Oracle Thorpe Bay June 2016

June 2016

Your all-seeing local

ORACLE

Thorpe Bay, Southchurch, the Garrison & West Shoebury

EU Special! MPs battle for Southend

WIN! A family ticket to Magic at the Barn Another local hero awarded. But who?

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June 2016

ORACLE

WELCOME

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On Thursday 23rd June you will have the opportunity to vote for the UK to either remain or leave the European Union. Due to the enormity of this decision, Oracle's June edition includes a very special local issues article looking at both sides of the argument and the possible effect on the people of Southend. Sir David Amess MP has given his reasons why Southend should vote to leave the EU and Vicky Ford MEP has given her reasons why Southend should vote to remain in the EU.

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This month's competition is the opportunity for two local families to win a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) valid for any of the 4 shows over the weekend at Magic at the Barn, Red Brick Barn, Sutton Hall, Shopland Road, Rochford SS4 1LH – Sat 2nd & Sun 3rd July. This hilarious, award-winning magic and comedy show – featuring some of the most exciting names in magic and variety in the UK – is suitable for all the family. Taking place within the atmospheric 17th-century Red Brick Barn, it stars top international stage magician Richard Griffin, TV magician Christian Lee and multi award-winning illusionist Oliver Tabor.

For tickets and further information please go to: www.magicatthebarn.co.uk or call 01702 543242.

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To enter, please send your contact details to: Oracle/Magic at the Barn Competition, 11 Clarence Road, Southend, Essex SS1 1AN or email: info@oraclepublications.co.uk by Friday 24th June.

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CONTENTS EU Special: the Leave argument 7/8 Local Issues by Sir David Amess

EU Special: the Remain argument 11/12 Local Issues by Vicky Ford MEP

The South-end of an era

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Oracle Community Spirit Award

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Style is perm-anent

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Council news by Cllr Ron Woodley Recognising our local heroes Salon advice by Craig Smith

The Shoeburyness Hotel

Wine & Dine with Oracle's restaurant review

36/37

Mexican club sandwich

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The ins and outs of garden design

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Local Letters

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Judy's Recipe Page

Grass Roots by Katrina Kieffer-Wells Residents have their say

Brainbox 58 What's On 62 Useful Numbers 68 Advertiser Directory 70 Advertorials Prittlewell Bowls Club 15 Essex Equity Release Advice Centre 29 Cliff House Clinic 45 Shoeburyness High School 56/57

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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Your Stove is waiting for you!

Photo for illustration purposes only

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June 2016

LOCAL ISSUES

EU special: the Leave argument I voted No in 1975. I felt then – and nothing has happened to change my mind since – that the Common Market was just a first step in the project to create a United States of Europe.

The European Union, as it is now, has only one aim and that is to create a superstate controlled by Germany and France for their own benefit.

The EU costs the UK over £350 million each week and regulations from Brussels cost UK businesses over £600 million every week. Since 1993, over half of the new laws introduced in the UK have come from the EU and this will only increase if we stay in.

Since joining the European Union in 1973, Britain’s sovereignty has been eroded time and time again. Giving over our sovereignty to a remote, unaccountable and undemocratic EU has only led to Britain losing its influence in the EU. Instead of being better together, we are worse off together. It is time to take back control of our own destiny. People need to know that when they vote for their Member of Parliament, that it is they and they alone who make British laws.

Bordering on dangerous Our colleagues in the Remain camp point to the intervention by President Obama who recently gave his backing to the ‘Remain’ campaign. I would like

to hear his reaction if the USA was obliged to give up any part of its law-making capability to a foreign, unelected power. There would be riots in the streets of every American city if the US Senate was forced to accept the sovereignty of a foreign Parliament over its own laws.

Our misguided colleagues in the Remain camp claim that our security will be compromised if we leave the EU – this is absolute rubbish. The tragic events of the past few months in Paris and Brussels have proved beyond any doubt that Europe is not safe from terrorism. In fact, the free movement of people written into the EU treaties makes it far easier for terrorists to enter and travel around the EU. Many countries in Europe are now defying EU law and reintroducing border controls to keep their citizens safe.

Out of control If we leave the EU, we will regain our seats on many security organisations and councils where we are currently represented by the EU. Our membership of NATO and the UN do not depend on us remaining in Europe. We should not join a European Army run from Brussels and Berlin.

Our membership of the EU means that we lose more and more control of our borders to the EU and the European Courts. This is a very small island and to imagine that we can continue to cope with the numbers currently entering Britain for the foreseeable future is madness. We need to regain control over our immigration policy and we can only do that if we leave the EU.

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Photography by Clive Rowe

Minding our own Southend is home to hundreds of thriving, enterprising small businesses. More than 70% of small businesses – who are the lifeblood of the UK economy – want the UK government to be in charge of laws surrounding employment, health and safety, trade, and business standards. These businesses are being stifled by red tape and ridiculous regulations and they would benefit enormously if we left the EU. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) would have us believe that a UK exit would be a catastrophe for big business but all our European business partners would continue to trade with us and we would be free to negotiate our own trade deals, not only with Europe but with other international trade partners.

The UK was a Global power before we joined the EU and it can be a Global power again. We have always been outward looking, enterprising and entrepreneurial as a nation. We have much to

gain from our relationship with our friends in the Commonwealth who are eager to trade with the world’s fifth largest economy. The emerging nations of the Far East and Africa provide fertile ground for new trade agreements and we would be in an excellent position to obtain far more favourable terms of trade than those negotiated by the EU.

Leave on a high note If we vote ‘Leave’ we can take back control of our immigration policy, our law courts and our Parliament. We can make a new future for ourselves outside the inward-looking, bloated, corrupt institution that the EU has become.

The European Union is a 20th century solution to a 19th century problem, the world has moved on since it was formed. It will never reform itself, it will never change except for the worse. It will become a graveyard of once proud nations such as Greece and Spain who will be forced to give up more and more of their individual sovereignty to Chancellor Merkel and her successors.

The decision this country makes in the coming referendum is a serious one, with grave consequences if we make the wrong decision.

So let us all ‘pass GO’ on the 23rd June 2016 and collect £350 million a week to make our country freer, safer and more prosperous for generations to come.

by Sir David Amess MP

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LOCAL ISSUES

EU special: the Remain argument I have long said that Europe needs to change. Britain voted to join a common market and not a political union.

However, much as it is tempting to walk away from the bureaucracy of the EU institutions, all my instincts tell me that leaving would lead to a very expensive and drawn out divorce.

The Prime Minister’s renegotiation safeguards our economic independence and protects the pound. We will not join the euro or pay for it. We are excluded from Europe’s ‘ever-closer’ political union. This has always been a red line for me in the renegotiation. It has been achieved.

Market force We now have a choice of whether we want to stay in Europe’s Single Market, which allows us to trade across 28 countries and 500 million consumers.

In the East of England, sales to other EU countries make up over half our trade and 10% of our annual income. It affects key sectors like car manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, financial services, agriculture and tourism, companies like EasyJet at Southend Airport and Ford designing diesel engines in Basildon, as well as many small businesses. Three million British jobs are directly linked to our trade in Europe, including 300,000 across the East of England.

I have negotiated international business laws for Britain in all these sectors. Other countries outside

the Single Market, such as Norway, have to accept EU laws without having any say on the underlying terms. For an economy as diverse as the East of England, we cannot afford to be in a position like that. Fundamentally, if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu!

Big fish If we vote ‘Leave’ we will need to agree a new trade deal. No country outside the Single Market has a trade deal that covers services, and services account for over 70% of our economy.

We cannot even predict the terms of a trade deal in goods since it would need the unanimous consent of all 27 other countries, any one of which could veto it. It is not in our control. This is a huge economic risk and stands to be a very expensive divorce.

Being at the table means we can influence decisions. We recently negotiated changes to the Common Fishery Policy to end the ludicrous discard situation. British MEPs are leading the negotiations on changes to car approvals post the Volkswagen scandal, changes to energy trading to help solve the steel crisis, and closing loopholes in international gun laws post the Paris attacks.

It's a no-brainer The East of England leads in science and research – an area where we get back more from the EU budget than we contribute. This funds world-class innovation, such as the work on big data happening at the University of Essex, which is powering the digital revolution; the plant research finding

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drought and disease resistance crops to combat climate change at Rothamsted in Hertfordshire and John Innes in Norfolk; the robotics team helping stroke patients at the University of Hertfordshire; and cancer, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s studies in Cambridge. This is not just about the money. For our scientists to solve our problems, they need to be able to work easily with others across Europe and the world.

Reality check The Single Market is not just for business. When you go on holiday to Europe, you can use your car insurance, your tour operator must be ATOLprotected. If you have an accident you can use your EHIC hospital card, and if you want to use your phone, as of next year there will be no more roaming charges.

Our renegotiation also protects our borders, breaks the link between migration and benefits, and helps us fight crime and terrorism. Hertfordshire police now routinely check cross-border criminal records if they make an arrest. This is now being rolled out across other parts of the East of England. Our security services can check DNA records, fingerprint records and even the passenger names of everybody due to land at Heathrow, Stansted or Southend before their plane takes off. The UK has driven the agenda on cross-border security. No country outside the Single Market gets this.

Safety in numbers Finally, but most importantly, there is the issue of security. I look at what is happening on Europe’s borders, in Syria and Ukraine. World security is under threat. The only foreign leader who is telling the British people to vote ‘Leave’ is Vladimir Putin.

In difficult times, countries turn to Britain for leadership and advice. It is important to stay at the tables where decisions are being made, be that in NATO, the UN, with our Commonwealth friends and our European neighbours.

The EU is not perfect, but we cannot change it from the outside. The world is a deeply uncertain place and it does not seem to me to be a sensible time to be walking away from any allies. This is why I will be voting to remain and hope you may do the same.

by Vicky Ford MEP

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June 2016

Advertorial

The grass is always greener in Prittlewell Situated in the picturesque surroundings of Priory Park near the Old Priory, Prittlewell Bowls Club was originally formed in 1928 as a men’s bowling club.

• We have been working in the community,

In 2001 a fire destroyed our clubhouse and we were forced to operate out of a single porta-cabin with the very minimum of facilities, while our team pulled together to rebuild the clubhouse from scratch.

Ready to roll?

It took three years of hard work from our members to get the club back on its feet. Where we are today is a glowing testament to those dedicated people who did not want to see the demise of our club.

Every Jack has his Jill Rebuilding the club was not just about bricks and mortar, however – it was an opportunity to progress and revitalise the club in many other ways too:

• In 2006 we elected to welcome ladies as

members and become a truly mixed club. We now have over 30 ladies as members.

• We now have one committee and both our club captain and club president alternate each year between a lady and a gentlemen.

• We have introduced Social and Welfare

committees to to look after the well-being of our members and give support where necessary. They are also responsible for organising fundraising and social activities throughout the year.

• We have done away with the old image uniform and gone for a new, modern playing strip.

bringing people from all types of background to play bowls. This has also meant us working with local schools in the area, getting children to play bowls as part of their school activities and starting up our very own Youth Team Squad.

Now with some of the best facilities in the borough, our club offers relaxed social bowling to experienced and non-experienced bowlers. We have everything for families and individuals, young and old, and have seen our membership rise to nearly 100 members – a 150% rise since 2004!

Our club has a good social side with plenty of fun events, trips, functions, and even table tennis, too. We enter competitive leagues, national competitions, and during the winter months we also have an excellent short mat facility.

So, why not come along for yourself, enjoy our relaxed, friendly atmosphere, and take a look at what we have to offer you? We think you'll be bowled over!

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June 2016

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The South-end of an era

COUNCIL

Dear Readers, As I sit at my desk, writing what will be my last article as Leader of Southendon-Sea Council, we all know that the council has, and should, supply residents with every service that is needed and required in children’s services through to adult social care.

In the case of children, the council has over 1,500 being cared for directly, or in some form of intervention such as fostering or adoption, and of course, there is the need to ensure every child has the best education possible.

Adult social care is another ever increasing problem as our population grows older, which is why our planned adult social care campus and care in the community model is so important.

The above are, quite rightly, two major areas of the council’s statutory obligations. There are, however, many non-statutory obligations which rely more directly on the initiative and resolve of a responsible council.

Clean break I personally believe our street scene, parks and open spaces are very important. They are integral to the quality of life for local residents, and critical to the local environment, so that when we leave our homes we feel good about the town and proud

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to live in Southend-on-Sea. Also, let’s not forget about our duty for waste collection and keeping our streets free of litter.

So how do we fund or find the resources to ensure local government is sustainable financially, especially with ever-decreasing funding from central government (a further £28.1 million cut by 2020) and the rising cost of some of our most important local services?

Cut-rate Current spending by local government is now below the previous post 1979 level and by 2020 current revenue and capital spending combined will be lower than at any time since before 1948. Therefore, many services taken for granted over decades, will disappear without further funding. Worryingly, the more deprived a local area (Southend-on-Sea has four of the most deprived areas in the country), the harsher the funding impact will be by 2020, with a new dimension of inequality opening up.

Hard-core This is the reason I have tried to explain over the past 2 years, that as part of core funding, council tax needed to increase, and the requirement to generate income through fees and charges and sensible investments is vital, and why I have met and given presentations to over 40 community groups to explain the situation that Southend-onSea is facing. Only by working together will we overcome adversity.

by Cllr Ron Woodley

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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.

Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company

policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee.

But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle.

Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Thorpe Bay & Southend area 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!

Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!

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June 2016

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COMMUNITY

Emma presenting Peter Lovett with the Community Spirit Award

Oracle Community Spirit Award

To mark its 10th anniversary, Oracle introduced its Community Spirit Award to recognise those among us who go above and beyond to make our community a better place. This month we celebrate Rochford-born Peter Lovett …

print, he clearly has a resilient take on life – "I loved working with kids – it was so rewarding," he smiles.

"I've been working since I was seven. Mum and Dad were poor so we all had to work hard," says Peter, matter-of-factly. "I was always sent on errands to help others in the community, such as mowing lawns and delivering meat for the butcher. There was a real sense of neighbourhood spirit back then."

In 2010, Peter was called upon to help get the controversial Shoebury seawall plans stopped, so he set up the now 2000-strong residents' group, Friends of Shoebury Common. "To apply for Village Green Status we raised £1,500 in two weeks. I was working eight hours a day, seven days a week. ITV came down to cover the story and over 400 people turned up! It brought the community together."

By 17, Peter was assistant leader at Lifstan Boys Club, which became a surrogate family unit to many of the less fortunate members. "To help fund­raise we formed a band called High Spirits with me as lead singer. We kept getting invited to perform at local events," he explains. "We even competed at the Royal Festival Hall and were presented with the National Boys Club Variety Award by '50s star, Frankie Vaughan." Peter also joined forces with another group – the Santoy Minstrels. Again playing for charity, they entertained at many local hospitals, care homes and hospices.

In 1983 Peter started his own heating and ventilation business in Southend, creating a number of job opportunities for local people, and in '93, joined Victim Support in Queen's Road. Handling crime cases, he studied to become a counsellor and then to counsel children. Given that much of what Peter had to manage is too distressing for us to

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When the Queen's Road office was centralised, retirement beckoned and, after almost 30 years of success, it was time for Peter to close his company.

Even then, he continued to look after his loyal team and support them in starting their own businesses in the local area.

Keeping up the good work Over the last few years, Peter has been coordinating the Keep Britain Tidy scheme. Each time schools from underprivileged London areas visit Shoebury East Beach, it is raked for three days by Peter and his volunteers, to ensure that it is safe for the children.

Having just turned 70, Peter's philanthropy shows no signs of slowing: in his efforts as part of Shoebury's Residents' Association, Coastal Team, Heritage Centre, the 12,600 leaflets he and his wife have just delivered by hand and his plans for an inclusive playground for special needs children. Despite his many achievements, Peter remains modest – "It's never been about me – it's about being fair and kind and making people feel part of society."

A role model to us all, we're sure you'll agree.

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Photography by Clive Rowe

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Advertorial

Fings ain't wot they used to be!

"It used to be fun – Dad an' old Mum, paddling down Southend. But now it ain't done. Never mind, chum – Paris is where we spend our outin's."

Ah, Max Bygraves taking us back to the Fifties! Even in those dark days of austerity we were aspirational – things could only get better! And indeed they did, for the parents of the Baby Boomers, compared with how they were brought up before and during WW2.

But it’s not how I remember it. Brown sauce sand­ wiches, sugar buppies, Camp coffee, welfare orange juice, daily spoonful of malt, freezing cold lino, outside lavs, ice inside of windows, coal fires (when you could afford it) that burnt your front and froze your back! That’s what I remember. The good old days, when we had nothing – which so many hark back on with affection. When we could leave our front doors unlocked and not worry about burglars – that's because we had nothing worth burgling!

Time's a changin' Lionel Bart caught the spirit of the times with his lyrics but not the future affluence – universal education and medical care, haute cuisine on the dinner table, food aplenty and affordable, designer

clothes for the masses, 2, 3 or 4-car families and home ownership for most. All attainable for a generation that grasped the opportunity.

But what of those Boomers, now in their 60s and 70s, surviving on a depleted pension, mortgaged and in debt to credit cards? Will they be as stoic as their parents? Will they suffer the cold days of winter, turning down the bars on the electric fire, terrified of the bill? Will they make do on bread and dripping, instead of prawn cocktail? I doubt it, unless forced to – they’re used to better fings! Central heating, double glazing, bathrooms, fitted kitchens, holidays abroad, cars, eating out – all the things that Baby Boomers worked for and have come to expect as their right! But there is a choice – they can access the cash locked in their homes with a suitable Equity Release Scheme, using their property to maintain the lifestyle they have become used to. And why not? We’re only here once! Equity Release Schemes don’t suit everybody and you need expert independent advice as to the best way forward, but if you need to raise money, for any reason, it’s worth finding out about. If you would like to discover more, feel free to call for a quick chat.

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SALON

Fashion changes but style is perm-anent

It wasn’t the sight of everyone’s fave pop pixie princess on the arm of a man nearly 20 years her junior that got the paps’ flashbulbs popping – it was Kylie's hair!

Back in the 1980s, before she became a bona fide A-list pop icon, we loved Kylie Minogue as the tomboy mechanic, Charlene, in Neighbours. Her jeans, chunky jumpers and blonde perm inspired scores of imitations.

So, imagine the excitement when the now 47-year old hit the headlines with tumbling golden curls and prompted the question - is the perm back?

Get your fix Yes is the short answer. But we’re not talking about the classic, corkscrew or poodle look so beloved by American rock bands back in the day – today’s style maven is the Argentinian model Mica Arganaraz, whose smoking-hot Latin looks are framed by a relatively short, unstructured do, complete with blunt-cut fringe.

Curls are brilliant as we move into summer as, like Mica, they look great cut fairly short or can be classically long, below-the-shoulder, a la Kylie. Not only that – they suit any hair colour. Better still, they

don’t need hours of preening before going out to work, an event, or dinner at The Wolseley.

Take some stick Perm solution can be harsh on hair, so if you’re thinking about embracing a perm, speak to your stylist first. A great way to see if you like the look is to use a diffuser after washing your hair and scrunch drying it. Applying a special salt spray also helps.

If you want more defined, tighter ringlets, running Paul Mitchell’s Twirl Around ™ through your tresses will keep your curls in place whilst maintaining touchable softness.

Breaking out good, old-fashioned rollers is also a tried, tested and trusted method for a bouncy style.

Tongs can be used to create an even curl throughout the length of your hair. Wands are also ideal, as they create a natural effect.

Hold fast The essential thing to remember is this: after creating your curls, do you look like Dee Snider from Twisted Sister? If the answer is yes, perhaps the look isn’t for you. Or you need to tone down the makeup … ?

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Setting the standard at Shoeburyness Hotel

WINE & DINE

Built in 1899 to replace the old tavern, the commanding yet elegant Shoeburyness Hotel has always played a major role in the community. Standing at the original main gateway to the Garrison, it once served many a thirsty soldier and wartime worker.

These days, however, the patrons are more likely to come from a limited company than a military one, but if an army marches on its stomach, then we arrive prepared to do our duty.

At ease Despite its period facade, entering the Shoeburyness Hotel is anything but a step back in time. No longer a functioning hotel, the property was recently refurbished to become an airy, rustic brasserie and wine bar. It even has a trendy, mood-

lit party/chillout bar tucked away in the cellar. Some period features have been respectfully retained, however – such as the Victorian floor mosaic – and seamlessly integrated into the fresh, comfortable, wood panelled and exposed brick design.

Tour of duty Proud owner, Andy Dosser, is in high birthday spirits, so with family to attend to, he leaves us in the confident hands of Head Chef, Tom Gatier, and 2nd Chef, Angelo Quinci. Both from culinary families, these two energetic young men talk enthusiastically about their French and Italian upbringings and their love of home cooking. They prepare all of their dishes with fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients – meat from Westcliff, vegetables from Wakering; even the bread is supplied oven-warm by the renowned Garrison Bakery, just across the street.

Tom and Angelo's enthusiasm and European roots are clearly having an exciting influence on the menu as fresh pasta, lamb koftas, peri-peri chicken and tapas now feature alongside the more traditional steaks, house burgers and Sunday roasts.

In good company At just £10.95 for three dishes, opting for tapas is an easy decision to make, although picking only three items from the enticing and comprehensive selection is considerably less so.

We go for the Oriental Pork Belly on a Cucumber and Spring Onion Salad, Maldon Sea-salted Crispy Squid, and Chicken Goujons. The three dishes arrive nicely presented on a wooden board with the

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June 2016

accompanying dips – Hoisin Sauce, Lemon and Sweet Chilli, and Mango and Chilli Salsa – in separate pots.

Each dish rises high above the common pitfalls – the pork is moist, the squid is tender, the homemade batter is crisp and dry, and all the dishes are fresh, summery and wonderfully tasty. But perhaps best of all, by being split into three smaller rations, you can enjoy a cheekily robust meal while still convincing yourself that you're sticking to that diet!

We shall bite them on the beaches Despite the deliciousness of such an international union, to be sitting within eye and earshot of the Thames Estuary and not be eating fish and chips seems simply unpatriotic, so in line with tradition, we order a plate of the British seaside classic.

But this is no common seagull fodder – a splash of balsamic vinegar beside the unassumingly presented Beer-battered Fish with Hand Cut Chips, Minted Peas and Tartar Sauce (£8.95) subtly hints at the extra care that has been placed on every aspect of the plate. The batter is again, light and crispy, the chunky chips retain all of their potatoey goodness, enhanced by a little earthiness from the skins. The peas pop with sweetness and even the tartar sauce has a surprising crunch from the freshly cut onions.

We wash it all down with a glass of Kitty from The Maldon Brewing Company (£3.80 per pint) – just one of the range of local ales on offer, and a glass of the house rosé – Italian Bei Tempi Gpg Pinot Grigio Blush (£5.50 per 250ml glass). Both drinks are light, fruity and perfect for this bright, sunny day.

Ice-cold in Shoeburyness For dessert, we choose the Blondie with White Chocolate and Cointreau Sauce (£5.95). Again made in-house, except for a serving of every Southender's favourite – Rossi ice cream, this sensationally moist combination is certainly worth writing home about and the perfect finish to a wonderful meal.

Before we leave, however, Tom drops a bombshell by announcing that it's all change for their new Summer menu which is to include Angelo's own special, Vodka Panacotta. Oh dear … it looks like we will have to do battle again.

O

• New Summer menu • Local ales • Food available from 11am, 7 days a week • Cater for family functions • Private bar/party area • Good wheelchair access and parking The Shoeburyness Hotel Bar & BIstro 1 High Street, Shoeburyness, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS3 9AJ 01702 296 415 www.shoeburyness-hotel.co.uk AFTERNOON TEA SPECIAL: Monday–Saturday 12pm–4pm A selection of English teas and coffees, sandwiches, savouries, scones and pastries £14.95 per person £19.95 inc champagne

June 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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Mexican club sandwich

FOOD

This is Mexico’s answer to fast food and you will find lots of ‘torta’ stands all over the streets of the capital. This sandwich is not for anyone who doesn’t like a bit of smokey spice but I love it. Enjoy!

Ingredients (serves 4):

2.

Slice the chorizo into bite-size pieces, heat a griddle or frying pan until smoking hot and add the chorizo. Fry for just a few minutes until crisp on each side. Remove to a plate.

3.

Cut the rolls in half and brush with a little olive oil. Toast on the cut side in the griddle or pan you used to cook the chorizo so that it can take on the flavours.

4.

Mix the mayonnaise with the chipotle paste and then spread a large dollop on the cut side of the bottom half of a roll.

• 2 large ripe tomatoes • 1 red chilli, finely chopped • Olive oil to drizzle • 300g cooking chorizo • 4 ciabatta rolls • 4 tbsp mayonnaise • 1 tsp chipotle paste • 1 avocado • 1 lime • ½ red onion, thinly sliced • 1–2 little gem lettuces, leaves separated

5.

Juice the lime. Mash the juice into the avocado then top the roll with the avocado, red onion, tomato, hot chorizo and some lettuce.

6.

Press the other half of the bun on top and eat whilst warm.

by Judy Barden

O

Next month: Lime Curd Tarts with Summer Berries

Method: 1.

Slice the tomatoes and dress them in salt, black pepper and the chilli, and drizzle with a little olive oil.

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Advertorial

Move over Botox, Collagen Wand is here! ­For those in the know, Botox has become yesterday’s news. A host of ‘the great and the good’, who rely upon their youthful appearance, have suddenly ‘discovered’ Collagen Wand Stimulation Therapy.

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GRASS ROOTS

The ins and outs of garden design

Traditionally, European gardens have been open affairs, from the central lawn with flower borders of the average suburban back garden, to the wide, rolling landscape of the classic country estate.

However, in more recent times there is a growing trend to bring the outside in, viewing the garden not as a separate entity to the house, but as an extension to it. Gardens are increasingly being viewed and treated as an outdoor room, often divided into separate areas, each with a distinctive purpose and style.

Think outside the box Creating an enclosed area in the garden can really help entice people into the space. It can give a sense of security and intimacy, and provide a exciting focal point. An enclosed seating area will also provide opportunity to dress the space beautifully with cushions, curtains, ornaments, lighting and any other accessories you would normally find in an interior setting.

You can enclose a space in a number of ways:

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Inside information Heat and lighting are fairly key elements to create the perfect outdoor room. Just as with the interior of your house, the facility to stay warm and continue to see as the sun goes down will increase the amount of time the garden can be used, particularly in spring and autumn. It will also give the garden atmosphere and ambience long into the evening.

Position your enclosed seating towards the back of your garden to encourage the user to make the most of the garden. An inviting or exciting focal point will draw attention and give someone a reason to travel through the whole space to take a closer look.

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// T HE SEVENT H ESTAT E \\ why after Hunt Roche move in we will have seven me tell anybody Dear Oracle, can estate agents in T horpe Bay Broadway? I guess there is nothing to stop them financially out manoeuvring the smaller, more useful shops that have probably been out priced because of the high rents and business rates etc.

Bearing in mind the fierce competition between estate agents and the ever increasing move to a ‘set fee' rather than a percentage cost, I will be surprised if we have them all for very long. Having said that, maybe I have completely misjudged the market? J im

LOCAL LETTERS

- Lagoon Blues ent ced the new lagoon developm along the foreshore, I noti the word and up ed look Dear Oracle, when walking I so on', lago ' a tly what I'd expect from taking place. It wasn't exac ons: niti defi g owin found the foll coral reefs. from a sea by sandbars or especially one separated 1. A shallow body of water, . ing liquid waste material used for treating or stor 2. A shallow artificial pond t t help feeling that the firs when it's finished but I can' essentially a pile of I'm sure it'll look better is t wha ng ribi desc n whe little 'romantic' ? I wonder definition is more than a es the second definition ... ling pool. This only leav padd a ding oun surr s rock think? Sue N. what your other readers

WATER LOT OF IDIOTS Dear Oracle, The warmer weather is bringing boating enthusiasts out onto the water along with swimmers, sailboarders and other lovers of water sports. For the most part, it’s a real pleasure to watch skilled sailors, windsurfers and kayakers enjoying all the delights the water has to offer.

Sadly, there are some who seem to get their enjoyment from putting everyone else at risk. These are the speedboat and jet ski owners who love nothing more than to speed close inshore, showing off their total ignorance and lack of consideration for others. We recently witnessed a small bright yellow speedboat buzzing sailing dinghies and coming dangerously close to the beach where people were swimming and children were playing. This weekend, we saw a large, white motor cruiser, speeding far too close to a paddleboarder so that he was rocked by the wash from the boat and almost knocked into the water. Not content with this, the cruiser then ploughed through the middle of a fleet of sailing dinghies, rudely, selfishly and dangerousl y interruptin g their race. What is the matter with these idiots? There was no other reason to come in so close to the shore other than to show off. What they actually show off is their total lack of skill, knowledge and understanding of the nautical rules of the road. It’s about time that all owners of pleasure craft were compelled to hold a recognised Certificate of Competence before they were allowed to take any craft onto the water as is the case on the Continent. There used to be a speed limit for boats within a quarter of a mile of the shore but sadly, since the two Southend patrol boats were decommissioned and their crews disbanded, there appears to be no-one to enforce any safety measures along our foreshore. Southend Borough Council please take note. The lack of information about boating safety on your website is staggering. Something needs to be done before someone is badly injured or worse.

Something on your mind? your letters to: A Concerned Resident Consult the Oracle by sending info@oraclepublications.co.uk

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June 2016

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Advertorial

Things are changing at Shoebury High …

Following a decade of improved performance, Shoeburyness High School has become the school of choice among its community, and next year – for the first time in the history of the school – the Year 7 intake will have a full selective form of entry. Why? Well, the rest of this article tells part of the story, and at our Selective Information Evening on Wednesday 15th June, our students and staff will tell the rest.

Moving on up Key to our development has been the huge improvements in the results of all our students, but in particular those of high ability. Last year, our students gained 679 A*–B grades, up 115% on the previous year. In Year 11, our highest ability students also take their AS English a year early, achieving outstanding grades. This gives them a real advantage in Year 12. At A level, our pass rate is an impressive

97% and our whole post-16 cohort are currently above the national standards in performance indicators of success and retention rate.

We have also bucked the national trend for university entrants – trebling the number of our students applying to university over the past five years and getting our first into Oxford University.

Flying high The offer at Shoeburyness for our high-ability students starts with High 5. High 5 involves Year 5 students from across Southend attending once a week to participate in a variety of activities. High 5 has been designed to develop students’ skills in English and Modern Foreign Languages, alongside Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

These subjects are delivered through an interactive engineering context by our own specialist teachers, including Heads of Faculty, Outreach Co-ordinators and Advanced Skills Teachers, using our highquality, specialist facilities. Whilst the students enjoy hands-on activities, the teachers are ensuring that they focus on adding value to the excellent learning that the students already receive in these areas at Key Stage 2.

Each week, High 5 students simulate the work of engineers following a natural disaster. The students work in rotation on activities such as making a torch, building and testing a first aid drop or designing a search and rescue tool – all activities that relate to the roles that engineers play. This approach immediately captures the students’ imagination and interest, and it has been absolutely fantastic to see

56

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June 2016

not only the enthusiasm with which the students deal with the tasks set, but also the enthusiastic support the parents have given us.

If you would like further information about High 5, or have any questions about our programme, please do not hesitate to contact us at: high5@shoeburyness. southend.sch.uk or telephone: 01702 292286.

Rising to the challenge Once students join us at the start of Year 7, we have a challenging curriculum which includes 2 languages – French and Spanish. Our most able students are identified in September for our Academically More Able (AMA) Programme, with a wide range of support and development activities tailored to the needs of each child.

Every child on the AMA Programme has an Individual Challenge Plan (ICP) and an ICP mentor who provides guidance to ensure accelerated progress in all subjects. During their first halfterm, students can enrol in our Academy+ groups which cover everything from Chemistry Club to Music Tuition, Maths+ to Digital Art, and Astronomy to Computer Science. These groups stretch and engage our most able students. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) students complete bronze and silver CREST awards.

Enrichment activities for AMA pupils include challenge days (with groups such as the Smallpeice Trust and the Engineering Development Trust) and work with Russell Group Universities.

At Key Stage 4, our pathway curriculum ensures that students have the opportunity to study for the full range of English Baccalaureate subjects. In Science, pupils can study separate Sciences, and in English, our most able students have taken AS English in year 11 with fantastic success, going on to complete their A2 in year 12.

Building on our success Shoeburyness High School’s offer for high ability students continues post-16 and – because of the size of our intake – we offer over 40 different courses. There are learning groups that are pathway based, including ones aimed at students applying to the prestigious Russell Group universities.

Shoeburyness High School has built its reputation on being unique and different and for being innovative and highly successful. Our ethos is based on a positive, ‘can do’ attitude and everything we do is aimed at fostering a love of learning that results in high attainment. Quite simply, our aim is to be the most outstanding school nationally.

by Mark Smith – Senior Lead Professional

O

and Clare Behan – STEM Co-ordinator

Shoeburyness High School 01702 292286 schooloffice@shoeburyness.southend.sch.uk www.shoeburynesshigh.co.uk

STOP PRESS! Selective Information Evening: Wednesday 15th June at 6.00pm and 7.30pm This evening is to help you decide whether you wish your child to sit the 11+ test in order to gain a selective place at Shoeburyness High.

11+ Examination: Saturday 17th September, 2016

June 2016 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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4 6

3 2

3

1

5

5

9 9

1

6 7

9

3

7

4 6

8

9

3 SUDOKU – Fill in the grid so

COOL

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.

DADS

CONUNDRUM – Unscramble to solve the clue.

N

A

G

N O

T

M R

S

Clue: Dad will give us a lift!

Last month’s solutions: HOT SPOT – Gunners Rise,

Shoeburyness Garrison WORD LADDER – CASTCASECATECOTEVOTE CONUNDRUM – ELECTIONS

58

6 1 7 8 4 3 9 5 2

5 8 3 2 1 9 6 7 4

4 9 2 5 6 7 3 1 8

3 5 6 7 9 2 8 4 1

9 4 8 6 5 1 2 3 7

2 7 1 4 3 8 5 6 9

7 3 9 1 2 5 4 8 6

1 6 5 9 8 4 7 2 3

8 2 4 3 7 6 1 9 5

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59

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The Royal Opera’s Nabucco: Live Streaming FREE Thurs 9th June, 7pm. The Forum, Elmer Square SS1 1NS Plácido Domingo in Daniele Abbado’s production of Verdi’s opera. Bring your own seat or blanket.

Annual Charity Golf Day Fri 10th June, 11.30am.

Garon Park Golf Complex, Southend SS2 4FA. 18 Hole competition and 2-course dinner. £42.00 (members £22.00), dinner only £15.00. Call Keith: 01702 585311.

Thorpe Bay Horticultural Society Summer Flower & Homecraft Show Sat 11th June, 2.15pm. St. Augustines Church Hall, Thorpe Bay SS1 3JH. Bric-a-brac, plant stall, refreshments. Adm: 50p, members free - 01708 588297.

Paws in the Park Fun Dog Show & Walk Sun 12th June, 1.30–4pm. Priory Park, Victoria Ave SS2 6NB. Show off your dog and win prizes. £7 per dog - 01702 385337.

WI Southchurch Village Friends Meeting Every 2nd Monday, 7.30pm. The Hamstel Children & Families Centre, Hamstel Rd SS2 4PQ. 13th June – Jane Dolby, Fishermen's Wives: the journey to date.

Mega Fun Day FREE Sat 18th June, 11–4pm. Shoebury High School, Caulfield Rd SS3 9LL. Crafts, Gifts, raffle. www.facebook.com/events/155544871461504 Leigh Folk Festival FREE 23rd–26th June. Various venues. www.leighfolkfestival.com for more details.

Wellness Day Sat 25th June, 10am–4.30pm, Balmoral Centre, Salisbury Ave SS0 7AU. Pampering, readings, Energetix, raffle. £3 - www.essexmindbodyandsoul.co.uk East Essex Players: The Reunion by Peter Gordon Wed 29th Jun–Sat 2nd Jul, Tues–Sat 7.30pm/Sat mat 2.30pm, Dixon Studio, Palace Theatre, 430 London Rd SS0 9LA. £11.50–£12.50 - 01702 232683/01702 351135.

Leigh Art Trail 2016 FREE Jun 4–Jul 11. Old Leigh. Over 40 artists set over 30 venues - www.leigharttrail.com Shoebury Community Fair FREE Sat 2nd July, 11am– 5pm, Old Hinguar Playing Field, George St, SS3 9AB. Fun day in aid of Southend on Sea Lions Club. Stall holders please call Trevor Roberts 07795218508 Magic at the Barn Sat 2nd July, 3pm & 7:30pm, Sun 3rd 12pm & 3pm, Red Brick Barn, Sutton Hall, Shopland Rd, Rochford SS4 1LH. Escapes, magic & comedy. Children £7.50, Adult £12.50, Family £35.00 - 01702 543 242.

Village Green Sat 9th July, 11am–10pm, Chalkwell Park SS0 8NB. Music and fun - www.villagegreenfestival.com

62

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Sponsored by:

01702 780066 www.brymanrecruitment.co.uk

306506 585531 587597 292867

Actorcrats (Amateur Dramatics) Thorpe Bay Art Group St Augustine's Church Stone Masons & Dry Stone Wallers Southend Chess Club Steve Wedlock (Club Secretary) Southend-on-Sea Lions Club Southend & District Pensioners Campaign Thames Estuary Lacemakers

345902 582828 341047 476034

Hospitals & Health

224600 435555

Primary Care Trust Southend General Hospital

Pharmacies

Bansal Pharmacy 587500 178 The Broadway, Mon–Fri 9–6.30pm/Sat 9–1pm Howells & Brooks 582658 The Broadway, Mon–Fri 9–6.30pm/Sat 9–5.30pm Closed 1–2pm Wed+Sat

USEFUL NUMBERS Advice & Helplines

AR Adams Funeral Directors Child Protection Citizens Advice Crime Prevention Crimestoppers Cruse Bereavement Care Pier & Foreshore Inspectors Drugs, Alcohol & Substance Misuse HARP – Southend's Homeless Charity National Drugs Freephone Samaritans Freephone Southend Carers Southend Talking Newspaper Victim Support Group Southend Council Civic Centre Jobcentre Southend Cllr Ron Woodley

Clubs & Associations

586383 534495 0844 4770 808 464199 0800 555 111 213843 215620 440400 615000 0800 776900 116123 393933 554536 0845 4565995 215000 575700 588662

Belfairs Mixed Bowling 475766 Burges Estate Residents Association (BERA) 588662 Charles Dicken’s Fellowship 588069 Cockleshell Clog Morris 218081 Essex Handicrafts Association 479622 Essex Society for Family History 522992 Lower Thames Rowing Club 482205 Prittlewell Bowls Club 612476 Southchurch Park Bowling Club 07434 190067 Southchurch Park Croquet Club 303957 Southend Blind Welfare Association 342131 Southend Cardiac Support Group 309042/293469 Southend Photographic Society 332491 Southend Rugby Club 546682 Southend Golf Club 473206 South Essex Natural History Society 588115 The English Speaking Union 588069 Thorpe Bay Bowling Club 582074 Thorpe Bay Bridge Club 616145 Thorpe Bay Floral Arrangement Group 585350 Thorpe Bay Ladies Thursday Club 296975 Thorpe Bay Lawn Tennis Club 585245 Thorpe Bay Men’s Forum 588297 Thorpe Bay Yacht Club 587563 Thorpe Hall Golf Club 582205 Scouts: Southend, Thorpe Bay & Shoeburyness 587647

68

Local MP

616135

James Duddridge (Conservative)

Animal Welfare

584511 548261

Downes & Prtnrs, Veterinary Surgeon RSPCA Rochford

Police Services

Police emergency Police non-emergency Marine Police HM Coastguard

999 101 01268 775533 01702 294998

Public Services

Southend Forum 215011 Bournes Green Post Office 582241 Traveline 0871 200 2233 Arriva Southend 08701 201088 First 01268 525251 National Express 08705 80 80 80 Odeon Cinema 0871 2244007 SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmens Families Assoc.) 463113 24 hour Emergency Homeless Shelter 430696

Douglas Adams (1952–2001)

“Shoeburyness – The vague, uncomfortable feeling you get when sitting on a seat that is still warm from somebody else's bottom.”

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ACCOUNTANTS Wilkins Kennedy 60 AIRPORT TRANSFER Air & Back 64 BATHROOMS Better Life Bathrooms 13 BLINDS & SHUTTERS Worth & Co 17 BLOCK PAVING Brooks Paving 66 BOWLS CLUB Prittlewell Bowls Club 15 BUILDERS Broomfield Construction 35 BUTCHERS Philip Splett 32 CAR DEALERSHIP Fairfield Mini 1 CARPENTRY John Sorrell 50 CARPETS Gainsborough Carpets 27 Trade Carpets 5 CARPET & OVEN CLEANING Gates Services 19 CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Hygiene & Clean 46 CLASSIC CARS Pride & Joy Classic Cars 16 CLEANING Maid in Essex 51 COMPUTER SERVICES Computopia 65 COMPUTER TUITION Learn Computers at Home 38 CONSERVATORY/GUTTERS/PATIO CLEANING Direct Cleaning Services 40 COSMETIC CLINIC JR Medical 31 DECORATORS Essex Brush & Trowel 58 GMH Renovations 35 DOORS Dream Doors 43

DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIR Cloudy 2 Clear 21 DRIVEWAYS Sealing Technique 62 ELECTRICAL DMB Electric 43 Emergency Electrical 67 RDM Electrical 40 EMBROIDERY & WORKWEAR Brand Identity 41 EQUITY RELEASE Essex Equity Release Advice Centre 29 ESTATE AGENTS Dedman Gray 2 Home of Leigh 72 PACE 9 EVENTS Magic at the Barn 69 FENCING BVS Fencing 49 FINANCE BROKER Essex Finance 63 FIREPLACES Fireplace & Design 6 FLOORING Daniel James Flooring 20 FOOT HEALTH PROFESSIONAL Viv Bird 3 FUNERAL SERVICES AR Adams Funeral Services 51 FURNITURE RESTORERS TS Baskett 66 GARAGES Bellevue Motors 52 Bridge Garage 38 RS Automotives 34 Service Garage 44 GARDEN CENTRE Morley's Garden Centre 47 GARDEN LANDSCAPES Earth Designs 48 GARDENING SERVICES Linda Jardine 40 Paul's Gardening 49 GRANITE WORKTOPS Granite Transformations 16 HAIR & BEAUTY Grateful Heads 30 Headhunters 65 HANDYMAN Piper Construction 58 HEALTH & BEAUTY Cliff House Clinic 45 HEALTH & FITNESS Tracy Richards Holistic Therapy 16 HEATING & PLUMBING Sonray Heating 52 HOME IMPROVEMENT Climatec Home Improvement 55 INTERIOR DESIGNERS Janet Williamson 33 Morris Interiors 23

JAZZ CLUB Annie's Jazz 35 JEWELLERY AV & BV Andrews 50 KITCHENS Apollo Kitchens 53 DK2 Kitchens 61 Kitchen Base 28 LANDSCAPES Amax Landscapes 22 LOCAL SOCIETY South Essex Natural History Society 31 MACHINERY REPAIRS & SERVICING Mower Medic 62 MARBLE WORKTOP Abbey Marble 63 NATURAL STONE RESTORER Stone Floor Tile Restoration 38 OPTICAL CC Optical 67 OVEN CLEANING Ovenclean 66 PEST CONTROL Pest Cleare 67 PET SERVICES Pet Services Essex 10 PHYSIOTHERAPY Susan White 65 PIZZA TAKEAWAY The Base Pizza 25 PLUMBING & HEATING Brian Lacey 10 First Call Services 3 Hammond & Sons 31 M Walker 4 PRESSURE WASHING DRIVEWAYS Brooks Paving 26 PRINTERS DXP Printers 43 PUBLIC HOUSE The Angel Inn 59 RESTAURANTS The Anchor 32 Cafe Masala 39 Il Palazzo 46 Shoeburyness Hotel 14/36/37 ROOFING SERVICES Estuary Roofing 19 Jenner Roofing & Building 10 SCHOOLS Alleyn Court Preparatory School 71 Shoebury High School 56/57 SEWING & ALTERATIONS Sew in Love 50 SPIRITUAL HEALING Baba Jaga 13 TREE SERVICES Mike's Tree Services 64 Tree-King 49 TUITION Athena Tuition 33 WINDOW CLEANING BC Windows 19

70

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Reach over 35,000 readers in Leigh, Chalkwell, Westcliff, Southend Conservation Area, Thorpe Bay, Southchurch, the Garrison and West Shoebury hungry for your business.

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71 16:24

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