Thorpe Bay – Oct 2015

Thorpe Bay

October 2015

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

Competition WIN! FREE yoga passes worth £100!

At Shambhala Studio

SPECIAL! Ghost Hunt!

Discover your local haunts

NEW! Storytime A bewitching short story

NEW! Local Letters Residents have their say

ALLEYN COUR COURT T

FOUNDED 1904

PREPARATORY PREP ARATORY SCHOOL

PREPARA ATORY SCHOOL FOR BOYS AND GIRLS FROM 2½ TO 11 AN IAPS & ISA AFFILIATED AFFILIA ATED SCHOOL

OPEN MORNING

F Friday riday 9th October 9:30am – 12:00 midday midday www.alleyn-court.co.uk www.alleyn-court.co.uk

01702 582553

Cover photo: The Kursaal (c.1930) Courtesy of Southend Museums Service

GO WITH YOUR GUT. When you know, you just know. And the moment you see the ingenious new MINI Clubman, will be one of those times.

Discover its sleek silhouette, cutting-edge technology and luxurious design before the official launch weekend by attending the preview event. Join us on Friday 30 October from 19:00 for a Casino evening featuring a magician, singer, canapés and refreshments.

To put your name down, just follow your instinct.

To RSVP or pre-book a test drive* visit www.fairfieldmini.co.uk/newclubman Fairfield Arterial Road, Eastwood Leigh-on-Sea SS9 4XX Tel: 01702 429429

THE NEW MINI CLUBMAN – ARRIVES OCTOBER. Official Fuel Economy Figures for the new MINI Clubman Range: Urban 35.8-60.1 mpg (8-4.7 l/100km). Extra Urban 52.3-76.3 mpg (5.4-3.7 l/100km). Combined 44.8-68.9 mpg (6.3-4.1 l/100km). CO2 Emissions 147-109 g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions. *Test drive is subject to status and availability.

EST FREE IMA TES

OR ACLE Publisher’s letter

C

elebrating the ancient Celtic festival of Halloween has become very popular over the last decade. This month, entering into the spirit of things, Oracle has mapped a local Ghost Hunt featuring wellknown places in the town.

This month's competition has been kindly donated

by Chocolate Buddha Yoga Clothing and Shambhala Studio; they are offering one lucky winner a 10-class FREE pass. The winner will be able to try a variety of yoga styles and different teachers to find a combination that suits them. The pass is valid until 31st December and is valued at approximately £100. Please visit the website for more information www.shambhalastudios.com or call 01702 478924.

To enter simply send your details to: Oracle/Shambhalastudios Competition, Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend, Essex SS1 1AN or email: info@oraclepublications.co.uk Closing date 30 October 2015.

Finally, I would like to invite local businesses to Oracle’s next FREE event on Wednesday, 21 October 2015 at 7.00pm at the Park Inn Palace. This event, which includes a FREE hot finger buffet and wine on arrival, will inform businesses on the effects of the imminent autoenrolment and pension changes that are due to take effect early next year. Please contact us early for a place, as space is limited.

Happy Halloween!

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01702 393838 Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend, Essex SS1 1AN

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Printed by Printwize Ltd, Witham, Essex CM8 3BN 01376 500 900 OCTOBER 2015

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ORACLE PLUMBING & HEATING

contents Local Issues Tram Stop Shelter on track for success 9/10

by Bob Craven

Gothic Revival Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith

16

BOILER SERVICING & BREAKDOWN REPAIR OR REPLACE

Striving for Southend

by Cllr Ron Woodley

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ALL ASPECTS OF PLUMBING & HEATING INCL. FULL BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS

SPECIAL! The Oracle Ghost Hunt Cross-country – with crosses!

Charity News by Gill McGrath

NEW! Let’s Pretend Fiction by local author, Adele Ramet

28/29

BEAT ANY REASONABLE QUOTES

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20 YEARS EXPERIENCE 36,56

NO CALL OUT CHARGE

Farmhouse Chicken Casserole Judy's Recipe Page

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NO JOB TOO SMALL! DRIPPING TAPS - FULL HEATING SYSTEM

Discovering Andalucia – Part Two Oracle Travel by Melanie Williams

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FRIENDLY & RELIABLE SERVICE

NEW! Local Letters Residents have their say

60

CALL MARTIN TODAY!

Sudoku Diary Dates Useful Numbers Advertiser Index

66 70 76 78

M. WALKER

Advertorials c2c Learning Computers at Home Thorpe Hall School Shoeburyness High School

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OCTOBER 2015

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We are very excited to announce the opening of the new Charles Goldsworthy showroom, coming soon at Dansk International Furniture Store.

To find out more about this new venture contact Craig on:

07852 413593

Dansk - Rayleigh Showroom 48-50 Stadium Way, Rayleigh Retail Park, Rayleigh SS7 3NZ Tel: 01268 775688

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OCTOBER 2015

Local Issues

Tram stop shelter on track for success T

horpe Bay’s exciting tram stop shelter project has made huge progress over the last few months.

Our experienced Build Team has drastically reduced the cost of any rebuild by recruiting help from local suppliers and contractors and researching the various building techniques that are available.

The design, style and character of the building will still be our iconic Edwardian shelter.

End of the line The Council has accepted the civil engineering survey, commissioned by us, stating that the structure is in danger of collapsing.

During the autumn/winter 2015–16, council contractors will demolish the shelter, replace the cracked, crumbling, rusted and corroded concrete slab forming the floor of the shelter and the ceiling of the toilets and refurbish the toilets as necessary below.

This will leave a flat base at road level which will be surrounded by safety-railings and await our project to rebuild the shelter.

OCTOBER 2015

Catch points Supported by Southend Council Economic Development Team we have applied for a grant from the Coastal Revival Fund. This is a competitive scheme so no guarantees!

Our project fulfills all the criteria of the fund in regenerating a derelict seaside asset for the community, improving health and wellbeing, the economy, providing employment and a base for charities.

If successful, the funding will enable us to rebuild the shelter, including flooring, power supply, internal walls and plumbing but minus the windows, before the end of March 2016.

Hence, we are urgently seeking sponsorship from companies, local groups and individuals for the windows and fixtures to complete the rebuild.

By the community, for the community Our Disability Team is working with the Council Seafront Resort Team to build a beach access ramp on the slipway adjacent to the Shelter.

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Over 95 groups of all ages and abilities want to Our website contains much more information and you can keep up-to-date with news and events by use the Shelter. signing up to our weekly newsletter and Some vulnerable members will need exclusive following us on Facebook. use for security and safety reasons however there We carry out presentations to groups, schools and will be plenty of times for passers-by to use it. residents. Just ask – we are always willing!

At weekends charities and other groups will open the shelter (village hall style) for the general Find out more and how you can help us by public to use and have a cup of tea or coffee while coming to our next presentation, on Thursday, 5 November, 2pm at the Roslin Beach Hotel, they enjoy the magnificent views.

Thorpe Esplanade, Southend. RSVP to: 20 Marcus Chase, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 3LG or email as Get on board below. All are welcome!

Donations are needed and so appreciated but Bob Craven your help does not have to be in cash!

Chair/Trustee Give generously by volunteering for us. There are a variety of tasks. All can be done at your own email: rdc169@talktalk.net pace and enjoyment is compulsory. www.tramstopshelter.co.uk

O

You can also support our many events.

Reg. Charity 1155260

LIMITED SPACES!

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OCTOBER 2015

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LIVE JAZZ

At: Thorpe Hall Golf Club, Thorpe Hall Avenue, SS1 3AT Members of the public are welcome at Golf club on jazz nights

TUES 29TH SEP - Ted Beament Trio. An evening of swinging new arrangements from one of our finest pianists.

TUES 6TH OCT - ‘A Brief History of Latin Jazz’. Latin Jazz legends Ramon Farran & Robin Jones join 6 fellow musicians to create a unique evening of entertainment. This very special night will be hosted by Snowboy (Mark Cotgrove).

TUES 13TH OCT - Gypsy Fire. Gypsy Fire’s explosive energy and talent has created a dynamic quartet that is unrivalled. Individually they are acclaimed soloists, together they are simply breathtaking.

TUES 20TH OCT - Kevin Fitzsimmons Quintet. Sinatra at Capitol: The Contemporary Cuts. With Leon Greening, Frank Griffiths, Matt Fishwick & Adam King.

TUES 27TH OCT - The Optimistic Voices & The Plus Fours.

Three beautiful, bubbly singers with a quartet, including Paul Higgs on piano, flying in from Jersey for one night only, to entertain you in the style of the Andrew Sisters & The Pippinis. A jazz, swing, boogie-woogie mix of songs from the 20s to the present day.

ANNIE’S JAZZ, SWING & LATIN CLUB THE CLUB THAT BRINGS LONDON TO YOU!

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FROM 8:00PM – ENTRANCE SUBJECT TO ARTISTE. Regular Nights: members £10, guests £12. Premium Nights: members £12, guests £14. Online payment now available.

On-Site Parking, Food Available from 6.30–8.30PM.

For reservations please call 07504-232783

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Oracle Hair & Beauty

Gothic revival T

hose of you fortunate to have enjoyed your teenage years in the Eighties will probably remember the many genres of music that influenced how we dressed and with whom we associated.

create a new lip colour. Alternatively, a thick slick of black eyeliner across the lids will look sensational.

Back then you were spoilt for choice; whether it was Two-Tone, post-Punk, New Romantic, Pyschobilly, Soul or Acid House, British youth could always find a musical and fashion-based outlet that reflected their personalities or lives.

Gothic hair has traditionally been about creating a back-combed mass of hair that would make Edward Scissorhands weep with envy, but the new take can be quite subversive if you go groomed. Autumn is all about being decidedly more ladylike. This is in keeping with the original Goth ethos of being sartorially immaculate, but this time around, by no means least with your hair. A more ‘done’ approach, without going OTT, creates a sense of classicbeauty-with-a-twist. A pinned-up high-ponytail look is perfect.

If you were a little repressed, bookish and considered yourself an outsider, Goth was perfect.

Not only did it follow Henry Ford’s colour palette – anything so long as it’s black – Goth’s neoVictorian style and emphasis on being thin was ideal for moody teenagers who didn’t want to be seen as cool, so much as non-conformist.

Gone for a Burton

Which is why the news reaching these parts that it is making a comeback delights me. Only you wouldn’t know because I’m concentrating on looking miserable …

This time last year, nude hues were the thing but in the spirit of re-embracing your moody, teenage self, I recommend muted, darker, natural tones for nails. Think greens, dark chocolate brown and autumnal reds.

Back from the dead

Now, where did I put that Alien Sex Fiend album?

Now I know that for anyone other than an exGoth, the look isn’t one you’d normally embrace; deathly-pale skin and dramatic, smoky eyes. But as the nights draw in now is the perfect time to embrace the dark side.

Sponsored by

The latest Gothic Revival allows you to create stunning looks using complimentary colours, such as ebony and burgundy mixed together to

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Live Lounge at Join us The Cellar Bar. Chforisr ytomuras Live acoustic music every Thursday, Friday & Saturday night.

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shoeburyness-hotel.co.uk 01702 296 415

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OCTOBER 2015

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Council News

Striving for Southend T

his month’s article is to update you on the main aims of Southend Council and how we keep on striving to improve the town we live in, dealing with matters that as residents, are important to all of us. My personal ambition is for Southend-on-Sea to have a strong local economy with full employment.

Crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour, according to the British Crime Survey, have reduced in the borough. This will be further helped by LED street lighting, improved CCTV coverage, and our Anti-Social Behaviour Team dealing with cases promptly and efficiently.

It makes a huge difference to an area if residents work closely with the Council at keeping our street scene free of litter and well maintained.

The Council will also ensure that our parks and open spaces look attractive, arrange the planting of trees and plants on a regular basis, and ensure refuse collections are carried out efficiently. The town has a good record of recycling and this assisted in helping Southend-on-Sea being ranked the second ‘greenest’ town on the UK Vitality Index.

It has always been important to look after our vulnerable children and adults and Southend Council want to improve their outcomes. Care homes will receive investment, mental health services will be improved for people in crisis, and increasing numbers of adults with learning disabilities are finding paid employment.

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Sport and culture are important activities for many residents. The Beecroft Art Gallery has seen an increase in visitor numbers as has the pier, and there were free events staged throughout the year, with talks, concerts, exhibitions and a range of fitness classes at the parks and leisure centres. It is important to maintain this wide range of activities and to build on them, with future developments for the pier and a new museum built into the Cliffs, making Southend-on-Sea an interesting and vibrant place to live.

We will continue to try and encourage the prosperity of Southend-on-Sea and its residents through grants for small businesses, the creation of jobs at the Airport Business Park and the leisure scheme at the Seaway car park.

Through the regeneration of Victoria Avenue, the building of affordable homes and road improvements on the A127 culminating in a state-of-the-art traffic light system to improve traffic flows.

Don’t forget to check whether a new energy deal with Southend Energy Company will save you money.

O Cllr Ron Woodley 01702 588662 Leader of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council

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OCTOBER 2015

YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS WITH c2c FROM JUST £5 If you’re 65 and over there’s some great savings to be had on your train travel, with c2c rail.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS From just £5 you can hop on and off at any c2c stations between Upminster, Chafford Hundred and Shoeburyness. This means you can fly up and down the route at no extra cost.

HOW DO I GET MINE? Ask your local ticket office for a Senior Rover ticket.

Please bring identification with you, we may ask for proof if you’re lucky enough to look under 65.

If you wanted to travel further, it’s only £9 into London Fenchurch Street.

HERE’S SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE ADVENTURES:

To avoid revealing your superhero identity and rush hour madness, you must travel during off-peak weekdays after 9.30am.† LONDON

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KEY Grays Service Southend Central via Grays Service Shoeburyness via Southend and Basildon Service Limited Service Step Free Access -(Street to Platform)

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For full terms and conditions visit c2c-online.co.uk

LONDON ADVENTURE Sightsee, explore, and adventure.

The world’s greatest city is on your doorstep. Combine with 2FOR1 Offers for over 100 great attractions.

COASTAL ADVENTURE Southend, Leigh-on-Sea, Westcliff…

7 miles of blue flag beaches, cockle sheds, Adventure Island and fish and chips.

SHOPPERS ADVENTURE Have a great day out, at fantastic shopping destinations along the route. intu Lakeside, Basildon, London there’s super bargains to be had.

Head to your local c2c station today and start your adventure, Superhero outfit is optional…

Traditional Butchery with Local Specialties

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Winter Warmers including Oxtail, Barling Be best Braising Steak and necks of Lamb Roasting Joints available including Turkey and Veal Burgers including Turkey, Steak and Lamb Hog and Lamb Roast specialists Dry Cured Bacon made and smoked on-site Snowdonia range of Cheeses stocked www.philipsplett.com and award-winning Pies Rare

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We are at Burtons Farm on Barling Road, SS3 0LZ with ample parking available.

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OCTOBER 2015

Advertorial

The digital age is here to stay L

earnComputers@Home has been set up to provide computer lessons either on a one-to-one basis or in a small group of up to four people. The one-to-one computer lessons are delivered in the comfort of your own home, using your own laptop, pc, tablet or other digital device.

The group sessions are held at LC’s business address in Southend.

After an initial free consultation with Claire, your personalised learning plan is created in order that you learn the skills that are relevant to you. The one-to-one lessons are ideal if you feel a little out of touch with the digital revolution as each lesson is tailored to suit your individual requirements.

The list is endless, and once you have mastered some of the above, you will be amazed at what a difference this can make to your everyday life.

The world at your fingertips We have regular, short courses delivered by an experienced, professional and patient tutor with over 15 years’ experience of teaching adults how to master IT and related tasks. The emphasis is on confidence building, learning and enjoyment.

You’ll be surprised how quickly you learn the basics and are able to send that important email, check your online bank account or arrange for your shopping to be delivered.

Popular lessons include: using a tablet, Facebook, The digital age is here to stay, so don’t delay, Ebay, banking online, using the internet, email, contact LearnComputers@Home today! online shopping, Skype a friend, master your laptop with Windows 8, download/edit/share photo- by Claire Elliott graphs, download a book onto a Kindle or e-reader, use Office with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.

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OCTOBER 2015

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Charity News

Cross-country – with crosses!

E

dward I was so devastated by the loss of his wife in Lincoln, that he erected monuments – Eleanor Crosses – at every point that her body rested overnight on the journey back to Westminster Abbey.

So, when we were deciding on a fund-raising event to commemorate what should have been our daughter, Eleanor’s 21st birthday, it seemed apt to do something associated with the Queen Eleanor Cross trail.

On yer bike We thought it would be inspirational to cycle 150 miles from the Stamford cross in Lincolnshire, visiting all the crosses on the way until we reached the final one at Charing Cross station.

My husband, John, thought it should be carried out over two days to make it more of a challenge.

At this point I decided to contribute by walking with friends from Waltham Cross to Charing Cross!

those of us in the support car managed to catch up with them in the depths of Lincolnshire and guide them past all the crosses as far as their overnight stop in Dunstable.

The hare and the tortoise Early the next morning I set off with eight friends from Waltham Cross and walked 20 miles along the River Lea and through the City of London, reaching Charing Cross at 3.30pm. Amazingly, within 5 minutes the cyclists arrived, so we were able to give them a much-deserved cheer.

A monumental achievement After two days, three punctures and three falls, we were thrilled to raise over £8,500 to add to Eleanor’s fund at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital.

by Gill McGrath

O

The only way is Essex After months of training, John and nine friends gathered at the Stamford Cross early on the 4th September, and promptly cycled in the wrong direction! Thanks to trackers on mobile phones,

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OCTOBER 2015

WE’VE GOT YOUR FLOORING ALL WRAPPED UP THIS CHRISTMAS...

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I was astonished at the old lady’s reaction. She sort of crumpled before my eyes and tears began to stream down her hooked nose.

“What do you know about it?” She almost spat the words.“Stupid little girl!”

“I’m sorry.” Horrified, I ran to her side and grasped her bony elbow. “Please don’t cry.” I steered her to the doorway. “Come inside and sit down for a minute.”

Storytime

Let’s Pretend

by Adele Ramet

V

isiting Aunt Edie has always given me pleasure, especially on Halloween. She’s, well, eccentric would be the best word to describe her. She’s not really my aunt, of course, but we sort of adopted each other when I was a child.

The other children in the village were terrified of her but, the moment we met, I knew all those stories about her being a witch were a load of rubbish.

I was on my way to a Halloween party. A gang of boys were being chased out of the tangled garden of Aunt Edie’s terraced cottage as I passed.

“Clear off!” she yelled, brandishing a very ordinary-looking broom. “Or I’ll turn you all into frogs and—” she added as an afterthought,“eat you for my supper!”

The boys ran for their lives but, as I watched from the safety of her broken-down fence, I simply shook with laughter.

“What’s so funny, Miss?” Aunt Edie rounded on me in apparent fury but I noticed she’d lowered the broom head, her brilliant, beady eyes registering interest.

“Nothing.” I ventured a step into the garden but the broom was immediately raised in defence.

“You stay where you are, Miss.” She shook her thatch of thick, straight hair. “Or I’ll turn you into a … a …”

I took another step forward defiantly.“A what?”

I walked slowly towards her.“You’re not a witch!” I was full of the confidence of youth. “I bet you’ve never even managed to cast one tiny spell successfully.”

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

The interior of the cottage was just how I’d hoped it would be. The front door led straight into the gloomy sitting room, tattered curtains covering the grimy window.

“Shall I make you a cup of tea?” I asked and was surprised when Aunt Edie nodded and led me through into the kitchen.

Despite the open fire, there was no cauldron, only a disappointingly modern, though somewhat battered, electric cooker. I filled the kettle and hunted through the jumble of tins and cartons on the worktop for a tea caddy.

“It’s over there.” Aunt Edie pointed a long fingernail at a box of tea bags and again I felt a pang of disappointment that they were just a wellknown brand.

“No herb tea?” I raised my eyebrows but immediately regretted my flippant behaviour.

Aunt Edie scraped a chair out from the wooden table and, sitting down heavily, slumped her head in her hands.

“All right.” Her voice was thick. “Maybe I’m not a witch.” She fixed me with those bright, dark eyes.

“But I’d like to be!”

A broad smile lit her face, showing dirty, broken teeth.“It must be great fun and I don’t have much of that in my life, I can tell you. I’d love to know a spell that could turn people into frogs, for instance.”

Handing her a mug of tea, I sat down. Even as a child, I knew there was nothing I could do to help her obtain her desires. It was so sad.

“Well, if you want to be a witch so badly, why not pretend to be one? I mean, you certainly look the part.”

“Do I really?” Aunt Edie’s smile was even broader now.“I try to appear authentic.”

She stood up,“So you think this dress is all right?”

I considered the cloak-like creation. I couldn’t imagine any self-respecting witch wearing it. “It’s perfect.”

I frowned suddenly. “But won’t you mind if the other children call you names and grown-ups are nasty?”

Slowly, Aunt Edie sat down and took my plump hand in her old claw, “Ordinary people are always frightened of anyone who’s a bit different.” continued on page 56 …

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recipe of the month

Ingredients continued...

500g small Chantenay carrots 2 large leeks, thickly sliced 40g plain flour 500ml Chicken stock Sprigs of thyme and parsley Salt and ground black pepper 150ml double cream or crème fraîche 1 tsp coarse-grain mustard 1 tsp English mustard

In the Kitchen with Judy Barden

Method: Set the oven to 160°C/325°F/Gas Mark 3. Heat a little oil in a large frying pan or oven proof casserole and add the chicken thighs, in 1 or 2 batches, skin-side down. Cook until the skin browns well, then turn them over and cook for another couple of mins. Take them out and set aside.

Farmhouse Chicken Casserole

T

his recipe uses chicken thighs – much cheaper to buy than other cuts of chicken – meaning this dish is ideal if you’re looking for an economical meal. Chicken thighs become really tender and have lots of flavour when casseroled and a cream sauce with a spoonful of whole grain and English mustards for a kick makes the chicken extra delicious. It’s really easy and freezes well.

Enjoy!

Farmhouse Chicken Casserole Serves 6

Ingredients: 12 chicken thighs, skin on 1–2 tbsp olive oil

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Drain off all the fat from the pan. Add a little more oil and when hot, add the carrots and leeks and cook for about 5 mins. Add the flour and cook it for about a minute. Add the chicken stock and bring it to the boil, stirring until thickened. Add the sprigs of thyme and parsley.

Season well. Put the chicken thighs on top. Cover with foil or a lid and cook for 50 mins–1 hour making sure the thighs are tender and the meat falls off the bone.

Stir in the cream or crème fraîche, whisk well and simmer for a few minutes. Add the mustards and seasoning. Serve the chicken, along with potatoes, beans and peas, if you like.

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Oracle Travel

The grandeur of Seville We finished our spectacular tour with perhaps the best of all Seville, the fourth largest city in Spain. The architecture is a joy to the eye, a city dominated by the magnificent cathedral with its wonderful bell tower (once a minaret) and the captivating Royal Palace (Alcazar) and the many different areas of the city. I would recommend a walking tour with a local guide on your first day, many of the wonderful sites are hidden behind unassuming facades.

Discovering Andalucia – Part 2 L

ast month we finished our journey in the tranquil and lesser known towns of Ubeda and Baeza.

Continuing our travel northwards we arrived in Cordoba, a myriad of cobbled streets, geranium filled courtyards and home to the spectacular Mezquita. The city was the Islamic capital of Western Europe and later became the provincial capital under the Christians. The Mezquita was opened for prayer in 785 and periodically extended to create a breathtaking spiritual place, 824 columns depicting early cultures at the site. Most remarkable is that in the middle of this huge mosque there is a 16th century Renaissance-Baroque cathedral.

Mi casa es tu casa Wander through the Jewish quarter, enjoy a glass of wine in one of the many quiet courtyards filled with flowers and stay in one of the preserved mansions like the Casa de Juderia. These traditional old houses are hidden, quiet and intimate. Unwind by the pool, away from the hustle and bustle of the streets outside.

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

A must for lunch is Ena by Carles Abellan at the Hotel Alfonso XIII where you can sit and watch Seville from the stunning terrace.

This fabulous, authentic Moorish building has recently been lovingly restored to its former glory – a great place to stay at the end your tour.

Enjoy some quiet time by the Guadalquivir River in the Barrio of Triana, a less touristic area to relax and soak up the more artistic, Bohemian chic of this truly stunning city.

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…continued from page 36 I could see she was very serious now.

“I’ve always been ugly and all my life I’ve suffered jeering and name-calling. I’ve done with trying to be nice to people.” She shrugged her rounded shoulders. “No one’s ever had a reason to hate me, so I’ve decided to give them one.”

Young as I was, Aunt Edie’s words impressed me and I determined right there and then that I would help in every way I could.

I went through the usual motions at the party that evening but couldn’t wait to get home and search through every book in my mother’s house to see if I could find anything to help the old lady.

I found some ancient volumes stored in the loft, packed with old wives’ remedies and superstitions.

Aunt Edie and I spent many happy months with them, making up all manner of spells and potions.

It was all a sham, of course – we never turned anyone into anything, let alone a frog – but Aunt Edie was in her element.

As I grew from an adolescent into an adult, I continued to visit Aunt Edie, although I never took any of my friends to meet her.

I felt guilty about not inviting her to my wedding but Peter’s family would never have understood.

We bought a house on the new executive estate just outside the village. It’s near the station so Peter can commute and I’ve built up an excellent circle of friends.

Until recently, Aunt Edie’s neighbours had always left her well alone.Then the lady next door died and the tiny cottage was snapped up by a businessman, keen to experience country life.

“I don’t like that new man, Griselda.” Aunt Edie frowned as we pored over a particularly old volume one afternoon. “He’s been complaining about the state of my garden. He shouts at me all the time.”

We concocted a really terrific spell that day. Of course, it was all nonsense but as I watched her muttering incantations over the bubbling saucepan, I couldn’t help feeling concerned.

I visited her as usual on Halloween but something was obviously very wrong.

“You’ve got to help,” she wailed. “Oh dear, I could do with that frog spell right now. It’s that townie next door.”

She busied herself with the kettle. He says I’ve got to clear up my herb garden and make repairs to the cottage or else he can have me put away.”

I tried to keep my voice calm for her sake. “Oh, I don’t think he can do that.”

“Yes, he can, Griselda.” She gripped my hand tightly. “He’s spoken to the council and they can take out some kind of order or something.”

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

She pushed a pile of old books towards me.“Help me look through these. There must be a spell somewhere that will help.”

I put my arm round her and hugged her frail old body. I was concerned at her getting into such a state.

“Don’t worry, Aunt Edie. Look, I’ve got to go, it’s the party tonight and I mustn’t be late.” I smiled comfortingly.“Everything will be all right, I promise.”

“I didn’t want to leave her but I had no choice.

As soon as I arrived home, I went straight through to the garden; its neat, straight rows so different from Aunt Edie’s tangle of weeds and overgrown brambles.

Carefully selecting the items I needed, I returned to the house and set to work preparing the traditional Halloween fare.

As usual, the party was a great success and when my twelve friends and I went out into the garden at midnight to sing the old Halloween songs that have been part of our village heritage for generations, I felt instinctively that everything was going to be all right for Aunt Edie.

I found her out in her garden the next morning, cackling gleefully to herself.

“You did it,” she beamed.“You clever girl. I knew that you could.”

“Did what, Aunt Edie?” I smiled fondly.

She inclined her head towards the adjoining cottage.“He’s gone!” She flashed her yellow teeth in a wicked grin. “Vanished, poof! Just like that!” She waved her clasped hands over her head in triumph.

“Are you sure?” I asked.

“Of course,” she sighed, “if I were a real witch. I’d have been able to do it all by myself.”

She bent down to release the frog into an especially prickly bramble patch. “I did help you a bit, didn’t I?” “Just a bit.” I laughed, forgiving myself the lie as I saw her dark eyes gleam with joy.

“As far as I’m concerned, you’re a real witch.” I hugged her as I helped her to her feet.“As real as I am.”

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Local Letters RE: “THE BUSINESS OF CHARITY” IN LAST MONTH’S ORACLE I WORK AT Cancer Research UK, the UK’s largest I AM WRITING as Director of the local Bran Cancer charity and understand that the ch of subject of Samaritans in Southend. We also have staff salaries causes concern to our supp a charity orters. shop in Ham let Cour t Road in Westcliff and I am In fact, 80p from every £1 raised at CRUK is proud of the fact that our branch and spent directly on the work we do. The shop are other 20p totall y volunteer led, having NO paid staff goes into developing ways to raise more at all. .

Therefore, all the funds raised from We want to attract the best people for the sale of the job, dona ted good s goes back to the local branch of whether that’s pioneering scientists who can work our charity, to fund running costs, expe towards those breakthroughs, specialist nses and Cancer raise awar eness in the local community.

Information Nurses to answer any concerns Our day managers in the shop are all patients may have, or experienced chari listening ty workers volunteers but we also have a core who can support and inspire volun of twelve to teers and fiftee n supp ort volunteers. They help maintain our supporters to raise the vital funds we need. opening hours, allowing us to keep the In order to attract the best people, the prices low salaries and provide a reliable resource in have to compete with other charities and the local markets. community. In the shop they work hard As we receive no government fundi to organise ng, every any dona tions and give a friendly service to those step we make towards beating canc er relies on who shop there. every pound, every hour and every perso n.

Our vision as Samaritans is that fewe People can restrict the money they’ve r people raised – die by suicide, and therefore, through for example, towards a piece of equip our listening ment, or to servi ce, we offer a safe place for people to talk cover the costs of a PHD student’s resea rch or a confidentially, any time of the day or night new nurse – so supporters can see , any day a physical of the year. outcome of the money they have raise d.

Without the donations of our caring supp As a charity we publish our annu orters al report we would be unable to fund our branch publicly online so we remain transparen locally, and t as to are, there fore, very grateful to all of them. where all of our money is spent and I copies are personally believe this is our individual available to be posted out too. strength within the comm unity to be able to give something I hope I have been able to provi de some back to our callers. answers on this subject from Canc er Research If you have any questions or are interested UK’s point of view, but please don’t hesit in ate to get supporting or volunteering, please in touch with our switchboard if you email us at: have any south ends ams@ btco nnec t.com (this address is further questions on 020 7242 0200.

Alternatively not our part of our listening service). if you’re interested in fundraising, feel free to email If in distre ss or despair please visit our website: me directly: emily.hesketh@cancer.org .uk www.samaritans.org Kind regards, Joanne Buzer, Emily Hesketh, Local Fundraising Mana ger Director Southend Branch Samaritans

~ PIER PRESSURE ~ Why is it so expensive to walk down the pier? Why do I have to pay for the train even if I don’t use it? It costs more than getting the train to Shoebury for half the distance! How about passes for residents so I can use it whenever I want instead of once a year? I pay my taxes already!

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Toilet water?

I have noticed a strong smell of urine in side streets in central Southend, the smell pervades beyond the weekend and is usually near pubs. I understand that public urinals are provided during the weekend at night, but is there more that can be done about the problem?

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Have a local issue or concern?

Consult the Oracle by sending your letters to: info@oraclepublications.co.uk www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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Emergency Electrician Established locally over 25 years Faults our speciality No Job too small Special rates for OAP’s No call out charge

Tel: 07778 653339 Tel: 01702 588892

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Call Matthew

tel: 07966510457 or 01702 535669 broomfieldmatthew@gmail.com 114 High Street, Great Wakering, Southend On Sea, Essex, SS3 0EJ

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ORACLE Enigmas No humdrum conundrum s

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Why not treat yourself to a great curry?

PAINTING & DECORATING COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC Interior & Exterior Over 30 years experience Local, Reliable and Trustworthy

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OCTOBER 2015

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Advertorial

Shoeburyness Higher!

S

hoeburyness High School has become the provider of choice for so many of our local young people who wish to continue their education after the age of 16 in full-time Post-16 education. So many, in fact, that our Post-16 intake has hit a record high of 315 students this year, many of whom come from other schools and areas. So, why is Shoeburyness so popular?

We have excellent results

applicants to university every year. This year, 50% of our previous Year 13 students will be starting degrees in universities across the country and over 100 of our present Year 13 students have started the application process for next year too. We give carefully focussed advice and coaching to students, guiding them through the UCAS application process, providing workshops in CV and reference writing and even funding their applications too!

As our numbers have been rising, our results have been improving too. We now have an impressive 97% pass rate at A-level and a total point score of 665 for each student at A-level and over 650 in vocational subjects, with 31% of all A-level entries at A*â&#x20AC;&#x201C;B grade and 67% of all vocational qualifications at Distinction*â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Merit grades. Our value added score is in line with national statistics too, showing that all of our students make good progress.

We ensure university success Against the national trend, at Shoeburyness we are sending more and more successful

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We have great facilities

Come and see for yourself

Here at Shoeburyness High School our Year 12 and 13 students enjoy the best study facilities and largest exclusive areas in the school in which to work. Computer suites dedicated to Post-16 students are available throughout the day, as are our excellent canteen facilities and fitness suite.

Don’t just take our word for it; come and see for yourself at our Post-16 Information Evening At 7pm, Thursday 12 November. Join us in the school hall for an explanation of the application process and the various pathways we offer and then talk to our staff and students about the wide range of courses on offer. We know you’ll be impressed!

We offer a wide choice We have over 40 different courses to choose from in our Post-16 programmes of study at Shoeburyness High School, ranging from traditional A-level subjects to more creative and vocational courses in BTEC. We also lead the way in Sports Academies in both Basketball and Football, with professional coaching and national competitions.

There really is something for everyone and, if you haven’t quite managed to achieve that C grade in English or Maths GCSE, we also offer the opportunity to study for these, alongside your other choices.

As well as academic courses, we also offer Academy groups, making links with the workplace and universities in order to provide students with clear steps to take towards their futures, whether in higher education or employment.

OCTOBER 2015

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Parents interested in applying for one of our selective places in Year Seven for their child should come along to our Selective Open Morning on Monday, 19 October for a personal tour of the school, where you can find out what we offer our more able students.

Shoeburyness High School

01702 292286 schooloffice@shoeburyness.southend.sch.uk www.shoeburynesshigh.co.uk

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WORRIED ABOUT YOUR SELF ASSESSMENT? Don’t be....call Colin Taylor NOW!

Diary Dates FIREWORKS DISPLAYS FREE 3 October–14 November every Saturday, 7.30pm–8pm.

Southend seafront.

A stunning seven week programme of seafront displays. The last show will follow the Christmas light switch on which will take place on Saturday 14 November.

JERSEY BOYS AT MECCA BINGO Friday, October 9th, 6:30pm–10:30pm.

Cost £12. Includes meal and bingo.

For help and advice with:

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

01702 552008 colin.tca@virgin.net

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE SOUTHCHURCH VILLAGE FRIENDS MEETING Every 2nd Monday at 7.30pm.

The Hamstel Children & Families Centre, Hamstel Road.

MAYOR'S CHARITY FUND QUIZ NIGHT AT GENTING CLUB Tuesday, October 13th 7pm–10pm.

Cost £10. Curry included.

THE CITADEL GOSPEL CHOIR October 17th at 7.00pm.

Rochford Congregational Church, North Street, Rochford.

Followed By Light Refreshments.

LEIGH-ON-SEA U3A Third Wednesday of the month 2 p.m.

West Leigh Baptist Church, 1150 London Road, Leigh-onSea SS9 2AJ. We have a varied programme of speakers each month.

Come along to one of our monthly meetings and find out more or, for more information, contact 01702 712894 or 01702 489189.

ZOMBIE WALK Sunday 25th October, 3pm.

Starting at the end of Southend, all zombies can travel on the pier train for free. The Zombie Walk will end at the Park Inn Palace Hotel around 4pm.

Do you have an event? Email us to get it on here!

info@oraclepublications.co.uk

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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.

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Call today for a competitive quote

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MAINTENANCE MAN Shed Roofs Renewed Carpentry Work Shed & Fence Staining Crazy Paving Re-pointing & Power Cleaning

SUSAN WHITE SW PHYSIOTHERAPY LTD

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ANY OTHER WORK CONSIDERED! PHONE KEN:

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/

For a FREE Quotation call Mike

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BrooksPaving BLOCK PAVING 5 O %

whe n yo u ORA mentio CLE n th e

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FF

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G.. PERKS G PERKS TILING TILING SERVICES RV VICES IC CES SERVICES Proffessional Wall Professional Wall and and Floor Floor Tiling Tiling Established E stablished s since inc ce e 11991 991

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useful numbers

Sponsored by:

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ANIMAL WELFARE 534495 0844 4770 808 464199 0800 555 111 213843 215620 440400 615000 0800 776900 08457 909090 393933 554536 0845 4565995 215000 575700 588662

CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS Belfairs Mixed Bowling 475766 Burges Estate Residents Association (BERA) 588662 Charles Dicken’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 585531 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

HOSPITALS & HEALTH

Downes & Prtnrs, Veterinary Surgeon RSPCA Rochford

POLICE SERVICES 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 Southend Forum 215011 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 24 hour Emergency Homeless Shelter 01702 430696

Direct Cleaning Services Ltd.

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

76

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

587500 582658

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MOBILE

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AMAX Landscapes Ltd is a private limited company, company number 09663531, registered in England in 2015 Registered office address: Thames House, 1528 London Road, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. United Kingdom, SS9 2QQ

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Thorpe Bay

To advertise in ORACLE call

ORACLE Index to advertisers

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

ACCOUNTANTS 70 Taylors Chartered Accountants 39 Wilkins Kennedy ACUPUNCTURE 43 Nicky Fielding Acupuncture AERIALS & SATELLITES 1st South East Aerials 75 Essex Digital Services 11 AIRPORT TRANSFER Air & Back 72 AUCTIONEERS 43 Stacey's Auctions BAKERY Garrison Bakery 28/29 BLINDS & SHUTTERS Creative Shutters & Blinds 51 Worth & Co Blinds 65 BLOCK PAVING 74 Brooks Paving BUILDERS 71 SA Piper BUTCHERS Philip Splett 24 CAR DEALERSHIP Fairfield Mini 2 CARPENTY & JOINERY John Sorrell 63 CARPETS Trade Carpets 5 CARPETS & HOME Loom 33 CARPET/OVEN/UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Gates Services 20 CHARITY EVENT Mayor's Charity Fund 11 CLASSIC CARS Pride & Joy Classic Cars 54 CLEANING Maid in Essex 26 COMPUTER SERVICES Computopia 75 CONSERVATORIES/EXTENSIONS Create Space 59 CONSERVATORIES/GUTTERS/PATIO CLEANING Direct Cleaning Services 76 DECORATORS GMH Decorators 67 MK Decorators 24 DENTISTRY Royal Mews 28/29 DOORS Dream Doors 45 DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIR Cloudy 2 Clear 52 ELECTRICAL DMB Electric 51 Emergency Electrical 64 RDM Electrical 63 EVENTS Shoebury High School 66 FENCING BVS Fencing 38 FIREPLACES Charles Goldsworthy 6 Fireplace & Design 48 GAT Fireplaces 35

01702 393838 www.twitter.com/oracle_essex www.facebook.com/oracleessex

FIREWOOD SUPPLIERS Biowood 13 FITNESS COACH PHT Fitness 73 FLOORING Daniel James Flooring 58 FUNERAL SERVICES 37 AR Adams Funeral Services FURNITURE RESTORERS TS Baskett 64 GARAGES RS Automotives 47 8 Sun Motors GARDEN CENTRE Morley's Garden Centre 53 GARDEN SERVICES Paul's Gardening Service 66 GRANITE WORKTOPS Granite Transformations 51 GUTTERS & FASCIAS AC Solutions 46 HAIR & BEAUTY Grateful Heads 16 Headhunters 20 HANDYMAN Piper Construction 43 HEALTH & BEAUTY Cliff House Clinic 19 Le Salon Chic 27 HEATING & PLUMBING Sonray Heating 38 U-Bend Plumbing & Heating 14 HOME HELP & COMPANIONSHIP Home Maid 71 HOME IMPROVEMENTS Climatec Home Improvements 62 HOUSE REMOVALS King Removals 57 INTERIOR DESIGNERS Janet Williamson 45 Morris Interiors 79 IT TRAINING Learn Computers at Home 25 JAZZ CLUB Annie's Jazz 11 JEWELLERY AV & BV Andrews 57 KITCHENS Apollo Kitchens 30 DK2 Kitchens 42 Kitchen Base 17 KITCHEN INTERIORS Prittlewell Interiors 63 LANDSCAPES Amax Landscapes 77 Grassroots Landscaping 24 LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY Oracle Estate Planning 28/29/13 LOCAL AUTHOR Dee Gordon 28/29 MAINTENANCE MAN Ken Sendall 73 MARBLE WORKTOP Abbey Marble 54

OPTICAL CC Optical 72 OVEN CLEANING Ovenclean 75 PENSIONS 31 Brooms Pensions & Payroll PHYSIOTHERAPY Susan White Physio 73 PILATES WDC Pilates 15 PLUMBING & HEATING Brian Lacey 3 Hammond & Sons 67 4 M. Walker PLUMBING & HEATING SUPPLIES Surefix 61 PROPERTY & MAINTENANCE Broomfield & Construction 64 PUBLIC HOUSE The Angel Inn 34 The Old Garrison Public House 28/29 RESTAURANTS Cafe Masala 67 Shoeburyness Hotel 18/28/29 Trattoria Verde 13 ROOFING Estuary Roofing Services 54 SCHOOLS Alleyn Court Prep. School 1 Shoebury High School 68/69 Thorpe Hall School 40/41/80 SEWING & ALTERATIONS Sew in Love 64 SHUTTERS/CURTAINS/BLINDS Love my Curtains and Blinds 21 SPORTSWEAR Original Sports 49 THEATRE Southend Theatres 7 TILING G Perks Tiling 75 TRAIN TRAVEL c2c 23 TRAVEL COUNSELLOR Hermes Travel 50 TREE SERVICES Mike's Tree Services 74 Treefella 21 Tree-King 26 UPHOLSTERY Peter Weddell 37 VOCAL COACH Marielle Peijnenborgh 63 WILLS Oracle Estate Planning 13/28/29 WINDOWS BJ Davis 55 WINDOW CLEANING BC Window Cleaning 70

View the latest issues ONLINE

ORACLE - the smart little glossy mags for Southend Reach over 30,000 readers in Leigh, Chalkwell, Southend Conservation Area, Thorpe Bay & the Garrison 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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COLE & SON

CASAMANCE

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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, CURTAINS, BLINDS AND SHUTTERS – 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

COLEFAX AND FOWLER

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Open Morning Saturday 17th October from 10am until 12 noon Whether you are considering Thorpe Hall for your child or simply want to take a look around one of the county’s leading independent schools, our autumn Open Day is the opportunity to see for yourself what a Thorpe Hall education OHZ [V VќLY ;OLYL PZ UV ULLK [V IVVR Q\Z[ [\YU \W VU [OL KH` 7SLHZL UV[L ^L OH]L ^HP[PUN SPZ[Z MVY J\YYLU[ 5\YZLY` @LHY HUK @LHY 7HYLU[Z VM JOPSKYLU PU [OLZL `LHY NYV\WZ HYL ^LSJVTL [V H[[LUK HUK YLNPZ[LY HU PU[LYLZ[

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