Outlook Issue 23 Summer 2012

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SOUTHEND-ON-SEA COUNCIL OF THE YEAR

YOUR OFFICIAL COUNCIL MAGAZINE www.southend.gov.uk

ISSUE 23 Summer 2012

s c i p m Oly EA S N -O

n to i n i o j d l o Young and he Games t celebrate5-18 S1 GE 16 A P PAGE

oute r y a l e R h Torc

COMPETITION WIN year’s FREE bus travel PAGE SEVEN

Beating the drum for new music hub PAGE 22

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On your marks... Get set...

LEARN! ■ Humanities ■ Modern Languages ■ Maths and English Revision for 8 to 11 year olds ■ Performing Arts

Summer courses are great if you want to try before you buy, and are an ideal way of trying a new hobby or subject for the first time.

SUMMER COURSES 2012 START MONDAY 2nd JULY.

or collect a brochure from College Centres, libraries or all major supermarkets.

The courses are suitable for all ages and abilities and are located at the College’s Belfairs and Southchurch Centres.

With low prices, concessions for the over 62s and those in receipt of an income-based state benefit, SACC really does have something for everyone.

Courses fill up quickly. Why not enrol on-line at www.southend-adult.ac.uk

COME ON, GIVE US A GO THIS SUMMER!

SACC’s three-week Summer programme is jam packed with over 100 short courses in: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Arts and Crafts Computing Creative Writing Digital Cameras & Photography Fitness Floristry

part-time summer courses 2012 For information and enrolment call: 01702 445700 email: sacc@southend-adult.ac.uk web: www.southend-adult.ac.uk

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National accolade a great start to an exciting summer

By Council Leader Councillor NIGEL HOLDCROFT

Summer 2012 N E W S & F E AT U R E S

£3m arts centre tops the bill at the end of the pier . . . 5

A busy summer season for Southend literally took off with a very successful Air Festival.

Crowds flocked to the seafront to bask in the sunshine and enjoy the free entertainment.

This was followed by the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with over 65 street parties across the Borough as residents showed their determination to mark this special occasion with style.

We now eagerly await the arrival of the Olympic Flame.

We have a great welcoming party arranged to include a special performance by almost 2,000 of our local school children.

With the Olympics taking place a few miles away we can expect an amazing summer of sport.

In Southend we are determined to supplement this with an exciting range of family events, many of them free, to make the summer sizzle with lots of fun.

You can find more details in this edition of Outlook.

In the meantime the new cultural centre is now in place at the end of the Pier. The Southend Comedy Festival will be one of the first events to be staged in this custom built building successfully floated down the Thames by boat and craned into place.

We have also seen the reopening of the renovated Priory, including a new visitor centre, which I am sure will prove to be a major attraction in years to come.

Finally I must record my thanks and congratulations to our staff and partners following the announcement that Southend-on-Sea Borough Council is the Council of the Year in the UK for 2012. This reflects much hard work over recent years to drive up performance across all our services and is a particular boost in these challenging financial times.

So we certainly have lots to celebrate in Southend in 2012 – enjoy your summer!

This magazine can be provided in alternative formats such as Braille, audio-tape or in large print. For a copy of this magazine in another format, or to order more copies, please call 01702 215000 ext 5020 or email youroutlook@southend.gov.uk.

Cliff Lift celebrates hundredth anniversary . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Mayor to champion young people’s interests . . . . . . . . 7 Hot air show: 300,000 flock to summer scorcher . . . . 8 Hi-tech labs create medical research jobs . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Benefit system changes explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Service users back care hub pilot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Support gives youngsters the best start in life

CONTENTS

COUNCIL OF THE YEAR 2012

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Four page Olympic Special . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-18 Online app shows scale of budget challenge . . . . . . . . 19 UK’s best council in line for more awards . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Music hub in tune with learners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

DO IT ONLINE! Smartphone users – scan the QR code below with a barcode scanner app to access our website

Bank holiday waste and recycling dates . . . . . . . . . . .23 Online panel helps public have their say . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Volunteers make a huge difference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 School celebrates pupils’ “outstanding” behaviour . . . . 26 What’s On Sea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28/29 Know your councillors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30/31

Outlook is written, designed and produced by Smith Davis Press in partnership with Southend-on-Sea Borough Council. The information contained in this publication has been accepted from the contributors in good faith, and whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of going to press, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council cannot accept responsibility for any errors, misrepresentations or subsequent changes. Whilst all possible care is taken in the preparation of this publication, no responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting as a result of the material contained herein can be accepted by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, the authors or the publisher. Southend-on-Sea Borough Council does not endorse any of the products or services advertised within this publication. Printed by PCP.

Say it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

for Southend Outlook is printed on recycled paper. When you have finished with this publication please help the environment by passing it on to a friend or recycling it.

SUMMER 2012 Outlook

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Arriva buses. Here to take you there.

So much more to see besides the seaside Don’t miss out on what Southend has to offer

Adult £3.40

Whatever attractions you’re here to see, Arriva’s hassle-free Southend bus service will get you where you want to go.

There’s no need to worry about parking or petrol, and with our great value multi-journey tickets, you can hop on and off whenever and wherever you like all day long. It’s even easy to purchase a saver ticket, just buy them from your driver.

For more information and enquiries call 0844 800 4411 or visit our website.

arrivabus.co.uk/southend

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£7.00* *Valid all day for 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children travelling together.

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Photography

by Ed Spacey.

PIER PRESSURE: The steel structure is delivered by barge to the pier head.

SIMPLY PIERFECT Sophisticated operation successfully places new £3m centre in position

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OUTHEND Pier’s new cultural centre has been floated up from Tilbury and hoisted into position by crane. The 350 square metre steel structure was brought 17 miles to the pier head and took more than two hours to unload from a barge.

In a highly sophisticated operation which factored in stability and swell calculations, the building weighing 170 tonnes was lowered at high tide on to its resting place.

The £3 million cultural centre project is part of the Council’s refurbishment of the section of the pier that was destroyed by fire in 2005. The centre is scheduled to open in July and will host art exhibitions and shows including the new Southend comedy festival, the Wave Festival, from 19-21 July, and an evening jazz concert on 28 July.

Features will include a multi-purpose hall seating 185, artists’ studios, a café and outdoor terrace. It will also provide an alternative wedding venue.

To enable the crane lift to take place the London Port Authority slowed down all ships on the Thames to prevent large waves affecting the slow descent of the building. The structure was lowered at a speed of two millimetres per minute and centralised over a new pile structure.

For information on events taking place in the new venue visit www.visitsouthend.co.uk See Alien ConsPIERacy – Southenders column next page.

Pay it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

UP, UP AND AWAY: A giant crane transfers the building from the barge.

HAPPY LANDINGS: The cultural centre structure safely in place.

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s e s Southenders i r y t r f i a l n f e f i t l C cen TONE to ILES M The arrival of our new alien overlords was received in a surprisingly relaxed manner.

Online commentators see through alien conspieracy SOME people have described the arrival by barge and crane of Southend Pier’s new cultural centre as a wonder of engineering precision – but others apparently consider it to be the ingenious work of extra-terrestrials.

The operation to float the impressive steel structure up from Tilbury and then transfer it delicately from its waterborne berth on to its new home at the end of the pier quickly became the talk of the town. But one person went on to his local newspaper’s website to share his belief that a computer image of the cultural centre, with shadowy figures walking up its steps, showed that it is a “time

portal for transparent aliens.”

Another online contributor calling himself John the Resonator warmed to the theme, picking up on concerns expressed by a bird-lover about the future of the ruddy turnstones, pictured below, in the area: “Actually the aliens were seeded here years ago.

“The unassuming-looking ruddy turnstones are their current manifestation. They will incubate their eggs to be hatched under the cultural centre but not as turnstones this time.”

It all adds up to an end of the pier show that would be completely out of this world.

Webcam makes riveting viewing IT’S the ultimate in reality TV... especially for anyone interested in building.

A webcam has been installed to give internet-surfers a minute-by-minute update on progress of the £27million Forum library and learning development.

Just visit www.theforumsouthend.co.uk to see the building rise from the ground, and for other news about the exciting new facilities.

One thing’s for sure... as the steel work goes up it will be riveting viewing!

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Volunteer Co-ordinator Toni Mair at the seafront cliff lift with her husband Luke and four-year-old daughter Briar-Rose.

SOUTHEND’S iconic funicular cliff lift and its surroundings are to be promoted to more visitors under a heritage initiative in its centenary year.

Almost 100 years have passed since the cliffside lift linking the Pier area on the seafront to High Street and Royal Terrace at the top was opened to the public on August Bank Holiday 1912.

To this day the counterbalanced funicular, run by volunteers, transports 12 people at a time to and from the summit for £1 return seven days a week in the summer months.

With the arrival of the centenary year, responsibility for the lift is being transferred to Southend Museums.

“As a branch of Southend Museums it will feature as part of our offer and be widely promoted to our visitors and included in our regional distribution campaigns,”

said Claire Fox, Marketing and Events Officer.“Already local school groups are using the lift as part of our heritage seaside walks.”

In a further centenary year flourish, an interpretation sign showing the history of the lift and its ground-breaking predecessor the moving walkway, together with facts about the seafront, has been installed in the lift station.

Signage has been added and a brochure will go on sale in due course.

Volunteers are currently being recruited to assist with the running of the lift. Anyone over 18 who is interested in operating the lift for at least one four-hour session per month should contact Volunteer Co-ordinator Toni Mair at the Central Museum on 01702 215011.

Toni said:“The role is ideal for people who are interested in railways, history or simply providing customer service.”

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COMPETITION

WIN FREE Mayor Councillor Sally Carr pictured outside Porters with Shoeburyness High School Hospitality Apprenticeship Group students, left to right, Alex Dobbs, Freddy Harbour and Chloe Antonie, who are all aged 15.

Mayor to champion

YOUNG CAREERS S

ALLY Carr has spent most of her life championing the interests of young people. Since she became a councillor in 1991 the former teacher has built a reputation as one of Southend’s most knowledgeable voices on the subject of children’s matters.

Now as the Borough’s new Mayor she is keen to use her role as a platform for helping youngsters further their careers.

Councillor Carr has already invited the catering students from South Essex College to the historical Mayoral residence Porters to cook a meal for members of the college Board, on which she has served for the past 12 years.

The 68-year-old former Executive Councillor for Children and Learning also made sure that the choir of Cecil Jones College would sing at the traditional Mayor Making ceremony on 10 May, with Hospitality Apprenticeship Group students from Shoeburyness High School providing the

refreshments. These are typical gestures by the Conservative councillor for St Luke’s Ward who said: “The main thrust of my time as Mayor will be to raise the profile of the talent of the youngsters of Southend.”

Mother-of-three Councillor Carr, born and bred in Southend, taught at Alleyn Court Preparatory School for 25 years before she retired. She and her husband David, who sadly died of leukemia aged 66, also ran a bed and breakfast establishment for a short time.

Charities to be supported by the Mayor’s Charity Fund this year are the Kick Start Fund to support young people to reach their potential, the appeal to raise money for a Full Blood Count Analyser at Southend University Hospital’s Elizabeth Lowry Ward and a donation to the Motor Neurone Disease Association Southend.

Councillor Carr is supporting the plan to commission a bust of the Queen for the Civic Centre to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee.

Report it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

bus travel for a year

ARRIVA is offering Outlook readers the chance to win a year’s free unlimited bus travel throughout Southend in a fun competition.

Up for grabs is an annual travel pass, worth £400, giving anytime access, seven days a week to all Arriva services in the Borough – plus routes to Rayleigh and Basildon.

Arriva bus services are a splendid, hassle-free way to get around – you can hop on and off wherever you like all day long.

The popular Route 9 – The Wave – takes passengers right along the seafront.

For the chance to win this great prize simply answer the following question:

Which route runs along the seafront?

A 7

B 9

C 11

To enter, please send your answer – either A, B or C – on a postcard along with your name, address and day time telephone number to: Arriva Competition, Media and Communications, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea SS2 6ER or email: outlook@southend.gov.uk While you are sending your entry, please let us know your thoughts on what you like and what you would like to see more of in Outlook magazine.

The closing date for entries is Friday 27 July.

Terms and conditions apply: visit www.southend.gov.uk/outlook for more information.

SUMMER 2012 Outlook

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A Lancaster bomber from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight comes in low over the crowded beach.

Photograph courtesy of Echo Newspapers.

BLUE SKY THINKING

Sun shines as 300,000 flock to 27th annual air show

STAR OF THE SHOW... the supersonic Typhoon.

SOUTHEND was blessed with scorching hot summer weather as huge crowds flocked to the seaside for the town’s 27th annual Air Festival.

Organisers estimate that more than 300,000 people descended on the seafront on May 26th and 27th, packing the beaches, promenade and cliff sides in their efforts to get the best vantage point for the two-day aerial spectacular.

High points included the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the Blades aerobatic display team, the Breitling Wingwalkers and a fly past by an A320 Airbus operated by this year’s sponsors easyJet. But the undoubted star was the Typhoon fighter, which closed the programme on both days with an ear-splitting display of supersonic power which triggered off car alarms all over the seafront.

Leader re-elected although no party has outright majority COUNCILLOR Nigel Holdcroft remains as leader of the Council even though his Conservative Group lost overall control of the authority following May’s local elections.

Following the elections the Conservatives were left holding 25 seats, the Liberal Democrats and Independents 10 each and Labour six – with no single party holding an outright majority on the 51-seat Council.

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Under the terms of the Strong Leader Model, Councillor Holdcroft was not required to stand down if his party lost overall control of the Council. However, he resigned to let the Council’s elected representatives decide who should be their Leader. Councillor Holdcroft was re-elected as Leader by 25 votes to 16, with nine Councillors abstaining.

Councillor Holdcroft has since announced the composition of his

Cabinet, with all but one of last year’s Cabinet members retaining their portfolios for 2012/13.

Councillor Mark Flewitt, who held the Children & Learning portfolio, stood down to concentrate on other projects. His place in the Cabinet has been taken by Councillor James Courtenay.

A full list of the Cabinet and details of all ward councillors can be found on pages 30-31 of this issue of Outlook.

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MedTech project is set to

CREATE NEW JOBS T

HE Council is a founding partner in an exciting medical innovation initiative.

The Anglia Ruskin MedTech Campus project is set to bring new employment, education and development opportunities to the town while creating health and social benefits for residents.

Anglia Ruskin University, in collaboration with the Council and other local authority partners, has launched the concept in Essex which aims to boost the international competitiveness of local businesses in the health technology sector.

Under the project, a private sector-led commercial site is planned to be developed and delivered at the Airport Business Park in Southend. It will offer work space for innovators and small and medium enterprises, a UK location for foreign-based MedTech companies, or a place for UK corporates and investors wishing to relocate.

The MedTech campus will also include a Business Support Service and offer a test bed for new product ideas. The Council, in partnership with the Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust which is internationally acclaimed for its pro-active

Council Enterprise and Community Manager Emma Cooney and Consultant Urological Surgeon Tony Young inspect a hi-tech sterilisation machine at Southend University Hospital which is one of only a few centres in the UK to have this equipment.

approach to research, succeeded in its bid to partner the University, along with local authorities in Chelmsford and Harlow.

The aim of the MedTech Campus University is to bring businesses, innovators, health and care organisations, users and customers together.

Emma Cooney, the Council’s Enterprise and

Community Manager who led the bid together with Anita Thornberry, Head of Enterprise, Tourism and Regeneration, said: “The aim is to create an environment in which science and technology can thrive in the MedTech sector – creating high skilled, high paid jobs for local residents while also improving the patient experience.”

Scheme to make properties more energy-efficient construction companies take advantage of green business opportunities over a two-year period.

Partner organisations, including the Council, South Essex Homes and The Facility Architects, have won special funding from the East of England European Regional Development Fund.

Energy efficient As part of the project, the Council solar panels. and South Essex Homes will fit 45 Southend properties with carbon reducing measures set to cut carbon emissions by 40 per cent.

Proposed improvements include photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, ground source heat pumps, air source heat pumps, advanced window systems and additional insulation.

ENERGY efficiency of council houses is to be boosted by a £1.2 million project to improve their green credentials.

The ReallySmartHouse project, will stimulate low carbon economic growth and help 70 small or medium-sized building and

Apply for it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

The aim is to reduce energy bills for tenants, make properties warmer and more comfortable to live in and increase the lifespan of the buildings, so they become much more sustainable.

Energy Officers from South Essex Homes have started to identify areas for the scheme and tenants will be notified over the summer.

Corporate Director for Adult and Community Services Simon Leftley said: “This is a terrific project which brings far-reaching improvements for many people. It will help our tenants now and in the future with lower energy bills, and will make the properties more sustainable for generations to come – while offering crucial business support to small and medium-sized enterprises.”

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Patriotic music filled in air in Priory Park.

Richard Herbert of Leigh Town Council lights the Jubilee beacon at St Clement’s Church.

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OUTHEND celebrated the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in style. The High Street was festooned with patriotic red, white and blue bunting as the town honoured Her Majesty’s 60 years as monarch.

Every primary and special school pupil – around 14,000 children – was presented with a commemorative gold-coloured medal to mark the occasion.

Street parties were held across the Borough over the special bank holiday weekend and a programme of free concerts was arranged for the Priory Park bandstand, with fans of patriotic

music treated to performances by The Tilbury Brass Academy, the Southend Band, Tequila Swing and the Becontree Brass Band.

Play at the Southend Jubilee Cricket Festival was somewhat disrupted by the inclement weather, but associated charity events – including a Trevor Bailey-themed benefit event – were well attended.

Supported by the Council, Jubilee beacons were lit by the Scouts on the beach at Southchurch and by Leigh Town Council at St Clement’s Church.

Pupils from West Leigh Infant School were presented with commemorative medals by Council Leader Councillor Nigel Holdcroft. Inset, one of the medals.

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Southend High Street festooned with red, white and blue bunting.

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Benefits changes explained

Tracey Nicola, a Training and Development Officer in the Council’s Benefits Service, explains changes in the benefits system to a member of the public at a dedicated welfare open day at the Central Library.

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HANGES to the benefits system have been highlighted and explained at a special drop-in session. A dedicated welfare open day was held at Southend Central Library so people could find out how new legislation, which came into force at the start of April, works.

Leaflets are also available explaining the changes, which include amendments to the contribution-based employment and support allowance and local housing allowance rates.

They also include the introduction of a size criteria, used when working out the maximum housing benefit for people living in social sector housing, a cap on all household benefits, changes to the social fund scheme and the replacement of the Council Tax benefit with the localised Council Tax support scheme.

Residents are also being made aware of three new benefits being introduced – the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment, which come into effect in 2013, and the Modified Pension Credit, which replaces Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit for pensioners in 2014.

For more details log onto www.southend.gov.uk /benefit/changes

OLYMPIC FLAVOUR to the Village Green arts and music festival

Artist Heidi Wigmore with one of the Olympic themed art works which will be on display at the Village Green Festival. The Please Keep Off The Grass exhibit was created by artist Patrick Loan.

Patron Ray is film festival guest of honour LEGENDARY movie hard man Ray Winstone was guest of honour at this year's Southend Film Festival, of which he is patron.

Ray, who starred in classic movies like Scum and the BBC

dramatisation of Dickens’ Great Expectations, introduced the festival’s Gala Night film Hard Boiled Sweets – a gritty crime drama shot mainly in Southend

by Director David LG Hughes.

Find it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

THIS year’s Village Green, the popular free arts and music festival in Chalkwell Park, will have an Olympic flavour. A number of visual artists have been commissioned to take their lead from the Games to show support for the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

The festival on Saturday 30 June from 11am until 8pm will showcase a wide variety of musical acts, street theatre, craft displays and comedy.

New attractions will include a “cycle-in cinema”, learner dance sessions for Lindy Hop and the Waltz at a tea party and sideshow tents featuring cabaret artists. Acts include former Dr Feelgood guitarist Wilko Johnson, pictured below, and The Boy With Tape on his Face, whose show is billed as “mime with noise, stand-up with no talking and drama with no acting.”

In previous years the festival, which is organised by the Metal arts organisation in partnership with the Council and Arts Council England, has attracted an audience of around 28,000 from across the south-east region and London.

Metal was founded by Jude Kelly OBE in 2002 as an artistic laboratory providing residency space for artists from the UK and overseas in Southend and Liverpool.

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Standing left to right: PCP Co-ordinator Matthew Mint, Service Development Manager at South Essex Homes Stuart Long; Essex Police Hate Crime Officer PC Emma Makey and Southend Mencap General Manager Marc McOwens. Seated, left to right, SHIELDS Parliament Councillor David Tideswell and Council Safeguarding Manager Sarah Range.

specialised college course is helping people with learning disabilities stay safe at home, outdoors, financially and even online or when entering a relationship.

The pilot hosted by Southend Adult Community College and a joint initiative between the Southend Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Board and the Southend Learning Disability Partnership Board is called Keeping Safe. This course takes a week by week look at subjects such as money, community safety and recognising and dealing with abuse and hate crime.

Two sessions of the 14-week course are dedicated to the implications of having a partner.

There are also two other optional sessions – the first is in the College's computer room at the Ambleside Drive campus and gives people advice on staying safe when using social networking programs.

A

Course helps vulnerable people

LEARN TO LIVE SAFELY The other is based in Southend High Street and focuses on staying safe while going out and about.

Both are open to anyone enrolled on the Keeping Safe course.

The pilot course began in April and runs until mid-July.

In September, the course goes mainstream and will be open to anyone who meets the eligibility requirements and lives in Southend.

Annie Clark, the College’s Inclusive Learning Manager, said: “The course was put together through a team of partners, including the College, SHIELDS People’s Parliament, the Council, the Southend Multi Agency Antisocial Behaviour Reduction

Team, Southend Mencap and Essex Police.

“But also important to the planning process were people with learning disabilities who were well represented and played an integral role on the steering group.

“The pilot has been well attended and has proved an initial success. Now we are rolling it out with the next 14-week course starting in September and the next in January 2013.” ● For more details about this or other upcoming courses call the Adult College on 01702 445700 or log onto the website www.southend-adult.ac.uk.

Clampdown on hate crime A partnership approach is helping to clamp down on crime and abuse targeted at people with disabilities.

The Council has linked up with Southend Mencap, Essex Police, South Essex Homes and the Southend Association for Voluntary Services to better support disabled victims of hate crimes.

Across the Borough and Essex as a whole, a series of projects are better educating people with learning disabilities on how to report hate crime and making the general public more aware about this disturbing issue.

In addition, hate crime workshops are being delivered to children in a variety of schools and “Train the Trainer” courses are being delivered to the learning disabled to raise their awareness on keeping safe.

SHIELDS Councillors Southend Police Hate Crime Liaison Officer PC Arthur Cooper, Stephanie Emma Makey said: “Disability hate crime is very Ross, Robert Norton with much under reported.Working with other service user Jill Anderton organisations is definitely a positive step forward in terms of increasing awareness of the issue and playing a game to help public confidence in reporting such crime.” them understand

hate crimes.

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Hotline to help PEOPLE who have concerns that a vulnerable adult is being treated badly, taken advantage of or injured can call a dedicated 24-hour helpline.

The Ask SAL hotline has been set up to deal with abuse, or to intervene if someone needs help because of a disability, illness or age.

It is run in partnership with Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, Essex County Council and Thurrock Council.

Anyone who sees, hears or suspects a problem should call 08452 666663.

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Free nursery funding will benefit even more families L

Single mum Emma Allwood and her two-year-old son James, who attends Temple Sutton Children’s Centre.

IFE-ENHANCING opportunities are being opened up to hundreds more Southend families by the Council – now that targeted nursery funding for two-year-olds is being extended.

Around 300 children will benefit by the end of this financial year. That number doubles to 600 by 2014/15 when funded hours will increase from ten to 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year.

Single mum Emma Allwood and her two-year-old son James have already seen their lives dramatically transformed by a funded place.

The 19-year-old said: “I’d moved to Southend from Inverness and was living in temporary accommodation. I was low and a little depressed at the time, which was rubbing off on James. It was pretty tough.”

They were eligible for funding so James started attending Temple Sutton Children’s Centre, giving Emma a chance to re-build her confidence by meeting new people and doing courses.

She said: “James loves it. His speech is improving and his confidence is now very high. I’ve made new friends and start a college course in September so I can go to university. I want to be a child psychologist.”

Mum-of-three Tamary Mapfumo, aged 34, has funding for her youngest son Leroy, which has enabled her to start an access to nursing course at South East Essex College. She said: “I feel that the two year funding is a very good thing as without it I would not have been able to go to college.”

Flagging up a great night out

Celebrating Purple Flag status are Southend Seafront Traders’ Association Chairman Simon Patterson and Claire Palmer, of Chinnery’s live music venue.

Tells us – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

SOUTHEND has received a new accolade to recognise its excellence in managing the town centre at night.

The Purple Flag has been awarded to the Borough by the Association of Town Centre Management – and is one of only 30 recipients to date.

Southend’s High Street and sea front is also the first area in Essex to have its night-time economy recognised.

The new accolade is added to the Borough’s impressive haul of three blue and four green flags – guarantees of good beaches, parks and open spaces.

● For more information speak to your children’s centre or health visitor. You can also contact suephelps@southend.gov.uk or go to www.southend.gov.uk/funding.

‘‘’’

I’ve made new friends and start a college course in September so I can go to university.

I want to be a child psychologist.

EMMA ALLWOOD SUMMER 2012 Outlook

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Service users Kevin Pearce and Kathleen Compton enjoy a cuppa in the café area at the new Alexandra Street hub.

GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR LOCAL SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL Southend-on-Sea Borough Council has linked up with the Turning Tides Neighbourhood Project to offer residents Personalised Travel Planning. Over the next three years volunteers will be knocking on the doors of 24,000 homes in Southend, offering helpful tips and advice about sustainable travel.

They can offer advice on: ● BUSES ● TRAINS ● CYCLING ● WALKING ROUTES ● JOURNEY PLANNING ● FREE TASTER RAIL JOURNEYS COURTESY OF C2C Volunteers can help you find accessible routes and will even accompany you on a trial journey if you are nervous, apprehensive or just need a bit of extra support to try something which for some – particularly those who have never used sustainable transport or haven’t done so for a long time – can be daunting and intimidating.

Volunteers can also put you in touch with other services such as learning how to cycle, how to get an affordable recycled bike, cycle routes in Southend, walking groups or specific resources for elderly road users.

Look out for your Turning Tides Volunteers: Summer 2012: Victoria, Shoebury and St Luke’s Wards Autumn 2012: Westborough and Kursaal Wards For more information about Personalised Travel Planning contact the Turning Tides Team: Anthony Quinn – Turning Tides Team Manager Tel: 01702 220103 Email: ttmanager@savs-southend.co.uk PART OF THE COUNCIL'S LOCAL SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT FUND PROGRAMME FUNDED

BY THE DFT.

14 Outlook SUMMER 2012

Positive uptake for

PILOT PROJECT A

new pilot venue for people with learning disabilities has opened its doors following a comprehensive review of day support services in the Borough.

Project 49 – based at the centrally located 49, Alexandra Street – is already working with more than 130 adults since its launch in April.

The scheme is co-ordinated by the Day Opportunities Service team who already run highly-regarded programmes from the Avro/Viking Day centre in the north of the Borough five days a week.

Under the pilot, two other satellite units should be up and running by the end of the summer – at St James the Great Community Resource, in Leigh-on-Sea, and at the Southend Adult Community College in Southchurch.

The project has been set up in response to the Government’s Valuing People Now agenda, a three-year strategy which encouraged councils to personalise services and allow greater choice and control over the support people receive.

Service users have been involved in all stages of planning Project 49, from choosing the paint colour and the décor at the Alexandra Street venue to the type of support they receive.

Henry Watson, Learning Disability Day Opportunities Manager, said:

“The launch of the pilot, which runs parallel to existing services, has had significant uptake and many service users have expressed very positive views about the new environment and opportunities.

“They seem to particularly like the relaxed café atmosphere at the entrance of the hub.

“There are more than 130 adults with a learning disability experiencing part of their support services through the pilot. Many are enjoying the new inclusive local approach, including those who are supported by our Employment team, which has also moved to the venue.”

The pilot will run for an initial one-year period. Afterwards, an independent report will be presented to the Council recommending the next steps to be taken in modernising the service.

Outlook p15

7/6/12

09:20

Page 1

Torch Relay is Borough’s

moment to shine T

ENS of thousands of people are expected to line the streets of Southend on July 6 when the Olympic Torch Relay pays a visit to the seaside.

A convoy of vehicles will accompany the Torch, one of the most iconic symbols in sport, as it is driven into Southend from Rochford as part of its epic 70-day journey.

When the convoy reaches the point where Rochford Road meets the A127 the Olympic Flame will be handed to the first of 29 Torchbearers specially selected to run it through the town.

Taking centre stage in the celebrations will be 2,000 local schoolchildren and members of Southend choirs, who will sing a song called Anthem: Let Your Light Shine specially commissioned for the occasion (see story below). The Council's Executive Councillor for Culture and Tourism Derek Jarvis said: “It promises to be a fantastic spectacle and a day that everyone in Southend will remember for a long time to come.

“The Olympic Flame will make a spectacular sight as it is carried down the High

Street through cheering crowds and then down onto the seafront by the Torchbearers.

“We are currently putting the finishing touches to a huge celebration event being planned on the day and we want everyone in Southend to turn out and witness the Flame's arrival.”

Nationally, an average of 115 Torchbearers a day will carry the Olympic Flame during its 8,000 mile journey around the UK before it arrives at the Olympic Stadium on 27 July 2012 for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the official start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Lord Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) said: “The Flame symbolises the Olympic spirit and its journey around the UK will bring the excitement of the Games to our streets.

“Now people know the route the Olympic Flame will be carried along and the Torchbearers for their community they can start planning how they might celebrate and make it south Essex’s moment to shine.”

‘‘’’

We are putting the finishing touches to a huge celebration event being planned on the day and we want everyone in Southend to turn out and witness the Flame’s arrival.

Executive Councillor for Culture and Tourism DEREK JARVIS

2000-strong choir to sing in FLAME

SPECTACULAR A 2,000-strong choir made up of school pupils and adults are all set to sing their hearts out to welcome the arrival of the Olympic Torch Relay.

A special music project has brought together 34 schools from around the Borough and five community choirs to cheer on the iconic flame as the official event passes through Southend on Pupils at Friday 6 July. They will sing a Chalkwell Hall specially-commissioned piece Infants School rehearse of choral music called for the anthem event. Main Anthem: Let Your Light picture: Sebastian Lambert, Barne Shine written by the Sanders and Liliana Hughes renowned Essex-based all aged six. Right: seven composer Tolga Kashif. activities year-old Edwin It has been written to allow being Brown. for participation from a wide organised by range of ages and abilities, from the the Council. age of seven upwards.

As the Torch makes its Rehearsals have been taking lunch time stop by the place throughout the spring at the seaside, Southend people will be Borough’s schools and community encouraged to join together to centres as the huge choir warms up celebrate the town, its people, it ahead of the open-air performance. cultural achievements as well as The ambitious project, which was send a message of good luck to the commissioned by the Council, has Olympic athletes. been developed by pioneering Metal’s Managing Director community arts group Metal, and Colette Bailey said:“This has been forms part of a wider programme of our biggest and most exciting

Save time – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

OLYMPIC SPECIAL

project to date. Bringing together 2,000 singers is not without its logistical challenges but the power of the human voice singing collectively and the unique once-in-a lifetime moment when the torch comes to our town will make the event extremely memorable for both those who take part and those watching.”

Outlook p16&17

7/6/12

09:21

Page 1

TORCH RELAY ROUTE THROUGH SOUTHEND – 6 JULY 2012 START 10.52AM The Bell Pub

The Arterial – A127

Cuckoo Corner

OLYMPIC SPECIAL

OLYMPIC SPECIAL

Priory Park

Borough Boundary

St Mary’s Church

London Road – A13 West Leigh Schools

Victoria Avenue

Chalkwell Park

Western Esplanade

Southend Victoria Station Victoria Gateway High Street Pier Hill

Above: Lucy Farrell, 10, from Heycroft School with Riley Runciman, 8, from Kingsdown School.

Eden Montrose, aged nine, holding one of the passports.

Marine Parade

Pupils research a passport to sport

Three week-long celebration for

dozens of young Olympians P

RIMARY school pupils in Southend will be staging a three-week long Olympic torch relay – to create their own special local celebration of London 2012.

Nearly three hundred children between the ages of five and 11 from 49 schools will take part in the high-profile relay which will criss-cross the Borough.

The event gets underway on Monday 25 June – World Sports Day – and culminates on the evening of Friday 13 July when the final leg of the relay will see the torch carried to sports awards night at the Cliffs Pavilion in Westcliff-on-Sea. In between, teams from each school will collect the specially-made torch from a neighbouring school and run with it back to their own school – to be a centre piece of Olympic-themed celebrations.

Tim Goddard, Chairman of Southend Primary Schools Sports Association, who organised the relay, said: “Each school will have its own slant on the celebration – it could be a sports day or an educational day relating to the Olympics. We are also looking for inspirational sportsmen and

16 Outlook SUMMER 2012

women to run with the children and to visit the schools. The relay is designed to bring together the schools to share a passion for the Games and to inspire them to follow Olympic ideals.”

The first leg of the relay will be run by pupils from Eastwood Primary School at Leigh-on-Sea and the final torch bearers will be a team from Hinguar Primary School at Shoeburyness.

The torch itself is the subject of a competition open to secondary schools in Southend who have been challenged to produce a design. The winning school will be funded to make the torch. As Outlook went to press, the competition entries were still being assessed.

Meanwhile the Association has organised an Arts Legacy Project for primary schools which involves pupils coming up with ideas for Olympic-themed art including paintings, sculpture and animation.

The best five ideas will be taken forward with local professional artists being commissioned to work with the children to create the works of art which will go on permanent display in the Borough.

The Arts Legacy Project and the schools torch relay have been

jointly funded by a £6,000 grant from the London 2012 “Get Set” education programme and a contribution from the Council’s Olympic Legacy fund.

Billy Mudge and Scarlett Hulbert, both aged five, practice the “javelin” with School Games Co-ordinator Hayley Pegg.

Below right: Anna Wislocki, 9, Angus Burgess, 10 and Mira Byrne, 10 playing the paralympic sport of boccia.

Mini-Games a tasty starter PRIMARY school pupils are to compete in their own “mini-Olympics” two weeks before the start of the London Games.

Up to 600 schoolchildren will compete in activities ranging from sprinting to bean bag races during the competition at Eastwood Academy in Eastwood on July 12.

They will use the state-of-the-art Athletics Track at the Academy and they will be rewarded with certificates and stickers for excelling in challenges such as ladder races, target throws, jumps, sport stacks and a parachute station.

View it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

The organisers are aiming to celebrate and instil the values of the Olympic Games.

True to the Olympic spirit the mini-games will be opened and closed by special ceremonies.

The 40 participating primary schools are being encouraged to create a piece of artwork, a dance or a poem to celebrate the Olympic values which include friendship, excellence, respect, courage and inspiration.

YOUNGSTERS in Southend are being given the chance to record their own Olympic “personal best”.

Junior and primary schools in the borough are taking part in a Passport Challenge supported by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council in the run-up to the London Games.

Pupils are being encouraged to search on YouTube or the London 2012 website to find out about 20 Olympic sports and 12 Paralympic sports.

They are being asked by their teachers which they would like to try – and if enough interest is shown at a school, coaches organised by the Southend West and Southend East School Partnerships will visit to give them lessons.

The youngsters then show off their skills for about 15 minutes at the sports they enjoy, in the presence of a coach, teacher or adult – and receive stamps on their special Passports to show their progress.

If they do well at 10 Olympic and six Paralympic sports they receive a bronze, for 15 and nine they receive a silver and for 20 and 12 they are stamped with a Gold.

The youngsters are also asked to tick a box on the Passport to say whether they would like to play the sports again.

Where interest is shown sporting clubs will be set up at schools in September.

SUMMER 2012 Outlook

17

Outlook p16&17

7/6/12

09:21

Page 1

TORCH RELAY ROUTE THROUGH SOUTHEND – 6 JULY 2012 START 10.52AM The Bell Pub

The Arterial – A127

Cuckoo Corner

OLYMPIC SPECIAL

OLYMPIC SPECIAL

Priory Park

Borough Boundary

St Mary’s Church

London Road – A13 West Leigh Schools

Victoria Avenue

Chalkwell Park

Western Esplanade

Southend Victoria Station Victoria Gateway High Street Pier Hill

Above: Lucy Farrell, 10, from Heycroft School with Riley Runciman, 8, from Kingsdown School.

Eden Montrose, aged nine, holding one of the passports.

Marine Parade

Pupils research a passport to sport

Three week-long celebration for

dozens of young Olympians P

RIMARY school pupils in Southend will be staging a three-week long Olympic torch relay – to create their own special local celebration of London 2012.

Nearly three hundred children between the ages of five and 11 from 49 schools will take part in the high-profile relay which will criss-cross the Borough.

The event gets underway on Monday 25 June – World Sports Day – and culminates on the evening of Friday 13 July when the final leg of the relay will see the torch carried to sports awards night at the Cliffs Pavilion in Westcliff-on-Sea. In between, teams from each school will collect the specially-made torch from a neighbouring school and run with it back to their own school – to be a centre piece of Olympic-themed celebrations.

Tim Goddard, Chairman of Southend Primary Schools Sports Association, who organised the relay, said: “Each school will have its own slant on the celebration – it could be a sports day or an educational day relating to the Olympics. We are also looking for inspirational sportsmen and

16 Outlook SUMMER 2012

women to run with the children and to visit the schools. The relay is designed to bring together the schools to share a passion for the Games and to inspire them to follow Olympic ideals.”

The first leg of the relay will be run by pupils from Eastwood Primary School at Leigh-on-Sea and the final torch bearers will be a team from Hinguar Primary School at Shoeburyness.

The torch itself is the subject of a competition open to secondary schools in Southend who have been challenged to produce a design. The winning school will be funded to make the torch. As Outlook went to press, the competition entries were still being assessed.

Meanwhile the Association has organised an Arts Legacy Project for primary schools which involves pupils coming up with ideas for Olympic-themed art including paintings, sculpture and animation.

The best five ideas will be taken forward with local professional artists being commissioned to work with the children to create the works of art which will go on permanent display in the Borough.

The Arts Legacy Project and the schools torch relay have been

jointly funded by a £6,000 grant from the London 2012 “Get Set” education programme and a contribution from the Council’s Olympic Legacy fund.

Billy Mudge and Scarlett Hulbert, both aged five, practice the “javelin” with School Games Co-ordinator Hayley Pegg.

Below right: Anna Wislocki, 9, Angus Burgess, 10 and Mira Byrne, 10 playing the paralympic sport of boccia.

Mini-Games a tasty starter PRIMARY school pupils are to compete in their own “mini-Olympics” two weeks before the start of the London Games.

Up to 600 schoolchildren will compete in activities ranging from sprinting to bean bag races during the competition at Eastwood Academy in Eastwood on July 12.

They will use the state-of-the-art Athletics Track at the Academy and they will be rewarded with certificates and stickers for excelling in challenges such as ladder races, target throws, jumps, sport stacks and a parachute station.

View it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

The organisers are aiming to celebrate and instil the values of the Olympic Games.

True to the Olympic spirit the mini-games will be opened and closed by special ceremonies.

The 40 participating primary schools are being encouraged to create a piece of artwork, a dance or a poem to celebrate the Olympic values which include friendship, excellence, respect, courage and inspiration.

YOUNGSTERS in Southend are being given the chance to record their own Olympic “personal best”.

Junior and primary schools in the borough are taking part in a Passport Challenge supported by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council in the run-up to the London Games.

Pupils are being encouraged to search on YouTube or the London 2012 website to find out about 20 Olympic sports and 12 Paralympic sports.

They are being asked by their teachers which they would like to try – and if enough interest is shown at a school, coaches organised by the Southend West and Southend East School Partnerships will visit to give them lessons.

The youngsters then show off their skills for about 15 minutes at the sports they enjoy, in the presence of a coach, teacher or adult – and receive stamps on their special Passports to show their progress.

If they do well at 10 Olympic and six Paralympic sports they receive a bronze, for 15 and nine they receive a silver and for 20 and 12 they are stamped with a Gold.

The youngsters are also asked to tick a box on the Passport to say whether they would like to play the sports again.

Where interest is shown sporting clubs will be set up at schools in September.

SUMMER 2012 Outlook

17

Outlook p18

7/6/12

11:05

Page 1

OLYMPIC SPECIAL

Torchbearers line up to make history TWENTY-nine proud Torchbearers will carry the Olympic Flame through the streets of Southend.

They were chosen from thousands of nominations to represent all sections of the community and as recognition of their commitment, efforts and achievements.

Each will have the honour of wearing an iconic white and gold track suit designed by Adidas as they carry the golden Torch along a route lined with thousands of residents and visitors.

Among the Borough’s Torchbearers are: ● Laura Brookes, 33, who coaches women’s soccer and encourages other people to become involved in the sport.

Laura cycled across India to raise money for the Alex Roberts-Miller Foundation which provides sporting opportunities for disadvantaged children. ● Leah Miller, 15, is a charity champion who has raised over £4,000 to support her cousin who was involved in a serious road accident in 2009. She has worked to raise road safety awareness and has gone on to work with other charities and community initiatives. ● Tasha Reynolds, 19, has chaired Rochford District Youth Council for three years and served as a member for five years. She is a member of the Essex Youth Scrutiny Committee and has given well over 1,000 hours of her time volunteering in her local community. ● Ben Coombes, 14, of Rayleigh, has been hailed as an excellent example to his peers after raising money for the British Armed Forces’ charity since 2009. He was named the British Legion Friends of the Forces junior award in 2010 and was presented with the award by Prince Harry.

Artist Dave Taylor, who is working with schools and community groups to make the “giants” who will battle it out at the Sparks Will Fly event, with one of the glass beads the huge champions will be seeking.

Giant champions spark

‘electric’ carnival A

will be collecting three-feet-wide special commemorative glass beads representing every district and borough in Essex. Later they will stage a mock battle conjuring up the beads of wind, water and fire in a spectacular fiery showdown.

As well as embracing this year’s carnival, Sparks Will Fly – Southend will also feature a whole range of other cultural and sporting activities.

These include selected acts from the Leigh Folk Festival, who will break away from the main performance to appear at Warrior Square Gardens.

In addition, Southchurch Park will play host to Urban Games activities and a battle of the bands competition will take place, with the winner in line for a £5,000 prize and the chance to have a tack recorded.

Other attractions will include a 5km race, the Whacky Walk, Learn to Fish taster sessions on Southend Pier, the Busking Out street performance festival and an RNLI Open Day. The Council’s Corporate Director for Adult and Community Services Simon Leftley said: “This is going to be a very special day for Southend.

“With our unique seaside location we intend to make our Sparks Will Fly event one of the most spectacular in the county and an occasion that the whole of Essex can be proud of. A lot of hard work and planning is going into the events that have been organised and there will be something for everyone to do on the day.”

He added: “The 2012 Olympics are just around the corner and this is ls ya Ro e th show in Southend’s way of warming up for the els of athletes onantaj from the Council’s od m ow ill w ed ata M Life-siz arrival of the Torch Relay on July 6.” pictured with Ag Shopping Centre created the figures. ho w , am Te s rk Pa

N electric atmosphere is guaranteed when the spectacular Sparks Will Fly cultural extravaganza descends on the sea front this summer.

The free event is part of a county-wide arts celebration taking place in the run up to the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics Games.

At the centre of the event, which takes place on Saturday June 23, will be Southend’s annual Carnival Parade from Southchurch Park to City Beach. This year the parade will be led by Marina Mightier, one of two Greek-style mythical giant “champions” chosen as ambassadors for Sparks Will Fly. In addition to the usual floats and displays, Marina’s entourage will include a colourful party of 50 dancers from Shoeburyness High School and the Southend Air Cadets Marching Band.

In the run up to the event Marina and her fellow champion Boreas Zephyr

18 Outlook ■ SUMMER 2012

Outlook p19

7/6/12

09:28

Page 1

CREATING A BETTER SOUTHEND: Balancing the books will enable the Council to meet Government spending targets while continuing to make the Borough a more attractive place to live, work and visit.

Top rating for the Council’s YOS service YOUTH offending work in Southend has been rated well above the national average after Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation carried out a core case inspection.

It focussed on work undertaken with children and young people who have already committed an offence, checking four key areas. For the work carried out to make individuals less likely to reoffend, Southend Youth Offending Service scored higher than any other YOS in England and Wales to date.

A report just published also highlighted many strengths, finding staff and managers were enthusiastic and committed to delivering high quality services to children and young people throughout their sentences.

It found that Southend Youth Offending Service workers actively motivated and supported young offenders while re-inforcing positive behaviour messages in all community cases and in 90 per cent of those involving custody.

In custody cases, the report found YOS staff and other relevant agencies routinely worked together to ensure the continuity of services during transfer from custody to the community.

Online app indicates

budget priorities R

ESIDENTS can use an online budget simulator to try and “balance the Borough’s books” and help the Council meet the Government’s spending challenge.

The app, which was used for the first time last year, will be available through the Council’s website and allow users to choose different ways to draw up a budget and make required savings.

It goes live this summer and organisers believe it helps people appreciate the difficulties of planning multi-million pound finances as well as offering an insight into their priorities.

The findings, along with public consultations to be held later in the year, will help the Council compile its draft, balanced budget for 2013/14.

Engagement Advisor Suzanne Wright said: “This is the second year running we have used the online

simulator – we want people to try it again and see how they get on this time. It starts the consultation process and allows people to see the possible impact and consequences of making a 10 per cent saving.

“The main purposes of the simulator are to help people understand the complexity of the budget-setting process; how challenging it is to find savings and the trade off between services, while being able to see the possible consequences.

“It is informative too, as it indicates to the Council where people’s priorities lie and therefore forms an important part of the consultation process ahead of the proposed budget being published.”

For more details about the budget simulator see www.southend.gov.uk/ Online budgetconsultation.

Do it

Discount card scheme has many advantages DISCOUNTED and reduced rates are on offer for a range of services across Southend through the Advantage Card scheme.

For an annual fee which could be as little as £1, the card entitles the user to savings and discounts at various venues and attractions within the Borough including the Council’s four leisure centres. Discounts vary from 10 per cent to 50 per cent for selected activities at varying times.

The Advantage Card is exclusive to residents living with the Borough. For more information call 01702 215011 or go to www.southend.gov.uk/advantagecard.

Report it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

Southend Swimming and Diving Centre – one of the four leisure centres where the Advantage Card gives discounted entrance.

SUMMER 2012 Outlook

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Outlook p20

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A D V E R T I S E M E N T F E AT U R E

A D V E R T I S E M E N T F E AT U R E

Outlook p21

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Council is in the running for more

TOP ACCOLADES A

FTER being named Council of the Year 2012 at the Local Government Chronicle Awards, the authority has been shortlisted for more national accolades.

Its innovative Insurance Team was picked as a finalist in the category of Best Risk Management Approach in the Public Sector in the European-wide Strategic Risk Awards. The Council captured a place in the finals thanks to its unique new way of dealing with personal injury claimants.

In certain cases when someone makes a direct personal injury claim, a Council officer may visit them to discuss the matter in person. This direct and personal approach frequently enables the case to continue without the claimant needing to engage a solicitor.

It means that if the Council is subsequently required to pay compensation, this can be done without the additional expense of

having to pay the claimant’s third party solicitor costs, which quite often are three to four times the amount of compensation paid.

This not only leads to a better claims service but also stops the drain on the Council’s budget.

Meanwhile the Council has been shortlisted in three categories – Workforce Transformation, Shared Services and Transformation through IT – in the Municipal Journal (MJ) Achievement Awards.

In the Workforce Transformation category, the Council’s workforce strategy caught the eye of the judges.

The strategy helps to keep staff fully engaged and involved in improving working practices.

It has led to performance in every service area improving – including 33 per cent fewer sickness absences. It has also helped the Council attain the rank of 27th best employer in the country on the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index. The

Shortlisted for a top award, members of the Council’s Insurance Team, standing left to right, Insurance Officer Mandie Wayman, Insurance Assistant Julie Jackson and Senior Insurance Officer Karen Finn, and, sitting, Insurance Manager Kathy Slowther, looking at the awards website. winners of the MJ awards will be announced later this month.

The shortlist successes follow hot on the heels of the Council of the Year victory, which was announced earlier this spring.

Council Chief Executive Rob Tinlin said: “These achievements are terrific news. They demonstrate that the Council’s work to create a better Southend for the benefit of residents is being nationally recognised.

“Winning Council of the Year really is a very important accolade and shows that services in Southend compare with the very best in the country.

“These latest successes show that since winning the Council of the Year award we have not rested on our laurels. We are continuing to make great strides amidst tough competition and despite the very difficult economic challenges we face.”

Online account facility to go live in August A new online account facility is being set up for residents and businesses in Southend.

The project to set up a Citizens’ Account option on the Council website is currently underway with the end of August as the target date for “going live.”

The online feature will include details about council tax, business rates, rent accounts (for South Essex Home tenants) and housing or council tax benefits.

Customers will be able to view their personal details in a secure and authenticated manner and they will be given a single log-on code for all the facilities on offer.

Council tax customers will be able to make payments, notify the Council of changes and view their balances together with the amount of their next payment.

“The data will be all in one location and will be available at a time and a place to suit them,” said Debbie Kennett, Web Services Manager. “Having a single log-on should make it easier to remember log-on details.

Resident Peter Delahoussaye takes part in an internet taster session at the Central Library under the guidance of the Council’s Digital Citizenship Manager Susan Gough.

“The Citizen’s Account facility will be extremely secure and it should make the whole process of payment a lot easier.”

Customers wishing to register in advance for this facility can do so at www.southend.gov.uk/countmein.

Southend residents wishing to wise up on using the internet can take advantage of

Book it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

free internet taster sessions being run at the Central Library.

For information phone 01702-215011 ext 4123.

Alternatively, help is available with going online Online for Council customers when they visit the Civic Centre.

Do it

SUMMER 2012 Outlook

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Outlook p22

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COME AND MEET CYCLE SOUTHEND Cycle Southend will be taking part in events around the Borough. Come along and meet us and take part in our FREE activities!

SPARKS WILL FLY – SOUTHCHURCH PARK 23rd June 2012 Experience the fun of our North Shore timber track! Challenge yourself or friends! From 11am to 3pm.

THE VILLAGE GREEN 30th June 2012, 11am-3pm Join us for the Vintage Bike Parade, the Cycle in Cinema with the ‘White Bus’ for a variety of films and test your cycling skills on the North Shore timber track! The Vintage Bike Parade starts from Leigh Library Gardens at 11.30am for a cycle through Leigh to Chalkwell Park or, just meet us at the Leigh Road entrance to the park to join the parade through the festival. If you don’t have a vintage bike just join in wearing some vintage clothing!

THE SUMMER OF CYCLING GREAT EVENTS, ALL SUMMER LONG! Cycle Southend are offering you a great way to stay fit and have fun this summer. Have you got as saddle-shy friend?

Bring them along to one of our rides – if you let us know beforehand you can bag yourselves a reward!

EVENING RIDE TO BARGE GLADYS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL BIKE WEEK 21st June 2012 A leisurely off-road ride.

FREE Pimms for all ladies that come along! Meet at Leigh Station at 7pm.

TWEED RIDE 8th July 2012 An opportunity to get dressed up in tweed and vintage outfits for a unique bike ride along the seafront to Southchurch Park for afternoon tea. (Booking advised – £3 for the afternoon tea). Meet at Chalkwell Park (by the car park) 2pm.

CUPID’S RIDE 27th July 2012 Are you single? Do you want to make new friends? This is the ride for you! Join us for a leisurely bike ride to Barge Gladis. Meet at Leigh Station at 7pm.

PARK TO PARK FAMILY RIDES 24th July 2012 and 21st August 2012 Keep the children entertained and keep fit at the same time.

A leisurely off-road bike ride from Priory Park to Belfairs Park. Bring a packed lunch to eat before we head back to Priory Park.Meet at the bandstand at 11am.

CYCLE AND YOGA 5th August 2012 A great opportunity to come along for a bike ride and take part in a yoga taster session at Yoga Dharma. Meet at Belfairs Park (by the pitch and putt) at 10am.

PIER PRESSURE 23rd September 2011 Save the date for this fun and competitive event! Get a team together and challenge yourselves for timed trials up Pier Hill. Have fun on a silly bike or in fancy dress or attempt to beat the records set in 2011. (21.913 seconds for men and 23.250 for women). £5.00 entry fee – registration is essential.

More details will be on our website soon.

For more information check out: www.cyclesouthend.co.uk or email us at: cyclesouthend@southend.gov.uk or call us 01702 215338

www.cyclesouthend.co.uk 22 Outlook SUMMER 2012

FEEL THE BEAT: Jamie Wilding, left, aged eight, and Joshua Butler, nine – both of North Street Primary at Leigh – are joined by Jayde Nichols, aged 10, of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary to play African drums as part of a Music Hub ensemble.

More chances to

make music M

– including woodwind, brass and USIC teaching in Southend strings – will be playing three days a schools is set to be week. The hub will also encourage transformed after a successful youngsters to learn to sing and will be bid for nearly £600,000 of funding forming two new choirs. from Arts Council England.

Phil added: “The hub programme The cash will be spent over the next takes the teaching of music above and three years to create a “music hub” beyond playing instruments in which will give every pupil between schools. It will get pupils on the foot the ages of four and 18 the chance to of the musical ladder and give them learn to play a musical instrument. more opportunities to make music And the hub will also help give together and to perform.” more young people the opportunity to make music together – by forming new classical ensembles as well as jazz and rock bands.

“This is a significant expansion of music teaching in Southend schools,” said Phil Warner, who is project managing the music hub for the Council.

“Previously pupils had the chance to have musical instrument lessons for one term – now the lessons will carry on and they will be able to play with others. It allows young people to take their talent further.”

One of the music CARIBBEAN hub’s first bases will be RHYTHM: Rose the Ambleside site of Johnson, aged 11, of Southend Adult North Road Primary Community College School plays a steel drum with other pupils as where from August part of a musical four classical ensembles ensemble.

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Electrical items can

spark recycling F

ROM kettles and radios to toasters and hairdryers – these are just some of the electrical items that can now be recycled using the new Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) recycling bank at Asda on North Shoebury Road.

The Council is encouraging residents to recycle their unwanted electronic items instead of disposing of them in their black refuse sacks, when they are taken to a local landfill site.

A recent study has found that less than half the population say they recycle their electronic waste which includes mobile phones, hi-tech electronic devices and kitchen appliances.

Prittlewell Priory reopens after £1.8m stunning restoration PRITTLEWELL Priory has reopened for the first time in three years after a stunning £1.8 million internal and external restoration.

Extensive research by curators from Southend Museums Service helped conservators, master tradesmen and builders return the 12th Century priory to its former glory.

One highlight for visitors is sure to be the re-creation of a Victorian parlour, using photographs taken by former owners, the Scratton family.

Curatorial Manager Clare Hunt said:“When you sit in the specially purchased period furniture surrounded by the original architectural features, trappings and portraits of a traditional Victorian family you can understand why they loved this place so much.”

Visitors who attended the special opening day celebration were treated to first hand accounts of the restoration by the project team.

Peter Vadden, the Council’s Group

“So have a rummage in your cupboards and drawers for any small discarded, or broken items which would otherwise be disposed of, and recycle them at the WEEE recycling bank,” said Miranda Valenzuela, Waste and Recycling Officer.

“Not only will it help the environment by diverting them from landfill, but you will also be helping Southend to reach its recycling target.”

If you have an item which is too big for the bank, or the bank is full when you visit, both of the Household Waste Recycling Centres in the Borough (at Stock Road, Southend-on-Sea

and Leigh Marshes, Leigh-on-Sea) accept large and small electrical appliances for recycling.

For further information regarding recycling waste electrical and electronic items, other recycling banks in the Borough or what else can be taken to the Household Waste Recycling Centres and their opening hours, please see www.southend.gov.uk/recycling.

Prittlewell Priory includes educational interpretation of the surrounding environment.

Manager for Culture, Improvement and Development, said:“It’s been a fantastic project to work on. The priory looks amazing and will be a fantastic heritage attraction for the people of Southend for another hundred years.”

Prittlewell Priory is now open six days a week, all year round, and its history is explained through new displays, activity books and specially commissioned guides.

Bank Holiday waste and recycling collections View it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

READY TO OPEN ITS DOORS TO VISITORS Claire Fox, Marketing and Events Officer for Southend Museums at the Victorian front door of the Priory.

NORMAL COLLECTION DAY

REVISED COLLECTION DAY

Monday 27 August Tuesday 28 August Wednesday 29 August Thursday 30 August Friday 31 August

Tuesday 28 August Wednesday 29 August Thursday 30 August Friday 31 August Saturday 1 September

SUMMER 2012 Outlook

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For over two years the ReCycle Centre has encouraged more people to cycle by receiving unwanted bikes, renovating them with the help of volunteers and selling them at low cost to the local community.

All bikes are checked by two qualified mechanics before they are put out for sale; priced from £15 for children’s bikes and £40 for adult bikes. Customers are able to reserve bikes, which they can collect within a two week period. Customers can also leave their details and the style of bicycle they wish to buy and the ReCycle Centre team will notify them when an appropriate bike is available.

The ReCycle Centre is an excellent place to learn maintenance skills through volunteering. Under the guidance of trained mechanics, volunteers will learn to use maintenance tools and will soon have the required knowledge for full bike assembly. Volunteering at the centre provides an excellent source of experience for future employment as well as building social and professional connections.

The ReCycle Centre is reliant on bicycle donations from the local community. If you have an unwanted bicycle please bring it directly to the centre during our opening times. If this is not possible please take the bicycle to one of our many drop-off locations around the Borough. These locations can all be found at the Cycle Southend website www.cyclesouthend.co.uk/recycle-centre.

We want your views on walking in Southend To give us your views complete our online survey: www.surveymonkey.com/s/southendmakewalkingcount Or if you would like a hard copy please contact Collette Kemp 01702 215338 or email: collettekemp@southend.gov.uk Why not join some of the following organisations for a walk?

■ www.hikeessex.org.uk/walks ■ www.ramblers.org.uk ■ www.walkingforhealth.org.uk Or join Walk Southend for a lunchtime walk on 4th July?

Just turn up at the fountain outside the Police Station in Victoria Avenue at 12.30 and walk to Priory Park, we will return at 1.30pm, bring your picnic lunch if you like.

24 Outlook SUMMER 2012

Council Policy and Partnerships Team Apprentice Emma Crampton and Administrator Grace Taylor are promoting the Community Voices initiative.

Voice your views with online panel P

EOPLE in Southend are being encouraged to have their say as the Council builds closer ties through its Community Voices initiative.

The Community Voices framework now makes it simpler for people to choose their level of participation – whether they want to be informed, involved or active in their community.

As part of the framework, consultation and engagement activities are already taking place in the Borough so people can hear about services, plans and give opinions.

An online Citizens’ Panel is now being created to further enhance that growing relationship. The virtual community will allow up to 1,500 people to be more involved in their communities at any time and from anywhere through surveys and discussion forums.

Suzanne Wright, the Council’s

Engagement Advisor, said: “We appreciate that people have busy schedules, some have mobility issues and there is always competition for time so participation through the online panel makes democracy more accessible.”

The panel will go live via the Council website this summer but people can register their interest now by emailing haveyoursay@ southend.gov.uk. You can also find more information at www.southend. gov.uk/communityvoices.

New test centre DRIVING tests can be taken in Southend for the first time in almost four years after a new test centre opened on the Tickfield Industrial Estate.

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Lottery funding supports projects to protect wildlife GREEN projects to protect Southend’s wildlife in some of the UK’s oldest woodland have been awarded more than £850,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund.The money will benefit the Hadleigh and Daws Healthy Living Landscape and Belfairs Wodland Centre... landscapes which date back 1,000 years.

A woodland centre will provide information and education on wild plants and animals which make the sites their home, including the declining dormouse, pictured left, and rare heath fritillary butterfly, pictured right.

Residents urged to report fradulent activities

Volunteer Steve, left, with 19-year-old Dean who he has been mentoring.

‘Role model’ volunteer MAKES A DIFFERENCE M

ORE volunteers are being urged to come forward as the Integrated Youth Support Service (IYSS) in Southend continues to support children and young people through a range of initiatives designed to improve their lives.

AMIGOS, the mentoring scheme for young people at risk of offending, is looking for male role models like Steve who has been volunteering for more than five years. The 60-year-old is particularly happy at the moment because Dean, the 19-year-old he supports at least two hours a week, has just started his first full-time job.

Steve said: “He’s had a few knock backs over the last two years so I’m absolutely delighted for him. It feels like me that’s just got the job and just got started – so I’m over the moon for him. I find volunteering tremendously rewarding. We can all stand around

Find it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

moaning about young people but they do need help and support – they do need role models” Dean said: “Steve has helped me with my interview skills and CV – so that’s been very useful in helping me get a job. If I’ve got family problems I can just talk to him. He’s very helpful.”

Other schemes in need of volunteers are the Council’s two young carers groups – COOL and CHIL – which support young carers aged eight to 18 through activities and new experiences. ● For more information on a full range of volunteering opportunities with IYSS call Chris Sollis on 01702 463927. To help support young carers, email brendalewis@southend.gov.uk or call her on 07789 943430. If you are interested in volunteering for AMIGOS, contact audreyrigg@southend.gov.uk or call her on 01702 534090.

RESIDENTS are being encouraged to report fraud to the Council’s dedicated investigation team. Fraud costs every adult in the UK £765 each year and in the public sector every pound lost is a pound not spent on providing services for the local community.

The Corporate Fraud Investigation Team is successfully prosecuting benefit cheats, targeting the misuse of Blue Badges and focussing on illegal housing tenancy activity, such as key selling and subletting.

However, everyone who has a stake in the Borough – from members of the public to staff and councillors – has a key part to play in raising awareness of suspicious activity.

Jennine White, Corporate Fraud Investigations Assistant, said:“Fraud is not a victimless crime and is costing people money.

“So ignoring it is not an option. We urge members of the public to act on their suspicions and make an immediate note of their concerns and contact us as soon as possible.”

For more details or to report a suspicion call the Fraud Reporting Line on 01702 215254, email counterfraud@southend. gov.uk or use the 24 hour confidential report line on 01702 215215.

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Footway on Eastwood Boulevard before.

Footpath adjacent to Darlinghurst School before.

Footway widened and converted to shared use cycle track & footway.

Greenway post completion photos.

PRITTLEBROOK GREENWAY IMPROVEMENTS Southend-on-Sea Borough Council is progressing a 2.5 mile “Urban Greenway” project alongside the Prittlebrook watercourse. The Prittlebrook runs from the west of the Borough and then diverts north towards Rochford at Priory Park.

The route was previously a designated public footpath but conversion to cycle track was upheld through a public Enquiry brought before the Secretary of State. There was a lengthy and extensive consultation on the scheme.

Improvements The section completed during the financial year 2011/2012 was a 1.1km link between Southbourne Grove and Pavillion Drive. In addition to the path improvements, the works included improved road crossings for pedestrians and cyclists at side roads and a new ramped access to a local primary school, with new gates to the school.

Funding The 1.1km section was jointly funded by Sustrans links to school, Local Transport Plan 3 and Local Sustainable Transport Funding monies.

Engagement It is intended to have a bike ride along the route with children from Darlinghurst School as part of the opening ceremony.

www.cyclesouthend.co.uk 26 Outlook SUMMER 2012

ART CLASS: Barons Court Primary School pupil Ahlaam paints a papier mâché balloon.

Pupils behaviour is ‘outstanding’ A

They also praised the school’s primary school has passed its “innovative” curriculum that “excites latest Ofsted inspection with and motivates” pupils into learning. flying colours. Inspectors from Head teacher Gyl Wood said: “We the Government’s education were thrilled that Ofsted recognised watchdog gave Barons Court Primary the many qualities of the school School and Nursery in Westcliff a particularly in relation to the glowing report. children’s conduct and learning They awarded the school an overall behaviour. rating of “Good” and assessed the “As a school we are truly behaviour and safety of pupils as committed to creating the “Outstanding”. The inspectors also foundations and a love for lifelong described Barons Court as “a good learning. The success is due to the school where pupils from all excellent teamwork of children, backgrounds achieve well.” parents, governors and staff.”

They added: “In this well-run school, Pupils leaders’ monitoring Harper and has ensured pupils Mohd with a tray all make good of ceramic icecreams they created progress in reading as part of an art and mathematics project. and that teaching is good.

“The head teacher, leadership team and the governing body have successfully managed the move to new buildings and the transition to an all-through primary while sustaining and building on the school’s strengths.”

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Sophie White with her 18-month-old daughter Melody are benefitting from services run at Cambridge Road Children’s Centre.

Tailored support is vital help for families A

ROUND 700 families in Southend are set to benefit from a new project being backed by nearly £900,000 from the Big Lottery Fund.

Stronger Families, Future Communities will see families receiving tailored support from local voluntary sector organisations working in partnership with public services.

Led by the charity Family Action, the project involves the Council, Family Matters Institute, Estuary Housing, Youth at Risk, Barons Court Primary School and Southend Citizens Advice Bureau.

A dedicated worker will create bespoke support packages dealing with issues ranging from debt to behaviour management while encouraging families to take a more active role in their communities through volunteering, training and employment.

Family Action Chief Executive Helen Dent said: “Our new partnership is great news for

children and families in Southend-on-Sea.” Sue Cook, the Council’s Corporate Director for Children and Learning, said: “In these difficult financial times, being able to offer something new to support families is really positive and we are all excited to be part of it.

“There is a very good track record in Southend of all partners working together to help families create a better future for themselves and we are confident this project will make a difference.”

Sara Betsworth, Head of the Big Lottery Fund’s East of England region, said: “By mobilising all those who can help at a local level in a co-ordinated way, Family Action will explore new ways of improving the lives of some of the most vulnerable children in Southend-on-Sea.”

SHIP sails in to launch healthy online service ALL aboard the SHIP… as the Council introduces a new online service to help Southend people to stay healthy and independent.

For adults 18 and upwards, SHIP – Southend’s Health and Wellbeing Information Point – is a one-stop information service for anyone wanting to take part in their community.

Activities, clubs and support groups are listed along with a range of advice and information covering mental and physical wellbeing.

People who have been assessed for social care

support can also use the site to find services in line with their personal budgets.

The Council developed the directory in partnership with the local Primary Care Trust and Southend Association of Voluntary Services.

It is regularly updated and organisations with relevant services can add their details through the Add Entry feature.

To access the site go to www.southendinfopoint. org. You can also follow on Facebook at www.facebook. com/SHIPSouthend.

Report it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

Rowan Quadling with her 15-month-old son Morgan at the centre.

Accessing the SHIP website is the key to a one-stop health and well-being information service for Southend.

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What’s On Sea A GUIDE TO KEY SUMMER EVENTS IN SOUTHEND

Until 30 June SOUTHEND FESTIVAL OF MEDIA & CREATIVE ARTS Now in its 10th year the Festival celebrates all that is great, good, creative and cultural in Southend and its surrounding area. Southend Festival showcases many of the best and up and coming talents that the town has to offer in a diverse range of areas, and shows why Southend is THE cultural hub of the Thames Gateway. www.facebook.com/southendfestival

Until Sat 6 October THAMES MARINE ARCHAEOLOGY Central Museum,Victoria Avenue, 10am-5pm Tues-Fri, 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm Sat. Artefacts from the bed of the Thames tell the story of vessels lost to the treacherous waters.

Tel: 01702 215011

Various dates throughout June, July and August STORYRHYMES Libraries throughout Southend.

Stories and nursery rhymes for children under five years old and their parents. For specific dates, times and locations please call 01702 215011 or visit www.southend.gov.uk.

Wed 20 & Wed 27 June TASTER SESSIONS FOR ADULT FENCING St Saviours Church, Kings Road, 8.30pm-10pm.

Working with Southend Seaxe Fencing Club Tel: 01702 215011

Leigh on Sea.The largest free folk festival in the UK, featuring international and local musical performers, traditional and contemporary dance, children’s events, ceilidhs, workshops, street theatre, comedy, film and much, much more.

All outdoor events are free.Tel: 01702 715111.

Email: tony@priority.ms

Sat 23 June SOUTHEND CARNIVAL Southend seafront. A unique and exciting family event with a week of activity including children’s competition, dog show and carnival procession.

Email: info@southendcarnival.org.uk

Sat 23 June SPARKS WILL FLY A series of events across Southend to celebrate the cultural Olympiad, including watersports taster sessions at Southend Marine Activities Centre, fishing taster sessions at Southend Pier, 5k run Southchurch Park to the Pier, musical entertainment at City Beach, and Battle of the Bands at Chinnery’s in the evening.

Sat 23 – Sun 24 June RNLI OPEN WEEKEND RNLI Station, Southend Pier, 12pm-4pm.

Normal Pier Admission applies.Tel: 01702 467421

Sat 30 June GOING FOR GOLD

TASTER SESSIONS FOR BADMINTON

Central Museum, 10am-4pm. Make your own foam torch to wave in support of the flame and create your own medal – everyone’s a winner.

All craft £3.50.Tel: 01702 215011. www.southendmuseums.co.uk

Belfairs High School, 7.30pm-9pm, Southend Leisure & Tennis Centre, 7pm-8pm.

Working with Highlands Badminton Club.

Tel: 01702 215011

Every Saturday and Sunday from 30 June to 30 September, plus Monday 27 August

Thurs 21 & Thurs 28 June

Every Wednesday from June to September BOOT CAMP Eastwood School, Leigh on Sea, 5pm-6pm.

A fun fitness club for over 16’s.

Tel: 01702 215011

Every Monday from June to September except 9 July DISABILITY CLUB

SUMMER PERFORMANCES AT SOUTHEND BANDSTAND Southend Bandstand, Priory Park, 3pm-5pm.

Come along to Southend Bandstand during the summer and enjoy the fabulous opportunity to hear a great variety of music performed by many talented local performers, including singer Kate Denny (28 July), and Carol Braithwaite’s Jazz Crew (19 August). Admission is free. Please note that parking at Priory Park is limited.

Tel: 01702 215011 ext.5624

Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre, 6pm-8pm.

Various sports for 9 to 19 year olds.

Tel: 01702 215011

Sat 30 June

Every Tuesday in June and July

Southend Town Centre & Seafront, 10am-4pm.

See main article, right.

JUDO FOR 16 TO 19 YEAR OLDS

ARMED FORCES DAY

Focus Youth Centre, 6.30pm-7.30pm.

Tel: 01702 215011

Sat 30 June

Until 23 Sun June

Chalkwell Park, Chalkwell Avenue, 11am-8pm.

A fun and inspiring day for all ages that celebrates the creativity of Southend, as well as talent from elsewhere.Working with local and international artists the day will offer a chance to participate in a wide variety of artistic and sporting activities, an arts and crafts market place, live music, discussion, film and food. www.metalculture.com

LEIGH ART TRAIL Leigh on Sea. Join the Leigh Art Trail and wander round galleries, studios, shops, homes, restaurants and gardens in the community of Leigh-on-Sea where the work of around 50 artists/designer-makers will be on display.

Ceramics, paintings, fashion, photography, sculpture, jewellery and textiles will be amongst the exhibits.

Tel: 01702 470490, www.leigharttrail.co.uk

Thurs 21 – Sun 24 June LEIGH FOLK FESTIVAL

28 Outlook SUMMER 2012

VILLAGE GREEN

Every Friday and Sunday in July ARCHERY Southend High School for Boys, Prittlewell Chase, Sun 11am-1pm, Fri 7pm-9pm.Tel: 01702 215011

Wed 11 July SHARED SPACES OPEN DAY North Road Cemetery, North Road, Southend-on-Sea, 10:30am-5pm.

All welcome to join a unique community celebration in this historic cemetery, with fun, flowers, the chance to find out more about those laid to rest there, and to honour their memories.The event is part of a Heritage Lottery funded project run by Blade Education in partnership with Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, where children from The Westborough School and volunteers of all ages are working together to transform this space. Tel: 0208 Katriona 133 0061 or email: sharedspaces@bladeGilmore & education.org.uk

Fri 6 July OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY

Jamie Roberts perform at the Leigh Folk Festival.

Southend Town Centre & Seafront The Olympic Torch Relay will be coming to Southend-on-Sea on 6 July.To mark this exciting once-in-a-lifetime event, Southend will be staging a range of entertainment and cultural activity.

Sat 7 July SOUTHEND SUNLIGHT AND MOONLIGHT COLOURTHONS Chalkwell Park, Chalkwell Avenue. Sponsored walks with a difference – walkers of the Moonlight Colourthon will walk a half marathon (13.1 miles) at night and are encouraged to dress as brightly as their imagination will allow them!

The walk, which starts at 8pm, is only open to entrants aged 16 or over.To compliment this is the Sunlight Colourthon, which is aimed at the under 16’s or anyone who feels the half marathon is a challenge too far. The Sunlight Colourthon runs on the same day between 3pm and 5pm, with the challenge being to complete as many laps as possible of a predetermined circuit within the given time.

Tel: 07010 752750, email: info@colourthon.org, www.moonlightcolourthon.co.uk

any kind – so there’s no pressure.

Each session we will be singing a different song.

Those who want to will be trying some harmonies and the only instruments we will have are our voices. We won’t aim for perfection... only for that buzz you get from a room of voices blending brilliantly.

Tel: 01702 215011 ext.4100, email: libraryservicedevelopment@southend.gov.uk

Sun 8 July JUNIOR TRIATHLON Shoeburyness Leisure Centre.Tel: 01702 215011

Sun 15 July LONDON TO SOUTHEND BIKE RIDE, PRIORY PARK, VICTORIA AVENUE, SOUTHEND-ON-SEA Starting in Victoria Park, East London, we're soon out of town and after stops along the way for lunch and tea, we reach the finish in the pretty gardens of Priory Park, Southend where you can relax and enjoy refreshments, music and sports massage. www.bhf.co.uk

Every first Saturday and Sunday of the month, until September

Tue 17 July

ART ON THE RAILINGS

Southend Central Library,Victoria Avenue, 10am-11am and 11.30am-12.30pm.

Make your own trapeze artist to swing from your ceiling.Tel: 01702 215011

Pier Hill, Southend, 10am-4pm. Free open air art exhibition, featuring an eclectic mix of arts, crafts and photography. Artists are invited to exhibit and sell their works along the railings of Pier Hill, directly opposite the Royals shopping centre and Park Inn Palace Hotel. Free children’s art workshops will also be held on the Saturday of the event inviting the public to take part and create some of their own art pieces to take home.

Workshops are themed to tie in with other events going on around the town. www.artontherailings.co.uk

Tues 7 July – Sat 29 Sept ESSEX OPEN EXHIBITION Beecroft Art Gallery, Station Road, Southend-onSea, 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm.Tel: 01702 215011. www.southendmuseums.co.uk

Sat 7 July SATURDAY SINGALONGS Southend Central Library,Victoria Avenue, 10-2pm. Singing on your own is OK... singing in a group is better! No matter your talent, if you enjoy singing out loud, come along and join in!

We will not be working towards a performance of

FLYING TRAPEZE CRAFT MORNING

Thurs 19 – Sat 21 July WAVE COMEDY FESTIVAL Pier Cultural Centre. A series of events to open the new Pier Cultural Centre including Joker Club, Terry Alderton, sketches and improvisation workshops.

Sat 21 – Sun 22 July CIRCUS WEEKEND Southend Pier. Our tribute the fun of the Big Top returns for its third year with all your old favourites and many new acts.

Sat 21 July – Fri 1 Sept CLUED UP Free summer quiz throughout all Southend Museums including for the first time, the Cliff Lift.Tel: 01702 215011, www.southendmuseums.co.uk

Fri 27 July – Fri 3 August RUSSIAN TALLSHIP KRUZENSHTERN

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Sat 4 – Sun 5 Aug TUDOR FESTIVAL Southchurch Hall, 10am to 3pm.

Enjoy amazing tales performed by the Theatre of the Small puppeteers, listen to and explore traditional Tudor instruments. If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to fire a long bow, then come and have a go and try your luck. Lots of activities for the whole family. Entrance to the Hall is £1 and entitles visitors to a 10 per cent discount on refreshments in the exhibition room and gift shop.

Tel: 01702 215011. www.southendmuseums.co.uk

Sat 11 – Sun 12 Aug SOUTHEND PIER FESTIVAL Southend Pier. Southend Pier hosts a new Festival with a range of entertainment and activities for all the family.

Chance to honour forces heroes past and present THE annual celebration of British armed forces past, present, and future is being held in Southend later this month.

The Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 30 will feature displays from local veterans’ associations, cadet units and current Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force personnel.

There will also be performances from military and civilian groups and a parade centered on Southend seafront.

The parade will be led by the Air Cadets and will also include current personnel veterans and representatives from the Royal British Legion.

A drumhead service will be conducted outside the Victoria Shopping Centre and a gun will be fired to mark a two minutes’ silence. Stalls and marquees will line the high street and there will be a climbing wall to give people the chance to test their agility.

The day provides residents with the opportunity to honour those who have given their lives in service of their country as well as support current members of the Armed Forces.

Activities take place between 10am and 4pm. More details are available from www.visitsouthend.co.uk.

Wed 15 Aug TEDDY BEARS PICNIC Southend Pier.The Russian Tall Ship Kruzenshtern comes to Southend Pier. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the magnificent four masted barque tall ship.

Sat 28 July JAZZ ON THE PIER – NOCTURNES AND SEASCAPES Southend Pier. A special evening jazz concert featuring Digby Fairweather and leading jazz muscians in the new Pier Cultural Centre. £22 including Pier entrance and train.

Sat 28 – Sun 29 July JAZZ ON THE WALKWAY Southend Pier. Enjoy a swinging lunchtime of Jazz over the Thames Estuary on the world’s longest pleasure pier.

Sun 29 July

Southchurch Hall, 10am-3pm.

Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic! There will be teddy bear stories, craft activities, hunts and prizes. Bring your special toy and join in the fun, don’t forget the picnic which you can enjoy in the grounds of Southchurch Hall Gardens.Tel: 01702 215011. www.southendmuseums.co.uk

Fri 17 – Sun 19 Aug LEIGH FISHING FESTIVAL Old Leigh, 11am-4pm.

This popular annual event celebrates Leigh’s fishing industry and heritage. See fishing boats and talk to the local fishermen, find out how fish gets from the sea to your table. Free cockle tasting, and events demonstrating the connection of man, boat and sea. Stalls will also provide various shellfish, fresh native oysters and rock oysters.Tel: 01702 716288

GREAT PIER SWIM

Wed 22 Aug

Southend Pier.Want to experience an Open Water Challenge like no other? Then lift the roof off of the swimming pool and get back to nature in the Havens Hospices Great Pier Swim 2011.

Tel: 01702 220356, email: jcurtis@havenshospices.org.uk

MUSIC DAY

Tues 31 July

Southchurch Hall, 10am-3pm.

Get closer to music and enjoy a chance to have a go at electric guitars, keyboards, acoustic guitars as well as a cello, violin and much more.

Tel: 01702 215011. www.southendmuseums.co.uk

ARCHAEOLOGY DAY

Sat 25 Aug

Central Museum,Victoria Avenue, 10am-4pm.

Explore the depths of the Thames UCL archaeologists, crafts and much more.

Admission £3. www.southendmuseums.co.uk

ITALIAN FESTIVAL

Fri 3 – Sun 5 Aug PUPPET FESTIVAL Southend Pier. Punch and Judy, marionettes and glove puppets put on a show for kids and parents who want to re-live their childhood.

Wed 3 Aug PALACE THEATRE CENTENARY ACTIVITIES Southend Central Library, 11am-3pm.

On October 21st 2012,The Palace Theatre will be celebrating its 100th anniversary. In support of the Centenary celebrations, Southend Libraries will be hosting three family activity events in partnership with the Palace Theatre, so that people can interact with some of the amazing items from the theatre archive. Each activity is free and everyone is welcome.

Tel: 01702 215011

Southend High Street, 10am-4pm.

Visit our ever-popular Italian Market, which will be at the top of Southend High Street all day offering a fantastic variety of authentic Italian produce including cured meats, cheeses, pasta, nougat, biscuits and olive oils and vinegars.

Keep an eye out for roaming entertainment throughout the day.

Sun 26 Aug SOUTHEND PIER BARGE MATCH Southend Pier Watch the splendour of a bygone era when around 15 of the majestic Thames Sailing Barges race for various trophies.

Every Saturday in September BIG SATURDAY NIGHT OUT Adventure Island, 6pm start.

The UK’s top tribute acts, live DJ, competitions, costume characters, illuminations and half-price wristbands after 6pm – what more

Air Force cadets will lead this years’ Armed Forces Day parade.

could you ask for? Event entertainment and entrance to Adventure Island is free, however, wristbands/tickets need to be purchased for ride access. www.adventureisland.co.uk

Sun 9 Sept NATIONAL BANDSTAND MARATHON Southend Bandstand, Priory Park, Including performances by Thundersley Brass, 1pm-3pm and Bryan Williamson Big Band, 3pm-5pm. Admission is free. Please note that

parking at Priory Park is limited.

Tel: 01702 215011 ext.5624

For more details on up and coming events and ones that did not make this listing, log onto the Council’s events website at:

www.visitsouthend.co.uk.

COUNCIL DIARY ■ Cabinet: Tuesday 19 June, 2pm. ■ Council: Thursday 19 July, ■ Audit Committee: Wednesday 6.30pm.

20 June, 6.30pm.

■ Children & Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee: Monday 9 July, 6.30pm.

■ Community Services & Culture Scrutiny Committee: Tuesday 10 July, 6.30pm.

■ Economic & Environmental Scrutiny Committee: Thursday 12 July, 6.30pm.

All meetings are held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea. Details of all Council meetings are available at www.southend.gov.uk/ councilmeetings.

Youth Council meetings take place on the first Wednesday of every month in the Council Chamber at the Civic Centre, 5pm-7pm.

SUMMER 2012 Outlook

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To find out which Ward you are in please visit www.southend.gov.uk/whereilive

The Council normally has 51 Councillors elected to represent you. There are 17 wards, each with three elected members.

See the map to find out which councillors represent you.

Your Councillors BELFAIRS WARD

BLENHEIM PARK

Cllr Stephen Aylen (Ind)

Cllr Fay Evans (Con)

Cllr Lesley Salter (Con)

Cllr James Courtenay (Con) Cllr Graham Longley (LD)

Cllr Duncan Russell (LD)

16 Woodside, Belfairs, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 4QU Tel: 01702 527747 cllraylen@southend.gov.uk

192 Highlands Boulevard, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3QX Tel: 01702 558657 cllrevans@southend.gov.uk

4 Chadwick Road, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 8LS Tel: 01702 432364 cllrsalter@southend.gov.uk

14 Eros Avenue, Southend-on-Sea SS2 5LP Tel: 01702 611669 cllrcourtenay@southend.gov.uk

15 Lindisfarne Avenue, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3NR Tel: 01702 480713 cllrrussell@southend.gov.uk

CHALKWELL WARD

28 McDivitt Walk, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 5UD Tel: 01702 520234 cllrlongley@southend.gov.uk

EASTWOOD PARK WARD

Cllr Richard Brown (Con) Cllr Stephen Habermel (Con) Cllr Ian Robertson (Con)

Cllr Trevor Byford (Con)

Cllr Andrew Moring (Con) Cllr Chris Walker (Con)

16 Cherrybrook, Thorpe Bay SS1 3QZ Tel: 01702 584003 cllrbrown@southend.gov.uk

2 Badgers Close, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 0AP Tel: 01702 437274 cllrbyford@southend.gov.uk

554 Woodgrange Drive, Southend-on-Sea SS1 3EL Tel: 01702 585957 cllrmoring@southend.gov.uk

256 Rayleigh Road, Eastwood SS9 5XL Tel: 01702 528027 cllrwalker@southend.gov.uk

6 Leas Gardens, Southend-on-Sea SS0 8JL Tel: 01702 478354 cllrhabermel@southend.gov.uk

68 Thorpe Hall Avenue, Thorpe Bay SS1 3AU Tel: 01702 584580 cllritrobertson@southend.gov.uk

KURSAAL WARD

LEIGH WARD

Cllr Louise Burdett (Con)

Cllr Judy Mcmahon (Lab)

Cllr Anne Jones (Lab)

Cllr Alan Crystall (LD)

Cllr Barry Godwin (LD)

Cllr Peter Wexham (LD)

144 Alexandra Road, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1HB Tel: 01702 430309 cllrburdett@southend.gov.uk

37A Pleasant Road, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2HQ Tel: 01702 462489 cllrmcmahon@southend.gov.uk

2 Hastings Road, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2DR Tel: 01702 460952 cllrannejones@southend.gov.uk

16 Cliff Parade, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 1AS Tel: 01702 474047 cllrcrystall@southend.gov.uk

63 Steyning Avenue, Southend-on-Sea SS2 4TW Tel: 01702 589318 cllrgodwin@southend.gov.uk

119 Vardon Drive, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3SH Tel: 01702 715981 cllrwexham@southend.gov.uk

MILTON WARD

PRITTLEWELL WARD

Cllr Dr Maria Caunce (Con) Cllr Julian Ware-Lane (Lab) Cllr Jonathan Garston (Con)

Cllr Mary Betson (LD)

Cllr Mike Grimwade (LD)

Cllr Ric Morgan (LD)

Fairlight Lodge, 37 Park Road, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 7PQ Tel: 01702 430684 cllrcaunce@southend.gov.uk

11 Byfield, Eastwood SS9 5TG Tel: 01702 524026 cllrbetson@southend.gov.uk

94 Eastwood Old Road, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 4RS Tel: 01702 520642 cllrgrimwade@southend.gov.uk

5 Hobleythick Lane, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 0RP Tel: 01702 432361 cllrmorgan@southend.gov.uk

37 Nelson Road, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3HX Tel: 01702 472144 cllrware-lane@southend.gov.uk

30 Outlook SUMMER 2012

23a Clifftown Parade, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1DN Tel: 01702 335017 cllrjgarston@southend.gov.uk

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SHOEBURYNESS WARD

SOUTHCHURCH WARD

Cllr Mike Assenheim (Ind) Cllr Roger Hadley (Con)

Cllr Anne Chalk (Ind)

Cllr David Garston (Con)

Cllr Ann Holland (Con)

Cllr Brian Kelly (Con)

76 Elm Road, Shoeburyness SS3 9RD Tel: 01702 291720 cllrassenheim@southend.gov.uk

94 High Street, Shoeburyness SS3 9AS Tel: 01702 295449 cllrchalk@southend.gov.uk

237 Maplin Way North, Southend-on-Sea SS1 3NY Tel: 01702 584278 cllrdgarston@southend.gov.uk

7 Silchester Court, Silchester Corner, Gt Wakering SS3 0PX Tel: 01702 580855 cllrholland@southend.gov.uk

10 Withypool, Shoeburyness SS3 8BH Tel: 01702 585015 cllrkelly@southend.gov.uk

33 Mountbatten Drive, Shoeburyness SS3 8UY Tel: 01702 294945 cllrhadley@southend.gov.uk

ST LAURENCE WARD

ST LUKES WARD

Cllr Mark Flewitt (Con)

Cllr Ted Lewin (LD)

Cllr Adam Jones (Con)

Cllr Brian Ayling (Ind)

Cllr Sally Carr (Con)

Cllr Paul Van Looy (Ind)

11 Borman Close, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 5UJ Tel: 01702 510463 cllrflewitt@southend.gov.uk

19 Little Thorpe, Thorpe Bay SS1 3RN Tel: 01702 586359 cllrlewin@southend.gov.uk

23 Mucking Hall Road, Barling Magna SS3 0NH Tel: 01702 216658 cllrjones@southend.gov.uk

108a Ennismore Gardens, Southend-on-Sea SS2 5RB Tel: 01702 461840 cllrayling@southend.gov.uk

42 Marcus Avenue, Southend-on-Sea SS1 3LA Tel: 01702 586231 cllrcarr@southend.gov.uk

54 Arlington Road, Southend-on-Sea SS2 4UW Tel: 01702 615658 cllrvanlooy@southend.gov.uk

THORPE WARD

VICTORIA WARD

Cllr Alex Kaye (Ind)

Cllr Mike Stafford (Ind)

Cllr Ron Woodley (Ind)

Cllr Margaret Borton (Lab) Cllr Ian Gilbert (Lab)

Cllr David Norman (Lab)

470 Woodgrange Drive, Southend-on-Sea SS1 3ED Tel: 01702 588432 cllrkaye@southend.gov.uk

124 Parkanaur Avenue, Thorpe Bay SS1 3JD Tel: 01702 586265 cllrstafford@southend.gov.uk

91 Tyrone Road, Southend-on-Sea SS1 3HD Tel: 01702 588662 cllrwoodley@southend.gov.uk

85 Rochester Drive, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 0NJ Tel: 01702 348817 cllrborton@southend.gov.uk

41 Vernon Road, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 2NG Tel: 01702 470215 cllrdnorman@southend.gov.uk

WEST LEIGH WARD

18 Avenue Road, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 7PW Tel: 01702 339765 cllrgilbert@southend.gov.uk

WEST SHOEBURY WARD

Cllr Nigel Holdcroft (Con) Cllr Gwen Horrigan MBE (Con) Cllr John Lamb (Con)

Cllr Tony Cox (Con)

Cllr Liz Day (Con)

Cllr Derek Jarvis (Con)

7 Sylvan Way, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3TU Tel: 01702 214008 cllrholdcroft@southend.gov.uk

Flat D Mill Lodge, West Road, Shoeburyness SS3 9DP Tel: 01702 297039 cllrcox@southend.gov.uk

5 Withypool, Shoeburyness SS3 8BH Tel: 01702 586185 cllreday@southend.gov.uk

66 Leitrim Avenue, Shoeburyness SS3 9HF Tel: 01702 292744 cllrjarvis@southend.gov.uk

15 Hazelwood Grove, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 4DE Tel: 01702 524333 cllrhorrigan@southend.gov.uk

77 Vardon Drive, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3SJ Tel: 01702 483908 cllrlamb@southend.gov.uk

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council Cabinet

WESTBOROUGH WARD

Cllr Paul Collins (LD)

Cllr Martin Terry (Ind)

Cllr Dr Vel (Ind)

219 Green Lane, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 5QN Tel: 01702 512239 cllrcollins@southend.gov.uk

66 Victoria Road, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2TF Tel: 01702 619655 cllrterry@southend.gov.uk

61 Thorpebay Gardens, Thorpe Bay SS1 3ND Tel: 01702 580640 cllrvelmurugan@southend.gov.uk

Find it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

■ Nigel Holdcroft (Leader) ■ John Lamb (Deputy Leader with special responsibility for Regeneration and Enterprise) ■ Derek Jarvis (Culture and Tourism) ■ James Courtenay (Children and Learning) ■ Lesley Salter (Adult Social Care, Health and Housing) ■ Tony Cox (Public Protection, Waste and Transport) ■ Andrew Moring (Corporate Support Services) ■ Jonathan Garston (Planning) SUMMER 2012 Outlook

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E E R F imming Sw makes a big splash with over-65s Pictured at one of the free swimming sessions are Carol Wright, aged 65, and Rochelle Colbin, aged 72.

F

REE swimming sessions for the over 65s in Southend are already proving a big hit. Launched at the beginning of April, Wet Wednesdays enable those eligible to swim for free during public sessions at Southend Swimming and Diving Centre, Belfairs Swim Centre and Shoeburyness Leisure Centre.

Nick Harris, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Head of Culture,

said: “Swimming is excellent all-round exercise. We hope this free opportunity for Southend residents aged 65 and older will be an added incentive to support and encourage older residents to keep fit and healthy.”

Carol Wright, a 65-year-old long time member of Club 60 in the Borough, has already enjoyed several free sessions with her friends and is encouraging other older people to take part.

She said: “I’ve been a few times and the sessions are very popular. They are an excellent idea. They keep you active, motivated and they are social occasions.

They’re really good fun – more people should get involved.”

For more information and to check Wet Wednesday swimming times visit www.southend.gov.uk or call 01702 215011.

Do it Online

There’s loads going on during the SUMMER HOLIDAYS THERE is something for everyone in the huge range of activities and events being offered to children and young people by the Council and its partners this summer, which include: Sure Start Children’s Centres: Most centres will be running a holiday programme on selected days. These will be displayed on the Open Family Services directory as they are confirmed. Visit www.southend.gov.uk/ childrenscentres to find out more.

Let’s Get Busy at Cambridge Road Children’s Centre: Starting Monday 30 July for four weeks, activities for all the family to enjoy which will include cooking sessions, themed arts and crafts such as under the sea, transport, animals and active play sessions.

A £1 donation is suggested for each session.

For more information call 01702 220810.

32 Outlook SUMMER 2012

Summer Reading Programme with Southend Libraries: Each year the Summer Reading Challenge has a different theme.

The 2012 theme is Story Lab – a celebration of story and the imagination. Story Lab will have a link to the 2012 Olympics. Contact your local library for more details.

Southend Marine Activities Centre: Multi-activity courses offer young people between nine and 14-years-old the opportunity to try their hand at as many watersports as possible. Whether ashore or afloat, there’s always something new and exciting to do. Activities include: dinghy sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, jetskiing, banana boat rides and beach games. Courses are running throughout the school summer holiday period. Call 01702 612770 for more

details and to book a place on the course or courses.

Event information is available via the Open Family Services Directory and is updated daily, throughout the year, with new activities and events. Go to www.openfamilyservices. org.uk and search “summer” and “Southend-on-Sea” or your postcode.

For information to help assist you with choosing childcare, activities, family support, childcare funding or comprehensive search instructions for the Open Family Services website visit www.southendchildren.org/fis For further information call 01702 215007 or email fissos@southend.gov.uk Also, see What’s on Sea listing on pages 28 and 29 of this issue of Outlook for many more activities and events.

Book it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk