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YOUR OFFICIAL SOUTHEND-ON-SEA BOROUGH COUNCIL MAGAZINE
Outlook www.southend.gov.uk
ISSUE 20 Autumn 2011
l a d e P wer Po tter e b a en e b r ugh e o r v o e B n e s There’ o cycle in th time t E GE FIV A P
Queen’s honour for FOSTERING CHAMPIONS
PAGE NINE
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Don’t miss your last chance to enrol on a wide range of courses starting this Autumn. If you are interested in a course which is not shown, please call 01702 445700 or visit our website @ www.southend-adult.ac.uk Do you want to upgrade your existing qualifications, or are you looking to develop a new interest and have some fun? If you do then we have the course for you. We provide a wide range of high quality part-time courses and training for adults and young people. With flexible classes, childcare on-site and a warm and friendly atmosphere – we are a fantastic resource right on your doorstep – so what’s stopping you? Come and give us a try.
Course Title
Course Code
Did you know? We offer a full range of FREE English & Maths courses
Start Date
■ Art & Craft Art Acrylic & Oil - Beginners Art Drawing - Development Art Drawing- Intro - 1st Steps Art Drawing Just Portraits Art Drawing/Painting Watercolour-Begs Art Life Drawing For Beginners Art Painting From The Masters Art Painting Watercolour - Beginners Art Painting Watercolour - Beginners Art Pen & Ink Drawing & Illustration Ceramics Pottery-First Steps Ceramics Sculpture And Inspiration Ceramics Working With Clay Craft Contemp/Experiment Stained Glass Craft Mosaic - Beginners Textiles Beading - Peyote Textiles Clothesmaking - Basic Textiles Embroidery - Gardens Textiles Knitting - Absolute Beginners Textiles Pattern Cutting - Beginners Textiles Stars and Curves
A370Y11 A156Y11 B204Y11 A611Y11 B553Y11 KB402Y11 B250Y11 A235Y11 KB135Y11 KB151Y11 W139Y11 A302Y11 A211Y11 W260Y11 A315Y11 W301Y11 A126Y11 A351Y11 A409Y11 KB313Y11 B356Y11
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■ Creative Writing Creative Writing - Beginners
A212Y11
27/09/2011
■ Computing IT Access Database - Workshop IT Computing Level 1 - Absolute Begs IT Computing Level 1 - Absolute Begs IT Computing Level 2-Beginners Next Step IT Computing Level 2-Beginners Next Step IT Dreamweaver CS5 Web Design-Begs IT eBay IT eBay IT Photoshop - Beginners IT Photoshop - Beginners IT Photoshop - Even More IT Spreadsheet Workshop
W131Y11 B103Y11 A138Y11 A432Y11 B158Y11 A127Y11 A529Y11 A535Y11 A559Y11 KB250Y11 A311Y11 W137Y11
31/10/2011 26/09/2011 26/09/2011 29/09/2011 26/09/2011 19/09/2011 07/10/2011 02/12/2011 30/09/2011 27/09/2011 28/09/2011 19/09/2011
■ Digital Camera Photography Digital - Beginners Photography Digital Camera Essentials Photography Digital Cameras - Advanced
W117Y11 KB203Y11 A523Y11
26/09/2011 20/09/2011 09/12/2011
■ English & Maths English - Moving On English Maths ICT Skills For Work Office Maths - GCSE Maths-Higher Level AQA
E414Y11 A256Y11 W310Y11
15/09/2011 01/11/2011 14/09/2011
■ Floristry Floristry - Beginners
W103Y11
26/09/2011
■ Health & Fitness Complementary Therapy Holistic Heal-Intro Fitness Gentle Yoga Fitness Pilates Fitness Yoga
W101Y11 B430Y11 A359Y11 B503Y11
26/09/2011 29/09/2011 28/09/2011 30/09/2011
■ History History Archaeology Of Roman Essex History Victorian Education Vagabond
B559Y11 A320Y11
30/09/2011 28/09/2011
■ Lifelong Learning with Teaching Awards Prepare To Teach - PTLLs A554Y11 Prepare To Teach - PTLLs W320Y11
16/09/2011 14/09/2011
■ Modern Languages French - Beginners Step 1 French - Beginners Step 1 German - Intermediate 1 German For Parent & Child Italian - Beginners Step 1 Italian For Parent & Child Latin - Absolute Beginners Mandarin - Beginners Step 1 Polish - Beginners Step 1 Spanish - Advanced Conversation Spanish - Beginners Step 1 Spanish - Beginners Step 2 Spanish - Intermediate 1 Turkish - Intermediate 1
KB500Y11 KB213Y11 W315Y11 WIZ23242 W112Y11 WIZ23235 KB104Y11 KB401Y11 WIZ23819 B151Y11 W113Y11 W307Y11 A307Y11 W313Y11
07/10/2011 27/09/2011 28/09/2011 02/11/2011 26/09/2011 31/10/2011 26/09/2011 06/10/2011 01/11/2011 26/09/2011 26/09/2011 28/09/2011 28/09/2011 28/09/2011
■ Performing Arts Perform Arts Whatever Together Singing Singing Discover Your Voice
KB241Y11 A564Y11
27/09/2011 30/09/2011
Are you unsure of your future? Are you interested in an Apprenticeship and wondering what’s involved? We have over 16 different Apprenticeships enrolling this Autumn call 01702 445736 to find out more.
For more information on any of the above courses, please contact us on:
01702 445700 www.southend-adult.ac.uk
Southend Adult Community College Ambleside Drive, Southend on Sea, Essex SS1 2UP Email: info@southend-adult.ac.uk
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By Council Leader Councillor NIGEL HOLDCROFT
Autumn 2011
N E W S & F E AT U R E S Mayor calls on people to ‘talk up’ Southend . . . 4
HIGH profile initiatives like multi-million pound regeneration projects or Eastenders filming on the seafront are the kind of things that really put the Borough on the map. This issue of Outlook features us setting up the Southend beachfront on the Southbank in London and the massive project to breathe new life into our schools with 21st century facilities and exciting architecture. But local government is not just about TV coverage and massive construction projects. At the equally important other end of the scale it is about the most personal, one-to-one encounters that can really improve a person’s quality of life. We have the heartwarming tale of Kerry Anderson, who has Downs Syndrome, but thanks to support and care she is able to live an independent life. Elsewhere in the magazine you will read how we are helping young people to find a start in the workplace by providing hands-on training through apprenticeship schemes, and how foster carers Maurice and Barbara Hobbs-Hurrell have been recognised by the Queen for the difference they have made to so many young people’s lives. These are not the high profile initiatives that grab the headlines, but – for a Council that is striving to provide quality services – these stories at an individual, very human level, are priceless. Faced with the challenge of maintaining the highest standard of services with a decreasing budget, it is heartening to see so much sterling work being carried out by the hundreds of volunteers doing so much in our communities. I would urge residents to look at facilities they value such as their local library, sports facilities and schools, and ask if they could make a difference by joining in and helping out. So to paraphrase the late President Kennedy’s famous quote: “Do not ask what Southend can do for you, but what you can do for Southend.” You might be surprised!
This magazine can be provided in alternative formats such as Braille, audio-tape or in large print. For a copy of this magazine in another format, or to order more copies, please call 01702 215000 ext 5020 or email youroutlook@southend.gov.uk.
Priory restoration work now underway . . . . . . . . . . 6 Maintaining services while balancing books . . . . 7 Why library volunteers are a ‘lifeline’ . . . . . . . . . . 8 Placement scheme is key to independence . . . 10 City status bid on the right tracks . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Major investment in schools infrastructure 12/13 Go-ahead for £27 million learning centre . . . . . 14 Council apprenticeship works for Fran . . . . . . . . 15 CCTV boosts crackdown on antisocial parking . . . 16
CONTENTS
Big or small... challenge is to make an impact
DO IT ONLINE! Smartphone users – scan the QR code below with a barcode scanner app to access our website
Awards recognise Council’s quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 News from Cory Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . 18/19 What’s On Sea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20/21 Know your councillors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22/23 It’s Soap-on-Sea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Outlook is written, designed and produced by Smith Davis Press in partnership with Southend-on-Sea Borough Council. The information contained in this publication has been accepted from the contributors in good faith, and whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of going to press, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council cannot accept responsibility for any errors, misrepresentations or subsequent changes. Whilst all possible care is taken in the preparation of this publication, no responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting as a result of the material contained herein can be accepted by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, the authors or the publisher. Southend-on-Sea Borough Council does not endorse any of the products or services advertised within this publication. Printed by PCP.
Say it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk
for Southend Outlook is printed on recycled paper. When you have finished with this publication please help the environment by passing it on to a friend or recycling it.
AUTUMN 2011 Outlook
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Partnership offers affordable new flats to low-income earners LOW-INCOME earners are moving into affordable new flats in Southend under the first scheme of its type involving the Council and a social housing landlord. The Council pumped £220,000 into the Guinness Trust development on North Shoebury Road in Shoeburyness so it could offer nine two-bedroom flats to people on its homeseekers register. The partnership initiative is the first in the Borough under the government’s Affordable
Homes Programme, which is designed to help people who cannot afford to rent on the open market. Jacqui Lansley, Head of Community Strategy and Development, said: “We’re pleased to be working with Guinness South to bring forward these units. “It means we can offer residents in lower paid employment high quality, affordable housing.” Margaret Dodwell, Managing Director for
Guinness South, said:“We’re always looking to work in partnership with forward thinking councils such as Southend to provide great, affordable homes, which are in short supply.” The flats are owned and managed by Guinness but the Council has the right to nominate tenants for them. The Council, because of the success of this partnership, is already in talks with Guinness about further joint projects.
LIFELONG PRIDE in home town
‘‘’’
I want to encourage people to start talking up Southend and all it has to offer. MAYOR DAVID NORMAN
S
OUTHEND-BORN David Norman never tires of telling people how proud he is of his home town. Now he is getting his message across to an even larger audience since being elected as the Borough’s 92nd Mayor. During his year of office Councillor Norman, who is from Leigh-on-Sea but represents Victoria Ward in Central Southend, aims to do his bit in promoting civic pride as Southend bids for city status. “I often hear grumpy old men complain that Southend is going to the dogs and other negative comments, but residents have much to be proud of and I want to encourage people to start talking up Southend and all it has to offer,” said the First Citizen. The Mayor is working with the long established local charity The Southend Fund, founded by former Mayor Howard Briggs a
4 Outlook AUTUMN 2011
decade ago. This year Councillor Norman is also personally supporting two charities – Combat Stress, which helps current and former members of the Armed Forces suffering from mental health problems such as post traumatic stress; and Essex-based SAFE (Supporting Asperger Families in Essex).
Engagements on Twitter Civic support for the military charity partly reflects the fact Shoeburyness was historically a garrison town and only last year Southend honoured the Royal Anglian Regiment who were originally granted Freedom of the Borough in 1946. Councillor Norman is the first First Citizen of Southend to be on twitter (@southend_mayor) so residents have up-to-date access to the Mayor’s engagements and can follow what he is doing each day.
In a busy year of office during which he will carry out around 600 engagements, the Mayor is being supported by his wife Jane as his Mayoress. Born in Shoeburyness and the daughter and granddaughter of Royal Artillerymen based there, she is a magistrate and former councillor. Councillor Norman first became a member of the Council in 1965 and served for five years before going to Oxford University as a mature student. He rejoined the Council 11 years ago after retiring as a national official with the Communications Workers’ Union (CWU) – and is the only serving member from the 60s era. He said: “It was 46 years between my first election to the Council and becoming Mayor. It was worth waiting for because this is the best job in Southend and it’s a great honour to be doing it!”
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COMPETITION
Dreyfuss & Co ladies watch worth £299
Cycle Southend Officer Collette Kemp takes 11-year-olds Adam Marshall, left, and Benjamin Webster on road safety lesson.
Major funding boost for
sustainable travel M
ILLIONS of pounds of Government funding has been secured by the Council to further promote and expand sustainable travel options in Southend. The successful bid for £4.82 million focuses on all kinds of public transport, cycling and walking. It also keys in with national Government objectives to revitalise the economy through new employment, as well as help reduce carbon emissions and help tackle climate change. The project, which runs until 2015, involves the Council working with a host of other agencies, organisations and voluntary groups to make sure high quality transport choices are available to the public. Initiatives include continuing and expanding Cycle Southend – particularly in the build up to the London Olympics – as well as building on and continuing the development of the cycle network. Some of the funding will be used to establish a “hub” for sustainable transport advice and support as well as bike hire. The project will also involve the creation of Walk Southend to promote making short journeys on foot and personalised travel planning for 8,000 households in Southend. A Southend Metro ticket will be introduced allowing travellers to take advantage of the seven railways stations in Southend on the c2c line. Travel plan models are also being developed so that businesses, schools and colleges can take advantage of sustainable transport measures. Meanwhile the work of the MoveEasy travel planning network will be expanded with other organisations, schools and the voluntary service.
Paul Mathieson, the Council’s Group Manager – Strategic Transport and Planning, said: “This is all about offering people greater travel choices which key in with Government objectives to help reduce carbon emissions and stimulate the economy. “This is a broad raft of measures which continues the good work of projects such as Cycle Southend and introduces new initiatives such as Walk Southend and the Metro ticket. “Another overriding theme is the promotion of healthy forms of transport, which is why a lot of infrastructure work is being carried out to upgrade paths and the cycle network.” The Council’s bid was just one of 37 applications from UK local authorities which was accepted by the Local Sustainable Transport Fund. Paul added: “We were delighted to be accepted for the grant. The quality of the bid and the major support we received from other organisations and the public helped to secure it.” For more details about the new transport measures log onto www.southend.gov.uk/smarteractivetravel
Pay it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk
A ladies Dreyfuss & Co leather strap watch – a hand-made Swiss timepiece worth £299 – is the top prize in our Autumn competition sponsored by Sarah Beth Jewellers in The Royals Shopping Centre. The runner up will receive a Space Trollbead, worth £88, and there are also 30 £10 gift vouchers up for grabs for others who have the right answers to the following two questions: Which popular TV soap has been filmed on location at Southend? Which award has The Queen bestowed on long-term foster carers Maurice and Barbara Hobbs-Hurrell? To enter please send your answers on a postcard, along with your name, address and day-time telephone number, to: Jewellery Competition, Media and Communications, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6ER, or email outlookcomp@southend.gov.uk. The deadline for entries is Friday 28 October. Terms and conditions apply – see www.southend.gov.uk/outlook. While you’re sending your entry, please let us know your thoughts on what you like and what you would like to see more of in Outlook magazine. Sarah Beth Jewellers is an independent jewellers offering a wide range of watches, jewellery and gifts for all tastes and budgets. For more information visit www.sarahbeth.co.uk. ● The winner of our Summer
COVER competition is Brian Hickey of PICTURE: Thorpe Bay who won a Cycle instructor gents Lorus two tone bracelet Mick Tolhurst shows watch. Runners up were Mrs D 11-year-olds Chelsea Sorrell of Southend-on-Sea and Chew, left, and Gemma Henesey, of Westcliff. Annaleise Seeley how to fix a puncture.
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Southenders Site Foreman Alistair Watt studies plans for the restoration work on the priory.
Preserving Museum Conservator Claire Reed with a late 19th century bathing costume and what you see on today’s beaches – a 2011 swimsuit.
Best in beach attire through the decades THE beaches of Southend don’t just boast golden sand, sea and lots of fun. The resort’s seafront is also the place to catch up on the very latest in beachwear fashion. Which is why the makers of The Only Way Is Essex reality TV show need look no further than Southend – a popular daytrip destination for the TV show’s cast – when it comes to designing beach clothes for their proposed TOWIE clothing range. In fact one way they could go for inspiration is the Beecroft Art Gallery where the Council’s Museums Service houses clothes from throughout the decades – including 500 bathing suits donated by collector Mavis Plume. The items of beach attire date from around 1900 to the present day and as any rag trade aficionado will tell you, most fashions of yesteryear eventually come back into vogue. From full-length Victorian bathing costumes, through to floral beach pyjamas of the 60s
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and more recent itsy bitsy bikinis that in the interests of public decency should never get wet, the collection contains the modest, the revealing and the simply outrageous outfits seen on Southend’s beaches over the best part of the last century. There is even the briefest of thongs worn by Victorian gentlemen – but only in areas restricted to male sun worshippers and swimmers. “You never know,” mused Curatorial Manager Clare Hunt. “Some of the beach fashions that are now museum pieces could easily become trendy once again. In the collection there is beachwear for swimming and beachwear just to be seen in. “For instance, in the 1920s we wore very sporting and swimable beachwear, whereas in the 70s and 80s it was designed to look good as a part of the fitness fads of those times. And you definitely would not go in the water wearing a boned and corseted swimsuit of the 1950s.”
the priory R
ESTORATION and conservation work has started on Southend’s 12th century Prittlewell Priory to make it a magical building that will bring an important part of the town’s history to life. The £1.8 million project being carried out by Southend Museums Service is due to be completed in summer 2012. When it re-opens, the Grade 1 listed building will reveal its hidden history and visitors will be able to walk in the footsteps of medieval Cluniac monks and the Scratton family who made the priory a grand family home in Victorian times. Upstairs, the comings and goings of the wildlife in the priory’s parkland will be explored in a fun and interactive way, while a new dedicated eco-friendly visitor centre will provide space for learning, a gift shop and
modern public conveniences. The park and priory were bought by local jeweller and philanthropist RA Jones who donated them to the people of Southend in 1917. Restoration is being funded by the Council along with a grant from Heritage Lottery Fund and monies from Cory Environmental Trust and Friends of Southend Museums. In addition, the public sponsorship of heritage stone pavers being used to form the pathway between the priory and visitor centre is expected to raise £40,000 towards the cost. Claire Fox, Marketing and Events Officer for Southend Museums Service, said: “Prittlewell Priory is an important jewel in the crown of Southend’s heritage and culture and this project will safeguard it for generations to come.”
A painting of the priory when it was a grand family home in Victorian times.
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Planning and efficiency measures will C
AREFUL planning and innovative ways of working are helping the Council meet the Government’s spending challenge – without damaging the services that have made it one of the UK’s best councils. Southend has succeeded in its journey to become an excellent council as a result of hard work and financial prudence. Councillors and senior officers are committed to maintaining high standards, by developing new and different ways of working and making better use of Council resources. As councils all over the country have been scrapping services, including closing children’s centres, swimming pools, libraries and leisure centres, Southend’s carefully managed approach has enabled the Council to find savings of £16 million in 2011/12 without shutting any services. “We have had to make some changes in how services are delivered, and in some cases reduce services and target them to those residents who need them most,” explained Council Chief Executive Rob Tinlin.
Do it
Online
Have your say on the budget AN online budget simulator will help residents have their say on the Council’s budget. It allows users to choose different ways a budget can be drawn up to achieve a saving of 10 per cent. Visit www.southend. gov.uk/haveyoursay between 19 September and 30 October to take part. A paper copy of the simulator will be available by calling 01702 215000.
“But so far nothing has stopped, and no services have closed.” The Council is now looking at how it will work with even less funding over the next three years. By 2015 it must trim a further £27 million from its budget. Mr Tinlin added: “We can’t guarantee that we will be able to maintain all our services over the next three years, in the same way that we have for this financial year. However, cutting services will only ever be our last resort.” “We are proud of the quality of the services we provide to the
people of Southend, and of the people whose hard work and abilities have enabled us to reach the high standards we set. “So we’re doing everything we can to protect services by making the huge savings that are required by being more efficient and effective; by changing the way we work and by making the most of our resources.” Southend’s innovative financial strategy includes a series of approaches that look at Council spending in a holistic way, to identify where savings can be made without impacting on the
Benefits Officer Kimberley Brown advises local resident Gaele Watton in Thorpedene Library... an example of how taking council services out into the community is saving cash.
quality of services it delivers. Mr Tinlin said: “Here at the Council, we are no stranger to tough times. We have changed and improved year on year and we are continuing in that vein, proactively addressing the Government’s spending challenges in ways that protect services for the people of Southend.”
Addressing the next spending challenge THESE are a few of the approaches the Council is exploring to help meet its spending challenges over the next three years: Renegotiating Contracts: the Council will talk to its suppliers and try to get a better deal by purchasing jointly with other authorities, making sure departments buy together to get better value and by renegotiating existing contracts. Civic Centre and new ways of working: the programme to refurbish the Civic Centre will be delivered on time and in budget and will allow the Council to reduce the number of buildings it uses. Shared localised delivery: the Council is looking at the possibility of reducing overheads by bringing services together under a single roof, and working together with the Council’s
Report it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk
public sector partners to share buildings. The Council believes this approach will protect and even improve services and lower costs. Shared services and alternative delivery models: the Council is looking at how it delivers services, whether things be done differently or provided by other agencies or jointly commissioned, with, for example, the NHS. Trading and trading companies: the Council may be able to generate income from its innovative and excellent services by trading some of them on a commercial basis. Review and streamlining of systems: work has already started on ways to save money by making services more efficient. The Council will pursue further savings by streamlining its systems and enabling more customers to self-serve through the Council’s website.
AUTUMN 2011 Outlook
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COMPETITION
Chance to WIN
£130 towards a college course
ONE lucky reader can scoop a £130 voucher towards an exciting course at Southend Adult and Community College. The voucher can be used to pay for, or contribute to, a course from a huge range of personal interest programmes at the college. But it does not include accredited courses like NVQs and apprenticeships. All you have do do is answer the following question:
How much money is being invested in five major school projects in Southend-on-Sea? The answer can be found in this issue of Outlook. To enter the competition please send your answer on a postcard, along with your name, address and day-time telephone number, to: College Competition, Media and Communications, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6ER, or email outlookcomp@ southend.gov.uk While you’re sending your entry, please let us know your thoughts on what you like and what you would like to see in Outlook. The closing date for entries is Friday 28 October. Terms and conditions apply: please visit www.southend. gov.uk/outlook for more information.
8 Outlook AUTUMN 2011
Library volunteers are a
LIFELINE FOR MICHAEL A
RTHRITIS sufferer Michael Owen is one of hundreds of people across Southend given a lifeline by volunteers from the Borough’s free Home Library Service. The 56-year-old cannot easily get into one the town’s seven libraries or carry books – so he gets regular fortnightly visits from two volunteers armed with his favourite crime and modern literature novels instead. Michael, who heard about the service from his home help two years ago, said: “You have an initial visit when someone from the library service asks you what you want, what kind of books you like. I’m a voracious reader and now get 11 books a fortnight. I can’t speak highly enough of the volunteers who are delightful and a joy to have as visitors. “The service is absolutely invaluable and stimulating. On a bad day I’m house ridden so if I didn’t have this service I’d get depressed. People can also get Voracious DVDs and music CDs. I don’t reader Michael ask for them myself – I’m too Owen with some of busy reading books!” the many books he Seventy trained volunteers receives from the supply everything from large Home Library print and audio books to music Service. CDs and DVDS to more than 200 people in the Borough. To book the service like Michael, just call the Library Community Team on 01702 215011 ext 4125 or email librarycommunityteam@ southend.gov.uk
Views are sought to shape future services AROUND 230 volunteers working in Culture Services are being encouraged to give feedback as the Council updates its culture strategy. The service wants to hear from current and prospective volunteers as it gathers views on existing services and gauges what people would like to see in the future. Sharon Wheeler, the Council’s Strategy and Planning Manager – Culture, said: “We are looking at a diverse area ranging from museum displays and exhibitions to conservation
projects in parks and woodland as well as sporting and musical events. “We recognise we need to look at what we offer now and in the future. We also know we need to nurture our volunteers, so we’re looking at developing a best practice framework for them.” Anyone interested in taking part in the short consultation is asked to call Sharon on 01702 215000 ext 5498 or complete the on-line survey following the link www.engage essex.org.uk.
More stars for accommodation SOUTHEND’S pulling power as a holiday resort has been boosted by the growing number of hotels and guesthouses achieving star ratings. Since the Council teamed up with VisitEngland to increase the number of accredited properties, a further 13 have been awarded stars or qualified for the new Visit Southend listed status. Also, Southend now has its first Four Star Hotel, The Roslin Beach Hotel. Executive Councillor for Culture and Tourism Derek Jarvis said:“It’s great to see an increase in the range and quality of tourist accommodation as we lead up to easyJet operating from Southend Airport next year and, of course, the Olympics.”
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Lifetime of fostering is F
AMILY life is everything to foster carers Barbara and Maurice Hobbs-Hurrell who have nurtured not just their own two children but have given a warm, loving home to another 81 babies over 36 years. Now in their 60s and with MBEs to recognise their life of giving, the grandparents are looking after their last baby before taking a back seat from full-time fostering for the Council. Retired accountant Maurice, 67, said: “It’s been a way of life but we’re not giving up altogether. Barbara wants to carry on by offering respite to other foster carers.” The devoted couple married 46 years ago. They already had their own children, John and Karyn, when they took in their first baby, a girl, on 6 August, 1975. She stayed for 11 weeks. Maurice knows because he and his wife have details of each baby. Names and pictures now fill a three-drawer filing cabinet. Maurice, who is treasurer of the independent Southend Foster Families Council, said: “Some stayed for a few weeks. The longest was with us for two and a half years. “We had a phone call
FOSTERING CHAMPIONS: Maurice and Barbara Hobbs-Hurrell with the official letter informing them they had been award MBEs in the Queen’s Honours List.
out of the blue about 18 months ago from one who turned out to be the second baby we’d looked after. A lot have stayed in touch and we get loads of Christmas cards. “We’ve been fostering for the Council for about 17 years now. They’re brilliant, a really good team. We’ve had such rewards looking after the babies; we’d encourage anyone to get into fostering. “The MBEs were not something we expected. We feel very humble because there are a lot of people in fostering just like us. I do have to say we couldn’t have done it without the support of our own children John and Karyn. John’s got three children of his own now.” Barbara, 66, continues to pass on her
Jai Reason at home with his mum Stephanie.
experience and knowledge to younger or new foster families and simply said of her life: “It’s been happy and rewarding.” Angie Kirby, Team Manager Fostering at the Council, said: “It takes special people to foster and we are lucky here in Southend to have so many special people like Barbara and Maurice. “We are all very proud of them and although they are now looking forward to a well earned rest, we know they will still remain part of the Southend Fostering Team because we have decided we are not letting them go.” For more information on fostering, call 01702 354366, email fostering@southend. gov.uk/fostering or follow the links on the Council’s website www.southend.gov.uk.
Footballer Jai was happy to ‘share’ his mum and home with other children PRO FOOTBALLER Jai Reason is a big fan of fostering – having shared his mum and home with foster children for most of his life. The 21-year-old Braintree Town midfielder learned more about teamwork when the Council first asked his mum Stephanie to foster a baby boy 13 years ago. Since then the family have given a home to about 20 children, with one teenager still on a long-term placement after 10 years. Southend-born Jai, who still lives at home with his mum, said: “I remember the first baby well because I used to bottle feed him
Apply for it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk
too and change his nappies. It was great – like having a brother. “He’s now 13 and adopted. I went to his home the other week for a barbecue. It’s been good fun having other children around and I’ve kept in touch with most of them. “I just wish more people would get into fostering. The rewards you get from bringing a smile to a child’s face are massive – it’s good to give them a better start in life. “I’m looking forward to having my own family one day. But I always say to my mum that even if I have four children of my own, I’d still love to foster or adopt.”
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Council aim to recruit more carers MORE carers are needed to help the Community Team for People with Learning Disabilities support 600 adults with learning difficulties in Southend. Trained and supported Adult Placement Workers come from a variety of backgrounds and are paid weekly to provide long and short-term homes and respite care. Team Manager Matthew Harding said: “The scheme, through its carers, has been a great success in ensuring that adults with a learning disability are able to have active and fulfilling lives within their local communities. Our aim is to develop the service and to train and support carers to be able to offer long-term placements to adults with challenging behaviour and complex needs.” One of the Council’s approved carers, Barbara Adcock, said: “It’s great to have the opportunity to work individually with people and to nurture and support them as they grow and learn new skills. It’s part of the role I enjoy most.” The Council particularly wants to recruit individuals or families who can offer long-term placements. If you would like to learn more, please contact the Adult Placement Service on 01702 215008 ext 4282 or 4293.
Kerry’s key to freedom and
independent living I
NDEPENDENCE is everything to Kerry Anderson who, at 38 and in spite of Down’s Syndrome, is growing in confidence as she makes her own choices and stands on her own two feet. Her life has changed dramatically in the past year after she left home because her dad became ill. With the support of the Council’s Adult Placement Scheme, she moved in with carer Angela Cairey, her husband Adrian and their two dogs Toby and Molly. She is now busy, busy, busy as she walks on her own to karate classes and Southend Adult Community College, where she has a voluntary job in the café and starts two new courses this September. Kerry also enjoys activities run in the community like swimming, the pony club and even a group dedicated to Southend United, which can involve the odd shandy during meetings in the pub. She likes cooking and enjoys church on a Sunday. Asked by Outlook about her life with Angela, she said: “It’s everything to me. I’ve got my freedom and am growing in confidence so I can be more independent. “I’m happy and enjoying myself. I get on well with my mum and dad but it’s nice having my own life. What I want to be able to do next is get on buses so I can go to the shops on my own.” Her Adult Placement Worker Angela, who is a former train driver, is working to help build Kerry’s confidence so she can eventually have her own flat. She said: “When Kerry first came she was a little bit shy, quiet and eager to please. But she soon settled in and we’ve worked hard so she can walk to places on
Kerry Anderson with her Adult Placement Worker Angela Cairey and dogs Toby, left, and Molly.
her own. When she first used to go, I’d drive to keep an eye on her. She caught me once and asked me what I was doing. “She’s completely changed now. She’s grown her hair; she’s good at choosing her own clothes and has
really grown in confidence. She’s got really attached to the dogs. It works well her being part of a family where we do all the normal things like falling out. She gets the occasional cuddle and even tells me off sometimes!”
Self-serve computer facility to be introduced at Civic Centre VISITORS to the Civic Centre will notice a change from October with the introduction of a new self-serve computer and telephone facility for customers. The self-serve facility is being established in an effort to cut waiting times and to encourage customers to access Council services via the internet
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and phone as an alternative to queuing to see a Customer Service Officer. A wide range of Council services can be accessed online, and users of the self serve facility will have the benefit of a Customer Service Officer available to assist them if required. Some of the actions that can be
completed online include applying for Housing Benefit, making payments, finding the locations for local services, and reporting incidents such as uncollected waste or graffiti. Any customer that needs to speak to a Customer Service Officer will be able to make an appointment.
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Bid is on
RIGHT TRACK S
OUTHEND’S bid to become a city as part of the Queen’s diamond jubilee celebrations next year is being promoted by a rolling advertisement travelling into London several times a day. National Express train operator c2c has named one of its trains Southend – City-on-Sea to support the campaign. Borough Mayor David Norman unveiled the name plaque on the train which makes frequent journeys on the Southend Central to Fenchurch Street route. Councillor Norman said: “I am very proud to have been called upon to name a train in honour of the borough’s bid for city status and delighted c2c is supporting our campaign. This
Mayor David Norman and c2c Engineering Director Ben Ackroyd at the unveiling of the City-on-Sea train name plaque.
train will be seen by thousands of rail passengers every day and will be a fantastic advert for our town. It is sure to attract attention as it pulls into Fenchurch Street station.” Ben Ackroyd, Engineering Director for c2c, said: “We are proud to support Southend’s city
Summer showcase at
LONDON FESTIVAL THOUSANDS of visitors enjoyed a great taste of summer by the seaside in the centre of London when Southend was showcased during a packed weekend of fun and games at the Southbank Centre. The weekend marked the climax of the 60th anniversary of the Festival of Britain and brought the humour and vitality of the seaside resort to the south bank of the Thames. “Seaside with Southend-on-Sea” was organised and curated by Southend-based arts group Metal and supported by the Council and the South Bank Centre. On Queen’s Walk 14 artist-designed beach huts were filled with representations of Southend’s culture such as 19th century postcards and 1950’s swimwear, while scouts and cubs from the 3rd Chalkwell Bay and 4th 6th Chalkwell Bay groups recreated traditional Old Leigh Regatta games like sedan chair and home made yoke races on the Southbank’s specially commissioned urban beach. Throughout the weekend Southend bands including Lucky Strikes, The Tuppenybunters, The Seasiders and Bearcraft together with Southend poets performed on the Metal Busking Stage outside the Royal Festival Hall.
Towards the end of the free festivities the famous mezzanine floor outside the Royal Festival Hall was turned into a tea dance ballroom for people to dance the night away and The White Bus Company screened the 1950’s film classic Barnacle Bill in the Queen Elizabeth Hall. Metal’s Managing Director
Find it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk
bid. Southend is a vibrant place, attracting over six million visitors a year, so it is a key leisure market for us and also an easy commute into London. c2c is an integral part of the Essex community and we’re working with the Council and local tourist organisations to promote and raise the profile of Southend.”
Visitors make sand castles on the Southbank urban beach during a weekend of fun and games.
Colette Bailey said: “We wanted to showcase the range of talents in Southend in all their variety and spirit – and what a spirit it was.” Earlier in the year the Council and Metal created a seaside show garden for the exhibition – which has been a stunning promotion for the resort throughout the summer.
Literature event was inspiring STORMY seaside weather provided a perfect backdrop when Southend hosted Shorelines, the world’s first literature festival of the sea in Chalkwell Park. The weekend cultural event celebrating great writing down the ages with the sea as its central theme was hailed as inspiring by many who attended the thought-provoking itinerary of readings, drama, workshops and lectures presented by arts group Metal. Among those taking part in the cosmopolitan festival were Sri Lankan-born artist and writer Roma Tearne, Icelandic prize -winning author Sjon, American artist Thomas Joshua Cooper and Chinese poet Yang Lian, as well as contemporary cult British authors Iain Sinclair, Jay Griffiths and Robert Macfarlane.
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FIVE MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS COMPLETED OR UNDERWAY THIS YEAR ARE A SIGNIFICANT GAIN FOR EDUCATION IN THE BOROUGH
Construction work is well-underway on the new Hinguar Primary School.
£45m schools investment
is biggest for 50 years I
Mya Graham, aged six, and three-year-old Gabriella Harrison enjoy the play facilities in the new children’s centre at Prince Avenue Primary school.
NVESTMENT totalling more than £45 million for five school building projects is giving education in Southend a significant boost. It represents the biggest improvement to the Borough’s schools infrastructure for over half-a-century – providing modern, state-of-theart teaching facilities which, in turn, are set to boost morale and aspirations. By far the most ambitious scheme has been the construction of the new £31.7 million Belfairs High School at Leigh-on-Sea, which was jointly funded by the Council and the Government’s Building Schools for the Future programme. Built on the school site next to the original school in Highland Boulevard, the energy efficient Belfairs media arts specialist school opened its doors to welcome around 1,350 students at the start of the academic year in September. The flagship development, which brings a range of cutting edge 21st Century facilities under one roof, will not only benefit the school but also the local community. Eight classrooms in a self-contained area with separate access will be used exclusively for adult education as part of Southend Adult Community College. In addition, students will be able to learn about motor vehicle repair and maintenance in a dedicated training workshop.
Increased capacity
Prince Avenue Primary school’s new reception area.
Barons Court Primary Office Manager Claire Lobley outside the school’s new building which houses four extra classroom.
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The other four projects – of which three are complete and one is well-underway – have been jointly funded by the Council and the Government’s Primary Capital Programme. At Westcliff-on-Sea £2.3 million has been spent to upgrade Barons Court Primary School, which was formerly an infants school. Construction of a new two-storey building, which provides four extra classrooms for four further years of education, was completed in spring of this year. There is also a new kitchen and the school hall has been enlarged. The infants school had 150 pupils plus nursery, but the roll of the new primary will rise year-on-year to up to its capacity to 210, again plus nursery. The design of the new building reflects the school’s location in a conservation area. The Prince Avenue Primary School – also at Westcliff-on-Sea in Hornby Avenue – has this year benefited from a £2.4 million refurbishment and extension. The 1950s buildings, which had become dated, have been modernised and remodelled with an impressive new entrance. A new reception and office area has been created and there are new ICT facilities for a school which can accommodate up to 420 pupils. In addition, a new children’s centre has been built with a creche and play area – providing family support services for the local community.
Belfairs High Community Projects Co-ordinator Jan Andrews inside the state-of-art new school.
An exterior view of Belfairs High school.
At Leigh-on-Sea, the highly-regarded special school The St Christopher School, which teaches students from five-years-old through to 18, has been enlarged with construction of a first floor on an existing single storey building. The £2.3 million-extension, which was completed at Easter, has provided extra classrooms, a new staff room and a student work area, mainly for the use of older students among its 185 roll.
Modern environment Construction of a new £6.9 million Hinguar Primary School at Shoeburyness began in July and is schedule to be completed by next May. It is being built on land in New Garrison Road half a mile a way from the existing school in Hinguar Street. The existing school is located on a tight site with small, under-sized classrooms housed in a Victorian building and the school does not have on-site playing fields. In contrast the new school will have large, airy classrooms an on-site sports field and nature area. Other features include an outdoor swimming pool, specialist ICT facilities, a library and a new nursery. Besides providing a modern learning environment for up to 210 pupils plus nursery, the school – the first primary to be built in the Borough since the 1960s – will be able to zone off areas of the building for community use after school and during the holidays.
‘‘’’
Councillor Mark Flewitt, Executive Councillor for Children and Learning, said: “I would like to pay tribute to the hard work of staff in the schools, governing bodies and parents in the planning of these project and enabling them to become a reality. “There will be significant gain for many areas of education in the borough and I am sure improved teaching facilities will have a positive effect on the aspirations and performance of students.”
View it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk
Above, one of the new classrooms at St Christopher’s Special School. Left, an exterior view which shows the school’s first floor extension.
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Garden wins bronze award A wartime-style garden created by Southend Youth Offending Service was a major attraction at this year’s Hampton Court Palace Flower Show where it won a bronze award. Around 40 young people, aged ten to 18 and currently involved in the youth justice system, used recycled materials to create the typical period suburban garden with help from the Council’s Parks Department and sponsorship by Moles Seeds, Majestic Trees and Oxford Green Roofs. The garden, which features flowers, vegetables and wartime memorabilia such as a helmet and part of an Anderson shelter, will be rebuilt at Southend Parks Nursery where it will continue to be used as an educational resource. Southend’s parks team contributed to a second award winning garden at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show this year – the “Nurturing the Experience” garden created by young offenders from Basildon, featuring woven sculptures produced by Southend Parks Central Nursery.
The latest artist’s impression showing how the planned new library and learning resource centre will look.
New library gets green light – and new name
A
£27million state-of-the-art library and learning facility in the centre of Southend has been given the green light – and a new name. The Forum will be a pioneering joint enterprise between Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, the University of Essex and South Essex College. Built on the site of the former Farringdon multi-storey car park, it will form the stunning centrepiece to a new public square being created just off the town’s High Street. The Forum’s library facilities will replace those currently provided by the Central Library in Victoria Avenue, which has proved increasingly expensive to maintain.
Extensive library resources Most excitingly, they will also make the extensive library resources of the University and College, previously only accessible to students, available to residents. Plans for the new four-storey building were approved by members of the Council’s Development Control Committee in August. Work will commence in February next year and The Forum is due to open to the public in September 2013.
The new integrated public and academic library will include a main reading area approximately 40 per cent bigger than the existing Central Library. There will be more than 100 computer terminals and over 200 other seats and the children’s section will be located on the ground floor for ease of access.
Computer terminals The Forum will also provide a new home for the Focal Point Gallery, a new teaching facility for around 600 College students and new research and learning facilities for 450 University students. A new café, 203-seat lecture theatre and 6.2m x 3.5m outdoor LED screen to show cultural events are also included in the scheme. Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Culture and Tourism, Derek Jarvis, said: “I’m delighted we have taken the opportunity to create a vibrant new public space in the town. The Forum is a very exciting project and now that it has been given the go-ahead by members it is suddenly starting to feel very real. “By working together in partnership with the university and college we will be able to deliver a building which will prove a real asset to residents, students and visitors alike.”
Centre gains European funding
Parks retain Green Flags
BELFAIRS Woodland Resource Centre, a joint enterprise between the Council and Essex Wildlife Trust, has been awarded £200,000 of European funding for information boards,waymarking, access improvements and education. The award forms part of the match-funding required for a
THE Borough has retained all four of its Green Flags for Chalkwell Park, Belfairs Park and Nature Reserve, Priory Park and Southchurch Park. The flag status is award by Keep Britain Tidy for parks that are welcoming, healthy, safe clean, graffiti and vandalism free and environmentally sustainable. Other judging criteria includes maintenance, heritage and nature conservation and community involvement.
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stage-two Heritage Lottery Fund bid – which will be submitted in March next year – to fund the £1.8 million proposed Woodland Resource Centre. The proposed centre is part of the larger Belfairs Park Project to engage schools and the rest of the community in volunteering, education and family adventures.
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Apprentice lands F
RAN Payne has become one of the first of the Council’s apprentices to land a full-time job with the authority. The 19-year-old sailed through her Business and Administration Level 3 qualifications in just six months before taking up her post as a Trading Services Administration Assistant at the beginning of September. She said: “I left school with 12 GCSEs and five ‘A’ levels but decided university wasn’t for me. I had loads of part-time jobs so it was very frustrating. Then I heard about the Council’s Apprenticeship scheme and applied. It’s been really, really interesting and I’ve learnt loads. I’m very happy I’ve got a job at the end of it.”
Fran is one of 21 people offered apprenticeships in Business and Administration, Customer Service, Accountancy, Facilities, Parks, ICT and Health and Social Care since the Council launched its scheme 18 months ago. They all attend college one day a week under a fixed-term Former Council 37-hour a week contract. They apprentice Fran complete NVQs, a technical Payne at work in her certificate and study functional new permanent post and key skills like literacy and as a Trading Services numeracy. Administrator. Jan Richardson, the Council’s People Development Advisor, said: “There was a lot to learn in the early days but we’re now getting full-time job at the end, we are positive feedback from the making sure our apprentices have apprentices and their managers. the skills they need to find “It’s working very well and, employment. Francesca is one of though we don’t guarantee a
the first of our apprentices to apply for and get a job at the Council so we’re really proud of her.”
Training youngsters is icing on the cake CAKE MAKER to the stars Juliet Sear loves passing on her baking and decorating skills to the youngsters of Southend. So much so that the mum-of-three has had about 20 work experience teenagers from five Borough schools through her doors since she opened her cake boutique, Fancy Nancy, in 2009. Four have been rewarded with full, part-time or casual jobs after impressing with top-notch skills of their own. Her first work experience student, Olivia Kerr, went on to graduate from the National Bakery School in London before returning to the shop and another, Georgia Coles, was taken on as an intern. Juliet, 36, whose celebrity clients have included Sir Ian McKellen, Holly Willoughby and rocker Bryan Adams, said: “I just love showing young people all about making cakes. It’s really nice to give them a bit of
Fancy Nancy former intern and now cake maker Georgia Coles, left, and Shop Manager Jayne Ryder with a selection of the cake boutique’s mouth-watering products.
inspiration and very rewarding. “One of them, Edward Johnson, is just 15 and he does some Saturday work for me now. He’s brilliant and just has natural talent. “It’s a bit of a struggle for small businesses so our work
Say it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk
experience students have been really helpful. We’re still getting established and I take care of the creative side while my husband Simon concentrates on the business.” Big things are on the horizon as Fancy Nancy opens a bakery
at Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge and now Juliet has landed a publishing deal to write a cake-decorating book. Juliet added:“It’s due out in the spring and it’s not just for the foodies. The idea is to help everyone have a go. ”
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BBC-run scheme provides help with TV digital switchover TV is switching to digital all over the UK and for most people in Southend who receive their channels from the Crystal Palace transmitter the switchover takes place on Wednesday 4 April next year. If viewers do not have a digital receiver or freeview box by the time of the switchover, they will lose their TV channels. However, for older and disabled viewers who may find making the
Under 18s must be in education, training or employed A five-stage plan is being launched in Southend to ensure that all young people remain in employment, education or training until they are 18. A staged introduction of the new Government law means it will be fully in force by 2015 so the Council is first raising awareness by targeting learners, schools, colleges, parents, teachers and Council staff. Learners starting Year 10 in September will be the first to be affected. Leaflets and posters are being produced to highlight the push to Raise the Participation Age (RPA) – which does not mean teenagers have to stay on at school after 16. Other options include volunteering or workbased learning, like apprenticeships, and part-time education and training. Social networking sites like Facebook and school websites are being used to highlight the change. Latest figures show about 850 young people aged 16-19 in Southend are not in education, employment or training.
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change difficult, the BBC-run Switchover Help Scheme will provide everything needed to turn one TV set to digital. The help scheme includes easy-to-use equipment to convert a set, an approved installer to supply and install the necessary equipment and a 12 month aftercare service . People who are eligible will be asked to pay £40 toward the standard option of help, but it is free for those who
receive pension credit income support, income-based jobseeker’s allowance or income-related employment and support allowance. A letter will be sent to those who are eligible for the scheme in plenty of time to ask if they want help.
For further information visit www.helpscheme.co.uk or call 0800 40 85 900. Textphone users can call 0800 40 85 936.
Enforcement Officer number 294 with one of the new CCTV-equipped cars on patrol in the Borough.
CCTV cars crackdown on
antisocial parking M
ORE than 500 Southend motorists have been fined during the first month of a crackdown aimed at antisocial parking outside schools, on double yellow lines, grass verges and in bus stops. Two CCTV-equipped parking enforcement cars began operating throughout the Borough in July after a Council report highlighted issues of safety, congestion, damage and the financial costs. Before the schools broke up for the summer holidays, 37 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) were posted to drivers as the enforcement cars monitored vehicles parking on zig-zag lines outside schools and in “no waiting restriction” areas. A further 175 PCNs were sent to motorists whose cars were recorded on CCTV parked illegally in bus stops. Figures show Woodgrange Drive was a particular problem hotspot with 64 owners caught. Monday to Friday patrolling also targeted vehicles marked For Sale and parked on double yellow lines with a total of 28 penalty notices issued in Pavilion Drive alone. Attention was also paid to cycleways and other obstructions.
The Council initiative has been launched in partnership with parking management company APCOA. The mobile CCTV teams in brand new Toyota iQ cars are among the most qualified in the country. The CCTV vehicles are certified and approved by the Department of Transport. Zulfiqar Ali, the Council’s Strategic Highways and Traffic Manager, said: “These new CCTV vehicles complement our efforts to improve safety and accessibility and are enabling us to be responsive to public concerns. “Our enforcement action sends a very clear message that we intend to keep our streets, particularly around schools, as safe as we can. We also want to minimise disruption around bus stops and keep buses flowing smoothly. “This is not about generating revenue but simply improving safety for road users, cyclists, pedestrians, residents and visitors alike.” The Council has said the focus will once again return to dangerous and antisocial parking outside schools in the autumn.
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National awards for services of
TOP QUALITY S
OUTHEND has been receiving accolades after the Council picked up a number of awards that recognise the quality of a range of services. The new Progress Road junction that is part of the Better Southend initiative won the Highway category of the Local Government News (LGN) Street Design 2011 Awards. The judges praised the scheme for reducing traffic queues and delays at the junction, adding: “The work has provided local and national benefits and was completed on a tight budget. “The infrastructure improvements achieved during the scheme will also enable further regeneration work to be carried out in the area.” Southend Swimming and Diving Centre beat off tough competition to be named the Best Technical Design and Construction 2011 in the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) East Anglia’s Building Excellence Awards. The sought-after regional accolade, presented by BBC London weather presenter Wendy Hurrell, was awarded for the way the design and construction team came up with solutions to a wide
range of construction challenges to achieve a first class diving facility. An Olympic prize was won by the popular Adizone outdoor gym in Shoeburyness. It was awarded the coveted Inspire Mark, the official badge of the London 2012 Inspire Programme which recognises innovative and exceptional projects directly inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Adizone uses the inspiration from the 2012 Games to run supervised community events for everyone in the Borough. Outlook helped to make the news at the 2011 Good Communications Awards, held at the Emirates Stadium to recognise excellence in public sector communications. The magazine was commended in the Council Publication-Journalism category. Southend’s Judges praised improved new Swimming branding and design and Diving Centre since Outlook was rehas won a national launched in summer accolade for its 2010 and said it gives design and diverse groups the construction. opportunity to talk about what life in Southend is like and how Council services impact on their lives.
Schools link launched on council website
Speedy links with local schools are now available on the Council website.
Pay it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk
ORGANISING school related matters in Southend is now as easy as one, two, three thanks to continually improving services being launched on the userfriendly Council website. Parents will now be able to apply online for free school meals from 1 September – a move which will save parents and carers delivering documents and letters to schools. The Council will check eligibility through a national database and promises notification of decisions to parents and schools within two days of receiving an application. Families without internet access can use facilities at libraries and the Civic Centre. Going on-line to apply for a school place means a decision a day earlier than if it was made by post. The process is quick and easy. Free home to school transport information is also available on-line, with details of eligibility criteria and subsidies
available as well as online application forms. Web Services Manager Debbie Kennett said: “We’re trying to make it as easy as possible for parents to access school information and services as and when it suits their busy lives. “Going on-line and navigating our website is incredibly easy and since we get applications more quickly, we can make decisions and give answers more speedily. It’s a win-win situation for everyone. “We do understand that some people don’t have internet access though so we’re reminding them that they can use computer facilities at our libraries and the Civic Centre.” For further information about online school services visit. Online www.southend. gov.uk/schoolservices
Do it
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This special autumn feature from Southend-on-Sea Borough Council and Cory Environmental – who deliver recycling services to Southend residents – updates residents on events that have taken place and gives some top tips for recycling this autumn. So to find out how to waste less this Hallowe’en or make compost out of autumn leaves, read on...
London plant trip shows recycling
in action C
OMMUNITY groups and schools across the Borough took part in awarenessraising events during a summer recycling week. Some of the Borough’s recycling champions visited London-based waste management specialist Bywaters to see exactly what happens to the recycling collected in Southend’s pink recycling sacks. At the 9.2 acre recycling and recovery centre in Bow, they were treated to a tour of the facilities to see how the Borough’s recycling is separated into 15 different streams using hi-tech sorting techniques. Neil Vann, who has been a Recycling Champion for six months, said: “It was fascinating to see what happens to all the pink bags collected from residents of Southend and how the waste is sorted before going on to be re-used. There seem to be a lot of myths that concern people about recycling, like waste being shipped abroad and dumped, or, even worse, just being sent straight to landfill, and it is
understandable how this misinformation might put people off. “But I am convinced that if more people knew that the waste that they recycle actually is sorted into 15 different streams and sent off to be processed, and then reused, it would encourage more people to take the time to recycle their household waste.” Neil was impressed by the technology used to sort the waste at Bywaters. He said: “There were electromagnets and air blasts which efficiently sorted the waste into streams. It was a very impressive facility.” The Bywaters plant is London’s largest undercover dry recyclable materials recycling facility (MRF) with a capacity of 250,000 tonnes a year. If you would like to become a Recycling Champion, please contact Leah Mulchrone on 01702 617766 ext 211 or email lmulchrone@coryenvironmental. co.uk for details on a training session.
Recycling champion Neil Vann gets another bag ready for collection at his home in Southend
New Facebook page is simply champion A Recycling Champions Facebook page has been launched to keep residents up to date with the latest information on recycling in Southend. Visitors to the site can see forthcoming events, relevant news articles, trips, photos and a general discussion with other recycling
champions and local residents. Cory Environmental and the Borough Council also want residents to share their recycling tips and photos of the great work that is being done to recycle for Southend. Simply visit www.facebook.com/ southendrecyclingchampions.
Recycling tricks make Hallowe’en a treat A few recycling tricks can make Hallowe’en a real treat for the environment this year. It is a great time to dress up and indulge in sweets and chocolates, so residents are being urged to make the most of their pink recycling sacks to dispose of sweet and biscuit tins, crepe paper, drinks bottles and
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lids, cling film, juice cartons, aluminium cans, steel cans and confectionery boxes. TOP RECYCLING TIPS: why not make your own costumes out of old clothes this Hallowe’en, and don’t forget to recycle your pumpkin in the food waste bin – every little bit helps.
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Chris Cox, Site foreman at Stock Road Household Waste Recycling Centre, uses the battery recycling container.
Autumn leaves can make the best compost
Bright sparks will always TOP TIPS FOR RECYCLING: why not use rechargeable batteries, or dispose of regular batteries at Southend’s Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC’s) at Stock Road, Southend or Leigh Marshes, Leigh.
recycle batteries BATTERY recycling facilities are now widely available across the Borough. Batteries contain dangerous chemicals which can be harmful to animals, humans and the environment when they decay in landfill sites. It is estimated that only 3-5% are recycled. Most supermarkets and electrical retailers have the facilities for you to recycle your batteries, just look out for the 'Be Positive' sign. Don't forget electrical devices running on batteries (or mains electricity) can also be recycled at the Household Waste Recycling Centres.
Top food recyclers scoop prizes THREE committed recyclers who pledged to put all their food waste in the caddy for collection, were rewarded during Recycle Week. The winners of the Love Food, Hate Waste competition were Sonia Norman, who won a Fairtrade Food Hamper, John J Johnston, who
received an eco-kettle, and David Williams who received a set of recycled glasses. Imran Kazalbash, Team Leader of the Waste Management Section at the Council, said:“We appreciate residents’ efforts to recycle food and help Southend achieve a 60 per cent recycling rate by 2015.”
AUTUMN leaves can be recycled and turned into nutritious mulch for the garden. A rich crumbly compost called leaf mould can be spread or dug into soil to improve its condition and bring goodness back to your garden. It couldn’t be easier to make the mulch. STEP ONE: rake up fallen leaves and put them in a plastic bin liner. STEP TWO: make small holes in the base and sides of the bag. This helps drainage and allows air in to stop the leaves from going slimy. STEP THREE: when the bag is almost full, sprinkle the leaves with water, shake the bag, tie up and place out of sight, preferably somewhere shaded and cool. Behind the shed would be ideal. When next autumn arrives, the leaves will have turned to perfect crumbly mulch. If left for another year they will rot down to dark brown compost.
Forthcoming event: WHY not join the Waste Minimisation Workshop on October 13 at 2.30pm at the Southend YMCA, Ecohub, 2A St Johns Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 7JZ. For more information, please contact Leah Mulchrone on 01702 617766 extension 211 or email lmulchrone@ coryenvironmental.co.uk.
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What’s On Sea A GUIDE TO KEY AUTUMN EVENTS IN SOUTHEND
Every Friday and Saturday Southend Market at York Road SOUTHEND TOWN CENTRE, SOUTHEND-ON-SEA Southend Market hosts stalls selling a variety of goods and produce every Friday and Saturday between 9.00am and 4.00 pm. 0151 233 216
Every second and fourth Saturday of the month SOUTHEND-ON-SEA FARMERS MARKET Southend Town Centre, Southend-on-Sea 9:00am – 16:00pm The ever popular Farmers Market takes place on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month in Southend High Street and boasts an excellent range of products, including rustic breads, succulent sausages, free range eggs, delicious jams and chutneys and much more. 01277 362414
Until Sat 1st Oct 2011 53RD ESSEX OPEN SHOW Beecroft Art Gallery, Station Road, Westcliff-on-Sea. The county’s very own Royal Academy style summer exhibition. 01702 215011
Until Sat 22nd Oct 2011 JOHN RUSSELL 'ANGEL OF HISTORY' Southend Town Centre, Southend-on-Sea John Russell will be the first artist in Focal Point Gallery’s new site-specific temporary artworks produced for the railway bridge that spans Southend’s high street. Each work in this series is made in partnership with the students and staff at South Essex College. 01702 215011
Wed 14th Sept 2011 DIGBY FAIRWEATHER & TONY COMPTON – JAZZ DUO Council Chamber, Civic Centre,Victoria Avenue, Southend. 12:15pm to 13:00pm. 01702 215011 ext: 5624
Every Saturday until 5th Nov 2011 BIG SATURDAY NIGHT OUT Adventure Island,Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, 18:00pm Southend Seafront Illuminations and Adventure Island light up the sky, with the best live tribute acts arounds - FREE for you to enjoy! Half price ride bands from 6pm every Saturday night throughout September and October. 01702 443400
Sat 17th and Sun 18th Sept 2011 OLD LEIGH REGATTA Old Leigh Town, High Street, Leigh-on-Sea The annual Old Leigh Regatta is a charity event organised by the three Scout/Explorers groups based in the Old Town.There is live music for all tastes; Morris dancing; banana, cracker and cockle eating competitions, for both children and adults. Climb the greasy pole and Bowsprit pillow fighting, or enjoy Dinghy Tug of War, Dinghy Sculling Races or a traditional sailing race. 01702 215120
Sat 17th and Sun 18th Sept 2011 TALK LIKE A PIRATE WEEKEND Adventure Island,Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea. 12:00pm to 18:00pm Swashbuckling Pirates have invaded Adventure Island to celebrate “Talk like a Pirate Day”.There will be a host of free live entertainment such as
The month-long Out of the Box festival celebrates world music and art.
Jugglers, Stilt Walkers,Treasure Hunts and much more! 01702 443400
Sun 18th Sept 2011 RAYLEIGH BRASS Southend Bandstand, Priory Park, Southend-on-Sea. 15:00pm to 17:00pm. 01702 215011 ext: 5624
Sat 24th Sept – Sat 8th Oct 2011 EXCURSIONS ON WAVERLEY PADDLE STEAMER Southend Pier,Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea Step aboard the Waverley - the last seagoing paddle steamer in the world. Dine in the Art Deco Restaurant, relax with a drink in the restored period lounges, or simply watch the world slip by as you enjoy the views. Sailing from Southend Pier to many locations. For more information visit www.visitsouthend.co.uk. 01702 215120
Sun 25th Sept 2011 SOUTHEND WIND ORCHESTRA Southend Bandstand, Priory Park, Southend-on-Sea. 15:00pm to 17:00pm 01702 215011 ext: 5624
Throughout the whole of October OUT OF THE BOX MULTI CULTURAL FESTIVAL Southend-on-Sea Town Centre, Southend-on-Sea A month long multi cultural arts festival to celebrate Southend's rich and diverse community.World music workshops, oriental arts days, performances and exhibitions will be just some of the events on offer around the town. 01702 215120
Sat 1st Oct 2011 LAUNCH OF THE OUT OF THE BOX MULTI CULTURAL FESTIVAL Southend Town Centre, Southend-on-Sea 11:30am to 13:00pm Southend’s Multi Cultural Festival is launched with the Sunshine Band. A Steel Pan musical display which is the National instrument of Trinidad and Tobago dating back to the early 19th Century.The Sunshine Band have toured Internationally, so come and be entertained by the rhythmic Caribbean sounds that will have you dancing in the streets and getting you in the mood for Southend’s Out of The Box Festival 2011. 01702 215120
Sat 1st – Tue 11th Oct 2011 OUT OF THE BOX FESTIVAL - EXHIBITIONS Southend Central Library,Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea Two exhibitions celebrating Southend’s Multi Cultural Festival – “Famous Black Britons”and “Bollywood Bling Exhibition”. 01702 215011
Sun 2nd Oct 2011 SOUTHEND 10K ROAD RACE Southchurch Park/Northumberland Crescent / Lifstan Way, Southend-on-Sea at 10:30am Southend 10km Classic, is an accurately measured flat road race along Southend seafront. The course, which is traffic free, is open to all runners. 01702 215120
Mon 3rd, Wed 5th, Tues 11th, Thurs 13th, Mon 17th, Fri 21st, Tues 25th, Sat 29th Oct 2011 OUT OF THE BOX FESTIVAL - STORYRHYMES
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BIG SATURDAY NIGHT OUT... unmissable fun every weekend.
Libraries throughout the Borough 10.30am – 11:00am Come and enjoy stories and rhymes from around the world, with puppets and musical instruments. Share a language you may speak at home or hear in our diverse community. Aimed at families with children under age of 5. All sessions are free. More information at www.visitsouthend.co.uk. 01702 215011
Sat 8th Oct 2011 – Sun 8th Jan 2012 DESIGNED FOR LIVING - EKCO 1922 - 1970 Central Museum and Planetarium,Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea Revisiting the World-famous company through the collections of Southend Museums. 01702 215011
Every Saturday from 8th October to 5th Nov 2011 FIREWORKS SPECTACULARS Southend Seafront, Southend-on-Sea, 20:00pm The skies over the seafront dazzle, shimmer and explode with colour every Saturday night at this time of year as a fabulous array of fireworks are launched from a barge at sea just off Jubilee Beach about 100m east of the Pier. 01702 215120
Sat 8th Oct 2011 – Sat 17th Dec 2011 FLORAL FANCIES Beecroft Art Gallery, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea This exhibition has glorious examples of how fashion has used and embraced the power of flowers. Hidden gems from the town’s costume collection will be on display; including stunning eighteenth century gentlemen’s waistcoats and floral bathing suits. 01702 215011
Sat 8th Oct 2011 – Sat 17th Dec 2011 WINTER EXHIBITION Beecroft Art Gallery, Station Road, Southend-onSea. 01702 215011
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Sat 29th Oct 2011 HALLOWEEN AT SOUTHCHURCH HALL Southchurch Hall Museum, Southchurch Hall Close, Southend-on-Sea. 10:00 – 15:00 Experience a Traditional Halloween at Southchurch Hall. Make a dancing skeleton and miniature woollen pumpkin, as well as wonderful story telling and carving. Children are encouraged to turn up in Halloween fancy dress! 01702 215011
Digby Fairweather, right, and his Half Dozen will appear at the Southend Jazz Festival.
Photo courtesy of David Thomas.
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Sat 29th and Sun 30th Oct 2011 INTERNATIONAL JUDO EVENT Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre, Garon Park, Eastern Avenue, Southend. 01702 215011
Sat 5th Nov 2011 BIG BEACH BANG FIREWORKS EVENT Shoebury East Beach, Shoeburyness, Southend-on-Sea Gates Open at 17:30 and Firework Display at 19:30 A fantastic firework display plus sideshows, entertainment, funfair rides and food stalls. 01702 215120
Wed 16th Nov 2011 JENNY HAXELL & RICHARD REED – SOPRANO AND PIANO Council Chamber, Civic Centre,Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea. 12:15pm to 13:00pm 01702 215011 ext: 5624
Wed 12th Oct 2011 CELEBRATION OF LOCAL COMPOSERS AND MUSICIANS Council Chamber, Civic Centre,Victoria Avenue, Southendon-Sea. 12:15pm to 13:00pm. 01702 215011 ext: 5624
Fri 14th Oct 2011 ARMONICO CONSORT The Plaza Centre, Southchurch Road, Southend-on-Sea 20:00pm. 01702 215011 ext: 5624
Fri 14th – Sun 16th Oct 2011 JAZZ AT THE PALACE Park Inn Palace ,1 Church Road, Southend-on-Sea Southend's 1st International Festival- 'Jazz at the Palace' Hosted by Digby Fairweather. Full line up and ticket details can be found at www.visitsouthend.co.uk . 01702 339565
Sun 16th Oct 2011 OUT OF THE BOX FESTIVAL – BIG DANCE DAY Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre, Garon Park, Eastern Avenue, Southend-on-Sea. 10am – 17.15pm Come and try out a wide range of dance taster classes. Sessions include Zumba, Street Dance, Salsa, Flamenco, African and much more. £3 per person for as many sessions as you like, no experience necessary! 01702 215011
Sat 19th Nov 2011 CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR & LIGHTS SWITCH ON Southend Town Centre, Southend-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea Town Centre is transformed into a winter wonderland on Saturday 19th November. A day packed with free, festive fun and entertainment for all the family is everything you need to get your Christmas off to a cracking start! Enjoy a very special parade featuring Santa and his real reindeer, live music courtesy of BBC Essex and Heart FM and a whole host of seasonal sensations, including fantastic street entertainment and the Christmas Lights Switch-On. 01702 215120
For more details on up and coming events and ones that did not make this listing log onto the Council’s events website at www.visitsouthend.co.uk.
COUNCIL DIARY ■ Children & Lifelong Learning Scrutiny: Monday 10 October, 6.30pm. ■ Community & Culture Scrutiny: Tuesday 11 October, 6.30pm.
Sat 22nd and 29th Oct and Sat 5th Nov 2011
■ Development Control: Wednesday 12 October, 2pm.
GHOST TRAIN Southend Pier,Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea Enjoy ghostly tales after dark when the special Pier train will take you up the Pier for some ghostly stories. Come in spooky fancy dress and watch the beautiful Winter Fireworks. Due to the popularity of this event, booking is essential. Call 01702 215120
■ Economic & Environmental Scrutiny: Thursday 13 October, 6.30pm.
Fri 28th – Sun 30th Oct 2011 FRIGHT FANTASTIC AT ADVENTURE ISLAND Adventure Island,Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea Celebrate Halloween in style at Adventure Island, activities include a Trick or Treat Door for the little ones and for those daring individuals you can enter our live action Scare Zone. Be sure to join in with the Halloween spirit by coming in Fancy Dress, it is an event not to be missed. 01702 443400
■ Council: Thursday 20 October, 6.30pm. ■ Cabinet: Tuesday 1 November, 2pm. ■ Development Control: Wednesday 9 November, 2pm. All meetings are held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea. Details of all Council meetings are available at www.southend.gov.uk/councilmeetings. Youth Council meetings take place on the first Wednesday of every month in the Council Chamber at the Civic Centre, 5pm-7pm.
Apply for it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk
COOL CATS line up to headline festival SOME of the biggest names in jazz are playing the first international Southend jazz festival in October. A stellar line-up takes to the stage for Jazz at the Palace at The Park Inn Palace Hotel on Pier Hill from 14 to 16 October. Local star Digby Fairweather is hosting the whole weekend and has pulled out all the stops for his appearances. Sixties blues singer and Radio 2 presenter Paul Jones is appearing with Digby Fairweather’s Half Dozen while Digby and fellow trumpeter Steve Fishwick co-lead the all-star Essex Boys – a group from the local area. Other stars appearing at the festival include the Bruce Adams/Alan Barnes Quintet with Karen Sharp, the London Jazz Sinfonia conducted by John Jansson, Dame Cleo Laine and renowned American pianist Buddy Greco. Jazz aficionado Sir Michael Parkinson is Patron and organiser Liz Lincoln is also auditioning aspiring singers for the opportunity to appear on stage with the Essex Boys. Staged from 10.30am on 15 October in the ballroom at The Park Inn Palace Hotel, potential stars should call Liz on 01702 339565 to arrange their audition. The festival’s the latest in a long line of high profile events attracting thousands of people into Southend. The third Polish Arts took place at multiple venues and locations across the Borough from 26 August to 4 September and featured the launch of Southend as the first Polish Cultural Training Ground for the 2012 London Olympics. It means Southend will be bursting with talent over the next 18 months with cultural exchanges between the town and its Polish twin Sopot, schools dance workshops, artists residencies and new art commissions.
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To find out which Ward you are in please visit www.southend.gov.uk/whereilive
The Council normally has 51 Councillors elected to represent you. There are 17 wards, each with three elected members. See the map to find out which councillors represent you.
Your Councillors BELFAIRS WARD
BLENHEIM PARK
Cllr Stephen Aylen (Con)
Cllr Fay Evans (Con)
Cllr Lesley Salter (Con)
Cllr James Courtenay (Con) Cllr Graham Longley (LD)
Cllr Duncan Russell (LD)
16 Woodside, Belfairs, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 4QU Tel: 01702 527747 cllraylen@southend.gov.uk
192 Highlands Boulevard, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3QX Tel: 01702 558657 cllrevans@southend.gov.uk
4 Chadwick Road, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 8LS Tel: 01702 432364 cllrsalter@southend.gov.uk
44 Bournemouth Park Road, Southend-on-Sea SS2 5LP Tel: 01702 611669 cllrcourtenay@southend.gov.uk
15 Lindisfarne Avenue, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3NR Tel: 01702 480713 cllrrussell@southend.gov.uk
CHALKWELL WARD
28 McDivitt Walk, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 5UD Tel: 01702 520234 cllrlongley@southend.gov.uk
EASTWOOD PARK WARD
Cllr Richard Brown (Con) Cllr Stephen Habermel (Con) Cllr Ian Robertson (Con)
Cllr Trevor Byford (Con)
Cllr Andrew Moring (Con) Cllr Chris Walker (Con)
16 Cherrybrook, Thorpe Bay SS1 3QZ Tel: 01702 584003 cllrbrown@southend.gov.uk
2 Badgers Close, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 0AP Tel: 01702 437274 cllrbyford@southend.gov.uk
554 Woodgrange Drive, Southend-on-Sea SS1 3EL Tel: 01702 585957 cllrmoring@southend.gov.uk
256 Rayleigh Road, Eastwood SS9 5XL Tel: 01702 528027 cllrwalker@southend.gov.uk
6 Leas Gardens, Southend-on-Sea SS0 8JL Tel: 01702 478354 cllrhabermel@southend.gov.uk
68 Thorpe Hall Avenue, Thorpe Bay SS1 3AU Tel: 01702 584580 cllritrobertson@southend.gov.uk
KURSAAL WARD
LEIGH WARD
Cllr Louise Burdett (Con)
Cllr Judy Mcmahon (Lab)
Cllr Blaine Robin (Con)
Cllr Alan Crystall (LD)
Cllr Barry Godwin (LD)
Cllr Peter Wexham (LD)
144 Alexandra Road, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1HB Tel: 01702 430309 cllrburdett@southend.gov.uk
37A Pleasant Road, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2HQ Tel: 01702 462489 cllrmcmahon@southend.gov.uk
71 Butterys, Southend-on-Sea SS1 3DT Tel: 01702 610095 cllrrobin@southend.gov.uk
16 Cliff Parade, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 1AS Tel: 01702 474047 cllrcrystall@southend.gov.uk
63 Steyning Avenue, Southend-on-Sea SS2 4TW Tel: 01702 589318 cllrgodwin@southend.gov.uk
119 Vardon Drive, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3SH Tel: 01702 715981 cllrwexham@southend.gov.uk
MILTON WARD
PRITTLEWELL WARD
Cllr Dr Maria Caunce (Con) Cllr Nigel Folkard (Con)
Cllr Jonathan Garston (Con)
Cllr Mary Betson (LD)
Cllr Mike Grimwade (LD)
Cllr Ric Morgan (LD)
Fairlight Lodge, 37 Park Road, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 7PQ Tel: 01702 430684 cllrcaunce@southend.gov.uk
23a Clifftown Parade, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1DN Tel: 01702 335017 cllrjgarston@southend.gov.uk
11 Byfield, Eastwood SS9 5TG Tel: 01702 524026 cllrbetson@southend.gov.uk
94 Eastwood Old Road, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 4RS Tel: 01702 520642 cllrgrimwade@southend.gov.uk
5 Hobleythick Lane, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 0RP Tel: 01702 432361 cllrmorgan@southend.gov.uk
25 Hayes Barton, Thorpe Bay SS1 3TS Tel: 01702 582828 cllrfolkard@southend.gov.uk
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SHOEBURYNESS WARD
SOUTHCHURCH WARD
Cllr Mike Assenheim (Ind) Cllr Roger Hadley (Con)
Cllr Anne Chalk (Ind)
Cllr Tony Delaney (Ind)
Cllr Ann Holland (Con)
Cllr Brian Kelly (Con)
76 Elm Road, Shoeburyness SS3 9RD Tel: 01702 291720 cllrassenheim@southend.gov.uk
94 High Street, Shoeburyness SS3 9AS Tel: 01702 295449 cllrchalk@southend.gov.uk
76 Burlescoombe Road, Thorpe Bay SS1 3QB Tel: 01702 586973 cllrdelaney@southend.gov.uk
7 Silchester Court, Silchester Corner, Gt Wakering SS3 0PX Tel: 01702 580855 cllrholland@southend.gov.uk
10 Withypool, Shoeburyness SS3 8BH Tel: 01702 585015 cllrkelly@southend.gov.uk
33 Mountbatten Drive, Shoeburyness SS3 8UY Tel: 01702 294945 cllrhadley@southend.gov.uk
ST LAURENCE WARD
ST LUKES WARD
Cllr Mark Flewitt (Con)
Cllr Ted Lewin (LD)
Cllr Adam Jones (Con)
Cllr Peter Ashley (Con)
Cllr Sally Carr (Con)
Cllr Paul Van Looy (Ind)
11 Borman Close, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 5UJ Tel: 01702 510463 cllrflewitt@southend.gov.uk
19 Little Thorpe, Thorpe Bay SS1 3RN Tel: 01702 586359 cllrlewin@southend.gov.uk
18 Park Street, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 7PA Tel: 01702 437166 cllrjones@southend.gov.uk
15 Appledore, Thorpe Bay SS3 8UW Tel: 01702 589152 cllrashley@southend.gov.uk
42 Marcus Avenue, Southend-on-Sea SS1 3LA Tel: 01702 586231 cllrcarr@southend.gov.uk
825 Southchurch Road, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2PP Tel: 01702 615658 cllrvanlooy@southend.gov.uk
THORPE WARD
VICTORIA WARD
Cllr Alex Kaye (Ind)
Cllr Mike Stafford (Ind)
Cllr Ron Woodley (Ind)
Cllr Margaret Borton (Lab) Cllr Ian Gilbert (Lab)
Cllr David Norman (Lab)
470 Woodgrange Drive, Southend-on-Sea SS1 3ED Tel: 01702 588432 cllrkaye@southend.gov.uk
124 Parkanaur Avenue, Thorpe Bay SS1 3JD Tel: 01702 586265 cllrstafford@southend.gov.uk
91 Tyrone Road, Southend-on-Sea SS1 3HD Tel: 01702 588662 cllrwoodley@southend.gov.uk
85 Rochester Drive, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 0NJ Tel: 01702 348817 cllrborton@southend.gov.uk
41 Vernon Road, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 2NG Tel: 01702 470215 cllrdnorman@southend.gov.uk
WEST LEIGH WARD
18 Avenue Road, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 7PW Tel: 01702 339765 cllrgilbert@southend.gov.uk
WEST SHOEBURY WARD
Cllr Nigel Holdcroft (Con) Cllr Gwen Horrigan MBE (Con) Cllr John Lamb (Con)
Cllr Tony Cox (Con)
Cllr Liz Day (Con)
Cllr Derek Jarvis (Con)
7 Sylvan Way, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3TU Tel: 01702 214008 cllrholdcroft@southend.gov.uk
Flat D Mill Lodge, West Road, Shoeburyness SS3 9DP Tel: 01702 297039 cllrcox@southend.gov.uk
5 Withypool, Shoeburyness SS3 8BH Tel: 01702 586185 cllreday@southend.gov.uk
66 Leitrim Avenue, Shoeburyness SS3 9HF Tel: 01702 292744 cllrjarvis@southend.gov.uk
15 Hazelwood Grove, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 4DE Tel: 01702 524333 cllrhorrigan@southend.gov.uk
77 Vardon Drive, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3SJ Tel: 01702 483908 cllrlamb@southend.gov.uk
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council Cabinet
WESTBOROUGH WARD
Cllr Paul Collins (LD)
Cllr Martin Terry (Ind)
Cllr Dr Vel (Ind)
219 Green Lane, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 5QN Tel: 01702 512239 cllrcollins@southend.gov.uk
66 Victoria Road, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2TF Tel: 01702 619655 cllrterry@southend.gov.uk
41 Leasway, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 8PA Tel: 01702 711299 cllrvelmurugan@southend.gov.uk
Find it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk
■ Nigel Holdcroft (Leader) ■ John Lamb (Deputy Leader with special responsibility for Regeneration and Enterprise) ■ Derek Jarvis (Culture and Tourism) ■ Mark Flewitt (Children and Learning) ■ Lesley Salter (Adult Social Care, Health and Housing) ■ Tony Cox (Public Protection, Waste and Transport) ■ Andrew Moring (Corporate Support Services) ■ Jonathan Garston (Planning) AUTUMN 2011 Outlook
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It’s soap on sea Drama on the seafront after Eastenders character Ryan Dean, right, had found out his sister Whitney had been working as a prostitute. In a dramatic climax to filming, Ryan, played by Neil McDermott, is pictured confronting pimp Rob Grayson, played by former Shameless star Jody Latham. Photographs courtesy of the BBC and the Southend Echo
Eastenders blockbuster episode filmed on location in Borough
S
OUTHEND is the star as far as TV programme makers are concerned – as more and more film crews cast the resort as their ideal location. This year alone EastEnders became Southenders when scenes for a blockbuster episode of the top soap opera were shot around the Borough. Albert Square favourites such as June Brown (who plays Dot Cotton), Shona McGarty (Whitney) and Rick Norwood (Fatboy) were seen filming in the City Beach area, the South East’s largest funfair at Adventure Island and other parts of the town for scenes were screened in August. Around the same time BBC was also in town filming a One Show item about the avenue of trees in Southend Cemetery cocooned in ghostly moth larvae – a phenomenon reported in Outlook last year. Springwatch chose Southend to demonstrate the different effect of traffic noise on snails that live near motorways and those in the country, and Southend’s musical prodigy, 19-year-old concert pianist Benjamin Grosvenor who this year became the youngest
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Actor June Brown, who plays Dot Cotton, takes a break from filming – still wearing Dot’s trademark headscarf. soloist to perform at the opening night of The Proms, was profiled on Southend Pier. The pier itself will have its own TV slot next year when its railway – one of only two of its kind in the UK – appears on Great British Railway Journeys. Behind the scenes Council staff make all this possible by working with location scouts and arranging a host of services including catering and accommodation.
A tender moment at City Beach as kind-hearted Fatboy, actor Ricky Norwood, tries to rescue his friend Whitney Dean, played by Shona McGarty, from the clutches of a pimp.
Lisa Ferne, the Council’s Tourism and Events Manager whose team handle all requests to film in the Borough, said: “It’s the fourth time EastEnders has been set in Southend and we get a lot of valuable prime-time mentions on the show because in real life the resort is popular with people who live in the East End of London. “In fact there hasn’t been so much filming in Southend for the last 20 years or so. TV and production companies tell us we
are very film-friendly, helpful and straight forward people to deal with.” Lisa added: “As well as promoting Southend, filming TV programmes here directly benefits the local economy. Cast and film crews stay in hotels, eat out in Southend and spend money in shops.” And, of course, there’s always the chance that residents may come face-to-face with their favourite TV personality!
Book it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk