Issuu

Your all-seeing local

September 2016

ORACLE

Leigh, Chalkwell, Westcliff & Southend Conservation Area

Leigh is the best! – Cllr Bernard Arscott

Photo Competition winners announced!

Polash – flame of Shoeburyness

We w S E I o T KnROPER EA P AR KET AR M 01702 669166 The

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‘Turnstone on Cockleshells’ by Richard Swinscoe – Oracle Photographic Competition Winner 2016

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ORACLE

WELCOME

August’s photographic competition was hugely supported and I was especially pleased to receive an entry from our youngest ever competitor – just 4 years old! This year’s standard was exceptional, making professional photographer, Keith Hoskins’ job of judging extremely difficult. Please turn to pages 34–35 where the winners of each category will be revealed. With the amount of entrants this year, we were unable to show them all, but you can visit: www.oraclepublications.co.uk to see some more of the best. Thank you to all who entered the competition – if you were not one of Oracle’s winners then there is always next year. This month’s competition gives readers the opportunity to win a pair of tickets to see one of two shows: Songs That Won The War – with The D Day Darlings appearing at Towngate Theatre, Basildon on Thursday, 20th October at 1pm, which offers a lighthearted journey through wartime Britain, reviving the popular music of the 1940s, or Frankly Sinatra – celebrating the golden anniversary of ‘Sinatra at the Sands’ at the Cliffs Pavilion on Sunday, 2nd October at 8pm. This brand new production features many of the songs from the classic album, performed just the way they were back in 1966. To enter, please send your contact details to: Oracle/ (name of musical you’d prefer to see) Competition, 11 Clarence Road, Southend, Essex SS1 1AN or email: info@oraclepublications.co.uk by 23/09/16. 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

September 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

CONTENTS The law of the land

9/10

Local Issues by Cllr Mark Flewitt

A dread-locks holiday

Salon advice by Craig Smith

Living on the edge

Council news by Cllr Bernard Arscott

The Polash - flame of Shoeburyness Wine & Dine with Oracle's restaurant review 26/27 Cod Chorizo and Corn Chowder

Judyâ€™s Recipe Page

25 Yearsâ€™ Experience

2016 Photo Competition Winners 34/35 Spotlight on the hottest shots by Keith Hoskins

Breaking the bank

Law & Order by Richard Curtis

Local Letters

Residents have their say

Brainbox

What's On

Useful Numbers

Advertiser Directory

Advertorials Osborne & Sons

6/7

Cliff House Clinic

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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September 2016

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Advertorial

Osborne & Sons – the heart of our cockles Osborne & Sons have as a family been fishing the Thames Estuary for over 100 years, using our own boats to ensure we bring only the best and most delicious seafood products to the community and beyond. Recently, the fifth generation descendants, have opened a fabulous new Fishmonger & Seafood Hall in the heart of Old Leigh. One which stocks an extensive range of fresh, top quality wet and smoked fish as well as a vast range of seafood, oils, rubs, flavourings, handmade pâtés and complementary products all at extremely competitive prices.

Nice plaice you’ve got here We bought No.8 The Cockleshed back in April 2015 and completely renovating the interior to make way

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Flexing their mussels The team at Osborne & Sons have inexhaustible knowledge and passion for fish with the skills to select and prepare the freshest fish and shellfish for our customers. Terry, our senior fishmonger, is a master at his craft, able to make filleting, pocketing and even canoeing a fish look like a fine art, and if you don’t know what all of those terms mean, come down for a live demonstration! Terry has a wealth of experience in the retail fish trade, learning his trade at HS Linwood of Leadenhall Market and then moving on to Harrods’ and Selfridges’ fish counters. He later entered the wholesale market, working with top London restaurants to deliver premium quality fish prepared to their exacting requirements.

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September 2016

Scott Park locals were supported by Cllr Buckley, Cllr Flewitt and Sir David Amess.

LOCAL ISSUES

The law of the land Just a few days in Truro, innocently trying to spend some time in recess from council. All has not gone to plan and the phone has been ringing intermittently with some residents’ issues and, of course, the e-mails have been arriving both as serious and regular business. Just before I left, poor St Laurence Ward found itself playing host to some folk from Ireland with tents who had decided that one of our local parks – Scott Park, off Western Approaches, Eastwood – would be a great, free place to live. This is the first time in our history that travellers have done this. I just hope it will be the last. The tone of a few e-mails is enough to try the patience of a saint – sent late after hours with pure anger on the menu. Answering these has been a test – sometimes you pass and other times screaming seems a great idea! Of course, it is best to be proportionate, measured and reasonable, but if the halo slips, you can be bereft of useful ideas. My inner voice says, “Take stock”, and my trusted life side kick says, “Put the phone away and relax.” Great advice.

outsiders rocking up and claiming a piece of land as their own. It is a travesty that the law breaker calls the shots and the law abider is left with some overbearing rules and compliance, not to mention costs to encounter.

Talk shop The whole point about this holiday/land issue is that it makes clear to me just how necessary reform of our laws really is. The role of the police has been mentioned to me on more than one occasion and I make perfectly clear that they have responded to some residents’ issues as well as to the travellers. Residents would have felt more comforted if the police had popped in to nearby stores to assure them that the council had enacted the possession process. I visited the stores. The supermarket became not only the information centre, but also a popular venue for petty theft.

Travellers cheque The issue of temporary land theft has really heightened peoples’ sense of insecurity about our levels of protection against the audaciousness of

September 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

Blue in the face The police may be short-handed and aggrieved with government but the quality of policing is an entirely justifiable issue to examine. The council law enforcement project will be looking at this issue among others. Ironically, the council cannot hold the police to account – that is for the Chief Constable and the Police Commissioner. Where were they when we needed them?

The frustration from residents was palpable and I am resolved to take this issue to Sir David Amess MP, along with the whole issue of land possession and With over 10 years’ local experience, we can give y the need for a simplified recovery process minus the cutting-edge website at a price to knock the others fo ones in a wig! Russell Square giving further urgency to dealing We can even train you to add gets or edit content with such matters. London morethe armed police you Home leave but the home counties are left vulnerable, a balance There are no hidden charges, no complications, So, this Truro break has nearly come to an end and at least needs to be created. and best of all – you own everything. the travellers have ceased the torment and left This article is dedicated to my mother who, at age 82, before they were evicted. My residents network another new chapter of her life, in consultati Truro. Call Oraclehas forstarted a FREE, no-obligation design has acted quickly and I am able to get an expedited cleanup operation in place. We secure the site see how bywe Cllr Mark Flewitt can get your business switched on tod within the civilised padlock standards and I resist a Conservative Member for St Laurence Ward quip suggestion of landmines!

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September 2016

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September 2016

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A dread-locks holiday

SALON

We’ve all walked back into the arrivals lounge and nipped to the loo, only to spot our mop in the mirror. Suddenly, those sun-kissed waves look more like tangles of bladderwrack drying on the beach. Of course, the best thing to do is visit your salon for a trim and a treatment to replace the moisture lost through sun damage. Don’t worry about losing length by cutting split ends – you only need to trim about a centimetre to be, literally, back in shape – and make sure that you remove the damaging chlorine and sea salt which builds up as you spend time on the beach or take dips in the pool. A good, deep-cleansing shampoo will do the trick, especially if you also invest in a moisture-replenishing conditioner.

Doctor Dread But, as any doctor will tell you, prevention is better than cure. Exposure to sunlight dehydrates and damages your hair causing it to bleach and become brittle. Just as you’d apply sun screen to your skin, shield your hair with a hat or seek some shade. Many shampoo and conditioner companies now make UV and SPF products that give your hair a protective boost. You can apply a spray from the

comfort of your lounger but you should start using a UV shampoo and conditioner a week in advance, to give it time to build up a layer of defence. As you’re on holiday, why not give the styling gizmos a rest? After all, it’s daft to worry about the effects of the sun, sea and pool, then subject your hair to the harsh, dry heat of a dryer, straighteners or tongs. Just go with the natural texture of your hair by rough drying and using moisturising products.

I don’t like cricket DO NOT attempt au naturel highlighting by using leave-in conditioner and lemon juice. I have heard of newly-blonde tresses turning a vivid green following a reaction with the chlorine used in a hotel pool. Unless you’re the joker or a member of Suicide Squad, it’s not a look I’d recommend! Blonde hair actually fades in strong sun while brunettes get more warmth in their colour – a sign that the pigmentation has started to break down. It makes sense then to ask your stylist to take your shade slightly darker post-holiday, and put in deeper, richer tones. Not only will this help make your hair look and feel more shiny and healthy, but it will also freshen up your look in time for autumn.

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?

01702 340965 32 Alexandra Street, Southend SS1 1BU 16

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September 2016

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September 2016

Manolyâ€™s â€“ the true taste of Thailand Serving the true taste of Thailand in the heart of Leigh-on-Sea A wide range of exquisite dishes for all tastes, served by Thai staff Book a table at our restaurant or order a takeaway Menus available online at www.manolys.co.uk

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Lunch served Tuesday to Saturday 12-3pm, Evening service 6pm-late, Sunday 5pm-late Manoly Thai Restaurant 31 Broadway, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 1PA

September 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

Living on the edge

COUNCIL

When the editor invited me to write an article for this edition of Oracle, it was suggested that I write about particular issues in Leigh that are topical. There are many issues that are widespread and by no means restricted to Leigh. However, I decided to focus on the recently formed Leigh-on-Sea coastal communities team. Coastal Community Teams are a national Government initiative, which are intended to encourage a greater level of partnership working to support the development of local solutions to economic issues. The initiative encourages the sustainable use of heritage and cultural assets for economic regeneration, particularly in areas that had once been dependent on the fishing industry as a mainstay of the local economy.

The sea board The Coastal Communities Team for the Leighon-Sea area is a partnership of a number of local organisations and groups that have a strong appreciation of the issues facing the area. It includes Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, the Leigh-onSea Town Council, the Leigh Port Partnership, the Leigh Society, local fishermen, businesses and other key community stakeholders. There are two other coastal teams in the wider Southend area; one for Shoeburyness and one for central Southend.

A shore thing One of our first tasks was to draw up an economic strategy for Leigh-on-Sea, which identified a number of projects that could act as a catalyst for regeneration of the area. The plan was then submitted to the Government and was approved in January this year. A number of these projects have now been included in a funding application from the Coastal Communities Fund, including a new Heritage Trail, refurbishment of the Heritage Centre to improve the displays and improvements to Bell Bay. The decision about the funding will be made in the coming months. Other projects that will be seeking funding in the future include the proposed Leigh Maritime Museum.

Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside Leigh-on-Sea has consistently been recognised, at national level, as one of the best places to live in the UK. It is the aim of the Costal Community Team to enhance and develop Leigh as a flourishing cultural and business community. Anyone wishing to find out more information about the Leigh-on-Sea Coastal Community Team can visit our website: leighonseacct.com to view the economic plan and find out more about the projects that we are supporting.

by Cllr Bernard Arscott Conservative Member for Leigh Ward

t: 01702 212062 / 07771 344191 e: CllrArscott@southend.gov.uk

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September 2016

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September 2016

advertorial

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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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WINE & DINE

The Polash – flame of Shoeburyness

June 23rd, 1757. A momentous battle is being waged. As the small village of Palashi, West Bengal is defeated, the burning-red flowers of the Polash tree – also known as Flame of the Forest – fall to the ground. In time, all of India would fall to British rule. With such a symbolic namesake, it is no surprise that The Polash Tandoori Restaurant on West Road, Shoeburyness has proud, Bangladeshi, family tradition at its heart. Serving us Brits since the late 70s, it has forged its own, long history which can be traced in the multitude of newspaper cuttings framed on its walls. Myriad food awards, fund-raising events, even reports of their ‘World’s Hottest Curry’ tried by Adventure Island’s and Southend Radio’s own, Philip Miller – it’s all here. ‘Write whatever you like’, grins owner, Sheikh Khalique, almost defiantly, ‘they all do!’. ‘Everything’s good!’, he laughs, without a hint of doubt. This confidence certainly makes choosing from its considerable menu somewhat easier. Forget about trying to select the ‘best’ dish – this is a restaurant that knows that whatever you eat, you’ll be back for more. We yield and select our starters at random. While we wait, we admire our surroundings. Classic in style, the tables are partitioned by decorative planters and trellises bearing traditional, ogee arch ‘windows’. Within each hangs an ornate lightshade which casts amusing, delicate, flowery shadows upon the walls. Only the colourful mood lighting in the ceiling hints at something more contemporary.

Je t’adore le tandoor Our starters arrive swiftly and immediately impress with their bold presentation and bright, salad accompaniment. The large and meaty, Grilled King Prawns (£6.95) are cooked to perfection – not in the slightest bit chewy, or dry – and the sweet, tamarind sauce adorning the edge of the plate perfectly complements their subtle flavour. Sitting on whole lettuce leaves and dressed in egg netting, however, the Polash Kebab (£4.95) really catches us off-guard, neither looking, nor tasting like anything we’ve had before. Packed with flavour and intensely moreish, this gob-smackingly, fresh take on a flame-grilled, minced lamb patty would make a far superior alternative to any late-night burger. Obviously loaded with cheese, mushrooms, chilli, and an army of spices, Khalique protects the finer details of his recipe with glee – ‘There’s lots of stuff in it!’, he chuckles, before growing serious: ‘We collect only the finest speciality spices from all over the world – India, Mexico, Spain, France – then grind and mix them ourselves to create our unique flavours.

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September 2016

You cannot find them anywhere else. Some of our curries have over eighty spices in them! And,’ he confides, ‘every good chef will add their own secret ingredient when no one is looking! It’s all in the mix.’

Variety is the spice of life To prove a point, Khalique brings us three chicken main dishes: Chicken Nawabi, Rose Ne Chicken Jal, and his latest concoction – Chicken Tawva – which arrives at the table sizzling and steaming excitedly. All are similar in form – chunks of chicken marinated in a mix of spices for at least two hours – and all are priced at £11.95. They are coated in sauce, not swimming in it, and there is little sign of oil. The Nawabi – charmingly garnished with a tomato carved into a flower – has subtle, delicate flavours, the spices infusing the chicken. The lava-red Rose Ne Jal has a more obvious chilli and garlic kick whilst the Tawva – which is grilled and pan-fried – releases a toothsome, barbecue smokiness but, once again, it is the roasted spices that steal the show. In each dish, the indulgent, mouth-watering flavours travel and change with each forkful. Just when you’re sure the Tawva is your favourite, you return to the Rose Ne Jal, then the Nawabi, change your mind, and start over again. We stand convinced – it is all in the mix. To complement these dishes we are also served a very tasty, Vegetable Niramish (£3.75), a sumptuously sweet, freshly cooked Peshwari Nan (£2.95), and a portion of spot-coloured Pilau Rice (£2.95), cooked to perfection, each grain seemingly separated by hand.

If you can take the heat … –

We are beaten. We wash down as much as we can with a pint of draft Cobra (£4.50) and a bottle of the house white – General Bilimoria Sauvignon Blanc (£13.95) – before Khalique offers to demonstrate his tandoor oven. ‘Come, I have nothing to hide’, he welcomes us proudly into his kitchen, clearly less secretive of it than he is his spice mixtures, which sit in a wall-long spice rack, bright and vibrant, ready to jump in the pot. Inside, one of Khalique’s team grabs a fistful of dough, kneads it flat, then throws it

against the inner wall of the tandoor. It rapidly begins to colour and become recognisable as the bread we so enjoyed earlier. It’s a fun ending to a very enjoyable meal. Respectfully traditional yet deliciously groundbreaking, The Polash has certainly lit a flame in our hearts. May its long history continue, because it’s going to take an age to work through that menu, and we want to try everything.

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September 2016

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Cod Chorizo and Corn Chowder

FOOD

This is an easy one-pot for all the family. It can be used as a quick lunch or supper and you can change the fish to your liking. It is especially nice with smoked haddock. Enjoy!

Ingredients (serves 6)

• 700g potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes • 600g skinless cod fillets, cut into chunks • 300ml milk • 300ml fish stock • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 large onion, chopped • 120g chorizo, diced • 1 tbsp plain flour • ½ tsp smoked paprika • 250g sweetcorn, fresh or frozen • juice of ½–1 lemon • small bunch parsley, leaves chopped • 4 spring onions, sliced To serve –

1. Put the potatoes in a large pan and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil and simmer until tender. 2. Meanwhile, place the fish in a pan and cover with the milk and stock. Bring to a simmer slowly and cook for 1 minute. Remove the fish with a slotted spoon and put to one side. 3. Heat the oil in a frying pan and add the onion. Sweat over a low heat for 10 minutes then add the chorizo and fry for a further 5 minutes, until it is brown and beginning to crisp. Stir through the flour and paprika and cook out for 1 minute. Gradually pour in the reserved liquid and simmer, stirring until thickened. 4. Add the sweetcorn and potatoes and cook for 5 minutes, then carefully tip in the fish. Add the lemon a little at a time and taste until you get the right flavour. Season with freshly ground black pepper, stir through the parsley and top with spring onions. 5. Spoon into warm bowls and serve with crusty bread. by Judy Barden

Next month: Caramelised Shallot and Thyme Frittata

• crusty bread

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‘East Beach Sunrise at the Boom’ by Paul Tidey – winner of the over 18s local landscape category.

Photographic Competition Winners 2016

SPOTLIGHT

The Oracle Photographic Competition 2016 is over and the standard of this year’s entries has been simply incredible. Expert adjudicator, Keith Hoskins of Picture Perfect photographic studio offers feedback on his chosen few … Sam by Edward Middleton (age 15) Under 18s landscape – Winner This soft rendition of the combination of a sunset and beach huts works well enough but has triumphed due to the introduction of the figure that dominates the middle of the image. Lovely silhouette. Little Egret by Shelley Harris Over 18s wildlife – Runner-up I love the colour in this! It’s brave to leave in the blue reflection in the waves but it works wonderfully well. Great detail too.

Turnstone on Cockleshells by Richard Swinscoe Over 18s wildlife – Winner The detail in this shot is breathtaking. It shows all the subtlety of the plumage and is pin-sharp.

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September 2016

Ladybird by Gemma Rogers (age 10) Under 18s wildlife – Winner Pin-sharp and fascinating shapes. The leaf almost looks like the ladybird’s wings – no distractions from the simple background adds to the effect. Bush Cricket by Holly Rogers (age 8) Under 18s wildlife – Runner-up This one was so nearly a winner! Just a bit of cropping to the top of the image to remove the line and colour and this would be near perfect.

Sand-coated Sunshine by Emily Rajah (age 14) Under 18s landscape – Runner-up A silver sea and shiny pebbles complemented by the flare of the sun peaking through at the top of the photo and contrasted against the wooden structure works well and keeps the eye moving around the image.

East Beach Sunset at the Boom by Paul Tidey Over 18s landscape – Winner

Memorial, Southend by Sandra Mayhew Over 18s landscape – Runner-up

Beautiful capturing of the best of the sunsets we get. Following the rules of composition by keeping a main point of interest in the foreground, with two supports, one either side.

Evocative and thought provoking, showing that landscapes are not just pretty pictures. There is great detail captured in both the light and shaded sides of the monument, with the flowers leading the eye to the main subject.

Professional Photographer Portraits • Weddings Events • Commercial

Well done and thank you to everyone who took part. Now visit: www.oraclepublications.co.uk to view more fantastic entries and to see more great feedback from Keith!

01702 474079 or 07931 593241 e: smile@pictureperfect.pro www.keithhoskinsphoto.co.uk 44 The Ridgeway, Chalkwell SS0 8NU

September 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

Breaking the bank

LAW & ORDER

We may trust banks with our precious, pennies, but there’s no accounting for human error. Here’s what to do if your bank is testing your limit … First, request a Subject Access Report (SAR) under the Data Protection Act. Write to ‘The Data Protection Officer’ at the Bank’s Head Office giving them 40 days to respond. They may make a small charge. The bank must disclose all of your data, save for anything commercially sensitive, such as your credit scoring. The SAR will help you understand your dispute, for example, the bank may have wrongly assumed that you are employed and thereby mis-sold you a Payment Protection Insurance policy (customers missold PPIs have, since 2011, recovered £25 bn). The bank may have assumed you to be a sophisticated investor and mis-sold you a high-risk investment. We made a full recovery for one client mis-sold Japanese warrants that lost most of their value.

Bank statement If you can identify any wrong-doing, you may then:

• • Complain to the Financial Conduct Authority. • Issue court proceedings. Complain to the Banking Ombudsman.

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

Your first choice should be a complaint to the Banking Ombudsman or to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The Ombudsman will look at most bank disputes, even non-contractual, e.g. withdrawing an overdraft. The FCA will just look at regulatory breaches, e.g. mis-selling. Both the Ombudsman and the FCA are free to use. The compensation they award is usually small and in the hundreds of pounds. You can reject the compensation and simply use their findings to make a complaint or seek higher damages in court proceedings. Before filing a complaint or issuing court proceedings, you will need to write to the bank’s head office to give them 14 days to respond. Court proceedings are a last resort. You have to prove that the bank breached its contract. Not every breach is actionable, e.g. withdrawing an overdraft. Some less obvious breaches are actionable, e.g. charging excessive fees. Court proceedings are formal, can take over 12 months, can be appealed by the bank, will incur court fees, and may leave you liable for the bank’s legal costs. We are always happy to advise in all cases at all levels. by Richard Curtis

Barrister at Curtis & Curtis Law Firm, Shoeburyness T: 0 1 7 0 2 2 9 3 2 7 7

M: 07990 015500

E : R I C H A R D @ C U R T I SA N D C U R T I S L AW. C O.U K W W W. C U R T I SA N D C U R T I S L AW. C O.U K

G A R R I S O N C H A M B E R S , 7 7 G U N N E R S R I S E , S H O E B U RY N E S S , S O U T H E N D - O N - S E A S S 3 9 F D

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September 2016

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September 2016

Advertorial

As seen in

VOGUE

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September 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

Another great d! carnival, Southen - Wel done to d. everybody involve Sue D. x LOCAL LETTERS ? Something on your mind Consult the Oracle by sending your letters to: s.co.uk

Empty Vessels Make the Most Noise Dear Oracle, It’s great wor king in the heart of Southend when the weathe r’s as lovely as it has been, windows open, sea breeze and gulls calling. It’s only spoilt by thos e idiots on their motorbikes and in their cars that have engines that sound like a cross bet ween a pneumatic drill and a cannon. Making babies cry, setting off car alarms and genera lly causing upset. Are they deaf, stupid or just so horribly desperate for attention? If you own such a vehicle then please hear this - NO ONE LIKES NOISE POLLUTION ! The electric revolution can’t come soon enough for Sou thend. Anon.

info@oraclepublication

- Paint the Town -

Dear Oracle, I was driving to work one morning when I had the misfortune of being stuck behind a dumpster truck, although usually a slow affair, this one proved to be much more disgusting.

What initially caught my attention was the haphazard way the men were working, rushing and loosely chucking the bags from far away, barely reaching the truck.

One of the men spat on the floor, then proceeded to do similarly from his nose.

Fortunately, I also passed another truck whose workers were much more careful Miss E and considerate with the rubbish and didn’t paint the floor with mucus.

Dear Oracle,

Spitting Image --------------

I was recently showing a visiting friend around Southend seafront. As we began our tour at the top of the cliff lift, a rather out-of-shape man in shabby shorts and a dirty vest - clearly trying to catch his breath following a jog - spat right in front of us. I apologised to my guest and we walked away, down the steps. Having caught his breath, the man then chose the same route, jogging past us on the other side of the railing. As we arrived at the bottom, there he was, even redder-faced, gasping for air. He spat in front of us again. I held my tongue. However, on the third occasion I asked, politely, if he would mind not spitting as it was not very nice for other people. Without even a pause to process my sentence, he instantly launched into a tirade of foul language and abuse. He yelled something about spitting because he was running, but the rest was simply aggression and threats. I do not believe that it’s acceptable to spit in public, whether taking physical exercise or not, but this man’s ignorant outburst certainly was not acceptable. This will now be my good friend’s first and lasting memory of Southend-on-Sea. How embarassing for us all. Mark

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

September 2016

September 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

Air&Back

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September 2016

The Crystal Tree

69 Broadway West Leigh-on-Sea SS9 2BX (opp Leigh Library) Healing Crystals Handmade Jewellery Angel Gifts Incense & Space Clearing Items Candles Salt Lamps Books, Cards & CDâ€™s Meditation Groups & Workshops www.the-crystal-tree.co.uk Healing for Mind Body and Soul

September 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

BRAINBOX 2

HOT SPOT – Where am I?

3 3

2 9

8 4

9 6

8 3

SUDOKU – Fill in the grid so

TERM

that every row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1–9.

WORD LADDER – Climb

the ladder, changing one letter each rung to make a new word.

WOES

CONUNDRUM – Unscramble to solve the clue.

O U

Clue: I was taught we all need one! Last month’s solutions: HOT SPOT – Southend Adult

Community College, Southchurch WORD LADDER – SANDLANDLANELUNEDUNE CONUNDRUM – BEACHBALL

9 5 7 8 1 4 3 2 6

3 1 8 2 6 9 5 4 7

4 2 6 5 7 3 1 9 8

1 9 4 7 8 2 6 5 3

6 8 3 1 9 5 2 7 4

5 7 2 4 3 6 8 1 9

2 3 9 6 4 1 7 8 5

8 4 5 3 2 7 9 6 1

7 6 1 9 5 8 4 3 2

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September 2016

September 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

WHAT’S ON Strength & Balance Classes 5th Sept, 2.30pm, St Augustine’s Hall. 6th Sept, 10.45am, Christchurch Centre. 8th Sept, 10.15am, Holy Trinity Hall. If you have balance problems, call Elaine (PSI): 01702 582231. £5 per session. Tony Compton & Jane Compton – Accordion and Flute Lunchtime Recital FREE Wed 14th Sept, 12.15–1.00pm. Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue SS2 6ER. Retiring collection, all are welcome to attend. Arts Council Open Day FREE Sun 11th Sept, 10am–4pm. Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road SS0 7RA. Tables with local drama, musical societies, crafts and choirs. WI Southchurch Village Friends Meeting Every 2nd Monday, 7.30pm. The Hamstel Children & Families Centre, Hamstel Rd SS2 4PQ. 12th Sept – Eve Regelous and membership reopened. New members very welcome. Thorpe Bay Horticultural Society Autumn Flower & Homecraft Show Sat 17th Sept, 2.15pm. St Augustine’s Church hall. Bric-a-brac, plant stall, refreshments. Entrance 50p. Call: 01702 588297 for more info. Trust Links: Walking Together Sponsored Walk Sat 17th Sept, 8.30am–2pm. Growing Together, Elm Road, Shoeburyness SS3 9RZ. 12 mile from Shoeburyness to Thundersley. Visit: www.trustlinks.org/events_134_WalkingTogether-Sponsored-Walk for more information. Bat Walk FREE Sat 17th Sept, 7.30am–8.30pm, Hadleigh Country Park, Chapel Lane SS7 2PP. Tour listening with special bat detectors. Bring warm clothes, sturdy boots and torch. To book or for info, email: EBGpublicity@gmail.com. Essex Belongs To Us FREE Sat 17th Sept, 11am–1.00pm, The Forum, Elmer Square SS1 1NE. If you like writing or just want to have a go at writing, then come along! Southend Hospital Charity Walk for Wards 18th Sept, 10am-1pm, Shoebury Common, SS3 9HG. 7km Seafront Stroll and a fancy dress competition. For more info and to register - www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ walk-for-wards-2016-registration-26407120408 Leigh Regatta FREE Sunday 18th Sept, 10.30–5pm. Old Leigh SS9 2EP. Live music, community stalls, arts & crafts and children’s entertainment. The Show Choir with Marion Storey & Friends FREE Sat 24th Sept, 7.30pm–9.30pm. Rochford Congregational Church, North Street SS4 1AB. Refreshments in interval. Southend Charbanc FREE From 11am, Sat 24th–Sun 25th Sept. Various venues. Visit: www.estuaryfestival.com for info. Radical Craft: Alternative Ways of Making FREE Sat 10th Sept–Sun 6th Nov, 10am–5pm. Beecroft Gallery, Victoria Avenue SS2 6EX. International and UK artists craft exhibition.

Looking for a private ballet tutor? Whether you are a student looking for onetoone tuition, if you need exam preparation or help with choreography, or if you are simply looking for a fun way to keep fit, Balletone offer a range of RAD classes for all ages and levels, preprimary to Advanced 2, adults and beginners.

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September 2016

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