Thorpe Bay Oracle

Thorpe Bay

May ‘11

ORACLE Thorpe Bay at a glance Est. Sept 2005. Circulation 4,500

Competition WIN £50 Fruit Bouquet

Local Issues

Supporting Leigh-on-Sea

Recipe

Sausage Meatball Pasta Bake

Oracle Motoring Best Of British

Cultured Club Scre4m film review

Mo More ore people choos choose Essex Ess sex Countryside...

Countryside..

becaause we also offer a because discreet service. disc creet marketing servic 137 The Br Broadway, oadway, Thorpe Ba B Bay 01702 01 70 02 58324 583244 4 www www.essexcountryside.com w.essexcountr yside.com Whistlejacket by George Stubbs - Courtesy National Gallery, London

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Thorpe Bay

OR ACLE

publisher’s letter

T

he National Gallery has kindly given Oracle permission to use some of its most famous paintings for use as front cover images.

Oracle’s front cover this month is Whistlejacket

by George Stubbs, about 1762. Whistlejacket was foaled in 1749 and his most famous victory was a race over four miles for 2000 guineas at York in August 1759. This huge painting was painted for the 2nd Marquess of Rockingham.Whistlejacket’s owner was a great patron of Stubbs. For more information on the National Gallery please visit the website on: www.nationalgallery.org.uk The fruit at this time of year is beginning to get very interesting so this month Oracle’s competition is offering 1 lucky Thorpe Bay winner the chance to win a voucher worth £50 for an edible fresh fruit bouquet.

Please see the website for further details of these wonderfully different fruit displays: www.fruitmagic.co.uk

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To enter, simply send your name and contact details to Oracle Fruit Magic Competition, 39 Alexandra St., Southend, Essex SS1 1BW. The closing date is the 20 May 2011.

Enjoy!

Call

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ORACLE May ‘11

contents Sunflowers by Vincent Van Gogh

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Local Issues Supporting Leigh-on-Sea

By Tony Prior

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How to Shop Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith

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Best of British

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Getting Fit for Summer Fun Health & Beauty by Cris Ramis

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Scre4m Film Review Cultured Club by Tracy Jones

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Sudoku

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Diary Dates

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Useful Numbers Advertiser Index

Advertorials

Thorpe Hall School Shoeburyness High School 4

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Oracle Motoring by Stuart Winder ADI

Sausage Meatball Pasta Bake Judy’s Recipe Page

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Retirement Apathy Will Cost You Dear 22 Money Matters by Jacqui Moyies Lasting Powers of Attorney

By Simon Smith

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Local Issues

Supporting Leigh-on-Sea W

e often see reports in the media about the withdrawal of support for community projects by local and national government agencies but how are those gaps in funding and support being filled ? Who is stepping into the breach ?

In Leigh on Sea it’s the local Lions Club members who believe in putting something back into the local community by helping those less fortunate than themselves. But it doesn’t stop there. Members of Leigh on Sea Lions Club have shown they are also willing to devote their time, energy and expertise to assist local charitable groups with their administration and compliance in a world where some might consider political correctness and bureaucracy has got just a little out of control.

Together with its branches, Eastwood and Thames Estuary, Leigh on Sea Lions Club is part

of the largest service clubs organisation in the world, Lions Clubs International, with more than 1.3 million members in over two hundred countries around the globe.

The Club has a policy of maintaining contacts and cooperation with other groups of unpaid volunteers in the locality and has members who are actively involved with Leigh Town Council, Southend Borough Council, Castle Point Car Scheme, Leigh Folk Festival, Southend Riding for the Disabled and many other similar organisations.

There are monthly meetings to consider ways of helping local individuals and ‘charitable’ organisations by making cash donations or providing hands on support. This has led to some £200,000.00 being donated to many hundreds of local good causes since the Club was formed in 1991.

There is an active fund raising programme which includes the popular annual Charity Duck Race where over a thousand plastic ducks are released on the incoming tide at Old Leigh.

Sponsors of the first four ducks to pass Billet Wharf receive a cash prize and members of the local scouts help the Lions to retrieve the

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remaining ducks before they make their way past the cockle sheds then back through the pier to the North Sea on the outgoing tide.

Each year the Lions run a charity shop in Leigh on Sea which is totally manned by unpaid volunteers with all profits going to local good causes. Many members of the public attend the shop on a daily basis, not only to snap up a bargain but also to have a chat and pass the time of day with the friendly members of the Lions Club.

The Lions Charity Barbecue also helps to raise charitable funds for the Club and may be seen at the Leigh Folk Festival, Leigh Easter Fete, Leigh Christmas Lights ‘Switch-On’ Event as well as other events around the Borough.

In June, in conjunction with other local Lions Clubs, members will be organising the first Lions Midsummer Sports Festival for the Disabled at The King John School in Thundersley. It is expected that over one hundred people will attend on the day and take part in numerous sporting

activities including archery, seven a side football, javelin and discus as well as new age kurling, table tennis, darts, petang and sticky balls. There will also be a musical programme which will hopefully include a wheelchair barndance and demonstration by a local morris side.

Is it all work and no play for the Leigh Lions ? Not at all, members of the Lions Club like to enjoy themselves and have a strong social programme which includes dinner dances, an annual pilgrimage by coach to the hypermarkets of northern France, local ‘treasure hunts’, visits to the theatre and local restaurants as well as quiz evenings and beetle drives.

Who are the Leigh Lions ? They are a complete cross-section of the local population with both sexes and ages ranging from the early forties to mid eighties. Many are still gainfully employed whilst others are using their retirement years to put something back into the community and enjoying themselves in the bargain.

If you live in or around Leigh on Sea, feel that its time you put something back into your community, want to enjoy good company and make new friends, then why not consider joining the Lions ?

If you want to know more, give Tony Prior a call on 01702 715111 or email – tony@priority.ms.

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Advertorial

Thorpe Hall School launches Business and Enterprise Scheme Mr Hampton with the first Enterprise company at Thorpe Hall. Left to right: Max Plaskow, Jacob Plaskow, Louie Marshall and Zac Bermon.

I

t's called The BE@T - that's Business and Enterprise at Thorpe Hall - and it's got the pupils at Thorpe Hall School really excited.

Headteacher Andrew Hampton explained the scheme to the Oracle.

"It starts with pupils pitching their ideas to a Dragon's Den and then receiving a franchise to trade. The one thing that made the pupils so enthusiastic was that they are allowed to keep the money. It is early days for this scheme but already I can see that it is yet another activity at Thorpe Hall that will enhance pupil engagement with learning and school." The school recently purchased a ÂŁ12,000 print solution the use of which will generate many of the best enterprise ideas for the BE@T Scheme. Already pupils are working on projects to sell Yearbooks to leavers and the school is considering commissioning pupils to design and print the Events Calendar for 2011 - 2012.

Mrs Jane Banks, appointed as the BE@T Champion, told the Oracle, "The scheme will encourage pupils to think for themselves, take on leadership roles and understand the 14

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connection between hard work and genuine reward. At the moment, most interest has come from the GCSE Business Studies group but others have pitched to the Dragons as well. Staff are involved too because each BE@T company must be sponsored by a staff member. We expect to get children from Years 5 & 6 involved soon."

Will the scheme produce the next Sir Alan Sugar?

Andrew Hampton is confident it will. "We all know that Essex is a place where people are unafraid to try out innovative and enterprising ideas.

Thorpe Hall is a school where pupils gain the confidence to go out into life and achieve great things. I think it is more than possible that this scheme will produce some remarkable and surprising results."

Thorpe Hall is having a Community Open Day on June 29th from 4.00 to 7.00pm. This is a chance for everyone in the area to come and see the school whether or not they are interested in sending a child to the school.

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Join the family!

Here at Thorpe Hall School we welcome boys and girls from Nursery to GCSE.

Our extensive, modern facilities are right up-to-date to provide your child with the best possible start in life.

Our small class sizes allow us to foster a love of learning in every child and provide an education that goes beyond academic success.

Limited places available www.thorpehall.southend.sch.uk t 01702 582340 Wakering Road | Southend-on-Sea APRIL 2011

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Dress for shopping

Oracle Hair & Beauty

If you're looking for a special occasion dress, try to wear the undies (eg, strapless bra) that match.

Otherwise, wear easy on/off clothes – and very comfy shoes for trekking round. Styled hair and makeup will make looking in the mirror much easier.

For guys looking to buy a suit, wear a shirt and shoes rather than a t-shirt and flip-flops.

Turn a blind eye to sales Stores put enticing promotional items at the front – but chances are you'll blow your budget right there unless you stay focused.

‘Can I help you?’

How to Shop

by Craig Smith

L

ike you, there is nothing I love more than some retail therapy. It’s great to grab a mate and say look out High Street, I’m packing plastic!

The trouble is, there have been far too many occasions when I’ve come home and realised that I spent hours buying stuff that doesn’t really suit me and which I’ll have to hide so the other half doesn’t realise the fortune you’ve spent – on his card!

So, now VERY wise after the event, here are my top tips for smarter shopping, which will help you buy a better wardrobe while spending less time and money.

Have a plan Check your current wardrobe and make a mental note of what you really could use that’s not already there – a crisp white shirt for your new suit, strappy black sandals to match your evening dress, that sort of thing.

Set your budget If you need an LBD for a hot date and know you can’t afford to spend more than £100, this will help you sort through the racks quicker.

It might be irritating sometimes, but you’ll be surprised by how much time you'll save if you give the sales person some direction about what you're looking for.

Try it on Walk, sit and bend in the clothes. Do they move easily? Are the seams pulling? Do the zippers and buttons all work?

Take a good look at yourself Be brave and use the store’s three-way mirror to get an honest look at your rear and side views. If you look like an over-filled sausage, it is way too tight. If it hangs like around you like an old lady’s dressing gown, it’s too big.

Check the care tags whilst browsing Is there any point in falling in love with something if it’s going to be a pain to maintain and needs dry cleaning every time you wear it? Some things are but they tend to be very, very expensive.

Check the return policy Many stores don't give cash back, just a credit note and some mark sale items "final sale" which means you can't bring them back at all.

Shopping is one of the great pleasures in life and with these little pointers, I hope to turn you into a sexy vixen or total man-fox every time you flash the cash, or go fantastic with the plastic.

For all your hair and beauty issues write to beauty@oraclepublications.co.uk Sponsored by

O

Start early For special occasions, start at least two weeks prior to the event, as you'll need extra time for shoes and accessories. There’s nothing worse than panic buying on the day, hours or minutes before you have to be there.

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ORACLE Advertorial

Eyebrow-raising news from Hello Gorgeous!

C

elebrating seven years in business, Hello Gorgeous!, the state-of-the-art beauty salon in Thorpe Bay Broadway, is introducing a brand-new treatment to its comprehensive menu for the benefit of its loyal customers.

High Definition Brows.

Eyebrow artistry with HD Brows Eyebrows frame your face and beautifully shaped ones can make a huge difference to the shape of the face. It’s almost as if you've had a face-lift with a decent arch in your brows!

HD Brows, shaped by a highly-trained HD shaper at Hello Gorgeous!, creates the perfect celebrity brow. The state-of-the-art, multi-stage procedure consists of threading, waxing, tinting, tweezing and trimming.

Have you ever wondered how celebrities get those perfectly-formed eyebrows? Now, Hello Gorgeous! introduces the ‘must have’ celebrity brow-treatment that anyone can have. Beautifully-crafted, high-definition brows are favoured by celebrities such as Danii Get the celebrity high-definition brow look for just £20 Minogue, Cheryl Cole and Alesha Dixon amongst many others. It’s not just shaping and Beautifully-shaped, arched HD brows are tidying - that's just far too basic. suitable for all faces and brow types. Anyone can have HD Brows. The procedure is suitable Get the celebrity high-brow look for all age-groups, male or female, and every at hello Gorgeous! type of skin-tone and hair-growth. HD Brows defines your natural beauty through its unique and revolutionary seven-step high-definition process - and its yours at Hello Gorgeous for the special introductory price of just £20!!

Whoever you are, whatever your brows, HD Brows puts celebrity beauty within your reach at Hello Gorgeous!

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Advanced GELeration nail-technology lasts for weeks Additionally, Hello Gorgeous! loves GELeration from Jessica, the new generation of nail varnish that lasts up to 3-4 weeks.

GELeration is a soak-off gel polish providing a long-lasting, high-gloss shine to your nails. You can enjoy durable, yet flexible, nails in a choice of Jessica custom colours. As it paints like a polish but performs like a gel, GELeration dries in next to no time and is shaped to your natural nails with no chipping, breaking or smudging. No touch-ups. No fading. Just long-lasting protection, perfection and the promise of everlasting, beautiful natural nails. Discover flawless, GELeration nails for yourself.

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Professional First-Class service Hello Gorgeous! prides itself on delivering first-class service on all treatments and offer customer care and standards to the highest standards. No short cuts!

10% OFF all appointments booked for May To put an additional gloss on the seventh anniversary celebrations, Hello Gorgeous! will be offering 10% OFF all treatments booked during May when you mention Oracle Pick up a copy of the new glossy, treatment menu at the Salon or call 01702 584737 for more information

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Fruit Magic!

L

ocal mum of four, Kelly Bermon, opens a new fruity business! Are you looking for something extra special for a party, wedding, Birthday, Get Well Soon or other celebration or function? Then you need look no further! Fruit Magic is a new local company with a fruity theme and Kelly has had the innovative and unique idea of turning fruit into flowers by what she calls “magic”.

Can they really make fruit look like flowers? I hear you say – well the answer is yes! What Kelly can do is really amazing and Fruit Magic says: “Once you have given or received a Fruit Bouquet, flowers will never be enough again.”

Kelly also makes boxed Belgian chocolate coated strawberries, 6’ fruit palm trees and much more... All these stunning gifts can be collected or delivered to your home, office or function. They are chilled and wrapped in beautiful bags with large bows.

Kelly will be catering for weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, functions, dinner parties – or even just a little ‘I Love You’ from a friend or loved one. Kelly opened the first Fruit Magic outlet in Essex, based in Leigh on Sea, in March 2011 and has already completed her first and very busy Mothers Day. She is now busy taking other orders and in particular for the upcoming summer wedding season.

Fruit Magic has a great informative website with all the prices on full display. You can order online www.fruitmagic.co.uk or call 01702 919 987 – but first check out the website to see some pictures of this amazing new idea and see some of the things Kelly can create.

Could this be the sweet smell of success blooming? We think so!

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Money Matters

Retirement Apathy Will Cost You Dear

by Jacqui Moyies

T

here is much to be said for living for the moment and, for people coping with the economic downturn, getting through the week is understandably the major consideration. Yet many people risk a life of poverty in retirement because they are significantly underfunding their retirement savings.

We are all expected to live longer and there is a good chance that many of us will live almost a third of our lives in retirement.

A pension fund of £200,000 may sound a decent sum, but today that will buy you an annual income of a little more than £10,000.

The longer you leave it, the harder it is to catch up on missed time.

The difference between starting at 25 and starting at 45 is staggering. A 25 year-old male who wants to retire on £20,000 a year when he gets to 65, will have to put aside £501 a month for the next 40 years. This will rise to more than £1,300 a month, when he is in his mid-forties (Source: Standard Life, March 2011).

As you get older, you need to work out whether the plans you had in place are on track.

Given the volatility of stock markets there is a chance that what you are on target to receive is less than you’d like. It makes sense to seek advice about how to bridge this gap. You might need to consider options such as retiring later or working part-time beyond your retirement.

Retirement planning may not be the hot topic of conversation at dinner parties but that does not mean it should be ignored. Plan ahead and get your strategies in place early will mean that your dreams of a happy retirement have a greater chance of success. Failure to act will mean that they are nothing but pipe dreams.

People should seriously consider joining their company scheme, particularly if the employer is contributing to the fund as well or if it is based on final salary. Yet, surprisingly, many people turn down this ‘free money’.

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To receive a complimentary guide covering Wealth Management, Retirement Planning or Inheritance Tax Planning contact Jacqui on 01702 589553 email Jacqui.moyies@sjpp.co.uk or visit www.sjpp.co.uk/jacquimoyies

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Lasting Powers of Attorney

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ntroduced in 2007 Lasting Powers of Attorney’s (LPA’s) are now vital documents, but there are still many misconceptions, and questions.

“Why should I have one?”... and the biggest question of all: “why are they so important?”

Not everyone likes to read guides, so here we relay a real life story to put the subject of “losing capacity”, the Court of Protection and Lasting Powers of Attorney into perspective. We have exaggerated nothing, although at first you may not believe that!

anything on Jack’s behalf! Bank accounts and savings in Jack’s name and held jointly were ‘frozen’. The family was forced, at considerable expense, to instruct a solicitor for son David to apply to the Court of Protection for authority to access his parent’s money on their behalf. This required time consuming and confusing completion of up to fifty official documents. Three months later they heard that they had been unsuccessful, probably due to a minor error in the form-filling.

70 year old retired grandparents Jack and Pam were financially comfortably off when without warning, Jack suffered a stroke that left him with the mental ability of a child for the remainder of his life.

Worse still the Court of Protection appointed a ‘deputy’ in the form of a local solicitor to look after Jack’s financial affairs. Pam and David were shocked to discover that the ‘deputy’ ignored all their pleas and requests, he had his own ideas on what Jack would have wanted, and appealing the ‘deputy’s’ decision could take the family up to a year.

Jack was officially declared as “lacking capacity”, as he could no longer make decisions for himself.

To their horror, Pam and son David discovered that despite being married Pam could not act for, or sign

This scenario, and worse, has already been played out many times, and will be repeated time and again, as many people will be slow to protect themselves.

If you would like to protect your loved ones from a similar scenario you can get more information by contacting Simon Smith, a Lasting Power of Attorney specialist, at Independent Retirement Strategies

O

Independent Retirement Strategies

01702 562028 1-4 Woodlands Parade, Hockley, Essex, SS5 4QU simon@smith-irs.co.uk 28

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Lasting Power of Attorney ... also Wills, Trusts & Advanced Directives

Professional, dedicated personal service by a certification provider.

Why visit a solicitor’s office and pay around twice the price when we can visit you at home, provide you with a specialist and knowledgeable consultation so you can make informed decisions in your own surroundings. Costs are around £220 per Lasting Power of Attorney excluding Office of the Public Guardian registration fee of £120 (if applicable). Discounts for couples.

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Established in 2003, IRS is an independent company providing expert advice around retirement issues to the people of Essex and beyond.

contact: Simon Smith at Independent Retirement Strategies

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A member of New Leaf Will Writers Federation.

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Beelams Char tered Accountants

When did you last see your accountant?

Have they lost that personal touch?

We are a local firm of Chartered Accountants with a refreshingly different approach.Taking time to get to know our clients enables us to provide you with an excellent service, tailored to your needs.

Our aim is to minimise your tax bill and remove the burden that paperwork can cause, enabling you to get on with running your business!

Beelams offers accountancy, bookkeeping and personal tax services.

For a free initial meeting, please contact Sheila Beelam on 01702 323131 or by e-mail at info@beelams.co.uk www.beelams.co.uk

Same dedicated maid each week only ÂŁ11.55 per hour Then call us on:

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Oracle Motoring

Best of British

By Stuart Winder ADI

T

he recent unusually clement weather has left me feeling positive and unable to muster my normal motor industry related moans and groans, leading me to ponder two recent good news stories concerning British motoring innovation…

The Octagon Returns After a 16 year gap, the first new model rolled off the MG production line recently, and surprisingly to some, it actually looks like a decent package!

The general view from the motoring press seems to be that not only is the MG6 a modern, wellbuilt, well-equipped car - far from the “re-bodied Chinese Rover 75” that some had scoffed at – it’s also well pitched. Its size creates an opportunity to straddle the gap between the Focus and Mondeo-sized cars, and with prices between £15,495 and £18,995, MG hope that the 6 will blur the boundaries and capture sales from both camps.

With a new diesel engine set to join the current modified Rover petrol unit – the only survivor from the past in this all new, all British design - next year, there is hope for a bright future for the one survivor from the glory days of Britain’s motor industry.

Sonic Car) – are making plans for a new assault on their own record with a vehicle capable of 1000mph. The bid will be led by designer Richard Noble, with pilot W/Co Andy Green taking to the controls, both hoping for another record breaking run, and they certainly have the car to do it!

Bloodhound SSC will be 12.8 metres long, weigh 6.4 tonnes and require titanium wheels to resist he forces exerted when travelling faster than the velocity of a bullet leaving the barrel of a handgun!

They plan to exceed the old record by over 200mph by adding braces, in the form of a rocket, to the already substantial belt provided by the jet engine from a Eurofighter Typhoon donated by the RAF. I, for one, am hoping that their chosen HQ at Filton, Bristol – the “home of Concorde” – is a good omen. Good luck chaps!

Stuart Winder Planet Leasing

O

01702 410 470 www.planetleasing.co.uk Sponsored by

1000mph Bloodhound The team behind the vehicle that holds the current land speed record – Thrust SSC (Super

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A little corner of an English Heaven Savour a drink and good company at the award-winning, traditional, Angel Inn, Free House. at North Shoebury Enjoy the west-facing, beer-garden and extensive views across ripening cornfields. Thatched roof, flagstone floor, exposed timbers, wide range of Real Ales, good wines and excellent food.

No gaming machines. No loud music. No TV screens. Heaven!

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We purchase unwanted or broken

GOLD Fair Prices Paid Jewellery Repairs Andrews offer a fast and efficient service, undertaken by experienced craftsmen, at a realistic price. Across the years they have built a reputation for quality which has won them the respect and regard of their many customers

Remodelled Jewellery The company can also remodel items such as rings and reset stones.

A very large proportion of such work is carried out in house.

Insurance work under taken

Expert Personal Service is our Policy Jewellery items Substantial ranges of rings, brooches, chains, pendants, earing, beads and pearls are held in stock

A full range of watch batteries for all makes are held in stock A fast efficient reseal & pressure testing service is available for water resistant watches

Visit our shop to view a wide selection of Jewellery, Gifts & Timepieces Plus a Quality Repair Service Tel: 01702 292472 Fax: 01702 299392 Email: enquiries@andrewsltd.co.uk

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FRE E

Veh icle Coll ecti on/D eliv ery Serv ice

Over 60 Years of Great Service.

Let Service Garage give you and your vehicle the service you deserve with professional expertise honed over half a century.

Service Garage has now clocked up over 64 years experience in drivers’ satisfaction by making a good, honest job of all servicing and repair work on every make of car and light-commercial vehicle.

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35

recipe of the month

300ml hot chicken stock (made with a cube) 50g grated parmesan Fresh thyme sprigs to decorate, optional

In the Kitchen with Judy Barden

1. Heat the oil in a frying pan and gently fry the bacon pieces until browned and crispy, remove with a slotted spoon and put on kitchen paper.

In the same pan fry the onion, garlic and rosemary for 5 minutes until soft and golden.

2. Put the sausage meat in a bowl. Mix in the fried onion, breadcrumbs, egg yolk, fennel seeds and some black pepper. Mix well. Wet your hands with cold water and roll into walnut-sized balls.

Preheat the oven 200c/fan 180c/gas 6. Cook the pasta in a large pan of salted boiling water for 10 minutes, then drain well.

Sausage Meatball Pasta Bake

T

his pasta dish probably takes about 20 minutes to make and then pop in the oven. If you go to an Italian deli buy some ziti. It is long hollow pasta that you can suck the sauce through, a bit like a straw. Children will love it.

However, just buy macaroni or bucatini as an alternative and they are readily available in any supermarket.

Enjoy!

Tip the pasta into an oven proof dish. Mix with the tomatoes, passata, stock and sausage balls and scatter over the crispy bacon. Season well with salt, pepper and a good pinch of sugar.

Scatter over the cheese and bake for 30-40 minutes until the sausage balls are cooked through. Check and if the top is browning too much cover loosely with a piece of foil. Serve scattered with the thyme sprigs, if using and a crisp green salad.

Dates For May Demonstration Classes Time 10-1pm Venue Southend 3rd,4th,5th,6th and 16th,17th,19th,20th Contact Judy Barden on 07796-691183 or email judy.barden@btinternet.com

Sausage Meatball Pasta Bake Serves 4-6 Next month’s recipe:

Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary leaves ( if using dried 1 tsp) 500g good quality pork sausages, skinned 4-5 rashers streaky bacon, chopped 1 slice white bread, whizzed to crumbs in a processor 1 egg yolk 1 tsp fennel seeds 500g pack ziti, or macaroni, or bucatini 400g can chopped tomatoes 700g jar passata

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'Individual Summer Puddings Sponsored by

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COUNTY INTERIORS

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Ours is a family business where excellent customer service is our main priority with over 3 generations in the trade. We offer a wide range of great value leather and fabric sofas and chairs, we also offer our bespoke range to match the exact requirements of our customers.

See our new handmade curtain range and our selection of rugs and lighting

Leigh-on-Sea 1663 London Road, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 2SH 01702 474702 Chelmsford 96-98 Springfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 6JZ 01245 265595 Open: Mon-Fri 10.00am - 6.00pm; Sat 9.30am - 6.00pm; Sun 10.30am - 4.30pm www.county-interiors.co.uk M AY 2 0 1 1

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DRIVEWAY & PATIO CLEANING CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

l Carpets ready-to-use in quick time l Guaranteed not to soak, stretch or shrink your carpet or furnishings l Domestic and Commercial work undertaken

Gates Cleaning Services make ovens and hobs sparkle and shine like new, removing all traces of burnt-on carbon, grease & fat.

Gates Cleaning Services revive surfaces with a powerful pressure-washing system using a topof-the-range, rotary flat-surface cleaner and Turbo Lance

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41

Health & Beauty

Getting Fit for Summer Fun

by Cris Ramis

A

h, Spring. Longer days and brighter weather mean that, at last, summer is just around the corner. If you want to look good for your holiday, then NOW is the perfect time to do something about it.

Becoming fitter and healthier needn’t involve the expense of going to a gym. Instead, take yourself out and about here in Southend.

Try walking or running along the seafront – start on the flat from Thorpe Bay and head towards Sea-Life Adventure. If you are feeling brave then try a more challenging terrain, such as the undulating paths and steep steps throughout the beautiful Cliff Gardens. Finding somewhere visually appealing to do your exercise is ideal as it makes the whole process more enjoyable. A word of warning though, if you constantly run on concrete or the pavement; your joints will take a real beating - use grass or the beach to run on whenever possible.

Our seafront now has miles of wonderful, new, safe lanes for those of us who enjoy cycling, so dig out yours from the dark recesses of the garage and go for a spin with the family.

tennis. Many parks have playground and exercise equipment (some even have rock walls to climb) so, there’s a fabulously diverse range of ways to make getting fit fun.

How about exercising in your garden? Most of us spent hours running around them as children and had a great time just doing that. At least you’ll entertain the neighbours! Or if you prefer the ‘life aquatic,’ then head over and make the most of the new, world class swimming pool facility at Garon Park.

Believe it or not, before some bright spark invented lots of shiny machines for people to sit on in the gym, people used their own bodyweight to train against and with. It’s an incredibly productive way to exercise, just ask any gymnast. And now parkour, or freerunning, is the hippest way to get fit by using everyday obstacles in the urban landscape.

Most importantly, whatever activity you choose, enjoy yourself whilst doing it!

Make use of the many parks in the local area either take a brisk walk with the dog, kick a ball around with friends or even try your hand at

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Sponsored by

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Carpenter & Joiner JOHN SORRELL - your local carpenter and joiner for over 25 years

Call now 01702 256018

All aspects of woodwork and property maintenance undertaken, including:

* Doors hung * Kitchens fitted (planning service, plumbing and tiling if required) * Wardrobes built * Wooden & laminate floors laid * Shelves fitted * Stairs refurbished * Windows repaired * Locks supplied & fitted to insurance specification For advice and free, no-obligation quotations please telephone :

Showrooms open: Mon-Sat 10.00am-5,00pm 61 High Street, Hornchurch, RM11 1TP Alton Garden Centre on the A127, Wickford

www.granitetransformations.co.uk/southend southend@granitetransformations.co.uk

01702 582489 or 07984 924916 Tidy work with rubbish always removed from site and a friendly, professional service guaranteed.

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For over 25 years we have been giving a complete personal and professional glass & glazing service DESIGN - QUALITY - RELIABILITY

visit our website and view our extensive Portfolio at

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Colins Glass & Glazing Ltd

Coloured splashbaCks in toughened glass. over 3000 Colours bespoke shower enClosures frameless and minimilistiC Coloured glass worksurfaCes 15mm and 19mm toughened large mirror speCialists frameless wetroom sCreens also in various Colour tints deCorative mirrors full design, templating and installation serviCe

Bespoke Glass Specialists

Visit the showroom/workshop open 6 days a week 122 East St. Prittlewell, Southend SS2 5EE

01702 617321 BESPOKE GLASS SEPCIALISTS

Cultured Club

I

have always been a massive horror film fan, and could never understand why the genre seemed to die (excuse the pun) at the end of the halcyon years of 1970’s. The 80’s and early 90’s were full of straight to DVD releases, with umpteen sequels to franchises such as Halloween and Friday the 13th.

But in 1996 that all changed, when a jobbing actor and horror film fan called Kevin Williamson decided it was time to bring the genre back from the dead. He wrote a script, and managed to get iconic director Wes Craven (The Hills Have Eyes, A Nightmare on Elm Street etc) to read it. The result was one of the biggest ever box office successes for a scary movie – Scream.

15 years – and two sequels later – Scre4m has just been released in cinemas.

All the films follow the character of Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) who becomes the target of a succession of murderers, who all adopt the guise of Ghostface to stalk and torment their victims. Sidney receives support in the films from Woodsboro town deputy Dewey Riley (David Arquette) and TV reporter Gale Weathers (Courtney Cox).

Scre4m opens with the 15th anniversary of the Woodsboro massacre - and two high school

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T H O R P E B AY O R A C L E

students are brutally killed by a new Ghostface. The following day, Sidney returns to town to promote her new self help book. She unwittingly becomes a suspect in the murders due to evidence found in her rental car, meaning she has to stay in Woodsboro until the crime is solved. And so the edge of your seat tension and action commences, with the familiar faces joined by a younger generation of stars including Hayden Panettiere (Heroes), Emma Roberts (Julia’s niece) and Adam Brody (OC) The original Scream films were unique, as they combined the violence of the slasher genre with elements of comedy, and an almost Agatha Christie style "whodunit" mystery - placing suspicion on many of the film's characters. Another great thing they did was satirize all the clichés of the horror genre made common in films such as Halloween. I am pleased to say all of this is still here, and just as enjoyable as ever.

There’s talk of two more films – a ‘second trilogy’ – bring it on I say!

By Tracy Jones Brera - PR | Marketing | Creative Tel - 01702 390348 Mob - 07887 514 984 Email - tracy@brera-london.com Web - www.brera-london.com

www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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M AY 2 0 1 1

LOC A L C ON STR U C TION C OM PA N Y Work undertaken includes: l Extensions l Conservatories l Patios l Driveways l Windows l Re-Wiring l Electrical Work Some large local projects can be viewed

PIPER CONSTRUCTION LTD. Building & Property Maintenance

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Fast, Friendly riendly,, Fixed Services Broadband Supplier Support Remote Sup port Off-Site Backups D Data ata Recovery FULL PC Health Check Broadband Setup Home and S Small mall Office Network Network Installation x Technical A Assessments ssessments x x x x x x x

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Supply x Custom PCs built to your requirements x Case Mods & Customis ations Customisations x Water-Cooling Specialists x Branded Desktops, Laptops and Servers Components, x ALL Compon ents, Peripherals Peripherals Networking & Networkin g Equipment Equipment online x Over 20,000 products o nline x Next Day Delivery

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49

ORACLE Enigmas

Flat Roofing

No humdrum conundrum s

Problems?

3 6 4

7

Established 1975

5 8

9 7 9 5 6 4

7 5 1 8 3 1 5

1 2

8 TRICK

Approved contractors to most major Felt Manufacturers For your FREE quote Phone

2 9 1 6

9

Estuary Roofing specialise in all types of Felt and Asphalt Roofs

5SU DOKU Fill in the grid above so that each 3 x 3 box, every row and every column contain the Nos 1 - 9.

The answer to last month’s puzzle is at bottom.

Estuary Roofing Ltd.

01702 295314 62 Raphael Drive, Shoeburyness Tel. & Fax: 01702 295314 Mob: 07970 746712 estuaryroofing@blueyonder.co.uk

3 WORD LADDER Start at the top and change one letter each rung making a new word to arrive at the final word.

GRIPE

GLASS

BRASS

GRASS

BRADS

READS

BEADS

SEEDS

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!

-1&/*./ -% 51&/*./ ,"01&/*-( 51&-0*.-0 /.2-%4./+ &-.3"1*.-0 "1*.0 "3*-( /*$+,"6*-( /*3&4"60

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flexible, efficient and reliable cost effective cleaning long or short time contracts domestic or commercial cleaning

07983 978 503 01702 690 130

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Clock Repairs, Sales & Restorations It's About Time est. 30yrs

01702 472574 863 London Road, Chalkwell SS0 9SZ (opposite Chalkwell Park)

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Experienced Local Electrician Domestic & Commercial

Free Quotes and Advice City & Guilds Qualified 25 yrs experience Clean, Friendly Part P Reg. Fully Insured

DanWaller Electrical Services 104 High Street ,Shoeburyness

01702 303867 Mob: 07733 262027 52

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25 NCE ER IA OV PER EX S AR YE

Plastering Rendering Coving Dry Lining Knocking down of walls Stud walls/Partitions Storerooms in Roofs with Velux Windows

L & A PLASTERING & Small Builds

For a FREE Estimate Call 01702 298684 / 07939 369794 lothar@lkavanagh.wanadoo.co.uk

Furniture restoration Services available:-

French Polishing All Structural Repairs Hand Veneering Cane Seating Leather Desk-Lining Clock-Case Restoration Antique Specialist

Fully-qualified craftsman in an established, local business offering high-quality service.

For a free verbal estimate please call:-

T.S.Baskett Established 1992

6 Durham Rd. Southend

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ORACLE Diary Dates

YOU’RE

NIGHT OF THE MUSEUM AT CENTRAL MUSEUM A glimpse behind the scenes of the Museum, live sculptor, free 'taster' Planetarium shows.

Sat 14 May FESTIVAL OF THE AIR Sat 28 & Sun 29 May Aircraft Display along 2 miles of Southend seafront, as well as RAF, Army, Navy and Royal Marine Town Shows, stands, rides, simulators, giant inflatables and entertainment all day. www.southendairshow.co.uk 01702 215175

LEIGH SKIP HIRE

MULBERRY MUD RUN Saturday 14th May 12pm Shoebury, West Beach A run/walk across to Mulberry Harbour.

Please contact Jason on 01702 220356 or email: jcurtis@havenshospices.org.uk BTMK FUN RUN & HALF MARATHON Sunday 12th June Fun Run is for runners of all ages and abilities, walk or run the 3k route.

Half Marathon, for those who want more challenge than the Fun Run. Both routes start and finish at East Beach, Shoebury following the coastal path.

Book now to join in!

01702 220350 http://www.southendraces.co.uk OPEN GARDEN Sunday 15th May Little Foxes, Marcus Gardens, Thorpe Bay 2pm-5pm 1/3-acre garden featured on BBC! Visit the National Gardens Finalist and enjoy tea, home-made cakes and plants for sale.

Entry £3 donated to charity. www.oraclepublications.co.uk www.twitter.com/oracle_essex

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Cheapest Hire In The Area!

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Gainsborough

Carpets and Flooring

WESTCLIFF t -0/%0/ 30"% t 8&45$-*'' 0/ 4&" t &44&9 t 44 4: t 5&- t '"9 WEST CLIFF t -0/%0/ 3 / 30 0"% t 8&45$-*'' 0/ 4&" t &44& 9 t 44 4: t 5&- t '"9 RAYLEI RA YLEIGH t &"45800% 3 % 30 0"% t 3 "% t 3" ":-&*() t &44& 9 t 44 +% t 5&- t '"9 RAYLEIGH t &"45800% 30"% t 3":-&*() t &44&9 t 44 +% t 5&- t '"9

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Air&Back

Airport Transfer Specialists

Air & Back, the airport-transfer specialists, provide an efficient and friendly door-to-door transfer to and from your airport. seaport or ferry terminal, at a reasonable cost.

Get your holiday or business trip off to a comfortable start with an effortless transfer from Air & Back.

Polite, experienced and wellpresented drivers Full comprehensive insurance including Hire and Reward Drivers and vehicles licensed by the local authority.

Detailed confirmation to you the day before departure

Call today for a competitive quote Air & Back, 75 Mayfield Avenue, Southend-on-Sea Essex SS2 6NR

Tel/Fax: 01702 435722 Mobile 07903 301086

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Advertorial

Beginning of the Line C ommunity is so important and community events help maintain and build that sense of belonging. In recent years the schools in the local area, Friars, Richmond, Bournes Green, St.George’s, Thorpedene, Thorpe Greenways, Hinguar and Shoeburyness High have, through their excellent Extended Schools project, helped organise not just events, buts clubs and courses. Today, we bring you news of two more events that we hope you will all support. Together we can help make a real difference and continue to build the strong community spirit and at the same time have fun – Mark Schofield Headteacher

Launch date: Tuesday 12th July @ Shoeburyness High School B-Lab & hospitality suite, Art Trail Wednesday 13th, Thursday 14th, Friday 15th & Saturday 16th We are pleased to let you know about a new and exciting event coming to Shoeburyness this summer …. The Shoeburyness Children’s Art Trail – “The Beginning of The Line” The Shoeburyness Art Trail came about as a result of a meeting between various interested parties who wanted to promote the range of art work that is produced by the Shoeburyness community. As we always like to do things differently in the East, it was decided that our Art Trail would focus on the children of Shoeburyness.

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T H O R P E B AY O R A C L E

The title “Beginning of The Line” was chosen for two reasons; firstly we regard Shoeburyness not at the end of the Fenchurch Street line but at the beginning and also as it is about young people - it is the beginning of their lives and careers.

There are 12 local schools and 1 Children’s Centre taking part; each of the participating organisations will exhibit art work produced by their own students both at their individual schools and at four central venues - thus we will cover the entire range from Reception through to A Level.

There are also four central venues, B-Lab (situated on the Shoeburyness High School site), Shoeburyness & Thorpe Bay Baptist Church, ASDA and the Shoeburyness Youth Centre (SYC) will exhibit a range of work contributed by all the schools.

Young people have been fully involved from the on set; students from the Shoeburyness High School ICT Academy Group have been working hard designing the website (www.beginningoftheline.co.uk) this will be up and running soon. Hospitality & Catering students will provide the hospitality on the launch evening on Tuesday 12th July plus we have 6 Art Ambassadors who are students – their role will be to represent the student body, provide support

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to schools before the Art Trail and help with the setting up of the various exhibitions and then be available for the Trail itself.

We look forward to seeing you at one of the venues; please see the timetable showing the various “Beginning of the Line” opening hours of all the organisations taking part.

Shoebury Fair 2011 Saturday 25th June 2011, Shoeburyness High School Preparations are in full swing for Shoebury Fair 2011 - so what are we planning for 2011? The ethos of the fair hasn’t changed - “a fund raising and awareness raising platform” for organisations and charities but our main attraction has …….

In 2011 we are bringing IT’S A KNOCKOUT OLYMPICS to the Shoebury Fair. Can we tempt you?

FREE to enter (The proviso being that you’re fund raising for your charity or a charity of your choice) Max of 10 people per team (age restrictions apply see below) Morning Games: youngsters in school year groups 5, 6, 7 & 8. Afternoon Games: school year groups 9 to adult!

Limited places available so get in touch now! It’s going to be wet and wild!

If you would like more information about the Shoeburyness Art Trail or are interested in supporting Shoebury Fair 2011, or if you fancy applying for “It’s a Knockout” then please either email us at karenstock@shoeburyness.southend.sch.uk or call Karen on 01702 292286 ext 181 - sponsorship opportunities are available, please call for more details!

Karen Stock MBE Extended Schools Co-ordinator Shoeburyness High School

Shoeburyness High School M AY 2 0 1 1

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01702 353990 Clarence Chambers, 28 Clarence Street , Southend on Sea, Essex, SS1 1BD

useful numbers Associations Burges Estate Residents Association (BERA) 588662 Clubs Charles Dicken’s Fellowship 588069 Cockleshell Clog Morris 479622 Essex Handicrafts Association 479622 Essex Society for Family History 522992 Lower Thames Rowing Club 482205 Thorpe Bay Bowling Club 582074 Thorpe Bay Bridge Club 616145 Thorpe Bay Floral Arrangement Group 585350 Thorpe Bay Lawn Tennis Club 585245 Thorpe Bay Yacht Club 587563 Thorpe Hall Golf Club 582205 Southchurch Park Croquet Club 303957 Southend Photographic Society 332491 Southend Lawn Tennis Club 589144 Southend Rugby Club 546682 Southend Golf Club 216408 The English Speaking Union 588069 Belfairs Mixed Bolwing 475766 Prittlewell Bowls Club 612476 Scout Groups Southend, Thorpe Bay & Shoeburyness 587647 Council Contacts Leigh-on-Sea Town Council 716288 Abandoned Vehicles 215006 Anti-Terrorist Hotline 0800 789321 Central Library 534100 Citizens Advice 610610 Civic Centre 215000 Cleansing Dept. (street collection) 215006 Crime Prevention 215185 Damaged Dog Waste Bins 215006 Dog Warden 215000 Dumped Rubbish 215006 Foreshore Inspectors 215620 Graffiti 215006 Grass verge problems 215003 Missed Rubbish Collection 215006 Noise Nuisance 215005 Pest Control Officer 215005 Pier & Foreshore 215620 Recycling Information 215006 Street Cleaning 215006 Street-Lighting Failure 215006 Trading Standards 08454 040506 Untaxed Vehicles 0800 1562282 Waste Collection 215006 Local MP James Duddridge (Con) 01702 616135 Hospitals/Health Primary Care Trust 01702 224600 Southend General Hospital 435555 Spire Wellesley Hospital 462944 NHS Direct 08454647 Blood Test- Thorpedene Clinic 422555 National Drugs Freephone 0800 595000 Cruse Bereavement Care 213843 Drugs, Alcohol & Substance Misuse 440400 Stroke Victims Support 224911 Southend Blind Welfare Association 342131 HARP (Homeless Action Resource Project) 24 hour Emergency Number 01702 343040

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Southend Cardiac Support Group 309042 / 293469 Carers Support Group 393933 Animal Welfare Downes & Prtnrs., Veterinary Surgeon 584511 RSPCA 290889 Pharmacies Bansal Pharmacy 587500 178 The Broadway Mon-Fri 9-6.30 pm / Sat 9-1 pm Howells & Harrison 582658 The Broadway Mon-Fri 9-6.30 pm / Sat 9-5.30 pm.

Closed 1-2 pm Wed+Sat. Police Stations Shoebury Police Station (Mon-Fri 9-6pm) 293748 Southend Police Station (24 hours a day) 0300 3334444 Thorpe Ward Neighbourhood Specialist Officer Warren Lamb 07976 325346 Victim Support Group 0845 4565995 Local Incident Hotline 01245 491491 Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Marine Police 01268 775533 Thames Coastguard 01255 675518 Child Protection 534495 Citizen’s Advice Bureau 610610 Samaritans 611911 Odeon Cinema 0871 2244007 Directory Enquiries BT (15p pm from landline, 40p connection) 118 500 ORACLE PUBLICATIONS UK LTD www.oraclepublications.co.uk ORACLE WEBSITE SOLUTIONS www.oraclewebsitesolutions.co.uk

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Leigh-on-Sea

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SPRING INTO SUMMER WITH A MINI ONE.

MINI ONE HATCH representative example including MINI tlc* and PEPPER pack Term of agreement

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Official Fuel Economy Figures for the MINI Range: Urban 27.4-67.3 mpg (10.3-4.2 l/100km).

Extra Urban 45.6-80.7 mpg (6.2-3.5 l/100km). Combined 36.7-74.3 mpg (7.7-3.8 l/100km).

CO2 Emissions 180-99 g/km. *Please note: MINI tlc does not cover maintenance items (e.g. tyres, brake pads and 2nd brake fluid change). Please see www.mini.co.uk for full terms and conditions.

Finance example shown is based on a 48 month MINI Select agreement for the model featured, a MINI One Hatch with a contract mileage of 40,000 and an excess mileage charge of 3.3p per mile. The dealer deposit contribution offer is available on all MINI One petrol models excluding Countryman ordered by retail customers between 1 April and 30 June 2011 and registered by 31 August 2011 when financed through MINI Select, subject to availability. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Subject to withdrawal at any time without notice. **On the road cash price is based on manufacturer’s recommended retail price and includes 3 year MINI Dealer Warranty, MINI Emergency Service, 12 months’ road fund licence, vehicle first registration fee, delivery, number plates, PEPPER pack, MINI tlc and VAT. Total deposit = customer deposit plus dealer deposit contribution. All finance is subject to status and available to over 18s in the UK only (excluding Channel Islands).

Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Vehicle conditions and excess mileage charges may apply at the end of your agreement. Prices are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. †Option to purchase fee and optional final payment payable at the end of the agreement if you decide to purchase the vehicle. Advertised finance is provided by MINI Financial Services (MINI FS). Whilst we have close links with MINI FS and commonly introduce customers to MINI FS, we do not work exclusively with MINI FS. Offer available to retail customers only. ^Test drive subject to applicant status and availability.

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