Oracle January 2024

Your all-seeing local

January 2024

Thorpe Bay, Southchurch, Garrison, Shoeburyness, Leigh, Chalkwell, Westcliff & Southend Conservation Area. Circulation: 14,000

Est.2005

COMPETITION WIN! Afternoon tea and unlimited Prosecco for four at Venecci Coffee Lounge

LOCAL ISSUES

Climate change

threatens Southend CHARITY Spotlight Radiotherapy Appeal Update

DAILY FROM 10 AM

TRAVEL Why Guernsey is a must COUNCIL Could you be a Foster Carer?

“ I would highly recommend this care agency, and often do, to anyone finding themselves in need of care. ” Jane C, daughter of a client

If we can help you, a loved one or friend to remain independent and live safely and happily at home, please get in touch. Call 01702 472954, visit our website dorisjones.co.uk or email enquire@dorisjones.co.uk

2

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January 2024

ORACLE

WELCOME

In this January edition, Mike O'Connor, a dedicated local resident and activist, sheds light on the Urgent Action Needed by Southend Council to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by their target of 2030.

He highlights the impact of rising temperatures on our community.

Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation, Spotlight Radiotherapy brings you an update on the successful Appeal to buy four Surface Guided Radiation Therapy machines for Southend Hospital.

Additionally, Southend Council appeals for local Foster carers, emphasising the vital role they play in our community. We're pleased to feature a new article by local travel writer Tim Saunders, who explores why Guernsey is a must-visit destination.

10 % CREAM

WE

This month Venecci Coffee Lounge, located on Thorpe Bay seafront is offering 4 x lucky people an afternoon tea with unlimited Prosecco, a great way to kick off those January blues: Visit their website for more information: www.venecci.co.uk To enter the Oracle/Venecci January competition visit www.oraclepublications.co.uk competition page, competition ends 31 January 2024 and is only open to over 18's.

As we embark on a new year, I want to extend my good wishes to you all, for a Happy and Healthy 2024!

Emma Wynne-Morgan Publisher

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

www.oraclepublications.co.uk info@oraclepublications.co.uk Oracle is now 100% recyclable

Oracle Publications and Creative Media @oracle_essex Est. 2005 January 2024

SALES & LETTINGS Call now: Sales 01702 588599 Lettings 01702 587755

www.oraclepublications.co.uk we hearet sales and lettings 66 x 193.indd 1

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CONTENTS

Vouchers accepted. Please bring voucher codes.

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Repairs

Climate Change Threatens Southend: Urgent Action Needed

9/10

Local Issues by Mike O'Connor

Spotlight Radiotherapy Update 16 Charity

Could you be a foster carer? 22 Council by Cllr Helen Boyd

Commendation for detective who cracked false rape claim case 24 Police Watch

Looking to 2024

34

MP's Column by Anna Firth MP

Business of the Month

39

BTMK

Why Guernsey is a must

40

Travel by Tim Saunders

Lower Calorie Beef Chow Mein 46 Recipe by Judy Barden

ŶĐĂƉƐƵůĂƚŝŽŶ ŽĨ ĞdžŝƐƚŝŶŐ ƚƌĂĚŝƚŝŽŶĂů ƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ŐůĂƐƐ͘ džŝƐƚŝŶŐ ƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ŐůĂƐƐ ŚĞƌŵĞƚŝĐĂůůLJ ƐĞĂůĞĚ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ Ϯ ƉĂŶĞƐ ŽĨ ŐůĂƐƐ ĨŽƌ ďĞƚƚĞƌ ĞŶĞƌŐLJ ĞĨĨŝĐŝĞŶĐLJ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƚŝŽŶ͘ dŚŝƐ ĐĂŶ ďĞ ŝŶƐƚĂůůĞĚ ďĂĐŬ ŝŶƚŽ ĞdžŝƐƚŝŶŐ ĨƌĂŵĞƐ Žƌ ŝŶƚŽ ŶĞǁ ĞŶĞƌŐLJ ĞĨĨŝĐŝĞŶƚ ƉǀĐƵ ĚŽƵďůĞ ŐůĂnjŝŶŐ͕ <ĞĞƉŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ĐŚĂƌĂĐƚĞƌ ĂŶĚ ĐŚĂƌŵ ŽĨ LJŽƵƌ ƚƌĂĚŝƚŝŽŶĂů ƐƚĂŝŶĞĚͲŐůĂƐƐ ǁŝŶĚŽǁƐ͘

Useful Numbers

52

Advertiser Index

54

Advertorials

Rayleigh Glass 6/7 Padel4All 15 Azets 25 Pace 28/29

^ƚĂŝŶĞĚ ŐůĂƐƐ ƌĞƉĂŝƌƐ ĞƐƉŽŬĞ ĚĞƐŝŐŶƐ͘ All rights reserved. No part of Oracle Publications UK Ltd may be reproduced or used in any form or &Žƌ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƚŝŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĨƌĞĞ ƋƵŽƚĂƚŝŽŶ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ by any means either wholly or in part without prior permission of the publisher. Oracle Publications UK Ltd ƌƚŝƐĂŶ ƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ŐůĂƐƐ͖ ϬϭϮϲϴ ϳϲϰϵϭϳͲ Ϭϳϵϳϳ ϴϳϲϲϯϯ is editorially autonomous and the opinions expressed ĞŵĂŝů͖ ĂƌƚŝƐĂŶƐƚĂŝŶĞĚŐůĂƐƐΛŽƵƚůŽŽŬ͘ĐŽŵ͘ are not those of the publisher unless expressly stated.

ĂƌƚŝƐĂŶ͘ƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ͘ŐůĂƐƐϭ

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January 2024

We roll out the Best!

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5

advertorial

Rayleigh Glass, 40 years and counting!

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e are celebrating over 40 years in business and are proud to say that we are still dedicated to providing excellent service and exceptional attention to detail, as we enter our 5th decade.

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Experience & Expertise

Safe & Secure

Many of our installation team and staff members have been with us for well over a decade and they enable us to provide a reliable, expert and quality approach to the work that we do.

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6

We can also reduce unwanted noise by using acoustic rated glass.

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Windows, doors, extensions and much more!

Internal Doors - stylish solutions to divide rooms and spaces

Our stylish internal aluminium doors are proving very popular. They are superb quality and can help to separate rooms and provide private and quiet areas.

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Phone: 01702 523233 Email: admin@rayleighglass.com

We are organised, friendly and keep you up to date with progress to ensure peace of mind and minimise mess and stress!

January 2024

Aluminium sliding doors by Rayleigh Glass

We offer a free design consultation to maximise space, performance and value for money Extensions – from start to finish Our project management experience enables us provide the complete package for our customers, installing stunning extensions from start to finish.

Full Extension completed

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If you have plans drawn up or need help getting started, we would be delighted to discuss your vision to see if we can transform this into reality.

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Conservatories & transformations We create modern, warm and inviting conservatories. They are a high performance solution to providing extra space.

In many cases we can refurbish existing conservatories, transforming an under used draughty space into a year round living space with a highly insulated roof.

www.oraclepublications.co.uk 7

^ŽƵƚŚĞŶĚ ŽƵŶ ĂŶĚ ŚĞĂƚŝŶŐ ;ϯϯ ƵƐĞ ;ϳйͿ͕ ƚƌĂŶƐ

ŽůůĂďŽƌĂƚŝŽŶ Ă ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽďůĞŵ ŽĨ ŽƵŶĐŝů ƉŽůŝĐŝĞƐ ŶŽƚ ůŝƚƚĞƌŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ

tŚŝůĞ /Ζŵ ƐƵƌĞ ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚ ĂŶĚ ǁŝůĚůŝĨĞ ŐŽ

BEFORE  Lime mortar  Repointing  Brick Cleaning  Brick Restoration  Chimney Restoration  HeliBar Installation

AFTER Fully insured

25 years of experience A local company

See website for customer testimonials

Phone: 01702 521802  07875546850 Email: b.stewart@imperialpointing.co.uk www.imperialpointing.co.uk

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tŽƌŬ ƚŽ ĚŽ ĨŽƌ

dŚĞ ŽǀĞƌǁŚĞůŵ ŝŶ Ăůů ĂƌĞĂƐ ŽĨ Ɖ

dŚĞ ůŽǁ ƐĐŽƌĞƐ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚĞĚ ďLJ ƚ ŚĂƐ ƚĂŬĞŶ ŽŶ Đů

January 2024 dŚĞ 'ŽǀĞƌŶŵĞ

ŚĂƐ ďĞĞŶ ĞdžĂĐĞ

LOCAL ISSUES

Climate Change Threatens Southend:

ŽƵŶĐŝů ǁĂƐ ƐĐŽƌĞĚ ǁĞůů ďĞůŽǁ ĂǀĞƌĂŐĞ ŝŶ Ăůů ƚŚĞ ƐĐŽƌĞĐĂƌĚ ĐĂƚĞŐŽƌŝĞƐ͗ ďŝŽĚŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJ ;ϭϱйͿ͕ ďƵ Ő ;ϯϯйͿ͕ ĐŽůůĂďŽƌĂƚŝŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĞŶŐĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ ;ϰϳйͿ͕ ŐŽǀĞƌŶĂŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ ĨŝŶĂŶĐĞ ;ϭϴйͿ͕ ƉůĂŶŶŝŶŐ ĂŶ ƌĂŶƐƉŽƌƚ ;ϭйͿ͕ ǁĂƐƚĞ ƌĞĚƵĐƚŝŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĨŽŽĚ ;ϮϱйͿ͘

Urgent Action Needed

ŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĞŶŐĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ ŝƐ ďĞůŽǁ ĂǀĞƌĂŐĞ ďƵƚ ƚŚŝƐ ŝƐ ŚƵŐĞůLJ ŝŵƉŽƌƚĂŶƚ ŝĨ ǁĞ ĂƌĞ ŐŽŝŶŐ ƚŽ ƚƌƵůLJ ƚ The cherished landscape of Southend, nestled where the Thames estuary meets the sea, is facing ŵ ŽĨ ůŝŵĂƚĞ ŚĂŶŐĞ͕ ďĞĐĂƵƐĞ ǁĞ ƌĞĂůůLJ ĚŽ Ăůů ŶĞĞĚ ƚŽ ǁŽƌŬ ƚŽŐĞƚŚĞƌ ŝŶ Ă ƌĂŶŐĞ ŽĨ ǁĂLJƐ͕ ĨƌŽ a silent storm – climate change. Once a concern of distant scientists, it is now a looming peril ůŝĐŝĞƐ ŽŶ ĐŝƚLJͲǁŝĚĞ ĞŶĞƌŐLJ ĐŽŶƐƵŵƉƚŝŽŶ ƚŽ ƐŵĂůů͕ ƐŝŵƉůĞ͕ ĂĐƚŝŽŶƐ ĞǀĞƌLJŽŶĞ ĐĂŶ ƚĂŬĞ͕ ĨŽƌ ĞdžĂŵ

demanding collective attention. This article highlights key climate change impacts on Southend and dŚĞ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ĂŶĚ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐĞƐ ŽĨ ^ŽƵƚŚĞŶĚ ŽĨƚĞŶ ĞdžƚŽů ƚŚĞ ǀŝƌƚƵĞƐ ŽĨ ŽƵƌ ůŽĐĂƚŝŽŶ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ dŚĂŵĞƐ ĞƐƚƵĂƌLJ͕ ǁŚĞƌĞ ƚŚĞ ƌŝǀĞƌ ŵĞĞƚƐ ƚŚĞ ƐĞĂ͕ ĂŶĚ ŽƵƌ ǁŽŶĚĞƌĨƵů ŶĂƚƵƌĂů ƚĂƉĞƐƚƌLJ ǁŽǀĞŶ ǁŝƚŚ ďƌŝŶLJ ƚŝĚĞƐ͕ ďŝƌĚͲƚĞĞŵŝŶŐ ŵƵĚĨůĂƚƐ͕ the city's response. Ő ƚŚĞ ƐĞĂĨƌŽŶƚ͘ ĂŶĚ ƐĂŶĚLJ ĨŽƌĞƐŚŽƌĞ͘ Ƶƚ ƚŚŝƐ ŵƵĐŚͲůŽǀĞĚ ůĂŶĚƐĐĂƉĞ͕ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ŚĞĂƌƚ ŽĨ ŽƵƌ ůŽĐĂů ŝĚĞŶƚŝƚLJ͕ ŝƐ ƵŶĚĞƌ ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ ĨƌŽŵ Ă ŐůŽďĂů ƚŚƌĞĂƚ͕ Ă ƐŝůĞŶƚ ƐƚŽƌŵ ďĞĂƌŝŶŐ ĚŽǁŶ ŽŶ ƵƐ Ͳ ĐůŝŵĂƚĞ ĐŚĂŶŐĞ͘

S

outhend faces a significant threat

Extreme weather events, including ƵƌĞ ƚŚĞ ŽƵŶĐŝů ǁŝůů ƐĂLJ ŝƚ ŚĂƐ ůŽĐĂů ƉůĂŶƐ ƚŽ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉ ƚŚĞ ŝƚLJ͕ ƚŚĞ ^ĐŽƌĞĐĂƌĚ ƐŚŽǁƐ ǁĞ ĂƌĞ Ŷ /ƚΖƐ ŶŽ ůŽŶŐĞƌ Ă ĚŝƐƚĂŶƚ ĐŽŶĐĞƌŶ ŽĨ ƐĐŝĞŶƚŝƐƚƐ ĂŶĚ ĂĐƚŝǀŝƐƚƐ͖ ŝƚΖƐ Ă ůŽŽŵŝŶŐ ƉĞƌŝů ƚŚĂƚ ĚĞŵĂŶĚƐ ŽƵƌ ĐŽůůĞĐƚŝǀĞ Kursaal resident from rising sea levels, resulting heatwaves, droughts, and storms, are ĂƚƚĞŶƚŝŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĂĐƚŝŽŶ͘ and Environmental ŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ƐĞŶƐĞ ŽĨ ƵƌŐĞŶĐLJ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŵŵŝƚŵĞŶƚ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ ƚŽ ƉƌŽƉĞƌůLJ ďĂůĂŶĐĞ ĞŶǀŝƌŽŶŵĞŶƚĂů͕ Đůŝŵ in increased flooding along the becoming more common and severe.

Activist

seafront.

Named storms like Brendan, Heatwaves strain healthcare services, Ğ ŐŽĂůƐ ĂůŽŶŐƐŝĚĞ ŽƵƌ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ ĂŶĚ ĞĐŽŶŽŵŝĐ ŶĞĞĚƐ͘ ZŝƐŝŶŐ ƐĞĂ ůĞǀĞůƐ Mike O'Connor

Ciaran, and Franklin have intensified this

causing spikes in heat-related illnesses.

KŶĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ƐŝŐŶŝĨŝĐĂŶƚ ŝŵƉĂĐƚƐ ŽĨ ĐůŝŵĂƚĞ ĐŚĂŶŐĞ ŽŶ ^ŽƵƚŚĞŶĚ ŝƐ ƌŝƐŝŶŐ ƐĞĂ ůĞǀĞůƐ͘ &ůŽŽĚŝŶŐ ŝƐ ƐŽŵĞƚŚŝŶŐ issue, with forecasts indicating larger Southend Hospital witnesses increased ƚŚĂƚ ŚĂƐ ŽĨƚĞŶ ďĞĞŶ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞĚ ďLJ ƚŚŽƐĞ ůŝǀŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ĂůŽŶŐ ƚŚĞ ƐĞĂĨƌŽŶƚ͕ ŽĨƚĞŶ ǁŚĞŶ ŶĂŵĞĚ ƐƚŽƌŵƐ

ŚĂǀĞ ƚŽƵĐŚĞĚ ĚŽǁŶ͕ ƚŚĞ ůŝŬĞƐ ŽĨ ƌĞŶĚĂŶ͕ ŝĂƌĂŶ ĂŶĚ &ƌĂŶŬůŝŶ͕ ĂŶĚ ƚŚŝƐ ŝƐ ŽŶůLJ ŐŽŝŶŐ ƚŽ ŐĞƚ ǁŽƌƐĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ areas of Southend at risk in the coming cases of heatstroke and respiratory ĨƵƚƵƌĞ͘ ^ŝŐŶŝĨŝĐĂŶƚ ƉĂƌƚƐ ŽĨ ^ŽƵƚŚĞŶĚ ĂƌĞ ŶŽǁ ĨŽƌĞĐĂƐƚ ƚŽ ďĞ Ăƚ ƌŝƐŬ ŽĨ ĨůŽŽĚŝŶŐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŶĞdžƚ ƚŚƌĞĞ ĚĞĐĂĚĞƐ͕ decades. problems during these events. ĂĐĐŽƌĚŝŶŐ ƚŽ ĞdžƉĞƌƚƐ͘

Ž ĨŽƌ ŽƵƌ ŝƚLJ ůĞĂĚĞƌƐ

ŚĞůŵŝŶŐ ŵĞƐƐĂŐĞ ŝƐ ƚŚĞƌĞ ŝƐ ĞŶŽƌŵŽƵƐ ǁŽƌŬ ƚŽ ĚŽ ŝĨ ƚŚĞ ŝƚLJ ǁĂŶƚƐ ƚŽ ĚĞŵŽŶƐƚƌĂƚĞ ƌĞĂů ůĞĂĚ Changes in Temperature and ŽĨ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƚŝŶŐ ŽƵƌ ŶĂƚƵƌĂů ĞŶǀŝƌŽŶŵĞŶƚ͘ Precipitation Climate change is altering temperature

and precipitation patterns in Southend. ŽƌĞƐ ƌĞĨůĞĐƚ ƉŽŽƌůLJ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ĐƵƌƌĞŶƚ ^ŽƵƚŚĞŶĚ ĚŵŝŶŝƐƚƌĂƚŝŽŶ ďƵƚ ƚŚĞƌĞ ĂƌĞ ĂůƐŽ ŶĂƚŝŽŶĂů ƉŽůŝ Warmer summers, milder winters, and ďLJ ƚŚĞ ĐƵƌƌĞŶƚ 'ŽǀĞƌŶŵĞŶƚ ƚŚĂƚ ŵĂŬĞ ŝƚ ŶĞĐĞƐƐĂƌŝůLJ ŚĂƌĚĞƌ ĨŽƌ ^ŽƵƚŚĞŶĚ ƚŽ ĚĞůŝǀĞƌ ŽŶ ƉůĞ increased rainfall, particularly in winter

ŽŶ ĐůŝŵĂƚĞ ĐŚĂŶŐĞ ĂŶĚ ǁŝůĚůŝĨĞ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƚŝŽŶ͘ months, impact infrastructure and Land shaded red is projected to be below annual flood level in 2050 &ŝŐƵƌĞ ϭ͘ > E ^, Z /^ WZK: d dK >Kt EEh > &>KK > s > /E ϮϬϱϬ

January 2023 www.oraclepublications.co.uk 9 ŶŵĞŶƚ ŚĂƐ ŵĂĚĞ ŶƵŵĞƌŽƵƐ hͲƚƵƌŶƐ ŽŶ ĐůŝŵĂƚĞ ĂŶĚ ďŝŽĚŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJ ƉŽůŝĐŝĞƐ ŝŶ ƌĞĐĞŶƚ LJĞĂƌƐ ĂŶ DŽƌĞ ĞdžƚƌĞŵĞ ǁĞĂƚŚĞƌ ĞǀĞŶƚƐ ůŝŵĂƚĞ ĐŚĂŶŐĞ ŝƐ ĂůƐŽ ŵĂŬŝŶŐ ĞdžƚƌĞŵĞ ǁĞĂƚŚĞƌ ĞǀĞŶƚƐ ŵŽƌĞ ĐŽŵŵŽŶ ĂŶĚ ƐĞǀĞƌĞ͘ ^ŽƵƚŚĞŶĚ ŚĂƐ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞĚ ĞdžĂĐĞƌďĂƚĞĚ ďLJ Ă ůĂĐŬ ŽĨ ĨƵŶĚŝŶŐ ƉƌŽǀŝƐŝŽŶ͘ dŚĞƐĞ ĂƌĞ ƐŝŐŶŝĨŝĐĂŶƚ ŽďƐƚĂĐůĞƐ ƚŽ ŽǀĞƌĐŽŵĞ ĨŽƌ

LOCAL ISSUES

Nature at Two Tree natural habitats. Belfairs Wood, home to environmental goals with &ŝŐƵƌĞ Ϯ͘ EĂƚƵƌĞ Ăƚ dǁŽ dƌĞĞ /ƐůĂŶĚ ŝƐ ƵŶĚĞƌ ƚŚƌĞĂƚ ĨƌŽŵ ƌŝƐŝŶŐ ƐĞĂ ůĞǀĞůƐ ĂŶĚ ƚĞŵƉĞƌĂƚƵƌĞ ĐŚĂŶŐĞ Island is under threat development and economic needs. endangered Dormice, faces disruption from rising sea levels The low scores reflect the need for to hibernation, causing population loss. and temperature change greater leadership and dedication to Changes in foreshore waters threaten

valuable Eelgrass beds around Two-Tree

tŚĂƚ ŝƐ ďĞŝŶŐ ĚŽŶĞ ĂďŽƵƚ ĐůŝŵĂƚĞ ĐŚĂŶŐĞ ŝŶ ^ŽƵƚŚĞŶĚ͍ Island.

protect the natural environment.

Local residents and businesses must pressure the council to act. Writing to ^ŽƵƚŚĞŶĚ ŽƵŶĐŝů ŚĂƐ ĚĞĐůĂƌĞĚ Ă ĐůŝŵĂƚĞ ĞŵĞƌŐĞŶĐLJ ĂŶĚ ŝƐ ĐŽŵŵŝƚƚĞĚ ƚŽ ƌĞĚƵĐŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ĐŝƚLJΖƐ ĐĂƌďŽ Southend's Climate Action councillors, participating in council ĂŶĚ ďĞĐŽŵŝŶŐ ŶĞƚ njĞƌŽ ďLJ ϮϬϯϬ͘ dŚĞ ŽƵŶĐŝů ŚĂƐ ƐƚĂƚĞĚ ŝƚ ŝƐ ĐŽŶƐŝĚĞƌŝŶŐ ĐůŝŵĂƚĞ ĂĐƚŝŽŶƐ ƚŚĂƚ ǁŝůů ď meetings, and supporting community Efforts initiatives are vital steps. Individual Southend Council has declared a ƌĞĚƵĐĞ ĞŵŝƐƐŝŽŶƐ͕ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ͗ actions, such as reducing energy climate emergency, pledging to consumption, supporting renewable achieve net zero carbon emissions • ŝŶǀĞƐƚŝŶŐ ŝŶ ƌĞŶĞǁĂďůĞ ĞŶĞƌŐLJ ƐŽƵƌĐĞƐ͕ ƐƵĐŚ ĂƐ ƐŽůĂƌ ĂŶĚ ǁŝŶĚ ƉŽǁĞƌ energy, and embracing sustainable by 2030. Proposed actions include • ŝŵƉƌŽǀŝŶŐ ĞŶĞƌŐLJ ĞĨĨŝĐŝĞŶĐLJ ŝŶ ŚŽŵĞƐ ĂŶĚ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐĞƐ transportation, contribute to a climateinvesting in renewable energy, conscious culture. enhancing energy efficiency, • ƉƌŽŵŽƚŝŶŐ ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĂďůĞ ƚƌĂŶƐƉŽƌƚ͕ ƐƵĐŚ ĂƐ ĐLJĐůŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ǁĂůŬŝŶŐ promoting sustainable transport, and • ƉůĂŶƚŝŶŐ ŵŽƌĞ ƚƌĞĞƐ ĂŶĚ ĐƌĞĂƚŝŶŐ ŐƌĞĞŶ ƐƉĂĐĞƐ As a Kursaal resident and increasing green spaces. environmental activist, Mike O'Connor emphasizes the urgent Shockingly, Southend Borough

need for Southend Council leaders Council's climate action ranks to respond to the alarming report.

164th out of 181 councils in the ,Žǁ ŝƐ ĐůŝŵĂƚĞ ĂĐƚŝŽŶ ƉƌŽŐƌĞƐƐŝŶŐ͍ Despite national policies and funding UK, according to a report by Climate challenges, local actions can make Emergency UK (CEUK).

Scores are / ǁĂƐ ƐŚŽĐŬĞĚ ƚŽ ůĞĂƌŶ ƚŚĂƚ ^ŽƵƚŚĞŶĚ ŽƌŽƵŐŚ ŽƵŶĐŝůΖƐ ĂĐƚŝŽŶ ŽŶ ĐůŝŵĂƚĞ ĐŚĂŶŐĞ ŚĂƐ ďĞĞŶ ƌĂŶŬ a significant impact, saving the city below average in categories like ƚŚĞ ǁŽƌƐƚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ h<͕ ĂĐĐŽƌĚŝŶŐ ƚŽ Ă ŶĞǁ ƌĞƉŽƌƚ ďLJ ůŝŵĂƚĞ ŵĞƌŐĞŶĐLJ h< ; h<Ϳ͘ dŚĞ ƌĞƉŽƌƚ ƌĂŶŬ millions in the long term. biodiversity, buildings, collaboration, ϭϲϰƚŚ ŽƵƚ ŽĨ ϭϴϭ ĐŽƵŶĐŝůƐ ŽŶ ŝƚƐ ƉƌŽŐƌĞƐƐ ƚŽǁĂƌĚƐ ŶĞƚ njĞƌŽ͘ governance, planning, transport, waste In conclusion, Southend faces reduction, and food. imminent threats from climate

change, demanding urgent and effective action. By rallying together, Challenges for Southend residents, businesses, and community Southend Council leaders organisations can guide Council must address the urgency and leaders in creating a climate-resilient commitment required to balance Southend.

10

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CHARITY

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Spotlight Radiotherapy Update

S

outhend Hospital Charitable Foundation’s Spotlight Radiotherapy Appeal celebrated a significant milestone in December – surpassing the halfway mark to raise over £325,000!

The Appeal, launched in February 2023, aims to raise £600,000 to purchase four new Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT) devices for the Radiotherapy department.

SGRT has significant benefits for patients receiving radiotherapy. It removes the need for permanent tattoo placement marks and the accompanying psychological impact. It delivers greater accuracy, protecting healthy tissue from possible damage and eliminates the need for full-faced shell masks for those being treated for head and neck cancer.

The trustees and charity team at Southend hospital have been overwhelmed by the response from the local community. We would like to thank all those who have contributed, large or small to helping to make the vision of SGRT a reality for patients in Mid and South Essex.

For more information about the appeal and fundraising events for 2024 please visit: www.spotlightappeal.org or call 01702 385337

Fundraising Highlights from 2023 include: l Spotlight Charity Ball at The Boundary organised by Emma Wynne – Morgan raising £20,100 l Afternoon tea at Porters and Black-Tie Dinner organised

by Sally Carr l Charity Garage Night – organised by Emma Cox and Kate Weir l Ruma Fashion show raised £2700 organised by Ruth Morris l Jazz Evening - organised by Dr Eric Watts l Rotary District 1240 coming together to make a combined donation of £10,310 l Charity Shop appeals at Hadleigh, Westcliff and Leigh on Sea l Thorpe Bay Tennis Club coffee morning and Jam jar appeal kindly co-ordinated by Sandra Gundy l Various Asda Shoebury community collections raising over £500 l Vine & Cheese evening organised by Jane & Mark Wilmour We look forward to another successful year of fundraising and wish all our supporters a Happy New Year.

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21 22/11/2023 09:16

COUNCIL

Could you be a

foster carer?

I

t’s been a great privilege in my role as a cabinet member to work closely with the council’s fostering team to raise awareness of the local shortage of foster carers.

Foster carers play a vital role in giving local children, who may not have had the best start in life, a secure place to call home so that they feel safe enough to flourish. I’m passionate about keeping children near to familiar surroundings and making sure all local children have the childhood they deserve.

I’ve been involved in a host of recruitment activities to help promote the council’s improved financial rewards package for foster carers that was launched in April last year including council tax exemption, increased fees and allowances and additional annual financial support to help celebrate birthdays, Christmas and money towards a holiday.

Back in October I joined the fostering team and our amazing foster carers on our famous Pier for a leisurely walk to promote the great work they do.

Then in November I was honoured to be part of a special celebration event hosted by The Mayor to thank our foster carers – it was a wonderful evening and there were more than a few tears as we heard from children about the difference their foster carers 22

have made to their lives. In December, I attended a festive carol concert.

The choir from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School in Leigh-on-Sea made their debut performance in the Council Chamber at the Civic Centre entertaining everyone with joyous melodies and festive carols.

By Cllr Helen Boyd Cabinet member for children and learning cllrhelenboyd@ southend.gov.uk

Thanks to our foster carers This concert was part of the council’s festive campaign to ask anyone that lives in or on the outskirts of our city to help us make sure every child in Southend has the Christmas they deserve.

And finally, I’d like to send my best wishes for the New Year to our foster carers and thank them for the invaluable help and support they provide to the children of Southend.

If you have space in your heart and home, please do get in touch with our fostering team. To find out more visit: www.southendfostering.co.uk.

Alternatively, to speak to one of the team call 01702 212938 or email fostering@southend.gov.uk

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Police Watch v

Commendation for detective who cracked false rape claim case

A

detective whose work led to a woman being jailed after making a series of false rape allegations has been commended by Essex Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington.

Detective Inspector James Holmes had only been in post with the South Adult Sexual Abuse Investigation Team for a month when the woman first reported being attacked in January 2021.

“Our objective was to get her the help she needed but the only avenue open to us was criminal justice and court because she wouldn’t engage with us or the Crown Prosecution Service. Taking her to court was the last resort.”

By May of that year, 60 investigations were underway against two men. But, as DI Holmes and his team progressed their enquiries, they uncovered data that showed the men weren’t in the areas at the times the woman alleged the assaults had taken place.

“We take every report of rape and serious sexual offences seriously and our starting point is always to believe the victim.

If it's an emergency, always call DI Holmes then suggested one of the men have a GPS tracking tag fitted to his ankle.

When the woman made another allegation against the man, analysis of the tag’s data again showed he was not where the woman claimed he was. James was commended for the professionalism, innovation and impartiality he showed during the investigation.

Praising the work of his team, James says it’s good to be recognised for what was a very challenging investigation involving three vulnerable people who all needed to be safeguarded. He explains:

Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said: “This was an extremely complex case but James’ innovative thinking was key to disproving the accuser’s claims.

“But it is vital for us, as police officers, to remember that people are innocent until proven guilty. If the evidence points a different way, it is our duty to follow it, as was the case in this investigation.

“The woman made 60 allegations which took up a huge amount of police time, which could have been devoted to helping, and investigating the claims of, genuine victims.

“I hope this case does not discourage any victim of rape and other sexual assaults from reporting offences to us and seeking help. You will be believed, we will support you and we will investigate.”

The woman was jailed for five years and one month in September 2022 after admitting ten counts of perverting the course of justice.

Keep up to date with the latest news from Essex Police on facebook.com/EPSouthend and @EPSouthend on Twitter.

24

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If you are unsure, then you are probably paying more tax than necessary. With the end of the tax year on the horizon, now is the time to act to potentially reduce your tax liability.

Income tax

Overseas aspects

l Capitalise on the tax advantages of marriage

l Leave home l Stay away

l Sharing assets with your spouse l Beware of rising income l If you have a share portfolio, consider using your £20k a year ISA allowance Get ready for the basis period reform

Inheritance tax l Give it all away l Make more smaller gifts

In our latest tax planning guide, we l Invest in IHT-favoured assets cover a number of actions you may l The importance of an updated will need to consider ahead of the tax Employment tax year end (see below). Given that l Considering a new car? Think Pensions time is running out, you should start electric l Consider making big pension your planning now to maximise tax l Salary sacrifice contributions… efficiency, which could ultimately lead Maximise tax saving opportunities lbefore 5National AprilInsurance 2024 - a tax Changes to l …but don’t make contributions that to all-important cash tax savings as are too big l Are you a remote worker/hybrid planning businessesguide and individuals continue to worker? (Travel and subsistence) l You don’t have to buy an annuity in grapple with the economic challenges retirement With 2022/2023 tax returns needing to be submitted ahead of 31 January 2024, and uncertainty. l Ask someone Carryback planning individuals and businesses should now be looking at final planning for tax year end on 5 else to pay into your pension April 2024. l Can you convert capital losses to

We are here to help

Ě Some of the suggestions are time

sensitive, Paul East therefore please seek advice as soon as possible. Please get in touch Paul.east@azets.co.uk for a copy of our full tax planning guide,

or scan the QR code below. To discuss any of the areas below in more detail, contact Paul East, Partner at Azets. paul.east@azets.co.uk

January 2024

income losses?

l Use trading losses before you made the loss l Don’t pay your capital gains tax l Charity begins at home

Capital gains

l Set your grandchildren up for retirement

l You don’t have to draw on your pension

Investments l Consider alternative investments

l Make the most of your annual exemptions

l Invest seed capital in small business

l Thinking of selling an asset?

l ISAs are an easy way to save taxes

l Act now to beat the (possible) changes

l Consider a family investment company

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Pace wins gold for their excellent customer service at prestigious ESTAS awards

property professionals

LETTING AGENT TENANT AWARDS 2023

GOLD WINNER SOUTH EAST (ESSEX )

PACE PROPERTIES

Pace Property Lettings and Management are proud to announce they have received accolades in 3 categories at the recent ESTAS Customer Service Awards in recognition for their outstanding customer service experience.

The awards are the biggest in the UK property industry and winners were announced at a ceremony hosted by TV property presenter Phil Spencer at Grosvenor House in London.

Estate and letting agents were recognised in regions and post codes from around the UK.

The awards, which this year celebrated their 20th birthday, recognise the best estate and letting agents for customer service based on verified reviews from clients who have been through the entire house moving experience.

The ESTAS meticulously monitors service ratings over a 12-month period to provide an accurate overview of the service quality provided to clients. The Standard of Excellence recognition serves as a prestigious indicator, affirming the consistent service performance of all firms shortlisted in 2023.

This year’s results were calculated from over 300,000 customer review ratings across all categories and Pace Property Lettings and Management received well-deserved recognition in 3 categories: Letting Agent Tennant Award for South East (Essex) – Gold Letting Agent Landlord Award for South East (Essex) – Bronze

Marcus James, Branch Manager and Associate Director with Sophia Michael, Lettings and Sales Consultant.

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Best in Postcode (SS1) for Sales and Lettings (Landlord and Tenants)

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January 2024

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Marcus James, Crystal Horwood and Martin Ransom from Pace Properties

Phil Spencer, who has hosted The ESTAS every year since their inception in 2003 addressed the live audience: “Everyone shortlisted here today has attained the ESTAS Standard of Excellence which is based purely on service ratings from customers at the end of the moving experience, giving a highly accurate overview of the standard of service that’s been delivered to the end client.”

Ben Marley, Commercial Director at The ESTAS said “When we started we wanted to create a set of property awards which were completely pure, where winners were selected solely on customer service ratings from actual transactions. Two million reviews and 20 years later ESTAS is now the customer review platform of choice for property professionals and the most prestigious award an agent, a conveyancer, mortgage broker or supplier can win in the property industry.”

Chief Executive of Pace, Crystal Horwood, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to be recognised in this year’s ESTAS, in not just one, but 3 categories, especially as we’ve been awarded gold for the first time. This means January 2024

a great deal to us as we have always been very proud of the service we offer, so to be acknowledged by our clients in this way is wonderful. We work hard to ensure that our levels of customer service are second to none and take this very seriously. We want our customers to know they are all at the heart of what we do and we’re over the moon to have been recognised for this. The team really deserves this award.”

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MP'S COLUMN

Looking to 2024 I

can hardly believe that 2024 is upon us, and with it, nearly two years in elected office. It has been the greatest privilege of my life to serve the people of Southend and Leigh-onSea, and I am so proud of everything we have achieved so far.

by Anna Firth MP

Conservative MP for Southend West anna.firth.mp @parliament.uk

34

From closing a loophole in our law regarding the possession of zombie knives, securing worldleading solutions to water surface management through my innovative water summits and delivering the promised £110 million of capital funding to Southend Hospital, I feel we are well on the way to making Southend a safer, healthier and wealthier place for all. I am always hugely impressed by the incredible community spirit throughout the area, and nothing came to the fore more than over Christmas, where so many people were so generous in their provision of toys to the children of Neptune Ward. It was a real honour to be able to present the gifts to the children in early December, and be able to bring a little comfort to those who need it most.

While I am of course delighted to have made such progress over the course of my tenure so far, I am – like all of us – looking to the future and to what I hope will be a productive 2024.

First Apprenticeship Fair Having brought forward the Pet Abduction Bill, my new Private Member’s Bill, before the festive period began, I look forward to dedicating much of my time to seeing its successful passage into law. The beginning of the year will also see my first Apprenticeship Fair, which will connect students with education providers and businesses to allow them to explore options that suit them best, and I am very much looking forward to continuing to work with key stakeholders across all areas of our local community as the year continues.

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RECIPE

Lower Calorie Beef Chow Mein

T

his recipe just serves 2 and when trying to cut down in January forget the takeaways and try this healthier option.

Fillet is expensive so you could replace with a cheaper cut. Its very quick to make in a wok or frying pan and super tasty. Enjoy!

by Judy Barden Next month’s recipe: 'Roasted Satay Cauliflower'

INGREDIENTS (Serves 2) 2 wholemeal or regular noodle nests (85g) 2 tsp rapeseed or sesame oil  200g lean fillet steak, fat removed and cut into strips 1 small red onion (100g), finely chopped  15g piece of ginger, peeled and finely chopped 160g chestnut mushrooms, thickly sliced 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 160g ready-to-eat beansprouts 1½ tsp tamari (or soy sauce) ½ tbsp rice vinegar(optional)  4 spring onions (65g), cut into diagonal lengths Cook the noodles following pack instructions, drain and toss in a little oil so they don’t stick together. Meanwhile, heat half the oil in a wok, Stir-fry the onion, ginger and mushrooms until softened. Add a drop of water to prevent burning, if needed and cook covered for 2-3 mins. Tip onto a plate, set aside, then add the remaining oil to the wok and stir-fry the beef over a high heat for 30 seconds until browned.

Add the garlic for 1 minute and add back the onions and mushrooms etc Mix the tamari and vinegar together in a small bowl with 2 tbsp water. Add the drained noodles to the wok, toss well, then add the tamari mixture and spring onions. Stir-fry for 46

a few minutes until heated through. Add the beansprouts for the last minute. Season with plenty of black pepper, give it a stir and serve piping hot. (note: if you want a but of spice add a sliced red chilli)

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T: 01702 780055 W: www.santrydavis.co.uk E: admin@santrydavis.co.uk

January 2024

HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR AND UPGRADE TO TRIPLE GLAZED WINDOWS IN 2024

Choose triple glazing when replacing your windows for better energy efficiency and increased insulation performance with a significant reduction in heat loss.

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Climatec

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Home Improvements

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Climatec Home Improvements Ltd is part of the Climatec Group Installsure.co.uk Fletchers Square, Temple Farm Industrial Estate, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS2 5RN

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January 2024

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NO JOB TOO SMALL CIRCUITRY FAULT FINDING l EXTRA LIGHTS AND SOCKETS l CONSUMER UNIT UPGRADES l SECURITY LIGHTING l 24 HOUR CALL OUT l NO CALL OUT CHARGE l l

OAP’s 20%

Goodwill reduction 48

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January 2024

The Angel Inn Pie & Pint Tuesday returns 9th January

Curry Night Last Thursday of each Month Sunday Roast Dinners Walk-ins Welcome Dog Friendly

January 2024

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Emergency Electrician Established locally over 25 years Companionship and Driving Service l Driving Miss Daisy Southend-on-Sea l Making a real difference in people’s lives Combat Isolation and Loneliness l Get out and about l Enjoy life, socialise with friends and family Medical or Social Events l Attend with us by your side l No limits, only your imagination Trained, Insured, and DBS Checked Team

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Selling, managing and letting properties consistently for over 20 years.

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50

sales : 01702 334353 lettings : 01702 390990

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January 2024

CLASSIFIED Established in 1979

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41 Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1BW

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January 2024

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ORACLE 01702 393 838

USEFUL NUMBERS Advice & Helplines

Child Protection Citizens Advice Crimestoppers Cruse Bereavement Care Drugs, Alcohol & Substance Misuse HARP – Southend's Homeless Charity Jobcentre Southend National Drugs Freephone Pier & Foreshore Inspectors Samaritans Freephone Southend Carers Southend Council Civic Centre Southend Talking Newspaper Victim Support Group

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52

Hospitals & Health

435555

Southend General Hospital

Pharmacies

Bansal Pharmacy 587500 178 The Broadway, Mon–Fri 9–6.30pm/Sat 9–1pm Howells and Harrison Thorpe Bay Pharmacy 582658 The Broadway, Mon–Fri 9–6.30pm/Sat 9–5.30pm Closed 1–2pm Wed+Sat

Local MP

Anna Firth (Conservative) (Southend West) 020 7219 4098 James Duddridge (Conservative) (Southend East) 616135

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Downes & Prtnrs, Veterinary Surgeon RSPCA Rochford

584511 0300 1234 999

Police emergency Police non-emergency Essex Police Marine Unit HM Coastguard

999 101 01245 452815 01702 294998

Police Services

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Southend Forum 215011 Bournes Green Post Office 582241 Traveline 0871 200 2233 Arriva Southend 0844 800 4411 First 01268 525251 National Express 08705 80 80 80 Odeon Cinema 0871 2244007 SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmens Families Assoc.)

463113 24 hour Emergency Homeless Shelter 430696

B&S

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FREE FRIENDLY QUOTES AND ADVICE We are a small family run business Small Enough To Care, Large Enough To Cope Call Bill On The Number Below:

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January 2024

Don't heat the street!

Proudly Providing the Complete Service Mend or replace draughty windows and help those energy bills!

WE REPAIR AND REPLACE THE FOLLOWING:  Windows handles  Locks  Hinges  Misted or broken glass  Adjusting windows or doors  Door knockers  Panels Specialist installers and service engineers in all forms of double glazing, triple glazing, UPVC, aluminium and hardwood windows, doors, conservatories and roof line.

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WINDOWS | DOORS | INSTALLATION | REPAIRS

@thewindowmanessex January 2024

www.thewindowmanessex.net

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53

WIN NEW CLIENTS * WIN NEW CLIENTS * WIN NEW CLIENTS * WIN NEW CLIENTS

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DIRECTORY ACCOUNTANTS Azets 25 Santry Davis 46 AESTHETICS BEAUTY Image & Beauty 17 AIRPORT TRANSFERS Air & Back 50 A. Licensed Cars 17 AUCTION HOUSE Stacey's 31 BLINDS, SHUTTERS & CURTAINS Worth & Co. 32 BLOCK PAVING Brooks Paving 38 BUILDING SUPPLIES St Ann's 45 CAR DEALERSHIPS Toomey's 11/56 CARE Doris Jones 2 CARPETS & FLOORING Trade Carpets 5 COMPANIONSHIP & DRIVING SERVICE Driving Miss Daisy 50 DENTAL Royal Mews Dental Practice 20/37 DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIR Cloudy2Clear 44 Window Man 52 ELECTRICAL DMB Electrical 33 Emergency Electrician 50 Need an Electrician 48 RDM Electrical 35 ENTERTAINMENT & LEISURE SeaLife Adventure 18 Genting Casino 1 EQUITY REALEASE Red 21 ESTATE AGENTS Hunt Roche 3

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PAINTING & DECORATING JA Cox Decorating 19 GMH Renovations 38 MK Decorating Services 41 PROPERTY MAINTENANCE THM Property Maintenance 42 PLASTERER First Class Plastering 35 PLUMBING & HEATING AB Maintenance 33 ATS Heating & Plumbing 41 Hammond & Sons 19 Robert Bailey Plumbing & Heating 38 Southend-On-Sea Plumbing 42 PUBLIC HOUSE Angel Inn 49 REPOINTING & BRICK CLEANING Imperial Pointing 8 RESTAURANTS Venecci 13 ROOFING SERVICES Barretts Roofing Contractors 35 BB Roofing 19 High-Tech Membrane Roofing 43 P Howarth Roofing 49 CSJ Freeman & Sons 26 Unique Roofing Solutions 51 SOLICITORS BTMK 36/39 SPORT & LEISURE Padel4All 15 STAINED GLASS Artisan Glass 4 STORAGE SOLUTIONS Your Space Designed For You 26 TV, DIGITAL & SKY Apex Aerials Ltd 51 WEIGHT LOSS Lighter Life 33 WINDOWS & DOORS Estuary Windows 12 Rayleigh Glass 6/7

54

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January 2024

SALE NOW ON! l SALE NOW ON! l SALE NOW ON! l SALE NOW ON!

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ARTISAN

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January 2024

517 - 529 Southchurch Road. Southend-on-Sea SSl 2PH Mon-Sat9am -S:30pm lsun10am- 4pm

ARTISAN

517 - 529 Southchurch Road. Southend-on-Sea SSl 2

Mon-Sat9am -S:30pm lsun10am- 4

ARTISAN

517 - 529 Southchurch Road. Southend-on-Sea SSl 2PH Mon-Sat9am -S:30pm lsun10am- 4pm

517 - 529 Southchurch Road. Southend-on-Sea SSl 2PH

517 - 529 Southchurch Road. Southend-on-Sea SSl 2PH Mon-Sat9am -S:30pm lsun10am- 4pm

Mon-Sat9am -S:30pm lsun10am- 4pm

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

ARTISAN

55

517 - 529 Southchurch Road. Southend-on-Sea SSl 2