Oracle Thorpe Bay July 2016

Your all-seeing local

July 2016

ORACLE

Thorpe Bay, Southchurch, the Garrison & West Shoebury

WIN! A meal for 2 at Café Masala!

NEW! Legal advice to save you £££s!

Reece's new charity needs your help …

CMYK M 0 Y 19

Free Valuations our pleasure, please call Paul Wigmore or Shaun Roche on C 71

K 0

01702 588599 Cover photo courtesy of Blackwing Aerial Services (blackwingservices.com)

MEET THE MINI RANGE AT FAIRFIELD. Experience a real breath of fresh air with the new MINI Convertible. As well as top-down go-kart handling, this innovative model can feature cutting-edge technology, including the parking camera and Rain Warner app. The MINI range also includes the MINI Clubman, MINI 3-door and 5-door Hatch, and MINI Countryman.

For more information or to book a test drive†, please contact us on 01702 429 429 or visit www.fairfieldmini.co.uk Fairfield Arterial Road, Eastwood Leigh-on-Sea SS9 4XX

THE MINI RANGE.

Official Fuel Economy Figures for the MINI Range: Urban 26.6-72.4 mpg (10.6-3.9 l/100km).

Extra Urban 46.3-91.1 mpg (6.1-3.1 l/100km). Combined 36.7-83.1 mpg (7.7-3.4 l/100km).

CO2 Emissions 179-89 g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions. † Test drive subject to applicant status and availability.

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15/06/2016 14:14 July 2016

ORACLE

WELCOME

Boiler Installation, Servicing and Repair - Local, long established, family business

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.

- 4 years interest free boiler finance available

Get up to a 10 year guarantee with a Worcester Bosch boiler installed between 1st June 2016 & 31st December 2016.

Contact Us For A Free No Obligation Quote David: 07812 590033 | Office: 01702 556807 info@1stcall-services.co.uk www.boilernowpaylater.co.uk

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

18

Salon advice by Craig Smith

Change of heart

24

Council news by Cllr James Moyies

NEW! Returning the trip

28

Law & Order by Richard Curtis

CafÊ Masala – as seen on TV!

32/33

Wine & Dine with Oracle's restaurant review

Lime Curd Tarts with Summer Berries 36 Judy's Recipe Page

Local Letters

42

Residents have their say

What's On

54

Useful Numbers

60

Advertiser Directory

62

Advertorials Sew-in-Love 7 Essex Equity Release Advice Centre

13

Cliff House Clinic

41

Shoebury High School

52/53

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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PAINTING & DECORATING COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC Interior & Exterior Over 30 years experience Local, Reliable and Trustworthy Established connections to local building trades High Quality service guaranteed References available upon request Fully Insured Experience of hanging all wallcoverings No job too small!

GMH Renovations tel:

01702 219 870

mob: 07775 500 420 email: goldhen@aol.com 63 Goldsworthy Drive, Great Wakering, Essex, SS3 0AU

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July 2016

Advertorial

Getting a buzz from the Sewing Bee? As the BBC season draws to an end, it's time to release that Sewing Bee from your bonnet and get busy learning or refreshing your own skills. Queen of the sewing workshops, Sarah Johnson, from Sew-in-Love, shares with us her passion: When did your journey into sewing start?

I have been sewing for as far back as I can remember! In the 50s and 60s my mother would make my clothes – she inspired it all. I began making clothes for my dolls and then progressed to making and altering clothes for family and friends.

How did you learn and develop your skills?

I took sewing at school but throughout my life my passion and specialist techniques have developed by attending many courses. I love checking out ‘making’ videos on Youtube and reading sewing blogs, which always inspire me to try new things.

Common Thread It’s a bold move to make your passion your business. How did this come about?

Fifteen years ago I moved into teaching textiles at a local secondary school. I loved sharing my knowledge and developing and inspiring the projects. Staff at school also wanted to learn how to sew and that was really the start of the workshops.

Now I’ve retired, I realise that I want to continue teaching others to make beautiful things!

Sew I gather As well as alterations you run sewing workshops, what could I expect from attending a workshop?

People of all different abilities come; some have never sewn, others haven’t used a needle since school, and others just want to refresh their skills.

I hold the workshops at my home studio, with machines for you to borrow (although can bring your own). Typically these are day projects; making bags, patchwork cushion covers with zips or buttons, fitted skirts, Christmas fairies and stockings, although the options are endless! Plus I provide refreshments and a home-cooked lunch!

A stitch in time There are also 2-hour sessions during the afternoon and evening, where you could work on one project over several sessions.

I am even available for home visit sessions, where I can help to operate vintage sewing machines.

How can I find out when the classes are running?

Please call or visit my website. All sessions are tailored to your personal requirements, wants and needs!

by Sarah Johnson

Sew-in-Love Sewing Classes • Dress Making • Alterations • Repairs

07769 803692 sew-in-love.moonfruit.com

July 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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July 2016

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

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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

O

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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July 2016

10 % CREAM Established in 1995, we are proud to announce the opening of our sixth local Branch at 170 The Broadway, Thorpe Bay.

To arrange a free valuation or for friendly, professional advice - please telephone or call in at your convenience.

Sales Valuations & Enquiries

Rental Valuations & Enquiries

Paul Wigmore or Shaun Roche on

Paul Cutmore or Courtney Miller on

01702 588599

01702 587755

sales@huntroche.co.uk

lettings@huntroche.co.uk

Over 200 Years of Experience Under One Roof!

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July 2016

Advertorial

Those were the days, my friends … … We thought they’d never end.

We’d sing and dance forever and a day, We’d live the life we choose, We’d fight and never lose, For we were young and sure to have our way.

Yes, that was the mantra of the day – And why not?

Remember how we laughed away the hours and think of all the great things we would do.

The way ahead was clear – a lot to look forward to, when we were young.

Then the busy years went rushing by us. We lost our starry notions on the way.

Oh, my friend, we’re older but no wiser, But in our hearts the dreams are still the same!

For others, not so good – up to the eyes with debt, mortgage unpaid, no pension to speak of. What’s to become of them?

Those were the days my friend, We’d thought they’d never end.

Well, face up to reality, those days are over – come to an end. So, what’s to be done? Money will help, it always does – and unlocking the cash tied up in your home may be the answer. Those were the days, my friends? If that’s what you think, you’ve got it wrong – these are the days, my friend, and you need to make the most of them!

So what went wrong? Life just got in the way, I guess!

Older but no wiser?

Just tonight I stood before the tavern, Nothing seemed the way it used to be. In the glass I saw a strange reflection, Was that lonely person really me?

You owe it to yourself to look at your options to enjoy your later life. Why not have a chat with a local Financial Adviser who specialises in Equity Release and all the other things that concern us old folk?

These are the days!

Call now for a brief, informal chat, or visit the website.

So, how did it turn out, when looking through the wrong end of the telescope? Well, for some of us, by luck or judgment it turned out okay – good pension, mortgage-free retirement years – still all to look forward to …

by Ron Radway, Financial Consultant

Essex Equity Release Advice Centre

O

01268 799211

Essex Equity Release Advice Centre For a free consultation and friendly, professional advice, call 01268 799211

www.essexequityrelease.co.uk

FSA No. 313397

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July 2016

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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!

O

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 18

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July 2016

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July 2016

EXQUISITE A LA CARTE MENU Join us and sample some of our delectable dishes from our a la carte menu in our award-winning restaurant.

Enjoy our locally sourced food, meticulously created by our chef using the finest ingredients and blends to give you a unique taste experience.

BOOK YOUR TABLE TODAY

01702 586375 | www.roslinhotel.com Thorpe Esplanade | Thorpe Bay | Essex SS1 3BG

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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 – 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 – they either outsource everything and become a small team focussed on awarding contracts for services, or they have a more entre­preneurial 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

O

Southend Independence Group

07590 472295 e: cllrmoyies@southend.gov.uk 24

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July 2016

For more information please call:

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July 2016

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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.

O

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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July 2016

the anchor riverside

Pub & Restaurant bbQs, cocktails & views The weather should be perking up this weekend so head down to The Anchor for our weekly summer BBQ on our beautiful terrace.

Grab a cocktail, take in the gorgeous views and let us do all the work.

MICHELIN BIB GOURMAND AWARD 2016 EXCEPTIONAL FOOD AT MODEST PRICES Michelin bib GourMand

2016

The BIB Gourmand recognises quality and value of food and is awarded only to restaurants serving three courses at exceptional prices. Only 18 were awarded in England and only one in Essex, The Anchor.

what’s on at the anchor

have you booked? lunch time treats Spend your summer afternoons in our beautiful waterside garden with a drink in hand, enjoying one of our delicious mid-week lunches.

The perfect place for a spot of lunch!

oo

d food

g

Monday - Friday

u

£17.95 A glass2ofCourses house wine included 3 Courses £19.95

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(BBQ is weather permitting)

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Seafood Friday...

feedback

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send us your

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Friday, 29th july

Our legendary event is back again on the 29th!

Seafood Fridays are always hugely popular so make sure you book well in advance to experience our locally-sourced, fresh and delicious seafood.

With two courses for £19.95 or three courses for £21.95 including a glass of wine.

The Anchor Riverside Ferry Road, Hullbridge, Essex SS5 6ND

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theanchorhullbridge.co.uk

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01702 230 777

July 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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Dream Kitchens, made reality…

When it comes to crafting your dream kitchen we believe we can make all the difference, our simple honest approach, combined with experience and knowledge help us create your dream kitchen from start to finish.

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July 2016

Your Stove is waiting for you!

Photo for illustration purposes only

July 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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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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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.

O

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01702 589494 187 The Broadway, Thorpe Bay SS1 3EX www.thecafemasala.co.uk

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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.

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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.

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Something on your

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BOARDING

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LET DOWN EASY My wife and I recently flew with easyJet to Amsterdam from Southend.

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advertorial

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.

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Advertorial

The happiest days of our lives It is often said that school days are the happiest days of our lives and the students from Shoeburyness High School are queueing up to tell us why …

Eloise I am Eloise Bennett of Shoeburyness High School.

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Alex I am Alex Downer, a Year 9 student at Shoeburyness High School. This year I have had the chance to take part in many activities and had opportunities that wouldn’t have been available elsewhere. Amongst different sports, I have competed in swimming and played in cricket matches, as well as having the chance to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award and AMA (Academically More Able) where, this year, we took part in a Great British Bake Off challenge. As an extra GCSE I’ve studied Classical Civilisation, a course based on ancient Greece.

Noah I’m Year 8 Noah Gribbon and I have done so much in only two years at Shoeburyness High School! Period 1, every day, we have Gradu8 activities, including Enterprise, assembly, maths, SPAG (spelling, punctuation and grammar) and current affairs. Students have

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July 2016

workshops or presentations outside school and I love learning new topics, especially in maths. There are clubs in everything, from Chemistry to Glee, AMA for gifted students and a specialised STEM club (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) creating projects such as my group’s Theremin – a weird machine from a sci-fi movie!

Tuesday nights is ‘C’ siders – a band of instrumentalists who play in school concerts and beyond, most recently at Disneyland, Paris: great!

Miraculously, I’ve gained grade 3 and 4 clarinet in one year! So, overall, I really love Shoeburyness and I will continue to!

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Period 1, warms us up with each daily session: assembly, activities from the Be The Best You Can Be! booklet, maths, English and spelling, punctuation and grammar. At each topic’s end there’s a ‘Takeaway Project’ presentation showing what we learnt, with homework to support lessons ahead.

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With the wide range of subject choices and endless opportunities I did not have to think twice. Being appointed Head Girl is a dream become reality, but where better to serve? I’m honoured to represent a school which has done so much for me. Now I can give back to a learning community that has given so much to me.

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BE FLEXIBLE WITH YOUR C 2C SMARTCARD Save time and money with 10 flexible day tickets to use when you need them.

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*Terms apply. Excludes journeys from Fenchurch Street travelling to stations outside of the Travelcard area where a 2% discount on Anytime Day Returns will apply. Visit c2c-online.co.uk/flexi for more details.

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The Estate Agent of Thorpe Bay

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