on the outside and feel great on the inside.

MARCH

2010

Once the Keratin is applied, it’s sealed into the follicle by the application of a hot-iron which traps in the moisture, hydrates the hair and creates a glossy finish. The results last up to three/four months and, unlike other straightening systems, makes the hair healthier and stronger with every repetition. Prices start from £75 for men and £130 for women. The price includes complimentary shampoo and conditioner.

Contact Jerry Bell for more details or to book an appointment.

25% discount on a cut and blow dry from Joel Grant is being offered to all new salon clients. Simply mention Oracle when you book your appointment with Joel.

JERRY BELL HAIRDRESSING

01702 588404 191 The Broadway, Thorpe Bay

www.jerrybellhairdressing.co.uk Open: Mon-Fri 9-6pm (Late Night: Tue till 8pm) Sat: 8-6pm.

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Re-upholstery & Antique Restoration by experienced local craftsmen

High-quality craftsmanship :FREE Specialists in Young Bros. and Coopers Estimates 3-Piece Suites made to your specifications Curtains made-to-measure Extensive library of fabrics including:Voyage, Villa Nova, Ross, Linwood etc.

Very competitive rates

All work carried out in the Poynters Lane Workshop

PETER J. WEDDELL Upholstery . Antique Restoration . Loose Covers Middle Barn, New House Farm, Poynters Lane SS3 9TS

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MARCH

2010

Local Issues

Planning? What Planning?

S

Our town is desperately short of affordable family housing but all that seems to have been built in recent years is flats, frequently sold to buy-to-let investors.Our roads are in chaos and the only money spent on them makes them narrower and puts speed humps on feeder Some five years ago the town was promised, routes. within a year, a ‘Seafront Area Action Plan’ that would promote a comprehensive, unified plan Architectural Vandalism for redevelopment and improvement of the The local publication that does not carry a town’s greatest amenity.This should have been letter or article protesting about a new part of a larger plan that would include development is a rarity. Over the years many of development objectives and initiatives includus have complained about unsightly over ing the town centre. development, particularly of flats, being built Unfortunately these plans have not yet throughout the borough, but it would seem materialised and as a result our town has we are no closer to stopping this architectural suffered inappropriate overdevelopment in vandalism today than we were five years ago. virtually every ward. A town that lacks any Residents have successfully opposed some formalised plan for its ongoing development, developments, but, in my view, developers still improvement, architectural style and seem to have the upper hand. appearance is quite clearly going to be at the Residents frequently ask me; Why professional mercy of any developer, whether scrupulous or engineering advice to prevent cliff slippage otherwise. was ignored (if not flouted by the removal of ince the Oracle was launched I have contributed a handful of articles focussed on planning and development in Thorpe Bay. This month I am examining these issues across the whole of Southend.

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2010

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mature trees) resulting in the loss of the Bandstage and a large area of cliff top? And why, after 7 years has absolutely nothing been done to remedy the damage?

Complete Demolition Why has the Council allowed Esplanade House on the seafront to remain in its present state for over a year when it should have insisted on complete demolition and clearance of the site?

The developer is currently applying for planning permission for a 12 storey block whilst simultaneously appealing to the Planning Inspectorate for permission to erect an 18 storey block. But the Council has only recently granted planning approval for a new pier incorporating a restaurant opposite. With no planning approval yet granted for the main development how can anyone possibly know whether the proposed pier and restaurant building will complement the architecture on the landward side?

Why hasn’t the Pier Hill redevelopment been completed, more than 5 years after the Council signed it off? The stairway at its base is still incomplete. The retail units could have generated in excess of £120,000 in rental income yet remained empty because of water penetration. This has only recently been repaired at a cost to us, the taxpayer, not the developer, of £135,000.

Why are the Council commencing their absurdly titled ‘City Beach’ project when the foregoing issues are still outstanding and worse still, doing nothing to try and improve the architectural appearance of the landward side of Marine Parade?

Chaos In recent years extensive work on the new bus lane caused chaos at Victoria Circus. Only recently the underpass there was closed for months for extensive redevelopment work.

The Council now wants to close the underpass altogether and completely change the junction.

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Ugly Sites Why has the Council suddenly decided that this junction is unattractive? It is said that, on entering the town, the back of the Odeon Cinema and Sainsbury’s car park are not visually appealing. The Council only approved both developments in the recent past. This raises the question if these town centre edifices are so ugly why were they allowed to be built in the first place?

I return to my central theme – nothing will change until the town has formulated and approved a comprehensive model for both conservation and redevelopment.We are now advised that the Council is ‘only months away’ from presenting its ‘Town Centre and Seafront Area Action Plan’. Meanwhile, all the taxpayer can do is contemplate the madness of an administration that makes such promises but first commences the complete redevelopment of the Victoria Circus junction.

I hope that if we ever get the Action Plan it will have been worth the wait.If that is the case, the sooner we can implement it the sooner the ruination of our town will cease.

Ron Woodley Independent Councillor Thorpe Ward

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Oracle Hair & Beauty

HairToday,GoneTomorrow

by Craig Smith

T

his month let’s deal with a taboo and talk about those locks you really don’t want to style,swish,colour,perm or plait (unless you’re very odd). We’re gonna talk about unwanted hair us boys feel the need to shave,tweeze and sometimes even wax.

As men approach the golden age of 30,it’s usual to start getting odd strands of hair protruding from their noses, or ears. Speaking as a fella, it’s so frustrating – just at the time of life when I spend hours stressing about whether I’m going thin on top, I’m also battling to conceal fuzz sprouting elsewhere. I feel like King Canute trying to command waves of hair! And chaps, don’t laugh, I know you do too…

The bad news is that as you age, more and more stray nasal hairs will become evident and left untreated,you could end up looking like you’ve got two small black hamsters shoved up each nostril!

And if that wasn’t bad enough, from this point onwards you'll be growing up to one centimetre of ear hair each month. Over a year, that’s practically a chinchilla.

Hooter hair is designed to act as a filter and prevent dirt and daily pollutants from entering your nose. Those rogue nasal hairs have always been there, but with time and hormonal changes they get a growth spurt – so now is the time to trim.

But first, let’s dispel an urban myth - unlike ladies and their‘area,’that some tame so dramatically that they will take a machete to it - trimmed nasal hair will not grow back thicker and faster.So relax, hold the tip of your nose and get snipping – although there are a few do's and don'ts...

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- Trimming is the key word in nasal grooming.

You should never pluck nasal hairs with tweezers.

Plucking not only hurts like crazy, but it can also cause small lesions and painful infections. In addition, some nasal hair is good to protect your nasal passage and keep it clean. Only trim unsightly, outer hairs.

- Trim the protruding hairs with a pair of bluntended scissors. Take care and trim only as far as you can easily see in a mirror – please don't stick the scissors up your snitch, unless you want to look like Daniela Westbrook.You may find it useful to push the tip of your nose upwards to give you better access.

- The best way to trim unwanted nasal hair quickly, safely and painlessly is probably with a nasal hair trimmer and there are a number of specialist trimmers on the market. They trim using either a rotating blade which spins in one continuous direction, or an oscillating blade which rotates left to right. Both styles deliver good results, but it is believed that an oscillating blade is less painful.

Now your schnozzle’s sorted – let’s turn to your ears. Unlike your nose, there are a multitude of methods for making your ears look less furry – tweezing, scissors, electric trimmer, even waxing.

First rule, there is a right time and place – you need a large mirror with a strong light source so the ‘dog can see the rabbit.’

Turn your head sideways so you can see your ear.

If you need to, use your spare hand to hold your ear. If you are tweezing – just do one hair at a time, yanking might be quicker but it just makes

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MARCH

2010

the pain worse. If you are brandishing scissors, cut as close to the base of the hair as possible, taking great care not to do a Van Gogh!

If you want to get technical, you can buy specialist ear trimmers, both manual and electric. And if you are really in to your grooming, you can buy specialist wax products.

Whatever method you choose, don’t forget to clean up with a cotton swab and remove any stray hair that you've missed, and sanitize your tools. Follow these simple tips and you’ll never look like your auditioning for the lead role in a Werewolf film.

I used to be a Werewolf but I’m alright nooooooooooooooow!

For all your hair and beauty issues write to beauty@oraclepublications.co.uk Sponsored by

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O

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2010

Nath an’s alwa price ys 1 s in 0 t

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he n ew s al on th a n are hi s u s ual rate !

Devoted to providing the best Hair & Beauty services

Ready yourself for the summer months, and be pampered to perfection with rejuvenating beauty treatments, followed by a hair make over. Or why not have your hair and nails done at the same time!

Come and visit Nathan and Jolanta’s private Hair and Beauty Salon, where you will be offered innovative, creative, relaxing and personal service.

Nathan has re-opened his own salon in Barling, in tranquil and beautiful surroundings, where he is offering his hairdressing expertise and undivided attention. Experience a tailored consultation, before receiving professional hair styling services. Nathan has been in the hairdressing industry for the last 25 years, has worked in different countries-gaining his experience and always committed himself to continually learning the latest techniques.

The salon also uses and sells the best in hair care products.

The beauty area offers an exceptional range of natural, holistic treatments, designed specifically to promote feelings of well being and general good health. Luxury, organic Primavera skin care products are used with all body and facial treatments -and are free of synthetic ingredients, parabens and all genetically modified plants.

Jolanta is also a qualified British Wheel of Yoga teacher and employs a holistic approach to treat all of her clients. So come and lose yourself with a therapeutic beauty treatment, followed by a relaxing yoga lesson.

Other services offered include:

BRAZILIAN HAIR SMOOTHING SYSTEM (prices start at £100) Quotes are given for a partial applications

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3D EYE LASH EXTENSIONS EYELASH AND EYEBROW TINTING MANICURES PEDICURES WAXING MAKE UP/BRIDAL MAKE UP BACK AND HEAD MASSAGE FACIALS

Combined Gift Vouchers Also Available!

You can contact Nathan directly on 07717872600 and Jolanta on 07810315186 You can also visit the website for the full range of beauty and Yoga treatments at www.jolanta-yoga.co.uk Nathan still also works for Silvers Hair Salon

For the first 5 people who will bring this advert and book a Primavera facial, Jolanta will give away organic Primavera face products.

Oracle Films

by Andrew Dex

AliceInWonderland.

ClashOfTheTitans.

O

nce again the unbeatable duet of actor Johnny Depp and director Tim Burton is upon us.They’ve collaborated together before this project, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Edward Scissorhands, to name a few, and they’re back in this sequel to a classic ‘Alice in Wonderland’.

Lewis Carroll’s 1951 original continues as we now see Alice at the age of 19. She is taken back to this magical world, so why is she there again? Well she soon finds out as she must end the evil Red Queen’s reign over the land.

Comedy, adventure, and a whole bunch of enchanting characters have all been chucked into this film, as well as a $250 million budget, making it sure to be a dazzling watch.It’s been hyped up since November, so make sure you don’t miss it.

Release Date: March 5th As if Sam Worthington couldn’t have a better start to the year, the last film he appeared in was Avatar which is nominated for 9 Oscar

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awards, there is no stopping him as he comes blasting back onto our cinema screens in a remake of the 1981 classic,‘Clash of the Titans‘ The mortal son of Zeus (Liam Neeson), Perseus (Sam Worthington) is sent on a quest to the dark underworld to stop the evil Hades ruling the world.Yes, the story line may well just seem like your standard good vs.evil plot and I guess to some extent it is, but at the same time it looks like it will really hit new heights for being imaginative and spectacular.

Director Louis Leterrier is behind this one so really anything could happen. His last project was the supreme‘Incredible Hulk’which did indeed surpass the terrible efforts of the first one. So with that being said maybe this Clash of the Titans re- birth with all its CGI (Computer Generated Imagery, for those unfamiliar with this term) packaging could be more superior to the original one which has no CGI at all? We will just have to wait and see! A worthwhile watch.

Release Date: April 2nd

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MARCH

2010

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T H O R P E B AY O R A C L E

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MARCH

2010

A little corner of an English Heaven

Savour a drink and good company at the award-winning, traditional, Angel Inn, Free House. at North Shoebury

Enjoy the west-facing, beer-garden and extensive views across ripening cornfields. Thatched roof, flagstone floor, exposed timbers, wide range of Real Ales, good wines and excellent food.

No gaming machines. No loud music. No TV screens. Heaven!

The Angel Inn OPEN 11am - 11pm ( Closed 3-5:30) Mon-Sat. 12pm - 10.30pm (Closed 3:30-7.30) Sun

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MARCH

2010

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T H O R P E B AY O R A C L E

23

Book Corner

PaperbackWriter

By Victoria Carew Hunt

E

ssex born Oliver Balch, now working as a journalist in Buenos Aires has his first book,“Viva South America – a journey through published in a restless continent” paperback this month. Enjoy his journeys if you can’t get there yourself.

Try virtual travel with David Dimbleby, too.

“Seven Ages of Britain” which he wrote and

fronts, tells the history of our nation through treasures. Fans will want his book as well as watching the BBC TV, which he seems born to present. Comparing the significance of treasures from these pages adds a dimension to the story.

“The Ministry of Food” an exhibition at the

Imperial War Museum, is also enhanced by a book of the same title. Jane FearnleyWhittingstall has put this together, with the sub- title “Thrifty Wartime Ways to Feed your Family Today.” Recipes include ‘mock fish pie’ (artichokes not fish being the principal ingredient). Stylish illustrations from the ‘dig for victory’ period include a poster exhorting “use spades not ships”. We learn that ‘Kippers

24

T H O R P E B AY O R A C L E

were considered a very acceptable birthday or Christmas present.’

Two wonderful books of photographs by Don McCullin are being published this month. He became a household name with his war photography, and“Shaped by War”follows his life witnessing the Blitz as a child, through the major conflicts of the last fifty years, to his retreat to Somerset. Much unpublished work, including colour, are included in this remarkably biography.

In “Southern Frontier; A Journey Across the Roman Empire”, McCullin exhibits the fruits of

several trips over number of years in the style of distinguished Victorian artists and photographers. Historical background to sites such as Baalbek, Palmyra and Jerash, is provided by Barnaby Rogerson, and the whole is a stunning production.

O

Victoria Carew Hunt www.carew-hunt.com Victoria is a local photographer, and accepts commissions. 07850 530696

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MARCH

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MARCH

2010

Drop-side Gorgeous!

The two-seater, Knightsbridge Knoll Sofa upholstered in Niche Moretti Turquoise.

Stylish, upholstered furniture-designs with traditional standards of craftsmanship by Morris Interiors of Thorpe Bay

BESPOKE - upholstered furniture created to your precise specifications for no extra cost CURTAINS - Many styles and displays, all made in the on-site Morris Interiors workshop.

3,500 sq.ft Showroom

Open 9-5 Mon-Sat

RE-UPHOLSTERY - all refurbishment and re-upholsetery undertaken by craftsmen at Morris Interiors own factory.

Interior Design by Michelle Elliott-Britto

23-25 Station Rd, Thorpe Bay SS1 3JY

01702 586800

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SOFAS CH AI RS CURTAI NS CA RPETS FINE FURNISH INGS I DNM T E R I O R D E S I G N E R S Uwww.oraclepublications.co.uk P H O L S T E R E R S F UTRHT N I T U RBE MR A KERS www.oraclepublications.co.uk H RC A LC EL E 1327 OO R PR EP EB A YA YO O A E CAERMC BH E R2 0 12 00 0 9

An electrifying future or an inconvenient truth?

Y

ou will have seen lots of articles in the press stated aim of having two million electric cars on recently regarding Electric vehicles and their the road by 2020 it seems a bridge too far. supposed imminent arrival, but what is the real It appears that the short term solution may be truth ? to limit the use of the new electric vehicles to The Government has made a commitment urban city short journeys, where a charging worth around £400m to accelerate the transition network has already been started , similar to the to ultra-low carbon vehicles, with all sorts of one that you will already see in the Lakeside plans being put in place to help the charging shopping centre car park and parts of central infrastructure needed to support the programme. London. The cost issue will be tackled by a leasing option for key business and personal So the trickle of Electric vehicles available could users, which may be subsidised by the become a flood over the next few years so it government. seems, however beyond the good intentions there are still a number of hurdles to overcome. This has already been kick started by Smart.

They have the Smart EV out with strategic An electric motor uses about one 1\4 as much customers on a trial basis as we speak to test the energy as a conventional petrol motor , and the viability of the system and network currently in lithium batteries used are the cutting edge of place. More to come on the results in future technology, so that is a good start, the problem is articles. that they are expensive and cumbersome and can cost as much as ½ that of the retail price of a So the money is there , the ambition is in place city car’s total cost (£3000), coupled with a range and the technology is nigh , but there are still a of 60 or 70 miles there is an obvious problem of number of questions to be asked before we can all commit to an electric future! cost and low range.

One way to solve the range issue has come from the Renault/Nissan initiative , they are suggesting the removing and replacing of batteries at service stations, the modern day equivalent of changing your horse for a fresh one! The problem herein lies that the current batteries are big and cumbersome, and a simple question needs to be answered, where is the room on our already congested road network to place these new service stations? With the governments

28

T H O R P E B AY O R A C L E

Darren Nash Director - Planet Leasing

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Alstons Building Contractors Ltd.

Open up to the possibilities of your home

From this.......to THIS!.

Or this...........to this

Experienced, fully-qualified, on-time, on-budget - and local!

Services Offered Refurbishments Design & Planning Loft Conversions Extensions Wet-Rooms Kitchen/Bathroom Bespoke Furniture Bespoke Shopfitters

Alston Building Contractors are happy and capable of seeing a job through from the foundations to the fitted furniture – and every level between. Discover just what your home could do for you. Give Paul a call.

TÄáàÉÇá Uâ|Äw|Çz VÉÇàÜtvàÉÜá _àw 01702 586723

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Let Service Garage give you and your vehicle the service you deserve with professional expertise honed over half a century.

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Quick, careful and attentive Service Garage offers a professional, fast & friendly service to all vehicle owners at competitive rates. Four full-time, qualified mechanics ensure that your vehicle is given all the attention it needs - quickly!

Garage Services: MOT Testing Servicing Repairs Batteries Tyres & Punctures Exhausts Welding Air Conditioning Diagnostic Tests Catalysts Tested Diesels Tested

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33

recipe of the month

100g baby spinach leaves 200g firm ricotta, crumbled 2 tbsp shaved parmesan

Method:

In the Kitchen with Judy Barden

1. Combine the tomato, extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp of the balsamic vinegar , 1 clove of the garlic and 2 tbsp of the basil in a bowl.

2. Cook the pasta in a large saucepan of

boiling water until al dente. Drain and keep warm.

3. Meanwhile heat the olive oil in a frying pan over a high heat, stir in the remaining garlic then add the prawns and cook over a high heat for 1-2 minutes until they turn just pink.

Add the remaining vinegar and basil and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the prawns are lightly glazed. Stir in the spinach until just wilted, season.

Prawn, Ricotta and Spinach Pasta his is one of those lovely quick supper dishes. It is so good you could also serve it with friends for an informal dinner party. If you are not a lover of prawns you can replace them with some chicken that has been cut into chunks and cook for a bit longer until cooked through. Great served with some green leaves and crusty bread.

T

4. Toss together everything except the cheeses, divide amongst bowls and top with the ricotta and parmesan.

Cookery classes available for March Five week courses available to book Contact me if you are interested on

01702-467502

O

or judy.barden@btinternet.com

Enjoy !

Next monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recipe:

Ingredients 3 firm ripe tomatoes, skinned, seeded and finely chopped 125ml extra virgin olive oil 125ml balsamic vinegar 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped 3 tbsp fresh basil finely chopped 500g penne pasta 1 tbsp olive oil 800g raw medium prawns, peeled and deveined with tails intact

34

T H O R P E B AY O R A C L E

PHILIP SPLETT Simnel Muffins

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37

ORACLE gardening

The Grass isn’t always greener...

By Marion Nasskau

I

love using ornamental grasses in my planting schemes. They put up with all sorts of conditions, even the most challenging ones, and are very easy to look after. Chosen wisely, grasses will reward you with their graceful structure and lots of colour from their leaves and flower heads.

2. In the case of perennial grasses just give them a good ‘combing’ with your fingers thus pulling out all the dead grass blades. If a lot of the growth is dead, my suggestion is to cut off all the blades and let the plant start again. It will not mind and reward you with plentiful growth next year!

Some choices to make before buying

Beautiful gap fillers

Grasses come in all shapes, sizes and colours, evergreen or deciduous. When choosing them for your border, remember to be very clear how much space, width, height and depth, you can give them. Once that decision is taken, ensure your soil is reasonably free draining, then plant and enjoy them.

If you don’t have ornamental grasses in your garden yet, now is a good time to acquire them. Plant them in a spot where the ground is not too rich in nutrients. Or else their growth would be rather floppy! They also do well in a container if you choose a size that is appropriate for the plant’s ultimate height and shape.

Some nice varieties to grow are Carex elata ‘Aurea’. Its yellow green blades are a real show It is wise not to be too tidy and to leave dead stopper. Grow Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron’ grass stems throughout winter. They add for its dark red leaves or Miscanthus sinensis interest to your border and their flower heads for its graceful slender stems which move in provide food for birds the slightest of breezes.

1. Cut down deciduous grasses at the end of February/beginning of March when the new For all your gardening needs from design to shoots are beginning to show. Be ruthless and maintenance please contact Marion at cut back all of last year’s growth then. It’ll only Horticultural Solutions on: look unsightly if you leave the dead stems 01702 475568, 07974 736768 sticking out. or visit: www.hortsolutions.co.uk

Easy maintenance

O

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T H O R P E B AY O R A C L E

39

Health & Beauty

ReducingStressLevels

by Sarah Ellis

S

tress isn’t a modern phenomenon, but the way we live our lives today means we never get a break from it. We thought with the aid of better technology and communications our lives would be simpler and we would work fewer hours - how wrong we were! We can now be contacted anywhere in the world at any time of day and are expected to be on call 24/7. The world doesn’t want to wait until tomorrow, it’s essential that everything happens now.

Stone Age man had it easy. The only stress he had was looking for a meal or avoiding being a meal. He reacted to stress the same way animals do today. They meet danger by either running away or staying to fight. Once the stress is dealt with, they rest, eat and sleep and prepare the body for the next stressful situation.

40

counteract the effects of stress and get to enjoy life more?

When you leave work, leave work - switch off your work mobile phone and don’t be tempted to check work emails in your free time.

Have a lunch break on a regular basis – even just leaving the stressful environment for 10 minutes can be enough to refresh you.

Make sure you take holidays every year. A break away from home that lasts more than a few days will re-energise you.

Exercise on a regular basis – exercise is a great way to de-stress and get rid of your frustrations.

Evaluate how important the stressful situation is – in a year’s time will it really matter?

Like animals we need that restful period to function healthily – not only mentally but also physically. Conditions including cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and mental disease have all been linked to stress.

Too many people spend their lives just coping and surviving, learning to manage your stress will allow you to enjoy life more with fewer worries.

When we’re stressed we have a more blinkered experience of the world, all we notice is the stress and don’t look around us to see all the pleasures that life has to offer. Whether we like it or not, stress is here to stay, so what can you do to

Please feel free to contact me for further information if you would like to learn more.

T H O R P E B AY O R A C L E

www.top2toehealth.co.uk 07792 396087

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O MARCH

2010

Clock Repairs, Sales & Restorations It's About Time est. 30yrs

01702 472574 863 London Road, Chalkwell SS0 9SZ (opposite Chalkwell Park)

MARCH

2010

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41

at|Ä gxv{Ç|v|tÇ Job Vacancy

Pure Essence is a small but very busy salon in Southend. We specialise in ah Francis lashes as well as lcn gel nails. We are currently seeking an lcn qualified nail technician to come and be a valued member of our team.

Previous experience is necessary as we are very busy and pride ourselves on our work. If you feel that you can fill this position and would like to join our team or want to know more information please call 01702 610022.

Total Foot Care 200 Woodgrange Drive, Southend, Essex, SS1 2SJ Tel: 01702 610022

Visiting Foot Health Professional

Nail Cutting and Filing Treatment for:Corns, Calluses & Verrucae Ingrowing Toenails Cracked Heels Athletes Foot Diabetic Foot Care

In the comfort of your own home

Ronnie Grant BSc (Hon) MCFHP MAFHP

Registered member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals

Tel: 01702 230973

MARCH

2010

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T H O R P E B AY O R A C L E

43

ORACLE Enigmas No humdrum conundrum s

6

3 9

5 4

4

5 2 4

8

1 9

5

2

7 3 6 6 3 9

8

8

8 3

1 SU DOKU

CHASE

Fill in the grid below so that each 3 x 3 box, every row and every column contain the Nos 1 - 9.

The answer to last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s puzzle is at bottom.

Domestic & Commercial

WORD LADDER Start at the top and change one letter each rung making a new word to arrive at the final word.

PARCH

Experienced Local Electrician

44

DanWaller

01702 303867 Mob: 07733 262027

SWILL

TRILL

City & Guilds Qualified 25 yrs experience Clean, Friendly Part P Reg. Fully Insured

Electrical Services 104 High Street ,Shoeburyness

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MARCH

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BrooksPaving

BLOCK PAVING 5 O whe n

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Over 100 driveways completed in the Thorpe Bay and North Shoebury areas

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01702 535335 Mob: 07976 204016 Thorpe Bay Surgical

Chiropodist Arthur Partington M.S.SCh., M.B.ChA.

Registered with the Health Professional Council

Experienced practitioner for over 20 years.

Providing diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of foot conditions

Home Visits Only

01702 580535 07773 105949

MARCH

2010

SOUTH EAST AERIALS

Neat & Discreet Installations

TV/FM/DAB Digital Aerials Freeview & Sky Freesat TV Reception Problems Sky Digital Problems (including box repairs) DiscreetDishInstallation &DishRelocationService Extra TV, Sky & Phone Points Structured Networking Systems (A/V VGA Over Cat 5) Domestic, Commercial & Communal Systems (upgrade to receive Freeview and Sky) Plasma & LCD始s Fitted Sky, Sky+ & Sky HD Tv Insurance-backed Guarantee Senior Citizen Discount

www.1stforaerials.co.uk

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45

Thorpe Thor pe Ba Bay P sonal Training T aining Personal SStudio tudio Book y your our

FREE session ttoday oday

General Fitness Weight Loss Weight Back Rehabilitation Corrective Exercise Boxing Sports Specific/Functional T raining Training

Advanced Qualified Instructors ÂŁ30 a session

01702 582485 tbpersonaltrainingstudio@gmail.com tbper sonaltr iningstudio@gmail.com 169, The Broadw Broadway, ay, Thorpe Bay Bay, Ba y, SS1 3EX

46

T H O R P E B AY O R A C L E

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MARCH

2010

D.Purse Building & Roofing All building-works undertaken Extensions Garages Garden Walls Re-Pointing Patios Crazy-Paving Flat Roofs Guttering

Mantel

Yoga Classes Mondays: 7:00pm - 8:30pm Friars Community Centre, Shoeburyness

Tuesdays: 7:00pm - 8:30pm Thorpedene Community Centre, Shoeburyness

& RSC

£6.00 per class or book 4 for £20.00 (paid in adv.)

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Painting Wallpapering

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01702 308978 Contact:

Mob. 07932 709291

MARCH

2010

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47

ORACLE

Long-Case Clocks Carriage Clocks French Clocks

Diary Dates Quality Antique Clock Repair Service

Havens to Havens Walk Sun 28th Mar 11am Little Havens Children’s Hospice, Daws Heath Road, Thundersley, SS7 2LH. Stroll through lush woodlands via Hadleigh Castle and enjoy the views of Leigh-on-Sea coastline, for a 5 or 10 mile sponsored walk. Entry Fee: £6/Per Adult, £3/Per Child & £15/Per Family (2 adults & 2 children under 12) For information call Erika: 01702 221658/ epatterson@havenshospices.org.uk

Peaceful Place presents,‘Southend’s GotTalent’ Sun 21st Mar 7:30-10pm Palace Theatre, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 9LA Tickets available from the Palace box office for this evening of guaranteed entertainment whilst supporting a very worthwhile cause. Contact: fundraising@peacefulplace.co.uk

Jewellery Sales, Repairs and re-modelling

Gold is high £££!

Fair prices paid for Old Gold & Jewellery

Thorpe Bay Horticultural Society Spring Flower & Homecraft Show Saturday 27th March from 2.15 p.m.

St.Augustines Church Hall Entrance 50p - Members free

The National Association of Goldsmiths

BERA AGM Thursday 7th April - St Augustines Church Hall.

Starts at 8pm.

Southend Farmers’ Market Sat 13th & 27th Mar 9-4pm Southend High Street, Southend-on-Sea Contact: 01277 362414 www.essexfarmersmarkets.co.uk

O n e o f t h e o l d e s t e s ta b l i s h e d j e w e l l e r s & C l o c k S p e c i a l i s t s i n t h e a r e a s i n c e 19 5 0

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T H O R P E B AY O R A C L E

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01702 292472

www.andrewsltd.co.uk

MARCH

2010

Air&Back

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.

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, 75 Mayfield Avenue, Southend-on-Sea Essex SS2 6NR

Tel/Fax: 01702 435722 Mobile 07903 301086

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CERAMIC TILER G&M FOLLETT

TILING SERVICES Over 20 years experience Kitchens. Bathrooms. Walls Floors. Conservatories 7 DAYS A WEEK No job too large or too small FREE ESTIMATES ALL WORK GUARANTEED Contact Gary:

01702 587824 07770 424844 michellefollett@fsmail.net

MARCH

2010

Furniture restoration Services available:-

French Polishing All Structural Repairs Hand Veneering Cane Seating Leather Desk-Lining Clock-Case Restoration Antique Specialist

Fully-qualified craftsman in an established, local business offering high-quality service.

For a free verbal estimate please call:-

T.S.Baskett Established 1992

6 Durham Rd. Southend

 

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T H O R P E B AY O R A C L E

49

Oracle Advertorial

It wasn’t like that in my day!

By Stephanie Farrell Shoeburyness High School

D

o you remember when year groups were not 7 to 13 but 1 to 6? When there was one set of examinations in the summer when you reached the school leaving age? When everybody did the same subjects at school? How things have changed in education and certainly at Shoeburyness High School.

At Shoeburyness we have specialised at introducing different pathways for students to suit their needs. We have been invited to speak at the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust National Conference on this topic later this year. Our new learning pathway includes YAP’s. No, it’s not some exotic creature - it’s our Young Apprenticeships Programme.

Shoeburyness High School currently runs two YAP’s: one in Hair and Beauty (in conjunction with Central Hairdressing) and one in Sport. Next September we will introduce our third in Hospitality and Catering. Students study for these on two days a week. One day is focused on being in 50

T H O R P E B AY O R A C L E

the classroom and the other is spent out on work placements. ”I have enjoyed the young apprenticeship very much so far. The things I have enjoyed the most are the work experience on Wednesdays and the Sports Leaders with Mr Newman on Tuesdays. I like the work experience because it is a good way to prepare us for work in the future and the Sports Leaders on Tuesday because I love coaching and leading a group.” Quote from student Jack Hanger – Sport YAP (Year 10).

These Young Apprenticeships run in key stage four and at the end of the course the students have developed not just the theory and skills in these areas but they have real experience of the workplace. If they are successful, the award is equal to four top GCSE grades.

Our students don’t all do their examinations at the same time either. Students can ‘Fast Track’ in subjects that they excel at. So for example we have year 11 students starting their A levels a year early in Science and

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

MARCH

2010

English. Maths, Geography and RE students are taking their GCSE’s early. It allows them to focus on studies they find more difficult or to take higher examinations in them.

“The English fast-tracking system at Shoeburyness allows the opportunity for year 11 students to exceed their English targets and boost their confidence. The teachers at the school share a mutual passion for the subject which has a massive influence on our learning.” Quote from Heather Campbell – Year 12 (B grade at AS in Year 11) It’s not just the older students who benefit from these new initiatives. Some pupils in Year 7 are following our Forest Schools initiative. Yes, we are a Forest School now and this learning is focused around outdoor education, building dens, cooking outside and whittling wood to name just a few activities. The students love it and it has

helped their progress in the other subjects they study.

These are just a few of the ways in which we are developing Shoeburyness High School.

If you are interested in any of these why not contact us; we look forward to hearing from you.

STOP PRESS!!!

Shoeburyness High School has been presented with a National Award by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust. The award was presented for the highest sustained improvement over three years.

O Shoeburyness High School MARCH

2010

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useful numbers Associations Burges Estate Residents Association (BERA) 588662 Clubs Essex Handicrafts Association 479622 Lower Thames Rowing Club 482205 Thorpe Bay Bowling Club 582074 Thorpe Bay Bridge Club 616145 Thorpe Bay Floral Arrangement Group 585350 Thorpe Bay Lawn Tennis Club 585245 Thorpe Bay Yacht Club 587563 Thorpe Hall Golf Club 582205 Southchurch Park Croquet Club 303957 Southend Photographic Society 354135 Southend Lawn Tennis Club 589144 Southend Rugby Club 546682 Scout Groups Southend, Thorpe Bay & Shoeburyness 587647 Council Contacts Leigh-on-Sea Town Council 716288 Abandoned Vehicles 215006 Anti-Terrorist Hotline 0800 789321 Central Library 534100 Citizens Advice 610610 Civic Centre 215000 Cleansing Dept. (street collection) 215006 Crime Prevention 215185 Damaged Dog Waste Bins 215006 Dog Warden 215000 Dumped Rubbish 215006 Foreshore Inspectors 215620 Graffiti 215006 Grass verge problems 215003 Missed Rubbish Collection 215006 Noise Nuisance 215005 Pest Control Officer 215005 Pier & Foreshore 215620 Recycling Information 215006 Street Cleaning 215006 Street-Lighting Failure 215006 Trading Standards 08454 040506 Untaxed Vehicles 0800 1562282 Waste Collection 215006 Local MP James Duddridge (Con) 01702 616135 Hospitals/Health Primary Care Trust 01702 224600 Southend General Hospital 435555 BUPA Wellesley Hospital 462944 NHS Direct 08454647 Blood Test- Thorpedene Clinic 422555 National Drugs Freephone 0800 595000 Cruse Bereavement Care 213843 Drugs, Alcohol & Substance Misuse 440400 Stroke Victims Support 224911 Southend Blind Welfare Association 342131

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Southend Cardiac Support Group 291803 Carers Support Group 393933 Animal Welfare Downes & Prtnrs., Veterinary Surgeon 584511 RSPCA 290889 Pharmacies Bansal Pharmacy 587500 178 The Broadway Mon-Fri 9-6.30 pm / Sat 9-1 pm Howells & Harrison 582658 The Broadway Mon-Fri 9-6.30 pm / Sat 9-5.30 pm.

Closed 1-2 pm Wed+Sat. Police Stations Shoebury Police Station (Mon-Fri 9-6pm) 293748 Southend Police Station (24 hours a day) 431212 Thorpe Ward Neighbourhood Specialist Officer Warren Lamb 07976 325346 Victim Support Group 0845 4565995 Local Incident Hotline 01245 491491 Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Marine Police 01268 775533 Thames Coastguard 01255 675518 Child Protection 534495 Citizen’s Advice Bureau 610610 Samaritans 611911 Odeon Cinema 0871 2244007 Directory Enquiries BT (15p pm from landline, 40p connection) 118 500 ORACLE PUBLICATIONS 393838 www.oraclepublications.co.uk Mother Teresa

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“Peace begins with a smile”.

MARCH

2010

SENDALL始S ROOFING SERVICE Asphalt & Felt Roofing Specalist

offers the complete roofing service for every type of roof from minor repairs to major works

New Roofs Old Roofs Balconies Re-Decking Asphalt Floors

Asphalt Stairs Tanking Promenade Tiles Solar Paint Guttering

First Class work guaranteed Insurance Claims Welcome Over 40yrs experience

For FREE advice and estimates phone anytime

01702 527030 Mob: 07788 420758

MARCH

2010

Painting&Decorating Bathroom Fitting Wood Flooring / Carpet Cleaning Plastering and Coving Tiling Book now to have the outside of your house painted this summer Discounts for OAPs Full Handyman Service available

Carpet cleaned FREE with every room decorated Phone Richard for a FREE quotation

Classic D茅cor Property Refurbishment and Maintenance Specialists

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

01702 217603 Mob: 07855 740386

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Thorpe Bay

ORACLE

Index to advertisers ACCOUNTANTS Beelams Wilkins Kennedy AIRPORT TRANSFER Air & Back ANTIQUE CLOCKS It's About Time AERIELS 1st South East Aeriels BLINDS & SHUTTERS Creative Shutters & Blinds BLOCK PAVING Brook Paving BUILDERS Alstons Building Contractors Ltd B J Davis Ltd. D Purse Builders JSHI & Son Piper Construction BUTCHERS Philip Splett CAR LEASING Planet Leasing CARPETS Abbey Carpets Gainsborough Carpets CHAUFFER SERVICES Abbeygate Chauffer Services CHIROPODY Arthur Partington Total Foot Care CLEANING SERVICES Gates Maids in Essex COMPUTER SERVICES Flashbyte CONSERVATORY CLEANING Essex Conservatory Cleaning DECORATORS Adrian Rayfield Classic Decor RSC Decorating DISABILITY BATHROOMS Bathesure DOG GROOMING Nikki's Pampered Pooches DOUBLE GLAZING

13 37 49 41 45 47 45 32 12 47 29 8 34 29 53 11 4 45 43 14 36 56 31 43 53 47 3 4

The Window Warehouse 21 EDUCATION 50 & 51 Shoebury High School St Hildas 35 ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS Dan Waller Electrical 44 Hammonds and Sons 41 FIREPLACE FITTERS GAT Fireplaces 22 FURNITURE Morris Interiors 27 Unique Designs 3 FURNITURE RESTORERS Tim Baskett 49 GARAGES R S Automotive 15 Service Garage 33 Vanguard Autos 25 GARDENING SERVICES Horticultural Solutions 53 GLASS MERCHANT Collins Glass 55 GRANITE WORKTOPS Granite Transformations 36 Abbey Marble 41 HAIRDRESSING Grateful Heads 17 Jerry Bell 7 Nathan Grossman 19 HEALTH & BEAUTY Body Matters 17 CBP Yoga 44 Mantel Yoga 47 Phoenix Hospital 2 Inner Sanctuary 42 HOMEOPATHY Lea King & Donna Fox 18 INSURANCE BROKERS Alan Blunden & Co. Ltd. 6 JEWELLERS AV & BV Andrews 48 JOB VACANCY Pure Essence 43 KITCHENS Kitchen Base 30 LAWN CARE Roots 2 Shoot 39

LOCK SMITHS Taylor Edwards OFF LICENSE Blossoms Wines & Ales OVEN CLEANING Oven Clean PERSONAL TRAINER The Thorpe Bay Clinic PLUMBERS Help 4 Your Home Hammond & Son PUBLIC HOUSES The Angel RESTAURANTS Tiffins RETAIL Choice Discount Stores ROOFING SERVICES Estuary Roofing Sendalls Roofing TILING G & M Follett TREE SERVICES Waterfields Arboricultural UPHOLSTERY Upholstery Workshop Peter Weddell

13 26 43 46 26 41 23 1 5 26 53 49 31 39 8

ORACLE View the latest issues ONLINE Leigh-on-Sea

March ‘10

ORACLE Leigh at a glance

Est. Oct 2006. Circulation 5,500

Local Issues

March ‘10

Thorpe Bay

ORACLE Thorpe Bay at a glance Est. Sept 2005. Circulation 4,500

Planning?What Planning?

Local Issues

Oracle Films

Planning?What Planning?

Alice inWonderland & Clash of theTitans

Oracle Films

Hair & Beauty

Alice inWonderland & Clash of theTitans

HairToday,GoneTomorrow

Hair & Beauty

Recipe of the Month

HairToday,GoneTomorrow

Prawn,Ricotta and Spinach Pasta

Recipe of the Month Prawn Ricotta and Spinach Pasta

Tiffins

exáàtâÜtÇà 9 _ÉâÇzx UtÜ Fine Indian Cuisine

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MARCH

2010

COLOURED GLASS SPLASHBACKS FOR KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

Colins Glass currently supply and install bespoke glass for some of the most prestigious developers, bathroom, kitchen & tiling companies in Essex

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Colins Glass GLASS SPLASHBACKS (Fuscia Pink shown)

FRAMELESS SHOWER DOORS/SCREENS

Coloured Splashbacks & Worktops Bespoke Shower-Doors & Screens Mirrors produced to any size/style Balconies & Balustrades (inc.Metalwork) Genuine Hand-made Leadlights Sandblasted Designs Portfolio of previous commissions Complete Personal Service Throughout

Design & Installation Service

&GlazingLtd BESPOKE GLASS SPECIALISTS Visit the showroom/workshop.

Open 6 days a week

01702 617321 122 East Street, Prittlewell, Southend SS2 5EE (opposite Prittlewell Station)

www.colinsglassandglazing.co.uk MARCH

2010

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