Oracle February 2

Last month, Oracle announced the news of Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation’s new Appeal, launching 23 February. A quick recap, the Appeal aims to raise £600,000 to fund a state-of-the-art Surface Guided Radiotherapy Treatment for Southend Hospital. Southend has already been quick to respond with both financial and volunteering support. This is a very positive start, thank you. To get involved, please either contact me or the Foundation directly.

Next month, a new website will be available giving residents information on how to donate, enjoy fundraising events and/or get involved.

Genting Casino Westcliff have a offered a generous competition this month. Win a table for 4 in the Waterfront Restaurant (up to the value of £100 per person, includes a three-course meal and drink) for J’Adele Dine and Show, Friday 17 February. Terms & Conditions Apply.

To enter the Oracle/Genting Casino competition visit : www.oraclepublications.co.uk/competition.

Closing date 13 February 2023, keep the date free as the tickets are not transferrable.

Happy Valentines!

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Our roads can't take it, Our waterways can

In politics it is often hard to determine fact from fiction, in fact finding the truth on issues becomes the most important aspect of being a Councillor in today’s world. Let's look at a recent local issue and determine the facts:

There is currently a proposal for 85,000 lorries (one every 5 minutes) to use Thorpe Hall Avenue and Eastern Esplanade to deliver soil to the development on Gunners Park over the period of the next two and a half years. These roads are in a very poor state of disrepair due to neglect from portfolio holders for transport at Southend Council over the past 4 years. Conservative Councillors have at all levels challenged this proposal and the reasons for our opposition to this proposed route are quite simple, these roads are not suited for such a large amount of heavy vehicle movements. Not forgetting the risk to the welfare of the local residents, the safety of playing children, the noise, reduction in the air quality and the potential damage to private property and highway. Also, the possible damage to the main sewage

line for the city which Anglian Water have advised me that they cannot guarantee the integrity of due to the frequent heavy vehicle movements. These risks are all far too great to allow these vehicle movements to proceed. The planning committee at Southend Council did not have the authority to stop this situation as this is a highways matter, not a planning one. If they had, they could have faced legal challenges which would not be wise considering the disastrous state of Southend Council's financial situation (i.e. an annual overspend of £7.3m).

We must provide alternatives

But, Southend Council, as the highways authority, have the ability to stop these vehicle movements as they should do as an obligation to protect it’s residents and their property not to mention the local infrastructure.

This is why Conservative Councillors have written to Cllr Steve Wakefield, Portfolio Holder for Transport at Southend Council, calling on him to do all he can to stop these movements. We are well aware of the fact that

Cllr Daniel Nelson Southchurch Ward

this development was given planning permission two years ago and the soil that is needed to lift the ground needs to be delivered to the site. Therefore, we must provide alternatives and we don't have to look far to find them.

Wallasea Island's recent expansion was built using soil extracted from crossrail in London. This soil was bought in by barge using our waterways. In Southend, we are blessed with one the best waterways in the Country and there is no reason why barges cannot be used to bring this soil into the site. This is why in our letter to Cllr Wakefield we have called on him to pursue this option instead, along with the use of trains when the water level is low.

Never presented as a legal option

I can hear many readers of this article already saying; 'why not just reject the planning application entirely'. The answer is, firstly, planning has to work within the confides of the law and there was a legal way we as a Council could have stopped some forms of development from being agreed. However, we were given the choice of either housing, or industrial units with permanent heavy vehicle movements. Now I for one would have opposed any form of development on this site. Unfortunately, that was never presented as a legal option.

Your views on the matter

Many of your will know that a petition has been set up and over 900 people in our area have signed it so far. There is clear public opposition and, my colleague and Leader of the Conservative Group on Southend Council, Cllr Tony Cox, approached the administration asking them to accept the petition. The response was that they had no intention to do anything with it. This, along with the lack of consultation with residents, Councillors and key stakeholders is a blatant disregard and disrespect to our democratic principles.

Along with Conservative colleagues we will be fighting the proposed route until the very end. It is not acceptable for the residents of the east of the city to suffer like this, especially when viable alternatives could be considered.

If you agree me or have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out as I would relish hearing your views on the matter.

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Similarly, as we get older, the need for an attorney increases as we are more prone to illness and injuries.

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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?

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Funeral Plans. We offer the best possible advice at the time you need it most. Covid compliant, 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?

by Clive Rowe, in association with Countrywide SE LLP

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.

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.

Body, Mind & Soul

at The Bay Wellbeing Sanctuary

The Bay Wellbeing Sanctuary is launching "The Bay Spa" introducing a Sauna and Hot tub at the centre. And joining The Bay they are excited to announce they have Float Spa Rituals. Exclusively the only flotation pod in the local area. Flotation Therapy helps to stimulate the body's own natural power of healing and rejuvenation whilst escaping from the stress of daily life.

The float tank contains a substantial amount of Epsom salt creating an experience similar to the Dead Sea, where you float effortlessly on the surface of the water, feeling completely weightless, while you improve both your health and wellbeing.

Benefits of this therapy help to recover sports injuries, increase immune system, relieve stress, improve sleep, boosts creativity, reduce blood pressure, sooths chronic pain, deepens meditation and relaxation and improves skin and hair health.

"Discover Peace Like Never Before"

Clients At The Bay have being enjoying a combination of float therapy and massage to feel totally brand new.

To complete the full, rejuvenation experience they will be opening a spa area. Where you can enjoy a Sauna and hot tub with a relaxation area. This will be a space where you can relax privately with a loved one or friends. We will be offering tailor made packages making your dream and personal experience.

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Mix and match: Beauty, Massage, Yoga, PT session, Float, Sauna and Hot Tub

Please come a visit us Saturday 4th March for our Spring Open Day 11-4pm. Meet the team at The Bay for a tour, explore all what we have to offer and book your experience with us.

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we're thrilled that so many people have found comfort in doing so through our brand.

With more people choosing customised designs than ever before, we're happy to say that we've been at the forefront of this movement since day one. The ease in which you can now order with just a photograph taken on your mobile phone means that even more people are able to get exactly what they want—and they love it!

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Every single item we create is unique & extremely sentimental to its owner, it tells a story, so we take great care in ensuring each step maintains the quality and detail from start to finish to give an exact engraving extracted from the image supplied. We're so excited to see the growth in the trend for memorial jewellery over the last few years. It's always been a passion of ours to help people keep

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Beating the ambulance queue

Since Christmas, I have been keeping my head down and working behind-the-scenes to ensure the situation at Southend Hospital improves.

Although I fully appreciate that our amazing doctors, nurses and paramedics are working extremely hard to reduce delays, the long queues of ambulances

I witnessed over the festive period were completely unacceptable

I have been in regular contact with the Chief Operating Officer of Southend Hospital, as well as the Chief Executives of the East of England Ambulance Service and Integrated Care Board, to raise my deep concerns over the ongoing situation and reinforce my commitment to working with the NHS to find a solution.

Expand bed availability

As such, I called for an urgent meeting with senior officials on the 5th of January to discuss the ongoing ambulance pressures outside Southend Hospital and the long-term challenges facing the service.

I expressed my deep concerns over the number and slow discharge of some

medically stable patients who are left occupying beds in need. The discussions were extremely productive and highlighted some possible improvements to streamline patient flow and avoid blocking beds, including what more could be done to capitalize on care home spaces in Southend that are available to accept patients ready for discharge.

I also heard proposals to improve the use of space onsite to expand bed availability and the flow of patients through the hospital.

I am delighted to tell you that this is now in place and reducing ambulance handover delays, with the hospital now providing seven extra major treatment spaces, including an improved waiting area, and a new location for the Urgent Treatment Centre.

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

See Anna Firth MP press release on the news page on Oracle's website

Two brand new breast cancer screening

Additionally, I am pleased to announce that Southend Hospital will be receiving two brand new breast cancer screening units to boost capacity at the hospital and tackle the appointment backlog. We do have a plan and I am confident that if everyone pulls together, including the hospital, ambulances, council, GP’s, and care homes, then things will start to get better by the end of the month. I will provide further updates as soon as possible.

As ever, if you have any issues I can help with, please contact me on anna.firth.mp@parliament.uk.

Let's talk!

Official data from the Office for National Statistics shows that rates of depression doubled during the COVID pandemic. As we emerge through the other side of an incredibly troubling and challenging few years, the mental and emotional effects are still apparent.

At Trust Links we have been supporting adults with their mental health and wellbeing for over 20 years, and this could not stop in 2020.

With one of the major causes of depression being social isolation, we set up the Talking Together befriending project as a response to the COVID 19 pandemic. To date, the service has only accelerated, and we’ve seen the demand for the service continue to grow.

We need your help

has helped chatting to someone about family.”

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01702 213134

Talking Together helps by connecting people with one another, and provides adults who may be feeling isolated, anxious or depressed the opportunity to speak regularly to volunteers about their concerns, fears and issues. One Talking Together Befriendee even described her experience as “…a lifeline. She’s been positive, and I’ve really liked that about her. I’ve noticed that it

We’d love for you to get involved

Most people have experienced loneliness in their lifetime, but together we can bring some kindness and support to those who need to hear a friendly voice. To do this, we need your help. Currently we are making around 100 calls per month, with only 21 Befriending volunteers, and a waiting list of adults seeking a Befriender. Your phone call each week will provide an isolated adult the opportunity for human connection and a safe space to discuss their wellbeing. In this rewarding role you will have the ongoing support of our Befriending team every step of the way. We will even equip you with training that can span beyond your Talking Together volunteering, including an accredited Mental Health First Aid qualification further into your volunteering journey.

Now you’ve heard about Talking Together, and why we need your help, we’d love for you to get involved and help us transform lives. Please email volunteers@trustlinks.org or call 01702 213134 to receive a job description and have any questions answered. We look forward to having you join our community.

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Southend drug dealer caught with £2m worth of cocaine is jailed

Cocaine worth almost £2m which was destined for the streets of Essex has been seized thanks to proactive work by Essex Police officers.

Drugs courier Kieran Grant was jailed on Friday 13 January for eight years.

When Grant was stopped on the M11 at about 10.30pm on March 31, he quickly admitted to officers that he had a large amount of drugs in his boot

The 40-year-old, of Hartington Road, in Southend, was stopped on the Londonbound carriageway just before junction 8 as checks on the Skoda Fabia he was driving showed it was uninsured.

Once he had got out of the car, officers began to question him, asking if there was anything in the car that they should be aware of.

Grant immediately replied: “In the boot.”

When asked what was in the boot, he replied: “Drugs - a lot. Cocaine.”

He admitted both charges

When the vehicle was searched, officers found 19 wrapped blocks of cocaine, totalling 19kg, in the boot which was being transported in two ‘bags for life’.

The drugs have a wholesale value of £665,000 and a street value of about £1.9 million.

Grant was arrested and subsequently charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. He admitted both charges at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on April 2 last year, 2022, and was sentenced on Friday 13 January at Basildon Crown Court to a total of eight years in prison.

The drugs will be destroyed

Detective Sergeant Leo Fordham, of Essex Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said:

“This was a sizeable seizure of drugs which were undoubtedly destined for the streets of Essex.

“We know all too well the harm that drugs cause, both to those who take them and those involved in the supply of them.

“In this case, driving an uninsured car proved to be Grant’s downfall and outed him as a complicit criminal courier and he will now spend a significant amount of time behind bars for his actions.”

Essex Police has a number of teams dedicated to tackling drugs and the high harm they cause in our community including our Disruptor and Op Raptor teams as well as our Serious and Organised Crime Unit.

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Frying pan Pizza with ‘nduja and ricotta

by Judy Barden

month’s recipe: 'Steak chilli hotpot'

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 2)

I x pack pizza dough mix or make your own dough base

1 can Mutti peeled plum tomatoes

Sea salt

½ 170g pack Exotic Mushroom Trio Mix

1 knob of butter

½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil

25g ’nduja paste

50g ricotta

2 tbsp plain flour, for dusting surface

60g grilled aubergines from a jar

100g mozzarella, roughly torn

1 handful of parmesan shavings

1 handful of basil leaves (optional)

1 drizzle olive oil, to serve

This is fast food at its best. You can put any topping you like on the pizza and buying ready made dough makes this a really quick supper. It is cooked in a frying pan then put under a hot grill to brown the cheese. Enjoy

Firstly put the tin of tomatoes in a bowl and crush them with your hand (this is the old school way of doing it in Naples) you want it chunky. If you process it becomes too smooth.

Add some sea salt and a large pinch of sugar and set aside.

In a pan, fry the mushrooms in the butter and olive oil with a pinch of salt until just cooked. Meanwhile, mix together the ’nduja and ricotta in a bowl. Follow the instructions if using dough mix and roll out a large portion dough on a lightly floured surface and stretch it out to about 25cm in diameter. Use a teaspoon to dollop the ’nduja-ricotta mixture around the edge of the pizza, being sure to leave a gap 2.5cm from the outer edge. Make it as even as possible; neaten as you go.

To fold the crust, carefully turn up the dough from the outer edge a little at a time and fold it over the ’nduja-ricotta mixture so it’s hidden. Then press with your fingertips, all the way round, to seal the edge of the crust to the base.

Put a large heavy-based frying pan on the hob over a high heat; preheat the grill to high. Pop the pizza base in the pan and spread 2-3 tbsp tomato sauce over it with the back of a spoon.

Top with the aubergines, fried mushrooms and mozzarella; cook for 2 mins or until the crust is browned. Finish under the grill until the cheese is bubbling. Finish with some parmesan shavings, a sprinkling of basil leaves (if using) and a drizzle of olive oil.

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The fragrance hack that’s not to be sniffed at

little spritz of perfume, or a dab of aftershave before you set off for work is a great way to start your day. After all, what’s not to love when someone passes by, breathes in and exclaims: ‘Ooh, you smell nice!’ So long as they’re not the office equivalent of Hannibal Lecter, this can be a real confidence booster and nice beginning to a pleasant conversation.

It would be lovely if the whole day could continue in a similar fashion but, sadly, most fragrances wear off by lunchtime. Well, I may have found the answer… Vaseline. Or, petroleum jelly-based moisturiser if you favour an alternative brand. Either way, if you apply a small amount to your pulse points before spraying or dabbing your eau de cologne of choice, you will effectively slow down its rate of evaporation.

If you apply them regularly

Naturally, the hack first appeared on TikTok, with beauty bloggers quickly following suit. My interest

was piqued because like you, if you’ve invested your hard-earned in nice things – especially during the Cost-of-Living Crisis – you want things to last for as long as possible. After all, quality perfumes can cost a small fortune, and if you apply them regularly, you’ll probably get the feeling that your money, like your fragrance, is vaporising into thin air.

Give your wrists a sniff

The theory goes that colognes don’t last very long on dry skin, and the alcohol in them dries it out even more. Don’t believe me? Try this: Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to one wrist but not the other, then spray you favourite fragrance on both. At the end of the day, discreetly give your wrists a sniff and I bet you’ll find that the moisturised one will definitely have a stronger scent.

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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

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by Clive Rowe in association with Countrywide SE LLP

How thoughts and feelings

affect the body

Panic Attacks

Panic attacks are a prime example of how thoughts and feelings can affect the bodies response. They are generally triggered by a fear or a memory of a fearful event of being physically or emotionally hurt. When a panic attack occurs the symptoms include a tight chest or pain in the chest, hyperventilating, feeling sick, dizziness and some experience an overwhelming fear of dying which can be extremely frightening.

Panic attacks are generally treated by slowing the breathing down and one of the oldest methods is to get the person to breathe into a paper bag to regain control.

Although an effect method, it only helps controlling the panic attack itself, it does not prevent further panic attacks happening.

Once a medical examination has established that there are no physical reasons for the panic attacks to occur; then it’s likely that the trigger source is due to fear. There are a number of effective psychotherapies or hypnotherapy that can remove or change the fearful thought and stop the debilitating chain reaction in the body referred to as a panic attack.

Brain Working Recursive Therapy

The main therapy I work with is a psychotherapy called Brain Working Recursive Therapy or BWRT, it is a very successful therapy for panic attacks, anxieties and fears.

BWRT changes or removes the negative emotional response to the fear which in turn stops the bodies negative reaction to the fearful memory. Some clients experience pain or uncomfortableness feeling

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in their gut, solar plexus or chest but have no memory attached to it and when this occurs I am able to work with the physical feeling instead of the memory just as effectively.

If you are suffering from Panic Attacks, ongoing anxieties or uncomfortable gut feelings I can help.

Please contact me on 07717856999 or at jacqui@jsntherapies.co.uk.

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