may thorpe bay oracle 2012

Oracle TravelHoneymoons and Weddings Abroad

RecipeQuick Maple-Glazed Roast Chicken

Under the HammerHidden Treasures

Health & BeautyStretch yourself young

Thorpe Bay May 2012

Thorpe Bay at a glanceEst. Sept 2005. Circulation 5,100

ORACLE

WIN! Oracle CompetitionA pair of tickets to ‘An Evening ofBurlesque’ at the Cliff’s Pavilion

Cover photography by Peter Bolton www.peterboltonphotoart.com

2 T H O R P E B A Y O R A C L E www.oraclepublications.co.uk M A Y 2 0 1 2

publisher’s letter

OR ACLEust to remind you that the localelections will be held on the 3 May.

Whilst I am on the subject of the local elections Iwould like to make it very clear that any spacewithin the Oracle is always paid for by any Political Party or Group except for Local Issuespages which are always free to any individual ororganisation.

Oracle’s competition this month has been kindlydonated by Entertainers. One lucky winner canwin a pair of tickets to see ‘An Evening of Burlesque’ at the Cliff’s Pavilion on Friday 29thJune 2012 ~ 8pm. Please send your entries in by31 May. To enter, simply send your name and contact details to Oracle/Evening of BurlesqueCompetition, 39 Alexandra Street, Southend,Essex SS1 1BW or by email to [email protected] stating the competition in the subject box and giving your contact details.

Watch out for more unique Oracle offers inside!

Good Luck!

Emma Wynne-MorganPublisher

01702 39383839 Alexandra Street, Southend, Essex SS1 1BW

[email protected]

www.twitter.com/oracle_essexwww.facebook.com/oraclepublications

Printed by EVONPRINT, Small Dole, Sussex 01273 494631

www.oraclepublications.co.uk T H O R P E B A Y O R A C L E 3M A Y 2 0 1 2

J

Thorpe Bay

caron bdesigner artist

contemporary, original artworks

prices from £150

undertakes personal and new businesscommissions for interior design

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ORACLE

Local IssuesAnnual Budget Concerns 9By Cllr Tony Cox

Beyond the Pale 16Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith

Maximising Income OpportunitiesFrom Your Investments 20Money Matters by Jacqui Moyies

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Street Party 30by Peaceful Place

Quick Maple-Glazed Roast Chicken 38Judy's Recipe Page

Honeymoons and Weddings Abroad 42Travel Expert by Karen Goldman

Hidden Treasures 46Under the Hammer by Trevor Cornforth

Stretch Yourself Young 50Health & Beauty by Cris Ramis

Diary Dates 54Sudoku 58Useful Numbers 64Advertiser Index 66

AdvertorialsJerry Bell Hairdressing 6/7Neom Luxury Organics 10Pace Letting and Estate Agents 23CHC Property 24/25Thorpe Hall School 34/35Shoebury High School 60/61

contents

TradeCarpetsTel: 01702 612424/5 [email protected]

www.tradecarpetssouthend.co.uk

640 Sutton RoadSouthend-On-SeaEssex, SS2 5PX

Open Daily:9.00am - 5.30pm

LaminateFlooring& Remnants

Carpets,Vinyls,Rugs

ESTABLISHED 27 YEARS


Multi-award winning Jerry Bell hairdressing has been established forover three decades. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide ourclients with a complete luxury experience, from the first step into thesalon to the highly trained team giving professional advice, tailoring toeach clients individual needs.

We believe that a great hair style begin with the client and with this inmind every haircut begins with a full consultation to establish the lookyou are trying to achieve and how we can make it work for you.

A continual training programme ensures that our stylists are up to datewith all th latest cutting edge technology and up-to-the-minute trends.Our reputation has not only been earned on the salon floor but extendsthrough our huge success in professional hairdressing and high profilephotographic work.

Our successes include regional winners of the L’Oreal Colour Trophythree times; London: Hammersmith Palais, Eastern: Corn ExchangeCambridge and most recent Eastern: Grosvenor House London alsorunner up in the Grand Final at The Royal Albert Hall; British Hairdress-ing Awards: Finalist and nominated for Eastern Hairdresser of the Year onthree occasions plus winners of various other nationwide events

Our Photographic work has been published in many trade andconsumer magazines including Hairdresser Journal, Marie Claire, NewWoman, Estetica Italy, Passion, Hair Flair plus many more

01702 588404191 The Broadway, Thorpe Bay

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Jerry BellAbout our salon...

HAIRDRESSING

WANTED...TRAINEES!We currently have exciting opportunities for

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If you've got drive,creativity and passion,and are lookingto take your first steps into the hairdressing industry,please email your CV to [email protected]

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Marshalls Register Contractors - the professionals to trust

As Marshalls Register Contractors we are recommended by Marshalls to install their patios and driveways. We supply the UK’s most comprehensive range of driveway andpaving products from Marshalls to ensure you receive the driveway or patio of your dreams to suit your style and budget; all professionally installed to your full satisfaction.

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Local Issues

levels of borrowing are comparable with other localauthorities.

Like all borrowing there are repayment costs butthese only represent 2% of the 2012/2013 budget. Ibelieve this is a small price for the future of the townthat residents can enjoy for years to come.

The most important obligation that every councillorhas, whatever their political persuasion, is to agree abalanced budget. It is at this time that if membershave concerns regarding council borrowing and borrowing repayments to step up to the plate andpropose alternatives.

Whilst some complained about borrowing duringtheir speeches, not one member identified any capital schemes which they would not pursue andall 51 councillors subsequently agreed the budget ontheir own free will without even asking the Mayor fora vote!

The question that really needs to be asked is, aresome members misquoting the figures deliberatelyto mislead or do they simply not understand the information available to them?

Cllr Tony Cox

10 West Road, Shoeburyness, Essex, SS3 9DP

01702 297 039 [email protected]

Annual budget concernsuring austere times, never has so muchscrutiny been on the finances of local

authorities. Whilst the last Government maxed thenations credit card on a spending binge, theirsolution to debt was debt, debt and more debt.

Locally, the finances of Southend Council have alsocome under scrutiny but sadly, there have beenmisleading figures brandished around like confetti bysome councillors to try and grab cheap and easyheadlines.

Whilst the subject of local government funding andbudgets isn’t as sexy as some political issues, it isimportant to understand that council tax receiptsonly make up one of the three elements of any councils annual budget.

Here in Southend, the 2012/2013 budget in excess of£430 Million, is made up of Central GovernmentGrant(the largest element), council tax receipts andfees and charges. Yes, the council has borrowedmoney to help finance major schemes to improve thetown but unlike some would have you believe, the

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have a gorgeous scent but it also means theyact as aroma-therapeutic treatments to makeyou feel how you want to: happier, more relaxed, energised, inspired or simply justpampered.

Tempted? Head down to Gardners of ThorpeBay, 170 The Broadway, Thorpe Bay, Southend-on-sea, Essex, SS1 3ES and see the expert staff.Receive a FREE NEOM Pillow Mist (50ml) whenyou purchase any two NEOM products fromGardners of Thorpe Bay.

PLEASE NOTE: This offer is only valid from May 1stuntil May 30th 2012 or until stocks last. It cannot beused on discounted items.

Organic Treats fromGardners of Thorpe Bay

ardners of Thorpe Bay is the luxuryinteriors store and the go-to place for

design-forward interior decorating, exquisitehome-ware and accents hand-picked especially for you. This May this beautiful storehas teamed up with one of its favourite brandsNEOM Luxury Organics to exclusively offer Oracle readers a fabulous special offer.

NEOM Luxury Organics is the organic home-scenting & lifestyle brand famed formaking organics modern and luxurious aswell as offering highly effective products inthe most innovative way possible.

Launched in 2005 by Nicola Elliott (a formereditor of high profile magazines such as InStyle and Glamour), NEOM’s products aremade with 70% (or above) organic ingredientsand a high amount of pure essential oils, making each-and-every product not only

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aving been open now forgetting on three years

Volkswagen Van Centre Chelmsford aredelighted to announce that VolkswagenCommercial Vehicles have awardedChelmsford Van Centre Tour Dealerstatus from January 2012.

This is a tremendous achievement forsuch a young Van Centre and has reallynow given the Van Centre the ability tooffer the full range of vehiclesimported by Volkswagen CommercialVehicles UK.

Chris Bunce, Head of Business atChelmsford says:

"Having the ability to now sell this prestigious product is a great credit tothe way the van centre has grown anddeveloped in its short time since

H opening. We are really excited to nowbe able to offer this fantastic vehicle toEssex and the surrounding area".

For further information with regard the Volkswagen California or any otherexciting Commercial vehicle productsplease call.

01245 216456Westway Chelmsford Essex CM1 3BH

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/[email protected]


An Independent’s view

here are a lot of issues to consider when itis time to cast your vote at the ballot box,

especially for young people voting for the first time.

Prior to polling day mounds of paper will comepouring through our letter boxes. The Independentgroup are probably as guilty as anyone for this, but wedo need to get our message across to the electorate.

T

We do all the work ourselves, the writing, design, printing and delivery and it is all paid for by the individual who stands for election, including anyadvertising . Independentcandidates therefore have astrong vision for our town and hope that their fellowresidents will elect them as an Independent torepresent their ward in the council chamber

Because Independents are ordinary residents whohave decided to put themselves forward to promotelocal democracy and improve the way the council isrun, it is disappointing to read nothing but untruthsand personal slurs in some party candidates literaturepresumably in the hope that this will get them elected.

I question the validity of personal attacks on peoplewho have given an enormous amount of their timetrying to make a difference for the lives of residents.What’s the point? Personally, I believe it shows a lackof respect for fellow candidates, which if transferred tothe council chamber would make a mockery of localdemocracy and make life unpleasant for all in thecouncil chamber as well as the council officers.

In the spirit on unity I have offered personal letters ofsupport to individuals who I believed to be good councillors or candidates of all political groups. TwoIndependents and two Lib/Dems took up this offer. Iwonder what capital will the other political groups tryand make of that!

Local Council Elections

MAY 2012

Vote Mike Stafford Thorpe Ward

Vote Claire BibbySouthchurch Ward

VoteIndependent

Turning the Tide of Local Politics. For more information, contact:

Mike Stafford 01702 587448 or Claire Bibby 07532299840Promoted by MJ Taylor, 105 St Augustines Avenue , Southend-on-Sea, SS1 3JG. On behalf of Mike Stafford,124 Parkanaur Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 3JD.

And Promoted by Tony Delaney, 76 Burlescoombe Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 3QB. On behalf of Claire Bibby, 6 Southchurch Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS3 9BAPrinted by Evonprint, Small Dole, Sussex BN5 9XR.

Independent Councillors

Advertorial

by Ron Woodley

O


Oracle Hair & Beauty

of moisturiser all over to make sure your tan is aseven as possible.

Be preparedAlways wear latex or vinyl gloves to protect yourhands. There is nothing worse than having orange palms!

Work upwardsTo avoid smudging, work from your feet upwardsand do your arms last of all. Make sure you getbetween your toes and round the back of the ankles, across the ears and under the armpits, asthat's where it really shows up as fake. Alwaysmake sure the tan goes into the hairline too, asthat can be a real giveaway.

Let it dryTry not to get wet and try not to sweat for at leastsix hours and avoid any tight-fitting clothing.

As you soak up the compliments about your new,healthy glow, allow your wicked streak to enjoy acheeky giggle at those who got it so catastroph-ically wrong – visit www.paleisthenewtan.com

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he increasingly bright, sunny days havestarted to lure lily-white legs out from

under jeans, marking that particular time of the yearwhen the distinctive smell of Fake Bake and StTropez is in the air.

Trying to look beautifully bronzed can be fraughtwith fiascos - raccoon eyes, orange streaks andwhite neck syndrome. However, slapping on tanfrom a bottle is much better than the beach or asunbed which leads to premature ageing and skincancer.

So here are my tan-tastic top tips for turningyourself into a honey-coloured honey…

Choose the right tanUnfortunately, this is about trial and error. Go for agradual tan product to start with and build up a natural-looking glow over several days.

ExfoliateThis gets rid of the dead skin cells and provides aneven canvas for a tan to be applied to. Pick your spot- A bright room with a full-length mirror is ideal.

Take it slowlyThe key to perfect coverage is to give yourselfenough time for the entire process - allow at least anhour.

MoisturiseDry areas of the body soak up more tanning product, making them darker - apply a good coat

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Money Matters

the demand for overseas equity income funds– although as recently as five or six years ago,an investment manager may have struggled tobuild a credible global income portfolio.

Corporate bond funds, income producers by nature, remain popular, particularly withcautious investors.

Another income producing asset, commercialproperty is also beginning to attract attentionagain.

Commercial property felt the full effects of thecredit crunch and the fall in property values leftmany investors nursing significant losses. Itslong-term track record is strong and it offers important diversification from shares.

Those investing for income need to rememberthat no one asset class is the panacea. With interest rates likely to remain low for some timeto come, a well diversified, well-managed portfolio which blends different forms of investment remains the most suitable strategyfor investors taking a longer-term viewof their income needs.

ncome is important. It’s an obvious statement. The difficulty is that, in an

uncertain world, investment income is hard tofind right now.

Investors looking for income have faced an increasing challenge ever since the financial crisis broke in 2008. Prudence and vigilance became the order of the day as financial institutions across the globe took extreme measures to protect themselves from globalmeltdown. Dividends came under pressure,Bond markets were unnerved and commercial property fell from grace. In short, there were –and have been since - few places forincome-seekers to turn.

Three years on and interest rates in the UK remain almost non-existent. Consequently, investors wanting to secure an income streamhave realised that they must accept some riskby looking beyond traditional cash deposits.

History shows that investing in equities, orshares, has provided investors with a betterchance of outpacing inflation over the longterm versus other asset classes, particularly ifthe companies are able to increase thedividend payments year after year.

With dividend payouts on the turn, the outlookfor equity income funds could also be on theup.

It is not just UK equity funds that might tempt income seekers. There has been an increase in

OTo receive a complimentary guide covering WealthManagement Retirement Planning or Inheritance TaxPlanning, contact Jacqui on :

01702 589553 [email protected]

or visit www.sjpp.co.uk/jacquimoyies

by Jacqui Moyies

by Jacqui Moyies

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Maximising income opportunitiesfrom your investments


Cedars Care Centre is a modern and purpose built residential care centre situated in a pleasant area of Southend very close to the town centre and is easily accessed by road and public transport.

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

Freshly prepared nutritious meals

Dedicated full-time Activity Coordinators

Dignified person centred approach to care

Bright and airy en suite bedrooms

Interactive safe and secure gardens

Sensory/therapy room

Designed to meet today’s care needs

Respite/Day care packages available

[email protected] www.churchgatehealthcare.co.ukCedars Care Centre, 14 Sweyne Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS2 6FQ

For more information or to arrange a viewing

Call 01702 236090

“We are passionate about offering our residents

and their families a warm homely caring

atmosphere in a modern purpose built care centre”


and their families a warm homely caring“We are passionate about offering our residents

atmosphere in a modern purpose built care centre”and their families a warm homely caring


and their families a warm homely caring“We are passionate about offering our residents


and their families a warm homely caring

atmosphere in a modern purpose built care centre”“We are passionate about offering our residents


atmosphere in a modern purpose built care centre”“We are passionate about offering our residents


Cedars Care Centrebuilt residential care centre situated in a pleasant area of Southend very close to the town centre and is easily accessed by road and public transport.


is a modern and purpose built residential care centre situated in a pleasant area of Southend very close to the town centre and is easily accessed by road and public transport.







Sensory/therapy room






n.cCedars Care Centre, 14 Sweyne Avenue, Southend-on-S

@churchgateedarsadmi

information more For

Call 01702 236090

Cedars Care Centre, 14 Sweyne Avenue, Southend-on-S

healthcare.co.uk@churchgate

viewinga arrange to or information

Call 01702 236090

www.churchgatehealthcare.co.uk



healthcare.co.ukea, Essex SS2 6FQCedars Care Centre, 14 Sweyne Avenue, Southend-on-S

www.churchgatehealthcare.co.uk



ea, Essex SS2 6FQ

M A Y 2 0 1 2T H O R P E B A Y O R A C L E www.oraclepublications.co.uk 22

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Pace celebrates startof awards season

outhend based Lettings and Estate Agent,PACE Plc, has every reason to celebrate as

the awards season enters into full swing.

Beating off stiff competition to emerge as ‘BestLetting Agent of the Year’ at this year’s UK LandlordAccreditation Partnership (UKLAP) Awards, it is alsothe first year the agency has been shortlisted for itscustomer service at the Essex Countywide BusinessAwards.

Since PACE was chosen for its high level of customerservice and honest advice, the UKLAP award takespride of place in its reception area, which will hopefully be joined by an ‘Excellent Customer Service’ award following Newsquest EssexCountywide Business Awards night on 18th May.

At the UKLAP awards the judges were impressed byPACE’s ethical approach to all property matters whichsaw it surpass 14 other shortlisted agents, including Oakland Estates Ltd, Cromwood Ltd andUpad, to name a few.

In fact, both the award win and shortlistingrecognise PACE’s commitment to trulyunderstanding the needs of its landlords and itstenants. This is demonstrated by the fact that 35% ofPACE’s managed tenants have remained in theirtenancies for over 3 years.

Focusing heavily on capturing customer feedback toreview its service offering, both sets of judges wereimpressed by the testimonials from satisfied clientsof PACE.

S Also a runner-up in the category of ‘Best PortfolioLandlord with 20 plus properties’ at the UKLAPawards, PACE was congratulated for its exemplarymanagement of its company-owned property port-folio. In particular, judges were impressed with howvoids against its own properties have been reducedby 52% from 2008 to 2011.

Crystal Horwood, Managing Director of PACE,comments:

“The UKLAP awards are run by the London LandlordAccreditation Scheme (LLAS) – a pan Londoninitiative. Winning is a real achievement consideringwe were up against heavy competition from London.

“We like to think we are playing an important role inplacing Southend-On-Sea on the ‘map’ in terms of itsresidential lettings offering.”

Advertorial

01702 445600www.paceplc.co.uk

461 - 463 Southchurch Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2PH


Advertorial

n ALWAYS check the trader’s identity! Were youexpecting them? If not, but you are interested intheir product or service, ask them to come backlater. This will give you a chance to check themout, either online or with family and friends.

n Take control – you ask the questions.

n NEVER commit to, or sign anything on thespot. A common feature of scams is pressure tocommit quickly. You may be told that an offer isonly available for a limited period, or that by signing now you will get a discount. A genuineoffer is unlikely to require you to make an instantdecision so don’t let yourself be rushed

n If in doubt ask the person to leave.

n Take as much detail about the person andtheir vehicle as possible and if you feel in any wayunsure, report them to your local police – simplydial the non-emergency number 101 – and giveas much detail as possible, this will help officerscatch the individual responsible.

Grey-t Expectations

o one likes to feel that they have wastedor, even worse, been conned out of their

money.

However, despite the best efforts of Police andTrading Standards, there are still hundreds ofrogue traders doing exactly that every day to vulnerable people. It is reason enough for theBBC to commission an 8th series of RogueTraders.

Unfortunately, older people do present an attractive target to rogue traders, not least because they are more likely to have easily accessible savings than younger people and mayno longer have as many close family and friendsor other trusted individuals to go to for advice.Not only that, they are less likely to have accessto the internet as a resource for informationabout which firms are reputable or not – albeitthat the number of so-called ‘silver surfers’ is increasing.

However with the right information and supportthe elderly can protect themselves from scams.Here are some simple and effective suggestionsthat can make all the difference.

N

Silver Maintenance helps Southend Pensioners Stay Safe

One solution that pensioners throughout thecounty can adopt for guaranteed security andpeace of mind is CHC Construction’s Silver Maintenance scheme.

It is the brainchild of CHC’s Managing DirectorTrevor Williams, who as a board member of AgeConcern Southend and is uniquely placed toknow exactly what older members of societyneed and therefore designed his new service tomeet their requirements head on.

Registering for the scheme is easy andcompletely free. Silver Maintenance membersalso have the option to nominate a ‘buddy.’ Thiscan be a family member, friend or carer and issomeone whom will always be co-advised of anyworks agreed prior to commencement or indeed,money changes hands. This creates an additionallayer of financial security and peace of mind.

Whenever the customer has a building or maintenance requirement, Silver Maintenance’sfriendly team are never more than a phone-callaway. A Criminal Records Bureau (CRB)-checkedexpert will then visit their home, discuss the workthat needs doing and follow this up with a detailed and clearly written quote, with

everything – from materials to labour charges -itemised. Once the Silver Maintenance customeris satisfied, then the highly qualified and experienced CHC team will swiftly come and dothe work.

Trevor, who himself has more than 25 years ofexperience in the construction and maintenanceindustry and whose firm is behind several landmark buildings in Southend, says: “I knowfrom my experience with Age Concern that thereare still far too many members of society becoming victims of rogue traders, so I have listened and designed a safe, secure service forolder and more vulnerable people. “

He adds: “Pensioners need things to be safe,transparent, reliable and quick whenever andwherever possible. Our reliable, trustworthy andaffordable Silver Maintenance service coverseverything from installing a single grab rail tomore involved internal modifications, such asbathroom and kitchen remodelling or completeconstruction of purpose built extensions. Andmost importantly, in a way that gives peace ofmind and keeps them completely safe.”

To find out more about Silver Maintenance callCHC on 01702 512226 or visit :www.chcproperty.co.uk O

01702 512226chcproperty.co.uk



01702 541671 07906 166839www.iberiandressage.com

Great Wakering, Essex

For more information view website or contact Karen Tapscott.Karen is also available as a freelance trainer to visit local yards

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Queen’s DiamondJubilee Street Party

ll loyal subjects of the Queen arehereby invited to help celebrate the

Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Come & celebrate withyour neighbours & enjoy:-

Live music provided by The Grandees, TheSouthend Ukulele Orchestra, singers Indie Linzey,Heidi Dine, Arianna Morgan, Dan Hunt & GeorgeRedwood / Children’s rides / a circus skills school/ majorettes / Marko Sparko’s magic & balloonmodelling / children’s face-painting / ‘Meet the

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QUEEN’S DIAMONDJUBILEE STREET PARTY

THORPE BAY BROADWAYSUNDAY, 3RD JUNE 2012

5.00 PM – 9.00 PM

Ferrets’ – Oscar, Marshall, Fidget, Gypsy & furryfriends / a children’s fancy dress competition onan Olympic theme / traditional adult funfairgames / craft & side stalls / celebration caketesting / food & drink / flag waving & bunting /meet the Queen & Philip / tombolas & raffle &more!!

As well as being a community event, this is acharity event on behalf of Peaceful Place – acharity which helps improve the lives of peopleunder the age of 65 with young onsetdementia.

The event is free but you may well find a bookof raffle tickets posted through your door tohelp raise funds for the charity. First prize in theraffle is £200, second & third prizes are KennethCole watches & fourth prize is a guide book &ticket for a family tour of Buckingham Palace.

The street party is kindly being sponsored byThe Co-operative Membership CommunityFund, VW Van Centre Chelmsford & HattonJewellery of Leigh.

Further details of the event will be posted inlocal shops nearer the time.

Any offers of help, raffle or tombola prizes, orenquiries should be directed to Celia Riley atPeaceful Place.

DESIGN, STYLE & CRAFTSMANSHIPVisit our extensive, newly refurbished showroom and workshop in Thorpe Bay.

We offer a complete interior design service. A fantastic choice of styles, finishes, fabrics, leathers and bespoke upholstery – a talented and dedicated team of interior designers, furniture craftsmen and curtain makers to create your specific requirements – let us transform your home. Interior design by Michelle Elliott-Britto. We also provide a fullre-upholstery and re-modelling service.

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ne of the highlights of the calendarat Thorpe Hall School is the annual

drama production. Preparations startmonths in advance and the whole schoolgets behind the search for the perfect castand crew.

This year’s performance was a captivatingstaging of Annie, the latest in a long line ofsuccessful Thorpe Hall musicals. Head-teacher, Mr. Andrew Hampton explains whydrama has such an important role to play.

“Drama develops many important skills andqualities such as teamwork, creativity, leadership, communication and self-aware-ness which are valuable assets in all areas oflife. It stimulates the imagination and encourages students to step out of their individual comfort zones and take risks in asupportive environment. Those who preferto be behind the scenes can learn the ropesof lighting, sound, wardrobe, make-up andscenery.

One of the most important benefits is thatdrama promotes self-esteem. We see veryreal evidence of this with students gaining agreat sense of achievement as well as

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having plenty of fun along the way”.

Children are introduced to performing artsat Thorpe Hall School from a very early age.Music and drama are taught in the nurserywith an emphasis on participation andexpression through play. The school hasstrong links with local theatres and regularlytakes part in events as well as bringingworkshops and performances into schoolfrom groups such as the Young ShakespeareCompany.

With highly experienced staff, dedicatedteaching facilities and a state-of-the-art 250-seat theatre, Thorpe Hall is extremely wellequipped to nurture the budding actor inevery child and stage sophisticated andprofessional productions for all to enjoy.

01702 582340Wakering Road, Southend-on-Sea

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Drama is in the spotlightat Thorpe Hall

forward thinking

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

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

Our teaching style is founded on support, guidance and a love of learning and our pupils are actively encouraged to become strong, independent thinkers. Our aim is to bring life to education as well as bringing education to life.

Thorpe Hall - for girls and boys from nursery to GCSE

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


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recipe of the month

Next month’s recipe:

‘Chargrilled Red Mullet withMango Prawn and Chilli Salsa’

Quick Maple-Glazed Roast Chicken


Ingredients

1.5kg whole free-range chicken5 tbsp red wine vinegar4 tbsp maple syrup1 tsp ground cinnamon1 tbsp sesame seeds

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/ fan180°C/gas 6. Season the chicken and pour 2tablespoons vinegar into the body cavity.Put in a roasting tin and roast for 1 hour10 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, mix together theremaining vinegar with the syrup, cinnamon and sesame seeds. Brush halfthe mixture over the chicken and roastfor a further 10 minutes. Brush with theremaining glaze and return to the ovenfor a final 10 minutes, until the chicken isdeeply golden and shiny. Rest for 5minutes before carving. Serve withroasted carrots and leeks.

Judyoast Chicken always goes downwell with the whole family and

this is a very quick way to make it a littlemore special. Just remember to adjustthe cooking time if your chicken is smalleror larger and serve with lots of roastpotatoes.

Enjoy!

O

In the Kitchen with Judy Barden

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TheAngel InnParsons Corner, North Shoebury SS3 8UD

01702 589600

Savour a drink and good company at the award-winning, traditional, Angel Inn, Free House.

at North Shoebury

Enjoy the west-facing, beer-garden and extensive views across ripening cornfields. Thatched roof, flagstone floor, exposed timbers,

wide range of Real Ales, good wines and excellent food.No gaming machines. No loud music. No TV screens. Heaven!

OPEN 11am - 11pm (Closed 3-5:30) Mon-Sat.12pm - 11pm Sun

A little corner of an English Heaven

Beer FestivalMay 31st - June 5th

BBQ (weather permitting)12 Real Ales

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Sunday Steak NightAll Steaks

£15.00inc. 175ml House Wine

We cater forPrivate FunctionsPlease contact the Angel Innfor further details

Honeymoons andWeddings Abroad

ith Valentine’s Day, a Leap Year and Spring inthe Air, there will be lots of couples in love

and planning to get married this year. Most will getmarried in this country and honeymoon overseas, andsome will prefer to take the whole thing abroad.

So it’s good to have a few pointers when planningyour trip, as it is probably the most important holidayof your lives and you want to get it right.

Location, location, location !

The most important thing to get right is matchingthe time of year you are travelling to the best destina-tions for that season. No point in sitting in yourdream villa on stilts over the sea, with monsoon rainslashing down for a fortnight. Not much fun in the 7star hotel you always dreamed of in the Middle East,when it is 110 degrees in the shade and too hot tostep outside. Or that romantic trip to Venice, in peakseason when you have to fight through the crowdsand wait your turn for the gondola.

WBy Karen Goldman

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This is your special time – it has to be perfect, but also,be practical. It should not be about cramming in asmany places in a fortnight as possible. You will be living out of a suitcase and spending much of yourtime at airports, in cars and on trains. A two or threecentre is fine if you are not people to sit on a beach allday, and want to experience some culture or adventure as well.

It is important to establish your budget and be realistic about what you can get for your money.Many agents offer a honeymoon account whereguests can contribute and this may help you to increase the spend a little.

Do write a ‘wish list’ of things that you both want andlet your agent know this. They will also be able tosource all the honeymoon ‘specials’ that the hotelsoffer.

I have found that the top places for honeymoons thisyear are The Caribbean, South Africa twinned withMauritius, and Cyprus.

Having a brilliant honeymoon is a great start to married life.

Travel Expert



Under The Hammer

which are live on line around the world, thesetreasured family objects often find a new home on theopposite side of the globe. Of recent concern for a family was a large hand-made tin model boat withsteam powered motor. The hammer finally went downon it at £360 and the new owner plans to lovingly restore it to its former glory.

A happy ending for both parties.

Trevor Cornforth

01702 613260chalkwellauctions.co.uk

2 Baron Court, Chandlers Way, Southend on Sea, Essex, SS2 5SE

Hand made Tin model boat:Sold for £360!

Suprise Sale : A Worn rug, sold for £200!

tems languishing in lofts are quite often thesubjects of customers enquiries. Although

these lost items have been unloved for years theysuddenly become interesting again when somethingsimilar has appeared on the television or the spacethey occupy becomes more important than thecontents.

Such a situation arose recently with a long establishedcustomer clearing a garage which had become adumping ground for things he could no longeraccommodate but couldn’t bear to part with. Afterestablishing that nobody in the family wanted themhis instruction was just to clear the garage and sellthings if we could. Everything turned out to be saleablebut imagine his surprise when a well worn rug, longrolled up in the corner, sold for £200! I think he is nowdoing some more rummaging.

We also regularly deal with deceased estates. This is adifficult time for families and needs careful handlingand sound advice. In many cases it isn’t just themonetary value of a person’s effects but the fact thatsomeone has spent hours or even years of their lifemaking something.

Auctions are by far the best way of finding a new andappreciative owner for many such items as well as realising their true value. With auctions such as ours,

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If you can manage to stretch daily, that’s idealbut if you can’t do that go for three times aweek as a minimum.

Here’s how. Hold a position of mild discomfortfor 5-10 seconds (when warming up) and then30-60 seconds the rest of the time. Performeach stretch 3-5 times (before exercise) and 1-3 times after a workout or at other times.

Always stretch slowly and smoothly; neverbounce.

Maintain normal breathing during each movement, and exhale into the stretch. Stay as relaxed as possible during the stretch, and limittension in other body parts.

If you really go for it, then why not try a yogaclass? Make sure the class is right for you as youdon’t necessarily want to be trying a Crane or aPeacock the first time you go! Just make sureyour instructor is a member of the BritishWheel of Yoga.

orget Botox and all the other lotions,potions, jabs and fillers that claim to

help you in the fight against time – simplystretching more provides powerful anti-ageingproperties!

Everyone can improve their flexibility andmobility, regardless of their age or ability andwhat’s more it’s simple, easy and free.

As you age, your muscles tighten and range ofmotion in joints can be lost. This can hinder oreven halt active lifestyles and some day-to-dayactivities. Regular stretching will lengthen andmaintain flexibility in your muscles and restoreyouthful activity, promoting circulation andblood flow. It’s also a great form of relaxation.

When should you stretch? As often as you can!Stretch as you get up in the morning or aftersitting / standing for long periods, any time youfeel tense or stiff, before, during and after exercise or physical activity. Sports people callthis a ‘warm down’. Just before bedtime is alsoa superb time as stretching will relax you andaid good sleep. Also, by going to bed right afterstretching you won’t tighten up your musclesagain by moving around.

Stretch whilst you’re watching TV, reading orchatting to a friend – it’s the perfect exercise forthose people who like to multi-task or claimthey ‘have no spare time’ to get in shape.

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We now supply broadband & web hosting packages

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ORACLE

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DIAMOND JUBILEE PARTY FREEMon 4 June 2-4pm Shoeburyness & Thorpe BayBaptist Church. Indoor “Street Party” for all ages,come dressed in red, white and blue! Prizes for bestJubilee outfit & best crown. Bouncy Castle, biscuitdecorating, arts & crafts, crown decorating andrefreshments. Bring press cuttings of the Coronationand share memories.

LODS PRESENT ELTON JOHN & TIM RICE’S AIDA9th - 12th May Palace TheatreA pop-rock score that features stirring ballads androusing choral numbers, AIDA is a contemporarymusical take on a grand classic tale of thetimeless bond between an enslaved Nubian princessand an Egyptian soldier. Weds to Sat 19:30, Thurs andSat Matinees 14:30 £11 - £15

SOUTHEND AIR FESTIVAL FREE26th - 27th May. Southend Seafront 10am - 6pm27th Southend-on-Sea Airshow, almost 2 miles ofseafront, aircraft displays will be featured from acrossthe ages.

RAF, Army, Navy and Royal Marine Town Shows, tradestands, rides, simulators, giant inflatables and apacked arena programme of entertainment.

BBC Essex will again be bringing you Radio Airshow,as well as providing live commentary along theseafront and Southend Radio will provide liveentertainment both days with music Roadshows.

SOUTHEND CRICKET FESTIVAL3rd & 5th June at Garons Park. Join us for a spectacular weekend of cricket. Tickets now available.

2nd June – Trevor Bailey Memorial Dinner4th June – Joker Comedy ClubThe Lord’s Taverners are the Charity PartnerFor more details on these events please visit thewebsite www.southendcricket.org.uk

Diary Dates

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Air & Back, the airport-transfer special-ists, provide an efficient and friendlydoor-to-door transfer to and from yourairport. seaport or ferry terminal, at a rea-sonable cost.

Get your holiday or business trip offto a comfortable start with an effortlesstransfer fromAir & Back.

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Science and Design & Technologyat Shoeburyness High School

n the winter of 2008, I wrote an article forthe Thorpe Bay Oracle which celebrated

a major success for Shoeburyness High School.

In October of that year, we were selected tobecome a founder member of the LeadingSpace Education Project (LSEP), one of only thirtyschools nationally to take part. Since that bid,LSEP has had a huge positive impact on the workof the Science Department and we haveachieved great successes which I want to share.

Year 8 Space Academy course:

In 2009, we developed a brand new Year 8 courseusing space as a context for teaching all aspectsof Science. During the ‘Space Academy’ course,topics are taught using ideas and research whichare at the forefront of modern scientific research– examples include:

Astrobiology: students learn about biologicalconcepts by considering ‘extremophiles’ – lifeforms which thrive in the Earth’s most extremehabitats – and then considering how life on otherplanets would need to be adapted.

Planetary Chemistry: a tour of the Solar Systemallows students to engage with chemistry byconsidering how the geology and atmosphericconditions of the planets are unique.

Primary School Outreach Days:

Since the project began, we have had 15 primary

I school ‘Space Days’ in our Science Department,working with children from Bournes Green InfantSchool and Thorpe Greenways Infant Schoolamongst others.

The children have built and launched rockets,programmed robotic explorers and designedand tested Mars landers.

Stargazing Live

In January this year, we organised an evening ofastronomy to coincide with the broadcast ofBBC’s Stargazing Live. 25 children from localprimary schools attended accompanied by parents, grandparents and siblings.

We were lucky to have a mostly clear sky, so ourresident astronomer, Phil Benson, was able toshowcase our amazing school telescopes andgive a tutorial on mapping the constellations.

We are aiming to develop further the work whichwe do as a Leading Space School, particularlyworking to increase the range of outreach workwhich we do with other schools.

For more information, please visit our website at:tinyurl.com/ShoeburynessScience

Mark SmithHead of Science & Space School Coordinator

esign and Technology is changing. We allhave fond memories and tokens of our

time making products in D&T lessons and thisenjoyment is still at the heart of our subject.

At Shoeburyness High School D& T has been atthe forefront of the curriculum. With all the pressures that are being placed on school curricula, it would have been all too easy to havemoved away from this commitment to technology but in fact since becoming an Academy in December last year we have actuallyreaffirmed our commitment to the subject withour focus as a STEM Academy.

We are always looking for opportunities to bringtechnological advances into the classroom. In

Year 7 textiles, students are using electronic components and conductive thread to designand make a textiles product that will light upwhen simply doing up a zip!

In Year 9, students bring their skills in creativity,ICT and technology together in the jewelleryproject where they bring their designs to lifeusing CAD CAM and the laser cutter.

At Key Stage 4 we have a fully inclusive D&Tcurriculum that offers something for everyonefrom GCSEs in textiles, graphic products, resistant materials, engineering and catering toBTEC engineering and a Young Apprenticeshipin hospitality. Students have made skateboardramps and cabinets, designed perfume bottlesand whole rooms! They have designed andmade high quality garments such as waistcoatsand have had the opportunity to cook for andserve the public in our very own professionalkitchen and restaurant.

In Years 12 and 13 we offer ‘A’ level textiles andproduct design and will also be introducing alevel 3 professional cookery qualification.

We recognise that we are fortunate at Shoeburyness High School in that we do havespecialist facilities and staff. The school’s innovative High 5 outreach programme has engineering as its context and relies heavily onD&T, science and maths. As these students moveinto Year 6 we will continue to work with themon extended curriculum provision with our‘Super Six’ program.

For more information contact the Head of Faculty, Miss Cook or visit our pages on theschool’s website.

http://shoeburynesshigh.co.uk/index.php?cat=1&page=22&sub=37

Marie CookHead of Faculty – Design and Technology

Shoeburyness High Schoolwww.oraclepublications.co.uk T H O R P E B A Y O R A C L E 61M A Y 2 0 1 2

D

Year 9 Jewellery Project: acrylic rings designedon the computer and cut using the laser.


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TINTED LENS SPECIALISTSLENSES SUPPLIED & FITTED TO OWN FRAME (*if applicable)GOLD SOLDER FRAME & REPAIR SERVICE ON SITEPRESCRIPTION SWIM, SUN & SPORTSWEAR SPECS

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The Seedbed Business CentreVanguard Way (Unit C5)ShoeburynessSS3 9QYTelephone 01702 291009

Opening HoursMonday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday

9 a.m - 4.30 p.m (closed 1-2 p.m)Wednesday & Saturday 9 a.m - 1 p.m

Sunday 9 a.m - Noon

&Painting Wallpapering

RSCDecorating Services

Over 20 Years Experience

Contact:

01702 308978Mob. 07932 709291

www.rscdecorating.co.uk

Bansal Pharmacy 587500178 The Broadway Mon-Fri 9-6.30 pm / Sat 9-1pmHowells & Brooks 582658The Broadway Mon-Fri 9-6.30 pm / Sat 9-5.30 pmClosed 1-2 pm Wed+Sat.

Downes & Prtnrs, Veterinary Surgeon 584511RSPCA Rochford 548261

24 hour Emergency Number 01702 430696Shoebury Police Station (Mon-Fri 9-6pm) 293748Southend Police Station (24 hours a day) 0300 3334444Thorpe Ward Neighbourhood Specialist OfficerWarren Lamb 07976 325346Marine Police 01268 775533Thames Coastguard 01255 675518

Central Library 215011Southend High Street Post office 391063Bournes Green Post Office 582241Traveline 0871 200 2233 Arriva Southend 08701 201088 First 01268 525251 National Express 08705 80 80 80

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Belfairs Mixed Bowling 475766Burges Estate Residents Association (BERA) 588662Carers Forum 393933Charles Dicken’s Fellowship 588069Cockleshell Clog Morris 479622Essex Handicrafts Association 479622Essex Society for Family History 522992 Lower Thames Rowing Club 482205Prittlewell Bowls Club 612476Southchurch Park Croquet Club 303957Southend Blind Welfare Association 342131Southend Cardiac Support Group 309042 / 293469Southend Photographic Society 332491Southend Rugby Club 546682The English Speaking Union 588069Thorpe Bay Bowling Club 582074Thorpe Bay Bridge Club 616145Thorpe Bay Floral Arrangement Group 585350Thorpe Bay Lawn Tennis Club 585245Thorpe Bay Yacht Club 587563Thorpe Hall Golf Club 582205Scout GroupsSouthend, Thorpe Bay & Shoeburyness 587647Actorcrats (Amateur Dramatics) 306506Thorpe Bay Art Group 294321St Augustine's Church 587597

Southend Council Civic Centre 215000Council Tax & Benefits 215001Environment and domestic 215005Council Waste Department 215006Jobcentre Southend 575700

BMI Southend Private Hospital 608908Primary Care Trust 224600Southend General Hospital 435555Spire Wellesley Hospital 462944NHS Direct 08454647

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J & B LANDSCAPES LTD

Specialists in:

DrivewaysPatiosSlabworkCrazy PavingBlockworkBrickwalls

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tel: 01702 524064 mob: 07767 845096

FREEESTIMATES

LandscapeSpecialists

www.wilkinskennedy.com

Understanding your past partnering your future

T: 01702 348 646 E: [email protected]

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Marketing Solutions for the BEST local businesses01702 277684


Paul New

man Interiors have an exciting and extensive portfolio of styles for kitchens from

leading manufacturers and stunning locally built

handcrafted designs.Attention to detail sets us apart and our team of em

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ith your new room

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ill never be comprom

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Visit our new show

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25TH A

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Y1984 - 2009

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maninteriorsltd.co.uk

136 High Street,Hadleigh,Essex,SS7 2PBTel:

01702 552868Fax:

01702 555518 Em

ail:info@paulnew

maninteriors.co.uk

PAU

L NEW

MA

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