Oracle on-Sea July 2016 by Oracle Publications

Your all-seeing local

July 2016

ORACLE

Leigh, Chalkwell, Westcliff & Southend Conservation Area

WIN! A meal for 2 at Café Masala!

NEW! Legal advice to save you £££s!

Reece's new charity needs your help …

Cover photo courtesy of Blackwing Aerial Services (blackwingservices.com)

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15/06/2016 14:14 July 2016

ORACLE

WELCOME

This month, despite our on-going wet summer, I would like to bring a little sunshine to the people involved in two local charities in recognition of the great work they do: The first charity, which resonates with me and is featured in this month’s Local Issues, involves a very brave, local young man called Reece Hawley and his wish to advance the wellbeing, care and rehabilitation of young people with cancer. The Reece Hawley Foundation aims to do this and I strongly encourage you to read his story. Secondly, on the 17/18 Sep 2016, our good friend, Keith Hoskins of www.pictureperfect.pro is offering – for a mimimum donation of £29 – a solo/ family photo shoot with all proceeds going to BRA Breast Reconstruction Awareness, please visit: www.pictureperfectportraits.pro/rock-the-frock for more information. This month’s competition has been kindly donated by Café Masala, Thorpe Bay (also this month’s restaurant review – see centre spread). Win a meal for two worth £40 to be used by 30 Sep 2016. To enter, please send your contact details to: Oracle/ Café Masala Competition, Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend, Essex SS1 1AN or email: info@oraclepublications.co.uk by Fri 29 July 2016. Good Luck!

Emma Wynne-Morgan Publisher

01702 393838

Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1AN www.oraclepublications.co.uk info@oraclepublications.co.uk oracleessex oracle_essex

Printed by Printwize Ltd, Witham, Essex CM8 3BN 01376 500900

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CONTENTS Reece's lasting legacy

9/10

Local Issues by Francesca Wynne-Morgan

Colour me beautiful

Salon advice by Craig Smith

Change of heart

Council news by Cllr James Moyies

Café Masala – as seen on TV!

26/27

Wine & Dine with Oracle's restaurant review

Lime Curd Tarts with Summer Berries 30 Judy's Recipe Page

NEW! Returning the trip

Law & Order by Richard Curtis

Local Letters

Residents have their say

Brainbox 38 What's On

Useful Numbers

Advertiser Directory

Advertorials Cliff House Clinic

ORACLE

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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LOCAL ISSUES

Reece's lasting legacy Imagine yourself as a 19-year-old, with the whole world ahead of you. The opportunities. The excitement. All still waiting for you. This wasn’t the case for local boy, Reece Hawley … Reece was an extremely determined, fit and healthy young man, studying for a degree in Early Years teaching, at South East Essex College University. Middle child to Richard and Karen, with an older sister, Robyn and younger brother, Matt. He was also soulmate to long term girlfriend, Chelsea. The day before his 20th birthday in May 2013, Reece complained about a lack of coordination whilst driving and studying. He knew his body well and recognised something wasn’t right, so asked to go to the hospital. He was sent home with a follow up MRI. The MRI showed a mass on his brain which doctors believed to be an AVM (Arterial Venous Malformation), which led to an operation. The surgery went well and the surgeon felt confident that Reece would have no further problems.

Bad news travels fast A few days later, the dreaded news was delivered. The family were informed that the mass was in fact a high grade GBM – an aggressive brain tumour. Reece took the diagnosis in his stride, more worried about how his family and girlfriend would cope with the news than anything else. He had the standard treatment of daily radio/chemotherapy followed by six cycles of chemotherapy. Reece flew through

these with little side effects and even continued with his degree. Things deteriorated for Reece in January with another scan showing two new tumours outside of the radiation perimeter. Due to this, doctors decided to proceed with a more aggressive chemotherapy but felt it was having an adverse effect on his blood count so decided on a second surgery in June. The surgery went well but two weeks later, Reece began experiencing headaches and nausea. He was hospitalised again, and then suffered from seizures leaving him unresponsive for 40 minutes. His family were told to prepare themselves to say goodbye but Reece was determined. He defied odds over the weekend and began to respond again. He spent his rehabilitation at St Luke’s Hospice and though the seizures left him with limitations, with sheer determination he was up walking within two weeks and homeward bound.

Raising hopes The family made the decision to begin fundraising to give Reece a chance of trying a treatment called Avastin. This treatment was very expensive but the response from fundraising was phenomenal! Through the help of runs, walks, fun days, raffles, sports rallies, auctions, TV appearances and donations an amazing £80,000 was raised in just three months.

Heading south After two cycles he became visibly sicker and the family were given donations to take a small holiday to Cornwall, which created unforgettable memories.

July 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

young people with cancer, for the public benefit of making grants and awards to young people and their families. His concern for other people shows that it’s not only the person with the diagnosis that has a fight against cancer – it is also those who have to care for their loved one with unconditional support. This Foundation aims to help make the fight that little bit less worrisome for everyone. It will give treasured memories to those whose lives are filled with doctor’s appointments and treatment schedules allowing them to spend irreplaceable time together. It will also help carry out Reece’s biggest wish of raising awareness of the awful fight that so many face. Reece touched the lives of so many people in a positive way and he will continue to do that. If you would like to make a kind donation or watch for upcoming events, please visit our website: www.reecehawleyfoundation.co.uk You can also follow us on social media: @ReeceHawleyFdtn Upon arriving home, Reece deteriorated and it was determined that although the Avastin treatment was working, it was just not soon enough. The morning of 17th October 2014 his family and girlfriend were told they wouldn’t have long left with him. Reece waited until his sister and brother arrived, to then pass away peacefully.

by Francesca Wynne-Morgan

Trustee, The Reece Hawley Foundation

Going strong Reece was in no way defined by his brain tumour. He was the kindest, most selfless person anyone could have had the privilege of knowing. Throughout his illness he never once complained, never once asked, ‘Why me?’, and always concerned himself with how those around him were coping. He could never understand why so many people were rallying to help him when so many others needed help. It was his dream to help other people with an illness like he had and their loved ones.

Commit to memory It was Reece's wish that this foundation would advance the wellbeing, care and rehabilitation of

Everything to live for – Reece with sister, Robyn and brother, Matt

The Reece Hawley Foundation 19A PRESTON ROAD, WESTCLIFF-ON-SEA SS0 7NB • 01702 351910 Registered Charity No: 1161933 www.reecehawleyfoundation.co.uk 10

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Colour me beautiful

SALON

• Choose the right tan – Unfortunately, this is

The bright, sunny days are finally here again and lily-white legs are slowly venturing out from under jeans, marking that particular time of the year when the distinctive smell of Fake Bake and St Tropez is in the air.

about trial and error. Go for a gradual tan product to start with and build up a natural-looking glow over several days.

• Take it slowly – The key to perfect coverage is to give yourself enough time for the entire process. Allow at least an hour.

• Work upwards – To avoid smudging, work from

your feet upwards and do your arms last of all. Make sure you get between your toes and round the back of the ankles, across the ears and under the armpits, as that's where it really shows up as fake. Always make sure the tan goes into the hairline too, as that can be a real giveaway.

Trying to look beautifully bronzed can be fraught with fiascos – raccoon eyes, orange streaks and white neck syndrome. However, slapping on tan from a bottle is much better than risking premature ageing and skin cancer by lying on the beach or a sunbed. So, here are my tan-tastic top tips for turning yourself into a honey-coloured honey …

• Let it dry – Try not to get wet and try not to sweat

• Exfoliate – This gets rid of the dead skin cells and provides an even canvas for tan to be applied to.

• Moisturise – Dry areas of the body soak up more tanning product making them darker. Apply a good coat of moisturiser all over to make sure your tan is as even as possible.

• Select your spot – A bright room with a full•

length mirror is ideal.

Be prepared – Always wear latex or vinyl gloves to protect your hands. There is nothing worse than having orange palms!

for at least six hours, so avoid any heavy, tightfitting clothing.

Apples to oranges As you soak up the compliments about your new, healthy glow, allow your wicked streak to enjoy a cheeky giggle by checking out the Daily Mail ‘sidebar of shame’ to look at those celebrities of both sexes who got it so catastrophically wrong!

by Craig Smith

Director of Grateful Heads Hair Salon, Southend Providing expert hair care to Essex for 30 years. Isn’t it time you made your head grateful?

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Change of heart

COUNCIL

There is a new Conservative administration in Southend and it will be interesting to watch what changes they make to initiatives that were started by the administration I was part of. As the new Chair of People's Scrutiny I will be focussing on what happens to the plans I put in place when I was the Portfolio Holder for Health and Adult Social Care.

Musical chairs I set up a new local authority trading company to ensure the future of our care home provision, support for people with learning disabilities and quality domestic care packages. I instigated an initiative that will deliver a state-of-the-art health centre in Shoeburyness. It will be developed in a way that is beneficial to the Council, the local community and our Clinical Care Group. I drove the development of Public Health and focussed it on the main strategies that will prevent illness in our town. We developed a plan to encourage more activity in our population â&#x20AC;&#x201C; above

everything else, it is clear that walking, swimming cycling, gardening or any physical activity is more important than any other factor in preventing illness. I also chaired the Health and Wellbeing Board and focussed it on big-ticket items like mental health, physical activity and primary care access. And then? Well, following the May elections, I was no longer in the driving seat.

Worried sick I believe councils have a clear choice in these days of austerity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they either outsource everything and become a small team focussed on awarding contracts for services, or they have a more entreÂpreneurial approach and build successful companies that are ultimately owned by the council. Up until now, councils have mostly been somewhere in the middle but the recent austerity will now force Southend Borough to decide what kind of council it is. I worry that the plans I had will only be half delivered and therefore will not work. I worry that the Health and Public Health teams will return to trying to do everything with a vastly reduced budget which will mean that nothing is done well. I hope the new administration faces up to the new realities and looks at entrepreneurial ways to deliver services and protect the most vulnerable. by Cllr James Moyies

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Café Masala – as seen on TV!

WINE & DINE

Okay, so we Brits all know our Rubies and most of us know Café Masala, but before you balti for the tandoor, tikka look at these pages, because this Indian restaurant is full of surprises … If there's one indicator of a restaurant's excellence, it's longevity, and the family-run Café Masala has successfully been serving up Indian and subcontinental cuisine to the heart of Thorpe Bay for well over twenty years now. One might expect an establishment of such experience to show a little age but the sleek, black and chrome fascia situated slap bang in the middle of the Broadway gleams immaculate, fresh, contemporary stylings. And the polish doesn't end there – inside we are welcomed by large, sumptuous panels of orange and aubergine cushioning on the walls, and lush, upholstered seating, all complemented by simple, wood flooring and clean, white, minimalist walls.

Everything sparkles like new – little wonder the restaurant sports the coveted 5-star rating for hygiene. ‘We never cut corners’, confirm owner Altaf Hussain and son, Adnan. ‘We always use the best ingredients and ensure that our staff follow our standards – and you have to be so careful with allergies.’ And Altaf certainly knows his stuff – self-taught in his award-winning restaurant business, he is a member of the Catering Circle, regular speaker and advisor of all things curry, lobbies parliament for the industry, has given training in every city across the UK and has even presented to millions of viewers across the globe in a series of Sky television programmes. So it is with great confidence that we take Altaf's proud recommendations from the menu and get down to our own business.

Curry favour We are brought the obligatory poppadoms and accompaniments – mango chutney, lime pickle, mint sauce and onion salad. All homemade, the lime pickle is particularly zippy and the refreshing mint sauce makes an extremely moreish alternative to the usual raita. Also obligatory – a pint of Cobra beer (£4.50), but here we are treated to the premium version on tap which is far more silky and smooth.

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July 2016

For starters we are presented with specials, Tandoori Khumb (£5.95) – chopped lamb with grilled mushrooms, cooked in spices and served on fried puri bread – and Spicy Popcorn Chicken (£5.95) – coated in breadcrumbs and flavoured with tamarind and chillies. Both excellent and totally unique, the popcorn chicken really takes us by surprise with its tangy coating, crunchy bite and chilli kick. It's such a fun dish with an unexpected Indian twist – great as a sharing starter and perfect for a light snack. ‘That's why it's in our lunchboxes!’ explains Adnan about their lunchtime takeaway deal. ‘You get popcorn chicken, rice and a medium curry all for just £5.95. The rice and curry change seven days-a-week, so it's always different. It's perfect for the busy people around here.’ Reason enough to leave your sandwiches at home we think as we consider how satisfied we already are.

I see you baby – chicken madras For the mains we are served the Salmon Rawana (£12.95) – grilled, marinated salmon cooked with onion, herbs and spices, and served with spinach chickpeas and rice – and the Nihari Murgh (£12.95) – marinated breast of chicken cooked with a spinach filling, served in a thick sauce and topped with pepper, onion, coriander and chilli. ‘The spinach is fresh from a local's allotment,’ Altaf tells us, ‘from one of our regular customers who became a friend and then offered us his produce.’ Well, it doesn't get much fresher than that and we can certainly tell the difference as we attempt to impact upon the extremely generous portions. Hidden under the sauces and vibrant, decorative carvings of pepper, onion and cucumber, it's difficult to tell just how extensive the pieces are, but the salmon flakes off in large, succulent slices and the moist chicken and spinach provide cheekfuls of humble yet luxurious

nourishment. Both dishes are packed with complex, changing flavours as the myriad herbs and spices revel and defy description. The chickpeas burst in the mouth and leave little room for our side dish of Aloo Gobi (£3.95) – curried potato and cauliflower. Our only chance is to wash it down with the house Pinot Grigio (£14.95 per bottle) which refreshes our palates perfectly while never overpowering the rich flavours of the food.

Aloo and gobi Our delicious meal has been anything but the usual curry house fare so we ask Altaf where he gets his inspiration: ‘We listen to our customers, we listen to other professionals and see what other restaurants are doing. My traditional Bangladeshi upbringing shows more in our specials but we are not trying to be authentic – we are always adapting and changing our dishes to keep them interesting and surprising. That is how we have lasted so long.’ Altaf raised £15,000 from his charity functions to help the community last year. His enthusiasm and passion for the restaurant is just as evident in Adnan, who has known it all his life. It seems – between the two of them – that Café Masala may be around for many years to come.

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Lime Curd Tarts with Summer Berries

FOOD

These lime curd tarts are a Mary Cadogan recipe and have a lovely refreshing tang. If anyone has made lemon curd before, it’s just the same but with lime. They look lovely and taste amazing. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 250g plain flour, plus extra for dusting • 140g cold butter, cut into small pieces • 85g caster sugar • 1 egg, beaten • juice of 6–8 limes (about 175ml), zest of 3 • 175g caster sugar • 200g butter, cut into small pieces • 3 large eggs, beaten • Selection of summer fruits, inc. strawberries • Whipping cream

5. Stir in the eggs and gently cook until the mixture has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Pour the curd into the pastry cases and sprinkle with remaining lime zest. Leave to cool. 6. Prepare the fruits, halving the strawberries and mixing everything together. Whip the cream lightly. Set a tart on each plate with a spoonful of cream and a side of fruit. Dust with icing sugar before serving.

1. To make the pastry, tip the flour, butter and sugar into the bowl of a food processor and process until fine crumbs form. Add the egg and 1 tbsp of cold water. Mix until the dough comes together.

estate planning

In association with Countrywide SE LLP 30

3. Heat the oven to 190°C/fan 170°/Gas Mark 5. Line the pastry cases with baking parchment (paper muffin cases are ideal) and baking beans. Bake blind for 10 mins, remove the paper and beans and bake for a further 10 mins until golden brown and crisp. Trim the pastry edges. 4. To make the curd, put the zest of two limes, all the juice, sugar and butter in a heatproof bowl. Set over a pan of gently simmering water. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the butter is melted.

Method:

ORACLE

2. Cut the dough into eight pieces, roll out, and line eight individual 10cm tart tins. Set on a large baking sheet and chill for 30 mins.

by Judy Barden

Next month: Chicken Breast with Ham, Spinach and Pine Nuts Will Writing • Power of Attorney • Trusts • Funeral Plans Will Updating & Storage Facilities • Probate Administration

t: 01702 393838 head office: 01277 202233 e: crowe@countrywide-se.com w: www.countrywide-se.co.uk Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend SS1 1AN

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July 2016

7164_Viv Bird_Advert_Layout 1 29/04/2016 16:26 Page 1

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Returning the trip

LAW & ORDER

Holiday packages, like any contract, are subject to terms of conditions that you agree to when you book. But what happens when your plans change? How can you avoid those punitive cancellation charges? As with any term of condition, the T&Cs that you accept when booking your holiday are generally enforceable. They are, however, subject to industry practices, e.g. the Montreal Convention for International Flights, and/or the legal principals, e.g. the duty to mitigate loss.

Give us a break If you were to cancel a holiday with less than four weeks to your departure date, then under most holiday contracts, you will be liable for the full cost of your holiday. The only way you would get any money back is through an insurance policy, either if you have a travel insurance policy or you have insurance cover through your card payment company – either MasterCard or VISA. Any cancellation charge must not be a penalty but a genuine pre-estimate of the likely loss to the travel

Curtis & Curtis The local law firm with 30 years of City experience

company. Be aware that the travel company – not the travel agent – is under a duty to mitigate their damages by trying to resell your holiday, even if it is for a loss.

Change is as good as a rest In 2014, a gentleman named Bruce Crawcour became seriously ill and had to cancel a tenday holiday to Majorca with just six days notice. Despite argument from travel operator, Thomson, he successfully recovered the full cost of his holiday – £2,200 – when he proved to the County Court Judge that they had resold his holiday without incurring any financial loss. He produced internet printouts showing his holiday as being firstly available and then shortly afterwards as ‘sold’. Thomson threatened to appeal the judgement but they never did. The case still stands as good authority.

Ticket to abide It will not always be possible to show that the holiday company has resold your holiday, but you are entitled to ask them what steps they have taken to resell it.

by Richard Curtis

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Something on your

Dear Oracle,

mind?

Consult the Oracle by sending your letter s to: info@oraclepublicat ions.co.u

ORACLE

flight: 393838 GATE: 11 DATE: july time: 06:30 AM FROM: thorpe bay leigh-on-sea TO: CLASS: BUSINESS SEAT: A1

airline

BOARDING

PASS

airline

ORACLE

fl igh t: 39 GATE: 11 3838 DATE: ju ly time: 06 :30 AM FROM: th orpe ba TO: leigh-on- y sea CLASS: BU SEAT: A1 SINESS

LOCAL LETTERS

- Barking Mad! -

We are an elderly couple and for many years have enjoyed the peace and quiet in our garden in the Thorpe Bay area. Over the past few weeks we have been plagued by a dog continually yapping at any time of day and into the evening, in particular at weekends, which is constant. We find we are unable to sit in our garden in peace and when we are inside the house we can still hear the noise. We are in an area where there are many older people. I do not understand how someone could exoect us to enjoy the barking of dogs and cannot be a little more considerate. I look after my daughter's dog from time to time and will Jill R. not allow him to make unnecessary noise.

BOARDING

To find out what you can do about nuisance noises, visit: www.southend.gov.uk - Oracle

PASS

LET DOWN EASY My wife and I recently flew with easyJet to Amsterdam from Southend. I checked in online for my outward journey but inadvertently forgot to check in my return flight. Not a problem I thought, we would simply check in as normal for the return flight. We arrived at Amsterdam airport a good two hours before the flight home but bells immediately started ringing when the girl attempting to check us in made a phone call then explained to us that our seats had been sold and we would have to go on standby! After a heated tirade of what I thought of easyJet in effect ‘stealing our seats’ and selling them on for a higher price, we had no option but to proceed to the departure gate angry and stressed at the thought of not getting home on that flight. More infuriatingly, the person on the gate explained that it is every cut-priced airline’s policy to sell seats if you have not checked in online, at least in our case, two hours before the flight. After a long and stressful wait we were lucky enough to get on board as two passengers did not turn up. Lesson learnt! - Alfie flight: 393838 GATE: 11 DATE: july time: 06:30 AM FROM: thorpe bay leigh-on-sea TO: CLASS: BUSINESS SEAT: A1

ORACLE

airline

flight: 39 GATE: 11 3838 DATE: ju ly time: 06 :30 AM FROM: th orpe ba TO: leigh-on- y sea CLASS: BU SEAT: A1 SINESS

** NOT Plane Sailing ** Dear Oracle, as we’d We were looking forward to using Southend Airport for the first time e heard so many good reports about it. Unfortunately, our first experienc to due was flight easyJet Our expected. we what quite wasn’t of the airport depart on a lovely, sunny afternoon and was, we were cheerfully informed, struggled only ten minutes late. We waited in the departure lounge, where we as gate the to called were we until screens on to read the small informati where our plane was landing. We were walked through a glass panelled tunnel our we had to stand and wait for forty minutes under blazing sun whilst ed. plane was manoeuvred into place and the returning passengers disembark the Eventually, hot, tired and disgruntled, we were finally able to board the plane. We had the same pilot on the return flight who apologised for unacceptable way we’d been treated and said he would complain to Southend Airport as something needed to be done about it. On arrival back at and Southend, we found that we had landed only minutes after another flight long consequently, the queue to go through passport control was extremely ng to and much slower than we had been led to believe. It will be interesti Anon. find out if anything changes before the school holiday season starts.

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July 2016

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Cloudy2Clear Announce Trusted Trader Partnership Consumer champions Which? have now joined the thousands of customers who recognise that Cloudy2Clear Windows really are a business that you can TRUST. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has received the coveted ‘Which Trusted Trader’ status after going through a rigorous accreditation process entirely focussed on customer service. Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company

policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Leigh on Sea & Southend areas and

manager Chris Miller agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Chris a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

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ORACLE

in association with

estate planning

Why do I need a Will and Estate Planning? Many people put off making a Will, believing either that the correct people will automatically benefit or that a Will is not relevant to them. This is, in fact, wrong and everyone needs a Will to ensure that those you wish to benefit, actually do.

Without a Will: • Those who you would wish to benefit may not. • Your spouse/civil partner may not inherit ALL of your estate. • ‘Common Law’ partners may receive nothing. • Minor children may be placed into care until legal guardians are appointed. • There could be lengthy delays for beneficiaries and possible disputes.

Without Additional Planning: Where asset protection is not implemented, said assets may be attackable by future claims, such as: • Divorce or separation of future generations. • Remarriage after death of spouse. • Creditors or bankruptcy claims. • Potential long-term care claims. • Unnecesary tax bills due to incorrect planning within the bloodline.

Protect yourself and your family today. Call Clive Rowe on:

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or email: crowe@countrywide-se.com

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WHAT’S ON Leigh Travel Club Wed 6th July, 7.30pm. Iveagh Hall, 67 Leigh Road, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 1JW. Lynda Willens presents a talk on Cyprus. Call: 01702 474475. Active Life Festival FREE Fri 8th July, 1pm. Bandstand, Priory Park, Southend-on-Sea SS2 6NB. Zumba, park circuits, boxercise, rounders, tennis, stretch & tone, yoga and free health checks. Village Green Sat 9th July, 11am–10pm, Chalkwell Park SS0 8NB. Day of music and fun in the park. www.villagegreenfestival.com London to Southend Classic Car Run Sun 10th July, 9am–late. Southend Beach. From Barkingside to Southend seafront. Open to any vehicle over 25 years old and other vehicles of special interest. Call Roger on: 01702 512725. www.essexclassicvehicles. Mum2Mum Market Sun 10th July, 2pm–4pm. Freight House, Bradley Way, Rochford SS4 1BU. Baby and children's clothes, toys, books, buy or sell. Entry: £2 on the door. www.mum2mummarket.co.uk WI Southchurch Village Friends Meeting Every 2nd Monday, 7.30pm. The Hamstel Children & Families Centre, Hamstel Road, Southend-on-Sea SS2 4PQ. 11th July: Deniz Taylor Belly dancing for fun and health. Il Trovatore FREE Thurs 14th July, 7–11pm. The Forum, Elmer Square, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1NE. Streamed live from the Royal Opera House. Bring your own seats or a blanket. Pre-performance 7pm Performance 7.30pm. Gilbert & Sullivan's The Sorcerer by the Ploverleigh Savoy Players Sat 30th July, 2.30pm & 7.30pm. Palace Theatre, 430 London Road, Westcliff SSO 9LA. £7.00–£17.00. Box office: 01702 351135. Great Pier Swim Sun 31st July, 10am. Southend Pier. A distance of 3.3k in open water, starting at Chalkwell Beach and finishing at Jubilee Beach. Wetsuit and nonwetsuit categories being chip-timed. All finishers will receive a medal and trophies in certain categories. Puppet Festival 6th–7th August, 11am–5pm. Southend Pier. Punch and Judy shows, etc. Normal pier admission prices apply. Freda Parry Classical Singing Competition Sat 3rd September, 6.30pm. Westcliff High School for Boys, Kenilworth Gardens, Westcliff SS0 0BP. Vocal talent in Essex compete for a £1200 prize. Audience tickets: £10 (Concessions: £8). Call: 01702 580413 / 07890 340279.

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July 2016

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South Essex Natural History Society Thames Estuary Lacemakers Westcliff Poetry Prose Lyric Club Westcliff Rugby Club Woodside Bowling Club