Thorpe bay April 2014

Thorpe Bay

April 2014

ORACLE

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

Oracle Competition WIN! A pair of tickets to see Lee Mead at the Cliffs Pavilion

Local Issues

Response to Boris Island

Oracle Interiors Natural Elements

Recipe Page Sweet Red Onion and Emmental Tart

Hair & Beauty Nautical but Nice

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Thorpe Bay

OR ACLE

publisher’s letter

Y

ou may remember in February’s edition of Oracle, Jim Worsdale kindly contributed to Oracle’s local issues regarding the history of the ‘Boris Island’ idea? Since that article local resident Alan Kristian contacted me and wanted to give a response….let the debate continue! If you have something that you would like to highlight about your community/area or just something to share then please contact me as local issue pages are free to anybody.

I have been away recently and it was drawn to my attention that the Echo printed a letter from a local resident who had been wrongly informed that the Oracle was owned by the Burges Estate Residents Association and since then an apology has been received. I would just like to make it very clear to all of my readers and my clients that I am the sole proprietor of Oracle Publications UK Ltd. and that I run my business wholly independent of any political party, local faction, pressure group or other controlling influence.

Win a pair of tickets to see Lee Mead in concert on Sunday 5th October at the Cliffs Pavilion. The West End star will entertain everyone to an evening of songs from musical theatre to include his personal favourites and much more. www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk To enter please send your contact details to: Oracle/Lee Mead Competition, 39 Alexandra Street, Southend SS1 1BW or email info@oraclepublicaitons.co.uk Closing date Wednesday 30th April.

Happy Easter!

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 Printed by EVONPRINT, Small Dole, Sussex 01273 494631 APRIL 2014

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ORACLE PLUMBING & HEATING

contents Local Issues Response to Boris Island Resurrection

by Alan Kristian

9/10

Nautical but Nice Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith

16

Natural Elements Interiors by Sam Gundy

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Unspoilt Bulgaria, Revitalise with Yoga and Adventure Oracle Travel by Melanie Williams

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After 93 years,the tax disc is to be scrapped Oracle Motoring by Danielle Wheeler

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A night of

magic moments!

Hello Gorgeous Beauty Salon is proud to announce that it has just celebrated its 10th anniversary on The Broadway, Thorpe Bay. We would like to thank many of our clients for joining us at CafĂŠ Ciao at our Anniversary Party; a great night was had by all as we were entertained by talented musician Tom Spence and amazed by close-up magician Kevin Bird.

HG prides itself in continuing to provide a wide range of beauty therapies in a very professional, un-hurried, relaxing atmosphere.

Our staff are both loyal and highly skilled. Salon Manageress Carolina, who has been with the salon for 7 of our ten years, is extremely popular and specializes in a vast number of massage techniques including sports injury.

Carolina is also trained in the art of HD brows.

Natalie and Jeanie are also long-standing members of staff and are qualified in all aspects of beauty therapy.

Kelly, our new Senior Therapist comes to us with additional qualifications, such as Caci nonsurgical face lifting and Hello Gorgeous! have recently invested in the most advanced and up-to-date Caci Ultimate machine.

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Local Issues

Boris Island – resurrection of an old idea?

A response to Jim Worsdale, examining wider implications.

I

n the February edition of Oracle, Jim Worsdale, former Southend Echo journalist wrote of old re-discovered documents showing that Southend may have been destined to be no more than a departure/arrival lounge for Britain’s biggest airport. This appears to date back to the dawn of commercial and domestic air flight.

airport in our region, the very revelation of an ancient proposal of this kind clearly cloaks the scheme in some kind of respectability merely because it was long ago mooted and has hovered around our heads ever since like some kind of phantom aircraft with beating propeller blades that would not quite fall silent.

In this light the downside of any Estuary Airport Whilst Jim was very careful neither to champion proposal should be examined; very little will be nor denigrate the need or principle of a major positive, perhaps another correspondent could present a case in favour? Whilst it may have seemed attractive for Southend and Essex to jump on the airflight bandwagon 80 years ago, in the current situation it does not hold water.

We now have a thriving Southend (London) Airport with clear expansion plans and London itself boasts an effective City Airport. If a hub is built in the Estuary the flight paths will conflict and both these will close.

The Estuary itself has attracted many nature based designations, not least of all as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means that much is to be learned from the preservation of nature in the region and that it should be preserved for that reason. The hub developers would be required to replace like for like in another area for the disruption to this reserve.

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Presumably they will learn to emulate Dr. Doolittle in his ability to talk to the animals, birds and fish so that they will understand that their centuries old breeding and feeding grounds have re-located up the river.

We have experienced the dredging of the river of late to facilitate access of large cargo ships down to Tilbury. As a suspected result of this, groins and other features, not to mention wartime bombs, have re-appeared on our beaches, having not been seen for decades.

Ground water has been seen at the top of Leigh Hill this winter, evidencing the presence of water table throughout the borough at unprecedented levels. The proposed Health Centre at Gunners Park, Shoeburyness seems to have been shelved, possibly as a result of the emergence of new lakes in the area, causing the closure of the children’s play area on the edge of the Garrison Estate. Anyone in their bath tub with an idea of the cause of a certain Greek’s shout of ‘Eureka’ can visualise the cause and effect of construction, floating or otherwise, in the waters of the Estuary.

Proposals also exist, at Government behest, for the development of who knows where housing estates of large volume. This effective concreting of land and loss of flood plain will direct water that cannot soak into the former green belt, presumably, to our waterways. This will flow to the Estuary, causing raised levels and pressure on the lamentable sea defences, especially at Shoeburyness and northwards – perhaps only to meet the concrete apron of the Estuary Airport!

Comparitively considerations:-

minor,

but

numerous

Increase in noise levels.

Increase in pollution levels.

Increased risk of accident in a built-up area.

Increase of congestion on roads and rail.

Increase in passenger traffic into the mooted hub airport............................

WAIT A MINUTE! Are we not in a recession, or just coming out of one depending on who you listen to politically? That being the case, from whence comes the extra passengers that justify any further aiport expansion, let alone any new scheme?

Finally, might someone advise Boris that his jurisdiction as Mayor ends at the Crowstone – go read the plaque on it for confirmation of that.

Curious then that the alternatives to any Estuary development would be on the fringes of London, where Boris does seem to hold some power.

And, to end on a political note, in an unprecendented show of solidarity, both Essex and Kent Councillors have unanimously condemned any such plan to turn the Estuary into a new Heathrow. This opposition will, of course, be totally ignored if Boris bees get into Government bonnets.

By Alan Kristian

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Oracle Hair & Beauty

Nautical but nice A

s something of a regular follower of fashion, I’m something of an early-adopter for the latest looks and trends. However, I draw the line at certain things. Take for example, fashionistas’ near obsession with attempts to introduce cowboy style to Britain’s High Streets.

But I must admit to *cough* harbouring a soft spot for the seafaring look. Living on the Essex coast, this makes perfect sense and it works for both men and women.

Trawlerman look Blokes can adopt the rugged, Scandinavian trawlerman look with an expressive beard, cable knit jumper and jeans teamed with sturdy, waterproof boots (if the weather is inclement), whilst simple lines and a palate of navy, yellow, white and red will breathe fresh sea air into any girl or guy’s wardrobe.

A hooped matelot top paired with bold red jeans and a yellow jacket will make a bold statement. For the full effect, opt for a fitted tank, tee, or sweater that features the ever-popular pattern, and pair it with your favourite pair of navy slacks, dark denim jeans, a navy skirt, or even khaki bottoms. Stripes can be less than slimming, so consider a waist cinching accessory to add definition to the look—extra style points will be awarded if said accessory just so happens to be red! Pair your outfit with flats, heels, or even boat

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shoes, to create a perfectly fun and casual l ook – perfect for enjoying a glass of wine with friends in Old Leigh, or taking the sea air as you stroll down the pier..

Impeccable fashion sense.

Bold red lips, cat eye liner, and clean, flawless skin are the perfect complement to a nautical outfit.

The trick is to enhance, not overwhelm, and to showcase your impeccable fashion sense. An artful application of winged black eyeliner, dewy rouged cheeks, and a glossy red pout will pull your whole look together.

Of course, it is important not to stray too far and end up looking like Captain Birdseye, or Popeye or a deranged children’s TV presenter. You can avoid this fashion equivalent of the doldrums by choosing tops with fun, applique designs and prints featuring anchors, seahorses and sailing boats and by choosing swashbuckling accessories.

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Oracle Interior Design

Natural elements I

The Psychology of colour is a fairly complex issue. But we are probably more in tune with colour than we realise. How does a fresh Spring morning make you feel? Usually colours associated with this would be greens, yellows, pinks and sky blue. These colours evoke a combination of feelings calm and relaxation (green), peace (pink), happiness (yellow) and more productive and thoughtful (blue). On a cold winters evening there is little colour to be found and we generally feel more tired less motivated by a lack of sunlight and colour to stimulate our senses.

Neutral / Natural The majority of people I come into contact with when I’m working are looking for neutral colour schemes and spend vast amounts of time and money selecting the right shade of white or grey. Now whilst I do totally agree that neutral works well almost anywhere, when colour is used either in place of neutral or in addition to it, this is when a space turns from ordinary and something that blends into it’s surroundings to somewhere that really evokes feeling & emotion and that can only be a good thing.

Colour should not be something to be afraid of, rooms that lack natural light do not always need to be painted a light shade.

Embrace the natural elements of a room, create something cosy and inviting and use lighting, lots of it! Take notice of the colours that surround you and how they make you feel, don’t be afraid to experiment.

recently had the pleasure of staying in a beautiful old chateau in the heart of the Champagne Region. The dining room was a beautiful room, painted in cream but it was lacking atmosphere, however the panelled drawing room painted in a stunning rich green looked and felt really wonderful. The way pockets of daylight hit the walls and changed the colour entirely. There was such a stark contrast to how those two rooms made me feel!

Happy, relaxed, motivated Maybe I’m one of the few people that really by Samantha Gundy notice the colours that are used in interiors but I’m definitely not the only person that ‘feels’ the colours that surround us. Colour whether you notice it or not has the ability to alter a mood, make you feel warm or cold LEIGH-ON-SEA regardless of the temperature. It can make you feel happy, relaxed, motivated or maybe 01702 474569 even sad without you really taking in why www.gardners-shop.co.uk your mood may have changed.

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Oracle Travel

Unspoilt Bulgaria, Revitalise with Yoga and Adventure

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or those of you unfamiliar with Yoga Dharma Café and Studio, Martin and Fran, the owners, are passionate about Yoga and wellbeing, both mental and physical.

They own a retreat in rural Bulgaria where a week’s holiday is tailored to bring you a mix of yoga practise, good food and local interest. Martin is an accomplished chef and will prepare the meals for the group in his vegetarian kitchen.

Yoga postures to build on The holiday includes two classes of yoga a day in which there are carefully crafted sequences of yoga postures to build on your practice. Each of the two and half hour classes promise to be a unique and individual journey.

Attending classes is optional so if you would prefer to explore the surrounding area there is so much to do or just relax by the pool at the centre.

The retreat is surrounded by natural springs and with a thermal spa on the doorstep, it is in one of the last

truly unspoiled areas of Europe, surrounded by mountains and stunning scenery, a walk up the mountain to enjoy the sunset is a must.

One of the trips offered is to the Dryanovo Monastery , destroyed and rebuilt three times in its history. Nearby is the pretty town of Dryanovo, the Bacho Kiro Caves and a newly built high ropes course high in the trees on the banks of the river.

The high ropes offering fun and a challenge for all age groups.

There is also the village of Arbanasi, dating from 1185 a preserved historic village set on a high plateau offering an insight into past Bulgarian life, steeped in history, a must for anyone visiting this area.

For the more adventurous there is Para Gliding, Rock Climbing, horse riding and trekking.

“A wonderful week. An idyllic location, great food and excellent Yoga tuition for all levels of practice. Brilliant excursions ensured an excellent time was had by all.

I would recommend their yoga retreat to any one”.

June dates available to book for 2014.

Melanie @ Hermes Travel

by Melanie Williams

O

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A

s Easter draws near, millions of chocolate eggs, bunnies and chicks are bought in readiness for the big day.

However you might also hear the barely suppressed groans from anxious parents wondering quite how on earth to occupy their children throughout the corresponding school holiday.

If you visit the Royals Shopping Centre you'll certainly be spoilt for choice, as they are providing an absolute feast of totally free fun for all the family right through from the 5th – 21st April.

Dr Zoolittle On Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th, Dr Zoolittle brings the incomparable magic and wonder of cuddly meerkats, real life Easter

bunnies and fluffy little chicks to The Royals.

Promising an interactive fun and educational experience for children of all ages, your little ones get to see and touch the chicks and rabbits whilst supervised by friendly experts.

Bring the family down to meet the animals between 10am and 5pm each day – and don’t forget to bring your camera to take some great pictures. Also check out more pictures on our Facebook page afterwards. Simples!

Easter Dressing up Fun for Babies and Toddlers There’s also a chance for your baby or toddler to dress up, play and become a local star in The Royal’s Baby and Toddler photography competition.

34

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

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Brought to you in partnership with the Southend Echo, a professional photographer will be in the Royals on the 8th, 9th and 10th April, assisted by the paper’s very own mascot, Echo Man and everyone’s favourite cuddly king of the shopping centre, Ryan the Lion.

Little ones will have a fabulous time creating Easter-themed outfits to model using the dressing up box provided as part of the fun.

Proud parents can also buy photos on the day to take home or give to friends and relatives as unique gifts.

Every child photographed will appear in a special Echo pull-out supplement published on 18th April and phone-lines will be opened to find

out who is top of the tots. After the votes have been added up, each category’s winner will be announced in a pictorial feature and the successful youngster will receive a prize.

Easter Shopping at The Royals With a terrific blend of famous name stores and cool, independent boutiques plus cafes and food outlets all under one roof, the Royals Shopping Centre is your ideal destination for treating yourself to some serious shopping, or meeting up with friends.

If you’re one of those lucky enough to be jetting off for the Easter break, it’s the perfect place to pick up your holiday essentials - from sun cream to swimwear, currency to cameras.

The Royals Shopping Centre High Street, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1DG

01702 461650 royalsshoppingcentre.co.uk APRIL 2014

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U U U U U

To see how we can help, please contact our Southend office on T: 01702 348646 E: southend@wilkinskennedy.com

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recipe of the month

1. Melt the butter in a large pan, add the onions and thyme and season, then cover and cook gently for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are soft and starting to caramelise. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.

In the Kitchen with Judy Barden

2. Make the pastry, put the flour and butter and salt

in processor and pulse until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the egg and pulse again until mixture just binds. (If it is dry add a little cold water). Tip the pastry onto a worktop, knead into a ball, then roll out and line a 20 x 30cm rectangular loose-bottom tranche tin or 23cm x 2.5cm round loose-bottomed, fluted flan tin. Press the pastry into the flutes and trim the pastry edges with your thumb just pressing down gently on the edges so not to stretch. Prick the base lightly with a fork, then chill for 10 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 200c/ fan 180c/gas 6.

3. Line the pastry case with foil, shiny side down, fill with baking beans (or dry rice) and bake for 15 mins. Remove foil and beans and bake for further 5 mins until pastry is golden. If you notice any cracks, patch up with pastry trimmings.

Sweet Red Onion and Emmental Tart

A

classic onion tart with lovely short crust pastry is just a very simple dish. The slow cooking of the onions gives it a lovely creaminess with a flavour that’s gentle but bold at the same time. It’s lovely served warm with a dressed green salad for either a starter or lunch. Enjoy!

Sweet Red Onion and Emmental Tart Serves 6-8 For the Pastry 200g/7oz plain flour 125g/4 ½ oz cold butter, cut into pieces 1 egg Pinch of salt For the filling 25g butter 1 large red onions, thinly sliced 2 large white onion, thinly sliced 1tbsp fresh thyme leaves 330ml low fat crème fraiche 3 eggs Large pinch grated nutmeg 15g packet fresh chives, chopped (reserve a few blades to garnish) 150g Emmental or Gruyere cheese, grated T H O R P E B AY O R A C L E

5. Bake for 30 minutes until the surface is golden and the filling set. Allow to stand for 5 mins then garnish with reserved chives. Serve with a tomato salad and crusty bread.

O

Booking now for SpringCooking demonstrations Please email : judy.barden@btinternet.com

Ingredients

38

4. Place the crème fraiche, eggs, nutmeg and chives in a bowl, season with freshly ground black pepper and whisk together. Stir in the caramelised onions and half the cheese, and pour the mixture into the pastry case. Scatter the remaining cheese over the top.

Next month’s recipe: Curried Mussels with Spiced Chips

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ADVERTISEMENT

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.

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Oracle Motoring

After 93 years, the tax disc is to be scrapped.

V

ehicle tax was introduced in the 1888 Budget and the VED applying specifically to motor vehicles was introduced with the Roads Act 1920. In 1921 the DVLA introduced the tax disk, but this is now to be scrapped as officials say it is no longer needed as police now rely on an electronic register. The new system will allow people to pay the charge by monthly direct debit. As it stands, people can decide whether to pay the amount for a 6 month or 12 month period, with 6 months costing 10% extra per year â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but this is now expected to be cut to 5%. The new monthly direct debit option is also expected to cost 5% more than paying for the year in one go.

These changes are expected to come into effect in October 2014.

160,000 untaxed vehicles The government announced its intention to bring a direct debit system for paying VED in the 2012 Budget, seeking the views of motoring groups on the advantages of such a change. The DVLA received 160,000 reports from members of the public of potentially untaxed vehicles last year, and 200,000 drivers in all were spotted having not paid VED (Vehicle Excise Duty) last year. Through analysis of records, the DVLA also took action against 60,000 drivers whose noncompliance was revealed.

44

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

After the paper disk is demolished, enforcing the digital system with entail a greater use of surveillance cameras. With this new system, more data will be logged and could potentially be sold on.

Abolishing the tax disk may not make too much of a difference for many people, but what do you think?

By Danielle Wheeler â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Marketing Assistant

O

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WE NEED YOU! IS YOUR HOME IN NEED OF A SERIOUS SPRING CLEAN? DO YOU FIND HOUSEKEEPING AN OVERWHELMING CHORE AND AVOID IT AT ALL COSTS?

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ARE YOU CONSUMED BY CLEANING? DO YOU SPEND HOURS A DAY DUSTING, POLISHING AND VACUUMING TO KEEP GERMS AT BAY?

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We cater for

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53

Shoeburyness High School

Advertorial

Federation of Greenways Schools

Debate Shoeburyness 7

W

ow! Friday, 7th February and Monday, 10th February saw the seventh year of Debate Shoeburyness!!

Debate Shoeburyness is an annual event giving young people from local primary and secondary schools an opportunity to have a debate about their community with their local councillors and representatives from other agencies.

The Primary School Debate Shoeburyness 7, held on Friday, 7th February at Shoeburyness High School, saw a different format for 2014 with the debate being split into three sessions.

Two pre-debate workshops were held by Extended Schools’ staff with all the young people from the Primary schools participating. During the

Hinguar Primary School

first workshop the young people were asked to put their “community heads on” so that when we came back to them a month later they would be able to feed back any concerns, as well as good things, about their community – and they did not disappoint!

The young people’s issues ranged from concerns about personal and road safety to litter and dog waste around their school and in their wider community. The young people came well prepared to the Debate with documents and PowerPoint presentations to show to the panel of local stakeholders, who were very impressed with how the young people had embraced this opportunity to have their voice heard and make a difference in their community.

St. Georges School

54

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

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The Secondary School Debate Shoeburyness, which was held on Monday, 10th February, took place as one session but split into three areas that the young people wanted to focus on. Some of the young people taking part in the secondary debate are Extended Schools’ Community Ambassadors who work throughout the year helping and supporting their community.

Bournes Green Junior School

Thorpedene School impressed with the presentations the young people gave and have gone away with more than one action point to look at!

We have many young people in Shoeburyness that care about their community and this was evident from both the primary and secondary school debates. Well done and thanks to all students that took part ….. Watch out for any local news about community-minded young people making a The three areas of focus for the secondary debate difference in your community. were:We are determined to ensure that Debate Road Safety – focusing on getting the Island Shoeburyness makes a difference throughout the on Elm Road changed to a zebra crossing year.

Friars Park & the Surrounding Environment - Personal Safety, Litter, graffiti

Richmond Avenue Primary School

and the general feeling of the park

Gunners Park – focusing on their concerns over the planned developments, wildlife, environmental and local school intake issues.

The young people had been working very hard for several months, meeting every fortnight, carrying out in-depth research, doing consultations, taking photos and also looking into funding for the changes that they were going to campaign for.The councillors and senior representatives from Southend Borough Departments were very

Karen Stock MBE Shoeburyness High School

O

Friars Primary School

Shoeburyness High School 01702 292286 Ext. 181 karenstock@shoeburyness.southend.sch.uk extendedschools@shoeburyness.southend.sch.uk www.shoeburynesshigh.co.uk/community/extendedschools APRIL 2014

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Open Gardens Charity Day Sunday 13th April

Diary Dates THORPE BAY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY SPRING FLOWER AND HOMECRAFT SHOW Saturday 12th April from 2.15 p.m.

St. Augustines Church Hall Refreshments, Bric a Brac, plant sale etc Entrance 50p - Members free

FREE Wednesday 16th - Thursday 17th April.

Bring the familiy along to see real life bunnies and fluffy little chicks! 10am-5pm DR ZOOLITTLE - ROYALS SHOPPING CENTRE

CATS PROTECTION SOUTHEND BRANCH 12th APRIL - EASTER BAZAAR St Andrews Church Hall, Church Road, Shoeburyness 10.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.

Come and bag a bargain!

Lots of goodies for sale - Refreshments Raffle and Tombola 26TH APRIL - CAT HOMING SHOW St Andrews Church Hall, Church Road Shoeburyness. 10.30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

All our cats are vet checked and vaccinated. Adult cats are neutered and microchipped. Admission 50p Can you give a cat/kitten a good home? please come along or call Rita 01702 710630

Sun 20 July

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Children FREE Home-made Tea’s available Home-made Teas available Tel: 01702 299022

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Applying common sense to complex matters

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ORACLE Index to advertisers ACCOUNTS 40 Taylors Chartered Accountants 36 Wilkins Kennedy AERIALS & SATELLITES 1st South East Aerials 63 Essex Digital Services 11 AIRPORT TRANSFER Air & Back 57 BATHROOMS 3 Better Life Bathrooms BATHROOMS & PLUMBING JCA Merchants 52 BICYCLES Bikebase 67 BLINDS Worth & Co Blinds 59 BLOCK PAVING Brooks Paving 60 BUILDERS AJ Property Services 18 GMH Renovations 53 BUILDING SUPPLIES St. Ann's 15 BUTCHERS Philip Splett 11 CAR LEASING Planet Leasing 44 CARERS & NURSES Choices Healthcare 12 CARPENTRY John Sorrell 53 CARPETS Gainsborough Carpets 23 Trade Carpets 5 CARPET & OVEN CLEANING Gates Services 53 CAT SITTERS Bay Cat Sitters 62 CHIROPODIST Arthur Partington 62 CLEANING Maid in Essex 32 SLJ Domestic Cleaning 26 COMMERCIAL/DOMESTIC PLUMBING & HEATING Essex Maintenance 32 COMPUTER SERVICES Computopia 63 CONFERENCE & BANQUETING CENTRE The Lawn 15 CONSERVATORIES BJ Davis 64 DANCE CENTRE Shoebury Dance Centre 56/57 DECORATING Keith Gibson 56 MK Decor 26 DENTAL Parmar Dental 2 DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIR Cloudy 2 Clear 43 DRIVEWAYS Ryan Homes 29 EDUCATION Shoebury High School 54/55

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THORPE BAY - April 2014_Layout 1 31/03/2014 13:18 Page 3

Oracle-on-Sea

April 2014

ORACLE

Thorpe Bay

OR ACLE

Leigh, Chalkwell & Southend Conservation Area Est. Oct 2006. Circulation 6,700

publisher’s letter

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ou may remember in February’s edition of Oracle, Jim Worsdale kindly contributed to Oracle’s local issues regarding the history of the ‘Boris Island’ idea? Since that article local resident Alan Kristian contacted me and wanted to give a response….let the debate continue! If you have something that you would like to highlight about your community/area or just something to share then please contact me as local issue pages are free to anybody.

Oracle Competition WIN! A pair of tickets to see Lee Mead at the Cliffs Pavilion

I have been away recently and it was drawn to my attention that the Echo printed a letter from a local resident who had been wrongly informed that the Oracle was owned by the Burges Estate Residents Association and since then an apology has been received. I would just like to make it very clear to all of my readers and my clients that I am the sole proprietor of Oracle Publications UK Ltd. and that I run my business wholly independent of any political party, local faction, pressure group or other controlling influence.

Local Issues

Response to Boris Island

Interior Design Natural Elements

Recipe Page Sweet Red Onion and Emmental Tart

Win a pair of tickets to see Lee Mead in concert on Sunday 5th October at the Cliffs Pavilion. The West End star will entertain everyone to an evening of songs from musical theatre to include his personal favourites and much more. www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk

Hair & Beauty Nautical but Nice

To enter please send your contact details to: Oracle/Lee Mead Competition, 39 Alexandra Street, Southend SS1 1BW or email info@oraclepublicaitons.co.uk Closing date Wednesday 30th April.

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