August Leigh Oracle 2011

Leigh-on-Sea

August ‘11

ORACLE

Leigh at a glance

Est. Oct 2006. Circulation 5,500

Oracle Competition WIN! A Birthday Party at Adventure Island!

Local Issues

Fair Havens for Life

Recipe Seafood and Chorizo Paella

Oracle Motoring Caveat Emptor!

Health & Beauty Dont worry, be Happy!

More people choos M choose se Es ssex Countryside...

Countryside....

Essex

be because ecause we achieve the be b best price pr ice possible time and time tim again.

90 0 Br Broadway, oadway, Leigh on Sea 01702 01 702 719777 www www.essexcountryside.com w.essex .essexcou c

Kings Clinic Missing Teeth?

Want a Permanent Solution?

Well you can with dental implants! Now you can eat better, look good & feel confident.

Smiles on Broadway & Kings Clinic are now offering; Dental Implant & Crown

from

ÂŁ995

(Average UK price ÂŁ2000)

In addition for a limited time, Smiles on Broadway & Kings Clinic are giving away a Special Offer of:

> Free Dental Implant Assessment Find out if you are suitable for implants without spending a penny!

> Free Full Mouth X-Ray > Free Implant Estimate Why wait? Get the smile you deserve!

Smiles On Broadway 152 The Broadway, Thorpe Bay, Southend SS1 3ES Kings Clinic 153 Kings Road, Chalkwell, Southend SS0 8PP

Call us now on

01702 568 024 to book an appointment www.smilesonbroadway.co.uk

% Leigh

OR ACLE

publisher’s letter

D

etails of the new plans for the proposed Fair Havens Hospice are outlined in local issues and Craig has given more useful tips this time on how to prepare yourself for that first beach moment this summer! Seafood and chorizo paella is on the menu for this month compliments of Judy plus lots more.

Oracle again has secured some more great prizes for this month’s competition which has been kindly donated by Adventure Island.The prize is a birthday party for 8 x children (£20 per child,value of £160),3 x runner up prizes of family tickets (consists of 4 x bands per family, value £23 each).

To enter, send your name and contact details to: Oracle Adventure Island Competition, 39 Alexandra Street, Southend, Essex SS1 1BW, the closing date is August 22.

&

!

$ "

"

&" $

"

!

"

! $

#"! !

&

&

&

!

&

!

!

! " & " %! ! "! " ! #! !& "! " !& ! " # ! $ $ $ $ !# ! # " &! &

Good luck and have a great summer! # ##

"

$

### ###!# !!

"

" "

$

Emma Wynne-Morgan Publisher

01702 393838 www.oraclepublications.co.uk info@oraclepublications.co.uk www.twitter.com/oracle_essex www.facebook.com/oraclepublications

12 Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 7LX

Printed by EVONPRINT, Small Dole, Sussex 01273 494631 AUGUST

2011

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

"

!

&' "

!

&

!

'

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

3

LEIGH SKIP HIRE

ORACLE n

Cheapest Hire In The Area!

Licensed Carriers Transfer Station n

We are now Online! www.

iphire leighsk o.uk .c

contents Local Issues Fair Havens for Life

By Havens Hospice

9/10

Being the Belle or Buff Bloke on the Beach 14 Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith Investment Markets Money Matters by Jacqui Moyies

16

When should I sell?

Ask the Agent by Peter Joseph

20

Seafood & Chorizo Paella Judy ‘s Recipe Page

24

Caveat Emptor! Buyer Beware Oracle Motoring by Stuart Winder

28

How to keep your back healthy Health & Beauty by Amanda Turner

33

Sudoku

30

Diary Dates

34 36 38

Useful Numbers Advertiser Index 4

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

01702 430570 07955 274663 www.leighskiphire.co.uk

AUGUST

2011

SALE NOW ON! AUGUST

2011

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

5

Get Decked out for Summer l l l l l

Unique manufacturing process 25 Year Domestic warranty Fade, Stain, Scratch & mould Resistant 6 Inspired tones Virtually indestructible For an Urgent appointment, call Sovereign

01702 291129

40 Towerfield Road, Shoeburyness SS3 9QT http://www.sovereignplayequipment.co.uk info@sovereign.gb.com AUGUST

2011

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

7

Wood Flooring - Installation & Restoration Specialists

• Free home selection & consultancy service • All types of wood floors supplied & installed • Extensive range of wood types & designs • Original floors repaired, sanded, stained & sealed • Residential & Commercial projects undertaken

Please visit our website for more information 8

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

Office Only

Unit 6 • Knight House • Lenthall Road Loughton • Essex • 1G10 3UD T • 020 8508 2555 E • floors@naturallywood.net

www.naturallywood.net AUGUST

2011

Local Issues

Fair Havens for Life F

or the past 28 years Fair Havens Hospice has been caring for people living with lifelimiting and terminal illnesses. Throughout this time they have cared for over 20,000 people and countless family members. All this care is free of charge.

But they face an insurmountable challenge. The hospice is two converted houses. Their Care Team does amazing work, but the physical limitations of the existing Fair Havens are stopping them from caring for more people.

Last year, they had to turn away more than 50 people in need of hospice care because Fair Havens didn’t have enough beds available at the time they were needed. Unless they can find a new site and build the new hospice, there is the very real prospect that in the not too distant future Southend will be without hospice care.

They have been developing plans for a new hospice and searching for a suitable site. In their search they have taken account a range of factors including location, transport links and the views of patients and families. They have looked at over 80 publicly available sites across Southend, AUGUST

2011

Castle Point and Rochford but the majority fail to provide the necessary ‘fit’. This led Fair Havens to widen its search and seriously consider greenbelt sites, including a piece of farmland – “Field Nine” - off Belton Way, adjacent to Leigh on Sea station. This has become their chosen preferred site, because it offers so much of what they have been looking for.

Petitioning for Support At dozens of “Come and See” Sessions in which the charity shared its vision with the local community, over 90% of those who attended endorsed these plans. And over 20,000 have now signed a petition in support of the new Fair Havens Hospice to be built at Belton Way, though it is classed as greenbelt. Over 2,500 of these signatories live in Leigh and of this number 243 are from the immediate surrounding area to the site.

Among the signatories is Les Sawyer, Chairman of the West Leigh Residents Association. “From my perspective having taken time out to study the detailed plans, I feel that Havens Hospices will be responsible custodians of this small piece

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

9

of Leigh, enhancing it to benefit patients and families, as well as local residents and wildlife.

“My family and I are proud to support this proposal and will continue to do so.”

Former Mayor Ron Price has also put pen to paper in support of Fair Havens’ plans. He says, “As a past Mayor of Southend, I fully support Fair Havens planning application for new premises.

After a long search for suitable grounds, they can now hope to extend their care and dedication for the seriously ill to a larger number of people.

“If any organisation deserves the total support of the local residents, they do.”

Havens Hospices Chief Executive Andy Smith says, “We have been bowled over by the level of public support we have received for our plans and the overwhelming response to the petition has proved this.

“It’s important to recognise that whilst not everyone will agree with our plans because of the sensitivities surrounding greenbelt, the evidence shows that there is wide support in the local community. It is no coincidence that the majority of the patients we have cared for over the last two years have lived in Leigh.

“We have an obligation to our patients, and those we will inevitably meet in the future, to pursue this option. It is our duty to do everything we can

Les Sawyer, Chairman of the West Leigh Residents Association. to make sure the New Fair Havens Hospice is put in the right place to care for all those who need our help.”

The Next Step....

This is a very exciting project and will make a tremendous difference to hospice care for local people and their families for years to come.

The charity is confident that architects have designed a hospice that would nestle into the site, sympathetically within its surroundings, enhancing the area for wildlife and users of the footpaths, and below the eye-line of anyone looking across the estuary. They have also showed the steps they are taking to ensure this doesn’t set a building precedent within the area.

A full list of considered sites, criteria and scores are available on the charity’s website, alongside artists impressions, plans and a full list of FAQ’s. Just visit www.havenshospices.org.uk/newfairhavens To find out how you can support the work of Havens Hospices please visit www.havenshospices.org.uk or call 01702 220350.

10

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

AUGUST

2011

Building on Professionalism FREE ADVICE FREE NO OBLIG AT CONSULTATIO ION N

PROFESSIONAL BUILDING SOLUTIONS

Tabor-Jones Specialists in: loft-conversions, extensions, kitchens & bathrooms, carpentry, Plumbing, tiling, plastering & decorating.

Freephone: 0800 511 8814 01702 478814 email@tabor-jones.co.uk AUGUST

www.tabor-jones.co.uk

2011

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

11

Talon Show

Oracle Hair & Beauty

Match and tone your nails with your skin colour. A nude finish seamlessly transforms even the tattiest nails for an elegant finish - and you can avoid that awful moment when you chip the post box red on the first day. A good nail oil is essential for keeping your talons healthy and hydrated - and on holiday it can also double as a nourishing hair oil for split ends.

Smooth Moves

Craig’s Guide to being the Belle or Buff Bloke of the Beach

H

ow do some people - usually celebs - manage to look chic in the midday sun, while the rest of us simply appear sweaty and disheveled? The answer is simple: be prepared. A quick leg shave and a DIY slathering of back-of-the-cupboard fake tan will not a beach goddess or poolside prince make.

It's time to get high-maintenance.

Slim Fast OK you can’t lose the doughnut and Pinot Grigio tummy overnight, but an intensive massage, with deep-tissue manipulation and lymph drainage to break down fatty deposits and disperse water retention, will make your limbs look leaner and longer.

Bare-Faced Chic Keep make-up to a minimum on holiday. It's difficult to look fresh in humid climates, and it's the perfect chance to give your skin a break from cover-all cosmetics–try getting your eyelashes tinted and leave the mascara at home. I know you will be waxing like mad, but avoid removing any excess facial hair before heading into the sun as strong light only serves to highlight a downy upper lip and stray hairs scattered over chins and cheeks. Threading is ideal for getting rid of unwanted hair as it removes hair by the root, leaving skin smoother for longer.

Stress Management

If you haven't cottoned on to the wonders of wax and three weeks' worth of stubble-free skin, now's the time. Book in for a full leg depilation and bikini line. Make any treatment (moisturizing, waxing or self-tanning) more effective by first sloughing away dull cells with a body scrub. Dead skin forms a film that prevents ingredients from being absorbed, plus, removing dry patches makes your skin appear more even-toned.

Go Beyond the Pale The darker you are, the slimmer you look - it's an optical illusion. So get a base tan before you hit the beach. Three times a week, apply self-tanner at least 15 minutes before bed to give the tanning agents time to fully develop.

Don't be afraid to accessorize beachwear. It can take the attention away from problem areas - and big jewellery makes your body appear smaller. Be bold and pair heels with swimwear - they improve posture, lengthen the leg and make you look and feel slimmer. This summer, wedges are big and they’re perfect for this. Unlike stilettos, you won't sink into the sand.To avoid burning on the beach, wear a hat - panamas are big this season.

Apart from protecting your eyes, sunglasses are an instant confidence boost, adding allure regardless of what you’re wearing. Oversize film star sunnies for women and the classic Ray-ban wayfarer shape for men are failsafe choices.

Beach tailoring is a big look. The more flamboyant your swimwear, the more attention you'll draw to yourself. If you’re uncertain, keep things clean, sharp and quiet on the pattern front.

For all your hair and beauty issues write to beauty@oraclepublications.co.uk Sponsored by

Super-feed your hair before bombarding it with sun and chlorine by using a nourishing professional treatment. Clip-on hair extensions add instant glamour and have been the A-lister's ultimate holiday accessory for years - Joan Collins and Victoria Beckham swear by them.

14

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

O

32 Alexandra St., Southend SS1 1BU

01702 340965 AUGUST

2011

At The Cliffs Chiropractic Clinic we believe the answer may be found in a complete consultation and examination, including digital x-rays if appropriate. We offer a range of treatments including chiropractic and medical acupuncture for fast effective relief.

For a limited period we are offering initial consultations for £15 0 and a further 20% 20%off X-Rays Regular

Regular 5 fee £45 fee £45 Offer Price £155 Offer plus Price 20% 20% off£15 plus 20% x-rays off X-rays Expires: 31st May2011 2011 31st July

Expires: 31st August

Our clinic focuses on diagnosing, treating and preventing mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system. We can combine chiropractic, medical acupuncture, nutrition, exercise and lifestyle advice providing you with an affordable tailor made treatment (Neck origin)

20%

(Chronic)

Arthritis pain Frozen shoulder Tension Hip/Knee pain

Arif Soomro DC MCC CCPP Melanie Cutting DC MCC MNIMH P. Nandhra BSC (hons) Chiro PG Cert DC MCC Doctors of Chiropractic, state registered BUPA, PPP, HSA registered

info@cliffschiro.co.uk

AUGUST

2011

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

15

Money Matters

Investment Markets – Where should investors be looking now?

by Jacqui Moyies

I

nvestors have faced an increasing challenge ever since the financial crisis broke in 2008.

The global banking and economic crisis left investors wondering whether they should sell equities and invest in traditionally safer asset classes such as cash, corporate bonds or gilts.

With inflation remaining a real threat to wealth and the likelihood of a rise in UK base rates increasing, for many the outlook is as uncertain today as it was three years ago.

So what does this mean for investors? Despite the seemingly bleak outlook, opportunities remain for the long-term investor prepared to accept some risk in the desire to achieve better returns.

Whilst the double-digit returns from fixed interest assets enjoyed in 2006 are unlikely to be repeated, the asset class remains a key part of a diversified investment portfolio and there are still opportunities to be found in both investment grade and non-investment grade bonds.

Understandably, many equity investors remain cautious and are focussing on the non-cyclical sectors such as pharmaceuticals, tobacco, food retailers and telecoms. Traditionally, companies in these sectors have demonstrated the ability to deliver sustainable earnings even in times of low economic growth.

The benefit of this is that many such shares offer dividend payments too. Dividends are a

16

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

crucial part of total return from shares, and are particularly valuable when growth prospects are low.

With clouds still hovering over the UK economy, companies that derive a significant chunk of their earnings from overseas have also been attracting attention.

There is the well-trodden argument that "it's about the time in the market, not out of it that counts''. It is an argument that makes sense, but it can seem flippant when it comes to the prospect of losing your hard-earned cash.

If you haven't already, it would be well worth reviewing your holdings to see if you are overexposed to any asset class or classes.

Diversification across different assets and getting the balance right are vital.

After all, many people don't appreciate the risk they are taking when stock markets are going up. They only become aware of risk when markets are going down and subsequently sell out – and all too often - at entirely the wrong time.

Sponsored by:-

To receive a complimentary guide covering Wealth Management Retirement Planning or Inheritance Tax Planning,contact: Jacqui on 01702 589553 email Jacqui.moyies@sjpp.co.uk or visit www.sjpp.co.uk/jacquimoyies

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

AUGUST

2011

Swimming pools, Spas and Saunas £

15,000 all inc*

We cater for all your leisure needs.

Fully installed heated in ground swimming pool, complete with exercise swim jet current system,underwater lighting and retractable enclosure for all year around use.

aPool and spa Installation aRefurbishment aService aMaintenance aRepairs

* +50% off 1st years maintenance

(optional extras available) (terms and conditions apply).

CALL PASSION POOLS TODAY!

01702 621027 07971 545346 www.passionpools.co.uk

“We will beat any written quotation, like for like!”

AUGUST

2011

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

17

PHOENIX PLUMBING & HEATING

n n n n n n n

BOILER REPAIRS & SERVICE PLUMBING REPAIRS AND INSTALLATION KITCHENS – BATHROOMS - IMPROVEMENTS NO JOB TOO SMALL VERY COMPETITIVE RATES ALL WORK INSURED AND GUARANTEED REFERENCES AVAILABLE

CALL US TODAY

07949 055040 01702 582297 Phoenixsouthend@gmail.com

Looking for work?

If you are 14 plus, reliable , sensible and would like to deliver Leigh’s glossy magazine once a month at generous rates, we’d like to hear from you. Please call: --

ORACLE

01702 393838 or email: info@oraclepublications.co.uk www.oraclepublications.co.uk

18

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

AUGUST

2011

CONSULT | DESIGN | CONSTRUCT W W W. G R E E N P R I N T G A R D E N S . C O. U K

01702 4 6 0 8 9 8 AUGUST

2011

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

19

Ask the Agent

When should I sell?

By Peter Joseph

Q A

I am thinking of selling my property but I'm not sure when is the best time of year, can you give me some advice please?

Well, broadly speaking the best time to sell a house is when there are the most amount of buyers actively looking to buy. This is due to the positive effect that competition has on your achievable sale price. Buyers competing over a property will force out the best offers and when you sell a house, this is a key factor behind getting the best price.

Spring is a great time to sell a house or flat!

Gardens are in bloom, there's plenty of good light and mild weather and properties look at their best. The market is full with buyers and Spring is a pretty up-beat time of year. In good weather buyers are more prepared to go house hunting. Also, many families look to match their purchase with the end of the school year, meaning they are looking to purchase in the Spring.

around August and the market dies. If you have to sell a house in the summer, try to get it on the market as early as possible. If your home is not on the market by early July you'll be putting yourself at a disadvantage.

Autumn has always been a good time to sell a house, however, it's not as good as the January - July period. Still, if you're trying to sell in late September or October you've nothing to worry about. Remember though, nobody wants to move over Christmas so don't leave coming to market too late. After the 2nd week of November buyers, like bears, tend to go into hibernation.

Winter is definitely not the ideal time to sell.

We would actively discourage anyone trying to sell a house towards the back-end of December. If you can hold out for the New Year you'll put your sale in a much better position.

Sponsored by Award Winning

High summer has never been the best time to Think Property sell a house (especially a family one) and School 01702 470625 Holidays are the big reason for this. Entertaining www.thinkpropertyuk.com kids leaves little time for house hunting, plus, everyone else goes away on holiday. This peaks 218 Leigh Road Leigh on Sea Essex SS9 1BP

20

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

AUGUST

2011

J

SA oin Cyc VE leS UP chem TO e 25%

Bikes for all the family at BikeBase, Southend’s biggest bike store

BikeBase stock over 500 quality cycles in their large, central-Southend showrooms, including: Kiddies, Junior, BMX, Mountain-Bike, Hybrid, Town & Country, Road and Electric Bikes

Save up to 25% on many leading brands The brands BikeBase stock include: Giant, Raleigh, GT, Mongoose, Claud Butler, Pashley, Schwinn, KTM, M-Trax, Powacycle and many, many more.

Up to 20% OFF All Raleigh & Diamond Back Cycles 1000s of Cycle Parts & Accessories Clothing l Helmets l Wheels l Tyres & Tubes l Lights & Locks l Saddles l Grips l Repair-kits

Same-Day Cycle Repairs & Servicing Visit your local cycle shop specialist in bikes for ALL the family

BIKEBASE Run by cyclists for cyclists

FREE SERVICE on every bicycle purchased 22

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

01702 352222 33 Queens Road, Southend SS1 1LT

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

AUGUST

2011

Understanding your past partnering your future

T: 01702 348 646 E: southend@wilkinskennedy.com

www.wilkinskennedy.com w ww.wilkinskennedy.com

recipe of the month In the Kitchen with Judy Barden

1tsp each hot smoked paprika and dried thyme 300g paella or risotto rice 3tbsp dry sherry or white wine 400g can chopped tomatoes 900ml chicken stock 400g bag frozen mixed seafood 150g chorizo sliced into chunks Juice of half a lemon and other half cut into wedges Handful of flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped

1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan. Add the onion and chorizo and fry for 5 minutes, add the garlic and continue cooking for another minute. Stir in the paprika, thyme and rice. Stir for 1 minute until the rice is coated in the oil and then splash in the sherry or wine. Once it has evaporated stir in the tomatoes and stock.

Season and cook uncovered for about 15 mins, stirring frequently until rice is almost tender and still surrounded with some liquid.

2. Stir in the frozen seafood ( or whatever you

Seafood and Chorizo Paella

P

aella is an easy store cupboard supper and a great meal for the whole family to enjoy. You can vary it depending what you have, meat or fish and seafood or a mixture of both and then everyone is kept happy.

I love using chorizo to give it a little kick and also leftover chicken or pork from a roast. The packets of frozen seafood mix are also a good stand-by for this dish, see recipe below. The trick is the slow even cooking of the rice and frequent stirring until the rice is just tender.

are using eg, cooked chicken, cooked pork belly, tiger prawns, mussels) into the pan and cover with a lid. Simmer for 5 mins or until the seafood is cooked through and the rice is tender. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper

3. Squeeze over the lemon juice, scatter with parsley and serve with extra lemon wedges.

O

Next month’s recipe:

Pork, Cider and Apples with Mustard Mash

Enjoy!

Easy Seafood and Chorizo Paella Serves 4

Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic,chopped

24

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

AUGUST

2011

Do you feel

uncomfortable with your smile?

Six Month Smiles is a revolutionary orthodontic system that provides fast and economical way for adults to begin smiling with confidence The Six Month nth Smiles S Cosmetic c Braces Brac System includes special clear braces and tooth wires thatt are used to gently straighten your teeth in h coloured co u an average of only 6 months.. By fo focusing on the teeth that show when ge o you smile not making signifi bite changes your teeth can be y e and a gnificant c comfortably help restore the confidence that you desire. co ab straightened d and h – Pho Phone now for a FREE c consultation

– Evening and Saturday appointments

– Fro From only £1500

– Comfortable and safe

– Payment aym vailable options available

– Straight Str teeth in months

Before

After

Why not come to us?

50% discount for new patient exam inclusive of x-rays taken at examination

call

01702 352450

(For enquiries and appointments)

royalmewsdentalpractice.co.uk 17 Royal Mews, Southend on Sea, Essex SS1 1DB AUGUST

2011

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

25

Air&Back

Airport Transfer Specialists

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

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

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

Detailed confirmation to you the day before departure

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

Tel/Fax: 01702 435722 Mobile 07903 301086

CITY # STANSTED # GATWICK # LUTON # HEATHROW 26

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

AUGUST

2011

AUGUST

2011

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

27

Oracle Motoring

Caveat Emptor!* (*Buyer Beware!)

By Stuart Winder ADI

T

ype the words “car leasing” into your chosen search engine, and you will find numerous suppliers offering every possible car or van, sometimes at prices much less than other suppliers, but are any of these offers actually genuine?

The devil is in the detail Over recent months, I have seen internet leasing offers on vehicles that I know are impossible to honour. There is a finite amount of discount available on any vehicle, whatever it may be, so those more scrupulous suppliers can spot a bogus offer from a mile off. Various tricks may be employed, such as a very cheap headline rate boldly displayed, with the details of either a massive deposit or tiny annual mileage conspicuously absent. Unlike Hire Purchase, where regulation demands a full breakdown of charges and fees, leasing quotes have an in-built vagueness that can make deception easier for those who choose that path.

Who are you dealing with?

A slick website doesn’t necessarily guarantee an honest brokerage, but a very basic site may hint at the type of organisation you may end up dealing with. A credit search of many of these suppliers show that they aren’t in too healthy a state, with several actually listed as non-trading!

Will they even be there at the end of the first year

28

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

of your agreement to remind you to service the vehicle?

What to look for, what to avoid Judging the validity of any offer can often be difficult, but if a supplier has a consumer credit licence, or is approved by their local Trading Standards office, they are far less likely to be operating in an unscrupulous manner. The reluctance to provide a full, written quotation should start alarm bells ringing, as this may be an attempt to hide the true cost of a vehicle.

Avoid any company which requires a deposit when the order is placed, as most vehicle funders take any advanced payments by direct debit just prior to delivery.

Most importantly of all, don’t forget the old adage; if a deal looks too good to be true, it almost certainly is!

O

Stuart Winder Planet Leasing

01702 410 470 www.planetleasing.co.uk Sponsored by

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

AUGUST

2011

Woodburners and Multifuel Stoves Fitted ÂŁ999.00 +Vat What you get for your money:1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Stove (group1) Vitreous enamel flue pipe.

Register plate.

S/Steel flexible liner.

All connectors, caps and plates.

Installation by Hetas engineers.

Commissioned tested and certificated.

All stoves are CE approved.

All fittings are Hetas approved.

Fireplaces, wood-burners and multifuel stoves fitted.

Fires and fireplaces refurbished.

Inglenook fireplaces built.

Chimneys built and lined.

ALL the associated building-work undertaken and completed. (i.e. plastering, making good etc.)

FREE Advice and Quotations given. (inc. what you need and the best places to buy )

Think these prices are too cheap?

But all our competitors could achieve these prices, if the can't are they: 1. Paying too much for their products?

2. Are their overheads too high??

3. Or are they simply too greedy???

01268 793076 29

33 Clarence Road N, S. Benfleet, SS7 1HT F I R E P L A C E S www.oraclepublications.co.uk L E I G H - O N - S E AA O U RGAUCSLTE 2 0 1 29 1 www.oraclepublications.co.uk www.gatfireplaces.co.uk

AUGUST 2011 T H OHETAS R P E Registered B A Y O Installers RACLE FEBRUARY

2011

ORACLE Enigmas No humdrum conundrum s

3 6 4

7 5 8

2

7

7 1 8 9 5 7 3 1 1 2 6 4 5 2 1 8 2 9 1 5 9 6 SHAME

5SUDOKU Fill in the grid above so that each 3 x 3 box, every row and every column contain the Nos 1 - 9.

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

JULY 2011

3

7 6 9 2 1 5 3 7 1 7 3 2 9 Start at the top 4 2 8and5 8 3 5 2 8 7 6 2 4 3 change one letter each 7 4 2 7 3 1 3 rung making a new 8 5 9 6 5 4 9 1

4

8

3

2

8 1

WORD LADDER

word to arrive at the SU DOKU final word.

CLASP

Fill in the grid above so that each 3 x 3 box, every row and every column contain the Nos 1 - 9.

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

CLIPS

WORD LADDER Start at the top and change one letter each rung making a new word to arrive at the final word.

SHINE

SHIPS

SHINS

SHINS

CLIPS

SHIPS

CHIPS

SHINE

CLIPS

CHIPS

CLAPS

CLASP

CLASS

SOLUTIONS CLAPS

CLASP

30

CLASS

LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS SHINE

8 1 7 3 9 2 5 4 6

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

6 2 3 1 4 5 7 9 8

4 5 9 7 6 8 1 2 3

7 8 5 6 2 9 4 3 1

9 3 4 5 7 1 8 6 2

1 6 2 4 8 3 9 7 5

5 9 6 8 3 7 2 1 4

2 4 1 9 5 6 3 8 7

3 7 8 2 1 4 6 5 9

Call now 01702 256018 3

2

5 9

Showrooms open: Mon-Sat 10.00am-5,00pm 61 High Street, Hornchurch, RM11 1TP Alton Garden Centre on the A127, Wickford

www.granitetransformations.co.uk/southend southend@granitetransformations.co.uk

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

AUGUST

2011

S O FA S

CHAIRS

C U R TA I N S

BL I N D S

DESIGN, STYLE & CRAFTSMANSHIP Visit our extensive, newly refurbished showroom and workshop in Thorpe Bay. We offer a complete interior design service. A fantastic choice of styles, finishes, fabrics, leathers and bespoke upholstery – a talented and dedicated team of interior designers, furniture craftsmen and curtain makers to create your specific requirements – let us transform your home. Interior design by Michelle Elliott-Britto.

MORRIS

* * 9(03

INTERIORS :;(;065 96(+

;/697, /(33

;/, )96(+>(@

(*(*0( +90=,

4(7305 >(@

(=,5<,

;/697, )(@ :;(;065

:6<;/,5+ 65 :,(

:,(

;/697, ,:73(5(+,

:/6,)<9@5,::

:,(

KITCHENS

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

BE S P O K E WA R DRO BE S

C A R PE T S

Same dedicated maid each week only £11.55 per hour Then call us on:

BRIAN LAMB

WE SUPPLY AND RECR UIT

PAINTERS & DECORATORS Professional reliable service

TUTOR S

Quality Workmanship 36 Years experience Interior and exterior Free No-Obligation Estimates

n

Competitive Rates

n

Fully Insured

n

01702 420593 Mob:

07791 679238

7 Woodside Court, 190 Woodside Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 4TF

32

n

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

GCSE Primary Books A Level

n

n

n

Basics Adults Home Learning help

e Educators EST 1989 01702 348815

educators@btinternet.com www.educators.co.uk

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

AUGUST

2011

Health & Beauty

How to keep your back healthy

By Amanda Turner

S

ummer’s sprung, the grass has grown and now there’s all that lawn to be mown!

And sometimes, in our enthusiasm to keep the garden looking bright and beautiful in summer, we go overboard with the digging and weeding ...and lifting...and pulling...and planting...and generally putting unusual pressure on our backs.

Spring and summer is when we Brits are hit hard by the gardening bug and, unfortunately, it’s also the time when “bad backs” abound. That can mean anything from an ache low down, to a general bruised feeling across the midsection, to stiff shoulders, to downright immobility, where it hurts to stand up straight, let alone walk about.

can do every day or every other day that will help develop your core strength and make you less vulnerable to muscle strain.

You could do worse than take a leaf out of Jim’s* book: a keen gardener in his late 70s, he always does a lovely, restful sequence of yoga postures after any strenuous gardening and his back is supple and strong as a result. Or Sally*, also in her 70s, who finds yoga two or three times a week keeps her supple and strong enough to enable to start gardening again for the first time in years. She says: “I wish I’d started years ago!” *genuine yoga enthusiasts, but not their real names.

Amanda Turner is a qualified British Wheel of Yoga teacher with more than 25 years experience in yoga.

She teaches yoga at Shambhala Studios in Leigh on Sea.

The reasons for a bad back are as varied as the weeds you pulled: you could have put sudden undue pressure on one area because you’ve been digging and “just want to get that last bit done” instead of standing straight and stretching.

Or perhaps you lifted too many heavy sacks of compost or soil, or crouched down for ages to do the weeding.

Happily, avoiding a bad back can be as simple as doing a few simple yoga stretches after your garden workout to help your muscles to relax naturally; it’s often possible to create a customised preventative yoga routine that you AUGUST

2011

O 01702 478924

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

33

ORACLE

Furniture restoration Services available:-

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

Diary Dates PARRY SINGING SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION Westcliff High School for Boys 3 Sept. Preliminary round at 2pm, Finals at 6.30pm. £10 entrance fee £8 Concessions.

LOURDES BOOT SALE Lady of Lourdes Church Car Park Marguerite Drive Leigh. 20 Aug 10-12. Charity Boot sale pitches for £10. Please bring your own table!

To book a pitch contact 01702 479646. Teas and coffees available.

01702 558217 manybindings@hotmail.co.uk

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

For a free verbal estimate please call:-

T.S.Baskett Established 1992

6 Durham Rd. Southend

 

SOUTHEND ILLUMINATED FREE CARNIVAL PROCESSION Southend Seafront Starts Sat 20 Aug A host of events over a week, including Children’s competition, Dog Show, Carnival Fair and Illuminated Carnival Procession.

TUDOR FESTIVAL FREE Southchurch Hall Museum Sat & Sun 6,7th Aug 10-3pm Discover aspects of life in those times, from food and entertainment to weapons and customs, brought to you by skilled re-enactors.

Quality Antique Clock Repair Service Jewellery Sales, Repairs and re-modelling

POLISH ARTS FESTIVAL FREE 26 Aug-4 Sept Throughout Southend Film, music, dance, theatre and arts and crafts workshops.

Polski Picnic Priory Park Sun 4 Sept 11:00 to 4:00 FOULNESS ISLAND BIKE RIDE 11 Sept 23 Mile Ride Supporting RNLI’s Lifeboat Boathouse Project To join visit www.thorpebayrotaryevents.co.uk www.oraclepublications.co.uk www.twitter.com/oracle_essex

34

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

Try our quality service

One of the oldest established jewellers & Clock Specialists in the area since1950

89 West Road Shoeburyness

The National Association of Goldsmiths

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

01702 292472

www.andrewsltd.co.uk

AUGUST

2011

Carpenter & Joiner JOHN SORRELL - your local carpenter and joiner for over 25 years All aspects of woodwork and property maintenance undertaken, including:

* Doors hung * Kitchens fitted (planning service, plumbing and tiling if required) * Wardrobes built * Wooden & laminate floors laid * Shelves fitted * Stairs refurbished * Windows repaired * Locks supplied & fitted to insurance specification For advice and free, no-obligation quotations please telephone :

01702 582489 or 07984 924916 Tidy work with rubbish always removed from site and a friendly, professional service guaranteed.

AUGUST

2011

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

35

For all your recruitment and personnel needs.

01702 353990 Clarence Chambers, 28 Clarence Street , Southend on Sea, Essex, SS1 1BD

useful numbers Marine Estate Residents’ Asssociation 710232 Clubs Belfairs Golf Club 526911 Cockleshell Clog Morris 479622 Charles Dicken’s Fellowship 588069 Essex Yacht Club 478404 Essex Handicrafts Association 479622 Essex Society for Family History 522992 Estuary Social Club 477022 Highlands Badminton Club 476009 Hoy & Anchor Folk Club 715111 Leigh Afternoon Women’s Institute 710232 Leigh-on-Sea Cricket Club 712105 Leigh-on-Sea Lions Club 715111 Leigh Camera Club 478717 Leigh Film Society 07957 129309 Leigh Motor Boat Club 714858 Leigh Sailing Club 713030 Lower Thames Rowing Club 482205 Southend Photographic Society 332491 Southend-on-Sea Athletics Club 472195 Southend Rugby Club 546682 The English Speaking Union 588069 Westcliff Rugby Club 541499 Woodside Bowling Club 525648 Belfairs Mixed Bowling 475766 Prittlewell Bowling Club 612476 Southend West District Scouts (19 groups) 587647 Council Contacts Leigh-on-Sea Town Council 716288 Abandoned Vehicles 215006 Anti-Terrorist Hotline 0800 789321 Central Library 215011 Citizens Advice 0844 4770808 Civic Centre 215000 Cleansing Dept. (street collection) 215006 Crime Prevention 464199 Damaged Dog Waste Bins 215006 Dog Warden 215000 Dumped Rubbish 215006 Foreshore Inspectors 215620 Graffiti 215006 Grass verge problems 215003 Missed Rubbish Collection 215006 Noise Nuisance 215005 Pest Control Officer 215005 Pier & Foreshore 215620 Recycling Information 215006 Street Cleaning 215006 Street-Lighting Failure 215006 Trading Standards 08454 040506 Waste Collection 215006 Hospitals/Health Southend General Hospital 435555 Spire Wellesley Hospital 462944 NHS Direct 08454647 BMI Southend Private Hospital 01702 608908

36

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

National Drugs Freephone 0800 776600 Cardiac Support Group 309042 / 293469 HARP (Homeless Action Resource Project) 24 hour Emergency Number 01702 430696 Cruse Bereavement Care 213843 Carers Forum 393933 Veterinary Surgeon Cushing Vadden & Partners 476404 RSPCA Rochford 548261 Pharmacies Alliance Pharmacy 475722 89 Broadway Mon-Fri 9-7 pm / Sat 9-5.30 pm Cheems Pharmacy 473087 87 Leigh Rd Mon-Fri 9-6.30 / Sat 9-5.30 Closed 1-2 Wed+Sat. Police Stations Southend Police Station (24 hours a day) 0300 3334444 Victim Support Group 0845 456599 Local MP David Amess (Con) 0207 219 3452 Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Marine Police 01268 775533 Thames Coastguard 01255 675518 Samaritans 611911 Odeon Cinema 0871 2244007 Leigh Heritage Centre 470834 Directory Enquiries BT (15p pm from landline, 40p connection) 118 500 ORACLE PUBLICATIONS 393838 www.oraclepublications.co.uk ORACLE WEBSITE SOLUTIONS 393838 www.oraclewebsitesolutions.co.uk

Stephen Fry

“Having a great intellect is no path to being happy.”

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

AUGUST 2011

AUGUST

2011

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

37

Leigh-on-Sea

ORACLE Index to advertisers

01702 277684 Marketing Solutions for the BEST local businesses

ORACLE View the latest issues ONLINE ACCOUNTANTS Wilkins Kennedy AIRPORT TRANSFER Air & Back BIFOLDING DOORS Essex Bifolding Doors BOUNCY CASTLES Bouncy Beans Castles BUILDERS Tabor Jones CAR DEALERSHIP Volkswagen Van Centre CAR LEASING Planet Leasing CAR MOT Elms MOT Ltd CARPENTRY & JOINERY John Sorrell CARPETS Trade Carpets CHARTERED SURVEYORS East of England Surveys CHIROPRACTORS Cliffs Chiropractic Clinic COMPLIMENTARY THERAPY Rejuvenating Hands COMPUTER SERVICES Whizzkids CONSERVATORY CLEANING ECCC CYCLES Bikebase DECKING SPECIALISTS Sovereign Design Play Systems DECORATORS Brian Lamb

23 26 6 27 11 21 22 18 35 5 4 15 27 37 35 22 7 32

DENTAL Royal Mews Smiles on Broadway DOMESTIC CLEANING Maid in Essex Molly Maids EDUCATION The Educators St. Michael's School ESTATE AGENTS Essex Countryside Essex Property Centre Think Property FINANCIAL SERVICES Anderson Financial FIREPLACE FITTERS GAT Fireplaces FROZEN FOODS Cook FURNITURE RESTORERS TS Baskett GARDEN SERVICES Greenfingers GRANITE WORKTOPS Granite Transformations HAIR & BEAUTY Grateful Heads HEALTH & BEAUTY Utopia Spa & Beauty INTERIOR DESIGNERS Morris Interiors JEWELLERS AV & BV Andrews LANDSCAPE DESIGN Greenprint LETTINGS AGENT Martin & Co

Thorpe Bay

25 2

August ‘11

Leigh-on-Sea

Thorpe Bay at a glance Est. Sept 2005. Circulation 4,500

Leigh at a glance

Est. Oct 2006. Circulation 5,500

Oracle Competition

Oracle Competition

32 27

August ‘11

ORACLE ORACLE WIN! Win a Birthday Party at Adventure Island

WIN! Win a Birthday Party at Adventure Island

Local Issues

Local Issues

Fair Havens for Life

Fair Havens for Life

Recipe

Recipe Seafood and Chorizo Paella

Seafood and Chorizo Paella

Oracle Motoring

Oracle Motoring

Health & Beauty

Health & Beauty

Caveat Emptor!

Caveat Emptor!

Dont worry, be Happy

More people choos M choose se Es ssex Countryside..

Essex Countryside.....

32 40 1 12/13 20 16 29 24 34 26 30 14 18 31 34 19 39

Dont worry, be Happy

because be ecause we achieve the best b be price pr ice possible time and time tim again.

90 0 Br Broadway, oadway, Leigh on Sea 01 702 719777 www w..essexcou c 01702 www.essexcountryside.com

To advertise in ORACLE call

01702 393838

MARBLE WORKTOPS Abbey Marble OVEN CLEANING Ovenclean PERSONAL TRAINER Dalia Mikneviciute PLUMBING Hammond & Sons PLUMBING AND HEATING County Heating RECRUITMENT Bryman Personnel RESTAURANTS Lemon Tree Saffron Lounge ROOFING SERVICES Sendalls Roofing SKIP HIRE Leigh Skip Hire SWIMMING POOLS Passion Pools WOOD FLOORING Naturally Wood YOGA STUDIO Shambhala

37 35 39 27 18 36 17 3 26 4 17 8 33

ORACLE - the smart, little glossy mags for Southend

Reach a 20,000 readership in Leigh & Thorpe Bay hungry for your business Call for a Media Pack or visit www.oraclepublications.co.uk

To advertise in ORACLE call 01702 393838 All rights reserved. No part of Oracle Publications UK Ltd. may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means either wholly or in part without prior permission of the publisher. Oracle Publications UK Ltd. are editorially autonomous and the opinions expressed are not those of the publisher unless expressly stated.

38

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

AUGUST

2011

# "! % " $! !# ! # "

! # ! ! !

$! $ ! # % " ! " ! !! !" !

!

$

! # ! %! "

%

!!

!

! ! "%

! "%

! !

!%

!!

# !

FRE # " !

E!

dalia.pt@btinternet.com

Dalia Mikneviciute

AUGUST

2011

07952 654899

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

39