Thorpe bay dec 2013 web

Thorpe Bay

December 2013

ORACLE Oracle Competition WIN! Two pairs of tickets to see Buddy Holly – A Legend Reborn

Local Issues It's Rubbish!

Hair & Beauty

Craig's Twelve Tips of Christmas

Oracle Travel

Wildlife and Jazz in Tobago

Discount Vouchers

Thorpe Bay at a glance

See page 11

Est. Sept 2005. Circulation 5,100

Diamonds - Gifts - Repairs

The National Association of Goldsmiths

Est. 1950. The Oldest Established Jewellers in the Area

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Distinctive Gifts Stylish Home Accessories Beautiful and unique pieces for your home Gorgeous gifts for every occasion Pamper products ŚŝůĚƌĞŶ͛Ɛ ƚŽLJƐ Festive decorations Hand finished cards and wrap

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DECEMBER 2013

SPICE UP YOUR CHRISTMAS DAY Thorpe Bay

OR ACLE

publisher’s letter

J

ust one of many Carol Concerts happening in Southend this Christmas but one that I thought I would mention, is being held at Prittlewell Square, Southend on Sunday 8th December at 5.30 pm and afterwards everyone is invited to Pierre’s Café on the corner, for mince pies and mulled wine.

lunch, Join us for a traditional festive Chops, b Lam cy Spi lled Polash style Gri Beef t Ho , key Tur le Sty hi Banglades (v) ji Wellington or Lentil Bha

No Oracle would be complete without its competition and this month the Entertainers are offering two pairs of tickets to see Buddy Holly – A Legend Reborn featuring at the Cliffs Pavilion on Friday 17 January at 8pm.This spectacular stage show features Jess Conrad the original rock-n-roll icon. For further information please visit the website www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk

toes and many Served with Spicy Roasted Pota gladeshi Sweet Ban le, etab other varieties of veg and Mints or Christmas pudding Coffee

To enter please send your contact details to: Oracle/Buddy Holly, 39 Alexandra Street, Southend SS1 1BW or email info@oraclepublicaitons.co.uk closing date Wednesday 18th December.

Finest Bangladeshi and Indian Cuisine 84/86 West Road, Shoeburyness, Essex SS3 9DS

Lastly, I would like to thank all of my clients for their continued support during the last year and wish you all a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

Let the festivities begin…..

01702 294721 /293989

Emma Wynne-Morgan Publisher

01702 393838

Open 7 days a week

12-3pm & 6-12pm

39 Alexandra Street, Southend, Essex SS1 1BW

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

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

www.thepolash.com polashrestaurant@hotmail.co.uk

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

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ORACLE PLUMBING & HEATING

contents Local Issues It's Rubbish!

by Jim Worsdale

9/10

Oracle Exclusive Vouchers Great offers

11

Craig's Twelve Tips of Christmas Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith

16

Wildlife and Jazz in Tobago Oracle Travel by Mel Williams

22

Festive Style Interior Design by Samantha Gundy

28

Celeriac & Apple Soup Toasties Judy's Recipe Page

38

If Santa got a new sleigh, he'd lease it Oracle Motoring by Elliot Rasch

44

Christmas Refuse Collection Dates

48

Caring over Christmas Havens Hospices Appeal

52

Sudoku

50

Diary Dates

54

Advertisers Index

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Advertorial

Award winning home care provider in Southend and Thorpe Bay Care Connected offer an outstanding care and support service to elderly and vulnerable adults.

T

he company was created to be a beacon of light in an industry that often receives bad publicity - publicity that in many cases is sadly deserved. Late, missed and hurried visits with high numbers of different carers is not how it should be. Care Connected succeed in providing top quality home care at its best. They pride themselves on being highly punctual and reliable, keeping to the same carers with a flexible approach to clients needs, wants and wishes.

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Services include: Personal hygiene, morning/evening routines Meal preparation and planning Encourage/assist good nutrition,hydration & exercise Housework, domestic duties, shopping Getting out and about Respite, befriending, sitting service Overnight stays Counselling at home

With a Chartered Psychologist as a consultant director the company specialise in helping people with dementia and mental illness. All staff are trained and equipped to provide this specialised service. As our ageing population increases so, unfortunately, does dementia. Early symptoms of dementia and loneliness are likely to result in depression and anxiety, further exacerbating the symptoms of dementia.

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

Care Connected staff do all they can to preserve and value the uniqueness of each individual, imparting a sense of self worth and value. They look beyond the condition and labels to the person inside. Of course, this is not only for clients with dementia but all people, whether they are frail, disabled, living with a sensory impairment or learning disabled.

Award winning care manager Director and CQC registered manger Roy Blackwell was a finalist in this year's Great British Care Award at the Grosvenor Park Hotel in Park lane. He had previously won the East of England award. Roy’s passion along with his fellow directors is to build an organisation that truly values its clients and staff, striving for nothing less than outstanding person centred care and support.

Advice on minor equipment and adaptations to help maintain independence safety at home.

The company employ assessors who are able to advise on various pieces of equipment that assist people to carry out many daily living tasks independently. They advise on how to use the equipment safely and effectively. This is in line with the company's ethos of maintaining and

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DECEMBER 2013

promoting independence. In turn this promotes self esteem and self confidence, further enhancing emotional wellbeing. Care assistants are trained in re-enabling people, taking giving the necessary time to do this.

Free care needs assessment and advice All care needs assessments are free of charge, whether or not people hire the company. If the company is unable to provide the right support they will try to help source a provider that can.

Care Connected also help with advice regarding careprovision, finances and benefits, keeping safe and well at home. They can put you in touch with other qualified health professionals such as Nutritionists, Physiotherapists and Podiatrists.

The company offer talks and presentations to various organisation on the above plus, keeping safe at home, physical and psychological wellbeing. Tailored workshops promoting and educating people on the importance of emotional wellbeing can be provided.

Recruiting passionate staff who really do care Care Connected are currently recruiting care staff to work in Thorpe Bay and the surrounding areas.

They offer an excellent programme of training and mentoring to staff, with good opportunities in career development and progression within the company. Good quality staff are essential to the success of Care Connected and valued as such.

What to do if you need help Care Connected are happy to chat with people to put their minds at ease and help them to decide the level and type of support they need and want. Experienced assessors are able to develop a person centred plan of support that meets the needs and wants of each client. This is then agreed with the client before care is put in place. New clients will meet their care support assistant before starting with them. As care needs change so does the care plan, which can be updated and changed as much as required.

Care Connected work with private clients, health care funded clients and those with personal budgets and direct payments from social services.

For a free care needs assessment or just an informal chat please contact the company on 01702 527468

01702 527468 www.care-connected.co.uk DECEMBER 2013

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Colins Glass & Glazing Ltd Bespoke Glass Specialists since 1988

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Brand new website: www.colinsglassandglazing.co.uk

122 East St. Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea SS2 5EE

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DECEMBER 2013

Local Issues

It’s Rubbish!

G

reetings and good wishes to all who kindly read this, my first contribution to the widely-distributed Oracle. I am about to talk rubbish (yes, yes – I know there are some who say I’ve talked little else in my lifetime of scribbling for various publications, and they are entitled to their view, of course).

Doolittle’s dad in “My Fair Lady,” and humped sometimes considerable distances along alleyways to be tipped and emptied into roadside vehicles, or dustcarts, as many of us knew them.

I recall, too, when heavy items and garden refuse had to be taken by us ratepayers of Southend to The Tip at Great Wakering. Householders from our borough and neighbouring districts dumped their waste there, until it grew in massive mounds and was earthed over and grassed over and the site was closed.

The rubbish that is my topic here, though, is that which is regularly and quite astonishingly collected in tonnes and tonnes from our homes.

I would have used the word “tons,” being of advanced years, but long since bowed to Euro The folk who live in that area now must surely be masters. a tad miffed that we could dump on their But to the point – which is to compliment doorstep, as it were, but they, now, can’t bring Southend Council for employing Cory, which also their unwanted trash to Southend. Rochford earns my thanks, for the continuing, efficient, Council taxpayers have to travel to Rayleigh to demanding service ensuring that our household dispose of unwanted stuff that can’t be and garden rubbish is regularly and reliably accommodated in the various wheelie bins removed from our homes and premises and collected from their homes. disposed of.

Here in Southend, of course, young men hurry I’m of the generation who recall when we had along our streets on the scheduled day for heavy dustbins in our backyards or gardens, for collection of what we no longer want, humping all the ghastly household waste. These were sacks, chasing the great container and crusher picked up by strong dustmen, blokes like Eliza lorries and tossing in the sacks and sacks and sacks and …

DECEMBER 2013

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Others arrive on a scheduled day each week in each neighbourhood to remove and empty the green wheelie bins of garden waste. Our home doesn’t have such a container. I prefer, instead, to take my grass cuttings, hedge trimmings, weeds to the Stock Road dumping site, where those guarding the gate, most of ‘em with friendly smiles, check IDs to ensure we are council taxpayers in the borough and thus entitled to this service.

Some of us regulars have come to know one another by sight. We meet and exchange pleasantries as we climb the steps to the platform from which we tip our unwanted trash into the huge container. No, hardly romantic, of course, but one still smiles when someone or other calls out “What’re you doing in a dump like this?”

Seriously, though – for keeping our streets and homes and gardens as free as possible of the rotted and the rubbish is indeed very, very serious – this is a thank you to the council and to the contractors for this service, surely among the most vital of all for which we pay our local taxes.

Sadly – and most annoyingly – there remain some in our neighbourhoods who care not a jot for the environment and for their neighbours and for our communities. They carelessly, needlessly and infuriatingly toss paper, empty cartons and containers, bottles and much more in public places.

Evidence of such blots on our surroundings can be seen, far too often, on the centre verges as one drives along the A127: cans, plastic bottles, paper wrappings and more chucked from cars by uncaring, inconsiderate, slobbish drivers.

Similarly, sometimes on the greenery alongside Artillery Way, in the east of Southend, there is evidence of drivers’ selfishness and lack of caring.

Such pests, if seen and identified, should be charged with offending against society and, if found guilty, sentenced to hours of community service in cleaning up after others who, too, have still to learn how to be reasonable residents, good neighbours.

That’s it for this time. Talked a lot of rubbish, eh?

I can only hope I just may have helped to make any who don’t really care about our lovely communities think again.

by Jim Worsdale

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Oracle Hair & Beauty

Craig’s Twelve Tips of Christmas N

ight Lights - ‘Less is more’ is the golden rule Sweep it onto lids and under lower lashes. Keep for party hair. Don’t be tempted to the rest of your face neutral and all party eyes will experiment with a bold new look, as it could end in be on you. tears.

Lashes of Loveliness - Now, repeat after me Glossy hair is the ultimate party accessory - ‘Curve then coat’. Use eyelash curlers and then apply three coats of black mascara.

Beautiful, shiny tresses say healthy and groomed Pump up the Volume - The ‘Up-Do’ is the ultimate makeover for the Christmas party season. Try a slick, high ponytail or maybe a messy looking ponytail worn to the side rather than pinned high on the crown of the head.

All that Glitters is not Gold - Put a little glitter in the corner of your eye to catch the light, but don’t splash it all over.

Highlights for the High Life - Dust your legs, cleavage and shoulders with an irresistibly iridesDesk to Dancefloor - If you’ve got long hair, wash it cent all-over highlighter to glow in party pictures. in the morning and, before it dries completely, add some mousse. Dry it and tie it back in a tight bun. Avoid the ache - Hangovers are caused by dehyWhen you’re ready to dazzle, just let your hair down dration, always drink a pint of water before you go to bed - you won't look (or feel) like yesterday’s and you’ll have a great looking, tossed wave. turkey the morning after.

Going Straight - Refresh straight hair by spraying sections of it with a heat-protecting spray and run Enjoy It - Looking good is all about feeling good, straightening irons through the sections from root to so put on your best smile, have a great attitude and go party! tip to boost shine.

Bow’s of Holly - Satisfy your inner diva, it’s THE time Have a great Christmas and New Year everyone! of the year to shamelessly paint your lips bright. Sponsored by Match your nails with fire engine red for a luscious party look that does the flirting for you.

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Head to Little Tobago with a local guide to see the elusive Mott Mott, Boobies and many varieties of humming bird, snorkel in Buccoo reef and for the more energetic hike into the rainforest. We hired a Jungle Guide; he will tailor your visit to suit your needs, full of local knowledge and expertise for a truly memorable family day out. There are many unusual species of plants and animals not found anywhere else in the Caribbean, none of which are poisonous.

Travel Expert

So much to do on one Island, all easily accessible from the many beach resorts and villas, the coast line is varied with the Caribbean sea and the Atlantic ocean on either side making it a great twin centre option for a two week stay. The last great thing about Tobago is that it is all at a very affordable price, eating and drinking out is inexpensive especially in one of the many local beach restaurants.

Wildlife and Jazz in Tobago

O

O

ften overlooked in favour of the more well-known Caribbean Islands , Tobago has so much to offer the traveller looking for something different from the normal beach holiday.

Lying below the hurricane belt it benefits from less severe storms than other islands, its close proximity to South America offers a mixed and varied bird life and between March and July a prevalent turtle nesting area. My visit last year in July was blessed with nightly nesting and hatching of leather-back and green back turtles. The local turtle watch group actively engage visitors in helping with the hatchlings and reporting any nesting Turtles. They are tagged and the nest fitted with GPS so that when the eggs hatch the babes can be protected from predators by the team. Sadly only about 1% survive, it was such a privilege to have been involved with this event and one of my most memorable experiences.

Jazz Festival In May every year the Island comes alive when it hosts the annual Jazz festival. Headline acts from around the world perform over a long weekend celebrating music from all jazz origins. If you wish to experience this treat you will need to book early.

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Melanie@ Hermes Travel

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DECEMBER 2013

Advertorial

Pomfret Masala

By Nitin Badoni Head Chef at Tiffins Restaurant

T

his Goan recipe is hardly a curry, in the sense that there is little or no sauce, but the spicing is very upfront and cooked fresh, the fish doesn’t really need a sauce. Although some people cook the fish entirely in a pan, you could finish it in the oven if you prefer. It also works well on a barbecue, as long as it’s not too hot.

Ingredients: 2 whole pomfret, cleaned Salt to taste 2 tbsp vegetable or corn oil Juice of 1 lemon

For the spice paste: 3cm piece of cinnamon stick (whole spice) 4 green cardamom pods (whole spice) 5 coves (whole spice) 5 dried red chilli (whole spice) 1tbsp black peppercorns (whole spice) 1tbsp vegetable or corn oil 1 red onion sliced 6 garlic cloves, chopped 3 cm piece of fresh ginger, cut into fine strips 125 ml dark malt vinegar ¼ tbsp sugar Sate to taste

DECEMBER 2013

Instructions : To make the spice paste, roast all the whole spices together in a frying pan over a medium heat for a minute or so,then set aside.Heat the oil in a frying pan and add the onions, garlic, ginger and sauté until golden brown. Remove from the heat and add the roasted whole spices to the pan.Now add the vinegar and leave to soak for about 2 to 3 hours or overnight.

Grind the mixture to a coarse paste in a food processor and mix in the salt and sugar.

Slash the fish 2 or 3 times on each side, using a sharp knife.Season with the salt and set aside for 10 minutes.

Rub the spice paste over the fish and stuff any excess inside the belly. Set aside for another 30 minutes.

Heat a little oil in a frying pan, add the promfret and sear for a minute on each side. Transfer to a roasting try and place in an over preheated to 180c cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the oven, squeeze the lime juice over and serve hot with fresh onion and cucumber salad.

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DECEMBER 2013

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Oracle Interior Design

Festive Style I

absolutely love Christmas and all its sparkly glorious justification for decadence and overindulgence. I feel it is the one time of the year I can let my creativity loose at home, whether it be with decorations, food, presents or wrapping.

Tinsel or no tinsel?

Choosing a Christmas tree is something we do together as a family, we take our time trying to get the bushiest tree, my husband wrestles it into pride of place and leaves me to the enjoyable task of decorating it. My theme stays more or less the same each year, mostly clear glass or white but throwing in a few bright pops

of colour. Every year I update with a few new items. You don’t need to spend a fortune on

baubles. The odd expensive one mixed in with some simpler baubles from a DIY store or highstreet store is all that is needed. Fill the tree with as many decorations as you can fit on.

Tinsel or no tinsel? I love a bit of sparkle, just go for the good quality stuff or as a stylish alternative, strings of pom poms look fabulous.

For really unusual decorations you could try Anthropologie or Rockett St George both available online. However, don’t forget your local high street and independent retailers, they all need support now more than ever!

Hallways, fireplaces even the kitchen can all be made over for Christmas. A simple strand of

28

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

lights wrapped around the banisters can look really inviting and magical. For a more opulent look add a beautiful garland to banisters or Fire surrounds. Faux ones are a great option that you can reuse year after year whereas a real garland can be created and customised to your exact taste without too much difficulty. A good florist should be able to make you the basic garland from pine, eucalyptus and other seasonal greenery, which will also smell divine.

With some florists wire and a bit of imagination you can embellish to your hearts content. Your guests will be truly impressed!

Finally, add a little bit of Christmas scent to your home Christmas with a really good quality

Candle. Neom candles are my absolute favourite. scented

They have 3 different

Christmas candles, all very different but all fill your home with the Christmas most incredible

scent.

Merry Christmas and happy decorating.

By Samantha Gundy

O

LEIGH-ON-SEA

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DECEMBER 2013

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ower Apartments gives you the privacy and cosiness of your own space, combined with the luxury of a 5-Star hotel – perfect for those who want to enjoy the British seaside without compromising on city sophistication.

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chequerboard floor in the entrance hall.

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office. Accommodation at the top of the building, incorporating part of the iconic turret apartment, is a fabulous home from home. Complete with mezzanine floor bedroom, a romantic dining area with spacious living area and airy galley kitchen, this apartment affords terrific views over the Thames Estuary and surrounding area.

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letting a flat or house. From a minimum two-night stay they are available for any length of visit, with attractive reduced rates for longer residencies Great location “Tower Apartments provide the perfect base from which you can kick back and relax in comfort and enjoy all that Southend has to offer; a vibrant mix of cool bars, great restaurants and close proximity to London. The Apartments are also within easy reach of the local railways stations and London Southend Airport,” says Paul, adding: “This is a new way of staying in a well-known location, in a lovely part of the town. In fact, I’d go as far as saying it is unique.”

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recipe of the month

2 carrots, diced 1 celery heart, trimmed and sliced 1 celeriac (about 900g), peeled and diced 1 apple, peeled cored and diced 200ml cider 1.2 litres vegetable stock

In the Kitchen with Judy Barden

For the cheesy toasts: 12 thin slices of baguette Unsalted butter for spreading 120g blue cheese (you can buy vegetarian if you need to)

1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the onion, leek, carrot and celery and cook gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the diced celeriac and apple and cook for a further 5 mins. Add the cider and then turn the heat up and reduce by about half. Add the stock and some salt and pepper, bring to the boil and then simmer for 25-30 mins 2. Puree the soup with a hand blender or in a food processor and then press through a sieve to make it super smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

3. To make the toasts, grill the baguette slices on both sides. Spread with the butter and crumble over the blue cheese. Return to the grill until the cheese has just melted.

Celeriac & Apple Soup Toasties

T

his soup is ideal for a cold winter’s night and great to make and freeze to serve over the festive period.

Adding the little toasts with melted blue cheese makes it special and I usually make a few extra for the middle of the table. The soup is suitable for vegetarians and can be served as either a starter or lunch.

Enjoy!

Celeriac and Apple Soup Serves 6 as a starter

Ingredients 75g unsalted butter 2 onions, chopped 2 leeks, sliced

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

4. Reheat the soup if necessary, ladle into bowls and carefully place two pieces of toast on each one. **The soup will freeze for up to three months.

The toasts are best freshly made.

O

Next month’s recipe: Smoked Salmon and Potato Cakes

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43

Oracle Motoring

If Santa got a new sleigh, he’d lease it.

P

icture this, Santa’s sleigh breaking down three weeks before Christmas due to it covering too many miles and being hundreds of years old. There would be many disappointed children on Christmas day, as they’d wake up to find no presents left in their stockings or under the tree from Nicholas himself.

So what does he decide to do? Lease his sleigh, adding many cost options to help him have a faster and smoother delivery of all the Christmas presents. For a low cost per month Santa receives a brand new, UK supplied, sleigh delivered directly to his UK Grotto in time for Christmas.

The sleigh comes with manufacturer warranty and breakdown cover, to ensure that if anything was to happen, the presents would still be delivered on time. Father Christmas also saves money, on road tax as this is included in his lease and an MOT is not required on the shiny new sleigh.

forms of funding, and convinced Santa to purchase a 3 year lease; they even gave him breakdown cover for free! With the unbeatable service that his leasing broker offers, he will never go elsewhere.

As the sleigh was in stock, Santa ordered his sleigh, got his documents signed and received his brand new, top of the range sleigh a few weeks later, and once again the delivery of presents ran smoothly and Christmas was saved!

Tax and VAT benefits included For just a small initial outlay, fixed cost motoring is the easiest way, with tax and VAT benefits included… so why wouldn’t Santa want to lease?

After thought and deliberation to replace his much loved sentimental sleigh, Santa decided to visit a leasing broker to save money. They offer fleet discounts so will beat any dealer price. The sleigh broker proved they could save money in all

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Sponsored by:

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Caring over Christmas T

he holidays are often filled with memories of times shared with family and friends so it can be an incredibly difficult time for relatives who know their child or loved one won’t make it through another Christmas, or for those facing the first Christmas without them.

At Havens Hospices, the Care Team, staff and volunteers do everything they can to make it as special for the seriously ill adults and children they care for, and their families, as they possibly can.

At the charity’s adult hospice, Fair Havens in Westcliff, the Chefs cook a traditional Christmas dinner for patients who visit Day Care and each bedroom in the hospice has a Christmas tree. Fair Havens can be a place of peace; a reassuring smile, sensitivity and concern from those caring can lift spirits during an emotionally exhausting time.

At Little Havens just down the road in Thundersley, simple Christmas joys like watching festive film, making cards, baking or visiting Santa in his grotto all counts for the children in their specialist care.

The Salvation Army band visit the hospice a few days before Christmas and play carols too.

Roy Duddell from Canvey died just before Christmas in December 2012. His wife Pat said, “Caring for someone who was seriously ill was emotionally and physically exhausting. I used to put Roy to bed of a night and just break down.

It’s still hard – every day. Some mornings it feels like it would be so easy to give up but I made a promise to myself not to. My faith has given me so much strength and knowing that he went so peacefully is a comfort to me. I can’t praise or thank the hospice enough for all that they did for us during that time - the nurses at Fair Havens were angels.”

This Christmas,the most special gift you could give is a donation to Havens Hospices so that its team of specialist nurses and doctors, staff and dedicated army of volunteers can continue making every day count for the families who rely on their care.

To make a donation please call 01702 220305 or visit www.havenshospices.org.uk

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

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Diary Dates ST HILDA’S CHRISTMAS MARKET FREE Thursday 12th December, 2.30 to 4.30 pm St Hilda’s School, 15 Imperial Avenue, Westcliff Traditional Christmas event with homemade stalls, children’s activities, raffle, tombola, refreshments. Get into the Christmas spirit.

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Advertorial

Year 11 GCSE students look after a computerised baby as part of the Child Development course

Social Science: Life lessons S

ocial Science is a diverse department at Shoeburyness High School. We encompass a number of different subjects, including the school’s PSHE programme, known as SCOPE (Social Curriculum Opportunities for Personal Education) at KS3 and RESHAPE (Religious, Economic, Social, Health and Personal Education) at KS4, GCSE courses in Child Development and Health and Social Care and A levels in Sociology, Psychology and Health and Social Care. The newest addition to the area is the undertaking of a level 2 BTEC course in Employability Skills supported

by Deloitte to year 12 students, enabling them to develop the skills they need when applying for jobs.

Computerised Babies As part of their studies, our GCSE students get the chance to look after a computerised baby for a weekend. They are specially programmed to behave like a new-born baby so that pupils experience the pleas58

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

ures of broken nights and frequent crying, often for no apparent reason. Pupils need to change and feed the baby regularly and monitor their temperature so that they do not get too hot or too cold. In addition, the baby must travel in a car seat if taken anywhere by car; the aim is to make the weekend as realistic a reflection of parenthood as possible. Babies and pupils are “tagged” so that only the pupil can attend to the baby’s needs – no babysitters allowed! On Monday mornings pupils rush to return the babies, which switch off on Sunday night, and find out the mark they have achieved. Points are deducted for rough handling and failure to support the head properly. A number of pupils have achieved 100% so it is always a competition to see if that score can be matched. Parents are usually pleased when the 9pm switch-off point arrives!

The opportunity adds a practical dimension to the theories about children’s

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DECEMBER 2013

development which pupils explore as part of both Health and Social Care and Child Development GCSE. It also enables pupils to recognise some of the responsibilities that parenthood entails.

Dragon’s Den Style The department has recently entertained 28 pupils from local primary schools as part of the school’s Super 6 initiative. The pupils participated with great enthusiasm in 2 team building activities which set boys against girls and challenged them to design and market tee shirts, Dragon’s Den style. The winners had to convince the panel that their design was the best in the room and that they could sell it to their chosen audience, taking in to account possible online sales.

The groups then had to design a flag to represent Shoeburyness and the surrounding area and then fly it from a flag pole made only from newspaper and sticky tape. An all-girl group made up of children from several different primary schools was declared the overall winner, based on both productivity and their ability to work together as a team.

We have re-launched SCOPE Club this year on Monday lunchtimes; this aims to Year 12 taking measures of health

Year 12 Employability Skills

encourage community participation by the pupils involved. This term they are supporting the work of SHARE, the Shoeburyness Help and Resource Enterprise, by doing some fund raising and purchasing relevant items. All pupils from years 7-9 are welcome to come along.

The department also tries to involve experienced people from the community in various areas of learning; consequently, the next half term sees visits from Drugsline Education, the Prison Me? No Way! Trust and the East of England Ambulance Trust to enhance various aspects of our SCOPE and RESHAPE curriculum.

Karen Andrews Curriculum Progress and Development Leader

O

Shoeburyness High School 01702 292286 Ext. 181 karenstock@shoeburyness.southend.sch.uk extendedschools@shoeburyness.southend.sch.uk www.shoeburynesshigh.co.uk/community/extendedschools DECEMBER 2013

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Thorpe Bay

ORACLE

Index to advertisers ACCOMODATION Tower Apartments ACCOUNTANTS Beelams Accountants AERIALS 1st South East Aerials AERIALS & SATELLITES Essex Digital Services AIRPORT TRANSFER Air & Back ANTIQUE CLOCK It's About Time BAKERY Homemade Bakery BATHROOMS & PLUMBING JCA Merchants BLOCK PAVING Brooks Paving BUILDERS AJ Property Services BKB Groundswork Fairfield Builders GMH Renovations PW Campbell BUTCHERS Philip Splett CAR DEALERSHIP Essex Auto Group CAR LEASING Planet Leasing CARPENTRY John Sorrell CARPETS Gainsborough Carpets Trade Carpets CHARITY Havens Hospice CARPET & OVEN CLEANING Gates Services Clemclean CAT BOARDING The Cat Hotel CHIROPODIST Arthur Partington CLEANING Maid in Essex COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC PLUMBING/HEATING Essex Maintenance COMPUTER SERVICES Computopia CONSERVATORIES BJ Davis DECORATORS Keith Gibson MK Decor RSC Decorators

34/35 43 64 14 62 50 38 67 63 41 54 47 19 48 51 21 44 12 26 5 52 64 47 49 56 12 40 62 18 61 47 63

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62 14 53 36 57 8 43 16 60 15 68 20 28 2 6/7 17 19 29 1/39 13 24 17 42 40 8 64 50 56

December 2013

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

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Oracle-on-Sea

Oracle Competition

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See page 11

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