Oracle on-Sea May 2016

Your all-seeing local

May 2016

ORACLE

Leigh, Chalkwell, Westcliff & Southend Conservation Area

Restaurant Review – guess where?

Local issues – our society at risk

WIN! Family tickets to Village Green Festival

ative Vote Conserv 5th May on Thursday

Fighting for a better future for Southend

Promoted by Tony Cox on behalf of Southend Conservatives at 11 Weston Road, Southend on Sea, Essex, SS1 1AS. Printed by Printwise, 9 Stepfield, Witham, Essex, CM8 3BN

Cover photo: The Angel Inn, North Shoebury

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May 2016

ORACLE

WELCOME

I recently heard of a relatively new and wonderful charity, Aspirations, a registered charity for young people (aged 13–19). Aspirations encourage ambition, support opportunities and achievement to the young people of Southend. They asked me to let you know that they are hosting a competition to design a cake to celebrate the Queen's 90th Birthday, open to all young people in Southend between the above ages. Please visit: aspirationssouthend.org or tel: 01702 456363 to register your interest by 31.05.16 to be part of 'The Great Birthday Bake Off'.

This month's Oracle competition is to win a family ticket for 4 to attend the Village Green Festival on 9 July 2016. Arts organisation, Metal, have announced the first of its programme for this much loved boutique family festival, held at Chalkwell Park, Southend. The festival will include musical acts such as Billy Bragg, Stereo MCs, Dream Themes and Sharon Rose, there will also be a spotlight on visual arts, which will focus on their new initiative – the Village Green Artist's Village. For more information on this great event or to buy further tickets go to villagegreenfestival.com or tel: 0844 884 2920 (open Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, Sat 10am–5pm). To enter, please send your contact details to: Oracle/Village Green Festival Competition, 11 Clarence Road, Southend, Essex SS1 1AN or email: info@oraclepublications.co.uk by 31.05.16.

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 Forcing – the issue

9/10

Local Issues by Cllr Martin Terry

Fresh-faced and full of the joys

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Oracle gets gold!

22

Two years in development

26

Salon advice by Craig Smith

Spotlight on the Southend Business Charter Award Council news by Cllr Ron Woodley

The Angel Inn

Wine & Dine with Oracle's restaurant review

28/29

Spiced shoulder of lamb

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Family garden design

38

Local Letters

40

Judy's Recipe Page

Grass roots by Katrina Kieffer-Wells Residents have their say

Brainbox 44 What's On 48 Useful Numbers 52 Advertiser Directory 54 Advertorials Pace Plc 6/7 Baba-Jaga 13 Cameo 21 Cliff House Clinic 47

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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Advertorial

Keeping Pace with the property market Family-run lettings and estate agency, Pace Plc has launched a new, flat-fee pricing structure which offers significant cost savings to anyone looking to sell, let or have a property managed locally.

The new fee structure removes commission-based pricing across the board, instead offering landlords, sellers and leaseholders flat-fee payment packages.

This innovative pricing model offers the benefits associated with online estate agencies – namely very low costs – coupled with the personal service of the traditional high street branches. It also ensures complete transparency of costs with no hidden charges and a choice of when to pay fees to suit the customer.

Not-so secret Agents The Consumer Rights Act 2015 made it a legal requirement for all lettings agents in England to display details of all fees and charges on websites and in offices. We know this is not happening fully in Southend. Consequently, Pace has consolidated its pricing structure in order to of­fer transparency, consumer choice and positively differentiate ourselves from other agents.

Picking up Pace We are able to offer permanently lower prices without affecting the service we give to clients as we have fully embraced technology and streamlined all our processes.

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To benefit from even greater discounts, sellers can also opt to ‘Pay Now’. Whichever option you choose, you can be sure that we are fully committed to your interests. As licensed members of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) and members of the Property Ombudsman, you have a guarantee that we operate under a strict code of conduct which offers peace of mind to the public.

Easy as one, two, three Our new pricing structure is particularly innovative for property management. We realise that not all clients want the full range of services we offer, so we now have 3 levels of property management, giving our clients the option to purchase only the services they specifically require.

Properties can be sold for £499 up front or £899 on completion, let for £99 online or £299 for traditional tenant find, managed for £40 pcm or for block management, £99 per unit.

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Managing Director, Pace Plc

Property & Commercial Enterprises (Pace) Plc 461–463 Southchurch Rd, Southend SS1 2PH 01702 445 600 e: info@paceplc.co.uk www.paceplc.co.uk

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May 2016

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May 2016

LOCAL ISSUES

Forcing – the issue On 5 May you will be aware that there are two votes, one for your local council and the other will be for the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).

I would like to focus this article on the PCC role, and highlight that this year, you are deciding the appointment of the person to look after our safety throughout Southend-on-Sea and Essex.

Crime doesn't pay My personal belief is that the hallmark of any civilised society is community safety; if you lose control of that then civilisation breaks down. This is why whoever takes the decision to stand for PCC must understand that residents are now seeing a breakdown of community safety in Southend-onSea and throughout Essex.

The current level of funding is unacceptable, putting community safety – the very basis of our civilised society – at risk. I have spent 20 years involved in local affairs and see this as the biggest threat to date. We should all have the right to go about our business unrestricted by criminal behaviour.

In for questioning We need to question the primary reason where we are at present. Is this due to Government or party involvement in the affairs of running Essex Police?

Has this been the reason that the current PCC has been unable to stand up for Essex because of the involvement of the Government?

Any PCC should be challenging the Government for the appropriate funding to make sure communities are safe. If you read the primary legislation for the introduction of PCC’s, this would immediately identify the perilous funding problems of the Essex Strategic Policing Plan.

Arrested development Essex Police Officers are in fact the lowest costing force in the country, and yet we have the second lowest precept. We are a premiership county with league 2 funding. The county has had a massive growth in population, new European super ports and additional rejuvenated international airports at Southend and Stansted. Also, the Thames Gateway is the most economically active zone in the Country.

But what do we see? A Police force being constantly reduced whilst the County is expanding, in both population and economically. Are Police Officers at the point of losing control of fighting crime? The current PCC has allowed a situation where over 1,000 staff and Police Officers have been reduced and community policing disbanded.

Detecting problems The current figures suggest that burglary is being ignored, antisocial behaviour unattended, recorded crime is up by 10%, and homicide and violent crime is increasing. People feel threatened, the solving of crime is down approximately 20% and road fatalities are increasing. The statement that the current PCC is leaving Essex in ‘better shape’ has to be seriously questioned.

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Robbing Peter to pay Paul One source of real irritation for me is the constant referral to the phrase ‘recorded crime’, a phrase regularly used by the Home Secretary to justify dangerous funding reductions. Police stations are closing, it is difficult to speak to a local police officer, and there are problems getting through on 101.

In my role as a cabinet member for public protection on Southend-on-Sea Council, it was extremely disappointing that the current PCC recently admitted in a public meeting, that the estimation of actual crime figures are understated by 30–40% and the funding situation, in the PCC’s own words, ‘is perilous’.

Criminal intent Therefore, anybody standing should publicly state that they intend to change this inertia and take politics out of the role of the PCC. They need to be discussing and working directly with Chief Police Officers, quickly understand the underlying problems and not refer to bureaucrats and businessmen. They should not care about annoying or upsetting the government as long as Southend-on-Sea and Essex are safe. They should

constantly campaign for appropriate funding levels so that Essex Police Officers do what they know best, and that is to arrest criminals and make our communities secure.

Blue notes Therefore the key issues for the new PCC should be:

• RELENTLESSLY pursue more funding for Essex Police

• TAKE a Zero Tolerance approach to policing in Essex

• DELIVER more visible street policing • PUT victims at the centre of the criminal justice system

• GIVE you more opportunities to have your say about policing

•

PROTECT your local police force by standing up for Police Officers

• ENSURE you receive the highest possible standard of service

Please, when you consider voting for the PCC, take account of the current situation and vote for change.

We do not want to see an Essex where community safety continues to decline.

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by Martin Terry Independent Councillor

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Advertorial

Baba Jaga – working with the universe Baba Jaga is a spiritual shop that opened on the leap day 29th of February 2016.

After a spiritual awakening, my husband and I opened our eyes and hearts to the wonderful things we took for granted and learned the importance of the chakras of the body and how they can negatively impact the body when out of place.

Using Feng shui in the home changed everything for us and, realising our purpose in life, we wanted to put our knowledge into practice in order to help people improve their own health and well-being, and to help them discover their own soul's journey.

We took a leap of faith and, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, our shop was created.

Sleep like a rock Inside the shop we sell crystals, which are important for mind, body and soul – different crystals resonate with different chakras of our body. For instance, after working nights, my husband had difficulties sleeping.

I put a rose quartz crystal beside his bed and now he sleeps 8–9 hours soundly every night. Feng shui bends the elements of earth to benefit your life, your love life, health, wealth and much more.

We have many tools to help raise your vibrations and offer a 25% discount to students. We also offer holistic treatments in our shop:

• Chakra balancing – Chakras regulate energy flow

from Source through the energy body, into and through the physical body and back out to the universe. Chakra balancing restores emotions and helps us to better navigate day-to-day life.

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It stems from the highest dimension and fills the Universal as pure light, transmitting love, light and harmony.

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affected by many internal and external influences and it's believed that disease may start within the energy system, before and during its physical manifestation in the body.

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manipulating and applying pressure to the feet and hands in such a way as to create positive effects throughout the body.

• Massage – Indian head massage and much more.

Our qualified holistic healer, Cara Dee, aided in our awakening by working with chakras of the body. We also offer tarot and oracle readings from experienced readers to beginners. For the beginners we ask a small donation towards the readings which in return is helping them tune their abilities and move forward on their path.

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SALON

Fresh-faced and full of the joys of spring Bright-eyed and bushy

Spring heralds the coming of summer, but the weather can be erratic – warm and sunny one minute, cold and wet the next. It can play havoc with your skin, so here’s my lemon-squeezy guide to fresh, glowing skin whatever the weather.

For the eyes, I’d keep with a peachy pink shadow on the lids, but intensify the outer corners of them with a soft-sheened darker shade, like brown. Doing this diffuses the colour and creates a more natural effect.

First base First, get the glow. Translucent skin with soft eyes and slightly flushed cheeks creates a lovely ‘fresh’ look.

You can further define your eyes with a darkbrown eye shadow by tight-lining it. Using a brush, carefully press the colour right at the roots of your lashes. This creates fullness and definition. For a more dramatic look, apply black mascara and a strip of lengthening false lashes for extra vava voom, doe-eyed sexiness!

Get fresh

A water-based foundation is ideal for creating a dewy finish. Remember, less is more. Keep it sheer and natural rather than heavily trying to mask the slightest imperfections.

Of course, now you’re looking so ravishing, you’ll want the ultimate in kissable lips.

Put the roses in your cheeks Now, let’s get cheeky. To achieve a Downton Abbey, English rose complexion you need cream. The classic, pale and interesting look is beautifully accentuated by peony pink. Mediterranean skin tones suit peaches and apricots, whilst dark skin looks fabulous with pretty much anything. Apply your cream blush high on the cheeks to create lift and open the eye area.

Simply line and fill with a neutral pencil to give your lipstick that all-important staying power. A frost-textured bullet in your favourite shade of natural pink works a treat as it gives you a fresh and youthful appearance, which takes years off you when teamed up with pared-down makeup.

Spring to your feet Now you'll be gorgeous come rain or shine, and you really can have a spring in your step!

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Explore the South Bank, London

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May 2016

Advertorial

Stunning outfits you won't find on the high street Cameo Boutique is a charming, independent boutique situated in the main shopping area of Hadleigh, offering clothes and accessories that can’t be found on the high street.

All the ranges are handpicked and chosen for their compatibility with each other allowing many of the collections to be mixed and matched to create a unique offering. They are best known for their Mother of Bride collections and stocking collections from some of the best British occasionwear labels.

There is something for everyone.

Taking the stress out of the dress Looking for your special outfit is exciting but can be stressful too.

At Cameo we aim to take the stress out of the dress! You will find great personal service in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

We work really hard to ensure that the clothes we have are exclusive and select our

collections from designer labels who only supply independent boutiques.

Unique and exclusive – just like you!

This means that you won't find the things we have on the general high street or in department stores.

Whether you are going to a wedding, the races, on holiday or just need to update your summer wardrobe, now is the time to call into the boutique.

Spring-Summer has definitely arrived at the boutique with an abundance of colour. You will not be disappointed!

An eye for quality Above all, the Cameo team are committed to ensuring our customers have a thoroughly enjoyable retail experience and everyone leaves feeling they have the perfect purchase. Our expert eye will ensure that you look and feel your best.

Parking is free in Hadleigh on Saturdays, so there really is no excuse not to call in and see us!

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Oracle gets gold

SPOTLIGHT

Oracle Publications were proud to receive a Gold Charter Award this month, in recognition of their ongoing contributions to the local community.

Presented by Sir David Amess on behalf of The Southend Business and Community Charter, this prestigious award aims to encourage a thriving, vibrant, local community by recognising businesses that are giving support through fundraising, volunteering, mentoring, employing apprentices, pro bono work or by any other means.

Southend is the first local authority to pilot the admirable scheme which is soon to be launched across the country.

Worth its weight in gold Fulfilling the exacting criteria that the award demands requires across the board commitment to the community, however, Oracle was praised in particular for producing its charity cookbook, Cooking-on-Sea – a collection of recipes donated by local residents (including Sir David) – which has so far raised over £4,250 for HARP – Southend's Homeless Charity (we are down to our last few copies, so get in quick!).

Also receiving a Gold Award were accounting firm, RDP Newmans in Southchurch Road, highlighted for their commitment to helping youth employment and for their exceptional support of the Music Man Project which provides life-enhancing music education services to all, regardless of any learning disability, difficulty or special educational need.

Last but not least, Southend seafront's much loved institution, Rossi Ice Cream, was presented a Gold Award and praised for actively participating in many local events, for delivering educational presentations to local schools and colleges, and for always giving very generous donations of delicious ice-cream!

If you think your business has got what it takes, or would like to improve its efforts for the community, then contact Southend Business & Community Charter to find out more.

Cooking-on-Sea has already generated over £4,250 for HARP – Southend's homeless charity.

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Southend Business & Community Charter 01702 468387 e: info@orbuk.org bccawards.org.uk

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May 2016

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Photo courtesy of Terry Joyce

Two years in development

COUNCIL

Thank you for reading my articles over the past two years, which I hope – depending on the local election results this week – will continue.

Last year was especially interesting and challenging.

On visits to over forty community groups, the feeling of warmth when giving presentations about the town was overwhelming. I would like to thank residents, particularly in Thorpe Hall, for their understanding and support in my role as Leader of the Council.

Next re-generation One of my roles has been guiding the council in the direction of financial security, regeneration and development. I have been successful with the start of the redevelopment of the old office and college blocks along Victoria Avenue, the Marine Plaza, the Seaway car park, the Airport Business Park, the town centre regeneration plans and the proposed developments on Fossetts Farm and Roots Hall, creating many thousands of jobs.

We now need to continue making sure our education­alists take up the challenge in ensuring our young people come out of education with the necessary skills for the job opportunities that will be created.

ambition in having councillors across all political groups working together for the benefit of the town, which has proved very successful.

When the going gets tough Nationally, the 2015 General Election saw a majority Conservative Government that continued with their austerity measures. This has had a major impact on funding and how the council operates on behalf of local resident’s needs. Despite these challenges, it continues to deliver high quality services, being recognised beyond its boundaries with external and independent awards, achieving good resident satisfaction and an increase in morale amongst staff.

We have to recognise that we live in a very densely populated borough which can cause conflict and delays in services, but this has been kept to a minimum. The council must examine its role in the supply of services to residents, and continue with its vision for the future of the town.

Copper-bottomed Concerns about the health system were mentioned in last month’s Local Issues. Police funding and resources are also a major worry. Now, that is another Local Issue!

by Cllr Ron Woodley

Joined-up thinking

Leader of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council

I've had the opportunity to create a joint administration, therefore partially achieving my

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May 2016

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Advertorial

The Angel Inn – a little corner of an English heaven

WINE & DINE

Formerly a local post office, blacksmith's and wheelwright's, this listed, 17thcentury building was once on English Heritage's register of buildings at risk and about to fall from grace.

But salvation was to arrive in the form of current proprietor, Malcolm Gimms, who saw to it that the historic timber-beamed structure was lovingly restored with wood-cladding, a thatched roof, and brought to life as the beautiful Angel Inn.

Peace and joy Twenty years on, the interior is everything you'd expect from such a picturesque country pub – the flagstone floors, hops hanging from the ceiling, cosy, carpeted areas and the odd copper kettle all combine to create an intimate, welcoming feel.

Malcolm's peaceful vision of ‘a little corner of an

Bar entrance

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English heaven’ is further encouraged by having no gaming machines, no loud music and no TV screens.

Watched over by a dramatic, wood-carved angel, the restaurant is separate from the bar area but just as snug. We sit in front of the grand fireplace and select our starters from the menu of the week.

Simon Chaplin, general manager at the inn since the beginning, confirms all their ingredients are sourced from local farms, lakes, allotments and gardens, and that from lamb steak to lamb's lettuce, the menu is always kept fresh with seasonal changes.

The Angel's share Among the staples, there are a few surprising dishes that grab our eye, so we opt for the specials: Brie and Cranberry Wontons with Hoisin Sauce (£4.95) and King Prawns in Filo Pastry (£5.25). Both generous servings, the light, tasty wonton parcels are a particularly refreshing twist on a traditional combination.

To accompany, Simon has helpfully included a taste guide on the winelist and offers advice on selection.

For the less adventurous though, the house white – La Ronde Vin de Pays d'Oc – is £3.65 per glass and Sam's Island Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz is a nicely complex, fruity red at £4.59 per glass.

For mains we go first for the Pan-fried Trout Fillet (£12.95) with crushed new potatoes, green beans and mussel and white wine sauce. This filling and flavoursome dish is flamboyantly presented with the mussels almost begging to be eaten. We also select the more traditional Steak & Abbot Ale Pie (£13.25), served with sautéed potatoes and fresh vegetables. With its luscious gravy, tender steak and

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May 2016

delicate pastry, it's easy to get quite a distance into this dish before you realise just how substantial it is.

Complemented by tasty al dente vegetables, both dishes are impressively generous and will certainly satisfy even the heartiest of appetites!

to eat another thing are quickly allayed as the profiteroles turn out to be uncommonly delicate and airy, and even the sumptuous crumble is deceptively light, which is fortunate, considering its compellingly moreish nature!

A match made in heaven

Before we attempt to roll ourselves out of the Angel, Simon mentions their popular hog roast hire, the many family functions they host, and the tantalising malt whisky and cheese pairing evenings. We'll certainly have to come again for that, but first we'll be back for the beer festival to see if we can't make our haloes slip some more!

But how can we tuck into a pie without an accompanying pint? With its regular ‘Pie and a Pint for £10’ on a Tuesday (you can choose from five delicious pies), biannual beer festivals, and a proud stock of local real ales that has won many awards – including IPA's quality control award – the Angel has become a firm favourite with CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) members. This week's guest ales are the summery ‘Hewish Sunrise’ from RCH Brewery in Somerset, and the darker ‘Nelson's Revenge’ from Woodforde's in Norfolk, both pulling in at just £3.40 a pint. Although strikingly different to drink, both go down a treat, and comparing the two is a fun exercise that begs further exploration, but we will have to return after work hours for that!

For dessert we order the Profiteroles with Chocolate Sauce and Pouring Cream (£5.65) and the classic, Orchard Apple and Sultana Crumble and Custard (£5.75). Both arrive nicely presented with a pretty, pink carnation. Concerns that we may not be able

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FOOD

Spiced shoulder of lamb with aubergine jam

This Middle Eastern slow-cook needs to be marinated for 12 hours but once the meat is in the oven there's not a lot else to do! Great for easy entertaining. Enjoy!

Ingredients (serves 6):

• 2.5–3kg shoulder of lamb • 9 cloves garlic, roughly chopped • 4½ tbsp pomegranate molasses • 4½ tbsp runny honey • 2 tbsp harissa paste • 120ml olive oil • Juice from 4 lemons • Small bunch of fresh mint, leaves torn

For the aubergine jam – 2 large aubergines 2 tbsp olive oil 100g ripe tomatoes, chopped 1 tsp ground ginger 1 red chilli, halved, deseeded and sliced thinly Seeds from 10 cardamom pods, crushed ½ tsp ground cinnamon Juice from ½ a lemon 25ml sherry vinegar 20ml pomegranate molasses 50g light soft brown sugar

• • • • • • • • • • •

ORACLE estate planning

In association with Countrywide SE LLP 34

Method: 1.

Pierce the lamb all over, making deep slits with a sharp knife. Crush the garlic with salt and pepper and put in a bowl with the rest of the marinade ingredients. Put the lamb on a piece of foil, pull up the sides and pour the marinade in, turning to coat both sides. Refrigerate for around 12 hours.

2.

For the jam, chop the aubergine into 1.5cm chunks and fry in the olive oil until golden brown.

Add the rest of the jam ingredients and cook over a low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring until the mixture is soft and thick. Season, then put in a bowl to cool. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

3.

Preheat oven to 200°C. Pull the foil over the lamb to make a tent and seal. Put in a roasting tin and reduce the oven to 160°C. Cook for 4 hours 4.

Remove the lamb from the oven and place on a board to rest. Pour the juices into a jug and leave to stand so that you can skim off the fat.

5.

Serve the lamb with the jam on the side. You can also serve garlicky yoghurt, flat breads and salad if you want, along with the pan juices.

by Judy Barden

O

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GRASS ROOTS

Family garden design. It's child's play!

I love spaces that become a playground for adults as well as children. It is a big 'box ticked' to design a garden that adults can engage with in a playful way, either on their own or with children.

Some things to bear in mind when creating your own family garden design:

From little acorns Although your children may be young now, they will get older. Rather than going for the standard swing and slide, include things that fire their imagination, such as tunnels, structures and tents. Equipment that children can make their own and adapt as they grow, will not only have increased longevity but will also encourage learning and discovery in potential designers and future architects.

A simple, strong timber frame, or cube, offers the opportunity to include a whole host of hanging apparatus. It's a design trick we use frequently as it works in gardens of almost any size and is a very efficient way of catering for both children and adults in a small space garden. For young children, it is perfect for swings and ropes, especially with artificial lawn below to provide a soft landing. For older

Concept-to-Completion Garden Design & Build to help you realise the garden of your dreams

children and adults, the structure makes a good support for a hammock, swing chair or hanging pod.

With the addition of a few old sheets, timber frames can also be used to create dens. Mix paint, pens and a little imagination, and the structure can become a castle, a jungle, a seaside scene – the possibilities are endless and as easy to change as their moods.

Teepee or not teepee?

Teepees are great. I love the fact that they provide children with a simple and exciting house but can be large enough to accommodate teenagers and adults. They are not childish in their appearance, so don’t stand out in stylish, adult garden design, unlike many of the primary coloured playhouses on the market. They can be used for camping on a balmy summer's evening or easily dismantled and transported to a festival should the need arise.

When including play apparatus, try to integrate the landscape. Build around a tree or place equipment within a planting bed, rather than in the middle of a lawn. A slide surrounded by shrubs and plants, with a route back to the steps through the undergrowth, will make play an exciting adventure!

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ON THE WRONG TRACK During the Easter holidays, the train I was travelling on ran over something and had to make an emergency stop. It turned out to be part of a washing machine which could not have got there by accident. Obviously, the consequences could have been dire. I ask you, what is missing in someone's life to make them do such a thing? Anon.

LOCAL LETTERS Somethin

r mind?

g o n y ou

le by the Orac Consult rs to: e tt le your o.uk sending cations.c clepubli info@ora

Dear Oracle,

MUSIC TO MY EARS

How great it is to be able to spen d your lunch hour enjoying a recital from one of the many buskers that perform for free in Sout hend High Street. Accordionists, violinists, trum peters, guitarists, singers and more – we have some real talents. And how nice it is to watch people from all walks and ages show their united appreciation by giving a coin or two.

Don't be afraid to clap as well, people – mayb e we can encourage a few more musicians to join in the fun! I might even give it a go myse lf!

Well done, Southend and thank you.

Jamie

– Bag It, Bag It, Bin It – Dear Oracle, Recently, with the days getting longer, I've been taking advantage of the lighter evenings by returning from work and taking the dog for a walk (until the end of April) along our lovely award-winning beach at Thorpe Bay. As many of you fellow dog owners know, you soon begin to learn the names of the dogs (rather than the owners) that you meet on a regular basis. Most dog owners I have met respect the beach and the people who use it, and conscientiously clear up their dog's mess, but recently I was impressed by a gent who not only cleared up after his dog, but was also bagging up discarded rubbish either left on the beach or washed up with the tide.

If everybody adopted this attitude whilst walking on the beach – clearing up a little rubbish and disposing of it – we would all be doing our little bit for the community, helping to keep our beaches clean and safe. I for one will be doing this in future and hopefully others will follow and we will help our lovely beach to remain award-winning.

– other people's litter when picking up l R. Barclay fu re ca be se ea Pl ber! Oracle d/or a litter grab an es ov gl e iv ect ot use pr

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WHAT’S ON Barling & Little Wakering W.I. Every 1st Monday of the month, 2pm. St Mary's the Virgin, North Shoebury Rd (near Asda). All welcome.

WI Southchurch Village Friends Meeting Every 2nd Monday, 7.30pm. The Hamstel Children & Families Centre, Hamstel Rd, Southend SS2 4PQ. 9th May – Annual General Meeting and 3rd birthday party.

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Woodland Walk Sunday 15th May, Little Havens Hospice. Contact Kerry on 01702 220305 or email: ksnode@havenshospices.org.uk Buccaneer Bess – Queen of the Seas Sat 28th May, 7pm. Leigh Comm. Centre, Elm Rd, Leigh, SS9 1SP. Blending film and live performance. Tickets £10/£7.50 include tasters. Call: 07527 945467 or email: inspiretheatrecollective@gmail.com Leigh Travel Club Wed 1st June, 7.30pm–9.30pm.

Iveagh Hall, Leigh, SS9 1JW. Rosalind Sandford presents a talk on Las Vegas, San Francisco and Hawaii. Call Lynda on 01702 474475.

Thanksgiving Service 4th June, St Georges Church, Crowstone Rd, Westcliff SS0 8LH. To remember loved ones passed. Contact Caroline Fryer on 01702 220321 or email cfryer@havenshospices.org.uk Havens Hospices Wills Month 7th June, Holiday Inn, Southend Airport / 17th June, Havens Hospices, Westcliff. Write or update your Will in return for a reduced cost, donated to Havens Hospices.

Call: 01702 221660. www.havenshospices.org.uk/wills Annual Charity Golf Day Friday 10th June, 11.30am.

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