Oracle June 2021 by Oracle Publications

June 2021

Your all-seeing local

ORACLE Thorpe Bay, Southchurch, Garrison, Shoeburyness, Leigh, Chalkwell, Westcliff & Southend Conservation Area Circulation: 15,000 (new area: Rayleigh)

LOCAL ISSUES Will the bubble burst? MP's COLUMN Sunsets on the beach for dogs this summer! SPOTLIGHT Zooquarium uses lockdown to its advantage!

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June 2021

ORACLE

WELCOME

At last, the fabulous weather we experienced over the bank holiday weekend has given us all a taste of what to hopefully expect this summer! This month’s Oracle offers some fabulous inspiration whether you are looking to buy, planning days out with the family or simply wishing to relax with a cuppa and catch up on some local knowledge.

10 % CREAM

Experts in the Thorpe Bay Housing Market

This month, Oracle welcomes a feature from our local MP’s who will be contributing in turn each month, their thoughts and suggestions on local issues. To kick off the MP’s Column this month is James Duddridge MP who shares his thoughts, about dogs being banned from our beaches during the summer months. This month Oracle is thrilled to offer an exciting prize for all the family to enjoy from our premier seaside attraction. The Prizes: 1st Prize: 4 x Adventure Island Day Pass ride bands (Family for 4 worth £100 in park) plus a meal for 2 in Sands-by-the-Sea (up to £30). 2nd Prize: 4 x Sea-Life Adventure Zooquarium tickets (Family of 4 worth £30 on the door) plus a meal for 2 in Sands-by-the-Sea (up to £30). To enter the Oracle/Stockvale competition please visit oraclepublications.co.uk, competition page. Closing date is 30 June 2021. Good luck!

Emma Wynne-Morgan

170 The Broadway Thorpe Bay SS1 3ES

Publisher

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

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22/03/2019 11:37

CONTENTS Will the bubble burst?

9/10

Local Issues

Raising awareness of nut allergies

Amy May Trust

Window & Door Repairs

Carpentry Works

Furniture assembly

Plumbing

General Maintenance

Decorating

Zooquarium uses lockdown to its advantage!

21/22

Spotlight by Paul Clapp

Lasting Power of Attorney?

Estate Planning by Clive Rowe

The future is Electric! or is it? • Free Quotations

Auto News

• Fully Insured

Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith

• No job too small

When life gives you lemons

Sunsets on the beach for dogs this summer!

Call Mark on

MP's Column by James Duddridge MP

Email: info@topmark.pro

Recipe by Judy Barden

07394 152916

Coconut and Pistachio Meringues with Berries

Are you suffering from depression?

Health & Beauty by Jacqui Sayer-Noble

What to consider before investing 50/51 in an ISA this year Money Matters by Rob Burgeman

Brainbox 52 Diary Dates 56 Useful Numbers 60 Advertiser Index 62

Advertorials Hot Property Who would you trust with the care of a loved one? High-Tech Membrane

7 32/33 44/45

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 All reserved. NoOracle part of Oracle Publications Ltdis may be of rights the publisher. Publications UKUKLtd editorially reproduced or used in any form or by any means either wholly or in autonomous the opinions expressed not those part without priorand permission of the publisher. Oracleare Publications UK of the publisher unless and expressly stated. Ltd is editorially autonomous the opinions expressed are not those of the publisher unless expressly stated.

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June 2021

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June 2021

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June 2021

advertorial

Hot property T

he UK property market has recently been described as “on the boil”. In Southend house prices have rocketed by almost 40% in the past five years. The extension of the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) holiday announced in the March budget has accelerated house prices country wide, but it can also offer opportunities to savvy buy-to-let investors.

Many buy-to-let investors bought many years ago and their property portfolios have experienced significant capital growth. Unsurprisingly, many are deciding that now is the ideal time to cash-in on this growth and are exiting the market when prices and demand are high, maximising their returns and ensuring a quick transaction to release their capital. As with most things, there is a flip side. When selling an investment property, this comes in the form of Capital Gains Tax (CGT). Subject to any reliefs, CGT is payable on the excess of sales proceeds over the original property cost (plus any capital improvements costs incurred by the seller), with allowance given for the legal fees associated with the purchase and sale. High property prices inevitably lead to an increase in the amount of tax payable on the sale of investment properties, and this makes advance tax planning essential. June 2021

Married couples can take advantage of opportunities and reliefs where the property is owned solely in one name, or where the investment property was previously occupied by the owner as their main residence. Simply transferring part of a property to a spouse prior to sale to utilise their annual CGT exemption, could result in considerable savings. Savings could increase further still if there was a difference in the tax rates of the individuals in question.

Get in touch We are here to support you. For further information regarding any of the areas discussed above, please contact Paul East on 01702 568 294 or email paul.east@azets.co.uk

Not everyone wants to sell Of course, not everyone wants to sell. The return on investment for longstanding landlords who bought at a lower price is also high. With many relying on the rental income to fund their retirement, maximising the income received (after tax) is vital. With Southend commuters able to reach London by good rail links in around 45 minutes, investing in property that is more affordable can remain a good strategy.

Annual recurring tax savings Opportunities also exist to minimise the tax payable on rental income. Transferring an element of the property to a spouse can ensure that personal allowances are fully utilised and that tax is paid at the lowest available rate. Even the simplest planning can mean annual recurring tax savings worth thousands of pounds. As ever, it is important to be armed with full and accurate information before making any decisions, and transaction costs must be considered prior to any action being taken. That said, with the temporary Stamp Duty Land Tax threshold and existing Capital Gains Tax reliefs available, if you act now the transactional tax cost between spouses may well be £nil.

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LOCAL ISSUES

Will the bubble burst? by David Dedman

ince 1970 when I entered the property business in Southend, it is true to say house prices have increased nearly a hundred times. A reasonable family three bedroom terrace house could be bought in Southchurch or the Westborough grid in Westcliff for more or less £3,000 in acceptable mortgageable condition. The same house now will probably sell for a figure approximately £300,000. Despite the recessions of 1974, 1981, 1990 and 2010 when house price falls were registered in the greater Southend area, house prices have increased well beyond inflation and

Difficult to obtain social housing Social housing has become increasingly difficult to obtain as most local authorities including Southend have been required to sell off their housing stock to tenants over a long period since the 1980’. This has diminished stock available to rent. Housing Associations were set up to provide low cost social housing for those unable to purchase and to provide decent accommodation. Housing Associations have been unable to provide such accommodation at economic cost, which in turn makes affordability for alternative private purchase that much more difficult.

June 2021

outperformed every other form of investment. Can this trend continue upwards for ever? Although wages have increased from £1,500 per year for the average wage earner, those same wage earners are probably now earning £25,000 per year. A big difference but in comparison with house prices not so. Not everyone wants to sell Mortgage interest in those days fluctuated enormously but tax relief could be obtained on mortgage interest. This was abolished partially in 1988 and double income tax relief was stopped by the government (both husband and wife received tax relief on their share of mortgage interest payable) and completely abolished in the 1990’s. Despite all this, house prices have continued to rise. 

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LOCAL ISSUES

Possible collapse in house prices

 More Londoners are coming

Why would this be the case? It is true to say that as women have increased earning capacity so too purchasing power between husband and wife/ partners have increased. Interest rates are now of course at an all time low and have been for in excess of 10 years. As house prices have risen a number of first time buyers have been able to place a deposit for a purchase inheriting monies from aunts, uncles, grandparents etc., and so John Major’s prediction that cash will cascade through the generations is to a large extent true. This in itself is a self-perpetuating scheme, which benefits many in the long run. Having just read The Echo it appears more and more Londoners are coming to live in Southend, clearly helping to keep up property values. Presumably, this will continue but who knows. So far so good. The bad news is a minority of young people wishing to purchase a property are unable to do so due to the sheer size of deposit required as well as a huge mortgage. Mortgages of six, seven and even eight times gross salary are not unheard of and increasingly becoming acceptable with young buyers. This in a backcloth when the National Landlords Association has said that they consider there are nearly a million private tenants

Whilst there is not enough housing stock in the home counties, nonetheless, I see a possible collapse in house prices and further stagnation in movements, I think will also occur. My advice is to proceed with extreme caution when contemplating your next or first move and for investors as Ken Clark has famously said “you know there is a recession coming but you never know from which direction it is coming from”.

in rent arrears caused by Covid and other issues, many young people unable to purchase a property are required to pay greater rents than ever before. Interest rates at an all-time low Will the overall trend continue in house price inflation over the next 5/10/20 years? There are always hiccups in the marketplace and the future will present no exception. I have now seen five major recessions causing pain and alarm to many homeowners/mortgage payers, particularly the younger generation. If interest rates rise probably caused by outside influences rather than the domestic economy, then repossessions are likely to occur, and certainly house prices will be depressed for a number of years. With interest rates at an all-time low, affordability for those with regular employment and with a deposit, house purchase is relatively easy. This however is only half the story. There will be in years to come a divide between those forced to rent and those able to buy. This is certainly not a healthy situation from either an economic or social environment viewpoint.

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June 2021

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June 2021

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CHARITY

Local donation to the Amy May Trust:

raising awareness of nut allergies W

ith restaurants and pubs opening up fully after lockdown we're all enjoying going out for a bite to eat and drink. If you suffer from a nut allergy, be extra careful to inform the restaurant of your allergies. Allergies can be fatal and so very often they are not taken seriously across the UK and globally.

Amy Shead, a local lady from Westcliff-on Sea suffered catastrophic brain damage in 2014 when, aged 26 years old, a restaurant served her food in error containing a trace of her allergen whilst she was on holiday abroad.

Allergies have a huge impact on peoples lives so bringing awareness of allergies is an incredibly important topic to make everyone aware of the catastrophic consequences it may have on someone's life if not taken seriously.

The restaurant responsible for the tragedy that followed did not hold any Public Liability insurance, so the family were not entitled to any compensation to fund the essential therapies essential to rehabilitate and comfort Amy. A heartbreaking story close to the hearts of Ian and Colin from Williams & Donovan Estate Agents. They’ve known Roger, Amy's father for decades and this has drastically changed the entire family's life forever.

Julie Martin from The Amy May Trust told us: "We are extremely grateful to Ian and Colin for instigating this support. We recognise we are privileged to benefit when so many worthy causes and charities are asking for help following the pandemic. In their industry, William and Donovan are making frequent new connections, so it is heartening to know that they are greatly assisting our message that 'nut allergies are serious' to travel further.”

Allergies have a huge impact on people lives Williams & Donovan are raising awareness of Amy's story and helping Amy's rehabilitation by making a donation for every property they are asked to sell or let throughout 2021. They have donated their first cheque of £870 this month and further donations they make to The Amy May Trust will help with Amy's continuous therapy and also spread local crucial awareness about the seriousness of nut allergies. 16

The Trust meets 100% of Amy's therapy and rehabilitation costs. Every donation makes a big difference - if you wish to learn more or donate to The Amy May Trust visit: www.amymaytrust.com Follow Amy’s journey www.amymaytrust/Facebook https://www.instagram.com/amymaytrust/

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June 2021

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June 2021

SPOTLIGHT

Zoo

quarium uses lockdown to its advantage!

he closures of businesses due to COVID 19 have be tough for everyone but in particular it has deeply impacted zoos and aquariums.

by Paul Clapp

Whether open or shut the cost of the care of the animals in Zoo collections doesn’t slow down. Running costs don’t change; the husbandry team who are dedicated to looking after the animals have continued to work throughout each closure as normal but with the additional pressures of providing extra attention and care (called enrichment) to the animals to make sure they are mentally stimulated and happy. This is something that naturally happens with guests visiting as they interact and play with the animals as they go through.

The UK's first "Zooquarium" Sealife Adventure Wild, the UK’s first “Zooquarium” (a title that reflects the broad range of animals from fish and ants to monkeys and dinosaurs that can now be found in the collection) faced the same challenges as these other Zoos and Aquariums but decided to turn a negative into a positive and use the extended period of closure to develop the site and add amazing new collections.

June 2021

James Robson, Sealife Adventure Wild’s new Zoo Director joined the team in February with a clear brief to refresh the site and add features with local families and annual pass holders specifically in mind. Attractions with amazing exhibits James Robson: “It’s an incredibly exciting project to be a part of, Sealife Adventure Wild has always been a family focused attraction with amazing exhibits and creatures to see and one that has a special place in the hearts of our annual pass holders who come back year on year and have grown up with us as the site has changed and you can definitely feel that community presence within the attraction. I was able to draw 16 years of experience around the world to bring amazing things to Southend, with plenty more exciting things in the pipeline for the future!” Although the doors remained shut for the last few months it was a hive of activity behind those doors. Fundamental changes were made to aid with guest flow 

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SPOTLIGHT  through the site, which is now a one way

attraction, this was done with Covid 19 in mind so social groups can move together in a mini bubble through the site which has the addition benefit of ensuring guests don’t miss anything! In addition to this a huge focus was placed on making the site more accessible and easier to navigate with wheelchairs and buggies. New visitors will now see that the site is now broken into 9 very differently themed zones (Coastline, Abyss, HMS Sub Tropical, White water, Pangea, Wild bugs and beasts, Care and conservation, Ray bay and the shark tunnel) something James felt was important. Travel around the world! “The themed zones allow for complete immersion into different environments and habitats from around the world and really helps to give the feeling you are traveling around the world from extremes of cold in the deep seas of the “Abyss” zone to the hot and humid butterfly walk through enclosure in “Wild bugs and beasts” you even get the chance to travel back in time to see dinosaurs in “Pangea Adventure” which is full of animatronic dinosaurs and “living dinosaurs” like the alligator snapping turtle.” Sealife Adventure Manager Hannah Miller, the youngest member of the Miller family working for Stockvale says “It’s been so wonderful to see all of our lovely customers, particularly our loyal annual pass holders! We know it’s not only been tough for businesses, but for those of you at home during the pandemic, that’s why we’ve lowered our prices completely, including a £15 annual pass to make 2021 the big year of fun! With so much to see and do, Sealife Adventure is definitely an exciting day out! Let us ‘edutain’ you!” 22

Plenty of baby fish and animals The site is definitely becoming a home to the weird and wonderful with creatures like the Lumpsucker, a cold water fish found off our own seas that has to be seen to be believed. Alongside those you will see other wonders like Spider crabs and sun stars. One of the arrivals will be more familiar to many than most; “nemo” can now be found in a new clownfish exhibit positioned at a child friendly height. It’s not just aquatic species added to the collection a new 12ft Burmese Python has slithered its way onto site and can be seen with Butterflies and Leafcutter ants where a bossy queen leads a team of half a million ants (which will eventually grow to a colony of over 5 million!). It’s not just adult animals you will get to see, there are plenty of baby fish and animals on site that you can get to watch grow with an annual pass including baby poison dart frogs, baby piranhas (which don’t deserve their fearsome reputation) and archerfish.

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June 2021

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ESTATE PLANNING

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Lasting Power of Attorney? Loss of mobility or mental capacity can make it difficult to manage your affairs.

What if I am unable to manage my affairs? There may come a time in your life when you are unable to manage your financial affairs or personal welfare, owing to some form of incapacity and you will need someone to act on your behalf. Even when we are young, we can find ourselves incapacitated owing to illness or injury and it can be invaluable having a reliable person, who is able to manage your personal affairs and remove the anxiety of having unpaid bills, at a time when you most need peace of mind. Similarly, as we get older, the need for an attorney increases as we are more prone to illness and injuries.

Trusts, Probate and Funeral Plans. We offer the best possible advice at the time you need it most. Covid compliant, we can arrange an informal chat or meeting via zoom/skype at our offices or in the comfort of your own home. Please feel free to contact me on 01702 393838.

by Clive Rowe, Oracle Estate Planning in association with Countrywide SE LLP

What kind of LPA do I need? There are two types of LPA: Property and Financial LPA - This type gives your attorney the authority to deal with your property, your bills, bank account and investments. This can be used while someone is still capable but has chosen to delegate to their attorney. Personal Welfare LPA - This can only be used when you have lost capacity and are unable to make decisions for yourself. It gives someone you trust authority to make decisions about where you should live and what medical treatment you should receive.

Don’t leave it too late! Instead of preparing while we are physically and mentally fit enough, many of us choose to put off dealing with such unwanted eventualities until the inevitable happens and by then it’s too late.

Who can I rely on for sound advice? When estate planning, it is important that you can rely on the adviser. Oracle Estate Planning offers a friendly and professional service, including Wills, LPAs,

ORACLE estate planning

In association with Countrywide SE LLP 24

Will Writing • Power of Attorney • Trusts • Funeral Plans Will Updating & Storage Facilities • Probate Administration Call Clive Rowe on: 01702 393838 e: crowe@countrywide-se.com w: www.countrywide-se.co.uk Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend SS1 1AN

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June 2021

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THE WINDOW MAN 27

AUTO NEWS

Electric! The future is

or is it?

any of you will have read with some sense of disbelief the recent announcement from the Government regarding the accelerated commitment of plans to ban carbon-emitting vehicles in the UK from 2030, meaning that we have less than a decade to enjoy New petrol and Diesel-powered cars.

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Registrations for pure EV in 2020 were up 130% on 2019 with over 200,000 now on our roads a lot of this has been driven by the tax advantages for business users and this trend is set to continue in 2021, so what does this mean for us die hard combustion engine fans? It is a new generation For those of us that are old enough to remember the 70's and 80's our Heroes were Porsche 911 turbos, Ferrari Testarossas and Lamborghini Countachs which were emblazoned on our walls, where are the EV heroes coming from?, I honestly can't see my teenage sons reaching for the Blutak to stick pictures of Teslas and Taycans on their walls, it is

a new generation and complete change of mindset that is required from here on in.

Quiet and echo-friendly path I drive a Jaguar I Pace Full EV as a daily driver, it's fast, comfortable, and quiet, and that's all I can say really as it has no emotion outside of that description, but that's the point I suppose it's not meant to be exciting, and this has been creeping up on us for quite some time with the manufacturers dropping Halo Hybrid models like the Mclaren P1 and Ferrari LA Ferrari on us slowly getting us used to the idea of the Battery Motor with massive torque being the answer. Fear not it’s not all doom and gloom, I’m sure we will not all disappear into a Mad Max or demolition Man type demise, scratching around wasteland looking for fuel, it will be some years until we are forced into this quiet and eco-friendly path because there will still be lots of cars available for us to enjoy, and who knows quite a few of us might enjoy doing 0-100 in half a second whilst being driven by the car and reading your emails, EV might just be the way forward ?

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June 2021

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Advertorial

Who would you

trust with the care of a loved one?

he pandemic has brought many aspects of life into sharp focus, not least the loneliness and vulnerability of the older generation. There can’t be many of us who haven’t experienced the grief and anxiety caused by a loved one being trapped at home without the face-to-face love, support and companionship they so rely on. We’ve heard a lot in the news about the heart-breaking impact on residents of care homes, unable to see their loved ones because of restrictions on family visits. But we’ve heard a little less about those older people who choose to live at home but who still rely on the support of family, friends or visiting carers.

Care at home

This reliance is not unique to Covid times, so how can you make sure your loved one has the care and support they need when they need it?

It’s well-documented that the majority of older people would rather stay in their own homes, even if they require a little support to do so. Homecare is often the answer. It can provide flexible, needs-based care visits as required, while providing reassurance to family members that mum or dad is receiving the help, care and companionship they need.

The concept of “homecare” has never achieved the same degree of public awareness as residential care. Unless they’ve had first-hand experience, most people equate elderly care with care homes. And while they serve a vital function in the later stages of many people’s lives, care homes are only one piece of the care jigsaw.

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June 2021

see the need earlier than mum or dad may want to admit. This can make for awkward discussions. More worryingly, if delayed until an unexpected incident – a fall, illness, or rapid deterioration in mobility – families are suddenly faced with making urgent decisions about a situation they know precious little about. Caroline Southgate of Doris Jones, a Westcliff-based homecare company, makes a cautionary observation: “Most people have their Will in place, and even their funeral arrangements, many years before they need to be enacted. But very few consider arrangements for the period between full independence and their passing. This can often be many years, during which their happiness, health and wellbeing may well be dependent on the increasing support of others.” Unlike the dramatic upheaval of a move to residential care, home care is highly scalable. It might begin with a simple weekly visit to tidy the house, prepare a meal or go out for a walk. Then, as a relationship is formed and a person’s needs develop, visits may become more frequent. “We are well used to helping both clients and their families navigate those early stages,” explains Caroline. “Delivering outstanding quality homecare not only requires sensitive planning, it relies on great teamwork with everybody involved in a person’s wellbeing: GPs, pharmacists, visiting healthcare professionals, social workers and, of course, the family.” So where do you start? Finding the best homecare for a loved one can be a daunting task. There are over 200 homecare providers within 15 miles of Southend. And that’s just the ones registered with the Care Quality Commission.

For their advice on caring for your loved one, contact the team on 01702 472954, by email at enquire@ dorisjones.co.uk, or via their website: www. dorisjones.co.uk

Caroline’s company is one of very few local homecare providers rated “Outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

genuine recommendation from a trusted source. Caroline talks of a ‘trusted circle’ that surrounds each client – a group of people and organisations for whom the happiness, safety and wellbeing of the person requiring care is of paramount importance. The right care for an elderly relative “Every family has a trusted circle,” explains Caroline, “which might be comprised of family members, friends, neighbours, community groups, chur ches and so on. There might be someone you’d go to for advice on where to get your car serviced, or for restaurant recommendations. But who would you ask for help finding the right care for an elderly relative?” “We are hugely honoured to have become a part of many local families’ trusted circles over the years. And as those circles overlap, word spreads and more families come to us for support. The vast majority of our clients get in touch as a result of trusted recommendations – something which makes the whole team feel very proud indeed.” (For contact details, please see top of the page).

There are numerous sources of infor mation and advice, but nothing beats a June 2021

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HAIR & BEAUTY

When life gives you

lemons… O

ne topic of conversation has dominated the salon in the past few weeks; holidays. Okay, I know it is a classic hairdresser conversation starter - ‘Going anywhere nice…?’ – but after the Government further eased restrictions in May, everyone’s mind it seems has focused on when and where they’re going to escape to. The prospect of a sunnier, hotter change of scene is understandable, especially if you’ve not been away for a long while. In fact, the memory of a trip abroad reminded me of some advice I was given for acclimatising to the heat, drink a litre of water with slices of lemon in it when you first wake up. The water hydrates you and the citrus gives you a hit of Vitamin C and energy to fire up your system. But did you know that your skin and hair love lemons, too? In fact, they have a wide range of beauty benefits. Help to clear blocked pores Because they have strong antibacterial properties, you can make a clarifying moisturiser by mixing a few drops of coconut water and lemon juice. The coconut hydrates your skin, while the lemon clears and brightens it. Also, the citric acid is a natural form of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), so rubbing a slice of lemon on your face, typically the ‘T-zone’, can help to clear blocked pores.

by Craig Smith Director of Grateful Heads Hair Salon

The citrus can make your skin sensitive If you're prone to a greasy complexion, adding a couple of lemon and tea tree essential oil to 175 ml of water creates a natural toner which can be used with cotton pads as a cleansing wipe. If you wipe this over your freshly-washed face you’ll be stopping oil in its tracks. Of course, if you do follow these ideas – especially in sunnier climes – always wear SPF, because the citrus can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays. Finally, as a hairdresser, I’m bound to remind you that applying lemon juice direct to your hair is a great way to create sun-kissed DIY highlights. Apply it before you expose your hair to sunlight – and for an on-trend contrasting effect, focus the lemon juice just toward the ends of your hair. Just make sure you have enough lemons left for your gin ‘n’ tonic. Cin cin!

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June 2021

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June 2021

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Welcome back out of retirement Peter Morris and Sheila Kirby-Morris

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A LOCAL PLUMBER FOR LOCAL PEOPLE June 2021

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MP's COLUMN

Sunsets on the beach for dogs this summer!

he time of year has arrived again where responsible owners and their dogs are barred from our beaches for almost half a year. Rejoice for some people, but for many, a rule that seems a bit outdated and unfair.

The time of year has arrived again where responsible owners and their dogs are barred from our beaches for almost half a year. Rejoice for some people, but for many, a rule that seems a bit outdated and unfair. It’s no secret, I am an advocate of getting a year-round dog-friendly beach here in Southend. Not for any personal reasons, I do not own a dog, in fact I have three cats. But I genuinely believe it will be a benefit to our town - and boost our postCovid recovery. I appreciate it has become a local “Marmite” topic, you’re either for or against the idea. Those, like me, who are pushing for a dog-friendly beach believe it will encourage exercise, boost people’s mental health, and give Southend another unique selling point to visitors who may be looking for a day out, or staycation, with their fourlegged friend.

It’s also worth noting that some of the country’s most popular seaside destinations have already seized on the opportunity to allow dogs on beaches during the peak season. Cornwall, for example, allows dogs on many of its beaches in the morning and evenings. In Devon, they permit dogs on some of their beaches all year round, with restrictions on the busier beaches in place during the summer months. Benefit to local people and businesses Whatever the model, I do hope this does come to fruition in the near future. A bustling seaside resort where residents and visitors can come with their dogs all year round can only be of benefit to local people and local businesses.

James Duddridge MP Remember, I am here to help, so if there is anything that I, as your Member of Parliament, can assist you with then please do not hesitate to get in touch. My email address is james@ jamesduddridge.com, or you can call my Southend-based office on 01702 616135.

Restrictions on the busier beaches There are also legitimate safety concerns about allowing dogs on beaches during the peak season. Dog mess and out of control dogs are often the points raised during debates on the topic. That’s why designated dog-friendly zones in the quieter parts of a seafront - or timed exclusions - would be preferable, and one most people, I believe, would support. 42 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

June 2021

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June 2021

Advertisement Feature

Do you own a conservatory not fit for purpose? There are literally many 1000’s of home owners throughout the UK who own a conservatory, it is without doubt that a high majority are totally inefficient during the summer and winter months. Is this you, do you own a conservatory that is really not fit for purpose? A high number of conservatories installed during the late 80’s, 90’s and early 2000’s will have a polycarbonate roof. A roof with no insulation value and virtually zero protection from direct sunlight. This gives you a room which is far too hot during summer and has a fridge effect in winter. You also have a roof which is difficult to keep clean as well as being a haven for insects. The frustrating thing for many owners is that the conservatories are in a satisfactory condition, all double glazed with many years of life to offer. More and more home owners are opting to have a more thermally efficient roof installed. High-Tech have the perfect solution. A very popular option is to create a thermally efficient sky room by removing the existing roof. A timber frame roof will be constructed to building regulation standard. Timber joists are then reinforced to accept a glass lantern or flat roof light. Treated timber boarding and warm

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RECIPE

Heat the oven to 180C / fan oven 160C / gas 4 Line 2 baking sheets with baking parchment

Coconut and Pistachio Meringues with Berries Serves 6

Ingredients 3 large egg whites

by Judy Barden Next month: Lamb tikka with spiced carrot salad in flatbread

e are coming into the summer months where fresh red berries will be at their best. One of the most delicious desserts and a favourite with everyone is when they are teamed with meringue. Here I have added coconut and pistachio for a change. Enjoy!

80g caster sugar plus 1 2 tbsp extra 1 tsp cornflour 1 tsp white wine vinegar 50g desiccated coconut 0g unsalted, shelled 5 pistachio nuts, finely chopped 00g strawberries, 3 hulled and halved if large 300g raspberries 1 tbsp lemon juice 200ml double cream 100ml Greek yogurt

ORACLE estate planning

In association with Countrywide SE LLP 46

Whisk the egg whites until stiff, then whisk in the sugar a little at a time until the mixture is stiff and shiny. Stir in the cornflour and vinegar. Now using a large metal spoon fold in the coconut and half the pistachios. Divide the meringue evenly into 6 large dollops (you may need to do 3 on each tray). As you put them in the oven, turn down the oven to 150C/Fan 130C/gas 2 and cook the meringues for 50-60 minutes without opening the door. Turn off the oven and let the meringues cool in the residual heat of the oven. Mix all the berries with the lemon juice and 2 tbsp caster sugar about an hour before serving and they will release their juice. In a bowl whip the cream and yogurt until softly whipped. To serve, place a meringue on a serving plate, top with a spoonful of the cream mixture the berries, a little juice and then sprinkle with remaining pistachios

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June 2021

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Are you suffering from

depression? T

here is a world of difference between the feeling of being down, which is a normal part of our emotional make up and being clinically depressed, which is a medical condition or illness.

by Jacqui Sayer-Noble H.E.A.L.L / JSN Therapies

Anyone who has suffered a major loss, repressed trauma or prolonged stress over a long period of time, are predisposed to clinical depression. The reporting of depressive illness is reported to be at least 3 times higher since the COVID19 pandemic. The fear of catching the virus, dying as a result, together with the unprecedented lockdown, loss of loved ones, loss of freedom, losing your job, being furloughed, money issues, home schooling, restrictions, having little contact with other people has highlighted that fear and low mood for an extended period causes negative thoughts and beliefs which slowly develops into clinical depression. Seek help as you are important It is really important that if you are suffering from low mood, lack of self esteem, feel unhappy all of the time, feel anxious can’t get out of bed in the morning, lost interest in things you used to enjoy and in addition to physically feeling tired and lethargic, yet unable to sleep, loss of appetite and not looking after your self then it is important that you contact your GP as soon as possible and seek help as you are important.

There are no medals for trying to deal with this alone It is very important that if you have any suicidal thoughts that you tell someone and contact a doctor immediately. Seeking help when you need it is not a sign of weakness but a sign of courage. There are no medals for trying to deal with this alone and the longer you experience these feelings the longer it will take you to recover. At first instance you will be offered antidepressant or similar medication this can be very helpful with mood and anxieties but in addition there are many excellent therapists who are able to help you overcome such feelings and issues so there is help out there.

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MONEY MATTERS

What to consider before

investing in an ISA this year Y

ou might be dedicated to using up your annual ISA allowance, which stands at £20,000 in the 2021/22 tax year. But given the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on businesses and the economy, is it wise to invest your ISA allowance in the stock market?

Interest rates on cash are at a record low after the Bank of England cut the base rate to just 0.1%. Meanwhile, shares have the potential for greater returns over the long term once the market makes a full recovery from the crisis. Here are some factors to consider before putting your money in an Investment ISA in the current climate. Your timeframe You might want to focus on building up your cash reserves to boost your safety net. But if you don’t plan to access your money for many years, and 50

so have a long investment timeframe, now could be a good time to invest. A financial adviser can help to ensure you have the right split between cash and shares for your personal situation and financial goals. Stock market ebbs and flows are all part of investing, and the market has demonstrated that over time, no matter what crises are endured, it has recovered and often gone on to reach fresh highs.

Ensure you are diversified Consider where your money is already invested. Your money should ideally be spread across a variety of companies, sectors, and geographical locations. One way to ensure this without having to do the hard work yourself is by investing in a ready-made ISA portfolio. Plenty of wealth managers such as Brewin Dolphin offer Investment ISA portfolios that are already diversified. It’s generally considered wise to make use of your ISA allowance every year, if you can afford to do so. Investing in an ISA is a flexible and tax-efficient way to benefit from stock market growth. An adviser can help you boost your returns over time by providing tailored options suited to your personal circumstances.

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June 2021

to feel financially secure and your personal situation. A financial planner can help you with this by carrying out a cashflow analysis. You should only invest if you are comfortable with the risk that you could lose as well as gain money. However, the longer you invest, the less likely it is that your return will be impacted by stock market gyrations. Set fear aside When you’re investing, it’s important to focus on your longer-term goals. Bear in mind that if you have many years to go before you’ll need the money, you could benefit from major gains during some of the stock market’s most volatile periods. When the market falls, you could pick up shares at a cheaper price, and benefit from their potential recovery.

Brewin Dolphin Limited is a member of the London Stock Exchange, and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services Register reference number: 124444). Registered office: 12 Smithfield Street, London, EC1A 9BD. Registered in England and Wales – company number: 2135876. VAT number: GB 690 8994 69

You can drip feed your savings

Use it or lose it Bear in mind that you can often move money into your ISA account and hold this in cash until you are ready to invest. That’s if you aren’t comfortable with diving into the market just yet. This way, you ensure you use your ISA allowance, which can’t be carried over into the next tax year. Access to cash Ideally, you want enough cash set aside for six to nine months’ worth of living expenses, whatever your stage of life. This will help you pay for unexpected emergencies, such as home repairs or a period of unemployment. The right amount of cash depends on how much you need

The market might endure volatility for some time. No-one can know when markets will fully bounce back, and you may feel more comfortable drip-feeding your money into an Investment ISA over the tax year. Regular contributions to the stock market benefit from compounding, where you earn returns on your returns. Gradually putting money into the market over several months will mean you buy more shares when the market falls, and fewer when it rises. This may help to smooth volatility over the long term. The value of investments can fall and you may get back less than you invested. Neither simulated nor actual past performance are reliable indicators of future performance. Performance is quoted before charges which will reduce illustrated performance. Information is provided only as an example and is not a recommendation to pursue a particular strategy. Information contained in this document is believed to be reliable and accurate, but without further investigation cannot be warranted as to accuracy or completeness. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views held throughout Brewin Dolphin Ltd.

We are here to help you achieve your ambitions through expert, personalised financial planning. Rob Burgeman

June 2021

020 3201 3900 l www.brewin.co.uk www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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August June 2019 2021

Cloudy2Clear, A Local Service With A Smile. I think we can all agree that the sooner we see the back of 2020 and this dreadful corona virus the better. That said, there are also some heart warming positives that we can take out of this situation. It has often been said that we can only really get to know one another and realise what is truly important in times of crisis. I think few would argue that in this case what has proven to be important is local community spirit. When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear windows Chris Miller it became clear that these values have been held dear for a number of years. Since starting the business some years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their core values of

supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public money. The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. Chris commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help again”.

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Oracle June 2021

Articles inside

Coconut and Pistachio Meringues with Berries

When life gives you lemons

Sunsets on the beach for dogs this summer

The future is Electric! or is it?

Lasting Power of Attorney?