Oracle June 2023

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June 2023

Est.2005

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SPOTLIGHT Tory led Council - expensive ?

Southend's Future?

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June 2023

ORACLE

WELCOME

The Spotlight Radiotherapy Appeal has recently added some fabulous new events. Please take the time to visit www.spotlightappeal.org it’s a lovely way to spend time with family or friends and support a very important local cause. By the end of April the Appeal had raised more than £170,000, since its launch in February. A great start, thank you.

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Please keep spreading the word, as the charity will need £600,000 to buy state-of-the-art radiotherapy positioning devices to better the lives of patients undergoing cancer treatment at Southend hospital.

Don’t forget to check the online barometer on www.spotlightappeal.org to see the latest total.

Southend’s High Street is often plagued by scooters and bicycles, read this month’s police article on how they aim to clamp down on this problem. James Miller and Andrew Hall, who both stood at the recent local elections, have their say on Southend’s future.

WIN! A Sunday roast for four guests at the Holiday Inn Southend, including a bottle of wine worth £140.

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170 The Broadway Thorpe Bay SS1 3ES

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22/03/2019 11:37

3

CONTENTS Southend's Future

9/10

Local Issues by James Miller

Op Community: Cracking down on e-scooters and cycling on Southend High Street 16 Police Watch by Essex Police

Tory led Council-expensive?

22

Spotlight by Andrew Hall

Herd In The City Stomps into Southend

28

Charity News by Havens Hospices

Au naturel

32

Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith

Prawn and courgette orzo risotto 38 Recipe by Judy Barden

Brainbox 44 Useful Numbers 52 Advertiser Index

54

Advertorials Rayleigh Glass 6/7 Broom 26 Edd Court 49 Countrywide South East 51

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 is editorially autonomous and the opinions expressed are not those of the publisher unless expressly stated.

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June 2023 22/05/2023 14:47

P

otholes seem to be Southend’s ambition these days!

Once upon-a-time it would have been the world’s longest pleasure pier! Long ago the people behind the creation of Southend were presumably visionary, focused, practical, and ambitious.

LOCAL ISSUES

future?

Southend’s

They developed an infrastructure that was community driven where people were brought together. From the Westcliff Lido, Warrior Square Swimming Pool to Southend Marine Activity Centre, York Road Market and Europe's biggest amusement park, the Kursaal.

One such ambitious development was the world's longest pleasure pier.

Today this would never happen!

Dreaming big in our era is to paint a fence, plant a tree or replace a cracked paving stone with asphalt.

We have a fight on our hands

Residents no longer cry out for anything much these days, as their expectations have been eradicated.

We have a fight on our hands to even retain weekly bin collections, or turning our streetlights back on at night, or having the grass cut more than once a year, or to reverse charges to park in our parks and preventing the council from putting all parking charges, council tax, fees, charges and to put council charges up continually! That's aside from defending Jazz UK from eviction from the Beecroft, demolishing Southend’s Cricket Pavilion plus keeping Southend's

James Miller Leader of the Confelicity Party of the City of Southend-on-Sea

It’s like the ‘ideas people’ have been pulling their bodies across endless miles of desert, tight lipped, delirious, and delusional as they recollect some glitch of creativity on the way to a mirage, housing one last warm and muddied droplet in a pothole. (Yes, I squeezed that analogy for all it was worth - I apologise.

I went for Roald Dahl and got Quentin Letts.)

June 2023

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99

LOCAL ISSUES seaside clear from sewage.

I don’t know what has happened, but there is something quite dead and heavy and anchoring about our current generation of visualisers. It's almost as though they do not live in Southend.

If the spreadsheet is balanced, the ambition is fulfilled.

Whilst our ancestors planned, they built a town with roads, schools, hospitals, houses, parks, world's longest pleasure piers, swimming pools, sports clubs and high streets, our generation seem to do well with the wrecking ball.

When we talk about the world's longest pleasure pier that happens to be on our doorstep, what do we do with it?

The Pier The Pier itself is in good shape. The boards are sturdy. The view on a sunny day is magnificent. You can even see seals on a lucky day. The trains are new and visitor records have been broken so someone out there has enjoyed some back-patting.

It also just won a competition recently, but Southend residents all know the truth - there is very little on the Pier that is in keeping with what it promises to be.

Returning Ambition Can we not think how our ancestor’s thought?

Southend could be made into a destination town, bring The Pier back to its former glory and better. There is no reason why we can’t have the same aspirations for The Pier as France had and achieved for the Eiffel Tower.

Let’s create an opportunity for Southend to exude the ambition, invention, and imagination that our town was originally founded on and that our new city could be inspired by.

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Pies and Skies So, what can we do? What ideas can we muster?

Commercially, souvenir shops, photo opportunities, fish & chip restaurants, and traditional seaside fayre would easily make a good living if run in the right way. Pretty boring but it would pay for other things.

How about bringing the bandstand back where the talent of Southend can showcase themselves to hundreds of thousands of visitors?

What if we made much more of the functionality of the Pier such as the RNLI building, fishing, shipping, and conservation? Maybe weave this into a visitor journey experience?

The town needs to build on attracting more ships to moor off the end of the pier, such as the El Galeon Spanish tall ship, this will attract more visitors. This was an excellent idea and those involved should be commended.

What if we enhanced the Southend Museum giving residents a deeper understanding of our local history and bringing back a sense of civic pride. This would be an opportunity for tourists to understand our culture and show more respect.

Would a mini theatre seem a step too far? Or a mini-Eden Project that could focus on the marine environment? Locals should be allowed their opinion on these or any other great ideas for the town.

Southend residents are bursting with ideas, and I have no doubt that there will be so many commercially viable and culturally enhancing schemes out there. Why not ask them?

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June 2023

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Police Watch

Op Community:

Cracking down on e-scooters and cycling on Southend High Street

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he Southend Community Policing Team have been out on the High Street to educate the public and enforce the terms of Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) after complaints about reckless cyclists and the illegal riding of e-scooters.

Southend-on-Sea City Council introduced the PSPO in 2019, and it was renewed last year to include two additional restrictions to allow fines to be issued to people cycling or using e-scooters in a way that has a negative effect or poses a risk to pedestrians.

New signage has been installed around Southend city centre and all routes onto the High Street clearly displaying that cycling and e-scooting on High Street and anywhere in the PSPO area (link) is prohibited.

The cycling restrictions do not apply to police officers who are on duty.

Eleven officers from the Town Centre Team – including three on pedal cycles – were joined by five of the council’s Community Safety Officers, and two Business Improvement District (BID) Rangers to raise awareness that breaching the PSPO could land riders with a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN).

19 people stopped Over the course of an afternoon and evening, they stopped 19 people for breaching the PSPO, took their details and gave them warnings.

the force taking part in days of action to combat issues raised by local people in every district across the county.

This enhanced engagement and crime prevention operation takes a proactive approach that emphasises listening to the local community, problem-solving, and investigating all concerns to achieve the best outcomes.

270 Officers deployed The first day of action saw more than 270 officers deployed to tackle issues including drug dealing, anti-social behaviour, theft, and speeding.

Sergeant Steve Wells of Southend CPT said the team had been successful in spreading the word about the terms of the PSPO and that the feedback from people on the High Street had been very encouraging.

“It’s clear that cycling and e-scooters in the pedestrianised areas of city centre have become a significant frustration for everyone. We’re aware of at least two incidents where young children have been knocked over by people on e-scooters.

Three people were issued with FPNs after deciding to ignore requests to stop riding.

“The new signage makes it clear what the rules are, but this operation was very much about engagement and educating people on the High Street about what they are allowed and not allowed to do.

The activity forms part of Operation Community, a new initiative that will see significant numbers of officers from all areas of

“Our presence was very well received and there were numerous positive conversations and comments from members of the public.”

If you have concerns about child exploitation, you can report them online at www.essex.police.uk/ro where you can also speak to an online Live Chat operator on weekdays between 10am and 9pm. Alternatively, you can ring 101.

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SPOTLIGHT

Tory led Council - expensive?

T

he dust has barely settled on another set of elections and the horse-trading deals that were not deals but are deals become clear. The fact is the Tory minority led council is going to be just as expensive if not more so than the last administration.

Andrew Hall

Chair Thorpe Bay Residents Association

What services will they cut?

I find it very poor that there are no major opposition Councillors chairing any of the committees. It means that with the current set up the Conservatives can railroad through pretty much whatever they like. It also means that services will have to be cut to balance the books.

You can't scrap the evening parking fees losing £000s revenue without causing cuts to services elsewhere. Very few were in favour of those fees but last year's financial events left the previous administration with few options. So, what services will they cut? Libraries, dimming lights again or social housing builds. Whatever they do it will affect the city greatly.

What does this all mean in the scheme of things for us the ordinary individual?

Another waste of our money

Tories campaigned on the back of excessive spending by the previous administration but then created more cabinet positions with more salary expense.

Talking of "jobs for the boys" the Conservatives paid back Woodley's support by giving him Place Scrutiny, Tricia Cowdrey People Scrutiny and Kathy Murphy Vice chair.

It means real services will have to be cut.

Now that may not affect many in Thorpe but those that are not as privileged as

I put myself out there Talking of which, Thorpe Ward is represented by a man guilty of misconduct charges, with yet more charges to be heard. It beggars’ belief that the same person who has been cited in a report for bullying and was very rude to a lady councillor in the chamber, could represent us as our Mayor.

Before anyone shouts sour grapes hold fire. I put myself out there, but the people didn't want what I was offering. I can live with that because that's what democracy is all about but don't say you haven't been warned.

22

some in Thorpe will be hit very hard.

Then there's the trucks that they said they will stop. How? As I said previously where were they when this was being proposed? The permissions have already been granted. If pursued, this will be yet another waste of our money. As far back as September 2022 I wrote to all parties involved requesting a dialogue to use alternative means to transport the aggregate. This was greeted with a good response. According to Cllr Cox I was supporting Bellway but funny how when an election is looming it is used as a Council amendment.

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You should think carefully before securing other debts against your home. Your home or property may be repossessed if you fail to comply with the terms and conditions of an equity release plan.

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17/05/2023 17:36

CHARITY NEWS

Herd In The City Stomps into Southend This summer, a free, family art trail that leaves an impression will be stomping into Southend-on-Sea. Herd In The City – created by Havens Hospices and Wild in Art - will see over 45 large elephant sculptures dotted around the city from Friday 14th July to Monday 4th September, including Shoeburyness and Leighon-Sea. Each one has been sponsored by a local business and painted by a professional artist in varying styles.

A

longside these will be ‘mini herds’ of baby elephants, adopted and decorated by a school or community group, making art accessible to all. Visitors can navigate the route using the Herd In The City app, available from the App Store and Google Play from the start of July, and collect rewards along the way. A map will also be available, which can be purchased from the Havens Hospices Charity Shops in Southend-on-Sea, Prittlewell, Leigh-onSea and Shoeburyness.

A great day out At the end of the trail, the elephants will be sold at auction, raising money for Havens Hospices.

Lauren Eagle-Allen, Senior Projects Officer for Havens Hospices, said: “We are so proud to bring our parade of elephants to nestle amongst Southend-on-Sea’s iconic attractions, bringing colour and fun to the city.

28

“Herd In The City will offer everyone a great day out, exploring parts of the city they may not have visited before, and raise thousands of pounds for the free, specialist hospice care Havens Hospices provides for local adults, children, and their families.”

To keep up with the herd and to post your ‘ele-selfies’ from the trail, visit www.herdinthe.city or follow on social media  herdinthe.city on Instagram,  @herdinthecity on Twitter and Facebook.

herdinthecity@ havenshospices.org.uk 01702 220350

Herd In The City Herd In The City is made possible thanks to Presenting Partner Southend-on-Sea City Council. Official Event Partners of the trail include BTMK Solicitors, Method IT, Ayers & Cruiks and c2c.

Along with Rickard Luckin as the Learning Programme Partner, Atlantic Pacific as the Logistics Partner, Echo Newspaper as the Media Partner, Main Media as the Photography and Videography Partner, and 6rs as the Creative Partner, which has produced the brand for the project.

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HAIR & BEAUTY

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ir-drying is huge right now, with stylish Brits emulating their French counterparts’ seemingly effortless gift for looking laid-back, pretty and oh-so cool.

We’ve been doing it for centuries, but would you believe that one of the, ahem, hottest things in hair right now is air-drying?

It might sound ridiculous, but there’s quite a bit of theory behind the term, rather than simply towelling off your hair after showering and letting nature to do its job. The motivation for downing heated tools is not only the desire to reduce damage, but also to embrace natural texture and take inspiration from what one commentator called a “French girl aesthetic”.

Wait for summer Believe it or not, there are right and wrong ways to air-dry hair—both for the health and appearance of your hair. If you have textured, wavy, or curly hair then you’re more ideally suited for air-drying but will

probably need more product than someone with straight hair. The technique is also better suited for warmer climates, so maybe wait for summer or a foreign holiday before you give it a whirl.

My simple steps for successful airdrying would be to do the following: Start with thoroughly clean hair, then moisturise with a leave-in conditioner. Next, and to avoid frizz, only brush or comb your hair when it’s wet or damp. Then apply a styling product that is designed for your hair type.

Do this in the morning Another tip – ideal for people who tend to be permanently in a rush – is to use a microfibre towel after washing, which will help to reduce your air-drying time without causing the dreaded frizz created by traditional cotton towels, as these tend to generate more friction.

Finally, do this in the morning rather than just before bed. Not only is a damp pillow a nightmare, you’ll wake up in the morning looking like you had one. Which is as far from ‘Parisian chic’ as you can get.

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RECIPE

Prawn and courgette orzo risotto

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n Italy a lovely quick supper is often a bowl of pasta or risotto. Here the rice has been replaced by orzo, which are small grains of pasta that look like rice. If you haven’t tried it before its just so easy to use and here it is teamed with prawns and courgettes, which makes for a light healthy dish. Enjoy!

by Judy Barden Next month’s recipe: 'Tropical Pina Colada Sundae'

INGREDIENTS (Serves 4)  900ml vegetable stock  2 tbsp olive oil  1 brown onion, finely chopped  2 garlic cloves, finely chopped  150ml dry white wine, (we used sauvignon blanc)  300g orzo  400g raw king prawns, defrosted if frozen  2 large courgettes, coarsely grated  1 lemon, zested

Heat 1tbsp of olive oil in a frying pan over a low heat and gently cook the onions for 10 mins, until softened. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 min. Pour in the wine and simmer for 1 min, to let the alcohol evaporate.

Put the vegetable stock into a saucepan and bring to the boil, then lower the heat to a slow simmer to keep it hot. (chicken stock has a stronger flavour if you prefer) Stir in the orzo, then pour in the hot stock. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a slow simmer, stirring occasionally, according to the time given on the orzo packet, or until the stock is absorbed and the pasta is al dente. Stir the prawns into the orzo halfway through the cooking time.

Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the grated courgette, lemon zest and the remaining 1tbsp of olive oil. Cover the pan, remove from the heat, and set aside for 1 min before serving.

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Reactivate those muscles again!

Ems Training for Reducing the Risk of Falling n Unfortunately, seniors often lack the strength and balance to "fall correctly" or avoid taking a tumble all together. nM any elderly are simply not physically active enough! Their tissue becomes brittle. The risk of serious injury increases. In almost every case regular exercise could significantly slow down this cycle or alleviate it altogether. nU nfortunately, elderly people are often limited in their movements and cannot perform at their best anymore. The only way to strengthen the muscle though is to give it the necessary exercise.

Staying Physically Active in Old Age nE MS Personal Training is the perfect exercise for older people, especially over 60 and 70. Training with electrical muscle stimulation keeps the blood pressure low and the heart rate steady. n I t can be adapted to be easy on the joints with simple bodyweight or balance exercises. The movements can be performed to the extent that the user is able to and still be maximally effective because the electrical impulse stimulates the muscle externally. The EMS impulse helps you to go over the threshold mentioned above. nA t the same time, the metabolism is stimulated because all large muscle groups are activated. This promotes healthy fat loss which can be beneficial for reducing the risk of heart disease. EMS-Training also activates the deeper lying muscle tissue.

June 2023

What does the Science Say about EMS Training? n Recent studies with men between 65 and 75 years have shown that seniors can effectively counteract age-typical sarcopenia with regular EMS-Training. A reduction of body fat was also documented in the observed test groups. n Studies have also shown that there is no age limit to staying active with EMS Personal Training. Both the intensity of the electric impulses and the exercises themselves are highly adaptable to fit all age groups and fitness levels.

We will track your weight, body fat percentage, range of motion, and flexibility. More importantly, though, you should keep a close watch on how you feel. The goal of EMS-Training is to help you strengthen your muscles, alleviate back pain and improve your overall sense of wellbeing.

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ESTATE PLANNING

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.

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What kind of LPA do I need?

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

Who can I rely on for sound advice?

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

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.

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

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