Thorpe bay jan 2014 web

Thorpe Bay

January 2014

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

Oracle Competition WIN! Two pairs of tickets to see ‘Ultimate tribute to ABBA’

Local Issues

Is this called Democracy?

Hair & Beauty

New Year, new you, new do!

Recipe Page

Smoked salmon fishcakes and fennel salad

Oracle Exclusive Vouchers See page 11

STUNNING BATHROOMS

Bathroom suites Showers Wet Rooms Toilets Shower Doors Towel Rails

Taps Radiators Accessories

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HED ESTABLIS ARS OVER 30 YE

Thorpe Bay

ESSEX CLADDING The PREMIER installers of UPVC roofline products

OR ACLE

publisher’s letter

H

appy New Year! Christmas and the New Year celebrations are great whilst they last but by now I am ready to get back to the routine of everyday life again, looking to the year ahead and making plans.

If any of you are still undecided about your New Year Resolutions or just fancy doing something different, there may well be something that grabs you inside.

Judy has given us another mouth watering dish and Ray Snow guides us through defragging our computers, something I definitely wasn’t doing often enough.

Oracle’s competition kicks off this New Year with a pair of tickets to see the UK’s number 1 live concert tribute show to ABBA and the Bee Gees which will be featured at the Cliffs Pavilion on Saturday 8 February at 8 pm.

For further information please visit the website www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk To enter please send your contact details to: Oracle/ABBA Competition, 39 Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 1BW or email info@oraclepublications.co.uk closing date Friday 24th January.

Good Luck!

Call our specialist team for advice or for a free no obligation quote

T:01702 584058 M:07771 553003 www.essexcladding.com essexcladding@btinternet.com

19 Withypool, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS3 8BH

SPECIALIST IN

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Please call for a free estimate.

Emma Wynne-Morgan Publisher

Bargeboards • Cladding • Fascias • Soffits Installation • Guttering - All Sizes & Colours

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

Fairfield Building

27 Fairfield Gardens Leigh-on-Sea Essex SS9 5SD Tel: 01702 521780 Mobile: 07710106913

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

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ORACLE PLUMBING & HEATING

contents Local Issues Is this called Democracy?

by Peter Lovett

9/10

Oracle Exclusive Vouchers Great offers

11

New Year, new you, new do!

Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith

16

Speed up your PC by defrag Oracle IT by Ray Snow

22

Top tips for driving this Winter Oracle Motoring by Danielle Wheeler

28

Smoked salmon fishcakes and fennel salad Judy's Recipe Page

36

Buy to let opportunity Oracle Money by Paul Flavin

43

Sudoku Useful Numbers Advertisers Index

50 60 62

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Advertorials i.Fit Shoebury High School

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JANUARY 2014

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Advertorial

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ou'd have to be super-human to resist the odd mince pie or turkey stuffing over Christmas. Feeling the January bulge a little? I.Fit in to nothing sound familiar? If any of these problems strike a chord then the innovative I.Fit Studio,Woodgrange Drive is there to help with its new state of the art machines which achieve great results, fast!

They also increase stamina and improve fitness and well-being. If used regularly and combined with a healthy diet, the vibrating and oscillating plates can reduce your dress size by two sizes. Celebrities such as Madonna, Sadie Frost, and Donatella Versace are all frequent users of I.Fit machines. The appeal of I.Fit Studio’s opening hours mean that you are able to fit your session around your busy schedule, so no excuses ladies! I.Fit a 10 Get fit without the Gym! minute session in my day that’s how I.Fit into my This exercise studio offers its clients the chance to new dress!!! exercise without actually working out! Intrigued?

How do the I.Fit machines work?

Then please read on….

All I.Fit machines have two motors, one that powers The I.Fit Studio holds eight, recently purchased I.Fit the oscillation motion and one for the vibrating machines that help its clients maintain a regular motion. Oscillation, the up and down motion, will exercise routine for short intervals with amazing give the body a resistance work out. The body will results. If you are looking for a well toned body, try to correct itself, fighting against the motion, so better flexibility, improved circulation plus the as one limb moves up, the other limb moves down reduction of the appearance of cellulite, then these allowing the body’s natural shock absorbing machines are a great find. (Amongst many of their system to operate. advantages).

Banish Bingo Wings Reduction in visceral and subcutaneous fat – particularly around the abdomen.

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Increases the metabolic rate – the best way to lose weight.

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JANUARY 2014

The wonderful thing about the machine is its versatility. It allows you to get to tone and exercise different parts of the body by just changing your body’s position. The I.Fit machines have three different speeds to cater for people’s different abilities. Therefore, people as young as 16 and up to the age of 80 are able to use the machines once they have been given instruction from I.Fit Studio’s staff and answered a few health questions.

Knowledgeable staff on hand There are eight Ifit machines in the women’s only studio and another two I.Fit machines in the men only area.Tea and coffee facilities are also available.

The friendly and knowledgeable members of staff are always very happy to show you how to use the I.Fit machines, give guidance and offer expert advice.

Appointments are not necessary so just drop by with your friends and have a work out whilst you catch up and share a giggle, as the I.Fit machines are great fun to use, or just come along on your own and you will be made to feel very welcome.

Open 7 days a week The I.Fit Studio’s are open 7 days a week and their opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am – 10 pm, Saturday 9am – 9pm and Sunday 10am – 9pm. In addition next door to the studio, is a state-of-theart tanning salon, so why not take advantage of this facility and enhance your overall healthy image ready for the New Year and winter holidays?

ORACLE OFFER: Buy a weekly course, 3 sessions for £10 and get 3 extra sessions free.

Buy a 4 weekly course of 12 sessions for £30 and get 12 extra sessions free Offer ends 31st Jan 2014 (Terms & Conditions apply)

Below are just a few comments from the many happy and fit clients at I.Fit Studio:-

Sarah from Shoebury:

When I heard from a friend of mine that the IFit had really worked at getting rid of her cellulite I knew I had to try it! I started using the I.Fit studio for 10 minutes three times a week, the lady there showed me the position that helps with cellulite and it really works! It took me 7 weeks and I now feel confident enough to wear a bikini.

Cerrone from Leigh:

After having my last baby I couldn’t shift the spare tyre around my middle. I use the I.Fit machine for twenty minutes, 3 times a week and I’ve gone from a size 14 to a 12 in 3 weeks. I followed the I.Fit girls advice to alter my eating habits slightly and its worked wonders!

I’m going to continue using the I.Fit till I get to my goal of size 10. I can’t thank the I.Fit girls enough! Also I can take the baby with me.

Rachel:

After finding out from my doctor that all these horrible symptoms I have including putting on weight and feeling bloated were all due to the menopause I knew that even though I didn’t feel like it (tired and grumpy all the time) I had to do some sort of exercise.I’ve never really exercised in my life and didn’t really want to start now but after hearing about the I.Fit thought I’d give it a try,what could I lose? Well believe me not only have I lost some weight, the bloated feeling has gone and I just feel so much better in myself.

CLASSES NOW AVAILABLE: Monday to Sunday 10am or 7pm for a 20 minute workout with instructor

01702 612580 http://www.abfabtanning.co.uk 202 Woodgrange Drive, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2SD JANUARY 2014

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www.oraclepublications.co.uk

JANUARY 2014

Local Issues

Is this called Democracy?

I

suppose everyone has been aware of different disputes with Southend Council recently, with the care homes, libraries, shared spaces, Museum, Café, schools and our beloved Pier, to name but a few. When I joined Friends of Shoebury Common, I had no idea it would involve a 12-hour day commitment and turn into a full time job! I really thought that if I filled in the missing jigsaw pieces, we would convince the Councillors to listen to their electorate and really think what a 5 metre wide heavy and ugly floodgate would look like in front of Uncle Toms, Shoebury Common. However, every time I asked a simple question, the answer received, created 10 more questions and so the jigsaw and the lack of transparency grew in size.

JANUARY 2014

With 93 similar flood projects being considered this year, only 15 involved coastal defences and it was lovely to hear that towns like Felixstowe had received green flag awards for public partnership, before any design even started. Even the Council accepted that the consultation meetings were “poor at best” and despite sensible questions being asked, answers given were misleading and in some cases even ignored.

Preferred option was £2m, now estimated £15m!

A detailed breakdown of our raised promenade was given back in April 2013, after they decided to add over £3m for items such as lighting, drain repairs, disabled access, soil, new beach huts just so the “preferred option” took centre stage.

Despite requesting a similar breakdown of costs for the councils “preferred option” in April 2013, we have never received this important information, just a lump sum, so we have nothing to compare or check against.

Remember we were told the preferred option was £2m in 2012 and now total costs are being estimated in excess of £15m!

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83% against preferred option We thought the Council meetings would be democratic, with any public questions being submitted 5 days in advance, but the agenda / reports were not posted until 2 days before, so we were refused. The committee were told Agency funding would be lost if not approved that day, when the Agency had not yet even approved funding, so how could it be lost? One conservative councillor said he would not sleep at night if they did not give urgent approval, despite all five options offering the same protection. With 83% against the preferred option, he also said “he would only support a scheme which had the least impact on this fantastic asset”, comparing a 22” raised promenade having a negative affect & looking into Lodwick’s gardens against a viewing gallery on top of their 7 foot high wall.

This unique Common and the 166 beach huts have been here for over 100 years, so it should not be destroyed just to dump 55,000 tons of soil or obtain £1m in exchange for planning permission to build yet more houses on a level 3 flood plain.

High tide at 2am Friday 6th Dec at Thorpe Bay Yacht Club slipway.

Beach and many huts completely flooded.

All the Southend and Essex Coastal Defence plans suggest and history confirms,“holding the existing line”, which would mean increasing the existing sea wall by 28”. No other UK seaside town can be found which has used a 2 metre high sea wall as a sensible design? After the 1953 floods, most of the existing sea walls were raised by 2 feet, from Shoebury Common to East of the Pier, so why are the crest levels all different now and they know we are not the lowest? Why is Shoebury Common a 1 in 200 year protection with a new 5.80 AOD crest wall and yet Southchurch is 1 in 500 year protection with a lower crest sea wall. With all Conservative Councillors so in favour of this poor design and with such a huge list of inconsistencies, it is no surprise residents are unhappy with the situation and the way they have been treated.

Non-attendance We thought we would get the answers at our debate meeting organised and paid for by FoSC on December 16th 2013 as they agreed to attend. However, when they received some of the questions we wanted on the agenda, they suddenly withdrew from attending!

By the time you all read this article, democracy, transparency and fair play may prevail or on the other hand all our hard and passionate work may be buried in the Shoebury Common under 55,000 tons of Southend's London Clay Soil. All I can ask is WHY?

by Peter Lovett Friends of Shoebury Common (Figures and information given at time of print and maybe subject to change.)

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O

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Oracle Hair & Beauty

New Year, New You, New Do! T

he Quality Street tin is empty, the Bailey’s has been drunk and if anyone offers you another turkey-based snack, you’ll sock them!

But relax and breathe…2014 is here and I’m sure, if you’re anything like me, you are looking a little worse for wear! January is the perfect time to give yourself makeover – think New Year, New You! Well, hair-lo!

Drink as much water as you can, this will ensure that your skin is hydrated and plumped up from the inside out, and that dehydrated hair loses its dull and lifeless sheen. As well as water, your hair’s rehydration process needs a concentrated conditioning treatment once a week. This will put high moisture levels back into dry, partiedout locks, re-build structure and leave your tresses looking and feeling shiny and healthy.

Make a resolution to book regular hair cuts – and no excuses, even if you have long hair, it still needs regular trims to get rid of split ends and maintain tip-top condition. Make sure you book appointments every six weeks for short hair, and three months for long hair. You might not have a million bucks, but you’ll look it!

your own natural oils. As the condition of your skin improves, you can reduce the frequency of your exfoliations to twice a week. Tone your skin daily with soothing products containing rosewater, which is great for conditioning and priming the skin.

People keep products for far too long, so give your make-up bag a makeover in the New Year.

Pinks, peaches and soft red lipsticks are all coming back for spring/summer and they're an easy way to update your beauty look.

Wearing colour on your lips also helps brighten up your complexion during the ‘pale months’ – and you’ll have a more youthful glow.

Get some therapy!

To complete your New Year, New You makeover, open your wardrobe and get ready to be brutal. If you haven’t worn it for a year, put it in a bag and give it to charity! The sales are on and you’ll find some great bargains that’ll soon put Spring in your step.

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Love the skin you’re in Embark on a good skincare regime. Use a gentle exfoliator daily, but nothing too heavyduty as you don't want to remove too many of 16 T H O R P E B AY O R A C L E www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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Oracle Motoring

Top tips for driving this winter.

A

s the months of freezing temperatures and overnight frost loom, British motorists are reminded to drive with caution to avoid any accidents. Adverse weather and longer periods of darkness in winter makes driving more hazardous than at other times of the year.We need to be prepared and adapt the way we drive to the ever changing weather conditions: • Prepare yourself - Make sure you have de-icing equipment, correct PPE (personal protective equipment), warm clothes, food and hot drinks for your journeys.

• Prepare your vehicle - Ensure it's in good working order with sufficient tread on the tyres.

Fluids need to be kept topped up and lights, windows and number plates need to be clean.

Avoid High Revs • Driving in snow or ice - Reduce your speed; avoid harsh braking, acceleration or sharp, steering movements. Make sure that your speed is correct. Drive too fast and you will lose control, but drive too slow and you will lose momentum. Avoid high revs and start gently from stationary. For better control you should stay in a higher gear and if slippery, in a manual car, move off in a higher gear.

In the event of a skid, take your feet off all pedals and steer. Try and plan your route to stay on main roads, as these will be gritted.

• Aquaplaning - Is caused by driving too fast into surface water causing the vehicle to float in a

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wedge of water. If this happens, ease off the accelerator and brakes until your speed drops sufficiently for the tyres to make contact with the road again.

• Fog - Is one of the most dangerous weather conditions. Keep a good distance from the vehicle in front of you and reduce your speed.

• Floods - Avoid deep water, which is normally near the kerb. Do not attempt to cross if the water is too deep.

• Rain - Reduces visibility and increases your braking distance, slow down.

• Low Sunshine - In winter the sun will often be low, so your visor may not help you, if blinded by the glare reduce your speed.

The AA is advising drivers to put their car through a ‘pre-winter check’ to flag up any potential problems. If you have to drive in adverse weather conditions, just remember to stay safe and drive carefully.

O

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01702 297360 MECHANICAL AND ACCIDENT REPAIR CENTRE

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Advertorial

School library

Supporting Outstanding Learning E

ach month we studiously focus on our students and their achievements or inform you about the different departments we have in the school and the subjects they teach.

However, in this article we would like to inform you about the extensive network that supports your child in achieving such high standards. Were you aware that Shoeburyness High School opens at 5.45am weekdays and does not close until 10.00pm most nights. Our site staff team embarks on various tasks throughout the day culminating in building projects being completed which have not only enhanced the environment butheightened the quality of teaching and learning. n n n n

Examples include: Total refurbishment of the Science department New dining hall area The creation of link corridors A new suite of Performing Arts studios

In order to look after our students we have a dedicated team of Year Managers who 32

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

actively support the children with various issues and have regular contact with parents and outside agencies. This group of people are further supported by our School Counsellors, a team of School Chaplins from Shoeburyness and Thorpe Bay Baptist Church and a dedicated Attendance Team who ensure students attend school. We must also praise the work of our housekeepers who maintain our facilities to a high standard.

Once the students have completed their studies it is the job of the Examination Team to make sure that all the entries are correctly enrolled with the external examination boards (not an easy task!) and to ensure that the examinations run smoothly and with as little stress as possible, from the studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; point of view.

Our curriculum is extensive, but this is only possible because of the incredibly efficient Curriculum Administration Team which produces the array of paperwork that goes home to parents on a regular basis.

(Additionally, resources for use in lessons are typed up with speed and efficiency by this

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JANUARY 2014

team of people). They also have a role in supporting our academic mentoring and making sure parents have the relevant details for events such as parents’ evenings and open days. The reprographics facility at the school is “state of the art”,producing quality resources for the students and the parents.

IT support team

If your child feels poorly at school the main office staff will attend to their needs until contact can be made with parents or guardians. This support is greatly appreciated by the students at Shoeburyness High School.

Our reception is extremely busy throughout the day, handling numerous phone calls and “value for money” is sought in all aspects of welcoming our visitors. school life.

A number of departments are fortunate to have technicians who not only help the At Shoeburyness High School we pride teaching staff by providing the necessary ourselves in the support we give to resources, but also give up their time to assist colleagues from other schools and this type the students with their experiments and of work is the responsibility of our training school staff. Various courses and training practical tasks. programmes are run throughout the year The school has in excess of 800 computers and cover many educational initiatives. and to make sure these are working our IT Support Team are hands on throughout the Shoeburyness High School is supported by a week maintaining and updating the software. number of external contractors who have Students are also fortunate to have a responsibility for the catering (Cucina), well-stocked library and are encouraged to cleaning (Facilicom) and Southend Borough take part in reading challenges and special Council who look after our grounds. These three contractors play an important role in promotional weeks. making sure the school is a centre for Our financial spending is overseen by a highly effective learning. efficient finance team who make sure the As you can see Shoeburyness High School relies on the dedication and commitment of New seating area being built the support staff who work extremely hard in by site staff making sure we maintain our reputation as an excellent school.

Huw Williams Deputy Headteacher

O

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

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recipe of the month Method:

In the Kitchen with Judy Barden

1. Place the salmon in a food processor and pulse to

finely chop. Add the chopped egg and pulse briefly to combine. Transfer to a bowl and mix with the mayonnaise, horseradish if using, mashed potato, chopped fennel fronds and half the lemon zest.

Season with salt and black pepper and then form into 12 evenly sized fish cakes.

2. Take 3 bowls and put the flour in one, beaten eggs in another and the breadcrumbs in the last.

Firstly coat the fishcakes in the flour then the egg and finally the breadcrumbs. Try and remember to keep one hand for the egg and a dry hand for the breadcrumbs or you can get very messy ! Place on a tray lined with baking parchment and chill for at least 30 minutes.

3. To prepare the salad, thinly slice the fennel and

Smoked salmon fishcakes & fennel salad Makes about 12 fishcakes

W

hen the festivities are all over and you look in the fridge there are usually a few leftovers that need using up. These smoked salmon fishcakes are easy to make and you can turn them into a lovely light supper teamed with the fennel salad especially after the over-indulgence of Christmas. Try and but Panko Japanese breadcrumbs as they give a very good crisp crumb and you can buy them in most supermarkets.

Enjoy!

toss in a bowl with the watercress and the r emaining lemon zest. Add the olive oil, lemon juice and then season with a little sugar, salt and pepper, tossing well to combine.

4. Heat about 1 cm/ ½ inch sunflower oil in a frying

pan over a medium heat. Test if your oil is at the right temperature by frying a cube of bread. It should be crisp and golden in 30 seconds. Fry the fishcakes in batches for about 4 minutes each side or until crisp and golden. Drain on kitchen paper and serve with the salad and a dollop of extra mayonnaise.

O

Next monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recipe: Creamy Chicken Bake

Ingredients: 250g smoked salmon 2 large hard-boiled eggs peeled and chopped 2 tbsp good quality mayonnaise 1 tbsp horseradish, optional 500g cold mashed potato 1 small bulb of fennel, fronds reserved, finely chopped Zest of 1 lemon plus 1tbsp lemon juice 150g plain flour 2 large eggs, beaten 150g dried Panko breadcrumbs 50g watercress 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Sunflower or vegetable oil for shallow frying

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Oracle Finance

Buy to Let opportunity D

ue to the massive influx of work into the Thames corridor I thought it would be a good idea to inform those of you interested in the “Buy to Let” market of the increased earning potential this is and will have on the area.

10% over this period, your total pre-tax gross profit would be £27000 from the rental income & £15000 from the increase in your equity.

Although this is a massively simplified view and doesn’t take into account management fees, repair costs, legal fees etc it does show the The hub of the expansion is based around DP mechanics of the operation.

World in Stanford-Le-Hope. The massive influx of predicted jobs this and the logistics centre But where does the deposit money feeding off the back of the port, has seen come from if you haven’t got demand for housing rocket. sufficient savings?

So how do you make the most of this opportunity?

With mortgage rates at an all time low and house prices now starting to increase there is Speaking with Wayne Mearns of Belvoir, he has now real opportunity to release the money from stated that, although Stanford-Le-Hope is still the equity in your own home. seeing a massive interest in rental demand, many of the potential workers looking to rent This simplified model works. I am not saying that are now considering Basildon & Chafford it doesn’t take more insight than this brief Hundred due to the facilities offered by both article has afforded but it really isn’t rocket places. Housing in Basildon still seems to be science. We are living in an area going through unaffected by surrounding developments so, a a massive expansion in jobs, with a commercial tidy three bed property can still be had for international airport, potentially the biggest £150000. This property would then rent for freight terminal and logistics park in Europe, expansion to retail parks and excellent links to about £850 per month.

London. Demand is outstripping supply in both Taking this as an example you would require a sales and rental of property.

25% deposit (£37500) to allow you to purchase by Paul Flavin the property, the remaining 75% (£112500) would be raised via an interest only “buy to let” mortgage, costing circa £400 per month. This would give you a pre-tax gross profit of £5400 per annum. Looking at this over the next five years and given a modest property increase of 01702 423901

O

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Your Stove is waiting for you!

Photo for illustration purposes only

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ORACLE Enigmas No humdrum conundrum s

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The answer to last month’s puzzle is at bottom.

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DESIGN, STYLE & CRAFTSMANSHIP Visit our extensive showroom and workshop in Thorpe Bay. We offer a complete interior design service.

A fantastic choice of styles, finishes, fabrics, leathers, accessories, BESPOKE UPHOLSTERY AND CURTAINS – a talented and dedicated team of interior designers, furniture craftsmen and curtain makers to create your specific requirements – let us transform your home. We also provide a full RE-UPHOLSTERY and RE-MODELLING service and have a huge selection of FABRICS, WALLPAPERS and CARPETS. Interior design by MICHELLE ELLIOTT-BRITTO.

MORRIS

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23-25 Station Road, Thorpe Bay, Essex SS1 3JY Tel. 01702 586800 Fax. 01702 586054 www.morrisinteriors.ltd.uk Opening hours: 9am–5pm Monday–Friday 9am–4pm Saturday

ROMO

ZINC

COLEFA X AND FOWLER

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ORACLE

Index to advertisers AERIALS & SATELLITES 1st South East Aerials Essex Digital Services AIRPORT TRANSFER Air & Back ANTIQUE CLOCKS It's About Time BATHROOMS Better Life Bathrooms BATHROOMS & PLUMBING JCA Merchants BLOCK PAVING Brooks Paving BUILDERS AJ Properties BKB Groundswork Fairfield Builders GMH Renovations CAR LEASING Planet Leasing CARPENTRY John Sorrell CARPETS Trade Carpets CARPET & OVEN CLEANING Chiropodist Arthur Partington Clemclean Gates CAT BOARDING The Cat Hotel CLADDING Essex Cladding CLEANING Maid in Essex SLJ Domestic Cleaning COMPUTERS Computopia Res Info-Tech CONSERVATORY BJ Davis DECORATORS Keith Gibson MK Decorating DENTAL Parmar Dental DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIR Cloudy 2 Clear DRIVEWAYS Ryan Homes LTD EDUCATION Shoebury High School ELECTRICIAN Dan Waller FIREPLACES Fireplace & Design GAT Fireplaces

58 25 54 21 8 2 58 12 23 3 55 28 15 5 59 52 55 27 3 40 19 59 22 38 57 11 39 46 51 32/33 57 44 35

FLOORING Daniel James Flooring FUNERAL SERVICES AR Adams Funeral Services FURNITURE RESTORERS TS Baskett GARAGE Bridge Garage RS Automotives Service Garage GARAGE DOORS Murray Garage Doors GLASS MERCHANT Colin's Glass GOLF CLUB Thorpe Hall Golf GUTTERS & FASCIAS AC Solutions HAIR & BEAUTY Grateful Heads Headhunters The Salon Cliff House Clinic HANDYMAN Piper Construction HEALTH & FITNESS Active Life iFit Studio Spinal Care Clinic Therapy Life Centre HEATING & PLUMBING Sonray Heating HOMECARE Caremark Doris Jone INTERIOR DESIGN Morris Interiors JEWELLERY AV & BV Andrews KITCHENS Kitchen Base KITCHEN INTERIORS Prittlewell Interiors LOGISTICS MPG Logistics MAINTENANCE MAN Ken Sendall MARBLE WORKTOP Abbey Marble MORTGAGE BROKER Zing Money OPTICAL CC Optical OVEN CLEANING Ovenclean

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Thorpe Bay

January 2014

January 2014

Oracle-on-Sea

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

Oracle Competition WIN! Two pairs of tickets to see ‘Ultimate tribute to ABBA’

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

Oracle Competition WIN!Two pairs of tickets to see ‘Ultimate tribute to ABBA’

Local Issues

Local Issues

Is this called Democracy?

Is this called Democracy?

Hair & Beauty

Oracle IT

New Year, new you, new do!

Speed up your PC by defrag

Recipe Page

Hair & Beauty

Smoked salmon fishcakes and fennel salad

Oracle Exclusive Vouchers See page 11

New Year, new you, new do!

Recipe Page Smoked salmon fishcakes and fennel salad New Lunch Menu £9.50

Part of the Lemon Tree Restaurant family

Special two course set Menu £12.95 Exclude Friday and Saturday evenings.

18 15 34 16 25 31 37 52 47 6/7 1 17 53 21 24 61 41 49 18 29 59 19 43 54 57

Now taking Valentines Day bookings £ 29.95pp

Free Bottle Of House Wine!

With a table of 4 or more OR 1/2 bottle with table of two when ordering from main a la carte menu

80 Leigh Road, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 1BZ

www.thepalmrestaurant.co.uk

To advertise in ORACLE call

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PEST CONTROL PestCleare PHYSIOTHERAPY Susan White PLUMBING & HEATING Essex Maintenance Hammond & Sons M Walker PUBLIC HOUSE The Angel Inn RESTAURANTS Trattoria Verdi ROOFING Estuary Roofing SEALING Sealing Technique SKIP HIRE Leigh Skip Hire SOLICITORS Drysdales Solicitors Vincent McCarthy Solicitors SPANISH RESORT RENTALS Spanish Resort Rentals SWIMMING ASA for Life TILING Battlesbridge Tiling G Perks Tiling MCG Tiling TREE SERVICES Mike's Tree Services Treefella TUITION Over the Rainbow Maths TV & VIDEO SERVICES HB Electrical WINDOW CLEANING BC Windows

55 58 26 21 4 48 53 19 13 50 29 63 64 11 56 50 15 56 52 25 14 23

ORACLE - the smart little glossy mags for Southend

Reach over 29,000 readership in Leigh, Chalkwell, Southend Conservation Area & Thorpe Bay hungry for your business Call for a Media Pack or visit www.oraclepublications.co.uk To advertise in ORACLE call 01702 393838

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Applying common sense to complex matters

DIVORCE AND FAMILY LAW | POWER OF ATTORNEY PROBATE | WILLS | CIVIL LITIGATION

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