Leigh September 2011

Leigh-on-Sea

September ‘11

ORACLE

Sixth Anniversary Issue Leigh at a glance Est. Oct 2006. Circulation 5,500

Oracle Competition WIN! £50 Waitrose Voucher

Local Issues

A Grateful Nation Soon Forgot

Recipe Cider Pork with Apples and Mustard Mash

Oracle Motoring Good News and Bad News

Health & Beauty

Do you have the signs and symptoms of stress?

FREE LASER E EYE YE SURGERY SURG GERY SEMINAR

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Special 6th Anniversay Issue

Leigh

OR ACLE

publisher’s letter

T

he summer has been very busy here at the Oracle offices and we are very proud to announce September’s edition of Thorpe Bay Oracle is the largest edition that has ever been produced since Oracle began, six years ago. (76 pages)!

There is so much going on in both issues this month that I have decided to let you look through your magazine and see for yourself.Being a sixth anniversary edition there is a special four page local issue article, written by local resident/businessman John Lee. This month’s local issue gives an example of the important role Southend played during the second world war.

John sent this same research to the Queen, hoping to give added weight to the argument for Southend being given city status in 2012. John was very keen for Oracle to carry his article first and I would like to thank him very much for allowing it that opportunity.

This month’s competition has been kindly sponsored

by Waitrose Leigh who is offering again,one lucky Leigh Oracle reader the chance to win a £50 voucher. Check out its website to see the many ways you could spend that £50, www.waitrose.com. To enter, simply send your name and address to: Oracle Waitrose Leigh competition, 39 Alexandra Street, Southend. SS1 1BW. Closing date is Friday 23 Sept.

Good luck and a big thank you to all my clients, friends and family for their continuous support.

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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 SEPTEMBER

2011

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ORACLE content Local Issues ”A Grateful Nation Soon Forgot” 9/10, 45/46

By John Lee Can you Dig it?

Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith

16

Good News and Bad News Oracle Motoring by Stuart Winder

22

Cider Pork with Apples and Mustard Mash 32 Judy ‘s Recipe Page Do you have the signs and symptoms of stress?

Health & Beauty by Simon Headley

36

Property Values Ask the Agent by Peter Joseph

40

Sudoku

42

Diary Dates

50 52 54

Useful Numbers Advertiser Index

Advertorials Andrew Adams Contemporary Carpets 6/7 County Interiors 24 Outloud Productions 27 JJ Tuition 28/29 Southend Rugby Club 30 4

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SEPTEMBER

2011

SALE NOW ON! SEPTEMBER

2011

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Fashion your floor with wool...

S

eptember marks the start of British Wool Week (5th-11th), an initiative supported

by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales to promote the UK’s producers, designers and manufacturers of a product that was once the envy of the Roman Emperors.

The Oracle, spoke to Debra Adams, co-owner of Andrew Adams Contemporary Carpets, to find out more...

WHAT IS WOOL WEEK? It’s a series of events to raise the profile of the British wool industry, from fashion to interiors, and of course it’s a great opportunity for Andrew Adams Contemporary Carpets to talk about and promote the qualities of such a wonderful and versatile textile.

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING BETWEEN THE 5TH AND 11TH? We’ll be showcasing exciting and innovative carpets and rugs made from British wool at our Eastwood Road North premises and

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offering customers a 15% discount on all UKsourced wool and wool-mix floor coverings during that week.

WHAT MAKES WOOL SO SPECIAL? Where do I begin?! Nothing else on the market offers a warmer welcome and sense of luxury than a wool rich carpet. It combines softness with durability and I think says something about you; that you’re discerning.

IN TERMS OF DAY TO DAY LIVING, HOW DOES WOOL COMPARE WITH MAN-MADE FIBRES? There’s a long list of wool’s qualities; it is resilient and doesn’t flatten, wool’s natural crimp enables it to recover quickly from compression caused by furniture and people walking over it. It’s durable and looks good for longer than synthetic products.

Wool is luxurious, because it is soft, warm and comfortable under foot. It is also great for reducing noise, as it cushions and absorbs sound.

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SEPTEMBER J U LY

2011 2010

CAN WOOL REDUCE YOUR HEATING BILLS TOO? Yes it can. Wool is a natural thermal insulator, meaning that heat loss through your floor is greatly reduced, thus improving the energy efficiency of your home.

remove and replace your furniture exactly where you want it. A short while ago, Andrew sat down and worked out that he’s fitted nearly a million square metres of flooring during his career, so he knows exactly what he’s doing!

IS IT TRUE THAT A WOOL RICH CARPET CAN ALSO MAKE YOUR HOME SAFER IN CASE OF A FIRE? It is. Wool is naturally fire retardant and doesn’t support combustion. It is also an ideal material for carpeting an elderly person’s home because it is soft and forgiving in case of a fall, but also has a high slip resistance, so reduces the chance of such mishaps occurring.

For people with allergies, dust and allergens such as pollen are trapped by the fibres, so it has another surprising health benefit too.

PRESUMABLY ITS ECOLOGICAL QUALITIES OUTWEIGH SYNTHETIC FLOOR COVERINGS? Absolutely! What can be more environmentally sustainable than a product that comes from sheep grazing in the British countryside and is biodegradable once you’ve finished with it?

WHAT MAKES ANDREW ADAMS DIFFERENT TO OTHER CARPET SHOPS? We offer a personal service that is designed to meet each and every customer’s needs. For example, we use mood boards as part of our creative design service and during the fitting process of your new carpet; we painstakingly

We also offer a wide selection of exclusive brands that you will rarely see outside London - Louis De Poortere, Whitestone Weavers and the hugely popular Crucial Trading. They’re renowned for their bold, unique designs and attention to detail. We are the only place in Essex stocking the entire range and it’s important to say that you will not pay London prices at Andrew Adams!

We’ll fit any of our carpets, plus the underlay on selected ranges, absolutely free and with that 15% discount during British Wool Week; you can see at Andrew Adams we’re committed to value without compromising on quality.

Pop in to see our range of carpets, flooring and rugs 286 Eastwood Road North, Leigh on Sea, Essex SS9 4LS Call us for advice on 01702 421 132 or visit our website at www.aacontemporarycarpets.co.uk SEPTEMBER

2011

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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

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BE S P O K E WA R DRO BE S

C A R PE T S

Local Issues

“A Grateful Nation Soon Forgot”

By John Lee

T

hose were the words of the great A. P. Herbert (Sir Alan Herbert) when referring to the momentous contribution of Southend to our Nation at the most important time in its history.

So, why then does Southend struggle for recognition when it should be heralding its achievements, shouting them to the skies and claiming its place in history?

Simply because successive councils since the War have also forgotten. Today’s Southend Council have the opportunity to change all that, especially when it is bidding for City status in 2012, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year.

Romantic connections Royal Terrace has great and romantic connections with Lord Nelson who almost certainly visited Lady Hamilton there. In 1803 Princess Caroline stayed at Nos. 7, 8 & 9. In 1805 Lady Hamilton stayed there and held a ball at the Royal Hotel assembly rooms, Royal Terrace, in Nelson’s honour.

SEPTEMBER

2011

However, that is not the important period to which I refer.

It was no coincidence that another Naval man, Capt. John Pelham Champion, CBE., DSO., RN took those very same houses as his headquarters when commanding the Naval Control Service (NCS) base in Southend known as “HMS Leigh” throughout World War II. Capt. Champion was a man with a sense of history.

Champion’s heroic action John Champion’s DSO was won as Captain of the ‘Maenad’ a destroyer at the Battle of Jutland in heroic action.

After the First World War he retired to a quiet life at Hasketon in Suffolk close to Woodbridge. At the outbreak of World War II the call came once more and he was recruited to escort a convoy from Halifax Nova Scotia to Liverpool. On 14th October 1939 he took charge of NCS convoy operations in Southend.

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NCS HQ Southend was answerable only to NCS Chatham whose shore base name was â&#x20AC;&#x153;HMS Pembrokeâ&#x20AC;?. Southend was chosen to be at the forefront of NCS activities because of its strategic position at the gateway to the River Thames and its Pier with deep water channel offering ideal convoy anchorage.

203 ships mobilised 84,297 ships in 3,367 convoys would sail from the end of The Pier. Atlantic convoys from Southend were ceased when the Germans arrived at Calais. The focus became the East Coast convoys from Southend to the North of England, Scotland, and the return journey.

Southend would play its part in Operation Dynamo rescuing soldiers from Dunkirk; in the transporting of Mulberry Harbour parts to France and in the PLUTO fuel pipeline under the Channel. On the night before D.Day 203 ships and landing craft, British and American, were assembled here. They could be viewed up river as far as the eye could see. All sailed without mishap for Normandy next day. We cannot begin to understand the scale of such undertakings.

Palace Hotel

Secret code system Two thirds of Southend was evacuated during the War and the Town became heavily occupied by the military and high ranking naval officers. NCS officers were billeted mainly in Royal Terrace and The Palace Hotel where they occupied the basement and the whole of one of the upper floors. A secret code system was created by HMS Leigh for communication between shore base and the convoy ships at sea. Accommodation was found in Westcliff for ratings and 1,200 signalmen.

Temporary buildings were erected on the seafront in Chalkwell Esplanade to serve as canteens for the many servicemen and women.

Some readers will have heard of HMS Leigh which many thought to be a name given only to the Pier. The name applied to the NCS base at Southend which in spite of its size and importance was a secret operation. The Ministry documents relating to it were only opened in 1972. I have a copy of the log prepared at the end of the War by Commodore Champion covering six years of operations at Southend.

Continued on Page 45....

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SEPTEMBER

2011

FEATURING FEA TURING THE INTERN INTERNATIONALLY ATIONALL ALLY Y ACCLAIMED NATIONAL A CCLAIMED UKRAINIAN N ATIONAL OPERA OF KHARKIV

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81 Broadway, Leigh-on-Sea Essex, SS9 1PE

01702 710999 fashionboutique@btconnect.com

Join the Frocks & Rocks Privilege Card on your next visit in store, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ensure you receive a range of exclusive offers each and every month

Oracle Hair & Beauty Munroe-look is back. Check out Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson and Eva Longoria to see where their styling cues are coming from.

Can you Dig it?

I

m so psyched! Seventies-style hair, beauty and fashion is back with a bang, sugar.

Whether you lived through the decade and wore the fashion trend the first time round or are a complete first-timer, this vintage fashion of bell bottoms, stack heels and wide-brimmed, floppy hats is shagadelic, baby!

On the catwalks, Marc Jacob’s spring/summer 2011 show had a 70’s disco vibe to it, with all in one silk jumpsuits and lots of sparkle, while over at Salvatore Ferragamo it was beautiful, floating maxi-dresses.

A-line, boob-hugging floaty gowns and the staple of Daisy Duke’s wardrobe, hotpants are off the hook this summer, as are gaudy prints, tan and denim (though elegant and modern, so you do not look like a Walton.

It’s an easy look to achieve. While the hair is still damp apply a lightweight heat styling product to protect it from breakage and the dreaded frizz.

Start blow drying your hair in manageable sections using a large, round brush to encourage bend, volume and texture. Once you get to the sides and front done, begin to roll the brush backwards (toward the back of the head) while drying. Part your hair in the middle or on one side. Once dry, run your fingers through to organize and smooth, then give a nice misting of a finishing spray.

For blokes there is ‘The Shag.’ This is a low-maintenance collar, or even shoulder-length mussed hairdo. If you really want to look like a 70s dude, grow your sideburns but maybe leave the ‘tache until Mo-vember (http://uk.movember.com).

The decade of disco also saw cool chicks ditching the lipstick, powder and paint in favour of the new trend for the ‘nude’ look. You can create this by working with a restricted colour palette, pale shades and by doing everything possible to achieve a spotless complexion.

Unless of course, it’s a big night out! When it comes to a funkin’ great party night, you need glamour, sister. That means glittery blue or green eyeshadow and light coloured frosted lipstick.

Get it right and you’ll be ready to pardy hard an’ lookin,’ like wowzers an’ totally munga, man…

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

Hair wise, big wings and feathered bangs were neato, thanks to Farrah Fawcett and Charlie's Angels, and I’m delighted to see that the Jill

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Arrive in comfort, a luxury car with a professional chauffeur service.

We are ideally placed to pick up from South and East Essex area aAirport Transfers aSeaport Transfers aWest End / London Shopping days aCorporate Services, Business & VIP aTheatre, Dining and Nights out aWeddings and Family Occasions aRaces and Concerts aFull bespoke journey planning aS Class Mercedes Benz Limousine, with fully adjustable rear seats aFully Air Conditioned aLatest in Comfort for 1-4 Passengers aFully CRB approved

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Oracle Motoring

Good news and bad news...

By Stuart Winder ADI

I

think we’ve all probably seen enough of the latter on our TV screens over recent weeks, and apart from the appalling tragedies of five dead following the riots of two weeks ago, I found the utter destruction of property in the aftermath quite shocking in itself. With buildings and businesses of long standing razed to the ground, leaving people homeless and jobless for the sake of a few thugs desire for a flat screen telly or a new pair of trainers.

Ensure you’re insured We also saw many cars destroyed, not due to theft, but being used as flaming barricades; left to burn until the Fire Brigade could put them out, leaving them as total right-offs. According to experts, most drivers will be covered by their policies, but the risk of financial loss doesn’t end there.

Leasing: the word on everyone’s lips According to the most recent figures from the Finance and Leasing Association (FLA), more motorists are abandoning car ownership in favour of leasing. The FLA reported that the value of leases have jumped by 55% to over £100 million in the last three months, compared to just £66 million in the same period in 2010. Paul Harrison of the FLA said “Whilst personal contract purchase and hire purchase remain popular, increasing numbers of people are turning to leasing as an affordable finance option”. “If servicing is included, it makes financial sense to lease, particularly for motorists who like to change their car every few years”.

Paul , I couldn’t agree more!

Bridging the GAP Most vehicles are now financed and when written off, insurers will pay out based on market value and not what you owe on the vehicle. This will potentially leave you to cover the deficit to settle the outstanding debt. There is a product available to solve this problem, known as GAP insurance. This is a low cost, one-off premium that you can take out when you lease or buy a new car that covers the difference between what you owe, and what your insurers pay out. Your local vehicle broker will have more details.

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Stuart Winder Planet Leasing

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Advertorial

Sofa, so good!

T

COUNTY INTERIORS

SA L E

here has been a noticeable change in programmes and magazines devoted to people’s buying patterns with regards to home improvements it’s quite easy to find We’re not your usual high street retailer, inspiration. the kind of sofa they want in their home.

Until about 2 years ago the trend was very much leather, and in particular brown leather.

But over the last 2 years we have noticed a shift back to fabric sofas and these now account for approximately 60% of our sales.

People are becoming far more sophisticated in their tastes and requirements and in many instances want something built exclusively for them.

At County we offer a fully bespoke service.

Simply choose the sofa you like, then tell us how long, how wide and how high you would like it made. If you favour a soft, medium, or firm sit, this can be arranged. Sofa and chair arms can be designed to match your exact requirements as can any part of your sofa. With a glorious choice of leather and fabrics to select from, the possibilities are endless. You tell us what you want, and then we create it for you.

we’re upholsterers…

Co-ordination seems to be the name of the Ours is a family business where excellent customer service is our main game these Customers no longer want priority with overdays.

3 generations in the trade. We offer a wide range of greatjust value a leather andThey fabric sofas and chairs, we also offerpieces our to buy sofa. want matching bespoke range to match the exact requirements of our customers. such as rugs, cushions, occasional tables and more to create an all encompassing look.

A sofa is a major purchase for most families so you need to be confident that you are buying from a company that can offer good, honest advice. With over 75 years in the sofa industry no-one is better qualified than the Franks family. Through our years of running Essex Furniture right through to the current day,our ournew philosophy has never changed, See handmade curtain range and and that is to provide the best quality sofas at the our selection of rugs and lighting most competitive prices backed up by the most professional service.

Please call in to our showroom in London Road, Leigh-on-Sea and take a look at the fantastic selection on view.

Classic styles are currently very popular, especially the big fabric prints. There seems to Leigh-on-Sea 1663 London Road, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 2SH 01702 474702 be no rules these days. People mix fabric with Chelmsford 96-98 Springfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 6JZ 01245 265595 leather, stripes with floral, and corner pieces Open: Mon-Fri 10.00am - 6.00pm; Sat 9.30am - 6.00pm; Sun 10.30am - 4.30pm www.county-interiors.co.uk with sofa beds. Customers are far more www.county-interiors.co.uk adventurous in creating a look that is unique 1663 London Road, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 to their home, and with numerous television

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SEPTEMBER

2011

COUNTY INTERIORS

SALE We’re not your usual high street retailer, we’re upholsterers…

Ours is a family business where excellent customer service is our main priority with over 3 generations in the trade. We offer a wide range of great value leather and fabric sofas and chairs, we also offer our bespoke range to match the exact requirements of our customers.

See our new handmade curtain range and our selection of rugs and lighting

Leigh-on-Sea 1663 London Road, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 2SH 01702 474702 Chelmsford 96-98 Springfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 6JZ 01245 265595 Open: Mon-Fri 10.00am - 6.00pm; Sat 9.30am - 6.00pm; Sun 10.30am - 4.30pm www.county-interiors.co.uk SEPTEMBER

2011

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Speak out!

I

was at a celebration recently where a lot of speeches were made and it struck me yet again how important it is to know how to use your voice confidently and effectively. Whether giving a speech in a social situation, or delivering that all important corporate presentation, correct use of the voice assures clarity, confidence and makes it a speech to remember for the right reasons. Whatever your age being able to stand up and speak in front of a group of friends, school mates or work colleagues is essential in the modern world.

Here at Outloud Productions, through our classes for ages three to adult, we can help you to speak out with confidence.

On Friday the 7th July we officially opened our new premises in Glendale Gardens. We are a drama company, established since 2001, offering speech and drama lessons, and voice coaching to children and adults. Our new studio provides space for acting classes, and includes the provision of costumes and props for classes to use in their performances.

In these classes children learn the skills of acting whilst making friends and gaining confidence in speech and drama, as well as life skills. Children have the opportunity to star in Outloud’s yearly show at the Dixon Studio and to take LAMDA exams. Adult classes also take place in the studio where we work with individuals on confidence issues, speeches, vocal delivery and pronunciation. Our clients SEPTEMBER

2011

have included professional actors and comedians, as well as doctors, teachers and members of the corporate world.

As a drama company our professional actors also tour performances to schools and theatres; our autumn season includes Eric Chappell’s new comedy ‘Passing Strangers’ and the pantomime ‘Rupunzel’.

I founded the company after working as an announcer and script writer at the BBC, where I now run monthly voice and presentation classes for BBC staff.

To celebrate our move to the new premises we are offering a free taster session for anyone who wants to improve their vocal skills or acting ability, whatever their age. We are also offering a free performance of our pantomime Rapunzel to the first school that contacts us.

Outloud Productions Ltd

07946 357521 21-23 Glendale Gardens , Leigh on Sea, Essex

www.outloudproductions.co.uk info@outloudproductions.co.uk

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Advertorial

If you want to give your child the best in professional tuition,

the best just got better!

F our years ago, Jacky and Jim Thomson opened the Kip McGrath Education Centre in Hadleigh, serving Castle Point and Leigh. Since then, with their dedicated team – all fully qualified (and excellent) teachers – they’ve built a reputation second to none. Since opening in 2007, they have become a leading provider of supplementary education locally.

Although in the last few years their students have achieved some of the very highest 11+ results in Southend, Jacky and Jim are not just about helping the very best students. They never were and it just isn’t their style.

As Jim said back in 2007… “We love helping students to achieve high exam scores, at all levels.

But, what we’ll always do is look at every student as an individual, find out any weaknesses, or where

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that child maybe hasn’t been pushed to succeed, and put that right.We believe that’s the only way to help kids fly. It will always be our way.”

Jacky concurs, saying “He’s right and I hope we’ve always stayed true to that. What we’ve always been about is the individual. We will always take great pride in helping all of our kids not just get to where they should be but, more importantly, where they CAN be. It’s truly amazing to see what they can do, given the chance. That’s equally important for the high-fliers and those who are struggling, or maybe “disappearing” in class. In fact, it’s incredibly satisfying – and great fun – helping a child to rebuild confidence, move forward and take renewed pride in learning.”

It would seem that their approach works. At the Oracle, we’ve felt the effect!

Jim says, “When we first opened, we used the Oracle to let local people know we were here. It was really effective. The Oracle worked tremendously well for us. It was a fantastic way to advertise locally….

However, for the last 18 months, virtually all of our new students have come from personal recommendations from existing customers (parents!)” Jim goes on, “But this area is really not typical. We have a raft of primary schools all with a different focus. We have Grammar Schools (fairly unusual in this day and age) and really high-achieving Comprehensives that are, to some extent, selective. Meeting that need required specifically-developed resources. That’s exactly what we have created.

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SEPTEMBER

2011

We put our heads together and decided to be not just the best (we were already that, judging by the letters of thanks we receive, the numerous bottles of wine and boxes of chocolates received at Christmas and, not least, the RESULTS we achieve) but to become the very best we could be. That meant new teaching materials, specifically targeting the needs of SE Essex.”

So, it would seem, the best just got better, with Jacky & Jim’s launch of the all-new, independent, JJs Tuition. They understand the educational environment in SE Essex and have even made a promise to parents. That promise is nonnegotiable. As Jacky and Jim say…

“We have spent the last four years refining the service we offer our students, and the parents who place their faith in our ability to help their children.

It might sound boastful, but we are exceptionally good.

Book a FREE consultation and educational assessment with us, and we will tell you exactly what we can do to help your child.

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If we think your child is doing just fine, then we’ll happily say so. You don’t have to make any minimum commitment to attend because our success is built on results. That’s always been our approach and it always will be. It’s why over 90% of our students come to us from personal recommendation.”

To book that free consultation, to talk about your concerns or, for that matter, just chat about your child’s education, give Jacky or Jim a call. There’s no obligation and, not only will they talk to you about your child, they will positively welcome the conversation. It’s what they do. The number is 01702 553353. You can also email them at enquiries@jjstuition.co.uk, or check out the website at www.jjstuition.co.uk.

JJs Tuition is a founder member of the nationwide Association of Professional Tuition Centres, which Jim chairs, see www.uktuition.org.uk

01702 553353 www.jjstuition.co.uk enquiries@jjstuition.co.uk SEPTEMBER

2011

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29

Fast-paced, exciting

and top of their game

by Nathan Strange

'Sport has the power to change the world' - Nelson Mandela

S

The facilities at the Club are second to none with an extensive bar and good, hot food and, whilst cheering Southend on, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss a single pass in the Rugby World Cup as every game is shown on the big-screen TV. The large Clubhouse is available to be hired out for parties & functions etc. with plenty of parking and green-space. The Club also boasts four rugby pitches, three being floodlit.

The rugby played, at their ground at Warners Bridge (through the Temple Farm Ind. Est. down Sutton Rd.) is of a very high-standard and regularly thrills a loyal, good-natured and enthusiastic crowd.

One of the highest-placed rugby clubs in Essex and in the top 60 in the country, SRFC get gates of 400800 per game with over 1000 members on the books (inc. 400 youth/family members). Additionally, SRFC have a strong following from local and national businesses with a high media-profile.

Southend Rugby Club RFC, formed in 1870, is one of the oldest rugby clubs in the world. The 1st XV play in Nat. Div. II South and last season finished a respectable 4th in the league against some very impressive opposition. (winning the Essex Cup against Westcliff to boot!).

Date 27 Aug 10 Sep 24 Sep 8 Oct 22 Oct 5 Nov 19 Nov 3 Dec 10 Dec 7 Jan 21 Jan 11 Feb 3 Mar 24 Mar 14 Apr

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SRFC Nat Div II Sth Home Games Westcombe Park Shelford Worthing Launceston Dings Crusaders Henley Hawks Lydney Hartpury C Richmond Barnes Hertford Taunton Old Albanians Clifton Redruth

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SRFC welcome all into the Rugby family at our Club so please contact us or just pop down for a drink and a enjoy a great family afternoon packed with exciting, fast-paced sport in a wonderful atmosphere (Home games for this season are listed at left). You will be made very welcome.

Nathan Strange SRFC Marketing Director General SRFC enquiries : 01702 546682 Sponsorship & Marketing : 07908222005 marketing@southendrugby.com (Nathan)

Southend Rugby Football Club Warnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bridge Park, Sumpters Way SS2 5RR

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recipe of the month In the Kitchen with Judy Barden

2 garlic cloves, sliced 1 tbsp plain flour 500ml strong cider (or apple juice and stock) 1 tbsp cider vinegar 8 sage leaves finely chopped or ½ tsp dried sage 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard 4 tbsp low fat Greek yoghurt

1. Boil the potatoes in a saucepan of boiling, salted water for 15-20 mins until tender.

2. Put the onions in a large pan with ½ tbsp of the oil and the butter, cover and simmer for about 20 mins, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and starting to caramelise, remove the lid and let any excess fluid evaporate.

3. Meanwhile season the pork chops and using ½ tbsp of the oil fry in a large hot pan for 2-3 minutes until browned on both sides. Remove and keep warm. Now add the apples to the pan and brown on both the cut sides. Remove and keep warm.

4. Back to the onions, once they are soft and

Cider Pork with Apples and Mustard Mash

P

ork is now one of our less expensive options when thinking of the cost of a weekly shop.

This recipe can be used as a good family meal or jazzed up for entertaining. You can use loin chops or tenderloin cut into medallions and flattened slightly, both work well just make sure you don’t overcook the pork as this makes it quite tough. Replace the cider with apple juice and stock if making for children.

nicely browned add the garlic and the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually stir in the cider stirring while it thickens. Put the pork chops back in along with the apples, vinegar and sage. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, then season with salt, pepper and a pinch of sugar.

5. Meanwhile drain and mash the potatoes, stirring in the mustard and yogurt, season well.

6. Divide the mash between the plates, place a chop on each, pour over the sauce and serve with some cooked French beans.

Next month’s recipe:

O

Chocolate and Banana Tart

Enjoy!

Cider Pork with Apples and Mustard Mash Serves 4

Ingredients 850g/2lb King Edward potatoes, cut into chunks 4 x 125-150g/5-6oz pork loin chops 1 tbsp sunflower oil 25g/1oz butter 2 braeburn apples, cored and cut into 8 segments 2 medium onions, sliced

32

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SEPTEMBER

2011

Health & Beauty

Do you have the signs and symptoms of stress?

M

eet John the broker, to all intents and purposes a fit, healthy man in his late 20s. He has a beautiful wife and a young baby and a good job in London, so he commutes from Leigh every day. A perfect picture!

But a few cracks have started to appear: for example, John falls asleep on the train but doesn’t sleep well at night, often kept awake by thoughts of work deadlines and the sound of his own heartbeat getting faster. He often suffers from heartburn – it might be IBS, maybe an ulcer; he gets headaches and his job isn’t quite as satisfying as it used to be. By the end of the day his shoulders and neck ache. He can’t quite believe it’s been two years since he played footy with the lads or managed to find time for the gym.

A simple walk around the block at lunchtime is a good place to start. Deep, diaphragmatic breathing will help to slow his heart rate as well as improving circulation and digestion To practise diaphragmatic breathing, place one hand on your chest, the other on your tummy and breathe deeply, focusing on making sure the hand on your tummy is the one that moves.

An osteopath might also suggest treatment to relieve the symptoms and give advice about core stability, posture and exercise.

Simple things, but they can save John from the symptoms of stress that could seriously affect his health.

By Simon Headley Simon Headley is registered with The General Osteopathic Council and specialises in Osteopathy, Acupuncture and Massage. He is also a yoga teacher at Shambhala studios

John is exactly like the thousands who commute to London every day: his posture slumped for most of the day, on the train, at the office and in front of the TV. John can make a huge improvement to his Sponsored by: wellbeing simply by working on his posture. He could start by bringing some awareness to how he sits and his breathing habits. His work station should be ergonomically set up for him personally. He needs a comfortable supportive chair with lumbar support, his computer screen should be at eye level and most importantly he needs to take some exercise away from the desk.

O

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Ask the Agent

Property Values

By Peter Joseph

Q

Dear Agent, I recently decided to put my house on the market and had 3 valuations from local Agents. We decided to test the market at the higher valuation we received of £199,995 and sold the property within a week for the full asking price as we had two buyers that wanted the property. The buyer has just had their mortgage valuation done and the property has now been down valued to £185,000! We can’t afford to drop this much but our Agent says we have no choice, what can we do?!

Unfortunately this is a surprisingly common issue that many sellers, and buyers are not familiar with, and often comes as an unpleasant shock, which can be very frustrating to a seller who has found someone who is willing to pay a certain price, only for an independent party to come along and tell them they should not pay that price. I’m sure every Estate Agent has had to deal with this situation at some time, and unfortunately for everybody involved, ironically except the Surveyor, everybody loses if the sale collapses because of it.

A

If your property is down valued though, all is not lost and there are things you can do to try and limit the loss. It is firstly worthwhile asking your agent to obtain a copy of the valuation report as this should contain 3 comparable properties which the surveyor has used to help support their valuation to see if you think they have been fair in their conclusion. If once seeing the report, it is deemed a reasonable valuation based on local selling prices, you may need to accept that your asking price had been ambitious and that your buyer was willing to pay a higher than market value price because it was particularly suitable for them. In this instance hopefully their enthusiasm to buy the property might mean they will be willing to split the difference, provided the loan to value of the mortgage is not affected.

This is something you can ask your Agent to negotiate on your behalf, and often committed buyers will be able to find some additional funds to enable the sale to proceed and also help soften the blow to your pocket.

On the other hand, if you feel the survey report is not a fair reflection of the price, you can ask your buyer to challenge the valuation via their mortgage broker provided you can come up with supporting evidence to show your property is worth more, and occasionally you may be successful in getting the lender to reconsider the price they’re willing to lend.

The third option of course is to attempt to re-sell to another buyer in the hope that a different surveyor might not down-value the property, however, this can often be unsuccessful and once a second buyer is found, which is no mean feat in today’s climate, there is a good chance it could happen again.

So in summary, our advice would be to stick with your current buyer and ask your Agent to negotiate with them to hopefully reach a figure somewhere in the middle that is satisfactory to both parties!

Thankfully in buoyant market conditions down valuations are less common, because surveyors tend to be more lenient with their valuations, Sponsored by Award Winning: however in tougher market conditions such as Think Property today’s climate, surveyors can be extra cautious, perhaps because they are fearful of getting sued 01702 470625 by a lender for over valuing a property, therefore www.thinkpropertyuk.com putting the bank’s money at risk.

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HMS Wallace which acted as an escort to the convoys out of Rosyth and down the East Coast to Sheerness

Local Issues continued

Continued from Page 10...

Winston Churchill had stated that he believed The River Thames would have to be abandoned. Our Champion had other ideas as I will explain. The Thames was at the time the world’s busiest seaway. It fed the Capital which had much heavy industry; was the seat of Government and the heart of Great Britain’s war machine.

Germans plan to destroy Pier The Germans were aware of the importance of convoy operations from Southend Pier. It was their aim to destroy The Pier and stop the convoys. Capt.

Champion had a hunch that when conditions favoured an attack on The Pier the Germans would come. He guessed right and on the night of 22nd November 1939 German planes attacked. However, Capt.

Champion had that day instructed one of his officers, Capt. May to “Get all the machine guns, gunners and signalmen fr om Southend, London or where you will.”

19 Lewis guns and 35 men were hurriedly assembled and spread evenly throughout the ships in the anchorage. When the attack came at 10 O’clock that night they blazed away with their machine guns, rockets and Verry’s lights and everything SEPTEMBER

2011

they had. The spectacle was seen by A. P. Herbert from the windows of the Palace Hotel. Capt. Champion and his staff viewed it from the seafront. It was a great firework display and one German plane was downed.

The Germans never attacked The Pier again believing it to be heavily defended and relied instead on dropping mines and attacking convoys in the North Sea. Thanks to Southend the Thames stayed open and vital supplies to the Capital continued throughout the War.

Plans for City Status In May 2011 I wrote to Her Majesty the Queen enclosing an original 1945 copy of A. P. Herbert’s booklet “The War Story of Southend Pier” written for Southend Corporation. My plea to Her Majesty was more specifically for recognition of Southend’s contribution in wartime. I referred to The Duke of Edinburgh’s service on the destroyer Wallace out of Rosyth escorting convoys to Sheerness and to her late father’s opening of The Naval & Military Club in Royal Terrace in 1920 when he was Duke of York. However, I also mentioned that Southend was applying for City Status in Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee year 2012.

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LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

45

volunteer help. Our Town owes Peggy a great debt, for without her campaigning and intervention in 1980 the Pier might not have survived. The Council proposed demolition of the Pier that year. That disaster was averted but what should be considered a national treasure still does not receive the attention and funding to make it the great attraction it once was.

A. P. Herbert

I am currently writing about Capt.

Champion’s wartime command of the convoy operations in Southend. If anyone has any information, stories, photographs or recollection by family members who were involved please contact me. In particular I would like to obtain a photograph of the man himself. He was described by some as a ‘martinet’ because of his strict attention to detail and as a stickler for discipline, rules and regulations.

However, Captain John Pelham Champion appears to fit so well the adage “Cometh the hour cometh the man”.

I received a reply from Buckingham Palace stating that “The Queen has asked me to thank you for your letter of 17th May from which Her Majesty has taken careful note of the reasons you wish to propose Southend-on-Sea for City Status on the John Lee occasion of next year’s Diamond Jubilee. Telephone : 01702 475737 You will, I am sure, be pleased to know that email : equinox.global@virgin.net Southend-on-Sea, among many others, has already been submitted for consideration for this Civic Honour by its Councillors, but I am nevertheless forwarding your letter to the Cabinet Office so that they may know of your supporting views”

Proposed demolition of the Pier A. P. Herbert, was also a First World War navy veteran. However he was better known as a regular contributor to ‘Punch’ magazine, a writer of lyrics for West End musicals, as an Independent MP, a law maker and a friend of Winston Churchill.

Throughout the War A. P. Herbert was on River Patrol all along the Thames as part of the NCS and a frequent visitor to Southend. His booklet is available at the Pier Museum price £1.95. It tells the story better than ever I could. The Pier Museum and Foundation was created by Peggy Dowie who still actively runs it with 46

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

O

A. P. Herbert from 1940 in his Naval Patrol Uniform

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2011

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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

52

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

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Leigh-on-Sea

ORACLE Index to advertisers

01702 277684 Marketing Solutions for the BEST local businesses

ORACLE View the latest issues ONLINE AIRPORT TRANSFER Air & Back 48 Chalkwell Cars 20 BI-FOLDING DOORS Essex Bi-folding Door Company 26 BOUNCY CASTLES Bouncy Beans Castles 33 BUILDERS DJ Contractors 33 Tabor Jones 43 CAR DEALERSHIP Volkswagen Van Centre 13 CAR LEASING Planet Leasing 22/23 CAR MOT Elms MOT Ltd 50 CAR WINDSCREEN REPAIR Chips Away 31 CARPETS Andrew Adams Contemporary Carpets 6/7 Gainsborough Carpets 38 Trade Carpets 5 CHARTERED SURVEYORS East of England Surveys 4 COMPLIMENTARY THERAPY Rejuvenating Hands 4 COMPUTER SERVICES Whizzkids 33 CONSERVATORY CLEANING E.C.C.C. 49 CYCLES Bikebase 53 DECKING SPECIALISTS Sovereign Design Play Systems 39 DENTAL Parmar Dental 37 Royal Mews 17 DOMESTIC CLEANING Maid in Essex 49 Molly Maids 41

DOOR STRIPPING Door Stripping Company 20 DRAMA STUDIO Outloud Productions 27 EDUCATION The Educators 44 JJ Tuition 28/29 ENTERTAINMENT Madama Butterfly 11 ESTATE AGENTS Essex Countryside 1 Essex Property Centre 18/19 34/35 Think Property 40 FINANCIAL SERVICES Honister Partners Ltd 21 FIREPLACE FITTERS GAT Fireplaces 51 FROZEN FOODS Cook 32 FURNITURE RESTORERS T.S. Baskett 41 GARDEN SERVICES Greenfingers 11 GRANITE WORKTOPS Granite Transformations 42 HAIR & BEAUTY Grateful Heads 16 HOSPITALS BMI Healthcare 2 INTERIOR DESIGNERS Morris Interiors 8 JEWELLERS AV & BV Andrews 11 LADIES FASHION Frocks n' Rocks 14/15 LANDSCAPE DESIGN Greenprint 12 LAWNCARE Root2shoot 31 LETTINGS AGENT Martin & Co. 55

Thorpe Bay

September ‘11

Leigh-on-Sea

September ‘11

ORACLE ORACLE Leigh at a glance

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

Est. Oct 2006. Circulation 5,500

Local Issues

A Grateful Nation Soon Forgot

Local Issues

A Grateful Nation Soon Forgot

Recipe

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Cider Pork with Apples and Mustard Mash

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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.

54

LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

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SEPTEMBER

2011

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LEIGH-ON-SEA ORACLE

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