Oracle March 2024

“ ”

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

March arrives with a focus on community connections. In this issue, we sit down with Peter Lovett, Chair of Shoeburyness Residents Association, as he shares insights into his journey and community involvement. Peter emphasises the importance of teamwork among councillors and officers, urging them to prioritise community well-being over politics.

Philip Miller MBE provides a candid perspective on our town's ups and downs. Our travel piece invites you to explore the understated beauty of Wiltshire's Stourhead, a National Trust property with timeless elegance.

On a positive note, Essex Police updates us on a 50% reduction in anti-social behaviour, showcasing the impact of collective efforts. Let's continue working together for a stronger, more harmonious town.

March competition is donated by Bay Optical of Thorpe Bay, see pages 28 & 29 to learn more about this family run business and/or visit bayoptical co.uk. WIN! A £100 voucher to spend at Bay Optical by simply visiting: oraclepublications.co.uk competition page, competition ends 30 March 2024.

Don’t forget Mother’s Day is on Sunday, 10th March.

Enjoy!

Emma Wynne-Morgan Publisher

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Strive for High Standards

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Extensions – from start to finish

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Are we not Stronger as a Team?

I was born and bred in Southend with hardworking parents who both worked 10 hours a day but never had any money other than for essentials. We were brought up on a Council Estate, with my mother running a cafe in Victory Parade.

Peter Lovett Chairman Shoeburyness Residents Association

From a very young age, I realised the importance of supporting other shops in the parade when I was sent into the butchers, cleaning the hairdresser's floor, or loading vegetables for our greengrocer. My first paid job was supporting our milkman when I was 10 years old and bedding the horses back at the depot in London Road.

The warm feelings you received when you supported others encouraged me to work as a team, which then led me to joining Lifstan Boys Club, Santoy Minstrels, Victim Support, and many other charities over the years that followed. Since joining Shoebury Residents Association 12 years ago and working with SAVS, I have seen firsthand such dedicated and incredible people supporting well over 1,000 organisations in Southend. I have learned so much from others when

SAVS holds their networking events, and the admiration I have for these people encapsulates the power of teamwork to support vulnerable residents in Southend.

Collaborative Efforts During COVID-19

During Covid, we were asked by SAVS to help by creating "teams of caring volunteers" to support our Council in collecting food, medical prescriptions, or walking dogs for Southend residents who were elderly or had medical conditions. We have recently seen a sensible move towards creating a single Family Centre Team, forming Alliances, Integrated Care systems, etc., realizing that having a single authoritarian organisation is not considering the needs of the residents or patients they actually serve. Even our police have

Tree planting ceremony with the Royal Artillery and the Cubs

LOCAL ISSUES

united with their IAG meetings and had their first open day last year. Food Banks have created an Alliance so they can support one another or share food and facilities.

Community Contributions

Like other organisations, Shoebury Residents Association has provided two solar-powered talking benches, planted a memorial tree for our Royal Artillery/Cubs, planted 10,000 crocus bulbs with local school children, supported residents and other groups with equipment, all of which could not be achieved without the support of others.

Navigating Council Relations

Although we have a good relationship with our Ward Councillors, we do feel they need to visit some of our charities so they understand what issues there are in our City and the urgent need for their cooperation and support. We have had several projects that have reached completion but have been destroyed by our Council Officers who refuse permission to support our community's ambitions. In contrast, we are constantly asked to support them with consultations, social media posts, and alike.

A Call for Change

It is time they modernised and stopped thinking everything is about politics ("power") and started a move towards Teamwork (empowering). We all understand the importance of scrutiny, but when Councillors and Officers continue to use politics by challenging the very people that bring us economy and do not understand the residents they serve, who want our City to be resourceful, accessible, shared, safe, and desirable. None of these can be achieved by the Council on their own.

Facilitating Informed Decision- Making

As a Residents Association, we feel our role is to provide information and choices so that our residents can make the decisions and leave the outcome to the democratic process. We visit our local organisations, food banks, and charities to understand their needs.

We then support our man shed that makes food compartments or our pickers that clear our beaches/commons/parks and plant flowers. We work with our Community Builder to link these organisations with local businesses who provide funding or other help. We work with our Police, Primary Care Network, Doctors, and others so we can share information from them or from our members.

The Power of Teamwork, Leadership, & Volunteers

None of this could be achieved without teamwork, leadership, and volunteers. Various skills would be needed like communication, listening, ability to delegate, flexibility, positive attitude, diversity and above all, how to celebrate the successes as a team. Perhaps our Councillors and Officers could learn how to support the residents that elected them from organisations that support each other and spend their limited funds wisely.

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Location, Celebration,

FRUSTRATION

Location: We are so lucky to live in this resort city of Southend-on-Sea. It’s no accident that the town, as it was, was set in this location, right on the edge of the River Thames and the North Sea with a beautiful beach coastline stretching from Leigh to Shoeburyness.

It has an enviable micro-climate and it's one of the driest and sunniest places in the U.K. – And on top of all that, it’s just a short journey from London.

All the right ingredients for a tourist hotspot and that’s exactly what we have.

Over the decades, Southend-on-Sea has been popular with holidaymakers and day-trippers alike, with the seafront a major attraction for the massing hordes.

Retail Legacy

Over the years the town has changed and successfully encouraged business and commerce. At one time the High Street was incredibly popular with shoppers with department stores like Keddies and Dixons.

Celebration: Many would hail Southend as a major success and in many aspects, it is a great place to live.

Southend has always had the ‘safety net’ of tourism. Whether general commerce or retail having their peaks and troughs (and retail is definitely in a trough at the moment) we have always had the seaside tourist trade to fall back on, although I don’t look at it that way. Many seaside towns around the U.K. have fallen out of fashion and suffered decline through lack of investment. Has Southend? No!

Without blowing my own trumpet, over the last 40 odd years, I have invested millions into my businesses. This year alone we are opening a brand new 38 metre drop tower which will leave little change out of a million pounds! This is business and to be successful in business, you need to invest. You also need to offer great value. The massive success of our recent half price Annual Pass sale proves that point. Many local families will be enjoying Adventure Island many times this year!

Value Proposition

This investment and value then creates more footfall for the seafront and High Street. More sales for the shops. More people eating out in restaurants. More parking revenue for the Council. More employment with extra staff. More bookings for Hotels and Guest Houses. Many of the customers being local but many also come from out of town on trains. My business will undoubtedly generate more visitors to Southend. (A pat on the back for me!) It benefits us all. It benefits Southend-on-Sea.

Frutration: I always want to work in partnership with the Council and have a positive relationship with whoever is running the city. Our current administration acknowledges the importance of the tourist trade and that is why they reversed the car

parking charges imposed by the previous bunch. A wise decision.

Door Open to Council

All the years in this business I modestly suggest I know one or two things about running a successful business, especially in the leisure and attractions business and my door is always open to the council.

I fully support all types of commerce in the city. I certainly hope that in time the High Street will be back to its former glory and, hopefully with an upturn in the economic climate, we can get the city firing on all cylinders again, in all sectors.

But in the meantime… let’s be more positive about Southend tourism. We have a lot to be proud of. Southend is Great!

By Philip Miller, MBE Executive Chairman Stockvale Group Of Companies

Free Experience Day at Thorpe Hall School for all Year 4 children

Thorpe Hall School is changing the primary education offering in the local area, with a new, innovative programme in Years 5 and 6.

Local Year 4 children from all schools are invited to a free ‘Expect More’ Experience Day at Thorpe Hall School on 20th April. Those who sign up via the school’s website can experience a whole morning of exciting, fast-paced and funpacked learning experiences. Activities will include trying out some unusual sports, creating a collaborative performance, and using state-of-the-art science to solve a crime.

A Clear Advantage

Stephen Duckitt, Headteacher at Thorpe Hall School says this Experience Day will give families a flavour of what Thorpe Hall’s students experience every day in Years 5 & 6. The provision in these year groups – known as the ‘Expect More’ provision - is unique to Southend, and is aimed at giving children a head start and a clear advantage for their Senior school years – and beyond.

“Our programme in Years 5 & 6 encourages children to step up to new challenges, and gain the confidence, knowledge and skills they need to achieve more, with greater independence. That’s what the Experience Day is about too – an opportunity for children in Year 4, who are approaching such a formative stage in their future educational life, to see what happens when they “Expect More” from their school and from themselves ”

Thorpe Hall School provides awardwinning independent education for boys and girls from age 2 to 16. As it approaches its 100th birthday, the school is in its strongest position ever, with more students on roll than ever before. In recent years, its focus on raising standards has seen tremendous benefits for all its students, from the littlest learners in Nursery right through to its oldest students at GCSE level. This latest introduction to the school represents a significant ‘step up’ in Years 5 & 6. This enhanced provision combines innovative programmes, diverse clubs, and dedicated support, as well as full access to Thorpe Hall’s extensive facilities and specialised teachers. Thorpe Hall has turned its through-school status to its advantage, to offer unrivalled opportunities for progress and success for every child, in these all-important years before Senior school begins.

Children in Years 5 & 6 at Thorpe Hall School are taught by specialist teachers for 100% of lessons – just like they will be in secondary education.

Personalised Attention

Class sizes are small, with an average of 15 pupils, so each child receives personal attention. Teaching staff can seamlessly cater to different learning styles and abilities

Those students following a grammar school pathway are given additional tutoring and coaching, free of charge. They are supported and challenged with relevant focuses in class, and invited to 11+ clubs during holidays and after school, at no additional cost. Thorpe Hall is committed to giving its 11+ candidates the best chance of gaining a place at a local grammar school, or in Thorpe Hall’s own ‘THS Grammar Plus’ stream.

Enriched Learning

Aside from the clear academic advantage, children in Years 5 & 6 also enjoy more opportunities for learning languages and STEAM subjects, an extended outdoor learning programme, and more performing arts and sporting opportunities.

To further ensure each Thorpe Hall child is ‘future-ready’, the school delivers its own bespoke Skills Curriculum. This equips children with genuine and relevant skills for their futures. Students explore practical subjects and modern topics, from analysing media, to understanding finance, to leadership

skills, as well as “real-life” skills like meal planning and making the most of AI. Mrs Waters, Head of Literacy in Prep at Thorpe Hall School, is astounded by the impact she’s seeing already, since the new provision started last September.

Teacher's Perspective

“I love how much I can stretch and challenge their learning in our English lessons now, and adapt things for each child too. Literature is my passion, and because I can focus on this, I can create lessons and projects that engage the whole class in really effective ways. The children get so much from it - it’s really transformative, and, for me, that’s so rewarding to see.”

To read more about Thorpe Hall’s Expect More Provision, or to register your child for the free Experience Day on 20th April, please visit: thorpehallschool.co.uk/experienceday

Enhancing Your Home with Estuary Windows

We are a local company based in Southend-On-Sea, specialising in windows, doors, conservatories, and much more. Despite being established in 2020, we are not new to the industry.

Estuary Windows combines over 30 years of experience in the Double Glazing industry with enthusiasm and excellent customer care to create a business you can rely on. We are committed to providing a top-class service for all your window, door, and conservatory needs, from residential to commercial properties; we've seen it all.

Affordable Quality

We believe that high-quality window repair and installation services should be affordable for everyone. That's why we offer competitive pricing and free, no-obligation quotes to ensure that you get the best value for your money. Not only that, but we are fully accredited fitters and ensure we only use the highest quality materials that look fantastic and are long-lasting.

Commitment to Excellence

We take pride in our work and ensure everything we do comes with a 10year insurance-backed guarantee so you can be confident your home is in safe hands. The excellent customer service we provide is one of the reasons our small business has grown from strength to strength.

At Estuary Windows, we don't use large call centers or pushy salespeople; instead, you get to deal directly with us to ensure you receive a completely individualized response from quoting all the way through to aftercare.

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approach with the council were helping to drive down offending:

Anti-social behaviour down by 50% in a year

Incidents of anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Southend have more than halved in the last 12 months.

There were 1,768 fewer reports of ASB across the district in 2023 compared to the previous year – a drop of 50.7%.

Southend has two Operation Dial ASB hotspot zones and the Community Policing Team (CPT) have been working with the city council and Business Improvement District (BID) to combat ASB on the High Street and surrounding areas.

Enhancing Public Safety

The CPT also enforce the terms of the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) that prohibits bikes and e-scooters on the High Street.

The two Operation Dial zones in Southchurch Road and Maple Square are patrolled by police and council community safety officers to provide residents with a highly visible presence after reports of drug offences, noise and nuisance activity.

Since patrolling began in July, 19 arrests have been made, 12 people have been issued with informal warnings and 51 have been stop searched.

ASB Combat Initiative

Essex’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner invested £1.1m to combat ASB in 13 hotspot areas across the county.

T/Inspector Dave Gardiner of Southend CPT said the dedicated patrols and joined-up

“Anti-social behaviour can ruin people’s lives, and nobody should feel afraid or intimidated in their own neighbourhood. Our team works quickly to get on top of issues before they escalate as ASB can lead to more serious offending.

“The area around Maple Square has seen ASB related to drug use, and in the zone that covers Southchurch Road, Christchurch Court and Christchurch Road, there have been reports of ASB from young people in the park. In the surrounding flats, there had been issues with homeless people, sex workers and drug dealing in the stairwells.

“We have a strong relationship with the council’s community safety team and we will continue to maintain a highly-visible presence to deter offending. We are out in the community, listening to people and dealing with their concerns.

“If you are a victim of anti-social behaviour, please report it to us by calling 101, message us via our website, or contact Crimestoppers or the local housing association if it relates to one of their properties. If you see a crime being committed, call 999.”

Visionary Elegance: Discover the family run Opticians offering expert care alongside fantastic products!

LOOKING AFTER YOUR EYES

IN THORPE BAY For over fifty years, the Graves family has led the way in local eye care. With an emphasis on personal service in a relaxed and family-friendly environment, Rob and Juliet, along with their dad Paul (former owner of Body’s Opticians), and their talented team of optometrists, are excited to be "back home in Thorpe Bay Broadway" at their newly refurbished and equipped practice, Bay Optical.

A Warm Welcome Awaits

As soon as you step into the practice, you can expect a warm and friendly welcome. How lovely to have such a wealth of experience and expertise right here on our doorstep—no need to travel into the town centre or further afield to find excellent care.

It’s important to us that we are not just another "Opticians shop"; your eyesight and ocular health will always be our first priority.

Personalised Attention

At Bay Optical, you will never feel rushed or just a number. We will spend as much time with you as it takes to make sure you receive the very best clinical care, advice, and, when needed, beautiful new spectacles. It’s just natural for us to make everybody’s visit enjoyable while providing the highest level of professional service. While we take great pride in practising the old-fashioned values of care and professionalism, we are also deeply involved with the latest developments in the optical world.

Staying Ahead Of The Curve

Continuing professional development, particularly in the fields of myopia control (reducing the progression of short-sightedness in children), management of minor eye conditions such as red eye and

We look forward to welcoming you to the practice next time you are passing.

dry eye, diagnosis through retinal imaging, contact lens prescribing, and high-tech spectacle dispensing, ensures that we remain at the cutting edge of eye care.

Convenient Appointments

Appointments are usually available within a few days, and we are open six days a week should you need any help or advice at short notice.

Brands we sell ..

Our Services Include:

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TRAVEL

Stourhead: Timeless Neo-Classical Elegance

Before my family and I visited Stourhead, the National Trust property in Wiltshire, I had no idea that visiting grand country houses was just as popular in the eighteenth century as it is today.

In fact, breathtaking Stourhead was often frequented by those traveling to Bath. They would stay the night in the nearby Spread Eagle Inn; what a humorous name for a pub. However, sometimes there was no room and one disgruntled traveler at that time wrote about how she was sent to the village of Mere, which she considered to be very much beneath her. I recall how the novelist Jane Austen would travel by carriage to Bath from her Hampshire home, and I wonder whether she ever stopped off at Stourhead. It is certainly an imposing and elegantly designed stately home, surrounded by over 2,500 acres of lush green pastures and extensive parkland.

Neo-Classical Masterpiece

It's not the original house built on the site, and there are plans afoot using the latest technology to try to find out where the foundations of that property lie. The existing house, built by Henry Hoare, opened in 1740. Designed by Colen Campbell, it is a neoclassical masterpiece. The Hoare family is a banking dynasty, and today C. Hoare & Co. claims to be the only remaining independent bank in the United Kingdom. Accounts here are held exclusively by millionaires.

We love our brief time in the music room where there is a pianist playing "Farewell to Stromness" by Peter Maxwell Davies on a beautiful old Steinway

Stroll Through Gardens

It is a perfect summer's day, not too hot, and the sun is kind to us. There are plenty of trees to admire as we stroll along various paths, making our way to the massive lake. "This is such a privilege," I say to Caroline as the children take it all in. They find a large tree that has a really smooth curved trunk that they enjoy climbing and sitting on.

Exploring Cultural Connections

On visiting the library, created by Sir Richard Colt Hoare during his ownership in the 1800s, we discover that there are 6,000 books. He was a learned man who enjoyed collecting relics and recording them. It is his pursuit of this passion that established archaeology as a subject. In common with much of the landed gentry at this time, he was an art lover too, and the house is full of family portraits, many by Royal Academicians.

We head for the grotto. The garden design is inspired by art, and there are layers of trees at different heights and a low bed of lush green laurels, which guide your eye from up high to low down with the sun shimmering on the dome of the Temple of Apollo. It's quite a view and must have taken much planning. Was the land like this already or was it dug out? I wonder. The volunteers who look after the gardens do a splendid job. It's so relaxing to walk through these grounds, to see the ducks, the Canada Geese, swifts, and a plethora of dragonflies and butterflies.

Reflect on the Day

We manage a quick look at St Peter's Church where there are war graves. I love the smell of churches and the overwhelming peace that envelops you as you enter. The gardens shut at 4:30 pm, and we rush out at 5:00 pm worried that we might be locked in. Thankfully, we're not and enjoy looking round the shop, which has lots of unique gifts.

For more information visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wiltshire/stourhead

By Tim Saunders | travelwriter.biz

The Pantheon at Stourhead ©National Trust, Image by James Dobson

Stourhead ©National Trust Image by Trevor Ray Hart

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Reflecting on Two Years

Marking the second anniversary of being elected as MP for Southend West was a time for reflection and remembrance for me. The brutal attack by an Islamist extremist that ended Sir David Amess’ life, shocked and appalled everyone and devastated his loving family. I pledged to continue Sir David’s legacy which I believe is the best way to honour his life, and his years of service to Southend.

by Anna Firth MP Conservative MP for Southend West

anna.firth.mp @parliament.uk

Sir David was a huge animal lover so I was extremely pleased that my Pet Abduction Private Member’s Bill cleared so easily its second and third readings. If it makes it all the way to gaining Royal Assent and onto the statue books, it will make the theft of a pet a more serious offence which will carry a heavier penalty for the perpetrator. Our pets are precious, so I’m delighted to have had so much crossparty support from my Parliamentary colleagues on this.

Attracting Business

Since the beginning of this year I’ve continued to invite constituents to join me in the Commons for various events such as the Essex Chambers of Commerce dinner with the Rt Hon Laura Trott, Chief Secretary to the Treasury. Laura answered questions ahead of the March Budget and agreed that investing in and attracting business and trade to Essex was vital to the UK’s economy. Good news for us here in Southend.

Members of Southend United’s new consortium came to Number 10 Downing St for a reception to celebrate local sporting heroes. Justin Rees and Tom Lawrence met the Culture Secretary, the Rt Hon Lucy Frazer MP, and I’m continuing to press the Government to bring forward the promised Football Governance Bill.

Wishing the King Strength

I imagine that you were as shocked as I was when Buckingham Palace announced that the King is suffering from cancer. This cruel disease affects each and every one of us, either directly, or when friends and family are afflicted. I know that you’ll join with me in wishing His Majesty all the best as he undergoes treatment and I pray that he is recovered soon and back out enjoying royal duties.

As usual I’ll be out and about in Southend and meeting as many of you as possible so please do tell me what’s going on for you and what I and my team can do to help.

Local Service, Saving You Money.

As a leading domestic glass replacement company for more than 16 years, Cloudy2Clear windows are the leading name in the industry. There is no need for you to risk your windows by using the dreaded double glazing cowboy down the street. You can join over 336,000 happy customers and replace your glass ethically and affordably. If you have a failed glass unit, it may not provide you with the protection you need or be as energy-efficient as it once was. Take a minute to check your home to see if any double glazing has failed? Taking action now can prevent future financial problems.

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 once again”.

For a free quotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit www. cloudy2clear.co.uk.

really liked the fact that they were a local community run business” Janet Beard

Is a Will enough?

Assets not protected by a Trust, face attack from...

! Your home being sold to pay for your long term care costs

! The chance that your assets won’t reach your children, grandchildren and other relatives, but end up in the wrong hands!

(Bloodline Planning)

! Creditors or Bankruptcy claims

! The divorce or separation settlements of future generations

! Further Inheritance Tax bills

Trusts

The strategic use of Trusts can ensure that your children and grandchildren are able to benefit completely from the inheritance you want them to receive and at the same time, protect the family home and other assets from being lost to the costs of long term care.

Friendly and professional service

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We are confidential and reliable and give the best possible advice at the time you need it most. So, don’t leave it too late! To arrange an informal chat at no cost or for any further information or advice, please feel free to contact me on 01702 393838

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Lemon and Blueberry Cheesecake Tart

This is an easy dessert as it uses shop bought ready-rolled puff pastry and lemon curd. You can use other berries if you want to change the blueberries. It’s a really good cheat if you haven’t got time to make a cheesecake. Enjoy!

by Judy Barden

Next month’s recipe: 'Slow roast lamb with ras el hanout'

INGREDIENTS (Serves 8)

320g sheet ready-rolled puff pastry

1 egg, beaten

225g full -fat soft cheese (Philadelphia)

2 lemons zested and juice of 1

4 tbsp icing sugar, sieved

3 tbsp lemon curd

100g blueberries

Heat the oven to 200c/fan 180/gas 6.

Line a baking tray with baking parchment and unroll the pastry onto the parchment. (Some of the pastry already comes rolled in baking parchment so just use that).

Lightly score a border about 2cm from the edge all the way round so you have a sort of picture frame. Brush the border with a little of the beaten egg and set aside.

Whisk the cream cheese, most of the lemon zest and all the juice, 3 tbsp of the icing sugar and the rest of the egg together in a bowl for about a minute until smooth and slightly thickened.

Spoon the mixture into the tart case spreading it out so it doesn’t go over the border. Dot teaspoons of lemon curd on top and using a knife gently swirl it into the cheesecake mixture to create a marbled effect. Sprinkle the blueberries evenly over.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is crip and golden at the edges.

Leave to cool until just warm. Dust over the remaining icing sugar and scatter the remaining lemon zest over. Cut into rectangles and serve.

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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

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

l Uniformed professionals

l Dementia Friend certified

Pre-Booked and Pre-Quoted Services

l Always know the cost in advance

Paul Newman Interiors have been creating, designing and installing exciting and exclusive kitchens and bathrooms since 1984 from leading manufacturers Schroder Kitchens, Charles Yorke, Gaggenau, Villeroy & Boch, Ardeco and Thomas Crapper. Attention to detail sets us apart and our team of expert fitters will ensure you are delighted with your new room. We also offer a complete building programme.

136 High Street, Hadleigh, Essex, SS7 2PB T: 01702 552 868