Your all-seeing local ORACLE September 2022 CELEBRATING 15 SUCCESSFUL YEARS IN LEIGH-ON-SEA 01702 410470 sales@planetleasing.co.uk www.planetleasing.co.uk Thinking of switching to Electric but need advice? Speak to us we are the experts in all things EV We have New cars and vans in stock for immediate delivery! Still Waiting for your new vehicle from the dealer? Thorpe Bay, Southchurch, Garrison, Shoeburyness, Leigh, Chalkwell, Westcliff & Southend Conservation Area. Circulation: 14,000 Est.2005 COMPETITION Under investigation! Skin cancer. A cause for concern? Watch this space WIN! A pair of tickets to see the political godfather of UK comedy, Mark Thomas LOCAL ISSUES HEALTH & WELLBEING SPOTLIGHTNewmobile knife detector helps to Southendkeep safe Front cover image by Maria Lorena Lopez
From the moment it took to the road over 40 years ago, the BMW 3 Series has been at the cutting edge of driving. As easy as it would be to rest on our laurels, we are still driven by a constant desire to improve. So just when we thought we’d perfected it, we started Introducingagain…the new BMW 3 series, offering a refreshed sporty exterior, and refined interior with added intelligence – including a large, curved touch screen to make every journey more connected. Choose between the Saloon and Touring, both also available as a plug-in hybrid for enhanced efficiency and a dynamic driving experience.
2 www.oraclepublications.co.uk September 2022 Fairfield BMW Scan the QR code to make an enquiry. Arterial *01702SS9Leigh-on-SeaRoad4XX429474 CO2 Combined (G/KM) 155-146*. MPG (L/100KM)(Combined), 43.5 (6.5) - 40.9 (6.9)*.* Figures are intended for comparability purposes. The fuel consumption you achieve under real life driving conditions and CO2 produced will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted after registration, variations in driving styles, weather conditions and vehicle load. Figures based on a 320i M Sport Saloon THE NEW BMW 3 SERIES. IMPROVE, ENJOY, REPEAT.
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September 2022 www.oraclepublications.co.uk 3 ORACLE 01702 393838 Oracle House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1AN www.oraclepublications.co.uk info@oraclepublications.co.ukOracleisnow100%recyclable Oracle Publications and Creative Media @oracle_essex Est. 2005 Printed by Print Acumen, Rettendon, Essex WELCOME 10 % CREAM Open 7 Days a Week - Working Harder for You 170 The ThorpeBroadwayBaySS13ES 01702 588 599 www.huntroche.co.uk HR_Oracle_Ad_September.indd 1 22/03/2019 11:46 Emma Wynne-MorganThisPublishermonth’s Local Issues by Cllr Tony Cox makes interesting reading, his findings are now under police investigation and the plot thickens. Southend’s newest political party makes its debut in the Oracle. James Miller (founder and leader) explains the reasons why he felt Southend needed a new political party. Win a pair of tickets to see the political godfather of UK comedy, Mark Thomas, who is back to what he does best, taking down politicians, mucking about, new ideas and finding hope. This award-winning comedian asks how did we get here? What are we going to do about it? Who’s up for a singsong? After lockdowns and isolation, this show is about the simple act of being in a room together and toppling international capitalism. Mark will be appearing at the Dixon Studio, Palace Theatre, Southend on 13 October at 8 pm. To enter the Oracle/Mark Thomas competition please visit www.oraclepublications.co.uk competition page for details on how to enter. Closing date 30 September 2022. Good luck!
UK
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Oracle
4 www.oraclepublications.co.uk September 2022
CONTENTS
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. Publications Ltd and the are those of the unless expressly stated.
Under investigation! 9/10 Local Issues by Cllr Tony Cox Watch this space 16/17 Spotlight by James Miller Working hard to keep you safe this summer 22 Council by Cllr Carole Mulroney New mobile knife detector helps to keep Southend safe 30 Police Watch by Essex Police We need to talk about female hair loss 32 Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith Skin Cancer. A cause for concern? 38/40 Health & Wellbeing by Jodie Newman Plum and Apple Cobbler 44 Recipe by Judy Barden Brainbox 46 Making Waves 48 Council by Anna Firth MP Protect your Bloodline 52 Estate Planning by Clive Rowe Useful Numbers 56 Advertiser Index 58 NewAdvertorialsshopinLeigh unearthed! 6/7 Chalkwell Auctions Ltd 20 Hightech Membrane 28/29 T.H.M THE HANDYMAN PROPERTY MAINTENANCE & BUILDING SERVICES no job too small at your beck and call all aspects of home maintenance: • Painting & decorating (interior and exterior) • All Roof repairs • Gutter repairs & cleaning • Fascia’s & soffits • Plaster and rendering repairs • UPVC window and door replacement/repairs • Shed bases • Patios, patios repaired, cleaning patios & driveways • Re-grouting tiles • Fencing and gates • Loft Boarding • Garden walls repaired • Property Management for Landlords just because it’s not listed doesn’t mean we don’t do it. Give us a call and we’ll be happy to help. trustworthy and reliable with over 25 years’ experience in the building industry. All works covered by liability insurance. Free estimates and advice. Telephone: 01702 307556 Mobile: 07984 490817 Website: www.thehandyman5.co.uk NO JOB TOO SMALL AT YOUR BECK AND CALL THE HANDYMAN PROPERTY MAINTENANCE & BUILDING SERVICES All aspects of home maintenance: •Painting & decorating (interior and exterior) • All Roof repairs • Gutter repairs & cleaning • Fascia’s & soffits • Plaster and rendering repairs • UPVC window and door replacement/repairs • Shed bases • Patios, patios repaired, cleaning patios & driveways • Re-grouting tiles • Fencing and gates • Loft Boarding • Garden walls repaired • Property Management for Landlords Just because it’s not listed doesn’t mean we don’t do it. Give us a call and we’ll be happy to help. Trustworthy and reliable with over 25 years’ experience in the building industry. All works covered by liability insurance. Free estimates and advice. Telephone: 01702 307556 Mobile: 07984 490817 Website: www.thehandyman5.co.uk
is editorially autonomous
not
publisher
opinions expressed
September 2022 www.oraclepublications.co.uk 5 01702 612424 / 01702 612425 sales@tradecarpetssouthend.co.uk www.tradecarpetssouthend.co.uk 640 Sutton Road (next to Fire Station), Southend, SS2 5PX CARPETS REMNANTS MODERN & TRADITIONAL RUGS CUSHION FLOOR VINYL LAMINATE FLOORING ENGINEERED WOOD LUXURY VINYL TILES MODULEO/INVICTUS/KARNDEAN FLOORINGMON-SATPRODUCTSFREEESTIMATESEXPERTCARPETFITTINGFREEDELIVERYSERVICESOPEN7DAYSAWEEK9-5:30/SUN10- 4 FLOORINGYOURFUTURE!
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DadvertorialarcieAnslow, a trading interior designer who in the past has worked for some of the leading interior design companies in London, has decided to take her love for design and concentrate on the retail side of the business. Being local herself, Darcie wanted to bring her love of design closer to home and open a shop in the heart of Leigh-on-sea, to share it with the local community. Darcie will also be offering her advice and services to aid in the design of all your lovely homes, alongside operating the shop floor selling interior furnishings. A t Unearth we’re keen to encompass the coastal feel of Leigh on Sea in what we offer, but also wish to include more urban, modern furnishings and accessories, keeping in date with the current market trends. We hope in doing so there will be something to suit everyone’s interior design likings.
New shop in unearthed!Leigh Unearth is an interior decor and furnishings shop coming soon to Leigh Broadway this September. We will be offering a range of luxury products from larger brands such as AMARA, Hills, Libra and Gallery Interiors, but also not forgetting to support the smaller independent brands offering handmade and urban products. We
September 2022 www.oraclepublications.co.uk 7 INSTAGRAM: @unearth_los 100-102 Broadway, Leigh-On-Sea Essex, SS9 www.unearthleighonsea.co.uk1AB thediscount*10%duringmonthofSeptember*withthismagazine
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I have raised these concerns with senior officers in various departments of the Council whom I understand may have the power or ability to investigate the alleged wrongdoings, but have been ignored at every level. Concerns are mainly centred around potentially fraudulent activity on a major Council contract namely the Joint Venture partnership between Southend City Council and London Hire Community Services (LHCS) which provides home to school transport for children with special needs.
ver the past few months, I have been contacted by a number of whistleblowers who have alleged serious wrongdoings at Southend City Council including claims of fraud, corruption and malfeasance in public office. investigation!
O
Under
The joint venture started providing the home to school service in late 2021. When the service started it was beset with numerous problems including a number of serious incidents where children nearly died whilst using the service. The Joint Venture between Southend City Council and LHCS was agreed at a meeting of the Cabinet on the 12th March 2019.
Suspicions have occurred Cabinet on the 12th March 2019 as part of the awarding of the contract to LHCS were asked to authorise a one off cost of £600,000 to support the set-up of the Joint Venture. Suspicions have occurred, as the business plan by Tony Cox Councillor for West Shoebury Ward Leader of Oppositionthe
September 2022 www.oraclepublications.co.uk 9 LOCAL ISSUES
During the 2021 – 2022 financial year, the Council paid £485,000 recognising the costs of COVID. This sum was never agreed to by councillors or appears in any Cabinet reports. Vecteo were giving donations
In June, the local press reported that that Vecteo had asked the Council for £392,000 in an interest free loan as the Joint Venture is in financial trouble. Despite this, just last month, Vecteo were giving donations to community groups. It has also been confirmed that the officers working on the original Vecteo procurement and the awarding of the contract, one has member of their family working for Vecteo and another is now the Chair of the Vecteo Board of directors. Whilst these are some of the more serious allegations, there have been concerns raised with me over other Council contracts. I have raised these and the concerns with the Vecteo contract with the Police.
LOCAL ISSUES
submitted by LHCS as part of the tender submission, have claimed setup costs to be only £82,758. A whistleblower has claimed that the money was used to purchase the new operating vehicles. As the Joint Venture do not have any assets, the whistleblower is in effect claiming that public money was used to purchase assets for LHCS a private Thecompany.LHCS tender bid gave figures of a £189,000 Per Annum cost for the leasing of the vehicles. It has been confirmed that leasing costs of the vehicles are significantly more than that. An increrase in base costs
In March 2020, during lockdown, the then Leader of the Council was asked, without having the appropriate permissions, to agree an increase in the Council’s contribution to the Joint Venture from £1.8 Million to £2 Million a year. An increase in base costs were sited as the reasons whilst not a single journey had commenced. This sum was never agreed During the lockdown period, money was still being paid into the Joint Venture by the Council yet it is alleged by whistleblower’s that staff employed directly by the Joint Venture were Furloughed and subcontractors were also told to Furlough despite the Council paying the Joint Venture for these costs.
10 www.oraclepublications.co.uk September 2022
Just before the go live date to start the transportation of children with Special Needs, the COVID pandemic hit with lockdown in place.
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14 www.oraclepublications.co.uk September 2022 DINE & SHOW THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE TO MADONNA FRIDAY 16th SEPTEMBER FROM 9.30pm PRESENTS A non-refundable deposit of £20 per person is required on booking in the Restaurant & £10 per person when booking a booth. This event can only be viewed or accessed when booking either a table in the Waterfront Restaurant or a booth. Booth drinks packages are available (Please ask for details when making your booking enquiry). Walk ins are welcome charged at £15 per person. PLEASE CALL 01702 352 919 AFTER MIDDAY TO SECURE YOUR TABLE OR BOOTH FOR THIS SPECIAL EVENT Book a 4-course meal in our Waterfront Restaurant for £65 per person to guarantee the best seats in the house, or booth packages are also available from £20 per person including superb nibbles.
September 2022 www.oraclepublications.co.uk 15
16 www.oraclepublications.co.uk September 2022
by James Miller
D
Confelicity, of which the word means ‘happiness in others happiness’ intends to fill that gap with a party whose agenda is based solely on Southend. That is not to say we won’t be commenting on national politics as many concerns we face in our city are as a direct consequence of it, such as n waiting times for GPs and Southend Hospital n school classes of over 30 n proposals to build 23,000 homes over the next 10 years n and a lack of police at crucial times. Locally we seem to get ourselves involved in all manner of different projects which Southend residents never asked for.
Watch
I believe we have humble needs such as n seeing a doctor when we need to. n Educating our children so they have a chance of fulfilling their potential. n Enjoying a nice environment. n Swimming in clean water. n Walking on pavement that will not cause injury. n Driving on roads that will not cause a puncture. n A business environment that makes it easy for people to succeed and that will create local jobs. n Even small requests like scrapping parking meters that make it mandatory to download an app in order to pay! n And we want our High Street back.
@stockvale.co.ukJames.Miller
A chance of making it work
emocracy is a great idea, and while it works to an extent, it also requires a vast array of parties that are able to fill the political gap. With around 70% of Southend residents choosing not to vote in the last local election, it seems there may be a gap for a local independent party in Southend. this space
SPOTLIGHT
Thus far, there is not a person out there has yet to solve this. Perhaps decisions like demolishing Warrior Square swimming pool didn’t help. Perhaps we need to understand it is no longer a leisure destination in its own right and because of this the road ought to be re-opened. And for sure the costs of doing business need to come down to give people a chance of making it work. We have simple needs I believe we want nothing more from the council than to let us live our lives and help us when we need it. We never asked for Seaway, Queensway and Southend United developments. But in each case there are fundamental issues with a host of unanswered questions. We have now seen the council’s recent acquisition of the Victoria Shopping Centre cost another £2m in repairs! The Kursaal is derelict because somebody did not tie up the contract properly, and we have Marine Plaza still awaiting its first brick. We have simple needs and we would rather address them first before reaching for the so called stars. We look forward to running in the local elections National parties represented locally are constricted by their huge bureaucracies and national agendas. Confelicity are free of this and can say and act according to the residents. Confelicity is about n freedom of respectful speech n standing up for Southend against incompetence n and driving towards the best public services paid for by a thriving local business environment. Our membership is free and we invite all people regardless of your politics to join our meetings and voice your opinions. We look forward to running in the local elections in 2023 and hope you can put your faith in us when the time comes.
September 2022 www.oraclepublications.co.uk 17
All products and workmanship fully guaranteed Reduce Sound Polution Quiet smooth function Top box is fully exclosed Brush sealed rails Strong Physical Barrier Protection against volitile weather UV and infared rays All doors are CE marked Improved thermal insulation All components are of the highest standard and manufactured in Europe Price is for a white door of 55mm slats up to 2.5 mtrs wide and 2.5 mtrs high and includes 2 fobs electricrollershuttergaragedoor Unit 3 Portland Lodge Brentwood Road RM14 3TJ Please call for a free quotation 01268 962302 07368 134164 info@zenithshutters.com www.zenithshutters.com £855forafullyinstalled FIRST SpecialistsMAINTENANCEPLASTERING,CLASSPAINTING&BUILDING35yearsexperience.overArtexting,Ceilings&Walls,GenuinePlasterer,ColouredRendering,VeryReliableBe at any prices Call Peter01268 857825 l 07930 816678
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September 2022 www.oraclepublications.co.uk 19 YOUR NEW PREMIER MIDWEEK DINING EXPERIENCE! CALL NOW ON 01702 352 919 OR SCAN THE QR CODE TO BOOK VIA OUR WEBSITE: Waterfront Restaurant at Genting Casino Westcliff is now open every Wednesday and Thursday night, featuring pianist Tony Gooderham and Ria Currie (vocals) on Wednesday nights, and a piano accompanist on Thursday nights. Bookings available from 5pm-9.30pm
So, the big question is, how do you access that wider group of discerning buyers and maximise the value of your assets, for that they surely are? The answer is auction! An auction such as ours, with huge international following, offers by far the best chance of you getting a better price than selling to your local jeweller or gold buying shop. This can even apply to broken items, which some buyers will take the trouble to repair instead of them being melted down. An obvious example was a lady who inherited a large collection of jewellery a couple of years ago. She asked 5 jewellers and the maximum offer was £5,000. Luckily her neighbour told her to come to us for advice and we got her £5,500 for just one ring and thousands more for the rest. No small difference! To make sure you really do get the best out of the deal, we offer reduced commission rates for gold and silverwares, as well as coins and coin collections. Give us a call on 01702 613260 and we can chat about the options.
The best out of the deal
Chalkwell Auctions Ltd Address: 2 Baron Court, Chandlers Way, Southend on Sea, Essex, SS2 5SE Phone: 0170261877601702613260 www.oraclepublications.co.uk one's
In reality, few jewellers these days carry much stock of old and secondhand items because the demand isn’t big enough to justify the investment, so when they price up for buying, they don’t think of long-term re-sale of the items just a quick profit from melting them down. That means they tend to ignore any precious stones, any antique or intrinsic value and even dismiss the diamonds many pieces are set with. They will usually add the justification that nobody wants “that type of thing anymore”. Whilst they may be correct locally there are many buyers out there who want old and antique jewellery and watches of any style and certainly lots of them abroad, where fashion trends are very different.
September 2022 Know
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robably the biggest mistake many people make when dealing with estates, or even their own surplus items, is to rush to the local jewellers with the gold, silver, coins and watches.
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by Cllr MulroneyCarole Deputy leader of the council
This includes, our seven miles of seafront, events such as Southend City Jam, plus our beautiful parks, and fascinating museums. The forthcoming Southend City Jam' it is on the weekend of 2-4 September It is a really challenging time for the council and our partners, but we all work very hard to make sure residents and visitors are safe over the summer months. Weekly meetings take place with staff from various departments across the council, along with partner organisations such as Essex Police and BID, to discuss resources, potential issues and work together to address any potential problems. There are extra staff working over the weekend, and in very challenging heat. Veolia make sure our beaches are clean and the hundreds of seafront bins are being regularly emptied. On a busy weekend, they can collect close to 30 tonnes of waste –the equivalent of four full bin lorries! They also rake our beaches, have street cleansing teams out, clean our public toilets and clear out gulley drains too ready for the wet weather.
car parking marshals try their best to manage and avoid traffic congestion in the central locations, and our parking enforcement officers are out trying to enforce parking regulations. This is vital to stop dangerous and irresponsible parking and help manage traffic flow. The CCTV team have eyes across the borough, liaising with police, BID rangers and shop managers to help catch a suspect, or reunite a missing toddler with their worried family. Our pier and foreshore and parks team are also working to ensure those facilities are in good shape. It is a real team effort.
Our community safety officers and beach welfare officers patrol the city and seafront and deal with issues from missing children, right through to threatening and abusive incidents. Our
Of course, we cannot be everywhere, and sometimes people’s expectations cannot be met immediately, and people turn to social media to vent their frustrations. We truly want people to visit Southend and enjoy everything our beautiful City has to offer and we work hard to do our best and so it is incredibly upsetting for our staff when they see abuse or even get it directly in the street.
Enjoy your visit safely and responsibly
22 www.oraclepublications.co.uk September 2022 COUNCIL
Our summer season is always busy, but the hot weather has meant that even more visitors have been flocking to take advantage of everything Southend-on-Sea has to
Workingoffer.hard to keep you safe this summer
The CCTC team have eyes
I would urge everyone to please be kind and most importantly enjoy your visit safely and responsibly. Please bin your rubbish - if a bin is full, find an empty one or take it home with you. Report any issues, including full bins at www.southend.gov.uk/mysouthend
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“The OpenGate picks up metal mass, so as soon as someone triggers it, you’re having a conversation about what they’ve got on them that the machine has identified. If they can’t or won’t account for that, we’d be looking to search them.
Inspector Paul Hogben of the Southend Community Policing Team said the system, which was funded through the city’s Community Safety Partnership, is proving effective at disrupting people carrying
New mobile knife detector helps to keep Southend safe
“We’ve detected knives and picked up weapons where people have seen the deployment and discarded them before they’ve got to it. We’ve also seized a lot of nitrous oxide canisters.”
The OpenGate picks up metal mass As well as having uniformed officers at the gate, plain-clothes PCs position themselves nearby to spot anyone who suddenly makes a diversion when they see the detector.
30 www.oraclepublications.co.uk September 2022
“Southend is a safe place to live and to visit and we won’t let a tiny minority spoil things for residents and the thousands of visitors who come to city every year.”
“When we have had incidents involving knives, these have tended to be targeted, involving individuals known to each other.
The individuals would then either by stopped or tracked using the council’s CCTV operators and Thousandsapprehended.ofpeople have so far passed through the gate, with a number of weapons being recovered as a result.
“Theweapons.OpenGate is so much better for street tactics than what we’ve had previously. We can deploy it far more often than we could a knife arch and the feedback from members of the public has been fantastic.
"Southend is a safe place to live" Inspector Hogben said that despite the focus on the knife carrying, there is no need for the public to be alarmed.
Police Watch
The OpenGate consists of two freestanding poles that are five feet high and is both more mobile and less conspicuous than a conventional knife arch.
Keep up to date with latest from Essex Police in Southend by following the district Facebook page, www.facebook.com/EPSouthend
“Knife carrying in Southend is related to certain gangs and they are the people we are targeting. The OpenGate makes the city a more hostile place for these people to operate. They can’t predict when and where they might turn a corner and walk straight into a deployment.
The system has been in use for a month and has popped up at locations across Southend including Marine Parade, the High Street, outside Southend Victoria and Southend Central train stations and by Adventure Island.
“We’re able to demonstrate that it’s not just a metal detector, we’re looking for weapons and people are reassured by that.
A new mobile weapons detector is helping to keep knives off the streets of Southend. Officers from the Southend Community Policing Team are the first in the country to use the OpenGate system which is specifically designed to detect dense metal objects.
September 2022 www.oraclepublications.co.uk 31 Scott’s of Southend, Sutton Road, Essex, SS4 1LQ Garden Centre Open Mon Sat 9am 5pm, Sun 10am 4pm Scott's Kitchen Open Mon-Sat 9am-4pm, Sun 10am-3pm Tel: 01702 611211 @scottsofsouthend Grow Your Own Veg & Herbs Summer Flowers, Plants & Trees Garden Furniture & Ornaments Soils & Aggregates Pots & Planters All your seasons garden essentials Breakfast & Lunch Menu Indoor & Outdoor Dining Family & Dog Friendly Vegan & Gluten Free Options Wi Fi & Plug Sockets Scott's Kitchen Café open every day
In the first instance, talk to your stylist Choose styling products that have been formulated with nutrients like keratin, collagen, biotin and natural actives to make hair grow fuller and healthier. A good diet is also important. One rich in omegas, iron and zinc will make a positive contribution to reducing stress-related hair loss. You can also be kinder to your hair when it is wet. After washing, your hair is at its most fragile, so use a wide-toothed comb starting from the bottom and working your way up. Above all, it is important to remember that life happens. Sometimes there are things going on in your body that you have no control over or understanding as to what’s going on. In the first instance, talk to your stylist, as an expert and someone who has great knowledge of you and your hair.
femalehairloss We need to talk about 32 www.oraclepublications.co.uk September 2022
HAIR & BEAUTY Commonly thought to be the sole preserve of men, hair loss affects approximately 40% of women by the time they reach their 50s. But even though so many women are affected, it is rarely, openly discussed. Typically, the hair cycle follows four phases: Anagen (growth), Catagen (end of growth cycle), Telogen (dormancy), and Exogen (shedding). Each hair follicle goes through this process at different times, otherwise we would lose all of our hair at the same time… But if you’re finding extra hairs on your pillow, hairbrush or in the shower, it could mean your hair growth cycle has been disrupted.
This can be caused by straight forward genetics, or by external factors such as hormonal changes, such as menopause and childbirth. Stress, illness and weight loss have also been identified as reasons for hair loss. No matter what the cause, for people with thinning hair the main treatment is to stimulate hair follicles to function to their best ability. 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
Reasons for hair loss
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S tatistics suggest 1 in 36 males and 1 in 47 femaies will be diagnosed with melanoma during their lifetime and it is one of the biggest killing cancers in the 15-34 age group (Cancer Research UK), The rates of skin cancer are increasing faster than any other cancer in the UK (SKCIN). A cause We really do have problem; alarmingly skin cancer is now the UKs most common cancer. There are over 210,000 cases of non melanoma reported and over 16,000 melanoma cases annually (Cancer Research UK N.d.). The figures are growing rapidly which is alarming. Interestingly 90% of all skin cancers are caused by over exposure to ultraviolet radiation whether this be artificial or natural exposure making the disease entirely preventable (SKCIN N.d.). We need to act now With temperatures now soaring and the UV index being higher than it has ever been, will this constant sun exposure be part of the norm. If so, we are heading into trouble and what impact will this have on people’s future health? We need to act now to help raise by Jodie Newman Education Nurse British Dermatological Nursing Group awareness of the disease and help change behaviours. Prevention is better than cure with 90% of cases being preventable is education and early intervention the way to tackle this public health concern? All of us need to take action to be well So what are the risk factors for skin cancer? n History of blistering sunburns n Use of sunbeds due to the increase UV exposure n Patients with fair skin, freckling and light hair n Immunosuppression n Family history of melanoma n Previous non-melanoma skin cancer n Patients with genetically inherited disease such as Gorlin-Goltz or Smith-Ferguson syndromes n Multiple presence of atypical or dysplastic nevi (The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust N.d.) 38 2022 (continue in page 40)
CancerSkinconcern?for HEALTH & WELLBEING
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September 2022 www.oraclepublications.co.uk 39 CSJ Freeman & Son Roofing Specialists All flat and pitched roofs, chimneys, lead work, uPVC, fascias, soffits, and guttering. All repairs and renewals. 01702 625315 / 07841 042831 email: che274@btinternet.com 20 Leitrim Avenue, Shoeburyness SS3 9HD www.c-s-j-freeman-and-son-roofing-specialists.co.uk ● GARDEN MAINTENANCE From weekly visits to total clearouts ● TREES FELLED & TOPPED Hedges also trimmed ● SPECIALISTS IN LAWNS Weed removal, give it a feed, make it green ● SHEDS & FENCES Repaired and preserved ● WOODCHIP & LOGS Delivered & Distributed ● STUMP GRINDING ● LAWN MOWER REPAIR Full repair & servicing ● GARDEN MAINTENANCE From weekly visits to total clearouts ● TREES FELLED & TOPPED Hedges also trimmed ● SPECIALISTS IN LAWNS Weed removal, give it a feed, make it green ● SHEDS & FENCES Repaired and preserved ● WOODCHIP & LOGS Delivered & Distributed ● STUMP GRINDING ● LAWN MOWER REPAIR Full repair & servicing GardeningPaul’sServices A friendly, family-run business Very competitive quotes (with concessions) GardeningPaul’sServices A friendly, family-run business Very competitive quotes (with concessions) Give us a call and see how we can help! Phone Paul on 07957 388285 or freefone 0800 043 3913 e: paulthegardener@hotmail.com Est. 1994 – Recommendations & references available Give us a call and see how we can help! Phone Paul on 07957 388285 or freefone 0800 043 3913 e: paulthegardener@hotmail.com Est. 1994 – Recommendations & references available GAS ● PLUMBING ● HEATING A professional family-run business. Honest and reliable. Over 20 years’ experience. From a tap washer to a full heating system, call: All boilers Serviced and Repaired Condensing Boilers and Warm-Air Units All work undertaken including: Leaks, Upgrades & Installations No Call-out Charge OAP discounts available Full public liability insurance Fully Qualified Engineers email:www.hammondandsons.co.ukhammondandsons@hotmail.co.ukwww.hammondandsons.co.uk01702580577 DECORATING SERVICES 52 Kimberley Road, Little Wakering, Southend-On-Sea, Essex SS3 0JP Tel: 01702 216944 Mob: 07967 568255 Email: jason@jacoxdecorating.com Web: www.jacoxdecorating.com ESTABLISHED 1985 l FULL INSURED
informed and equipped with the resources to seek further advice if we have any concerns. Early detection and prevention of disease may just help treatment outcomes and help save lives (SKCIN N.d.)
People should be aware that should any new, longstanding or rapidly growing lesions appear on the skin it is important that these be checked by health care professional. The key message is, if in doubt get it checked out.
The national charity Skcin is the UK only charity dedicated to raising awarness of skin cancer and promoting early detection and sun safety. Educational intervention is a core aspect their work and they run 6 national education programmes working with at risk and influential audiences, from programme working with Primary schools and nursery settings www.sunsafeschools. co.uk and www.sunsafenurseries. co.uk to online training courses for the hair and beauty industry www. masced.uk to courses for Healthcare professionals https://pro.masced. uk. Their web site is wealth of information. www.skcin.org
September
People should be aware Should a mole display any of the concerning features as mentioned above then people should seek advice from their general practitioner (GP) who can refer to a local dermatology department for further clinical review. Skin cancer typically is broken down into two types, melanoma and whichnon-melanomaincludesBasal cell carcinomas (BCC) , and Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), these are usually not life threatening, but can be invasive (SCC) destructive (BCC) if left untreated. However, Melanoma is the deadliest form of the disease. Melanoma can spread in the lymphatic system and metastasise to other areas of the body and over 3500 people die each year due to Melanoma (Cancer Research, UK).
The National Health Service (NHS) uses the globally recognised ABCDE checklist for patients to self-assess and seek referral if there are concerned or suspect a melanoma skin cancer, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
The ABDCE Mole checklist includes the following: n Asymmetrical – melanomas usually have 2 very different halves and are an irregular shape n Border – melanomas usually have a notched or ragged border n Colours – melanomas will usually be a mix of 2 or more colours n Diameter – most melanomas are usually larger than 6mm in diameter n Enlargement or elevation – a mole that changes size over time is more likely to be a melanoma (NHS UK, 2020) Their latest initiative is free App for the public Technology is always evolving so to support people in self educating themselves on the important of sun awareness and skin surveillance is key and needs to exploited. Skcin’s free App has been designed to help people take charge of the own skin health and also provide useful tools to help change behaviour. The App can be located on users mobile phone via internet search for skcin.app.org. It contains a wealth of information on the topic of skin cancer as well as some optional in app purchases to help users improve this knowledge and reduce their risk of skin cancer. Lets all take charge and not fall victim to skin cancer and become another statistic, but learn how to keep ourselves and our loved ones sun safe. 40 www.oraclepublications.co.uk 2022
HEALTH & WELLBEING
September 2022 www.oraclepublications.co.uk 41
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September 2022 www.oraclepublications.co.uk 43 Life Ibiza Curved Corner Set Timber Corner Lava Carbon Pandora Leaf Gazebo
Call Clive Rowe on: 01702 393838 e: crowe@countrywide-se.com w: www.countrywide-se.co.uk House, 11 Clarence Road, Southend SS1 1AN Will
For the fruit, put all the ingredients in a saucepan. Cook over a low heat, stirring until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved, then leave to simmer until you have a chunky fruit compote, then set Heataside.oven to 190C/170C fan/ gas 6. Whisk the egg into the milk and set aside. Rub the butter and the flour together until it has the texture of chunky breadcrumbs, then stir in the caster sugar, cinnamon, baking powder and a large pinch of salt. Pour in the milk mixture and bring together to form a thick, batter-like texture. Tip the compote into a baking dish and top with large spoonfuls of the cobbler mix, making sure there are a few gaps for the fruit to bubble through, then sprinkle everything with the demerara sugar. Bake for 35-40 mins or until the topping is golden and just cooked through. Remove from the oven and leave to rest for 5 mins before serving straight from the dish with generous spoonfuls of custard, cream or ice cream (or all 3)
For the Fruit 30g butter, cubed 100g golden caster sugar 2 vanilla pods, seeds scraped out 700g firm plums, stoned and roughly chopped 300g Braeburn apples, peeled, cored and chopped 1 tsp cinnamon For the cobbler dough 1 egg 100ml milk 140g cold butter, cut into cubes 280g plain flour 140g golden caster sugar ½ tsp cinnamon 1 tbsp baking powder 2 tbsp demerara sugar
In association with Countrywide SE LLP
Ingredients
Writing • Power of Attorney • Trusts • Funeral Plans Will Updating & Storage Facilities • Probate Administration
Oracle
This is one of those easy desserts that fall into the ‘comfort food’ category. A cobbler is like a scone mixture and makes a change from a crumble. September is also a great time for blackberries so you could easily replace the plums. Thick custard, cream or ice cream to serve. Enjoy! by Judy Barden Mext Bologneserecipe:month'Spaghettiwith
44 www.oraclepublications.co.uk September 2022 RECIPE
ORACLE estate planning
Porcini and Italian sausage' Plum and Apple Cobbler
SERVES 8-10
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I
I am delighted that we have 111 new ambulance staff and 11 new ambulances on our streets, as well as a fantastic new £1.2 million extension at Southend Hospital. I am continuing to bang the drum for the exciting plans for the renovation of the A&E Department.
UK City of Culture 2029
by Anna Firth MP
Conservative MP for Southend West @parliament.ukanna.firth.mp
I have been working hard for everyone who lives and works here, and I am delighted that I have already had success in making our community safer, healthier and Onewealthier.ofthe first things I started to campaign for when I became the MP was funding for new state-ofthe-art electronic knife-poles for our police, which are a cheap and effective way of detecting weapons.
Makingtime! Waves
48 www.oraclepublications.co.uk
It was a particular joy to celebrate the Jubilee Weekend with people in every ward in Southend West, and it was heart-warming to see our community come together in such a positive way.
September 2022
As ever, if you have any issues I can help with, please contact me on anna.firth.mp@parliament.uk.
See Anna Firth MP press release on the news page on Oracle's website t is now six months since I was elected the Member of Parliament for Southend West – it has certainly been an eventful
MP'S COLUMN
18 more police officers
I have secured a government commitment for a much-needed improvement to Chalkwell Station, which will be receiving new lifts this autumn so that it can be fully disabled friendly.
I am thrilled that these are now out in our community in a unique pilot scheme. I am also very pleased that we have 18 more police officers on our streets.
Going forward, I want to make the most of our new city status, celebrating everything that is so special about our brilliant city. I have launched a campaign to become the UK City of Culture 2029, which will bring huge benefits to our economy and our cultural standing. I am looking forward to continuing to serve the people of Southend West, and I hope to meet as many of you as possible!
It is the honour of my life to represent the city I was born in, and one of the greatest joys has been meeting so many people who live and work here. I hold regular surgeries, and I visit as much of the constituency as possible every week.
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50 www.oraclepublications.co.uk September 2022 www.southendoracle.co.uk/eventswww.southendoracle.co.uk/events ORACLE For this and other fantastic features visit: LATEST EVENTS Look for an event in Southend... Search ONLINE DIRECTORY Promote your event FREE or keep up to date with
None of us wants to contemplate the inevitability of our mortality or loss of ability to manage our own financial/welfare affairs. We promote a caring and practical approach to planning your will and/or LPA. We guide you through the probate process with a sympathetic and practical approach.
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September 2022 www.oraclepublications.co.uk 51
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52 www.oraclepublications.co.uk September 2022 ESTATE
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ProtectPLANNINGyour use that children and grandchildren are able to benefit completely from the inheritance want them to receive at the same time, family home other assets being lost to costs of term planning, is important that rely on trust chat further feel free to contact
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54 www.oraclepublications.co.uk September 2022July 2021 www.oraclepublications.co.uk 55 ● GARDEN MAINTENANCE From weekly visits to total clearouts ● TREES FELLED & TOPPED Hedges also trimmed ● SPECIALISTS IN LAWNS Weed removal, give it a feed, make it green ● SHEDS & FENCES Repaired and preserved ● WOODCHIP & LOGS Delivered & Distributed ● STUMP GRINDING ● LAWN MOWER REPAIR Full repair & servicing ● GARDEN MAINTENANCE From weekly visits to total clearouts ● TREES FELLED & TOPPED Hedges also trimmed ● SPECIALISTS IN LAWNS Weed removal, give it a feed, make it green ● SHEDS & FENCES Repaired and preserved ● WOODCHIP & LOGS Delivered & Distributed ● STUMP GRINDING ● LAWN MOWER REPAIR Full repair & servicing GardeningPaul’sServices A friendly, family-run business Very competitive quotes (with concessions) GardeningPaul’sServices A friendly, family-run business Very competitive quotes (with concessions) Give us a call and see how we can help! Phone Paul on 07957 388285 or freefone 0800 043 3913 e: paulthegardener@hotmail.com Est. 1994 – Recommendations & references available Give us a call and see how we can help! Phone Paul on 07957 388285 or freefone 0800 043 3913 e: paulthegardener@hotmail.com Est. 1994 – Recommendations & references available www.oraclepublications.co.uk August 2019 Tree Services t. 1982 g dge Trimming & Reliable Service 239944 Quotation call Mike 305217 15% off forcitizenssenior CAN YOU DE LIV ER ? THEN ORACLE WANTS YOU! Distributors required for monthly delivery 01702CALL393838
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