February Thorpe Bay Oracle 2012

Thorpe Bay

February 2012

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

WIN! Oracle Competition Sweet Cheeks Trees worth £25!

Local Issues Here to Listen

Recipe Seville Orange Marmalade

Health & Beauty Awesome Organic!

Planning

Understanding Architecture : Design

PREPARATORY SCHOOL FOR BOYS AND GIRLS FROM 2 TO 11 AN IAPS & ISA AFFILIATED SCHOOL Come and see for yourselves why Alleyn Court continues to thrive after 108 years, at one of our Open Days

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Breast implant replacement If you are considering replacing your breast implants, it’s important to make sure you choose a high quality hospital and a reputable consultant cosmetic surgeon.

What can I expect?

As with any cosmetic procedure, it is important that you review your expectations thoroughly before you decide to proceed. At Spire Wellesley Hospital you will be seen by an experienced consultant plastic or cosmetic surgeon who will discuss your options and the best course of treatment for you.

Breast implant replacement from Spire Wellesley Hospital With us, you can select to see the consultant surgeon of your choice at a time that suits you. You will be treated in a premium Spire private hospital - not a clinic - so you can be assured of our commitment to the highest healthcare standards and cleanliness.

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Eastern Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 4XH

Thorpe Bay

OR ACLE

publisher’s letter

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always feel that once February is over we can start to look forward to the Spring and Summer months ahead. It is also the time of year when we start to think about the garden, fences, outside of the house etc. Oracle has many local businesses happy to quote on any work you may need, so please bear these services in mind as they rely on your continued support.

Its Valentine’s month, Oracle has a very different prize for this month’s competition which has been kindly donated by Sweet Cheeks Trees. The prize will be a large sweet tree in any colour or your choice and sweets of your choice up to the value of £25. They are a local company and to get a better understanding of what they do, take a look at their website www.sweetcheekstrees.co.uk and then simply send in your contact details to: Oracle/Sweet Cheeks Trees Competition, 39 Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1BW closing date 23 February.

Good luck!

Emma Wynne-Morgan Publisher

01702 393838

39 Alexandra Street, Southend, Essex SS1 1BW

www.oraclepublications.co.uk info@oraclepublications.co.uk

www.twitter.com/oracle_essex www.facebook.com/oraclepublications Printed by EVONPRINT, Small Dole, Sussex 01273 494631 FEBRUARY 2012

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ORACLE contents Local Issues Here to Listen

By Joanne Buzer

9/10

Guilty Pleasures Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith

16

Shape up for the New Year

22

Money Matters by Jacqui Moyies

Care for Cats

by Cats Protection League

28

Seville Orange Marmalade Judy's Recipe Page

38

Understanding Architecture: Design 44 Planning by Tim Knight Awesome Organic!

Health & Beauty by Cris Ramis

48

Sudoku

52

Diary Dates

56

Useful Numbers Advertiser Index

64 66

Advertorials Thorpe Hall School Chalkwell Auctions Shoeburyness High School 4 T H O R P E B AY O R A C L E

20/21 34/35 58/59 www.oraclepublications.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2012

ED H IS L B A T ES

Carpets, Vinyls, Rugs

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Local Issues

Here to listen

By Joanne Buzer

I

t was a Monday night my first ‘talking shift’ I sat by the phone waiting for it to ring, by my side sat my mentor Angela reassuring me that I would be ok and she wouldn’t leave me. I had completed my training and had listened in on other volunteers taking calls but still I was nervous. What if I didn’t know what to say, worse still, what if I said the wrong thing?

talk he said very little but what he did say helped me to explore how I was really feeling he assured me that whatever I told him was confidential and maybe because he was someone I didn’t know I was able to tell him things I hadn’t told anyone else about what had happened and my fears for the future without being judged as weak or a failure. After a while he asked me if I ever felt I couldn’t carry on any longer no one had asked that before and it was then I realised that I had a lot of good things to live for and although at the moment I felt dreadful it would get better someday. We talked some more and he told me I could call back at any time.

I remembered a time five years ago when I had been a caller I had lost both my parents and my partner had left me for someone else, I was trying to be strong for my children and I didn’t want to keep ringing my friends who frankly were probably getting fed up with listening to me. It was a Saturday morning just before Christmas, I I never did call back but it was just enough to felt miserable and scared about the future . know that I could, he will never know how he helped me find the strength to get through that I felt I needed to talk to someone I opened the and lots of other days. I decided then that when phone book and the Samaritans number was I was in a better place I would find out more there I didn’t actually know what they could do to about becoming a Samaritan. help but I thought it was worth trying. A man answered the phone and I burst into tears he So now I was a Samaritan the voice at the end of calmly told me to take my time there was no rush the phone and I had completed my first shift I cried for a while and when I felt able I began to with the help of Angela who remained as my FEBRUARY 2012

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mentor for those first few months, today I have the support of my fellow volunteers should I need it and there are still occasions when I do but just like on that first shift I know they are always there for me.

But it doesn’t stop there we also answer e-mails and see people at our centre inYork Road Southend,we work with local organisations and visit schools to promote emotional health. We attend fetes and events and are always looking for different ways to raise awareness of our service.

Being a listening volunteer has been one of the most rewarding things that I have ever done.I am no longer as quick to judge and I have learnt how to really listen which I don’t believe I did before. Volunteers listening and helping My fellow volunteers are all ages from all walks of callers at York Road life they are amazing people who genuinely care about our callers and each other. we do. If you can spare a few hours a week to help them please call 01702 341777.

Listening volunteers are given training to actively listen to our callers and help support them Volunteer through times of emotional distress, our shift If you are over 18 and are interested in being a patterns are flexible as our phone lines are open listening or support volunteer or you would like 24/7. As a support volunteer you could help out to arrange for someone to come and give a talk with admin or fund raising there are many other to your organisation or club please contact us different roles within the branch. on: southendsams@btconnect.com We have a fantastic team of volunteers who work Or call our volunteer line 07999421768 in our shop in Hamlet Court Road without them we would not be able to help as many people as Or We are here to listen 24 hours a day 365 days a year: 08457 90 90 90 You can also Email jo@samaritans.org Or write to us at Chris, PO Box 90 90, Stirling, FK8 2SA to find out more about our organisation

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08457 90 90 90

www.samaritans.org.uk Chris, PO Box 90 90, Stirling, FK8 2SA jo@samaritans.org

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FEBRUARY 2012

Silver Maintenance 10% discount when quoting oracle pub lications

Supporting the Elderly n

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The Silver Maintenance Scheme is specifically designed to protect the elderly community in need of property maintenance/building works.

We undertake all types of maintenance/building works from fitting grab rails and cleaning gutters to kitchen/bathroom refits, redecoatating, internal/external alterations & disabled adaptations etc Opportunity to nominate a “buddy� helps provide that additional level of security for the individual/single person.

Registration is free and all quotes clearly detailed and provided totally free of charge and without obligation All surveys undertaken by a CRB checked person

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FEBRUARY 2012

Re-upholstery & Antique Restoration by experienced local craftsmen High-quality craftsmanship :FREE C Specialists in Young Bros. and Coopers Estimates C 3-Piece Suites made to your specifications C Extensive library of fabrics including:Voyage,Villa Nova, Ross, Linwood etc.

C Very competitive rates

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BABYSITTING SERVICE

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I hold a clean drivers licence I am a non-smoker I hold a first aid certificate I am CRB checked Call Nicky today for information

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fitness & wellbeing at Thorpe Bay Clinic

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FEBRUARY 2012

Cedars Care Centre Providing Quality Residential & Dementia Care

‘Valentine’s Day Celebrations ~ 14th February’ Please join us for our Tea Party and an opportunity to visit our new home 10am~4pm Cedars Care Centre is a modern and purpose built residential care centre situated in a pleasant area of Southend very close to the town centre and is easily accessed by road and public transport.

We provide care for older people who may be physically frail or have dementia. Additionally, we can offer respite care packages.

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9 Freshly prepared nutritious meals 9 Dedicated full-time Activity Coordinators 9 Dignified person centred approach to care 9 Bright and airy en suite bedrooms 9 Interactive safe and secure gardens 9 Sensory/therapy room 9 Designed to meet today’s care needs

For more information or to arrange a viewing viewing

Call: 01702 236090

admin.cedars@churchgatehealthcare.co.uk admi n.cedars@churchgatehealthcare.co.uk www.churchgatehealthcare.co.uk www.churchgatehealthcare.co.uk Cedars Care Centre, 14 Sweyne Avenue, SSouthend-on-Sea, outhend-on-Sea, Essex SS2 6FQ

Oracle Hair & Beauty

Keep it Elegant and Simple You don’t need to wear a Gothic fantasy on your head.

Just because a hair style is possible doesn’t mean you should go with it. Remember, your hair should complete your look, not overpower it. Healthy Hair Looks Great - If your hair is in good condition and healthy, it will look good with even the simplest of styles.

Plan Ahead

Guilty Pleasures Strike Gold by Stealing the Stars Awards Style

Regular trims and treatments in the lead up to your big night out will make a huge difference on many levels.Your hair will be in great condition and the ideal length for the style you are after. Planning also gives you time to consult and practice the perfect hairdo with your stylist.

Enjoy

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he Golden Globes, the BAFTA’s and then the daddy of them all, the Oscars... nothing beats the award season to bring out interstellar levels of glitz and glamour. Of course, fabulous frocks aren’t the only things that take centre stage when starlets strut down the red carpet.

Everything is under scrutiny when the flashbulbs go off, so I’m a big believer that a girl’s hair and beauty can make or break her look. Or, indeed, save a spectacularly bad dress!

A special event is about having fun.You shouldn’t have to worry about your outfit or your hair. A little bit of planning will give you a lot more confidence and ensure that you feel and look great.

And when in doubt, the classic LBD never goes out of style.

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For us mere mortals, trying to copy those mega-star looks for a special occasion, here are Craig’s tips to make you look and feel a million dollars, even if the closest you’re going to get is the Accountant of the Year Awards.

Stay Comfortable Don’t stray too far out of your comfort zone. If you never wear your hair up or super-girly clothes, then you’ll feel pretty weird and it will show.That’s not to say that jeans and a hoodie are a ‘look’ on the big occasion.Try practice runs ahead of the event and see what works best on you. Get your hair done and wear your new ‘do’ to a party or night out.

Sponsored by

Consider Your Outfit Collars, straps, halter necks, bare skin and jewellery all create a certain look, so your hair needs to complement, rather than compete with, the whole ensemble.

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32 Alexandra St., Southend SS1 1BU

01702 340965 FEBRUARY 2012

Specialists in Marble and Granite Kitchen & Bathroom Worktops Tailor made Fireplaces to suit your home

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Advertorial

What does Thorpe Hall do about the 11+?

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membership of the 11+ club which meets after school. In the Summer Holidays before the exam pupils can attend the ‘Pro-Active Kids’ Club at the school where they can do some additional preparation as well as have fun. All-in-all I think our programme is thorough and effective and confirms our commitment to families that we will do all in Teaching for the 11+ at the school starts in our power to help each child gain entry to the Year 3. Mandy Leslie, Head of the Lower School High School of their choice - if they are explained to the Oracle, ‘Pupils receive tuition suitable.’ in Verbal Reasoning in Year 3 to get them ready for this particular area of the exam. In Headteacher Andrew Hampton added, Year 4 all pupils are taught Further Maths and ‘Though children are of course welcome to Further English to complete this early stay onto our highly successful Upper School, our first thought for the more able Juniors is preparation stage. to do the best we can for their 11+ chances.’

At the end of Year 4 parents will receive a dossier on their child which contains 11 different test indicators about their child’s ability and attainment. Using this information parents can decide whether or not they wish their child to be considered as a candidate in the second and final preparation stage in Year 5. In Year 5 prospective candidates receive extra and differentiated homework as well as Wakering Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 3RD horpe Hall School has a long and distinguished record of preparing successful candidates for the 11+. From the age of 7 children are automatically part of a two stage programme that prepares them comprehensively for gaining entry into the High Schools.

01702 582340

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FEBRUARY 2012

Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.

John Dewey

forward thinking Here at Thorpe Hall, we hold traditional values dear but we keep a clear and consistent focus on a brighter future. This is a progressive and forward thinking school for a modern world; a place where new ideas and initiatives are always explored and embraced.

Our teaching style is founded on support, guidance and a love of learning and our pupils are actively encouraged to become strong, independent thinkers.

Our aim is to bring life to education as well as bringing education to life.

Thorpe Hall - for girls and boys from nursery to GCSE

t 01702 582340 www.thorpehallschool.co.uk Wakering Road | Southend-on-Sea | Essex | SS1 3RD

Money Matters It also makes good sense to review your investment portfolio to ensure that it is on track to deliver its aims. Check whether your portfolio is diversified and is able to withstand sudden shocks – given the current euro crisis, the majority of commentators expect volatility to continue.

Shape up for the New Year P

hew! It’s been another tumultuous year in the world of finance. Volatile stock markets, austerity measures and an escalating eurozone crisis have ensured that money matters have rarely been away from making the headlines.

It all means that now is not the time to keep your savings, investments and pensions shut away in the drawer (With the New Year) it is an opportune time to take stock of your financial goals to make sure they are still on track.

Take your pension plans The statutory lifetime allowance is to be cut from £1.8m to £1.5m in April and although this sounds an awfully big pension pot you might be surprised how many workers could find they are caught out by the limit – the NHS, for example, is alerting consultants and surgeons on what it means.

Remember that this year’s ISA limit is higher than the previous tax year –Remember if you don’t use your ISA tax allowance, you will lose it. The favourable tax treatment of both ISAs and Junior ISAs may not be maintained in the future and is subject to changes in legislation.

Other tax-efficient alternatives that higher earners might want to consider include venture capital trusts (VCTs) and Enterprise Investment Schemes (EIS) The underlying investments in Venture Capital Trusts and Enterprise Investment Schemes are usually held in very small UK companies. As such, there is a risk that any of these investments may not perform as hoped and in some circumstances may fail completely.

From April 2012, anyone investing up to £100,000 in a new start-up business will be eligible for income tax relief of 50 per cent, plus for 2012 any tax on capital gains invested in such businesses will be waived.

Of course, you should never let the tax tail wag the investment dog.

The global economic slowdown and debt crisis will have an influence on your finances in 2012 and long after the Olympic torch has left its Stratford base. This means that it makes sense to ensure that your finances are up to the pace to win through.

by Jacqui Moyies

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To receive a complimentary guide covering Wealth Management Retirement Planning or Inheritance Tax Planning, contact:

Indeed, people in their early forties or younger with a pension worth around £200,000 could Jacqui on 01702 589553 Jacqui.moyies@sjpp.co.uk easily find themselves breaching the limit by or visit www.sjpp.co.uk/jacquimoyies the time they come to retire.

22 FEBRUARY T H O R P E B AY O R A C L E www.oraclepublications.co.uk

2012

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Physiotherapy Sports Sports Injuries Pilates Classes Back & Joint Pains Sports Massage Rehabilitation

BRENTWOOD CLINIC The Practice @ No. Eleven 11 Hatch Road Pilgrims Hatch Brentwood Essex CM15 9PU

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Dotty and Dolly, two cats that Cats Protection have rehomed recently.

Care for Cats? ats Protection is a registered National Charity exclusively devoted to feline welfare. Its main object is to rescue and rehome unwanted and stray cats. No cat is put to sleep except on medical grounds.

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The Southend & District Branch is run entirely by volunteers. We rehome between 300 and 400 cats in a year. All are vet checked, neutered, vaccinated and microchipped before they are rehomed. We have fosterers who look after cats in a spare room or a pen in the garden, and the Branch pays for food, litter, etc. Also we have to hire pens in a cattery and pay the boarding fees.

We charge an adoption fee of ÂŁ60. Ring Rita Roberts on 01702 710630 to adopt or foster a cat.

We strongly advise everyone to neuter and microchip their cats. This can avoid the heartache of losing a beloved pet. Our Lost & Found Register on 01702 202222 records many cats who stray when lost or abandoned; few are reunited with their owners and many end up in our care.

Over the past year we have been asked to help many people who have had to move and been unable to take their cats with them. Others move and abandon their cats to become strays.

Many landlords, sheltered accommodation

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

schemes and residential homes are reluctant to allow pets. Research has shown that having a cat is beneficial to health and well being. This is true for all ages from children who learn to care for a pet and enjoy their company, to adults and the elderly to whom a cat can be a comfort and a joy.

Our Fundraising Team organizes events throughout the year to help towards veterinary and fostering costs. We rely on donations to make up the deficit but still find ourselves struggling financially. To join our new Events Team to raise more money ring Mary Morris on 01702 584079.

We need your help to continue our work.

To donate contact Sarah Hunt on 01702 525872. For membership @ ÂŁ10.00 a year ring Sue Bennett on 01702 295985.

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01702 295985 www.catsprotectionsouthend.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk

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FEBRUARY 2012

S O FA S

CHAIRS

C U R TA I N S

BL I N D S

DESIGN, STYLE & CRAFTSMANSHIP Visit our extensive, newly refurbished showroom and workshop in Thorpe Bay. We offer a complete interior design service. A fantastic choice of styles, finishes, fabrics, leathers and bespoke upholstery – a talented and dedicated team of interior designers, furniture craftsmen and curtain makers to create your specific requirements – let us transform your home. Interior design by Michelle Elliott-Britto.

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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 32

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Bespoke Glass Specialists

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

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L O C AL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY 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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33

Advertorial

Interview With An Auctioneer C

halkwell Auctions have been established catalogue in advance and have the sales live on in Southend for over 20 years but last line.” year relocated to a new premises. We caught up withauctioneer Trevor Cornforth to see what What difference does that make? difference it’s made.

“Well, it means that items in our sales are now Let’s start with your career. How long have you available to people all over the world, as they are from the big London auction houses. In addition been in the antiques trade? to a loyal local following we now have a hardcore “An awful long time! Almost 50 years in fact. I of regular buyers in over 30 countries. began dealing when I was about 8 years old and then became an auctioneer just after my 18th birthday.I was acting as rostrum clerk for my boss Customers don’t just view the catalogue on line and he just passed me the gavel and said, “You’re they can bid too.They listen to the sale live and if they have registered can bid from their arm on”. chairs.It makes it much more complicated for the auctioneer because we get phone bidders too, That must have been quite daunting? but opens up a whole new market for our sellers.

“Yes, but no time for nerves. Being on the rostrum is like doing a one man show. It’s not enough to Almost 50% of each sale is now to online just sell the lots, you have to keep people bidders. At a recent meeting with ATG Media, who operate www.the-saleroom.com , they interested”. told me that after only a year online we have one You were pretty well established at the Arling- of, if not the, highest number of return online ton Rooms. What impact did the move have on customers in the country. I’m very proud of that business? because it means they are satisfied customers.It’s a “It opened up a whole new market for us. We lot of extra work answering emails and phone have lots of space and can easily accommodate calls for condition reports but that makes it over 100 people seated , but it also enabled us to worthwhile”.

34

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

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What do you put that down to?

“I , and all my staff, work on the basis that we are there to help not to hinder.We try to engage both room buyers and internet buyers in the sale so that they enjoy it. We have the same policy with our sellers. We try to give them accurate advice and low charges.”

You must have seen some interesting items over the years.

“Yes, lots but over the last 18 months it has become more exciting. A porcelain screen went to China at £15,000, a Russian bronze to New York at £9,000 as well as a Constable Oil and a Picasso.

We now handle items you would usually only see in the West End and at a fraction of the cost to the sellers.”

Thanks Trevor, I’ll pop in and take a look.

O 01702 613260 Trevor Cornforth

chalkwellauctions.co.uk 2 Baron Court, Chandlers Way, Southend on Sea, Essex, SS2 5SE

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recipe of the month

1. The night before. Halve the oranges and squeeze out the juice into a large pan. Scoop the pips and pulp into a small piece of muslin and tie up. Shred the remaining peel and pith finely with a sharp knife. You can put it in a food processor but you will just get flecks in your marmalade and not strips of peel. Put the peel and the muslin in a pan with the water and leave to soak to extract the pectin and soften the peel.

In the Kitchen with Judy Barden

2. Put the pan over a medium heat, then bring up to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 1 ½ - 2 hours, until the peel has become very soft and should look slightly see-through. Carefully remove the muslin bag, allow to cool slightly, then wearing rubber gloves, squeeze it out to extract the pectin.

Discard the bag.

3. Put 4 small plates in the freezer. Add the sugar to the pan and stir over a low heat until the sugar has dissolved. Do not boil until the sugar has dissolved. Increase the heat and bring to the boil. Do not stir while it is boiling, it will rise up the pan.

After 8-10 mins boiling test for setting point.

Seville Orange Marmalade

T

his is the time of year Seville oranges come into the shops for just a few weeks.

They are too bitter to eat but high in pectin (it is in the pips) which sets jams so are ideal for marmalade.

If you buy them and then don’t have time to make the marmalade put them in the fridge where they will keep for a few weeks or put them in the freezer for up to 6 months. A couple of tips: don’t try and make too much at once, theun-boiled fruit and sugar should only come about a third up the side of your pan as it will rise more than twice that when it boils and granulated sugar works perfectly well but you can buy preserving sugar if you wish.

Sterilise your jars by putting them through the dishwasher.

4. Take the pan off the heat and let the bubbles subside. Take a plate from the freezer and spoon a little liquid onto the plate. Push the marmalade along the plate with your finger. If setting point has been reached the surface will wrinkle and it won’t run straight back. If not put it back onto boil for another 2 mins and keep re-testing.

5. Leave the marmalade to stand for 10 mins, spoon off any scum on the surface and transfer to your warm sterilised jars. Cover with a wax disc and seal. When cold label and store on a cool dark cupboard. It should keep for up to a year.

O

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Planning

Understanding Architecture :

Design T

he opening presumption with most projects tends to be that approval is required in some form from the Local Authority.

Actually permission is not always required but before we are able to deal with the intricacies of Planning Policy we first need to examine the importance of design within the whole development.

I can’t over emphasize the importance of good design. With the right creative input, from a suitably qualified professional, I do believe planning permission may be gained in the majority of cases that both fulfil the applicant’s aspirations and creates visually rewarding solutions The nuances of planning policy together with the often subjective views of officials and committee members do often produce confusing and seemingly illogical results.Design is by its very nature biased and individual, one person’s ‘design gem’ may be another’s ‘eyesore’ and regrettably ‘preference or taste’ effects the decision making process. To help overcome this potential problem it is vital to invest time and affort in the design process and demonstrate your scheme has been carefully considered to create the best solution possible.

Architectural design is not simply a case of providing additional or improved spaces. Design is creating an artistic solution to spatial requirements by combining form and function within a structure, which both enhances and improves the built environment. The success of this process invariably reflects the relationship between Architect and Client, the closer the understanding the better the result.

44

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

Your Architect should help you develop your individual requirements and clearly identify your objectives.This brief should recognize the schedule of accommodation, the intended use of the property both now and in the future, style, appearance and of course budget.The Architect should not impose their views and design philosophy but should develop a sympathetic approach to the client brief to produce an original and unique design,however large or small the project.

Home owners in particular often have very strong views as to how they wish to develop and enhance their properties, style and form are usually fundamental to that idea.A skilled designer should be able to work within set parameters but still deliver a project that exceeds the client’s expectations. They should be able to surprise their client with ingenuity and creativity and produce a building or structure that the client themselves could not have imagined or conceived.When an Architect achieves this the design process is complete and the proposal may be presented to the Planning Authority.

Next month I will deal with submitting a planning application and provide a general over-view of the planning policy.Should you have questions,especially with regard to planning please email info@oraclepublications.co.uk

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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.

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Health & Beauty

Awesome Organic!

by Cris Ramis "In my opinion good organic food is always healthier for you – it’s food with a sparkle" Jamie Oliver

I

’ve eaten as organically as possible for the last six years, and during that time I’ve experienced less illness than before and phased out almost all nutritional supplements. Here are my ten good reasons why I think you should give organic a go...

1. Its healthy Organic food contains higher levels of beneficial minerals, essential amino acids, vitamins and cancer-fighting antioxidants than non-organic counterparts.

2. No nasty additives Organic food contains no additives – such as hydrogenated fat, aspartame and monosodium glutamate - which are linked to health problems including; heart disease, osteoporosis and migraines.

3. No pesticides Over 400 chemical pesticides are routinely used in conventional farming.

4. No GM Genetically modified (GM) crops have only undergone one human feeding trial which produced negative results. No one really knows what the long-term health implications of GM food are.

5. No drugs There are concerns about the widespread use of antibiotics on farm animals and the possible effects on human health. Their use is prohibited with organically raised farm animals.

7. High standards Organic food comes from trusted sources. All organic farms and food companies are inspected at least once a year. The standards for organic food are laid down in European law.

8. Care for animals Animal welfare is taken very seriously under organic standards. The benefits of the organic approach are acknowledged by animal welfare organisations as well as the UK Government.

9. Good for wildlife and the environment Organic farming produces less pollution, carbon dioxide, and dangerous wastes. Buying organic food supports a living countryside and is both good for you AND the environment.

10. Top for taste Organic food is bursting with flavour. The difference could be because organic farmers aim to put their animals under less stress and feed them as natural a diet as possible. Both organic fruit and vegetables tend to grow more slowly (because artificial fertilisers are banned) and have a lower water content than non-organic varieties.

Don’t be put off trying to have a more organic diet because you think it costs more in the supermarket. Try your local farmers’ market or go online and type organic veg box Southend into your search engine. You should find plenty of local growers and suppliers who would love the chance to sell and deliver their produce direct to you.

For a free consultation/session available until the end of February, contact Cris via www.ramis-hf.com and mention The Oracle when booking.

6. No hidden costs Compare this with the £120m that tax payers fork out to pay for removing chemicals from drinking water, mainly as a result of the pesticides used in farming.

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ORACLE Diary Dates THE WEDDING FAIR FREE Civic Centre Sun 12 Feb 2012 . 11am to 4pm Meet a wide range of wedding professionals dedicated to making your dream day come true.The 1st 10 brides to register will receive a free copy of Wedding Ideas Magazine and a bottle of Bubbly. All brides receive a goodie bag and a show programme.

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Advertorial

Shoebury High was All Shook Up! f you have ever seen a production at Shoeburyness High School then you will already be aware of the spectacular standard of performance they deliver.

I

The school has a fantastic reputation for musical productions and this years All Shook Up was no exception. The cast and crew set up camp in the school’s hall (complete with orchestra pit, raked seating and scaffolding) for four nights of top notch entertainment playing to packed audiences. After seeing

Shoeburyness High School : All Shook Up! T H O R P E B AY O R A C L E

58

the show once, many audience members wanted to return the next night and watch the show again.

All Shook Up is a fairly new musical which is loosely based on the story of Twelfth Night using songs by Elvis Presley. The book was written by Joe Diperto. It tells the story of a guitar playing roust-about, Chad, who rides into a struggling Midwest town and changes it forever with the power of love and rock-and-roll. The story is filled with mistaken identities where “she” becomes “he” to get close to her guy. Shoeburyness High School was lucky enough to be the first amateur company to perform the musical in Essex.

The set was a stunning feat of artistic design, with American gas pumps, a Jukebox that lit up and pyrotechnics which had the audience jumping! The set was built by Peter Oddy out of the goodness of his own heart and maybe some gentle persuasion by me. The ever reliable technical crew of Alex Baldwin and Simon Hughes kept the light and sound perfect throughout. Both Alex and Simon are ex-students of Shoeburyness.

I must confess that as I embarked on

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FEBRUARY 2012

directing this production I never realised how challenging this production would be to stage due to the amount of songs in each scene. One scene included three large musical production numbers that included all chorus and main dancers! Musically the show was outstanding. In the capable hands of Claire Golding, the show band gave a rendition of the score in a professional and extremely lively manner. The music was so well played it nearly had the audience dancing out of their chairs.

However, all of the professional production values of the West End are as nothing without the performers and I’m so pleased to say that once again the school has proved itself to be overflowing with talent. A cast of 86 students worked tirelessly to win us over with some gutsy and great performances, belting out Elvis classics with remarkable energy and musicality. The acting was a joy too, moving from fine comic timing to moments of real emotive drama. There was so much talent in fact that two casts were used across the four nights, with actors swapping all of the main roles between them and no performance suffering as a

Set to Stun!: Shoeburyness High School cast

Shoeburyness High School : All Shook Up! result. For some of the leads this was to be their debut bperformance having never performed in any school productions previously.

To think that the show was put together over 12 weeks is remarkable! Rehearsals were extremely hard going and very demanding on all performers; however, the entire cast rose to the occasion. The show was absolutely outstanding and all credit should be given to both casts who were wonderful and extremely professional throughout all rehearsals and shows! The entire cast, crew, band and production team all worked incredibly well together and should all be extremely proud of what they achieved in such a short space of time. Here’s looking forward to Shoeburyness High School’s production in 2012!

Sarah Oddy SPH Theatre Arts

Shoeburyness High School FEBRUARY 2012

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CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS Belfairs Mixed Bowling 475766 Burges Estate Residents Association (BERA) 588662 Carers Forum 393933 Charles Dicken’s Fellowship 588069 Cockleshell Clog Morris 479622 Essex Handicrafts Association 479622 Essex Society for Family History 522992 Lower Thames Rowing Club 482205 Prittlewell Bowls Club 612476 Southchurch Park Croquet Club 303957 Southend Blind Welfare Association 342131 Southend Cardiac Support Group 309042 / 293469 Southend Photographic Society 332491 Southend Rugby Club 546682 The English Speaking Union 588069 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 Scout Groups Southend, Thorpe Bay & Shoeburyness 587647 Actorcrats (Amateur Dramatics) 306506 Thorpe Bay Art Group 294321 St Augustine's Church 587597

James Duddridge (Con)

01702 616135

ANIMAL WELFARE Downes & Prtnrs, Veterinary Surgeon RSPCA Rochford

584511 548261

POLICE SERVICES 24 hour Emergency Number 01702 430696 293748 Shoebury Police Station (Mon-Fri 9-6pm) Southend Police Station (24 hours a day) 0300 3334444 Thorpe Ward Neighbourhood Specialist Officer Warren Lamb 07976 325346 Marine Police 01268 775533 Thames Coastguard 01255 675518 PUBLIC SERVICES Central Library Southend High Street Post office Bournes Green Post Office Traveline Arriva Southend First National Express Odeon Cinema

215011 391063 582241 0871 200 2233 08701 201088 01268 525251 08705 80 80 80 0871 2244007

Margaret Thatcher (b.1925)

COUNCIL & SERVICES Southend Council Civic Centre Council Tax & Benefits Environment and domestic Council Waste Department Jobcentre Southend

215000 215001 215005 215006 575700

powerful is like being a lady. If you

HOSPITALS & HEALTH BMI Southend Private Hospital Primary Care Trust Southend General Hospital Spire Wellesley Hospital NHS Direct

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Thorpe Bay

ORACLE Index to advertisers ACCOUNTANTS

Beelams 41 ADVERTISING Oracle Publications UK LTD 49 AERIALS 1st South East Essex Aerials 60 AIRPORT TRANSFER Air & Back 60 ANTIQUE CLOCKS It's About Time 12 ARCHITECTS KG Architects 44 AUCTIONEERS Chalkwell Auctions 34/35 BABYSITTING Kare4Kids 12 BATHROOMS Prestige Complete Bathrooms 45 BI-FOLDING DOORS Essex Bi-fold Door Co 47 BLINDS & SHUTTERS Creative Shutters 49 BLOCK PAVING Brooks Paving 62 BUILDERS AJ Property Services 57 Broomfield Building 63 CHC Property 11 Cortes 56 DJ Contractors 49 Piper Construction 33 CAR DEALERSHIP VW Van Centre 24 CAR VALETING Protouch 52 CAR WINDSCREEN REPAIR Chips Away 33 CARAVANS Castle Caravans 61 CARE CENTRE Cedar's Care Centre 15 CARER Karen Earp 54 CARPENTRY John Sorrell 56 CARPETS Andrew Adams Contemporary Carpets 17 Gainsborough Carpets 25 Trade Carpets 5 CARPET CLEANING Gates Services 42 CHARITY Cats Protection League 28 Samaritans 9/10 CHIROPODIST Arthur Partington 63 COMPUTER SERVICES Computopia 60 Flashbyte 67 Mini-PCs 40 CONSERVATORIES BJ Davies 23 COSMETIC SURGERY Spire Wellesley Hospital 2 CYCLES Bikebase 43

01702 277684 Marketing Solutions for the BEST local businesses

DECORATOR MK Decorating PM Professional DENTAL Parmar Dental DOMESTIC CLEANING Born2Dust Maid in Essex EDUCATION Alleyn Court Prep. School Eureka Tutoring Kip Mcgrath Shoebury High School St Hildas School St Michaels School Thorpe Hall School ELECTRICAL SERVICES Dan Waller FENCING BVS Fencing FINANCIAL SERVICES Anderson Financial FIREPLACES GAT Fireplaces FOSTERING Southend Fostering FUNERAL SERVICES AR Adams Funeral Services FURNITURE RESTORERS TS Baskett GARAGES RS Automotives Service Garage Vanguard Auto's GARAGE DOORS Murray Garage Doors GARDEN SERVICES Root2Shoot GLASS MERCHANT Colin's Glass The Glass Studio HAIR & BEAUTY Grateful Heads Headhunters HANDYMAN Piper Construction HEALTH & BEAUTY Hello Gorgeous Phoenix Health & Fitness Thorpe Bay Clinic INDOOR KARTING Rayleigh Indoor Karting INTERIOR DESIGNERS Morris Interiors JEWELLERS AV & BV Andrews KITCHENS Kitchenbase MARBLE WORKTOPS Abbey Marble MUSEUMS Southend Museums MUSIC STORE Allegro OPTICAL CC Optical

49 61

ORACLE View the latest issues ONLINE

53 42 57 1 6 38 58/59 8 26 20/21

Thorpe Bay

February 2012

ORACLE

Leigh-on-Sea

Thorpe Bay at a glance

Leigh at a glance

Est. Sept 2005. Circulation 4,500

Est. Oct 2006. Circulation 5,500

WIN! Oracle Competition

WIN! Competition

Sweet Cheeks Trees worth £25!

February 2012

ORACLE Sweet Cheeks Trees worth £25!

Local Issues

Local Issues

Recipe

Recipe

Here to Listen

Here to Listen

Seville Orange Marmalade

Seville Orange Marmalade

Health & Beauty

Health & Beauty Awesome Organic!

Awesome Organic!

Planning

Planning

Understanding Architecture : Design

Understanding Architecture : Design

PREPARATORY SCHOOL FOR BOYS AND GIRLS FROM 2 TO 11 AN IAPS & ISA AFFILIATED SCHOOL Come and see for yourselves why Alleyn Court continues to thrive after 108 years, at one of our Open Days

Thorpe Bay - Friday 10th February 9:30-11:30am

Westcliff - Fri 24th Feb both 9:30-11:30am

WAKERING ROAD | THORPE BAY | SS3 0PW ¥ 3 IMPERIAL AVENUE | WESTCLIFF | SS0 8NE

62 54 22

WWW.ALLEYN-COURT.CO.UK

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01702 393838

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OSTEOPATH Aimee Cox OVEN CLEANING Ovenclean PAINT & PAPER Gardner's Paint & Paper PHYSIOTHERAPY Susan White WDC Physiotherapy PLUMBING & HEATING Brian Lacey Hammond & Sons Matt Rowley PRIVATE HOSPITAL Spire Wellesley Hospital PUBLIC HOUSE The Angel Inn ROOFING SERVICES Action Roofing & Building Estuary Roofing SKIP HIRE Leigh Skip Hire SOFTWARE TRAINING Epiphany Training STAIR LIFTS Stay Home Stair Lifts THERAPY Bowens Therapy UPHOLSTERY Peter Weddell VILLA RENTAL Selwo Hills Villa WEBSITE DESIGN Oracle Website Solutions WINDOW CLEANING BC Windows

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ORACLE - the smart, little glossy mags for Southend

Reach over 20,000 readership in Leigh & Thorpe Bay hungry for your business Call for a Media Pack or visit www.oraclepublications.co.uk To advertise in ORACLE call 01702 393838 All rights reserved. No part of Oracle Publications UK Ltd. may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means either wholly or in part without prior permission of the publisher. Oracle Publications UK Ltd. is editorially autonomous and the opinions expressed are not those of the publisher unless expressly stated.

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open evenings and mini consultations If you are considering private healthcare, why not join one of our free, no obligation public information evenings or one-to-one mini consultations with some of our expert consultant surgeons.

Free mini consultations: Cosmetic surgery (by appointment) Cosmetic surgery (by appointment)

Saturday 18 February Saturday 25 February

Free open evenings: Knee surgery Treatment options for hernias

Tuesday 21 February 7pm Wednesday 7 March 7pm

Places are very limited so please ensure you book early. Light refreshments will be provided. To book your free place(s) call

01702 447 926 or email info@spirewellesley.com www.spirewellesley.com

Eastern Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 4XH