March - Thorpe Bay Oracle by Oracle Publications

Thorpe Bay

March 2013

ORACLE Thorpe Bay at a glance Est. Sept 2005. Circulation 5,100

Oracle Competition WIN! Pair of tickets for the Rat Pack Live at The Cliffs Pavilion

NEW! Oracle Sport Singing the Blues

Local Issues Blood Money

Recipe Cheesy Walnut Biscuits

Hair & Beauty If the cap fits...

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Hello Gorgeous! Unisex Beauty Salon

Open on Mother's Day

Sunday 10th March Book your Mum one of the following and she will receive a special gift with our compliments:

Vital Elastine Smoothing Anti-wrinkle Facial For smoother, brighter, visibly younger looking skin only £53

55min European Massage Blended aromatic oils and massage techniques combine to relax mind and body by relieving tension and restoring Inner balance. only £35.50

Geleration Manicure Includes hand massage, cuticle care, Nail shape and Jessica's Geleration Gel Polish. only £31

158 Broadway,Thorpe Bay SS1 3ES

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Thorpe Bay

OR ACLE

publisher’s letter

his month I would like to draw everyone’s attention to the e-petition set up through Echo Newspapers campaigning for blood testing to be kept in south Essex. At the moment you can get the blood tests back within an hour using the in house system at Southend and Basildon hospitals, under the proposed new scheme it could take days, wasting valuable time. Please visit the Echo newspapers website and sign the e-petition to keep this service local. To find out more regarding this issue, please read Ron’s article on p9. This month sees Southend United launching the start of Oracle’s sports page. Over the next few months we hope to bring you up-to-date news on how things are going for the team and the latest progress on the planned new stadium. Oracle competition this month will allow one lucky winner to win a pair of tickets to see the Rat Pack live at the Cliffs Pavilion on Saturday 18 May 2013. Boasting stars from the West End, a brand-new spectacular featuring the kings of swing – Sammy Davis Jnr, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra – is coming to Southend. To enter simply send in your contact details to:Oracle/Rat Pack Competition, 39 Alexandra Street, Southend, Essex SS1 1BW or email: info@oraclepublications.co.uk. Closing date 29 March.

Introducing Joanna Bacon, our new beauty therapist joining the Halo team! Jo has 21 years experience and is accomplished in all aspects of beauty, specialising in Guinot! To book an appointment today ring

01702 344040 or 01702 342915 or visit:

Halo Hair and Beauty 112 Hamlet Court Road Westcliff-On-Sea Essex SS0 7LP

Happy Mother’s Day for the 10th March! Emma Wynne-Morgan Publisher

01702 393838

39 Alexandra Street, Southend, Essex SS1 1BW

www.oraclepublications.co.uk info@oraclepublications.co.uk

www.twitter.com/oracle_essex www.facebook.com/oraclepublications

Or add us on facebook.com/halo.hair.92

Printed by EVONPRINT, Small Dole, Sussex 01273 494631 MARCH 2013

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ORACLE PLUMBING & HEATING

contents Local Issues Blood Money Ron Woodley

9/10

If the cap fits... Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith

Singing the Blues! Oracle Sport by Tom Biggs

It will never happen to me - Will it?

Money Matters by Jacqui Moyies

Cheesy Walnut Biscuits Judy’s recipe page

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Keep on Running... Health & Beauty by Cris Ramis

FRIENDLY & RELIABLE SERVICE

Sudoku

Diary Dates

54 64 66

Useful Numbers Advertiser Index

Advertorials Thorpe Hall School 18/19/20/21 Southend Lawn Tennis Club 35 Shoebury High School 58/59 4

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

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MARCH 2013

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Now open to NHS patients We now provide NHS services, from exams to completion of treatment. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out, sign up before 1st April 2013. We have a large base of private patients that have remained loyal to our practice due to our principle of providing a relaxed, non sales pressured, informative, ethical and professional service to the community of Thorpe Bay.

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MARCH 2013

Local Issues

Blood Money I

was pleased to be asked by Emma to write this month’s local article as there is a very important issue that could affect all Southend-on-Sea residents. This concerns our local health trust and their proposed transfer of 50% of Southend Hospital’s pathology services to a private company in Bedford.

The case for change was put forward, consolidation of laboratories, the financial benefits, accessibility of services, improvements in patient care, demand management and so on. All the perceived positives were rolled out whilst there was no attempt to even acknowledge the obvious negatives.

For example, the integrity of our blood due to any time delay, coupled with the uncertainty of testing systems (cheap and quick) within the private sector. The whole proposal is fraught with risks; just recently there was an accident on the A127 and the whole area was in gridlock for hours. Simply put, with such a What I witnessed was a presentation by poor road infrastructure as we have, we simply senior health officials that was biased. They cannot afford to have services like these appeared to have already made a decision moved away from our immediate area. which was based upon a proposed financial ideology rather than sound medical reasons. Privatization of major medical laboratories from the NHS has led to a dramatic decline in service quality, according to “Transforming Pathology, the Serco way,” a recent report from a UK based research group. The pathology laboratory at Bedford is to be managed by GSTS which is a consortium set up by King’s College and St. Thomas Hospital and SERCO which is a multi-national company which has 750 contracts in 37 countries to run prisons, immigrant detention centres, military operations, nuclear weapons facilities, schools and transit systems. I intended to keep an open mind when attending a council scrutiny committee meeting that included a presentation on transforming pathology services for Southend-on-Sea and the East of England.

MARCH 2013

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

In 2009/10 GSTS took over pathology services for two major London Hospitals King’s and St. Thomas’. According to Corporate Watch researchers, instead of saving money and improving services, the GSTS joint venture lost money and suffered 400 clinical “incidents” at St.Thomas’ laboratories during 2011, including misplacing and mislabelling blood and tissue samples.The service also exceeded the agreed monthly turnaround times for tests 46 times in 2011, with 14 critical risk levels breached. The proposed case for change is a reduction of between 10-20% in the £205 million annual cost across the East of England.This proposal is staggeringly vague. Is the intention purely to save 10% or 20% or to put it bluntly £20.5 or £41 million? Health officials said it was not possible to provide the unit cost of a blood sample from Southend Hospital compared to the same test, including transportation costs at the proposed Bedford consortium,. But if it was not possible to provide a figure how could they make any meaningful recommendation for change. This proposal might be financially motivated but it is based on a completely illusory set of arguments.

Southend-on-Sea Hospital is fully accredited and has a completely automated blood testing system and an integrated IT system called ICE attached. It has superb technology which is extremely cost and time efficient. It has to be questioned how the proposed private bidder at Bedford, which has no capacity at present and is not accredited for blood services could provide a better, safer and cheaper service than our local hospital. To make matters worse if 50% of the hospital’s blood tests were sent to Bedford the system would become less efficient and even more costly, which would then put the service at greater risk in the future.

Large, strategic proposals such as this need a very broad consultation process. With a population in the East of England of 5.8 million and with only 250 responses this cannot be called a significant consultation process. I calculate that the decision being made about Southend Hospital’s pathology department is based upon a consultation process that represents 0.0004% of the population in the East of England. Is that sen- Finally, who should we trust? Over 200 doctors, consultants and physicians in Southend have sible? stated that this proposed move is inappropriate. It is normally difficult to get two doctors to agree on something. Getting over 200 of them to agree ought to indicate to the NHS bureaucrats that their proposal is wrong. Councillor Ron Woodley

I would like to thank Councillors Alan Crystall and Anne Chalk for their help in supplying the factual information for this article.

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

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MARCH 2013

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Oracle Hair & Beauty

If the cap fits… W

hen Baz Luhrmann’s reboot of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic story The Great Gatsby hits the cinema this summer, its influence on high street style is almost inevitable. Everyone knows that fashion loves nothing more than a retro look - and for older, yet still fashionforward, readers, Gatsby could be a style Godsend.

However, the trilby too is enjoying a return to popularity amongst the smart set – mostly thanks to the advent of TV shows like Downton Abbey.Traditionally,the trilby hat was made from rabbit hair felt,but is now available in a variety of other materials, including tweed, cotton and straw.

Baseball caps,like hoodies,on men of a certain age can look disastrous.Whereas,a soft white baker boy - as sported by Robert Redford in the 1974 movie adds a certain rakish charm. Especially if worn at a jaunty angle.

What’s more,designers and manufacturers have been quick to recognize its appeal to women and consequently, the humble trilby is now a cute fashion statement for stars like Kim Kardashian, Kates Winslet and Moss, plus Nicole Kidman.

The news boy cap,similar to the baker,is perfect for casual wear. It’s simple, unfussy design means that you can team it with a t-shirt and jeans or something dressier.

You can buy a funky take on a classic hat in most High Street stores, but to really get ahead with the right hat,it is worth visiting a specialist hatter - such as the Classic Cap Company in Westcliff.

In fact, flat caps are very much en vogue just now and thanks to their classic shape and range of materials, can top off almost any outfit. From a sports jacket and jeans to a suit, the flat cap has been adopted by celebrities such as Jeremy ‘Mr Selfridge’ Piven, David Beckham and George Clooney.

Wearing headwear is part of our culture but there is a huge difference between the ubiquitous baseball cap and a statementmaking topper. For me a classic design that links with tradition has real style – and nothing beats (t)hat! Sponsored by

Of course, the traditional flat cap is still a staple of virtually every country gent,whereas a trilby,or the slightly wider brimmed fedora, had become a staple of natty racegoers and more‘flamboyant’city dwellers. 16 T H O R P E B AY O R A C L E www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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

Advertorial

What is a balanced curriculum?

arents often ask me about the balance of the curriculum.” writes Andrew Hampton, Headteacher of Thorpe Hall School exclusively for the Oracle. “It is one of the most important parts of the vision for the school that a Headteacher has. As a society we seem to have become over-concerned with certain ways of measuring schools and pupil performance; this has led many schools to distort their curriculum in order to fall in line with government expectations. At Thorpe Hall we believe in breadth and constantly invest in all parts of our school in order to give every child the opportunities they deserve. This means that alongside rigorous classroom teaching pupils have the chance to play lots of sport, sing in the choir, play in the bands, perform in the shows, take part in Lego Robotics Competitions, go on the ski trip, learn to play croquet and acquire skills in archery. 18

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

Recently, our pupils won the local English Speaking Union competition showing excellence in their presentational and arguing skills; the same day eight of our pupils won through to the National Finals of the ISA Cross Country, to compete against the best of over 300 other independent schools. The key for my vision as a Head to ensure that there is so much opportunity to participate that every child can find at least one thing they can enjoy and thrive at.” by Andrew Hampton Headteacher

01702 582340 Wakering Road, Southend-on-Sea Essex, SS1 3RD

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MARCH 2013

Nursery

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Open Day Saturday 9 th March from 10am to 12pm Parents and families are invited to join us at our open day to:Take a tour of our school and its excellent facilities - including the 250 seat, fully equipped Theatre, new Creative Media Suite, state of the art ICT suites, dedicated studios for Food, Textiles and D&T and extensive sports and recreation amenities. Find out how we achieve our outstanding results through forward thinking and first class teaching practices. Meet Headteacher Andrew Hampton and learn more about the many ways in which he and his team bring education to life at Thorpe Hall School.

t 01702 582340 e sec@thorpehall.southend.sch.uk

www.thorpehallschool.co.uk Wakering Road | Southend-on-Sea | Essex | SS1 3RD MARCH 2013

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

To register an interest and receive an information pack contact

01702 582340

In association with Thorpe Hall School the new Young Business Academy is a unique and innovative pathway for post-16 education. Students entering Year 12 in September 2013 will engage in a stimulating and challenging programme of study which is individualised to suit their passions and interests. Alongside BTec in Business Studies, level 2 qualifications in English, Maths and Marketing students will be required to run their own small businesses, acquiring the skills and attributes of administration and leadership. With one-to-one tutorial support, general knowledge, interview technique and personal presentation skills will be regularly assessed. A portfolio of work experience in local prestigious businesses will be completed and community volunteering, cultural trips and interview practice will support studies in preparation for the workplace or further education. Students wishing to study at other colleges can also build their own flexible programme within the Young Business Academy.

» » » » » » »

A new education pathway for Years 12 and 13 at Thorpe Hall School Private academy with individually tailored courses and competitive fees Flexibility to study at other colleges Opportunities to create and run small businesses Links with local businesses and work experience Cultural studies with trips to museums, art galleries and theatres One-to-one tutor support and work in the community

Offering academic and vocational qualifications in:

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Business Studies (BTech - equivalent to one A level) Maths and English (Level 2 - equivalent to GCSE) Marketing (Chartered Institute of Marketing) Self-sufficiency (Duke of Edinburgh) Artistic, sporting and presentation skills (Asdan)

Knowledge is Power courses (KiP) in:

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“We are very proud to be offering this new, high-quality provision for all 16 year olds in our region, who are now required to stay in full time education after they have taken their GCSEs.” Andrew Hampton, Headteacher of Thorpe Hall School.

Open days: Thursday 7th March at 7.00pm & Saturday 9th March at 12:30pm

Oracle Sport

Singing the Blues! S

STOP PRESS: Blues reach Wembley! The Oracle would like to congratulate Southend United for reaching the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final against Crewe at Wembley on Sunday 7th April. Come on you Blues!

outhend United Football Club will be to Northampton Town. The visitors took the lead hoping for a positive March as they early on before Bilel Mohsni, on his return to Roots Hall, was shown a red card for Blues. Loan look to push for promotion to League 1. signing Matthew Lund equalised, but Of Blues’ three home games in February, they Northampton nicked a late winner to condemn won one and lost two, so will be hoping for Blues to a second straight home defeat. better at Roots Hall up against Rotherham (March 2nd), AFC Wimbledon (March 12th), Paul Sturrock has issued a rallying cry in the Torquay (March 16th) and Plymouth (March hope of turning their home form around for the rest of the campaign. He said: “We’ve struggled 19th). a little bit at home throughout the season but if There are also tough away matches against we can turn that around now it will be vital. table-topping Port Vale (March 9th), Rochdale “We’ve got some big games coming up this (March 23rd) and Bradford City (March 29th). month and if we can win our home games and With a number of players having suffered from pick up some points away from home, we will injury, Blues’ manager Paul Sturrock will be be right back in contention for the final month hoping that they return in time for the of the season. remaining weeks of the season. “Hopefully our injured players will be back fit Michael Timlin will unfortunately be missing for because we’ve got four big home matches, the remainder of the season after breaking his seven League games in total, so it’s going to be leg against Leyton Orient on February 5th in the a busy month.” Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. Why not come along to one of Blues’ games in Gavin Tomlin and Marc Laird will be hoping they March. Contact Blues Box Office on 08444 77 00 can recover in time for the run-in having both 77. been sidelined with a thigh injury and Southend United hamstring injury respectively. Blues’ last League 2 home game ended in defeat

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

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Money Matters Share purchase and partnership protection ensures business succession as well as the safeguarding of commercial interests and family legacy. This protection provides funds to allow remaining business owners to buy the shares of the business from the outgoing or deceased owner. By putting this simple arrangement in place, capital is available to help purchase this personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interest.

It will never happen to me â&#x20AC;&#x201C; will it?

ooking at the evidence, you could be forgiven for assuming that business owners never fall seriously ill or die. Most companies make sure they have public liability insurance and cover for contents, fire and theft. And one would expect anyone running a small to medium sized company to recognise that the serious illness or death of a key person would have a potentially devastating effect on the business, not least to its value and profitability. Yet when it comes to key people, many adopt a high risk strategy by doing absolutely nothing about cover at all. Without question, the consequences of such inaction are potentially dire. What would happen, for example, if the business owner or major shareholder became seriously ill or died? Given that serious illness, such as cancer or a heart attack, affects one in four women and one in five men before retirement age*, potential scenarios like these are not uncommon. Yet the problems facing the shareholders could all have been perfectly ironed out if the right safeguards had already been put in place.

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

With the right measures in place, solutions would be found for both parties by utilising life cover, a business trust, a legal document called a cross option agreement, and structuring Wills correctly. The cross option agreement allows the shares to pass into the Business Trust and the money moves across into the Will Trust which can then be used to benefit the deceased shareholderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family. Having all the correct protection in place and ensuring this is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect business changes is a particularly onerous and daunting task for time-hungry entrepreneurs. It is one which is best left to a wealth management specialist to help protect the business from a wide range of risks and ensure business owners meet their aims while concentrating on managing their company. At the same time, a wealth expert can help owners with all those other neglected financial affairs such as formulating a carefully planned exit strategy, retirement planning, investment, personal banking, mortgages, healthcare and other insurance. Sources: *This Is Money (20/9/11)

by Jacqui Moyies

To receive a complimentary guide covering Wealth Management Retirement Planning or Inheritance Tax Planning, contact Jacqui on :

01702 589553 Jacqui.moyies@sjpp.co.uk or visit www.sjpp.co.uk/jacquimoyies

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Advertorial

Serving up social play W

armer weather is finally on its way evenings. For those wishing to play later and with that it’s time to start floodlights are available, and like tennis balls thinking about summer activities. Well, what are included in the membership fee. about tennis? When you’ve finished playing, retire to the Set in the heart of Thorpe Bay with five fully licensed bar for some well-earned AstroTurf courts, Southend Lawn Tennis Club refreshments and reminisce on that great offers a welcoming, friendly and peaceful forehand or volley. environment to any individual. Whether you are a family looking to unwind on a hot Social events run throughout the year for Saturday afternoon or a player looking for members including darts, quiz nights and some competitive action, the club offers race nights. Perhaps combine the two with a tennis and curry evening or the many opportunities for everyone. American tournaments that are organised. Social play takes place every week plus there are tournaments and match play to suit most Adult membership is available for a little over levels, including beginners. There is also team £5 a week and junior rates are cheaper. To tennis for ladies, men, veterans and juniors. find out more, visit out website at www.southendlawntennisclub.com or call Lessons are available from 2 L.T.A accredited Ian Scanlon (Membership secretary) on 01702 coaches, for both individuals and groups and 200424. We look forward to hearing from you. for all levels and abilities. Juniors can Graham Taylor (Club Captain) participate in coaching every Saturday morning in graded steps to ensure progression at the right level. Courts are www.southendlawntennisclub.com available at most times including during the

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

n anea t iterr uran Med e Resta in Cuis

Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 11:00 am Last Orders 2:30 pm 5:00 pm Last Orders10:30 pm Sunday 11:00 am Last Orders 3:00 pm 5:00 pm Last Orders10:00 pm

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BOOK NOW FOR MOTHER’S DAY

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PAINTING & DECORATING COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC Interior & Exterior Over 30 years experience Local, Reliable and Trustworthy Established connections to local building trades High Quality service guaranteed References available upon request Fully Insured Experience of hanging all wallcoverings No job too small!

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

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MARCH 2013

01702 297360 MECHANICAL AND ACCIDENT REPAIR CENTRE

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

recipe of the month

Ingredients: 140g/5oz strong cheddar, grated 100g/4oz unsalted butter, softened 140g/5oz plain flour Pinch cayenne 1tsp paprika 1 tbsp thyme leaves, chopped 100g bag walnut halves (you will need 26) 25g/1oz finely grated Parmesan

In the Kitchen with Judy Barden

Method: 1. Heat the oven 180c/fan 160c/gas 4 2. Beat the cheddar and butter together and then gradually sift in the flour, spices, thyme and a pinch of salt. Stir together and work into a soft dough. 3. Divide the dough up and make into 26 bite-sized balls. Push a walnut half into each one and then close the pastry round the nut until fully enclosed. 4. Put on a baking sheet lined with baking parchment and sprinkle with Parmesan. Chill for 30 minutes

Cheesy Walnut Biscuits

found this recipe in an old magazine and it was sent in by a well-travelled reader who makes a batch of these up to drink with her Gin and tonic. Lady after my own heart ! Over the years and in many of my cookery classes I have made Cheese Biscuits in various guises and they are always useful to have in the freezer and then just pop a few in the oven when needed as they can be cooked from frozen, just allow a little longer in the oven. Enjoy!

Cheesy Walnut Biscuits

5. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm.

Next month’s recipe:

‘Chargrilled Salmon with Asparagus in a Lime Vinaigrette’

PHILIP SPLETT

Sponsored by

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FOOD WITH A VIEW

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BLEAK

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

77 EASTWOODBURY CRESCENT, SOUTHEND ON SEA, ESSEX, SS2 6XG

T 01702 543 001 E info@hisouthend.com hisouthend.com

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MARCH 2013

Cloudy2Clear Windows – Service With A Smile! It’s been a crazy few months for Cloudy2Clear Windows. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has grown rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their services. Managing Director Chris Miller feels that it’s all about service. ‘Our product is simple. If your double glazing is misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 5 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although

that obviously helps. Many tradespeople have struggled since last year and I honestly feel that during the good times a minority perhaps didn’t focus on customer care as much as they should have done. We make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. I often get comments back from customers on how they really didn’t expect that sort of service which, in a way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole.’ Cloudy2Clear service the Southend, Leigh on Sea and Thorpe Bay areas DQG &KULV LV ÀQGLQJ WKDW his approach is a major

factor in his success.‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for,

which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Chris a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

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

40th

Year of trading

Est. 1973

HEADHUNTERS Late nights - Tuesday & Thursday 7.30pm Sunday 10am til 1pm

Barbers Shop OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK HEADHUNTERS Barbers Shop: 184 The Broadway, Thorpe Bay, SS1 3ES Tel 01702-585365

Slating & Tiling Specialists City & Guilds Qualified with Over 25 years experience

New Roofs - Strip & Retile Roof Repairs Chimneys Removed/Rebuilt/Re-pointed Cowls & Bird Guards Fitted Guttering Revived

M.J. LEA ROOFING Tel: 01702 219648 ForFREE Estimates & Advice, contact:

Mob: 07711916544 Email: myjlearoofing@gmail.com

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

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MARCH 2013

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

£5 Disco u

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Diary Dates iPhone & Samsung Screen Repair Specialists

BERA AGM 5th March, 8pm . St. Augustines Church, Thorpe Bay. NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY Bees 14th Mar FREE Southend Central Museum,Victoria Avenue 7.30 pm Roger Payne Inter - Society Quiz 25th Mar FREE Wakering Community Hall 7.30 pm

All Makes & Models Welcome Over 20 Years Experience Competitive & Reliable Service

SAME DAY COLLECTION REPAIR & RETURN Call Gary Tomlinson

CATS PROTECTION Saturday 16th March - Homing Show Admission 50p - Refreshments 10.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. St James Church Hall. Elmsleigh Drive, Leigh Home checks on the day, pick up cats by 2 p.m. Saturday 23rd March - Easter Bazaar Admission 50p 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Refreshments, raffle and tombola. CP goods, bric-a-brac, jewellery, books, jigsaws, plants. St Andrews Church Hall, Church Road, Shoeburyness EASTER TRAIL 30th Mar Southchurch Hall, Southend-on-Sea 10:00 - 15:00. , Trail and craft £2.50 Follow the clues to claim a chocolatey prize, crafts too fun for all the family. For further information please visit the Southend Museums website. www.southendmuseums.co.uk www.oraclepublications.co.uk www.twitter.com/oracle_essex

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

07887 772117 INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR DECORATING Painting & Wallpapering

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

M K Decorating Services For a free no obligation quotation, Please call Michael

01702 312964 07973 796270

mk.decorating@hotmail.co.uk

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MARCH 2013

BrooksPaving

BLOCK PAVING 5 O whe n

Established 1993

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

you ORA mentio CLE n th e

HIGHER TEC IN BUILDING : VAT REGISTERED COMPANY

For a

FREE ESTIMATE

please call:

01702 535335 Mob: 07976 204016

Furniture restoration 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 T.S.Baskett Est. 1992 Established 1992

www.tsbaskett.co.uk

6 Durham Rd. Southend

01702 603766   6 Durham Rd. Southend

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

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MARCH 2013

SUSAN WHITE SW PHYSIOTHERAPY LTD

CHARTERED PHYSIOTHERAPIST HPC REGISTERED

TEL : 01702 322606 14 BUCKLAND, SHOEBURYNESS

Qualified Reflexologist Full Reflexology Treatments Lasting 45 mins in the comfort of your home.

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

USEFUL IN TREATING: Migraines, Asthma, Digestive conditions, Arthritis, Menstrual and Menopausal problems.

Telephone Cara Dee for an appointment

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07902 181003

Air&Back

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An extremely relaxing experience that can also help relieve all the stress-related conditions of todays busy world.

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 MARCH 2013

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

Advertorial

The Government writes to Shoeburyness High School by Mark Schofield - Headteacher

es, you read the headline correctly. On the 27th January the school received a letter from the Minister of State for Schools, the Rt Hon David Laws MP. A copy of this letter has been reproduced for you here: This is further confirmation that Shoeburyness High School continues on the pathway towards its aim of becoming the most outstanding school in the country. This is the fourth such letter the school has received in just five years and this one is especially pleasing since it refers to straight GCSE’s and includes those core subjects of English and Maths. The performance tables also show that only two secondary schools in Southend moved 100% of their level 5 students- on-entry on to achieving 5A*C GCSE grades including English and Maths and only three secondary schools converted them to gaining A*-C grades in English and Maths. You guessed it! Shoeburyness was one of the schools who achieved this in both categories for its high ability students. This news comes at an exciting time for the school with one of our students, James Edmonds, being accepted, following interviews and entry examinations, to study Law at Oxford University. For this, he must add three more “A” grades at “A” Level to his existing “A” grade for English. Shoeburyness High School continues to ‘buck the national trend’ as it increases the number of students applying for and going to university.

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

Whilst numbers are down nationally, last year Shoeburyness doubled the numbers going and this year’s applications have increased again. Our year-on-year improvements in A2 results, specialist pathways for university applications and our programmes such as Gradu8 for raising aspirations lower down the school, have all contributed to this. The journey continues and we are determined to create the ‘Outstanding’ school that we have set ourselves the target of becoming. It is right that we celebrate these milestones along the way. Shoeburyness High School – a Community Academy serving Southend. STOP PRESS! Megan Sylvester has been elected Youth Mayor following a ballot in which all schools voted. It was the biggest turnout we have had. Congratulations to Megan, we are really proud of you!

Shoeburyness High School 01702 292286 Ext. 181 karenstock@shoeburyness.southend.sch.uk extendedschools@shoeburyness.southend.sch.uk www.shoeburynesshigh.co.uk/community/extendedschools

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

PAYING TOO MUCH FOR YOUR GLASSES?

ON-SITE LABORATORY FOR QUICK SERVICE

C.C. OPTICAL Quality frames, lenses & repairs DIRECT TO THE PUBLIC Just your prescription required

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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 50 YEARS EXPERIENCE EASY, FLEXIBLE PARKING BUDGET & DESIGNER FRAME STOCKIST VARILUX SPECIALIST

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TINTED LENS SPECIALISTS LENSES SUPPLIED & FITTED TO OWN FRAME (*if applicable) GOLD SOLDER FRAME & REPAIR SERVICE ON SITE PRESCRIPTION SWIM, SUN & SPORTSWEAR SPECS n

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Opening Hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9 a.m - 4.30 p.m (closed 1-2 p.m) Wednesday & Saturday 9 a.m - 1 p.m Sunday 9 a.m - Noon

The Seedbed Business Centre Vanguard Way (Unit C5) Shoeburyness SS3 9QY Telephone 01702 291009

Experienced Local Electrician 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 60

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

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MARCH 2013

ate

tim Es

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

& bvsf@live.co.uk

Painting Wallpapering

Supplier and Erectors 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 www.bvsfencing.com

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Decorating Services 20 Years Experience

07932 709291 Contact:

www.rscdecorating.co.uk

MARCH 2013

FREEFONE 0800 587 4208

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

WANT TO LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE? Language to Treasure offers English, French and German language tuition. For primary school children we can help develop reading and writing skills including preparation for KS1 phonics screening test and SATS. For secondary school children we offer French and German tuition including GCSE and A level exam preparation. For adults we offer tuition tailored to individual needs.

Hello!

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Guten Tag!

CONTACT SUE CORNELL FOR MORE INFORMATION ON:

07449 959609 or 01702 527361 languagetotreasure@hotmail.co.uk Find me on Facebook.com/languagetotreasure

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

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MARCH 2013

Computer Services Fast - Friendly - Fixed! Full

Health Check Broadband SetUp Data Backup & Recovery

Custom

Builds

Branded

Systems Parts to Order Remote Support

We now supply web hosting packages

For Laptop Repairs

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Computopia Bespoke Computer Systems

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Central Heating Problems?

Then a CLEARFLOW power flush could be the answer! Any of these symptoms could indicate that your system has circulation and flow problems resulting from internal corrosion.

Is your system slow to warm up? Are there kettling noises from the boiler? Are some radiators completely or partially cold? Do the radiators need frequent bleeding? A Clearflow power flush can restore circulation and efficiency to the heating system by removing those undesirable products replacing it with clean water to prevent future problems.

Restores heat output in radiators Cleans the whole system Extremely advisable before installation of new boiler Up to 50% cheaper than other competitors Ask your local Clearflow professional for advice -

JPS GAS HEATING 01702 294048 07971 463002 MARCH 2013

MAINTENANCE MAN All Garden Work Shed Roofs Renewed Fencing & Repairs Guttering & Cleaning Carpentry Work Painting Etc Crazy Paving & Power Cleaning ANY ODD JOB CONSIDERED! PHONE KEN:

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

useful numbers ADVICE & HELPLINES Child Protection Citizens Advice Crime Prevention Crimestoppers Cruse Bereavement Care Pier & Foreshore Inspectors Drugs, Alcohol & Substance Misuse HARP National Drugs Freephone Samaritans Southend Talking Newspaper Victim Support Group Southend Council Civic Centre Jobcentre Southend

ANIMAL WELFARE 534495 0844 4770 808 464199 0800 555 111 213843 215620 440400 615000 0800 776900 611911 554536 0845 4565995 215000 575700

HOSPITALS & HEALTH 608908 224600 435555 462944

LOCAL MP James Duddridge (Con)

01702 616135

PHARMACIES Bansal Pharmacy 587500 178 The Broadway Mon-Fri 9-6.30 pm / Sat 9-1pm Howells & Brooks 582658 The Broadway Mon-Fri 9-6.30 pm / Sat 9-5.30 pm Closed 1-2 pm Wed+Sat.

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

584511 548261

POLICE SERVICES 24 hour Emergency Number 01702 430696 Southend Police Station (24 hours a day) 0300 3334444 Thorpe Ward Neighbourhood Specialist Officer Warren Lamb 07976 325346 Marine Police 01268 775533 Thames Coastguard 01255 675518

PUBLIC SERVICES

CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS Belfairs Mixed Bowling 475766 Burges Estate Residents Association (BERA) 588662 Carers Forum 393933 Charles Dickenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fellowship 588069 Cockleshell Clog Morris 479622 Essex Handicrafts Association 479622 Essex Society for Family History 522992 Lower Thames Rowing Club 482205 Prittlewell Bowls Club 612476 Southchurch Park Croquet Club 303957 Southend Blind Welfare Association 342131 Southend Cardiac Support Group 309042 / 293469 Southend Photographic Society 332491 Southend Rugby Club 546682 The English Speaking Union 588069 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 Scout Groups Southend, Thorpe Bay & Shoeburyness 587647 Actorcrats (Amateur Dramatics) 306506 Thorpe Bay Art Group 294321 St Augustine's Church 587597 Stone Masons & Dry Stone Wallers 292867 Southend Chess Club Steve Wedlock (Club Secretary) 345902 BMI Southend Private Hospital Primary Care Trust Southend General Hospital Spire Wellesley Hospital

Downes & Prtnrs, Veterinary Surgeon RSPCA Rochford

Central Library 215011 Southend High Street Post office 391063 Bournes Green Post Office 582241 Traveline 0871 200 2233 Arriva Southend 08701 201088 First 01268 525251 National Express 08705 80 80 80 Odeon Cinema 0871 2244007 SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen Families Association) 463113

Alterations to Clothes Joan Davis

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MARCH 2013

Same dedicated maid each week only ÂŁ11.55 per hour Then call us on:

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

Thorpe Bay

01702 277684

ORACLE Index to advertisers AERIALS 1st South East Aerials AIRPORT TRANSFER Air & Back ANTIQUE CLOCK It's About Time AUCTIONEERS Chalkwell Auctions BALLET ACCESSORIES Just Ballet BLINDS Worth & Co BLOCK PAVING Brooks Paving BUILDERS AJ Properties CJW Home Improvements Cortes DJ Contractors GMH Renovations PW Campbell BUTCHERS Philip Splett BUILDING SUPPLIES St Anns CAR DEALERSHIP VW Van Centre CARE CENTRE Hallmark Care CARPENTRY & JOINERY John Sorrell CARPETS Abbey Carpets Gainsborough Carpets Trade Carpets CARPET CLEANING Gates CERAMIC TILE IMPORTERS Kenbro Tiles CHILDREN'S PARTY Busy Beads CHIROPODIST Arthur Partington CLEANING All Seasons Maid in Essex COMMERCIAL/DOMESTIC PLUMBING & HEATING Essex Maintenance COMPUTER SERVICES Computopia In the Box CONSERVATORIES BJ Davis CONSERVATORY CLEANING ECCC DECORATING MK Decor RSC Decorating DENTAL Smiles on Broadway DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIR Cloudy 2 Clear EDUCATION Shoebury High School Thorpe Hall School

Marketing Solutions for the BEST local businesses

61 57 17 44 26 53 56 23 12 43 50 36 45 38 24 34 30 45 41 29 5 39 8 36 46 39 65 43 63 63 31 41 54 61 7 51 58/59 18-21

ENTERTAINMENT Southend Theatres ELECTRICAL SERVICES Dan Waller ENVIRONMENTAL Nova Environmental ESTATE AGENTS Dedman Gray FENCING BVS Fencing FINANCIAL SERVICES Anderson Financial Lifeplan FIREPLACES Charles Goldsworthy GAT Fireplaces FUNERAL SERVICES AR Adams Funeral Services FURNITURE RESTORERS TS Baskett GARAGES Bridge Garage RS Automotives GARAGE DOORS Murray Garage Doors GARDEN SERVICES Pauls Garden Services GLASS MERCHANT Colins Glass Glass Studio GUTTER CLEANING New Look Outdoor Cleaning HAIR & BEAUTY Grateful Heads Headhunters HANDYMAN Piper Construction HEALTH & BEAUTY Hello Gorgeous HEALTH & FITNESS iFit Studio Ramis Health & Fitness HEATING SERVICES JPS Heating Son Ray Heating HOME ACCESSORIES Gardners of Thorpe Bay INTERIOR DESIGN Janet Williamson Morris Interiors ITEM SALE Preloved JEWELLERY AV & BV Andrews KITCHENS Kitchen Base KITCHEN INTERIORS Prittlewell Interiors LANGUAGES Language to Treasure MAINTENANCE MAN Ken Sendall MOBILE PHONE REPAIR Priority Repair

49,55

ORACLE View the latest issues ONLINE

60 42

THORPE BAY - March 2013_1-850763976.e$S_Layout 1 25/02/2013 13:13 Page 1

Thorpe Bay

March 2013

Thorpe Bay at a glance

Est. Sept 2005. Circulation 5,100

Est. Oct 2006. Circulation 5,500

Oracle Competition WIN! Pair of tickets for the Rat Pack Live at The Cliffs Pavilion

WIN! Pair of tickets for the Rat Pack Live at The Cliffs Pavilion

NEW! Oracle Sport

Sing the Blues!

Singing the Blues

Local Issues

Blood Money

Hair & Beauty

Recipe

If the cap fits...

Cheesy Walnut Biscuits

13 40

March 2013

Leigh at a glance

Oracle Competition

28 62

Leigh-on-Sea

ORACLE ORACLE

Recipe

Hair & Beauty

Cheesy Walnut Biscuits

If the cap fits...

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To advertise in ORACLE call

01702 393838

43 17 25 47 12 16 52 33 2 67 48 63 23 11 26 15 52 6 32 12 62 63 54

OPTICAL CC Optical OVEN CLEANING Ovenclean PHYSIOTHERAPY Susan White PLUMBING & HEATING Hammond & Sons M Walker Plumbing PUBLIC HOUSE The Angel Inn REFLEXOLOGY Cara Dee RESTAURANTS 1935 Rooftop Bar Cafe Masala The Lemon Tree Mr Ping ROOFING SERVICES Estuary Roofing MJ Lea Roofing SKIP HIRE Leigh Skip Hire TENNIS Southend Lawn Tennis Club TILING SERVICES Battlesbridge Tiling G Perks UPHOLSTERY Peter Weddell WEIGHT LOSS Lighterlife WINDOW CLEANING BC Windows

60 60 57 33 4 14 57 50 17 36 33 23 52 12 35 62 56 45 27 33

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