Thorpe Bay Oracle - May 10

May ‘10

Thorpe Bay

ORACLE Thorpe Bay at a glance

Est. Sept 2005. Circulation 4,500

Oracle Competitions Win tickets for the Buddy Holly Show or Breakfast atWaitrose See page 3 for details

Local Issues Lock it - Or Lose it

Oracle Films Iron Man 2 / Robin Hood

Hair & Beauty Tell‘em about theYummy Mummy

Oracle Motoring A brief guide to car finance

Photography By Simon James Fowler

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S P E ED D A T I N G @ C I AO , T h o r pe B a y

Thorpe Bay

ORACLE

publisher’s letter

C

ongratulations to everyone that won tickets for Southend Garden Show which is this weekend. For those of you that missed out, you will be pleased to know that Oracle is running two very different competitions this month, kindly sponsored by Waitrose of Fossetts Way and Entertainers.

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Friday 28th May 2010 7.00 10.00pm Age 30Í´50 Tickets ÂŁ15.00

Firstly, Waitrose at Fossetts Way, Southend, would like to give Oracle readers the chance to win a breakfast for up to four people plus a drink with their food, in their All Day Restaurant which can be used any day of the week.

Tickets: 01702 588042 / info@silverlinedevents.co.uk

The second competition is for two lucky winners to win a pair of tickets to see Buddy Holly - ‘A Legend Reborn’ at the Cliffs Pavilion on Friday 11 June at 8pm. This show comes to Southend direct from appearing in London’s 02.

! "

To enter, please send your name, address and telephone number stating either ‘Waitrose Breakfast’ competition or ‘Buddy Holly’ competition to Oracle Publications UK Ltd. 39 Alexandra Street,Southend-on-sea, Essex SS1 1BW. Please send two separate entries if you wish to enter both competitions. Closing date is Tuesday 20 May 2010. Good luck!

Enjoy!

# #

!

Emma Wynne-Morgan Publisher

01702 393838 www.oraclepublications.co.uk info@oraclepublications.co.uk www.twitter.com/oracle_essex

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ORACLE May ‘10

contents Local Issues

9/10

Lock it- or lose it Tell‘em about theYummy Mummy Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith

16/17

Foul Play Dog Fouling

22

IronMan2/RobinHood Film Reviews by Andrew Dex

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A brief guide of Car Finance Oracle Motoring by Stuart Winder

28

Pork, asparagus & baby corn stir-fry Judy’s Recipe Page

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Grow your own Oracle Gardening by Marion Nasskau

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Exercise during pregnancy Health & Beauty by Sarah Ellis

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Su Doku & Word Ladder

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Diary Dates

48 52 54

Useful Numbers Advertiser Index

Advertorials Shoeburyness High School 4

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Value your Independents

Independent Councillors are making a real impact in the council on your behalf. In the last year they have:Ron Woodley

Mike Stafford

Tony Delaney

Succeeded at full Council in getting the promise that Southend Council will not allow the development of Thorpe Hall Golf Course.

Reduced the Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s transport budget by half a million pounds a year.

Enforced the adoption of proper accounting principles and procedures.

Challenged bad planning decisions to stop Southend being swamped in flats and concrete

To continue the improvements; please vote in the local elections for:Alex Kaye

Mike Wilson

Evelyn Assenheim

Thorpe

Southchurch

West Shoebury

It is high time our town was run in a more adult and responsible manner through consensus with talented and committed councillors working together to contribute to the smooth and efficient running of our town.

Independent Councillors Turning the Tide of Local Politics.

For more information, contact Ron Woodley on 01702 588662 Please mention Thorpe Bay Oracle when responding to adverts

Printed and Published by Oracle Publications on behalf of Independent Group of Councillors and Candidates

Local Issues

Lock It - or Lose It!

By PCSO Tristan Adams

A

s I am sure a lot of Thorpe Bay residents are aware, during the winter period (like other areas in Southend) we had an increase in home burglaries. During that period, Essex Police and your local Community Policing team stepped up patrols, ran police operations and began the process of completing home security surveys.

This helped residents re-examine their own home- security situation, sometimes rather ironically prompting residents’ phone calls to Southend PoliceStation about suspicious Neighbourhood Police Team Members skulking around the roads of Thorpe Bay after dark!

It appears that our efforts have worked, with several people arrested for burglaries including the one in Johnstone Road.

Indeed home-burglary in the area has dropped significantly. This doesn’tt mean that we’ll stop and rest on our laurels - and the same should apply to the residents of Thorpe Bay. Please continue to lock windows doors and leave lights on if you know you’re going to be back late.

Which brings me onto the new menace that we seem to be suffering from, theft from cars. This M AY

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seems to be mainly occouring overnight. We are not seeing any specific items being targeted (for example Sat Navs) but in the last couple of months, I have seen a depressing rise in Theft From Motor Vehicles incidents in our area and in areas bordering Shoeburyness The criminals committing these crimes, however, are having somewhat of an easy time in gaining access to residents’cars, because the vast majority of the thefts have occured from unlocked cars, sitting on residents’ driveways.

Couple this with people leaving their Sat Navs’, automated, garage-door opening-device’, favourite CD’s, MP3 players, laptops, house keys, phones, wallets, handbags, etc. on show overnight. We are not making it overly complex for offences to take place. The area around Woodgrange Drive is suffering heavily from this issue but more so between the junction of Lifstan‘s Way and Thorpe Hall Avenue, and the area around Colbert Avenue and also Maplin Way. Please ensure you double check you have locked your doors by trying the door handles as the criminals are, don’t just rely on your car blipper.

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Look around your car, take items of value out, or keep them out of sight. Take your Sat Nav and holder out of the car with you, keep your car parked in a well lit place or, if you can, lock it in your garage. Don’t give these people an easy ride with your property.

Why are so many people in a rush?

Many residents will have seen me out and about with my Community Speed Watch team in different locations such as Woodgrange Drive and Thorpe Hall Avenue. It never ceases to amaze me how people have such a blatant disregard for the speed limit and the safety of others, Wednesday the 7th April on Woodgrange Drive, a motorist in a Black BMW saloon was clocked at 51mph in a 30mph zone, and, on Easter Sunday, an Orange Fiat Punto Sport was clocked at 42mph in the 30mph zone of Thorpe Hall Avenue as it was heading towards the seafront.These are just two of many who regularly show no regard for the speed limit in the residential areas of Thorpe Bay where children play and people walk their dogs.

At 40mph, 90% of all people hit will die due to the impact, I do not think it’s acceptable to be using our main roads, residential roads as race tracks, putting children and the elderly at risk.

I am also aware of the issues around the Broadway of a few people’s driving. I can assure you now that anyone witnessed driving in such a manner that would be deemed as antisocial or dangerous will be dealt with, whether its there on the spot or after enquires have been carried out.

We do not need any repeats of what happened in Tyrone Road happening in the Broadway or any other road in Thorpe Bay. Community Speed Watch has had success with over 150 cars stopped, three cars seized, several tickets issued for seatbelts and mobile phone offences, and a lot of advice given to motorists.

If you would be interested in joining Community Speed Watch and have some time to spare please contact: PCSO Tristan Adams on 01702 295296

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Oracle Hair & Beauty

Tell‘em about the Yummy Mummy!

by Craig Smith

P

regnancy changes women’s lives in so many ways. And when you look past the obvious bump (and bumps in other areas), impending motherhood also changes a girl’s skin and joints, and can even make or break her crowning glory - her hair.

The hormones associated with pregnancy can cause some very interesting things to happen.

Even before that second blue line appears on the pregnancy test, your body is changing. A huge number of hormones kick in, right from the moment of conception.

Pregnancy and your body Tiredness, morning sickness, sensitivity to changes in temperature and different smells and of course, the dreaded spots - are all due to a rapid increase of certain hormones. Many women also experience increased hair and nail growth, as well as thicker and shinier hair – this is because increased oestrogen levels cause hair to grow thick and fast, and sometimes in areas where you’ll wish it didn't - including your face, stomach, back and legs!

Other women might find it has the opposite effect and their hair goes limp and even falls out.

Body Hair Hair loss during pregnancy may be the result of iron, iodine, or protein deficiencies, which can also cause your hair to become dry and brittle and grow lighter than its normal colour.

Many pregnant women don't get enough iron, especially those who experience severe

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morning sickness and are therefore not getting sufficient nutrition.

Foods that are particularly good for your hair include yoghurt; fresh fruit and vegetables; cold-pressed oils; pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame seeds; whole grains such as brown rice and oats along with almonds, figs, and dates.

Stay a Yummy Mummy To combat undernourished hair, massage your scalp for five or ten minutes every day to stimulate circulation. Every few weeks, turn this into an aromatherapy massage by adding a few drops of essential oils (such as, patchouli, sandalwood or ylang ylang) to a half-cup of warm vegetable oil.

Massage the oil onto your scalp and hair ends, then wrap your hair in a warm towel and relax for ten minutes.

Dos and Don’ts Furthermore, hair loss doesn't just happen when you’re pregnant, but after too. Girls, once you’ve given birth, don't be alarmed if your hair - be it limp or full - begins to fall out. Many women experience hair loss between three and six months after giving birth. Your hormones are simply returning to normal and it may take a couple of growth cycles (several years) before your hair completely returns to normal.

Just as all pregnancies are different, so too are professional opinions about perming and colouring hair during pregnancy. There is no direct evidence to suggest that these treatments

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cause any harm to a developing foetus, however many doctors suggest not doing these during the first trimester. After those initial three months, be sure to follow your doctor’s orders remember it’s only nine months!

With your hair sorted, you need to make sure you look after your skin to. If your hair is dry and under nourished it’s because weird things are going on beneath the surface and similarly, your skin can be affected too. Make sure you eat healthy food and drink lots of water and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize – all over, all of the time! Rub yourself up the right way with – twice daily if you can - shea butter, cocoa butter, almond oil, or any other natural oil; whatever you prefer, it’s all good.

Motherhood is a time when you should really glow. Follow Uncle Craig’s advice and you’ll be more SamCam, than Jordan.

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

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Advertorial

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plastic bag or a poop-a-scoop to enable you to clean up the mess fully and properly by putting it in the Dog Waste bins or to discard of at home, rather than leave it for others to pick up or step in it for you.

Foul Play D

og fouling is well known for being unhygienic and anti-social. It can end up on your new shoes, your children’s bike and, by extension, end up all over your carpet. Yet surprisingly, it is something that is seriously affecting the streets and parks of Thorpe Bay.

Further to the conversation held at the Thorpe Bay Residents meeting last month it is clear that many dog owners and walkers are not taking their responsibilities seriously and clearing up the mess left by their dogs, casting a rather grey cloud over what is normally, a clean place to live.

Obviously not all dog owners are irresponsible and, as usual, the majority get the blame. When out exercising your dog you should carry either a

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Recently, many of our residents supported the local council in their decision to bring in Fixed Penalty notices of up to £5000 for those caught neglecting their dog waste. It was also decided that it is an offence to leave dog waste to accumulate even in private gardens as it could cause potential health risks such as nausea, eye disorders and epileptic fits to you and your neighbours.

We, at Thorpe Bay Bowling Club, are continually clearing up after dog walkers who are too lazy to take notice of what their dogs are leaving behind on their walk. This seems inconsiderate as the council have ensured there are plenty of red Dog Waste bins situated in various parks and all along the seafront, including two in the area between the tennis and bowling club - the main target for fouling.

Remember the gates are left open so that all can enjoy the facility. Please be thoughtful and make sure your dog has not left anything behind and remember when it’s not cleared up, you may be the next person to put your foot in it.

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Oracle Films

by Andrew Dex

Iron Man 2.

Robin Hood.

R

obert Downey Jr. is one busy man, working on Sherlock Holmes, one of the biggest films of last winter (before Avatar that is), whilst also working on the eagerly-awaited Iron Man sequel, Iron Man 2.

So, after the ending of the first film revealed our Iron Man as Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is our masked hero “Iron Man”? What will happen next ? In this second iron man adventure, as well as picking up a new rival called Whiplash (Mickey Rourke), Tony should also worry about the government who are trying to replicate his suit to use in ‘war type’ environments.

With an old-school, rock soundtrack (that includes the awesome AC/DC), this is sure to be one of the most pumping, action movies of the year.

In conclusion, having been completely blown away by the first film, I am certain I know what to expect from this one; yet another, brilliant, Robert Downey Jr. film Release Date: April 30th

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Russell Crowe is finally back, kicking ass like he did in the Gladiator/3.10 and Yuma days.

Ridley Scott is, again, in the directing seat.

The combination of Ridley and Russell is formidable, somewhat similar to the Martin Scorsese / Leonardo DiCaprio duo, and is sure to bring us great things Robin Hood retells this classic tale. An unknown archer in Richard I’s Army swiftly rises through the ranks through his heroism and becomes legendary and renowned throughout the England.

Robin Hood stories have been around for centuries and we don’t need computer graphics or big budgets to bring this familiar plot to life on- screen. With that in mind I really don’t know what to expect. I hope this isn’t just like Gladiator, something we’ve all seen before.

Having said that, I sure hope it’s just as good!

This film looks to be gritty, and adventurous.

Quiver in your seats, because Robin Hood is back.

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Release Date: May 14th www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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Personal Contract Purchase

A Brief Guide to Car Finance.

A Guide for the Uninitiated

A Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) is similar to a Personal Contract Hire but provides several options: you have the choice of purchasing the car at the end of the agreement; returning it to the finance company; or using any equity over the agreed purchase price as a deposit on a further car.

Contract Hire*

n the last issue, I shared some of my frustrations at the myriad of options when it comes to choosing your new car. It occurred to me that the same could be said of the whole process of funding. Paying by bank notes, being the result of hard work and savings, is not always realistic in today’s conditions. Below is a ‘Layman’s Terms’ description of the alternatives....

Also known as an Operating Lease, the hirer uses the vehicle for a pre-determined period at a fixed monthly rental and then returns it at the end of the term. This makes budget forecasting simple as all operating costs, with the exception of fuel and insurance, can be included in the fixed monthly-rental. With low initial-payments, no depreciation risk and VAT reclamation advantages, contract hire is the number one funding choice for businesses.

Hire Purchase

Finance Lease*

Introduced in the mid-19th Century, it is defined as the hiring of goods until a certain condition is met: usually completion of all payments. The hirer then owns the property. The client pays an initial deposit and repays the balance, together with charges, by fixed monthly instalments over a set period. The advantage to the finance company is obvious, as the property remains theirs until paid for, thus providing partial security for their debt.

This offers similar payment and VAT reclamation terms to Contract Hire. The vehicle remains the property of the finance company throughout and can either be fully written-down over the contract period or a ‘balloon’ payment can be agreed prior to entering the contract. When the vehicle is sold or traded you would receive approximately 90% of the proceeds.

I

Personal Leasing

If you’re still not sure which funding option best suits you and your needs, please give Planet Leasing a call or pop in to the Planet Leasing HQ in London Road, Westcliff.

Acquiring a car through a Personal Lease Plan is fast becoming a popular method of financing a (*Available for business customers only) vehicle for personal use: Stuart Winder Planet Leasing Personal Contract Hire A PCH agreement offers a fixed-cost finance alternative to purchasing a new car. The contracts include Road Tax for the duration and can include full-maintenance (if required) only leaving fuel and insurance as additional costs. This is an ideal option if you are a private individual looking for a new car with a fixed-cost monthly payment and with the added benefit of no expensive surprises.

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O

01702 410 470

www.planetleasing.co.uk Sponsered by

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

M AY

2010

PL 154x110 ad 2:Layout 2

17/8/09

12:26

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Tel: 01702 410 470 www.planetleasing.co.uk All figures based on business or personal contract hire 3x35/6X35 + VAT 10k per annum.

Subject to underwriting and availability. E&OE licensed credit broker No. 600882

Hummerdays.co.uk Limousine Hire AV NO

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The new Hummer H3 Stretch Limo is now available to hire for most events

Seating up to eight people in complete comfort and luxury, the Hummer will ensure you arrive in great style and make your day extra special.

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29

Villa Giulli Rosselmini

Pieve di Santa Luce - TUSCANY

A lovely apartment in a restored villa of only 16 apartments mainly owned by Italians using them as holiday homes for the summer period. Placed in the typical Italian working village of Pieve di Santa Luce, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a shop, a CafĂŠ come Pizzeria and one of the oldest, small churches in Tuscany.

Vil la A to par tm Ren en t t

The sympathetically-decorated apartment consists of one double bedroom, large shower room and living area with sofa-bed come corner kitchen. Private sunny garden area for al fresco dining.

Private car park, communal garden with BBQ area and a good size shared pool with life guard.

The village nestles in an undiscovered part of Tuscany with many enchanting villages including a spa town 13 kms away with an outside thermal pool and some of the most famous vineyards nearby.

Beach 30 mins. Pisa Airport 40 mins. Lucca and Florence an hour.

A perfect base from which to explore Tuscany.

0772 2422 039

Prices start from just 300eu. For information on renting this delightful apartment contact Deborah Goodchild dgoodch@hotmail.com or phone:

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

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M AY

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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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 M AY

2010

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recipe of the month Method

In the Kitchen with Judy Barden

1. Place the garlic, ginger, soy sauce, pepper and wine or sherry in a bowl and mix well together. To create a marinade, add all the pork and stir until well-coated by the marinade.

Meanwhile blanch the baby corn in a pan of boiling water for 3-4 mins then drain and refresh in ice cold water. Put to one side.

2. Heat a wok over a high heat, add half the oils and swirl to coat the sides of the wok. Add half the pork mixture and stir-fry for 2 mins, then remove and repeat with the remaining oils and pork.

Pork, Asparagus and Baby Corn Stir-fry

M

ay is the best season for asparagus and it is at its finest. Just break the woody ends off (they naturally break where it’s tender). This is a very quick stir-fry and if the pork is thinly sliced will take just a matter of minutes. The sauce is based on Chinese-style flavours so would go brilliantly with rice or noodles. Enjoy !

Serves 4

3. Add the mushrooms, corn and asparagus stalks to the wok and stir-fry for 2 mins. Add the tips and return the pork and any juices to the wok and stir in the oyster sauce. Cook, stirring for another 2 mins until piping hot.

4. Serve with rice or noodles.

O

Cookery Demonstration Mornings Dates Available: May 10th 11th 13th & 14th, 24th 25th 26th & 27th Time: 10am-1pm, Cost: £30.00 Venue: Southchurch Boulevard Please call me on 01702-467502, 07796691183 Or email: judy.barden@btinternet.com

Ingredients 1 clove garlic, chopped 1 tsp grated, fresh ginger 2 tbsp soy sauce ¼ tsp ground, white pepper 1 tbsp rice wine (or dry sherry) 600g pork fillet, thinly sliced 1 tbsp peanut oil 1 tsp sesame oil 6 fresh shitake mushrooms, thinly sliced 150g baby corn 100g asparagus cut into 4cm lengths on the diagonal 2 tbsp oyster sauce.

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Next month’s recipe:

PHILIP SPLETT

Crème Brûlée with Mango and Lime

Sponsored by

Traditional Butcher and Sausage Maker

HOG ROAST & BBQ SPECIALISTS

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

01702 216062

Burtons Farm, Barling SS3 0LZ

www.themeatemporium.com M AY

2010

Jerry Bell HAIRDRESSING

www.jerrybellhairdressing.co.uk 01702 588404 191 The Broadway, Thorpe Bay Open: Mon-Fri 9-6pm (Late Night: Tue till 8pm) Sat: 8-6pm

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2010

Lunchtime Specials!

A choice of 7 delicious dishes

All at ÂŁ9.95 Slow Roast Duck

~ Skate Deep Fried & Chips ~ Pie, Shepherdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Peas & Carrots

~ Winter Chicken with Veg & Gravy

Lunch! r o f e t a D Make a s and cuisine, view

lue, Superb va time every lunch or f l a e id service... iness hether bus occasion w also arte menu c la (A . re or pleasu e dining) or 3 cours available f

Scotch Rope Mussels Penne ~ Pasta & Spicy Tomato Sauce

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Thorpe Esplanade, Thorpe Bay, Essex SS1 3BG

Book your lunchtime special now!

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info@roslinhotel.com

www.roslinhotel.com

ORACLE gardening

Grow your own

By Marion Nasskau

A

t last the natural world seems to be waking up after a very long, winter slumber. The soils are nice and warm - yet still moist now - perfect for vegetable seed sowing! Growing your own is the best way to have vegetables that are as fresh as possible.

It’s much simpler than you might think!

It can be very rewarding to cultivate a large, vegetable plot on an allotment. However, this will also mean a lot of hard work and dedication. Many delicious varieties of vegetables and fruit, though, will thrive in containers.

Any container will do You can use pretty pots or recycle any container of your choice, as long as it has drainage holes and is large enough to allow room for growth. Fill it with multi-purpose compost and you’re ready to go! If you have a little corner in your garden that receives a few hours sunshine every day you could even set up a small, raised bed for your vegetables and herbs. Once you’ve chosen your container fill it with fresh multi-purpose compost or good garden soil.

Water your compost before sowing, sprinkle the seeds evenly and thinly, and then cover them with the amount of soil suggested as your sowing depth on the seed packet.

You can easily grow salad mixes such as red and green leaved lettuces with curly or straight edges, different varieties of rocket, spinach, French beans or runner beans, beetroot, carrot, spring onion and herbs such as parsley, chives, coriander, basil from seed now.

When buying baby plants keep a watchful eye on their price: you don’t want to end up paying a fortune for the privilege of growing your own vegetables!

Watering and harvesting Keep your pots well watered and you should see some action within a week or two! When your salad leaves are 4 to 6 cm high (usually after six weeks) you can start harvesting baby leaves: cut the big outer leaves only leaving the rest of the plant to supply salad leaves for several months to come.

Bon Appetit!

For all your gardening needs from design to maintenance please contact Marion at Horticultural Solutions on 01702 475568, 07974 736768 or visit: www.hortsolutions.co.uk

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M AY

O 2010

Flat Roofing Problems?

Estuary Roofing specialise in all types of Felt and Asphalt Roofs

Approved contractors to most major Felt Manufacturers Established 1975

For your FREE quote Phone

Estuary Roofing Ltd.

01702 295314

62 Raphael Drive, Shoeburyness Tel. & Fax: 01702 295314 Mob: 07970 746712 estuaryroofing@blueyonder.co.uk

M AY

2010

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37

Furniture restoration Services available:-

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

& RSC

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

  Painting Wallpapering

Decorating Services 20 Years Experience

01702 308978 Contact:

Total Foot Care 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

Mantel

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

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

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

For More information please call:

Mob. 07932 709291

Mandy 07961 314983 Or Terry 07956 673259 Email: mantel@hotmail.co.uk

PLEASE BRING A MAT REGISTERED & INSURED WITH I.Y.N

38

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M AY

2010

All your fencing needs in Thorpe Bay Professional, efficient and competitive

s ate tim s E EE FR

Manufacturers and stockists of all fencing sizes, selling to the public at Trade Prices.

FENCING

Call BVS Fencing for FREE professional advice on all your fencing requirements.

The Mark of Quality & Service

01702 296381

63 Vanguard Way, Shoeburyness SS3 9QX

Air&Back

bvsf@live.co.uk

www.bvsfencing.com

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

CITY # STANSTED # GATWICK # LUTON # HEATHROW M AY

2010

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39

y ilit b ia ce ll Luran u F ns I

MIKEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tree Services

Felling Pollarding Shaping Pruning Shrub/Hedge Trimming Est. 1982

Additional Work: Driveway/Patio Clean & Sealed Have your drive/patio powerwashed. Pave fix applied, which sets like concrete.

The work is finished with 2 coats of Sealer. No Weeds/Moss for years. Outstanding results.

For a FREE Quotation call Mike

01702 305217 07906 841602

www.mini-webs.com/Treeservices

25 NCE ER IA OV PER EX S AR YE

Plastering Rendering Coving Dry Lining Knocking down of walls Stud walls/Partitions Storerooms in Roofs with Velux Windows

L & A PLASTERING & Small Builds

For a FREE Estimate Call 01702 298684 / 07939 369794 lothar@lkavanagh.wanadoo.co.uk

40

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

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M AY

2010

BrooksPaving

BLOCK PAVING 5 O %

whe n yo u ORA mentio CLE n th e

Established 1993

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

FF

HIGHER TEC IN BUILDING : VAT REGISTERED COMPANY

For a

FREE ESTIMATE

please call:

01702 535335 Mob: 07976 204016

Experienced Local Electrician

CERAMIC TILER G&M FOLLETT

Domestic & Commercial

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

DanWaller Electrical Services 104 High Street ,Shoeburyness

01702 303867 Mob: 07733 262027 M AY

2010

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

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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

41

Health & Beauty

Exercise during Pregnancy

by Sarah Ellis

E

xercise during pregnancy, when done properly, can be beneficial for both mother and baby. It is becoming more commonplace as doctors and pregnant women are recognising its many advantages. Understandably, a woman may still have reservations about exercise during this time; however, there is no evidence to indicate that exercise has any risks attached to it.

Such benefits include reducing the intensity of the typical side effects of pregnancy like back ache, varicose veins, water retention and cramp.

Exercise will also minimise the risk of excessive weight gain, although it is important to understand that weight gain is necessary for a healthy pregnancy and a woman should never restrict her diet or exercise excessively. This will also mean she will find it much easier to get back into shape once sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s had her baby.

Evidence shows that women who exercise during pregnancy experience easier labours with less pain, shorter duration and fewer complications.

In addition to physical benefits, a woman is far less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and insomnia as exercise releases feel-good hormones from the brain.

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

Along with the benefits to the woman, the baby will benefit both during and after the birth. Exercise helps the baby cope better during labour as the baby will have become used to differences in oxygen levels, which happens during exercise (and is quite safe). Babies will also tend to be easier to care for and more alert.

As a woman moves through each trimester of her pregnancy certain changes do need to be made to her exercise programme to allow for hormonal changes, postural changes and drops in energy levels.

Seeing a personal trainer qualified to work with pregnant women will ensure she receives a balanced programme that will be safe, effective and suit her abilities.

When considering exercise a woman needs to firstly check with her doctor that there isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t any underlying reason why it would be unsafe for her to exercise.

Please check my website for further guidelines on exercise during pregnancy.

www.top2toehealth.co.uk

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

M AY

O 2010

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

01702 216638 . 07787 133359

Call today on

07968 359870 for a FREE quotation

With over 15 years of experience, JS has all your needs covered under one roof! www.jshiandson.com e. info@jshiandson.com M AY

2010

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43

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

l d Competitive quotations for all General Insurance Products including: 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

44

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

Your trusted insurance provider

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

M AY

2010

M AY

2010

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45

ORACLE Enigmas No humdrum conundrum s

5

7 9

3 8

2

6 4 6 1 5 4 6 8 9 2

Quality Antique Clock Repair Service

9 7 1 1 9 4

Jewellery Sales, Repairs and re-modelling

4 6

SU DOKU

FRAME

Long-Case Clocks Carriage Clocks French Clocks

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 month’s puzzle is at bottom.

Gold is high £££!

Fair prices paid for Old Gold & Jewellery

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

The National Association of Goldsmiths

GRIPE

46

BRACE

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

BRAVE

GRACE

GLADE

GRADE

SLIDE

GLIDE

SLIME

SOLUTIONS

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

89 West Road, Shoeburyness

01702 292472

www.andrewsltd.co.uk

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

M AY

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

01702 589600

AL V I ne EST rd Ju F ER - 3 BE7th May

Parsons Corner, North Shoebury SS3 8UD

2

ORACLE

SENDALLʼS ROOFING SERVICE Asphalt & Felt Roofing Specalist

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

Diary Dates OPEN GARDEN (NATIONAL GARDENS FINALIST) Sun 16 May 2 – 5 pm ‘Little Foxes’ Marcus Gardens, Thorpe Bay Plants for Sales, Tea and Home-made cakes Entrance £2.50 (for Animal Charities).

WESTCLIFF ART TRAIL “CELEBRATION OF CREATIVITY” 15/16 May Fair Havens Day Care, 47 Second Avenue.

Display of arts and crafts by staff, volunteers and patients of Havens Hospices MULBERRY MUD RUN Sat 22 May, Thorpe Bay Beach For those adventurous spirit young and old, great event for all the family.

Contact Jason, 01702 220356 or jcurtis@havenshospices.org.uk

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

SOUTHEND HALF MARATHON AND BTMK FUN RUN Sun 13 June – Shoebury East Beach Southend’s biggest event along the coast. Take part and help raise money.

Contact Judy on 01702 220324 or jgrocott@havenshospices.org.uk SOUTHEND AIR FESTIVAL FREE Sun 30th & Mon 31st May. All day event Southend Seafront Over 40 aircraft displays from across the ages, plus a huge range of ground entertainment including the RAF, Army, Navy and Royal Marine Town Shows, trade stands, rides, simulators, giant inflatables plus a packed programme of entertainment; designed for whole family. www.oraclepublications.co.uk www.twitter.com/oracle_essex

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M AY

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

www.morrisinteriors.ltd.uk

SOFAS CHAIR S C URTAI NS CAR PETS FINE FURNISHI NGS I DNETMC EEA M IO E S I G N E R S Uwww.oraclepublications.co.uk Pwww.oraclepublications.co.uk H O L S T E R E R S F UTRH TN I T U R E M A K EE LRES YR B 2E 0RR 1 0D OHROP RE PBEA BY AOY ROA RC AL C 2009

13 49

Oracle Advertorial

Education to Success

By Brian Butler Head of Physical Education, Shoeburyness High School

S

hoeburyness High School is becoming nationally recognised for its pathway curriculum. This results in our students having wide and varied careers. These are just some of our past students of whom we are immensely proud. When you hear about what they have achieved, it reminds you that it is a privilege to work in education.

Tom Stock

Shoeburyness High School 1999 – 2007.

Sixth Form – ‘AS’ Level in Film Studies – ‘A’ Levels in Drama, Performing Arts & Travel & Tourism.

Head Boy 2007

Mark Schofield Headteacher – Shoeburyness High School

Tina Bradley

“My career goal has always been to teach. This helped to keep me focused at School and gave me an incentive to work hard. Whilst I was a pupil at Shoeburyness High School, I gained all A-C grades in my GCSEs and went on to do English, Biology and Music at ‘A’ Level.

I achieved grades B, C, C, respectively in these subjects and went on to study English Literature and Music at Roehampton University. I am now enjoying being back at Shoeburyness High Schools as an employee, working alongside some of the teachers who taught me, and some of my classmates too.

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

Tom Left Shoeburyness and attended SAKS Hair Academy in Covent Garden for a six month intensive hairdressing course.

Tom Graduated with an NVQ Level 2 in Hairdressing and a SAKS Diploma “I enjoyed my years at Shoeburyness High School and was honoured to be chosen to be Head Boy and represent the school which had given so much to me. I left Shoeburyness High School with a great all round education and with the self confidence and belief that I needed to go out in to the big wide world and succeed. I am now a qualified Hair Stylist at Kink in Southchurch Road where I am building a loyal client base. I love what I do and my goal is to one day have a salon of my own …”.

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

M AY

2010

“After leaving Sixth Form, I started out as a runner in film production, moving onto public relations then advertising sales, finally finding my niche in media research. I currently work for the largest commercial radio group in the UK, Global Radio, as their insight specialist. This involves measuring the effectiveness of radio advertising, looking into listener behaviour, investigating audiences for blue chip brands and pulling together information about current and future issues in the media industry”.

Amanda Gray

Emily Hall

“When I left Sixth Form (after gaining 4 A-levels) I worked for the London Fire Brigade as a Fire Officer delivering fire prevention to children in primary schools.

In September 08 I went to Australia for a year. I toured the East Coast for three months. I then worked as a party-bus hostess and then a cleaner in a hostel. I then moved to Brisbane and worked as a nursery nurse. The next three months, I worked as part of a basil-picking team to secure my second year visa.

Darren Clark MA

Shoeburyness High School 1998 - 2004. Interest: sports and science. Left as Head Boy with a strong passion for music and writing, and headed for London.

Degree in Music Technology - first class hons.

Masters Degree in Audio Technology - merit Works as ‘crew’ for the big venues and arenas around London and the UK (O2, Wembley Stadium, V-Festival, Hyde Park).

“I assist all the major music acts that come and tour around the country which could mean anything from setting-up huge, sound rigs to loading trucks (mostly the latter!). I have found myself standing opposite Lady GaGa, carrying Fleetwood Mac’s guitars, standing behind the Arctic Monkeys on stage and having Deep Purples’ bass player blasting in my ear!

I am proud to say I attended Shoeburyness High School. The school, its staff and my peers are who I have to thank for who I am and what I have achieved. Sport and science are still interests of mine. The seven years I spent at Shoebury taught me about hard work and creativity leading to new opportunities”.

STOP PRESS Shoeburyness High school has become the first Olympic school in Southend.

This is a prestigious designation and one which the school will use to promote both the sporting and cultural aspects of the Olympics.

Bring on 2012!

I then travelled to Darwin where I worked in a milkshake bar. On a visit to Vietnam I lost my passport but thankfully I found it!

At present I am working in a clothes shop and saving for my next adventure. I have met so many ex-students in Australia!”

M AY

2010

Shoeburyness High School

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01702 393838

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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 Southend Golf Club 216408 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) 0300 333444 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 Citizenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

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ORACLE Index to advertisers ACCOUNTANTS 25 Beelams Wilkins Kennedy 12 AIRPORT TRANSFER Air & Back 39 ANTIQUE CLOCKS It's About Time 15 BLINDS & SHUTTERS Creative Shutters & Blinds 29 BLOCK PAVING Brooks Paving 41 BUILDERS B J Davis Ltd. 21 JSHI & Son 43 Piper Construction 26 BUTCHERS Philip Splett 32 CAR LEASING Planet Leasing 29 CARPETS Abbey Carpets 25 Gainsborough Carpets 13 CHAUFFER SERVICES Abbeygate Chauffer Services 15 CHIROPODY Total Foot Care 38 CLEANING SERVICES Gates 14 Maids in Essex 17 COMPUTER SERVICES Computopia 6 Flashbyte 2 CONSERVATORY CLEANING Essex Conservatory Cleaning 30 DECORATORS Adrian Rayfield 40 RSC Decorating 38 DISABILITY BATHROOMS Bathesure 4 DOUBLE GLAZING The Window Warehouse 19 DRIVING SCHOOLS Driving Academy 3 EDUCATION Shoebury High School 50 & 51

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ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS 41 Dan Waller Electrical ENTERTAINMENT Southend Operatic Society 55 ESTATE AGENTS Essex Countryside 7 & 53 Hair and Son 1 EYE CARE Lasersite 56 FENCING BVS Fencing 39 FLORIST From Me To You 18 FURNITURE Morris Interiors 49 Unique Designs 4 FURNITURE RESTORERS Tim Baskett 38 GARAGES R S Automotive 34 Service Garage 20 Vanguard Autos 23 GARDENING SERVICES Horticultural Solutions 25 GLASS MERCHANT Collins Glass 31 GRANITE WORKTOPS Abbey Marble 37 HAIRDRESSING Grateful Heads 17 Jerry Bell 33 HEALTH & BEAUTY Body Matters 45 Mantel Yoga 38 HOME CARER Secure Sitting Services 37 HOME ENTERTAINING Waitrose 11 INSURANCE BROKERS Alan Blunden & Co. Ltd. 44 ITALIAN VILLA FOR RENTAL Tuscany Villa 30 JEWELLERS AV & BV Andrews 46 KITCHENS Kitchen Base 27

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