Oracle Oct 2023

By the time Oracle hits your mats, the Spotlight Radiotherapy Appeal will have held its first Ball since 2018, at The Boundary, Garons. Since its launch in February, the Appeal has raised a staggering £270,000 of its £600,000 target, this figure excludes any money donated at the Spotlight Ball. The support from the town has been overwhelming, thank you all, on behalf of the charity. Visit spotlightappeal.org to see future events or donate.

Councillor Tony Cox's piece delves into the critical issue of transparency within our local council's finances. He emphasises the potential consequences if we fail to bring these matters under control, highlighting the importance of responsible governance.

Anna Firth MP's International Trade summit is another highlight, shedding light on Southend's exciting potential for growth in this area. As we strive for economic progress, Anna's insights offer a glimpse into our city's future.

Lastly, we're thrilled to announce a new tailored support program for Southend residents suffering from Osteoporosis, set to go live in 2024. This initiative underscores the NHS’s commitment to the welfare of our community. Plus, on a more personal note, we explore the importance of increasing your sleeping hours for better health and well-being.

This month WIN! £100 voucher to use at the VR Escape Rooms, Hockley. Enjoy a virtual reality experience with family and friends. For more information on this unique experience, please visit: www.vrescape.uk Plus, take advantage of Oracle’s reader offer on p15, when booking a virtual experience at VR Escape Rooms, during October.

To enter the Oracle/VR Escape Rooms competition visit oraclepublications.co.uk competition page, competition ends 31 October 2023.

Good Luck!

Rayleigh Glass, 40 years and counting!

We 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.

Experience & Expertise

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.

We have evolved from a glazing contractor into a specialist installer of windows, doors and conservatories for the residential market and new build sector.

Our work ranges from fitting a single set of bifold doors to installing windows and doors to an entire new build development. Our latest project consists of installing windows and doors to 100 newly built homes.

We are Safecontractor registered and uphold high health and safety standards on all projects.

Not all windows and doors are created equal

Because we are a specialist installer we are able to advise on the best specification of product to suit each individual property, whether that’s to create a warm and safe environment, reduce outside noise, control heat build up from the sun and improve the security of a home.

Safe & Secure

Increased security may be required so locks and glass can be upgraded to deter even the most persistent burglar. We can help to keep you and your family safe & secure with our upgraded locking systems and security glazing.

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

Save money on heating bills

Our Windows, Bifolds and Sliding doors achieve maximum thermal performance and retain the warmth inside your home so you can turn the heating down, reducing your bills and carbon footprint.

Guaranteed to last:

The majority of our products are guaranteed for 10 years and all domestic installations also come with an insurance backed guarantee for your peace of mind.

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.

Phone: 01702 523233

Email: admin@rayleighglass.com

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.

We control all aspects of the project from the initial spade in the ground to sign off from building control.

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.

Bespoke Garden Buildings

There are sheds and then there are bespoke garden buildings. If you work from home, need additional space to entertain or train, then a bespoke garden building might be the answer. Built to any size and design we can create the perfect home gym, workspace, games room or home cinema. Get in touch to let us know what you have in mind.

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.

Full Extension completed by Rayleigh Glass

Garden building by Rayleigh Glass

Bespoke Glazing by Rayleigh Glass

Aluminium sliding doors by Rayleigh Glass

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

You are in safe hands with Rayleigh Glass. Windows, doors, extensions and much more! Quote

Financial Crisis!

It is now just over 4 months since I became Leader of the Council running a minority Conservative Administration. Regular Oracle readers, will remember the warnings I have previously given on the state of the Council’s finances.

In October last year, early indications were given by the previous Administration of the potential dire consequences if the Council’s finances were not brought under control. We were told not to worry, there are plenty of reserves, the council is fiscally in the top 25% of all councils in the UK and measures would be taken to get the 2022-2023 budget to balance and the budget for 2023-2024 they presented in February would bring the situation under control.

Fantasy Figures!

Some of us were rightly sceptical. In my speech when the budget was set, I questioned if it was a balanced budget

on paper only. One of my colleagues even referred to this budget as a set of fantasy figures.

We anticipated that there were bound to be some financial skeletons in the cupboard, but just 20 minutes after formally becoming an Administration on the 18th May, we were told that the 2022-2023 budget was overspent by £6.9 Million and the planned budget saving of £150,000 for charging to use public loos would be unachievable as there wasn’t an external contractor who was prepared to take up a contract.

Immediately, the alarm bells were ringing. Upon further probing by myself and my Cabinet colleagues the seriousness of the situation began to emerge. We found:

l £3 Million of the planned savings were unachievable

l A further £400,000 was required in a deal negotiated by the previous Administration to ensure our domestic waste was still collected when the Veolia contract expired this month

l Their Increased parking charges on the seafront were putting people off with income down £80,000 in one month from the corresponding month last year

l Income from the plan to charge for parking at our parks would never be realised as the proposals would have cost more to administer than the projected income.

l Unrealistic income expectations set for visitors to the Pier meant that there was a £190,000 black hole in that budget

l A £300,000 income was projected from a management fee from Fusion, who run our leisure centres, yet this amount has not been collected since 2020

l There was a £1.7 Million budgeted ‘expected income’ from the Seaway car park project, yet there has been zero progress of any shape or form in the 9 years since approval for development was given and the proposed anchor tenant, Empire Cinema, has gone into Administration

A recuitment freeze

To top it all, we inherited a contract for a further £100,000 to be spent on consultants to advise the Council on ‘how to save money’!!! and clandestine plans were in place to introduce a London-style congestion charge to generate income.

Due to ineptitude and financial mismanagement, there is a projected £14 Million overspend in the current 2023-2024 budget and that number is still rising.

We have taken some immediate measures to stop the haemorrhaging of money. We have:

l Abolished the proposals to charge for parking at our parks that were going to cost more than the projected income

l Reduced seafront car parking charges by abolishing the 6-9pm parking charges to entice visitors back and stop the loss of parking income by encouraging visitors back to the seafront.

l Taken measures to reduce the costs of consultants and agency staff. Unbelievably, one person was costing nearly £1,000 a day and 96 agency staff were earning at least £300 a day

l Implemented a recruitment freeze on certain managerial roles

This is the financial position

To balance the books, so we don’t end up becoming another Birmingham (which has recently gone bust.), it is likely we will need to take further measures like demand management for services, instigating an essential spending only policy, increased charges for some services, removing financial subsidies from others, managing services to basic statutory levels (i.e. what we legally are required to do), asking for voluntary redundancies and reviewing our current use of buildings and underused services.

This is a financial position that we, as a cabinet, have inherited. Now we are challenged with setting it right. We have some tough decisions ahead of us, but the Administration I lead will ensure we can get through this and ride the storm to calmer financial seas.

Huge financial mismanagement

RICHARD ATTFIELD

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Unit 2A Swaines Industrial estate

Unit 2A Swaines Industrial estate Ashingdon Road, Rochford, SS4 1RG

Ashingdon Road, Rochford, SS4 1RG

Is this the future of Escape Rooms?

Everyone's playing escape rooms nowadays! They've become a popular pastime among couples, families and groups of friends of all ages.

Ablend of adventure, puzzlesolving, and teamwork, they've captured the imagination of people seeking novel ways to spend their leisure time. While traditional escape rooms have gained popularity, the introduction of virtual reality (VR) has ushered in an exhilarating new era in this form of entertainment.

Three generations together

VR Escape use VR to elevate the escape room concept to a whole new level. Players share the same space and work together to solve puzzles just as they would in traditional escape rooms, but everything they see and interact with is virtual. Participants are transported into fantastical worlds. The level of immersion is unparalleled, making players feel like they've stepped into a different reality.

Winner of Startup Business of the Year in 2023, owner Craig thinks much of

that success is down to how the games appeal to all ages. "It's a chance for parents and their kids to have a laugh solving puzzles together, enjoying quality time in this unique way. But it's not just families and young adult groups that play. We had one team of four with a combined age of over 300! These aren't computer games as such. Being good on an Xbox won't help you. Loads of groups are parents, children and grandparents. Three generations together. Kids' parties, couples, groups of friends, everyone seems to love it. I'm lucky because its wonderful watching people try VR for the first time. That wow moment never gets old."

The creepy Manor of Escape

In October, Oracle readers can book to play any of the rooms at 20% OFF using code "Oracle" at www.vrescape.uk

With Halloween approaching, the creepy Manor of Escape is a favourite, but there are seven different rooms, each with a "that can only happen in VR" twist. Very similar to traditional escape rooms – just not as many padlocks and with a few more monsters!

Catch more ZZZ's to avoid injuries

Two months into our new rehab and performance clinic being open within Southend leisure and tennis centre, and the main thing we have found to be quite a pattern between new patients is the struggle to consistently get a good nights sleep.

We don't just focus on getting the injury fixed or making you a better athlete, we also want to be able to teach you how to STAY injury free. This is one of those perfect examples.

It's one very easily overlooked factor when it comes to active individuals, and not one that I think gets enough value. The difference between 6 and 8 hours a night and risk of injury over the course of 21 months goes from 35% to a whopping 75% based on a study in 2014. It's figures like that, that I consider too high to be overlooked.

Always start small

Most of you that struggle to hit even 6 hours will rationalise it by explaining work life, active life, family, the list goes on, but what you need to remember is that if you don't look after yourself then what good are you to everything/ everyone else? The long term effects

of lack of sleep can go much further than risk of injury, but even chronic and debilitating conditions like Dementia, Alzheimer's and Stroke.

If you are one of those people that do really struggle to sleep for a good amount of time there are many ways to try and change that, but always start small. Trying to do everything at once will just promote failure, and you'll stop before you've even started. Perhaps get yourself to bed 30 minutes earlier than usual, or practice meditation techniques before bed; some can be done while in bed and are very effective! I personally use the 'body scan' method when I struggle to nod off and it usually works within 5 minutes or so.

www.thesportsrehablab.com

01702 410 761 Garon Park, Eastern Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 4FA

The greatest wealth, is health. Do not underestimate the power of a good sleep

A futureglobalfor Southend

Irecently had the pleasure of hosting Minister for International Trade, Nigel Huddleston, for a trade summit, held in partnership with Essex Chamber of Commerce at ESSLAB in the new city of Southend.

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

While much publicity is devoted to Southend’s seven miles of beautiful beaches, our world’s longest pleasure pier and stellar tourist pull, we are also home to a thriving export industry. Southend contributes over 3 billion to the UK economy, and sits on the Thames Estuary, the number one growth area in the country. In 2021, we exported two hundred and seventeen million pounds of goods and services, accounting for 1% of the East of England’s exports. We are home to powerhouses such as

UK exports up by 6.5 billion over the next five years

If we are to become a nation of exporters under the new ‘Made in the UK Sold to the World’ plan, our companies must be able to meet with those we want to export with. In the year to March, the Government’s resolution of 178 trade barriers in over 70 countries could boost UK exports by 6.5 billion over the next five years. I am delighted that the Government plans to continue this progress, and I welcome the possibility that new negotiations offer of a global future for Southend.

A highly productive discussion

The summit fostered a highly productive discussion, which amplified the scope and growth potential which Southend harbours.

Of the many areas for growth that this summit highlighted, two particularly stood out. Our businesses, in addition to the benefits provided by the Government’s ‘Made in the UK, Sold in the World’ plan and on-hand Export Finance Managers, need a less complex visa system for export negotiations, and they need to be able to retain regional development.

ESSLAB, which sees 35% of their turnover overseas, emphasised that we need joined-up thinking between our regional and local governments, our universities and our employers in order to make good on this Government’s desire to reach £1 trillion in exports by 2030.

Olympus Keymed, Ipeco, Rega Resarch Ltd, ESSLAB and Borough Plating.

Local folk to gain tailored aid against fractures

As the adage goes prevention is better than cure, and now a ground-breaking scheme is set to improve bone health and reduce the risk of fractures for residents in Southend and across mid and south Essex.

A new Fracture Liaison Service, supported by the Royal Osteoporosis Society, aims to prevent hundreds of fractures, helping people over 50 years old to have stronger bones.

A really positive impact

Dr Peter Scolding, Assistant Medical Director for NHS Mid and South Essex ICB, said:

“We expect this clinically-led, new service to have a really positive impact on improving people’s lives. This investment is part of our commitment, working together with local people, to get upstream and prevent problems like fractures from happening, rather than just focussing on fixing things after they have occurred. We want to keep people as healthy and independent for as long as

Now that investment has been agreed, local healthcare professionals working through MSE’s Stewardship programme, will help inform how best to roll out the service. It is anticipated that the service will go live in the early part of 2024.

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Timber Corner Lava Carbon Pandora Leaf Gazebo

Violent Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour Plummets

The operation to combat high-harm crime in Southend has led to a significant drop in violence and anti-social behaviour during the summer.

Operation Union saw officers complete more than 40,000 hours of high-visibility patrols along the seafront and surrounding areas between April and September.

During this period, they made 77 arrests and completed 322 stop and searches, with 45% leading to the discovery of illegal items including drugs, weapons and stolen goods.

Of those arrested, 26 were charged with offences, two were cautioned, eight community resolutions were issued, and another 31 were released under investigation or on bail.

There was a 24% drop in incidents of violence against the person and a 55% fall in anti-social behaviour compared to 2022.

Officers have worked closely with Southendon-Sea City Council, the British Transport Police, the c2c railway and seafront businesses and security teams to keep the city safe.

This year, 26 officers per day were on patrol in the Union zone during peak season and the team benefited from the use of a second

opengate weapons detection system that was donated by the seafront traders.

A large gathering of youths in the city in August saw unruly behaviour but there were no incidents of serious violence across the summer.

When intelligence indicated there were people intent on coming to Southend to cause trouble, dispersal orders were put in place and people were turned away from the city at the station.

Crime is down

Officers have also been enforcing the terms of the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) that has seen significant quantities of alcohol and nitrous oxide seized from people on the streets.

T/Inspector Dave Gardiner coordinated the operation and said the results showed the effectiveness of the increased presence on the seafront:

“Crime is down, anti-social behaviour is down, and we’ve had a number of excellent outcomes from arrests. When there have been incidents, we’ve responded quickly, and the number of arrests and positive stop and searches we’ve seen is credit to the officers on patrol.

“Southend is a safe, family-friendly city and we are working to make sure that continues.”

Why do you need

Lasting Power of Attorney?

Loss of mobility or mental capacity can make it difficult to manage your affairs.

What if I am unable to manage my affairs?

There may come a time in your life when you are unable to manage your financial affairs or personal welfare, owing to some form of incapacity and you will need someone to act on your behalf.

Even when we are young, we can find ourselves incapacitated owing to illness or injury and it can be invaluable having a reliable person, who is able to manage your personal affairs and remove the anxiety of having unpaid bills, at a time when you most need peace of mind. Similarly, as we get older, the need for an attorney increases as we are more prone to illness and injuries.

Don’t leave it too late!

Instead of preparing while we are physically and mentally fit enough, many of us choose to put off dealing with such unwanted eventualities until the inevitable happens and by then it’s too late.

Who can I rely on for sound advice?

When estate planning, it is important that you can rely on the adviser. CWSE offers a friendly and professional service, including Wills, LPAs, Trusts, Probate and

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

What kind of LPA do I need?

There are two types of LPA:

by Clive Rowe in association with Countrywide SE LLP

Property and Financial LPA - This type gives your attorney the authority to deal with your property, your bills, bank account and investments. This can be used while someone is still capable but has chosen to delegate to their attorney.

Personal Welfare LPA - This can only be used when you have lost capacity and are unable to make decisions for yourself. It gives someone you trust authority to make decisions about where you should live and what medical treatment you should receive.

AV & BV Andrews Ltd

Martin Andrews and his wife Pang are the third generation to run the business, supported by Martin’s father Bryan Andrews. Together with their long serving staff member Maria, they offer a personal service, much valued in this age of online shopping and large franchised stores.

If you can’t find anything to suit you from their extensive stock, a bespoke piece can be crafted to order to your personal specification.

Hard to beat

As a member of the National Association of Jewellers they also specialise in jewellery repairs. Their extensive experience and knowledge can be relied upon to give you the confidence you need when thinking about preserving a much loved item or heirloom for yourself or future generations.

Shoeburyness, are proud of their reputation as a trusted destination for generations of local people and those further afield.

If you are looking for a special gift for all occasions, AV & BV Andrews Ltd offer an extensive range of quality jewellery, clocks and watches, alongside traditional customer service.

If you have precious metal to sell they offer one of the most competitive prices locally, always giving a fair and comprehensive valuation. They can also provide valuations for insurance or probate purposes.

For all your jewellery and repair needs, from a new watch battery fitted while you wait, to a bespoke diamond engagement ring, AV & BV Andrews Ltd will be proud to serve you.

For value of money and exemplary customer service you would find AV & BV Andrews hard to beat. One of the only shops where the name over the door is the same name of those on the floor!

Steak Pie with Suet Pastry

This is one of those recipes that remind you of when you were young and your mum or Grannie made a steak pie. This version is made with stout and has a lovely suet pastry crust. Perfect for an autumn night with mash and peas. Enjoy!

by Judy Barden

Next month’s recipe: 'Chicken Liver Parfait'

INGREDIENTS (Serves 4)

32 tbsp plain flour ¼ tsp ground mace (optional)

800g diced braising beef (a mixture of shin and brisket is best) 4 level tbsp lard or duck fat, if not sunflower oil plus extra for greasing 3 medium onions, roughly chopped

300ml stout or dark real ale 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

750ml-1 litre beef or chicken stock For the pastry

200g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting 100g suet ½ tsp salt 1 medium free-range egg, beaten

First, make the pastry, combine the flour, suet and salt in a large bowl. Add 120ml cold water and work by hand until the dough comes together. If it seems dry, add 10-15ml more water. Wrap in cling film and chill for 1 hour. (You can make the pastry up to a day ahead.)

Put the flour on a large plate and season the flour with salt and pepper, and the mace (if using). Toss the beef in the flour. Heat half the fat or oil in a wide frying pan or casserole and, when it is starting to smoke, brown the meat in batches. Remove with a slotted spoon. Add the remaining fat or oil to the

Bridge Bedding 34-36

I shall be running demonstration classes on the 6th, 7th, 9th and 10th November 10am till 12.30 and also 8th November 7 till 9.30pm. Cost is £45 per person, call me on 07796691183 or email judy.barden @btinternet.com

pan with the onions and a pinch of salt and fry over a low heat for 20 minutes, until the onions are soft, sweet but not brown. Add the stout or beer and the Worcestershire sauce and bring to a simmer. Return the meat to the pan and cover with stock, then bring to a simmer. Lower the heat and braise, stirring occasionally, until the meat is really tender – this should take 2½ hours. Top up with more stock, if it looks really dry. Once cooked, check the seasoning, (it will probably need some sugar if the ale is particularly bitter) then cool completely. Again, this is perfect if made the day before assembling the pie.

Grease a 1-litre pie dish and spoon in the pie filling. If you have a pie flute sit that in the middle to hold the pastry up or use an egg cup.

Preheat the oven to 240°C/fan220°C/ gas 9. Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the pastry until it is 5mm thick. Drape it over the dish allowing it to overhang slightly. Eggwash the pastry and cook the pie for 30 minutes, covering with foil for the last 10 minutes if it’s browning too much. Serve immediately. Goes well with creamy mash and vegetables.

Rectory Grove, Leigh-on-Sea Essex

l SS9 2HE l 01702 476030

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Cloudy2Clear, A 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.

USEFUL NUMBERS

Advice & Helplines

Welfare Association 342131

Southend Bowls Club

Southend Cardiac Support Group 309042/293469

Southend Chess Club (Steve – Club Secretary) 345902

Southend French Circle www.southendfrenchcircle.org.uk

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.