Thorpe bay nov 2014 web

Thorpe Bay

November 2014

ORACLE

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

Oracle Competition WIN! A meal for two at Oracle’s Question Night with guest speaker Cllr Ron Woodley

Local Issues

About the Keyhole Cancer Appeal

Council News

Growing and supporting local businesses

Recipe Page Chinese Chilli Beef

Photography by Picture Perfect www.pictureperfect.pro

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NOVEMBER 2014

EST FREE IMA TES

OR ACLE Publisher’s letter

A

s a small thank you to all Oracle readers for their loyal readership over the past 9 years, I have decided that Oracle will donate this month’s competition and launch something new for both magazines and its readers.

Oracle strives to be a community magazine and I feel part of its job is to give the community a voice; hence the free local issues pages every month. Taking this a stage further, I thought it would be a great idea to give residents the chance to meet with decision makers in the town and ask them questions face to face.This next month sees the launch of Oracle Question Night; the first evening to be held at the Café Masala, Thorpe Bay with the new leader of Southend Borough Council, Cllr.

Ron Woodley.

How it will work; Oracle will pay for 15 readers plus their partners to dine and ask their previously submitted question to Cllr.Woodley.The evening, I am sure will be of great interest,debate and revelation.So,if you wish to partake in the evening then please send in your question and contact details as outlined below.

Oracle Question Night’s initial evening will take place at the Café Masala, Broadway, Thorpe Bay at 7pm on Wednesday, 12th November. Please note that your question along with your contact details must be submitted either by email or by post to:- Oracle Question Night,39 Alexandra Street,Southend,SS1 1BW or email info@oraclepublications.co.uk closing date for question is Friday, 7th November.

Good luck!

B

Brian Lacey

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ORACLE PLUMBING & HEATING

contents Local Issues About the Keyhole Cancer Appeal

by Keyhole Cancer Appeal

9/10

How to sparkle on Bonfire Night Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith

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Friends of Dolphin Court Dolphin Court

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Security : Glass & Film Oracle Security by Simon Wakefield

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Growing and supporting local businesses Council News by Cllr Ron Woodley

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Chinese Chilli Beef Judy's Recipe Page

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AFTER

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NOVEMBER 2014

Local Issues

About the Keyhole Cancer Appeal

S

outhend Hospital Charitable Foundation has taken on an exciting new challenge to raise £600,000 for the provision of a new state-of-the-art laparoscopic (keyhole surgery) theatre suite at Southend University Hospital.

The Keyhole Cancer Appeal will enable surgeons to perform the latest and most complex keyhole procedures for patients undergoing cancer and general surgery. At the heart of the new theatre will be some of the most advanced camera systems in Europe, which deliver extremely high quality 3D images.

Hundreds of Southend patients are likely to benefit each year. They include people suffering with bowel and prostate cancer or gynecological conditions. Many of these patients would have previously had to have ‘open’ surgery’ which would have meant longer hospital stays and recovery times and greater post-operative pain and scarring.

Mr. Mike Dworkin, speaking on behalf of the surgeons at Southend University Hospital said: “The new operating theatre will deliver high resolution 3D images allowing us to see and identify anatomical structures more easily and perform the most complex keyhole procedures.

For the first time all the systems in the operating theatre will be under the central control of touch NOVEMBER 2014

panels and the new equipment will be free of pipes, tubes and wiring. We will also be able to bring digital x-rays and body scans to the screens and to record or film the operation for the benefit of patient records. It also means the surgeon can use the two-way video conferencing function to dramatically enhance the teaching process. We really are incredibly grateful to Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation for launching this appeal which we know will make a significant difference to the patients we treat”.

How you can help - Events?

Winter Ball, Sat 6 December:

Join us for our fabulous Winter Ball for a spectacular night of great food and entertainment at the luxurious Orsett Hall.

Following a champagne reception, 300 guests will make their way to their tables in the stylish Main Pavilion where a delicious three-course meal and wine will be served.

You will also be given the chance to bid for luxury packages in our charity auction.

After your meal you can dance the night away to an array of professional entertainers who will be sure to leave you feeling festive. Whether you attend for personal enjoyment or to offer quality

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entertainment to clients and colleagues, we promise you an evening you will never forget.

Ticket Price: £50, Included: Welcome drink, 3-course meal, ½ bottle of wine and live entertainment. For more information call: 01702 38533

Volunteer We are supported by a wonderful team of volunteers who kindly donate their time. Whether it’s to serve customers in one of our shops or marshalling at an event, our volunteers are a valued part of the team. We're always looking for new volunteers to join us and make a difference.

We’d love to have you join the team! Roles are available in a wide variety of areas: n n

n

In our shops:- we have two shops in the Westcliff and Leigh area Fundraising:- whether on a regular basis helping to plan events or arrange collection boxes or occasionally helping out at events.

To register your interest please visit: www.southend.nhs.uk/support-us/volunteering

Involving your Company There are many different ways for companies, large and small, to get involved with Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation. With health being a key concern for many customers, clients and staff, we are a registered charity with a strong community appeal. If you think your company or office might like to make a corporate donation or encourage employees to donate as individuals or via their payroll, run an employee fundraising initiative, promote our exciting fundraising events, or sponsor some aspect of our work, we can work with you to make the most of your ideas.

Don’t forget our Christmas Craft and Gift Fair!

Sunday 16th November, The Mill Rayleigh See Oracle diary dates page 54 for info

As well as creating interesting PR and marketing opportunities, a partnership with Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation also brings many internal benefits including better employee relations and increased staff morale.

We believe that we will best achieve our aims by meeting yours. Whichever type of corporate partnership you are interested in, we will tailor it to suit your needs.

For further information, please fundraising@southend.nhs.uk or 385337. Our grateful thanks to companies, large and small, who support our appeals.

e-mail us call 01702 the many generously

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Oracle Hair & Beauty

How to sparkle on Bonfire Night…

O ne of my favourite aspects of autumn is Bonfire Night. It’s a great excuse to get out of the house, meet up with friends and family and be a big kid. It’s also the perfect excuse to dig out our favourite slouchy sweaters, chunky scarves and sturdy boots without anyone judging your fashion sense. Least of all, your hair!

Much as the style industry loves a trend and sends everyone scurrying off in different directions looking for the season’s hottest look, nobody’s really thought about this fabulous evening of sparklers, firelight and vivid, rainbow-coloured explosions. So, I’m starting a thing, Bonfire Night Hair!

Wow Factor!

Of course, me being me, Bonfire Night Hair is still about creating a wow factor that is the envy of all your friends. Of course, Bonfire Night Hair is not strictly restricted to November 5th, I’ll have you looking smokin’ hot whenever and wherever you are.

A wrap-around braid has a fairytale princess look about it and is something that many women practiced doing as in their childhood. For a more grown-up look you can accessorise it with a barrette or clip, even weaving coloured thread or faux flowers into it.

Naturally, running around with excitable children, or trying to eat a cheeky hotdog without getting your hair in the way can be a challenge. That’s when a gorgeous, wraparound bun – on your head, not in your hand – really comes into its own.

If you have long, thick locks, this is ideal for you.

Classic look An all-too overlooked hairstyle that is ideal for events like a firework party, is the classic French plait. It requires a little more effort but don’t let that deter you. It doesn’t take much time to do and the effect is stunning.

You can use your plaiting skills to jazz up a simple ponytail, by turning it into a rope braid version a la Nicole Scherzinger. This style really works with all hair types and colours, so long as it’s long, and takes just five minutes to do.Which leaves you with more time to decide whether to team it with a plain top and some statement jewellery, or an eye-catching outfit that says that the stars aren’t only in the sky at night.

by Craig Smith Sponsored by

A Four-Step Ponytail also looks sassy. It’s simple to create and works with thick, curly, fine or straight hair.

It has the benefit of looking effortless whilst remaining sophisticated.

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Advertorial

Café Masala dares to be different A taste of India with a contemporary twist

A

s soon as you walk into its elegant, airy and modern dining room, you know that Café Masala is different. Although it has become a Thorpe Bay institution since it opened its doors eighteen years ago, this is not somewhere to soak up the night's excesses; Café Masala is a destination restaurant for those who appreciate great cooking.

The menu is largely based on classic dishes from the Indian continent, using only the best and freshest ingredients. Unsurprising it has won a string of accolades; including back-to-back British Curry Awards in 2007 and 2008.

Comfortingly familiar The main courses offer you a culinary tour of both the comfortingly familiar and completely unexpected.

Take, for example, the wonderfully named Rowgoonius range of dishes. Originally from Sylhet in north eastern Bangladesh, the base sauce is prepared using methi paratha leaves, with a little capsicum and a mixture of spices to make it medium hot, then garnished with fried tomatoes and onions.

It is a particular favourite with the restaurants most discerning diners, the waiters themselves.

However, it is one particular dish for which Café Masala has become famous for - the Special Sizzler Juliet. As it is brought to the table, every diner in the restaurant turns round to see this piece of culinary theatre. Marinated pieces of lamb, chicken or king prawns are cooked in a traditional clay oven over charcoal, lavished with fresh mint and coriander, capsicums, onions and given an exciting kick, courtesy of flaming brandy. This is not just a main course, it is an event!

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During the balmy summer days and nights, not everyone wants some of the more traditional dishes, so a special seasonal menu has been introduced. Highlights include lightly spiced, succulent grilled lamb chops and Chicken Tikka Stir-Fried Noodles.

Vegetarians are also well-catered for with a Vegetable Biriani fit for a Persian king (where this dish originated), Chilli Aubergine and over ten other delicious choices.

With its modern, clean and contemporary décor, Café Masala could be called a ’boutique’ restaurant.

Certainly its modest number of covers create an intimate feel; making it perfect for an evening dinner date with your partner, a weekend gathering of friends or business lunch with clients and colleagues.

Christmas Dinner - £29.95 Due to popular demand, the Cafe Masala will again be hiring two London Chefs to prepare a traditional English Christmas roast dinner with all the trimmings. Many guests re-booked immediately after last year’s success however there are still places available, so book your place now to avoid disappointment. Treat yourself to a three course traditional Christmas dinner for only £29.95 and avoid all the hassle of cooking and just sit back and allow the Cafe Masala to cook for you this Christmas.

Cafe Masala is open 7-days a week and can be found at 187 The Broadway, Thorpe Bay, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 3EX. Call 01702 589 494 to make your booking.

O

01702 589 494 187 The Broadway, Thorpe Bay, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 3EX

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NOVEMBER 2014

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Friends of Dolphin Court L

ocated right on the seafront near Southend-on-Sea, Dolphin Court comprises individual self-contained flats providing wheelchair accessible accommodation for up to 17 adults.

Run by the disability charity Livability, Dolphin Court aims to provide excellent care and to facilitate independence. Every resident is encouraged to make their own choices and decisions about their lives, with each person being offered a high standard of physical and emotional support.

Having varying needs, abilities and priorities, each individual is helped to develop independence skills at their own pace.

14 of our residents go to local colleges, attending a wide-range of courses, including, cookery, art and pottery.

New mini bus 3 years ago, our fund raising group ‘The Friends of Dolphin Court’ made plans to replace our existing, very old mini bus, with a new purpose built one. Thanks to the generosity of companies

such as Olympus KeyMed, Tubetech and all those who helped by giving donations and coming to our annual Plant Sale, Christmas Bazaar and other events, we were able to take delivery of it this spring. The effect on our residents has been huge, many being able to take a short break away this summer, and college trips, weekly grocery shopping and other essential activities are now much easier.

Garden project Encouraged by this, The Friends have now started a new fund-raising project to install a glass surround to the front garden. This will enable our residents to enjoy using the garden year round, protected from the cold and the wind off the sea. The cost is estimated at £12,000 and we would love to have your help in raising this.

Our Friends group meets for 2 hours just once a month on a Wednesday evening with tea and homemade cake provided. New members are very much needed so if you have a little time to spare and would like to contribute to a local charity we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please get in touch, by emailing FValencia@livability.org or speak to us at our upcoming Christmas Bazaar on 22nd November.

More information about Livability can be found at www.livability.org.uk

Dolphin Court

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NOVEMBER 2014

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Cloudy2Clear Windows – Service With A Smile!

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which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated.’

So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Chris a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

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27

Oracle Security

Security : Glass & Film

I

f you value your safety, it’s really key to know your security ‘ABC’, in fact it’s the basis of your security which once monitored will help you feel safer, more secure, protected and self-assured.

If you’re like most people you’ll be thinking that ‘local crime’ is just ‘statistical fubar’ and won’t happen to you. It’s a sad fact then to know that unfortunately statistics aren’t on your side... You’d think that armed with this knowledge would give us a kick up the backside to get something done about it but for whatever reason we simply don’t.

Traditionally ‘us Brits’ consider security as a ‘grudge buy’ tending to leave it until something does happen, don’t let us say we told you so; nobody likes a know it all!

Security Checklist If however you feel like you’ve done all you can to secure your property and belongings, you might want to double check and run through our ‘ABC Checklist’ to really, REALLY make sure that you’re ‘on the ball’. We’ve numbered them according to their importance as under:

A}

1. Locks (Previous issue) 2. Safe/Security Boxes (Previous issue)

B}

3. Alarms (Previous issue) 4. CCTV (Previous issue)

C}

5. Laminated Glass/Bandit Film - This issue 6. Grilles, Bars & or Roller Shutters

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

Laminated glass is harder to break and will slow down an intruder

So if you’ve been listening and you’ve upped your security you should have kept the burglars at bay for at least a while.

So what’s next?

Laminated glass that’s what’s next! Yes, laminated glass might seem a bit of ‘overkill’ but it all depends on the level of security that you’re after. It’ll certainly stop a quick smash and grab as laminated glass is harder to break.

Alternatively, using various grades of protective film can make your glass anti bandit, anti-blast and even bullet resistant so you should be okay even if you get caught in the middle of a bandit gun fight, Awesome!

O

by Simon Wakefield

01702 346 274 www.brightslocksmiths.co.uk

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2014

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

29

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31

Council News

Growing and supporting local businesses S outhend-on-Sea was recently successful in receiving £1.8m from central government. All small and medium sized local businesses who are creating new jobs and safeguarding others can apply for the funding.

There have been 23 grants awarded so far, with a further nine nearing completion.

This initiative is also levering in significant private sector investment and is providing a major boost to the town’s economic growth.

The money is not from local council tax and grants to businesses are determined on clear criteria which are based upon meeting the match funding requirement along with delivering new, or safeguarding existing jobs. It is for individual businesses to decide if their plans merit submitting a bid but we welcome submissions from any sector of the business community.

The successful use of this funding and the wider programme is a sign of Southend’s growing potential which has been recognised by central Government.

Business grants Grants are retrospective, therefore payments will be made once businesses have made their investment and created or safeguarded jobs. Small businesses have been included in receiving grants and more are interested.

Seafront traders have been advised of this funding opportunity and some have applications in place. The panel which accesses applications is

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

made up of various businesses and is audited by Lancaster University.

If you are a small or medium sized business, please visit www.businesssouthend.co.uk for more information.

Recent Local Flooding The central part of town was recently hit by a major storm. Clearly some of the infrastructure struggled to cope and has highlighted areas across the town that are susceptive to flooding. We need to be realistic in the fact that we cannot solve flood risk overnight, there are investigations to be done before a robust engineering solution can be found.

Therefore an internal team has been tasked to review drainage at flood hotspots across the borough including an inspection schedule of drains and gullies in Southend. In addition exploratory work will be carried out by Anglian Water, who has responsibility for the capacity and maintenance of the public sewer network and are co-operating in finding a long term solution.

In the meantime, we will look into what can be done to improve our flood response and find better ways of deploying teams to sites at times of flooding. A report into last year’s flooding is due to be published very soon and a report into the recent flooding is being fast-tracked.

Cllr Ron Woodley Leader of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council

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NOVEMBER 2014

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

Re-upholstery & Antique Restoration by experienced local craftsmen High-quality craftsmanship :FREE Specialists in Young Bros. and Coopers Estimates 3-Piece Suites made to your specifications Extensive library of fabrics including:Voyage,Villa Nova, Ross, Linwood etc.

Very competitive rates

All work carried out in the Poynters Lane Workshop

PETER J. WEDDELL Upholstery . Antique Restoration Middle Barn, New House Farm, Poynters Lane SS3 9TS

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NOVEMBER 2014

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33

St. Ann’s is your no.1 choice for Bathrooms and Showers

Visit our showrooms at Bentalls Close Sutton Road Southend on Sea SS2 5PT 01702 463363

1259 London Road Leigh on Sea SS9 2AF 01702 475403

stannsbuildingsupplies.co.uk

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

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NOVEMBER 2014

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

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

35

recipe of the month

Method:

In the Kitchen with Judy Barden

Put the meat in the freezer 25-30 mins before you plan to start cooking. This will firm it up a bit and make it easier to slice really thinly.

Meanwhile, remove the core and seeds from the pepper and cut it into very thin strips. Slice the spring onions diagonally and slice the broccoli spears in half or quarters through the stems and florets. Thinly slice the pak choi. Mix together the orange juice, vinegar, soy sauce and chilli sauce. Set aside.

Slice the beef into very thin strips. In a bowl, beat the egg white with a fork to make it slightly frothy, then stir in the beef with the five-spice powder, cornflour, flour and a good grinding of pepper so everything is evenly coated. Pour 1 tbsp of the oil into a non-stick wok or frying pan.When it’s very hot (test if ready by dropping a small piece of beef in – it should immediately sizzle), put the beef in, stirring to separate, and stir-fry for 3-4 mins. remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Chinese Chilli Beef

T

his is a super quick supper dish just as good as a Chinese takeaway but much lighter, lower in sugar, fat and salt. If you want to make it even healthier add more vegetables and you can spice it up by adding more chilli if you like.

Enjoy!

Ingredients: 250g lean beef, such as sirloin steak, trimmed of any excess fat ½ red pepper 4 spring onions, ends trimmed 85g Tenderstem broccoli spears 100g pak choi (baby pak choi is good) 3 tbsp fresh orange juice 1 tsp Chinese rice wine vinegar or white wine vinegar 2 tsp dark soy sauce 1 tsp hot chilli sauce, 1 medium egg white ½ tsp five-spice powder 1 tbsp cornflour 1½ tsp self-raising flour 1 tbsp plus 1 ½ tsp rapeseed oil 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 tsp finely chopped root ginger ¼ tsp chilli flakes, or a good pinch if you prefer it a bit milder

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

Steam the broccoli spears for 1 ½ mins, then sit the pak choi on top and steam for another 45 secs-1 min until both are tender-crisp. Remove and cool under running cold water so that they stop cooking and retain their colour. Set aside.

Pour the remaining oil into the wok and heat it again until very hot. Throw in the garlic, ginger, red pepper and spring onions, and stir-fry for 2-3 mins until starting to brown. Add the chilli flakes, then pour in the soy sauce and orange juice mix with 4-5 tbsp water.

As it comes to the boil, stir in the beef and steamed veg, and cook briefly just to heat through. If you want a little more sauciness, splash in another 1-2 tbsp water.

O

Next month’s recipe: Festive Spiced Ham with Cumberland Sauce

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NOVEMBER 2014

A little corner of an English Heaven

Savour a drink and good company at the award-winning, traditional, Angel Inn, Free House. at North Shoebury

Enjoy the west-facing, beer-garden and extensive views across ripening cornfields. Thatched roof, flagstone floor, exposed timbers, wide range of Real Ales, good wines and excellent food.

No gaming machines. No loud music. No TV screens. Heaven!

The Angel Inn OPEN 11am - 11pm (Closed 3-5:30) Mon-Sat. 12pm - 11pm Sun

01702 589600

Parsons Corner, North Shoebury SS3 8UD

NOVEMBER 2014

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39

Advertorial

You can also take advantage of hi-tech radio frequency technology which enables skin to be tightened both on the body and face.

All these specialist treatments are noninvasive, totally painless and undertaken by fully qualified, experienced and insured professionals within a calming and friendly environment so that you can actually relax and enjoy a life-changing experience!

The secrets of a youthful complexion “Skin tightening therapy” is another advanced treatment system for rejuvenating the skin, the results of which will last for years.

Beauty beyond the basics B

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You can transform your complexion in the comfort and tranquillity of a clinic in which you receive a truly personalised service from dedicated professionals who care!

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NOVEMBER 2014

New Kitchens & Bedrooms Call Now for a free Home Survey and Quotation

Showroom: Company House, Stock Road, Southend on Sea, SS2 5QF

www.kitchen-base.co.uk NOVEMBER 2014

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01702 461228 T H O R P E B AY O R A C L E

43

Oracle Gardening

Butterflies and moths These insects will head to sheds to hide away and escape the cold temperatures. Moth larvae will hide away in the soil for maximum protection. Keep the exterior of your shed clean and frost free.

Fallen leaves Now the leaves have started to fall from the trees, spread these over your flowerbed. The leaves provide mulch and also create a great shelter for frogs and toads looking for safe hiding places.

Hedge care Don’t trim hedges until the end of winter.

Hedges provide a haven for hedgehogs and birds, who can feast on the winter berries.

Preparing your Garden for Winter Wildlife

A

s the evenings draw in and the temperature drops, doing a bit of garden maintenance is probably the last thing on your mind.

Pond care Save cleaning out the pond until January.

Newts, snails, dragonflies, frogs and toads prefer ponds with vegetation in anyway. You can place clay roof tiles in the pond to provide shelter for frogs. On frosty mornings, make sure your pond isn’t iced over, or the water will become deprived of oxygen.

However, if you want to make your garden a haven for wildlife in the cold winter months, experts recommend that you should actually leave tidying it until around the end of January.

Read on to find out how you can play the perfect host to popular Essex wildlife during winter.

Newts, frogs and toads Keep a few empty plant pots and piles of bricks out to make a home for these creatures during the winter. Frogs prefer hiding in leaves or deep in your pond.

Birds On a winter’s night, wrens can lose ten per cent of their body weight. They keep warm by roosting communally, usually in empty bird boxes, so make sure yours are cleared out for these feathered friends.

Give birds a helping hand by providing food for them during the winter months. This will help improve their chances of breeding.

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

Please be extra careful if you’re having a bonfire. Bonfires are hedgehog hotels and shouldn’t be built until the day you decide to light them. If you do have to make the bonfire in advance, check there aren’t any hedgehogs hiding away by using a broom to gently lift it section by section.

07708 509415 www.jamesdaltonlandscaping.com info@jamesdaltonlandscaping.com

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2014

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49

ORACLE Enigmas No humdrum conundrum s

1 7 9 7

7

LOOKING FOR AN ACCOUNTANT? .....then call Colin Taylor NOW!

9

8 3

1 4 3 5 5 4 2 3 6 1 2 9 6 5 5 1 4 2 5SUDOKU

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

For help and advice with:

Self Assessment Tax Returns Accounts Bookkeeping VAT Payroll / RTI Tax Planning CIS Refunds TAYLORS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

01702 552008 colin.tca@virgin.net

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TREES FELLED & TOPPED (Hedges also trimmed)

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50

SPECIALISTS IN LAWNS (Removes weeds, give it a feed, make it green)

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51

Advertorial

Best GCSE results EVER at Shoeburyness High School

I

n a year which saw national figures for the percentage of students gaining C grades and above at GCSE fall, Shoeburyness High School Community Academy’s results continued to rise for the tenth year in succession - and they didn’t just rise a little, they smashed it!

Smashed it!

In the key performance figure for schools, the percentage of students gaining 5 A* - C grades including English and Maths, nationally, schools fell from 59.2% to 55.3%, (a fall of 3.9%); but here at Shoeburyness High School we rose an amazing 14% to 58%, well above the average for the rest of the country!

In English, results rose by 14% to 68% of students gaining C grade or above and 68% of students also achieved 3 levels of progress too.

In Maths, results rose by 11% to 70% gaining C grade or above and 66% of students achieved 3 levels of progress too; above the national average.

But it wasn’t just the English and Maths departments who upped their game this year by breaking records, the school achieved some amazing results in other subject areas too: n n

Science rose a magnificent 25% to 72% of students achieving C grade or above; Technology recorded their best ever results,with 72% of students also achieving C grade or above.

At Shoeburyness High School all Baccalaureate subjects are above national average.

And it wasn’t just at C grade that our students made massive leaps in their achievements this year either; results at the top end went through the roof too!

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

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NOVEMBER 2014

They recorded: n

80 A*grades (a rise of 116%) 267 A grades (a rise of 78%) and n 565 B grades (a rise of 58%) n

Some subject areas seemed to deal only in the very highest grades, achieving record-breaking results at A* - A: n

Art achieved 47% A* - A grades!

Drama achieved 47% A*-A grades! n Film achieved 44% A*-A grades! and n Textiles achieved 41% A*-A grades! n

Attendance At Shoeburyness High School we place great emphasis on our students achieving an excellent attendance level. The reason for this is clearly shown above, in our best GCSE results ever. In last month’s Oracle we gave details of our Year 12 and 13 achievements which, again, is due to our students attending school on a regular basis and working hard in lessons, fully supported by our committed teaching staff.

Last year we set ourselves an attendance target of 95% and achieved this. We celebrated with 152 students who had never missed a day’s education throughout the year. As you can guess, we have now set a new target of 95.5%

for 2014/15. We are also pleased to announce that EGL Homecare Ltd from Shoeburyness has kindly offered to support us with attendance initiatives.

This really has been a breath-taking achievement by the students of Shoeburyness High School Academy this year and at no other time has our school motto been so appropriate: we are, indeed Proud of our Students, Proud of our School!

Our challenge now is to beat this next year for our 11th successive year of progress.

O

Year 11 into 12 Information Evening will be held on Thursday, 13th November 2014 at 7-9pm.

Shoeburyness High School 01702 292286 office@shoeburyness.southend.sch.uk www.shoeburynesshigh.co.uk NOVEMBER 2014

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

53

Diary Dates BIG BEACH BANG – EAST BEACH Sat 8th Nov 6pm onwards. £6 on the door.

Fireworks and funfair as well as other entertainment (proceeds to Round Table)

FIREWORK DISPLAY

FREE

Sat 8th Nov & 15th Nov - Southend Seafront

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR Saturday 8th Nov - Bellevue Baptist Church Hall, off Southchurch Road 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

Lots of Christmas goodies. Refreshments and homemade cakes. Admission £1

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON Sat 15th Nov11am-8pm Southend Town Centre Throughout the Christmas period the town will be decorated with sparkling lights and decorations.

Festivities and entertainment are provided to get you in the festive mood!

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR AT DOLPHIN COURT FREE Sat 15th Nov 10.30am - 2.30pm. 179 Eastern Esplanade, Thorpe Bay SS1 3AA (next to the Camelia Hotel) Gifts, Crafts and more plus Refreshments and Homemade cakes.

CHRISTMAS CRAFT & GIFT FAYRE Sunday 16th Nov 10.30am-4pm.The Mill, Bellingham Lane, Rayleigh (free parking) Craft & gift stalls, Santa’s Grotto, raffle , refreshments and more! £1.50 adults/children under 16 free 01702 385337

WINTER EXTRAVAGANZA Thorpe Bay Broadway Sat 22nd Nov 6pm Funfair Stalls, Hog roast, Winter Farmers Market, Santa’s Grotto, Live Entertainment and more! Join us for a night of winter festivities and family fun!

SANTA’S PARADE

FREE

Sat 29th Nov 12pm-6pm Southend High Street. Lots of activities including lantern-making and face painting, meet Santa’s reindeer and watch the parade.

TUDOR CHRISTMAS Sat 29th Nov 10am-3pm, Southchurch Hall.Step back into the Tudor Period at the atmospheric Southchurch Hall as it prepares for Christmas when mince pies were rectangular, Christmas trees were prickly and hung from a beam, when the pudding was pottage and tinsel was evergreens!

Refreshments and traditional craft stalls available.

www.oraclepublications.co.uk www.twitter.com/oracle_essex

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TRADITIONAL VICTORIAN TILED FLOORS DESIGNED & INSTALLED BY EXPERTS RESTORATION & REPAIR ALL ASPECTS OF WALL & FLOOR TILING PLEASE CALL FOR A FREE QUOTE TODAY T: 07900 258359 / 01702 541489 E: INFO@MCGTILING.CO.UK

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2014

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

FENCING

Supplier and Erectors of all fencing sizes, selling to the public at Trade Prices.

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

The Mark of Quality & Service

01702 296381

63 Vanguard Way, Shoeburyness SS3 9QX bvsf@live.co.uk

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

www.bvsfencing.com

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2014

Air&Back

Airport Transfer Specialists

Air & Back, the airport-transfer specialists, provide an efficient and friendly door-to-door transfer to and from your airport. seaport or ferry terminal, at a reasonable cost.

Get your holiday or business trip off to a comfortable start with an effortless transfer from Air & Back.

Polite, experienced and wellpresented drivers Full comprehensive insurance including Hire and Reward Drivers and vehicles licensed by the local authority.

Detailed confirmation to you the day before departure

Call today for a competitive quote Air & Back, 75 Mayfield Avenue, Southend-on-Sea Essex SS2 6NR

Tel/Fax: 01702 435722 Mobile 07903 301086

CITY # STANSTED # GATWICK # LUTON # HEATHROW

Furniture restoration restoration

MAINTENANCE MAN

T.S. Baskett T.S.Baskett

All Garden Work Shed Roofs Renewed Fencing & Repairs Guttering & Cleaning Carpentry Work Painting Etc Crazy Paving Re-pointing & Power Cleaning ANY OTHER WORK CONSIDERED!

www.tsbaskett.co.uk

PHONE KEN:

Services available:-

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

Fully-qualified craftsman in an established, local business offering high-quality service.

For a free verbal estimate please call:Est. 1992 Established 1992

6 Durham Rd. Southend

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

NOVEMBER 2014

01702 781140

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BrooksPaving

BLOCK PAVING 5 O %

whe n yo u ORA mentio CLE n th e

Established 1993

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

FF

HIGHER TEC IN BUILDING : VAT REGISTERED COMPANY

For a

FREE ESTIMATE

please call:

01702 535335 Mob: 07976 204016 y ilit b a e i ll L nc Fu sura In

MIKE’s Tree Services p p p p p p

Est. 1982

Felling Pollarding Shaping Pruning Shrub/Hedge Trimming Friendly & Reliable Service Additional Work:

Have your Driveway/Patio powerwashed Professionally Results like new. Reasonable rates.

For a FREE Quotation call Mike

01702 305217 07505 794203

www.mini-webs.com/Treeservices

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

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NOVEMBER 2014

DO YOU WANT A HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TILER? Call Today For FREE Advice & Estimates

Bathrooms Kitchens Conservatories Superior quality work

Competitive prices Highly recommended Fully insured Established 1991

All tiling undertaken to the highest standards!

G. PERKS TILING SERVICES Tel: 01702 612602 Mob: 07729 550909

www.gperks-tiling.co.uk See our work on Facebook/Gary Perks Wall & Floor Tiling Southend on Sea, Essex

FREEFONE 0800 587 4208

SUSAN WHITE SW PHYSIOTHERAPY LTD

CHARTERED PHYSIOTHERAPIST HPC REGISTERED

TEL : 01702 322606 14 BUCKLAND, SHOEBURYNESS

!"#!$ %&'(&"

!##$$!"("'(

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

F U LL A SSE S SM E N T U N DE R T AK E N R E G IST E R E D W IT H A LL M AJ O R IN S U R AN C E C O MP AN IE S

NOVEMBER 2014

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

ANIMAL WELFARE

534495 0844 4770 808 464199 0800 555 111 213843 215620 440400 615000 0800 776900 08457 909090 554536 0845 4565995 215000 575700

Downes & Prtnrs, Veterinary Surgeon RSPCA Rochford

584511 548261

POLICE SERVICES 24 hour Emergency Number 01702 430696 Southend Police Station (24 hours a day) 0300 3334444 Thorpe Ward Neighbourhood Specialist Officer Warren Lamb 07976 325346 Marine Police 01268 775533 HM Coastguard 01702 294998

PUBLIC SERVICES

CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS Belfairs Mixed Bowling 475766 Burges Estate Residents Association (BERA) 588662 Carers Forum 393933 Charles Dickenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fellowship 588069 Cockleshell Clog Morris 479622 Essex Handicrafts Association 479622 Essex Society for Family History 522992 Lower Thames Rowing Club 482205 Prittlewell Bowls Club 612476 Southchurch Park Croquet Club 303957 Southend Blind Welfare Association 342131 Southend Cardiac Support Group 309042 / 293469 Southend Photographic Society 332491 Southend Rugby Club 546682 Southend Golf Club 473206 The English Speaking Union 588069 Thorpe Bay Bowling Club 582074 Thorpe Bay Bridge Club 616145 Thorpe Bay Floral Arrangement Group 585350 Thorpe Bay Lawn Tennis Club 585245 Thorpe Bay Yacht Club 587563 Thorpe Hall Golf Club 582205 Scout Groups Southend, Thorpe Bay & Shoeburyness 587647 Actorcrats (Amateur Dramatics) 306506 Thorpe Bay Art Group 294321 St Augustine's Church 587597 Stone Masons & Dry Stone Wallers 292867 Southend Chess Club Steve Wedlock (Club Secretary) 345902 Southend-on-Sea Lions Club 582828 Southend & District Pensioners Campaign 341047 Thames Estuary Lacemakers 476034

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

HOSPITALS & HEALTH Primary Care Trust Southend General Hospital

224600 435555

LOCAL MP James Duddridge (Con)

01702 616135

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

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NOVEMBER 2014

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JANE CHURCHILL

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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SANDERSON

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

Thorpe Bay

ORACLE

ORACLE View the latest issues

Index to advertisers ACCOUNTANTS Taylors Chartered Accountants AERIALS & SATELLITES 1st South East Aerials Essex Digital Services AIRPORT TRANSFER Air & Back ARTIST Charles Wynne-Morgan ANTIQUE CLOCKS Its About Time BLOCK PAVING Brooks Paving BUILDERS LMJ Building BUILDING SUPPLIES St. Anns BUTCHERS Burtons Farm Meat Emporium CARPENTRY John Sorrell CARPETS Gainsborough Carpets Loom Carpets & Home Trade Carpets CARPET/OVEN CLEANING Gates Services CAT BOARDING The Cat Hotel CHARITY Keyholder Cancer Appeal CHRISTMAS PARTIES Westcliff Hotel CLEANING Maid in Essex COMPUTER SERVICES Computopia DECORATING GMH Renovations Keith Gibson MK Decor DENTAL Parmar Dental DOG GROOMING Adorable Dog Grooming DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIR Cloudy 2 Clear DRIVING INSTRUCTOR Red Driving School EVENT Winter Extravaganza FENCING BVS Fencing FIREPLACES Fireplace & Design GAT Fireplaces

ONLINE 50 59 37 57 37 35 58 13 34 12 47 41 31 5 26 25 22 37 33 49 35 59 15 38 54 27 60 8 56 64 30

FLAT ROOFING High Tech Membrane Flat Roofing 6/7 FLOORING 63 Daniel James Flooring FUNERAL SERVICES AR Adams Funeral Services 34 FURNITURE RESTORERS 57 TS Baskett GARAGE RS Automotives 14 Service Garage 29 GARDEN CENTRE Morley's Garden Centre 45 GARDEN SERVICES Paul's Gardening 50 GLASS MERCHANT Colin's Glass 46 GUTTERS & FASCIAS AC Solutions 42 HAIR & BEAUTY Grateful Heads 16 Headhunters 51 HANDYMAN Piper Construction 24 HEALTH & BEAUTY Cliff House Clinic 40 Le Salon Chic 55 HEATING & PLUMBING Sonray Heating 47 HOME ENTERTAINMENT Bang & Olufsen 11 INSURANCE Carroll Insurance 23 INTERIOR DESIGNERS Janet Williamson 20 Morris Interiors 61 JEWELLERY AV & BV Andrews 24 David Roberts 17 Lyons Jewellers 15 KITCHENS Kitchen Base 43 KITCHEN INTERIORS Prittlewell Interiors 35 LANDSCAPING James Dalton Landscaping 44 Grassroots Landscaping 24 LETTINGS & ESTATE AGENT Pace PLC 1 LOCKSMITHS Brights Locksmiths 28 MAINTENANCE MAN Ken Sendall 57 MARBLE WORKTOP Abbey Marble 26 MENSWEAR Mark James 13 OPTICAL CC Optical 56

Thorpe Bay

November 2014

Oracle-on-Sea

November 2014

ORACLE ORACLE Thorpe Bay at a glance

Est. Sept 2005. Circulation 5,100

Oracle Competition

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

Oracle Competition

WIN! A meal for two at Oracle’s Question Night with guest speaker Cllr Ron Woodley

WIN! A meal for two at Oracle’s Question Night with guest speaker Cllr Ron Woodley

Local Issues

Local Issues

About the Keyhole Cancer Appeal

About the Keyhole Cancer Appeal

Council News

Council News

Growing and supporting local businesses

Growing and supporting local businesses

Recipe Page

Hair & Beauty How to sparkle on Bonfire Night

Chinese Chilli Beef

Photography by Picture Perfect www.pictureperfect.pro

To advertise in ORACLE call

01702 393838

PET PHYSIOTHERAPY Footfalls PHOTOGRAPHY Picture Perfect PHYSIOTHERAPY Susan White PLUMBING & HEATING Brian Lacey Hammond & Son M Walker PUBLIC HOUSE The Angel Inn RESTAURANT Cafe Masala The Palm Tree/Lemon Tree Trattoria Verde ROOFING Estuary Roofing SCHOOL Shoebury High School SKIP HIRE Leigh Skip Hire TILING G Perks Tiling MCG TILING Tree Services MIKE'S TREE SERVICES Treefella TV & VIDEO SERVICES HB Electrical UPHOLSTERY Peter Weddell VETERINARY SURGERY Downes Vets WEBSITE DESIGN Oracle WINDOW CLEANING BC Windows

49 21 59 3 15 4 39 18 51 2 49 52/53 35 59 54 58 46 48 33 19 36 47

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 All rights reserved. No part of Oracle Publications UK Ltd. may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means either wholly or in part without prior permission of the publisher. Oracle Publications UK Ltd. is editorially autonomous and the opinions expressed are not those of the publisher unless expressly stated.

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Your Stove is waiting for you!

Photo for illustration purposes only