2005 Oracle magazine (first edition)

Thorpe Bay LAUNCH ISSUE

ORACLE

Thorpe Bay at a glance

room 24 - bringing cafe culture to the seafront 24 eastern esplanade

01702 60 24 24

www.room-24.com

publisher’s letter

Welcome to

A

ORACLE

t last a magazine Thorpe Bay can call its own! ORACLE will be delivered free every month to 3000 households jam-

packed with products and services provided by local businesses and is intended to become an invaluable point of reference for each home in Thorpe Bay. ‘ events can Thorpe Bay ORACLE will also be coverb local issues by those ‘in the know’, a free events ing

page which organisations in the area can use for publicity, regular restaurant reviews, monthly recipes by our renowned cook Judy Barden, special offers, discounts and much more.

ORACLE is completely independent so please mention the title should you use one of the advertisers featured.

Finally, I ‘d like to thank all ORACLE’s clients for their support of this new venture - and very special ‘Thanks’ to my family and friends for all their help and encouragement. Enjoy!

Emma Wynne-Morgan Thorpe Bay ORACLE

01702 528440 To advertise in the Thorpe Bay Oracle call 01702 586431

3

ORACLE contents september

In Case of Emergency Invaluable for anyone with a mobile Local Issues GreenKeeper Campaign Judy Barden Recipe Page Blackberry & Plum Streusel Tart Restaurant Review Room 24 Antique of the Month Early English Delftware Sudoku Whats On! Local events

Small Ads. 6 10/11 16

44

Hospice Week Little Havens Useful Numbers

48

Advertiser Index

50

Advertorials 26/27 Bodykind (Health and beauty) Kumon (Education) 34/35 D’Lucca (Fashion) 37 SureSlim (Health) Andrews Taxis 40 WOO (Hair, beauty and coffee)

Let Merenda & Co. get you the best insurance premium rates around Established over 36 years

l l l l

The local firm with the real people Local office in Shoeburyness Friendly Personal Service tailored to your needs Instalment plans available

Cars - Motor - Bikes - Household - Marine Commercial Vehicles

01702 292606

Merenda & Co.

34 Ness Road, Shoeburyness, Essex SSX 0YZ www.merenda.co.uk 4

46/47

Please mention the Thorpe Bay Oracle when responding to adverts

8/9 14/15 20/21 30/31 38/39 42/43

To advertise in the Thorpe Bay Oracle call 01702 586431

5

Help out in a crisis. Put it on ICE !

A Cambridge-based paramedic has launched a national campaign to encourage people to store emergency contact details in their mobile phone together with Vodaphone The idea came about following a nasty accident where paramedics wished to contact the next of kin of an extremely shocked patient. Looking through his phone they came across an entry for “Mum�. It transpired later that this person would not have wanted his mother contacted in such circumstances. Developing this thought, he concluded it be good if everyone had an entry on their mobile labeled In Case of Emergency - ICE for short. This entry would be the desired emergency contact of the person being dealt with.

In Case of Emergency It is immediately and poignantly evident how useful this would have been in the recent terrorist attacks in London where many images of distressed relatives could be seen in the days following, trying to identify the whereabouts of their loved ones. If you agree that this is an excellent and simple scheme in helping the emergency services to extend their remit of care quickly and efficiently, then please join us in giving it your support.

Spread the word and encourage your friends and family to use ICE !

6

Please mention the Thorpe Bay Oracle when responding to adverts

To advertise in the Thorpe Bay Oracle call 01702 586431

7

Body Kind Open Day 17th September 10 - 5

8

Please mention the Thorpe Bay Oracle when responding to adverts

To advertise in the Thorpe Bay Oracle call 01702 586431

9

O

local issues Each month Oracle will cover an important issue that affects all Thorpe Bay and how, as a community, we can make better decisions

to the Council urging them to refuse this application. Objections may be submitted up to the date of the Development Control Committee hearing and those who have not done so and are against this development should now write to the Development Control section of Southend Council. Both Sir Teddy Taylor and our new MP James Duddridge are against this proposal which is contrary to the agreed plans and policies for Southend.

Make your objections felt The present position is that the Council’s Planning Department are preparing a report and recommendation for the Development Control Committee which may either make a decision itself or refer the application to the full Council. If the decision is to allow the application, the approval of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will have to be obtained; if it is refused, as being contrary to the existing policies, then the decision is likely to be appealed.

M

ost readers will know that in March this year Thorpe Bay Estate Co. Ltd. lodged an application with the Southend Council for over 600 dwellings and supporting buildings to be built on Thorpe Hall Golf Course.

Greenkeeper submitted a 54 page objection to this application on the 18th April and followed this on 18th May with their comments and criticism of the Environmental Statement prepared by consultants for the developers.

Both Greenkeeper documents and the background to this proposed development can be read at www.greenkeeper.org.uk .

10

The next meeting of the Development Control Committee is at 2pm, 17 Aug but the report may not be completed by then and the decision may be postponed to the subsequent meeting on 14 Sept. The hearing date will be included in the Greenkeeper website as soon as it is known. The public may attend these committee meetings which are held in the Civic Thorpe Hall Golf Club 1909 by Adrian Wynne-Morgan

This is a big and controversial development and so far around 5000 residents both within and outside Thorpe Bay have objected and written Please mention the Thorpe Bay Ora cle when responding to adverts

Centre and Greenkeeper urges you all to do so to demonstrate the strength of feeling locally.

Vigorous and strong vocal action is required At the meeting just one member of the public will be allowed to speak for a maximum of just 3 mins; Mike Knowles, Greenkeeper Co-Chairman is prepared to represent us. Councillors may also speak and Greenkeeper urges all those who have to declare an interest and thus may not vote, to speak against this application.

The Greenkeeper website mentions that the planning law is in a state of flux and that the Essex and Southend Structure Plan and the Southend Local Plan are to be replaced. Work is now well advanced and two draft documents have just been released for public consultation.

The more important of these is the “Core Strategy Development Plan Document” and it is vital that

this includes strong protection of our few remaining open green-areas. The draft can be seen in the local libraries, at the Shoebury Housing Office, (opp. Thorpedene schools), at the Council Office and on the Council’s website, (www.southend.gov.uk then click on “planning”). Unfortunately the “on screen” draft and questionnaire are not user friendly. If possible please read this Core Strategy draft and let the Planning Department have a note of any weaknesses and suggested improvements by the 7th September. You can do this on line if you wish.

Peter Blomfield Co-Chairman, Greenkeeper

O

Jeweller & Watchmaker Sales & Service “A small shop with a big reputation for quality and service.”

All major credit cards accepted

f f f

Jewellery and Clock Repair Specialists

Our many services include:-

A full range of Watch Cells for all makes in stock A large selection of Jewellery, Watches, Silver-plate etc... at competitive prices

f f f f f

f Hand-made Jewellery - Quality Rings Precious Stones supplied to order

Jewellery Repairs and Remodelling Antique & Modern Clock and Watch repairs Engraving Bead Restringing Insurance Valuations

The National Association of Goldsmiths

FREE JEWELLERY INSPECTION SERVICE RING CLAW, BRACELET CLASPS Etc. CHECKED A Family Business Est.19 50

A.V. & B.V. ANDREWS Ltd 89 West Road, Shoeburyness, Essex. SS3 9DT (Customer car park at rear)

Tel: 01702 292472

Buy on-line at www.andrewsltd.co.uk To advertise in the Thorpe Bay Oracle call 01702 586431

11

12

Please mention the Thorpe Bay Oracle when responding to adverts

T

IM KNIGHT

A r c h i t e c t s

R.I.B.A . A.R.B

113

pall mall Leigh.on.sea Essex ss9 1rf

t. 0 1 7 0 2 7 1 5 5 1 7 f. 0 1 7 0 2 4 8 0 4 9 2 info@timknightarchitects.com

Planning . Design . Interiors . Feasibility . Commercial Development . Space planning .

To advertise in the Thorpe Bay Oracle call 01702 586431

13

KUMON EDUCATIONAL UK: HELPING CHILDREN TO SUCCEED AT SCHOOL

A popular study centre in Southend-onSea is offering local children in the Thorpe Bay and Southchurch areas the chance to improve their maths and English abilities.

The Thorpe Bay Kumon centre offers children the chance to get to grips with the fundamental skills vital for academic progress.

Reducing children’s anxieties Of course every parent wants their child to enjoy school, be successful and go on to lead a happy life. Today however, there are more pressures than ever on children to succeed, leading to more complaints of stress, particularly due to impending exams. So, many parents are starting to look for ways to reduce their children’s anxieties; and this is often particularly important for those going into secondary school.

14

Identifying subjects that are causing difficulty and asking a teacher for help can reduce anxiety to an extent, but time and constraints at school mean that many children are still struggling to grasp the fundamental basics in key subjects (the three R’s). This results in children lacking confidence and becoming worried and anxious when it comes to tests and exams.

Subsequently, parents are looking beyond school for additional, supplementary educational support.

Building foundations in core subjects Kumon Educational, an after-school supplementary study provider has centres across the country including Thorpe Bay. The organisation takes the view that firm foundations must be built in the core subjects of maths and English. Kumon believes that, unlike traditional tutoring, children need to be given confidence and long-term learning skills if they are to achieve their dreams.

The organisation, originally started by a concerned parent and maths teacher in Japan in the 1950s, offers maths and English programmes, with a learning method designed to give each child transferable study skills. Kumon puts the emphasis on a traditional grounding in the three R’s, highlighting the importance of becoming an independent learner. The result is that children are given the assurance and self-reliance to succeed at work

Please mention the Thorpe Bay Oracle when responding to adverts

Independent learning So how exactly does Kumon work at the Thorpe Bay study centre? Kumon is an afterschool worksheet based study programme.

Children in the local area complete a short piece of work each day and visit the centre once or twice a week. The pace and progression of study is in the hands of each individual child, which makes Kumon suitable for children of all ages and abilities.

Only when they have demonstrated to their local Instructor that they have mastered a topic can they move on to the next level. ed when the opportunity arose she would apply to run a centre herself. At the start So where is the centre based and who is she had about 50 students but now this has the Instructor? The class runs from the risen to 180, with children attending from Christchurch centre on Colbert Avenue in 18 schools across the area.

Southend-on-Sea after school on Monday Talking about the benefits of Kumon, and Friday. The centre’s Instructor, Alison Wallace, a parent of four children herself, Alison explains: “In previous years parents took over the centre in 2002. Alison was may have seen looking for extra help as introduced to the Kumon programme by being too pushy. But now many parents one her children's class teachers. Alison realise that they can give their children some decided to try Kumon for her son and it extra support with their exams. In order to helped his numeracy skills improve dramati- gain the maximum benefit of the Kumon cally! She was so impressed that she decid- programme students are advised to study for as long as possible. Kumon can help relieve the pressures on children of tests and examinations at all ages and for all abilities including SATS, GCSEs and also 11+. The key is to start the programme early.”

For further information about how Kumon may be able to help your child contact the Thorpe Bay Kumon study centre today on 01702 216511

To advertise in the Thorpe Bay Oracle call 01702 586431

15

O

recipe of the month Plum and Blackberry Streusel Tart

In the Kitchen with Judy Barden

B

lackberry-picking !? It’s amazing how many people have forgotten this latesummer activity and it is truly one of nature’s free gifts ! Children love it. So arm yourself with some secateurs, put on your boots and head off for the nearest tangle of brambles.

Your containers will be full in no time.

While the blackberries are ripening in the late-summer sun, the plums are dropping from the trees so I’ve combined them in this crumble tart. Go on, give it a try. If you don’t want to make the pastry just buy the ready made dessert pastry from a supermarket.

Now you have no excuse !

Ingredients 375g sweet short-crust pastry 250g/9oz blackberries 300g/10oz plums, halved or quartered if large and stoned 85g/3oz golden caster sugar 1 tblsp fine semolina, polenta or dry breadcrumb Streusel Topping 200g/8oz plain flour 1tsp ground cinnamon

Method 1. Roll the pastry out on a well-floured surface and line a 23cm/9inch fluted metal tart-tin with a removable base and chill for 20 mins. A good range of bakeware is available at Havens.

2. Pre-heat oven 200c/gas 6/ fan 180c.

Carefully cover the pastry with either greaseproof-paper or foil and weight it down with either ceramic or dried beans.

Bake on the middle shelf for 12 mins then remove the beans, paper or foil and return to oven to bake for a further 8 mins or until the pastry is crisp and dry-looking but barely coloured.

3. Make the filling: Toss the blackberries with the plums and sugar. Sprinkle the semolina, polenta or breadcrumbs over the bottom of the pastry case (this is to help soak up the juices released from the fruit and to stop the pastry getting too soggy). Pile in the fruit and even out with a spoon.

4. Make the topping: Mix the flour with the cinnamon and sugar. Melt the butter and pour over the flour mixture while hot.

Using a knife, cut the mixture repeatedly into a mass of lumpy crumbs. Scatter evenly and thickly over the fruit until it is completely covered. Bake,still at the same temperature for 25-30 mins until golden brown. Serve hot, warm or at room temperature with custard or cream.

Next Month’s Recipe : Herb-stuffed chicken wrapped in pancetta

85g/3oz golden caster sugar

16

85g/3oz butter

sponsored by Please mention the Thorpe Bay Oracle when responding to adverts

bespoke interiors

All aspects of interior design. Specialists in Soft furnishings.

Bespoke curtains, blinds & furniture. Paint, lighting & carpets etc. Comprehensive designer fabric & wallpaper library.

“There’s more to interior design than putting carpet on the floor and paint on the walls...........”

677 Southchurch Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 2PW

01702 617888

Call 01702 584960 Mob:07941 619754

To advertise in the Thorpe Bay Oracle call 01702 586431

17

d

d f d e Ice Cool Refrigeration & Air Conditioning

f f

d

Domestic & Commercial Sales, Service and Repairs d d d d d d d

35 years experience Best Prices All makes Frost Free/American Chiller/Display Cabinets Beer Cellars Ice Cream Machines

d

01702 291 876 Mobile: 07802 746224 26 Cranley Gardens, Shoeburyness SS3 9 email: icecool_refrig@hotmail.com

w w w. i c e c o o l r e f r i g e r a t i o n . co . u k 18

Please mention the Thorpe Bay Oracle when responding to adverts

To advertise in the Thorpe Bay Oracle call 01702 586431

19

New Designer boutique brings eleganza to Southchurch Plaza by

ORACLE

D’LUCCA owner and fashionista Fay Brannan

W

hen D’Lucca flung wide its doors to a breathless public in mid-July, it was the realisation of a lifetime’s ambition for Fay Brannan, owner, stylista and visionary of this genuinely bijoux boutique. Designing and making clothes since she could wield a needle, Fay’s natural-born talent for fashion expanded into supplying boutiques with her hugely popular clothes and accessories. But Fay always wanted a boutique of her own creation.

More zing than bling D’Lucca is literally dazzling - more zing than bling. Although the atmosphereis unhurried, relaxed and genuinely welcoming, the interior is a riot of baroque

20

Please mention the Thorpe Bay Oracle when responding to adverts

fantasy, reminiscent of a fin-de-siècle boudoir. Sumptuous velvet furnishings, deliciously OTT, gilded French furniture and a crystal chandelier of gigantic proportions show that D’LUCCA has its tongue firmly in its very stylish cheek.

Fashion to live in and to die for D’Lucca’s quirky and eclectic collection reflects Fay’s divinely over-the-top and very feminine vision. At first glance, a pair of Italian jewel-encrusted & appliqué slippers look unutterably gorgeous but wholly impractical until Fay points out that she wears them all day in the shop! Very wearable, largely hand-made pieces, with customised, intricate details and beautiful, personal touches come from as far a-field as Brazil, India & Morocco. Vintage-style clothing and glamorous jewellery rub clasps with shoes, handbags and delicate hair accessories Designers stocked include Orca, Lini, Blank, Olga de Polga, Toobkal, Rose & Co. as well as Fay’s own creations. D’Lucca is open from 10 - 5 every day except Sunday.

Drop in before everyone else does.

O

Quirky, eclectic &divine

Fabulous fashions, glamorous accessories and sumptuous home-furnishings. Delicious.

Divine. Delectable. D’Lucca D’LUCCA

Italian leather pumps in rose, gold and silver

Open Monday-Saturday 10-5

D’LUCCA 2 The Plaza, Southchurch Road

To advertise in the Thorpe Bay Oracle call 01702 586431

21

Portraits

by Adrian Wynne-Morgan

Image: Mary Portas. Columnist, The Daily Telegraph 2005

Few gifts can be as personal, enduring, original and rewarding as a portrait on canvas in oils.

Commissions start from as little as ÂŁ500 For an estimate and a discussion of your particular requirements please call:

07768 980 380 or 01702 589566 wynne_morgan@hotmail.com

To advertise in the Thorpe Bay Oracle call 01702 586431

9 23

St. ANN’S

Building Supplies Established 1895

For all your Building Requirements l Bathroom Suites

l Bottled Gas

l Kitchen Sinks

l Plumbing & Heating

l Glass

l Paint & Decorating

l Mirrors

l Sand & cement

l Wall & Floor Tiles

l Natural Stone Slabs

Branches at: Bentalls Close, Sutton Road, Southend-on-Sea Tel: 01702 463363 1259 London Road, Leigh-on-Sea Tel: 01702 475403 Opening Hours Monday to friday 8:00am to 5:00pm Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm To advertise in the Thorpe Bay Oracle call 01702 586431

25

room 24

ORACLE restaurant review

I

nspired by the new bars and eateries springing up in the City and fired by the dream of bringing cafe culture to Southend, Ellie Rodgers abandoned a high-flying career with HSBC in the City to found Room 24 down on the Esplanade together with her husband Paul. They have created a gem of a place with a relaxed modern, european feel with its long steel, leather and exposed brickwork bar opening it’s entire frontage on to the seafront.

Award-winning chef The chef at room 24 is the ebullient and irrepressible, award-winning Chris Collins who is as serious about food as he is about enjoying preparing it. He is an habitué of both TV and radio on matters cuisine and

26

has faced down Gordon Ramsay (and won!) before now. At 17 he found himself in Paris under the tutelage of the great Master Chef, Bernard Oiseau but kitchen discipline proved so harsh that he ran away to join the Foreign Legion, it being the softer option!

Fortunately, he spends as much time this side of the swing doors as Room24’s busy kitchen allows and will talk food for hours.

Hardly surprising then that with a Billingsgate business and a kitchen almost on high-water mark, Chris excels at fish and seafood. * The menu reflects this expertise with an awesome array of superbly cooked and presented dishes. Yet he is just as capable at doing rare justice to meat, as I can witness having polished off a magnificent braised shank of lamb.

Please mention the Thorpe Bay Oracle when responding to adverts

Clockwise from left: The 70 seat smoke-free dining room.

See how the chefs do their magic through the glass.

Work up an appetite at the lively bar.

Excellent value The wine list is well-chosen and priced and ranges from a very drinkable Pinot Grigio-Chardonnay house white at £14.45 to a Puligny Montrachet 2001 at a modest £36.50.

Bar and restaurant, though linked, are distinctly different entities. The 70 seat nonsmoking dining-room is a haven for great conversation and greater food while the bar is bustling and informal The Head Barman, Phil, relishes a challenge and will happily dispense knowledge and skill in liquid form.

The menu is equally great value with 2 courses from just £15.95 and 3 for £18.95.

Sunday Roast from £7.95 and brunch from £5.50 (from full-English to Eggs Benedict

Room 24 seafront - wide-open and welcoming.

and medallion of Beef Fillet!) The complimentary coffee and OJ is a nice and welcome touch. See the full mouth-watering menu offerings online at room24.com Cool and relaxed atmosphere Room 24’s mood changes each time you visit. Cocktail nights on Wednesdays. A lively pre-clubbing crowd on a Friday with live music from Fortis, Singer & Stringer and Journeys and regular DJs. High-dining on a Saturday and a long, leisurely brunch over the papers to counter any excesses of the previous evening on a Sunday starts at a very civilised 8:45.

The staff are welcoming and attentive without being intrusive (never easy to do!) and seem as intent on you enjoying your visit as you are yourself.

This stylish, seafront oasis is as devoid of pretension as its menu. It is exactly what it is - modern, metropolitan, unfussy, good value and vibrant - and is the fresher for it.

You’ll like it. We need more places like this.

O

* Chris and Room 24 pull out all the stops on a special Fish Night. See the ad overleaf.

Owner, Ellie Rodgers and award-winning Head-Chef Chris Collins.

Room 24 Restaurant & Lounge Bar 24 Eastern Esplanade, Southend 01702 60 24 24 Open Tue - Sun

To advertise in the Thorpe Bay Oracle call 01702 586431

27

Correct your metabolism and control your weight for life!

D

o you want to lose weight and feel better? Are you fed up with your current diet and want to lose weight quickly and effectively? Do you want to start feeling healthy and energetic again? Do you want to feel like you control your weight instead of it controlling you? We are all told that people are getting larger and that obesity is becoming a major problem in the UK. SureSlim can help you.

With the SureSlim Quick Loss Eating Plan you can lose between 7–22 lbs in a month.

Not only will you lose weight with the Quick Loss Eating Plan but as you progress you will move onto the SureSlim Lifestyle

30

Programme, that, if adhered to, will help you to never regain unwanted weight, whilst allowing you to follow a healthy and normal lifestyle.

Individual Assessments Each person is assessed individually according to his or her blood test results and medical history.

Not only do we assist you in achieving quick weight loss, we also teach you how to handle those awkward and unavoidable social circumstances without undoing any of the excellent weight loss results, which you have already achieved. SureSlim

Minnie gets to grips with a size 22 Maggie Jackson before she lost weight with SureSlim

The SureSlim programme is based on medical research and CORRECTS METABOLISM and HORMONAL IMBALANCES in men and women of all ages as well as in young people.

Mini-me! A stunning, assured and confident Maggie Jackson after losing 6st. with SureSlim

is the product of extensive medical, scientific and market research that identified the over-whelming need for an effective weight loss programme. Everyone is encouraged to attend the clinic weekly to be weighed and measured. All appointments are on a one to one basis (i.e. no groups).

Glamorous, confident and much healthier Maggie Jackson used to be a size 22 but is now a proud size 12, thanks to SureSlim.

She realised that her weight had gradually crept up over the years and there was always a reason not to do anything about it until ‘tomorrow’ but ‘tomorrow’ never came. Until she saw the holiday snap from Hell. This changed her life and SureSlim helped her lose 6 st. Maggie says she feels glamorous, confident as well as much healthier!

SureSlim

©

01702 711133 email: leigh@sureslimuk.com

Leigh Medical Centre 1446-1448 London Road Leigh-on-Sea SS9 2UT

To advertise in the Thorpe Bay Oracle call 01702 586431

31

32

Please mention the Thorpe Bay Oracle when responding to adverts

O

antique of the month

by Peter Arney Consultant to Sotheby’s for 25 years

T

his month's antique for your collection is a large 'delftware' serving dish, made in Bristol around 1740.

Firstly, what is delftware? Well, it is the English name for a sort of low-fired, (actually rather poor quality!) earthenware, made for a relatively cheap market compared to porcelain, which was the wealthy man's choice in the eighteenth century. The name comes from the Dutch town of Delft, but the type was made in most European countries and originated in the Far East.

Porcelain is naturally white, but in order to give a decent surface for painting, delft ware's often rather discoloured body was covered with a thickish, opaque white glaze . Again in order to save money, the pot was not fired again once it had been dipped in glaze, but simply allowed to dry.

The surface was still a bit soft and porous when painted, so painting on delft- ware is a bit like drawing on blotting paper - you have to quite quickly and there can be no correcting of errors.

So the technique of painting is usually quite quick and sketchy - and there lies the

34

principal pleasure of delft. There is much more charm in these simple, quick and light-hearted sketches than you will find in the painting of the highly finished and lavish porcelain on the rich man's table.

Genuine small work of art Look at this typical plate of the first part of the C18th . This slight, sweet drawing in blue of a Chinese boy chasing a butterfly through a sketchy, stylised landscape is just what the delft- ware collector is looking for. Charm and elegance of drawing are what motivate the pottery collector. It's not exactly 'quality' (how could it be, when these objects were painted at a halfpenny a gross by exploited women, or children as young as six!), but to a generation taught by Matisse and Picasso to value freedom and purity of line, it is delightfully painted, and a genuine small work of art.

The more common the object the more damage matters You will notice a few chips around the edges, and that brings us to consideration of damage and restoration in buying antiques. It's difficult to give hard and fast rules for this - most dealers and collectors know what they feel, but it's not easy to explain. Firstly, if an object is common it's always possible for the collector to wait for a good one to come along. So the more common the object, the more damage matters. Secondly, some things just need to be perfect to work at all - an old oak chest with a few signs of being battered about is probably more desirable than a

Please mention the Thorpe Bay Oracle when responding to adverts

pristine one, while an elaborate inlaid mahogany tea-table which is warped and flaking is a bad sight indeed.

Light-hearted folk-art Similarly, a fine piece of highly-finished porcelain with a big chip or a crack has simply lost most of the perfection that made you want it in the first place. But a friendly, lighthearted piece of folk art like this dish is not seriously compromised by a few chips to its edges, and this would be a thoroughly recommended buy at the £400 to £600 it would cost these days.

An English Delftware Serving-Dish from Bristol c.1740

Peter Arney

Come and see the new WOMENSWEAR ranges, featuring designs from BASLER,

O

GERRY WEBER, BIANCA, GIL BRET, GANT WOMAN, APANAGE, ROSIES, HUCKE, MICHELE, OUI AND ARIA

WOMENSWEAR Our MENSWEAR department features collections from international designers including LACOSTE, MARLBORO CLASSICS, GANT AND SAND

MENSWEAR Mens FORMAL WEAR HIRE offers a wide variety of clothing for weddings, proms and all other formal occasions - from boys to a 50’’ waist and up to a 56’’ chest FREE BROCHURE ON REQUEST

FORMAL WEAR

And for the person who has everything, our GIFT department has recently been enhanced

GIFTS To advertise in the Thorpe Bay Oracle call 01702 586431

R AV E N S of Southend

For classic quality and exceptional service visit Ravens Southend’s original department store www.ravensltd.co.uk 6-7 Clifftown Road Southend on Sea Essex SS1 1AB

Tel: 01702 344051 Fax: 01702 353569

35

Andrews Taxis Editorial

36

Please mention the Thorpe Bay Oracle when responding to adverts

Andrews Taxis Celebrating 60 years 1945-2005

by John Charters

F

rom modest beginnings in a Rochford Public House, Andrews Hire Service was started by Andrew Pettigrew, a bomb-disposal officer who met and married Elsie, the publican of the Golden Lion, Rochford at the end of World War II. Haven’t you got no homes to go to?

The rides home for patrons at closing time became so frequent that a charge was introduced and a Taxi Service was born. Andy, as he was known to friends and customers, is sadly no longer with us but stayed in control until 1970 when the business passed to its present owners John and Irene Charters, long time Thorpe Bay residents.

John, born in Southend, a former Southend High pupil trained with Ford and became a globe-trotting engineer with their overseas

38

division. When he left to cover the business, he met Irene (originally from Airdrie in Scotland) who trains the company’s new drivers, whilst she managed the Golden Lion – so history does repeat itself!

24 Hour Service With new ownership came new methods and the first step was 24 hour opening and taxi-meters to standardise fares and this was before the Taxis were licensed by the local Council!

Steady progress in Taxi numbers continued until the rural area offered no more potential growth and so with a small band of Southend drivers looking for a company to belong to, the Southend branch of Andrews taxis was started 15 years ago.Today it is far larger than the Rochford arm of the company and we smile to ourselves when people say “Oh! You’re that Rochford company” – it may have been true all those years ago but not now! With well over 100 cars the majority are received by, and work in, the Southend borough.

Computerised despatch and Sat Nav Andrews Taxis were the first taxi company in this area to adopt a fully-computerised despatch system that has since developed to include the Satellite Vehicle Location that finds the nearest available vehicle. Another feature of this sophisticated system is Ringback which calls the customer’s phone when the taxi is outside its pick-up point.

Other companies have since adopted some of this technology which is really only another tool to help get the job done. But the nicest compliment that comes our way is when customers say, “We like your drivers”.

Thanks Irene.

Take the credit -you deserve it.

Please mention the Thorpe Bay Oracle when responding to adverts

ORACLE local events September Friday 2 - Sunday 3 Tall Ship ‘Mercedes’ Southend Pier Tel: 01702 215620 Sunday 4 Leigh Fishing Festival Leigh Old Town 11am to 3 pm See fishing boats and talk to the fishermen.

Learn all about their trade, free cockle-tasting and many other events demonstrating the connection of man, boat and sea.

Sunday 11 Leukaemia Research Fund Southend Branch Bikeathon About 800 people are expected to cycle a twelve mile circular route for charity that starts and ends at Waitrose and includes the seafront. The mayor will open the event. Cyclists will set off from 9am in small groups – and the event will end at around 2pm – 3pm. The route is about 12 miles long and participants can do one or two laps. ALL WELCOME to take part.

Tel: 01702 479623 Mr Nicholls, Chairman.

Every Saturday night 10 Sept - 5 Nov FREE Firework Spectaculars launched from a barge just off Jubilee Beach about 100m east of the Pier at 8pm. (7pm in Nov.) Tel: 01702 215120

40

Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 Old Leigh Regatta Old Leigh Town, 12 noon - 5 pm daily The annual weekend of fun and frivolity held in a traditional old fishing town atmosphere. The unique combination of sailing races and novelty water-events, together with the unusual sights of cockle and banana-eating contests, football on the mud, have made this an eagerly awaited event.

Tel: 01702 215141 Sunday 18 Battle of Britain Parade St Mary’s church 11.15am Tel: 01702 215141

October Sunday 2 The Freda Parry Scholarship for Singers Cliff Town Church, 2.30pm Open to the public.

A truly local scholarship, candidates must be either permanent residents within 15 miles of the centre of Southend, following (or about to follow) a course of advanced singing study at a recognised institution of higher education or have Grade 8 merit or above in singing.

Four candidates will be demonstrating their considerable ability. The winner will receive a prize of up to £1000, (one of the most valuable in the country). The Claire Singers will also take part in the event.

Sunday 2 Southend 10k Classic Road Race.

Southchurch Park, Road Race and under 15’s Fun Run. 10am start for Fun Run and 10.30am start for 10k race.

Tel 01702 715678

Please mention the Thorpe Bay Oracle when responding to adverts

STRATEGIC IFA LTD

INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISERS A Professional And Personal Service From A Local Firm FOR A FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION WITHOUT OBLIGATION, PLEASE CALL : 01702 298444 OR EMAIL: oliver@strategicifa.co.uk l l l l l l

All Aspects of Financial Planning for Individuals & Companies Planning for Retirement Investment Advice Inheritance Tax Planning Advanced Financial Planning Certificate Qualified Adviser Advice in Plain English

Independence House - 70/72 Ness Road - Shoeburyness - SS3 9DG Tel: 01702 298444 Email: mail@strategicifa.co.uk Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority The Financial Services Authority do not regulate all forms of the products and services we offer

F . A . JONES

- the very best Removals & Storage Service Experienced, fully-trained staff will ensure your move is ‘Hassle Free’. With over 90 years experience we’ll take away your worries!

4 Local and nationwide removals 4 Packing Service 4 Piano and antique specialists 4 Competitive rates 4 Secure storage 4 Full insurance when you mention 4 Full or part loads 4 Free Estimates

5%OFF ORACLE

01702 292320 & 294501 Established 1912

REMOVING & WAREHOUSING

F.A. JONES

57 WEST ROAD SHOEBURYNESS To advertise in the Thorpe Bay Oracle call 01702 586431

41

When you need a break from the hustle and bustle... come and relax at 42 Please mention the Thorpe Bay Oracle when responding to adverts

on. The concept is to relax, joy, stop rushing from one place another. Take a break from busy hedules and enjoy superior irdressing, fantastic beauty eatments, superb snacks and verages under one roof.

e have a large air conditioned on where you can sit back, atch a DVD or play space vaders whilst in the technical unge. Chill out in our fantastic m room with shag pile carpet d exotic fish in our beautiful h tank to completely de stress d try our Indian head

and scalp. WOO offers top of the range beauty products including Elemis, Crystal Clear Micro-dermabrasion and hot towel shaves for the men.

WOO has the best coffee shop in Southend, everything is cooked from fresh on the premises and we serve the best coffee. So if you haven’t been to us yet, don’t miss out! Bring this magazine with you and receive 10% discount on your first visit. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Clifftown Road, Southend, Essex SS1 1AB. Tel: 01702 337272 ail: sam@woo.uk.com Website: woo.uk.com

To advertise in the Thorpe Bay Oracle call 01702 586431

43

“Help is

at hand” Children’s Hospice Week 17th –24th September

C

“ I am absolutely delighted to be supporting ACH” Sir Steve Redgrave

hildren’s hospices are such wonderful places, and so greatly appreciated, that it seems incredible to realise that they are such a new concept. The world’s first children’s hospice, Helen House, was opened in Oxford only 23 years ago in 1982.

whole family can eat together, and rooms where parents and siblings can stay. They are positive places designed to focus on helping the life limited child to live life to the full.

Helen House was named after a little girl who became seriously ill with a brain tumour which left her unable to walk, talk or feed herself. The full-time care fell to her parents, so a family friend, Sister Frances Dominica, who was a trained nurse as well as a nun, sometimes cared for Helen at the convent to give her parents a much needed break.

Out of this experience, the idea of a children’s hospice was born.

There are now around 35 children’s hospices in the UK, with several more planned.

The hospice movement would like more.

Some families have to travel long distances to reach one, or simply manage without.

Professionally run, hospices provide expert respite, and emergency care as well as treatment to improve the symptoms and quality of a childs life.

Expert respite and emergency care

Respite care is a major part of their work. The children appreciate the range of activities Caring for ALL the family there, with specialist facilities often available Children’s hospices are welcoming, bright such as multi-sensory rooms and soft playand peaceful places for those with ‘lifethreatening or life-limiting conditions’ from all faiths, cultures and ethnic backgrounds.

It is estimated that there are around 20,000 families caring for terminally ill children in the UK. Providing the 24 hour care necessary can cause a huge strain on family life: relationships can suffer, healthy siblings can feel ’left out’ and careers be affected.

46

Children’s hospices provide care for all the family, with a large dining room where the

Hospices help put bigger smiles on everyone’s faces

Please mention the Thorpe Bay Oracle when responding to adverts

rooms. Complimentary therapies on offer Somerfield and KwikSave supermarkets can include aromatherapy, reflexology, art have recently chosen the Association of therapy, music therapy etc.

Children’s Hospices as their charity of the year, with a launch and Britains greatest For the parents, respite care provides not only ever Olympian, Sir Steve Redgrave is now a a much needed break from the provision of very vocal spokes-person for the Association.

24 hour care, but also the opportunity to spend quality time with their children. The Children’s hospices are there to support realisation that expert care is available is children and young people who are expected to die before reaching adulthood. To often an immense relief. some, hospices might therefore seem a difThe Government pays just 5% ficult place to be in. However, as Lenore Hill, of running costs head of Martin House Children’s Hospice in Children’s Hospice Week was launched in Wetherby says about working in hospices 1998 to help raise public and professional ‘Sometimes it’s heartbreaking, but it’s always awareness. Hundreds of events are held heart-warming. across the UK, including open days at many hospices. The week is also about fundraising.

Hospices receive on average only around 5% For further information, and to find out of their annual costs from the government. how you can help, please see visit the For the rest they are entirely reliant upon Association of Children’s Hospices at: charitable donations, trusts etc. Both

www.childhospice.org.uk

This is how YOU can help!

services cost £1.6 million every year, yet only 2% comes from Government funding. The rest is generated from charitable donations.

Every little helps a Little Little Havens has had more than 600 referrals - so please help since opening seven years ago. It provides respite and end-of-life care for children with If you are interested in holding a fundraising life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses in event on behalf of Little Havens Children’s a home-from home environment. These Hospice, please call 01702 220 350.

Alternatively, if you wish to purchase a Little Hospice Bond please call the number below:-

01702 33 99 77

To advertise in the Thorpe Bay Oracle call 01702 586431

47

O Clubs Thorpe Bay Bowling Club Thorpe Bay Bridge Club Thorpe Hall Golf Club Thorpe Bay Lawn Tennis Club Thorpe Bay Yacht Club

useful numbers Pharmacies

582074 616145 582205 585245 587563

Council Contacts Civic Centre 215000 Cleansing Dept. (street collection) 215435 Dog Warden 215811 Graffiti 619852 Noise Abatement 466550 Trading Standards 08454 040506 Untaxed Vehicles 298053 215381 Abandoned Vehicles Anti-Terrorist Hotline 0800 789321 Central Library 612621 Citizens Advice 610610 Crime Prevention 215171 Damaged Dog Waste Bins 215923 Dumped Rubbish 215435 Foreshore Inspectors 215620 Grass verge problems 215963 Missed Rubbish Collection 215396 Pest Control Officer 215811 Recycling Information 617766 Street Cleaning 215396 Waste Collection 215396

Bansal Pharmacy 178 The Broadway 587500 Mon to Fri 9 – 6.30 pm / Sat 9 – 1 pm Howells & Harrison The Broadway 582658 Mon to Fri 9 – 6.30 pm / Sat 9 – 5.30 pm Closed from 1 to 2 pm Wed. and Sat. Police Stations Shoebury Police Station (Opening hours Mon-Fri 9-5pm) Southend Police Station (24 hours a day)

Vetinary Surgeon Downes & Prtnrs

48

431212

Directory Enquiries BT 118 500 (15ppm from landline, 40p connection)

Air! Hell-air!!

Hospitals/Health Southend General Hospital Wellesley Hospital NHS Direct Blood Test Thorpedene Clinic

293748

435555 462944 08454647 422555 584511

Please mention the Thorpe Bay Oracle when responding to adverts

This Month’s Special

AOC 19” TFT only

Be spo ke Com puter Sy ste ms

£226.19 Inc VAT

New Builds to your Specifications Upgrades & Repairs, Home Networks We stock Quality Components@ Reasonable Prices

Wireless Network installed for less than £150 includes Wireless Router + Laptop/Desktop Adapter

www.computopiasystems.com 01702 219143 / 07767 657974 email: terry@computopiasystems.com

ASHTONS Plumbing &

Property Maintenance Service Ltd. All aspects of plumbing carried out.

Complete bathroom installations including plastering, tiling and painting

All work guaranteed FREE estimates No call out charge Friendly & Professional Service

01268 770380 07966 461702

ashtons_plumbing@yahoo.co.uk

The Thorpe Bay Clinic The following services are now available:

; Osteopathy ; Sports Massage ; Acupuncture ; Therapeutic Massage ; Homeopathy ; Thai Massage ; Chiropody ; Aromatherapy ; Counselling ; Reflexology ; Sports Injury Treatment ; Osteoporosis Screening Services

169 The Broadway, Thorpe Bay

017 0 2 5 8 2 4 8 5

To advertise in the Thorpe Bay Oracle call 01702 586431

49

Thorpe Bay

O

ORACLE Index to advertisers

ARCHITECTS Tim Knight Architects BALLOON DECOR Inflated Ideas BATHROOM Bathworld BLOCK PAVING Brooks Paving BUILDERS Bricks & Mortar D.Turner BUILDERS MERCHANTS St. Ann’s COMPUTER SERVICES Computopia Bespoke Computer Systems CHAUFFEUR LIMOUSINES Taylormade Chauffeurs DECKING Acorn Decking DEPARTMENT STORE R.Havens Ltd. Ravens Ltd. DOUBLE GLAZING Southern Glass EDUCATION St. Michael’s Preparatory School Kumon Maths & English Tuition EMERGENCY SERVICE SafeHome UK Limited ENTERTAINMENT Southend Theatres ESTATE AGENTS Hopson Property Services FASHION Alfrenes DK Collection D’Lucca FINANCIAL SERVICES Strategic IFA FISH DELIVERY Fish Direct

13 24 7

24 44 18 25 49 22 28 16 35 51 33 14/15 24 32 2 37 6 20/21 41 19

GARAGES Vanguard Auto Services GARDEN CENTRE Morley’s Garden Centre HAIRDRESSERS Woo HEALTH & BEAUTY Bodykind SlimSure Thorpe Bay Clinic HEALTH & SPORTS CLUBS David Lloyd Centre HEATING ENGINEER Shoebury Gas & Heating INSURANCE SERVICES Merenda Insurance INTERIOR DESIGN Bespoke Interiors JEWELLERY & WATCHES A.V. & B.V. Andrews Watch Collectables MOTOR ACCESSORIES Alarming Entertainment MARINE Thorpe Bay Marine PERSONAL FITNESS Phoenix Performance Studios PLUMBERS Ashton Plumbing Services PORTRAITS Adrian Wynne-Morgan PRINTERS Elite REFRIGERATION Ice Cool Refrigeration REMOVALS F.A. Jones RESTAURANTS room 24 SPORTS GOODS THALO Sports STAINED GLASS WINDOWS Simply Glass TAXI Andrews Taxis UPHOLSTERERS The Upholstery Workshop

If you would like to advertise in Thorpe Bay Oracle call 01702 586431 or email emma@thorpebayoracle.com

50

Please mention the Thorpe Bay Oracle when responding to adverts

45 36 42/43 8/9 30/31 49 3&5 44 4 17 11 41 12 18 6 49 23 52 18 41 1&29 22 17 38/39 17

O

To advertise in the Thorpe Bay Oracle call 01702 586431

51