April Thorpe Bay 2012

New! Oracle TravelWhy You Need a Travel Agent?

RecipeDeep-filled Egg and Bacon Pie

Under the HammerWhat is it worth?

Thorpe Bay April 2012

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

ORACLE

WIN!Oracle CompetitionA pair of tickets for Buddy Holly - A Legend Reborn At the Cliffs Pavilion

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

publisher’s letter

OR ACLEith this edition Oracle has another newfeature from a local, well travelled lady

called Karen Goldman. Each month she will betaking us to all sorts of wonderful destinationsaround the world. This month she has initially givenan overview of the pitfalls of not using a travelagent. Over the next few months watch out for theTravel Expert page and allow your mind to be transported to some great destinations in the worldcovering a vast range of budgets.

Oracle’s competition this month has been kindlydonated by Entertainers. One lucky winner can wina pair of tickets to see the ever popular Buddy Hollyat the Cliff’sPavilion on May 17th, in A LegendReborn. Please send your entries in by April 27th. Please check out their website on www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk for further details onthis show.

To enter, simply send your name and contact detailsto Oracle/Buddy Holly Competition , 39 AlexandraStreet., Southend, Essex SS1 1BW. Or by email [email protected] stating the competi-tion in the subject box and giving your contact de-tails.

Good Luck!

Emma Wynne-MorganPublisher

01702 39383839 Alexandra Street, Southend, Essex SS1 1BW

www.oraclepublications.co.ukinfo@oraclepublications.co.ukwww.twitter.com/oracle_essex

www.facebook.com/oraclepublications Printed by EVONPRINT, Small Dole, Sussex 01273 494631

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ORACLE

Local IssuesLocal Nature 9/10By Pat Wortley

Beard & Wonderful 16Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith

Sovereign Debt Crisis 20Money Matters by Jacqui Moyies

Detailed Design 26Planning by Tim Knight

Deep-filled Egg and Bacon Pie 38Judy's Recipe Page

Golden Rules for Spring Fitness 42Health & Beauty by Cris Ramis

What is it worth? 46Under the Hammer by Trevor Cornforth

Why You Need a Travel Agent 50Travel Expert by Karen Goldman

Diary Dates 56Useful Numbers 64Advertiser Index 66

AdvertorialsAbsolutely Fabulous iFit Studio 6/7Thorpe Bay Bowls Club 14Thorpe Hall School 18/19Independent Party 34/35Shoeburyness High School 60/61

contents

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Shake that body!ummer is around the corner and I amsure like me, some of you would like to

lose a little bit of weight, gained during thosewinter months. Or perhaps you would like to justtone up ready for that first beach moment of theyear! Whatever your reason the i.fit Studio inSouthchurch is offering its clients a very new andinnovative way of losing weight which can fit inwith anyones busy schedule.

Get fit without a gymThis new exercise studio is unique locally, offeringits clients the chance to exercise without actuallyworking out! Intrigued? Then please read on….

The i.fit Studio holds eight i.fit machines that helpits clients maintain a regular exercise routine forshort intervals with amazing results. If you are lookingfor a well toned body, better flexibility, improvedcirculation plus the reduction of the appearance ofcellulite then these machines will be a great find.

S Amongst many of its advantages it also increasesstamina and improves fitness and well-being.

Combined with a healthy diet and if used regularly,the vibrating and oscillating plates can reduce yourdress size up to two sizes. Celebs such as Madonna,Sadie Frost, and Donatella Versace are all frequentusers of i.fit machines.

How do the i.fit machines work?All i.fit machines have two motors, one thatpowers the oscillation motion and one for the vibrating motion. Oscillation, the up and down motion, will give the body a resistance work out. Thebody will try to correct itself, fighting against themotion, so as one limb moves up, the other limbmoves down allowing the bodies natural shock absorbing system to operate.

The benefits of oscillation training are:Reduction in visceral and subcutaneous fat – Particularly around the abdomenImprovement in muscle toneReducing cholesterolImprovement in the function of the nervoussystemImprovement in bone density, making thebones become strongerImprovement in intestinal movementIncreases the metabolic rate – the best wayto lose weight

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a week and clients are able to drop in at any time.

Next door to the studio, is a state-of-the-art tanningsalon, so why not take advantage of this facility andenhance your overall healthy image ready for thesummer.

Read below are a few testimonials from the manyhappy and fit clients of i.fit Studio.

01702 612580http://www.abfabtanning.co.uk

202 Woodgrange Drive, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2SD

These vibrations cause the muscles to contractand relax anything between 3 and 50 times persecond. Which means just 10 minutes of vibrationtraining is the equivalent of 60 minutes resistancetraining.

The wonderful thing about this machine is that itis versatile and by using different positions on themachine you are able to tone and exercisedifferent parts of the body.

The i.fit machines have three different speeds tocater for people’s different abilities. Therefore, people as young as 16 and up to the age of 80 areable to use the machines once they have beengiven advice from i.fit Studio’s staff and answereda few health questions.

Knowledgeable staff on hand

There are eight i.fit machines in the women onlystudio and another two i.fit machines in a menonly area. If you have young children there is asecure play area at the back of the studio. Tea andcoffee facilities are also available.

The friendly and knowledgeable members of staffare always available to help show you how to usethe i.fit machines, give guidance and expert advice.

Appointments are not necessary just drop by withyour friends and have a work out whilst you catchup and share a giggle, as the i.fit machines aregreat fun to use. Or just come alone on your ownas you will be made to feel very welcome.

Open 7 days a week

The i.fit Studio’s opening hours are Monday toFriday 9am – 10 pm, Saturday 9am – 9pm andSunday 10am – 9pm.The i.fit Studio is open 7 days

Lorraine 23.11.2011I started using the ifit machine 2 months ago. I was asize 14 and very “wobbly”. I use the machine 4 times aweek for 10 or 20 minute sessions. I am now size 10 andfeel great. I cannot believe how great the machines are.

Joanne Appleton 25.11.2011I have just finished a 12 session course and havealreadyhad comments about weight loss. Excellent. Invested in another course.

Jean 3.3.2012With the help of the girls that work in the ifit studio Icompletely got rid of my cellulite. I cant thank themenough.

FREE OFFER:i.fit Studio is offering all new clients a 6 minute freetrial session. To qualify for this offer please take a copyof this month’s Oracle along to the i.fit Studio, offerends 30 April 2012. (Terms & Conditions apply)



Local Issues

Among our parks Priory Park has been speciallyenhanced by a little stream leading into the PrittleBrook. Brent Geese from Siberia on the shore in theautumn, a stunning array of rose hip berries on thesea wall in winter. The list goes on.

Our Society was founded in 1934. Local naturalistswere anxious to protect the ancient woodland inBelfairs. The battle took several years, and includeda petition of 20,000 signatures before SouthendBorough Council purchased the land. Together theysecured it for the enjoyment of generations tocome.

The richness of the wildlife in the NatureReserve ledto its classification later as a Site of Special ScientificInterest (SSSI). Part of what our members do is torecord the flora, fauna and fungi they find.

Details of our activities can be found by phoningPat Wortley on 01702 588115, as well as in ourpublication, Hadleigh Great Wood: The Wildlife andHistory of Belfairs Nature Reserve, which records2,295 species of plants, fungi and animals found init up to 1988. In 2002, Betty Matson rediscoveredthe Dormouse there, which led to Paul Terry, thenthe Borough’s Environmental Officer, initiating asurvey. Now they are monitored by the localDormouse Group set up in 2004.

Local naturene Spring day in 2009, I looked out of anupstairs window and saw a stream of

Painted Ladies, newly arrived from the Continent,flying past. A sight like that is one aspect of the en-joyment of natural historians in our local wildlife.There are many surprises. A kingfisher may be seenflying along beside the stream in Willingale Way ifyou are lucky and up early.

An animal was seen there recently that might havebeen a mink, but are the water voles still there?Maybe you will hear a cuckoo on Two Tree Islandsoon or a nightingale if you go further afield.

The changing seasons bring a succession ofdifferent interesting things. Beautiful PyramidalOrchids may be seen on the golf course in summer,

O


By Pat Wortley

Painted Lady butterfly

Spotted Orchids

New local records are found all the time, some during our field meetings. Some occur, as is to beexpected these days, as a result of climate change,e.g. Wasp Spiders extending their range up from theContinent for example.

We engage in conservation work, some in Belfairs.There, in Dodds Grove, an area is managed to helpthe Heath Fritillary butterfly by encouraging thegrowth of the Yellow Cow-wheat the food plant forits larvae, which otherwise can get smothered byother plants. This butterfly became extinct but wasreintroduced. A rich reward is to see numbers of thisdainty, pretty creature flying freely in the sunshine.Another project is to encourage the presence of theDeptford Pink around Hadleigh Castle and on theBelton Hills, by monitoring and creating smallpatches suitable for seeds and Plants. It is an exquisite small type of Pink. It is rare and we havedeposited seeds in Kew’s Millenium Seed Bank atWakehurst Place.

Our President, Don Down, discovered a wonderfulplace for wildlife and for visitors at Canvey Wick.Originally a grazing marsh, but subsequently partwas developed as an oil refinery. He found an astonishing carpet of the Southern Marsh Orchidand also the rare Shrill Carder Bee. Since it supports“one of the most rich and rarity-dominated populations of insects” in this country, the site wasdeclared a SSSI by English Nature. This part of South

01702 588115www.senhsorg.uk

[email protected] Charity No. 231981


Essex is fortunate in having the Belton Hills and theSouthend-on-Sea Foreshore, both of which havebeen designated as Local Nature Reserves. The former was largely as a result of work by Joyce MacConnell, the later by other members. Our Borough has some smaller Local Wildlife Sites e.g.Thorpe Hall Golf Course. The Borough Council hasa Biodiversity and Environmental Awareness Working Party to which our Society contributes

We hold meetings in the Southend Central Museum, some addressed by experts in naturalhistory, including our Recorders. We have themedmembers’ evenings where we research and present material ourselves. These all provide theopportunity to learn more. Who would havethought, for example, that the life history of thehuge Swan Mussel includes parasitizing a fishcalled the bitterling, as we were told the other day!We invite visitors and new members. Details of ouractivities can be found in our Newsletter, in ourjournal The South Essex Naturalist and on the website which we are developing senhs.org.uk.

Irises in brook in Priory Park

Heath Fritillary butterfly in Dodds Grove

SOUTH ESSEX NATURALHISTORY SOCIETY


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]

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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MORRISINTERIORSINTERIORS

23-25 Station Road, Thorpe Bay, Essex SS1 3JYTel. 01702 586800 Fax. 01702 586054www.morrisinteriors.ltd.ukOpening hours: 9am–5pm Monday–Friday9am–4pm Saturday

4022-Morris Interiors Oracle Full Page Advert.indd 1 07/02/2012 11:44

We have a superb green and we would like to think the finest view of any bowling club in the county. A great clubhouse with bar and kitchen and ample parking space.

Thorpe Bay Bowling Club has been in existence for over 80 years, and, until 2012 has only been open to male bowlers. But now, in common with many other clubs, we are inviting ladies to join as full bowling members. Already the news has spread and we now have quite a number of lady bowlers signed up.

Besides the bowling, the social side is very important to the club expecially in the winter months. Supper evenings, usually with guest entertainers, together with quizzes, race nights and other social events are held periodically and these, coupled with short mat bowling, snooker, darts, bridge evenings, etc, make for a full programme of events which are of course catered for by a well stocked bar.

There is only one way to discover the delights of green bowling, and Thorpe Bay Bowling Club in particular, and that is to come along to our OPEN DAY FROM 10am ON THE 6th MAY. There will be bowls available, people to coach and all we ask is that you wear flat shoes to avoid spoiling the green. Later in the morning the bar will be open.

For further information please contact our Secretary on 01702 584200

THORPE BAY BOWLING CLUBTHORPE BAY GARDENS

OPEN DAY MAY 6th 201214 T H O R P E B A Y O R A C L E www.oraclepublications.co.uk A P R I L 2 0 1 2


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.

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

ad min .ced a r s @ ch u r ch g a teh eal th car e .co .u k 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

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Oracle Hair & Beauty

decided to check whether women were drawn tostrong and healthy, bushy, macho men.

They picked 19 men with full beards (that’s weeks ofgrowth, with no trimming) and photographedthem. They then asked their volunteers to shave offtheir beards, and photographed them again.

The pictures were then shown to over 200 women,who were asked to rate the gents on their attractiveness. Overwhelmingly the clean-shavenimages were regarded as significantly more attrac-tive.

Interestingly, when other men were asked whatthey thought of the subjects in the photos, they saidthat the bearded blokes looked older and more aggressive but curiously, both sexes stated that facial hair added gravitas and that the bearded menappeared to have a higher social status, command-ing more respect from their peers.

In short, beards send a signal of alpha masculinityto other men but do little to attract women.Of course, if growing a beard tickles your fancy I’dsay go for it but if the other half doesn’t approve, beprepared to take it on the chin!

Beard andWonderful

32 Alexandra St., Southend SS1 1BU

01702 340965

Sponsored by O

oes a beard give you an un-hair advantageover other men when it comes to work and

relationships?

What’s not to love and admire about a proper, manly,distinguished-looking beard? I ask as a chap - beard-wearers can only be described as ‘chaps’ - who possesses fantastic facial fuzz himself.

Sadly however, a new piece of scientific research hasrevealed that many more women are suffering frompogonophobia.

Thankfully, that doesn’t mean that they themselveslook like Kind Edward VII but have a fear of beards.Shocking, I know.

This is all dashed inconvenient – I always talk like TerryThomas when discussing beards – when heartthrobslike George Clooney, Keanu Reeves, Brad Pitt and DavidBeckham have all sprouted impressive whiskers.

Growing a beard makes the wearer more masculine. Italso carries a certain air of gravitas and intellect.Stroking your hirsute chin while you think, make youlook like a deep thinker. Of course, a certain length ofgrowth can make you look like you just don’t careabout primping and preening yourself in front of themirror. For some, stubble projects a sort of laissez-faireoutlook on life. Not shaving means you save time formore important things, like writing that Pulitzer-prizewinning article or, more realistically, making a cheekybacon sarnie. Another reason is simply that beardsmake chaps hot and attractive. Or do they?

Psychologists Paul Vasey and Barnaby Dixson

D



ith the number of open day visitors toThorpe Hall School reaching an all

time high in March, Headteacher Mr AndrewHampton gives the Oracle his thoughts onwhat makes the forward thinking independ-ent school so successful.

“I have no doubt that small class sizes makes asignificant difference to education.

In fact, a US study has recently provided someof the most compelling evidence yet thatchildren taught in small classes in infantschools are likely to do significantly better atsecondary level.

It further shows that the positive effects of thisclose attention in the first four years ofschooling can last right up until the end ofsixth form. We firmly believe in the benefits ofsmall teaching groups here at Thorpe HallSchool with classes limited to 20 in the JuniorSchool and 16 in the Senior School.

From early years, children are taught in smallclasses within stimulating and productiveenvironments; including state-of-the-art ICTsuites, dedicated science, food, textiles and artstudios and exceptional sports andrecreational facilities.Because we invest

Advertorial

heavily in our teachers, our staff:pupil ratio isexcellent allowing us to create even smallerclasses for pupils who need more support. It isnot uncommon for these pupils to be taughtin a class as small as 5 or 6 – and the benefit isenormous, with pupils outperforming theirbenchmarked predictions by many grades atGCSE.

We are particularly proud of the fact that wehave broken our best ever record for GCSE results twice in the last three years and arenow the leading non-selective independentschool in the whole of Essex. I think we haveachieved this academic excellence by makingevery school day interesting and fun, by supporting learning at home through ourvirtual learning environment and by givingeach child the care, love and individualattention they need to thrive and succeed”.

01702 582340Wakering Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 3RD

W

Small classes makea big difference

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

Money Matters

beverages, tobacco and household products.These are typically the last products to be removed from the household budget at timeswhen disposable incomes are being squeezed.

In addition, many analysts see corporate bonds asa promising asset class. Exaggerated fears of massdefaults are, in the eyes of many, presentinginvestors with unprecedented value in highquality corporate bonds.

Commercial property, too, continues to represent a high-yielding and relatively stableasset class, presenting a further valuable opportunity for investors to diversify their assetsand ultimately be rewarded over the longer term.

After the events of the past few years, investorsneed no reminding that equity investing can bevolatile. But history is clear - stock markets tend torise over the longer term, despite short-term fluctuations. Good investment opportunities stillexist for the prudent investor, across a diversified portfolio. However, to find those opportunities requires the expertise of a skilledand experienced wealth management specialistin order to satisfy properly medium tolong-term investment objectives.

inancial issues have hardly been out of theheadlines in the last five years, ever since

the credit crunch first came into thenational consciousness, and the Europeansovereign debt crisis of the last two years hasmerely served to intensify the media coverage.

Since the autumn of 2009, the European Unionhas been struggling with the mounting debts ofsome of its weakest economies, notably Greeceand Portugal.

The crisis has even raised questions aboutwhether the Euro can survive as a currency, placedstrains and risks on banks across the continent and forced cuts in government spending, putting several countries back into recession.

So what are the opportunities for investors inwhat remains a tough and uncertain economicenvironment? Equity markets so far in 2012 havestarted on a much more positive note.

There are exciting and attractive investmentopportunities out there. Take, for example, largeblue-chip companies with a strong and healthymarket position and a continuous record of generating profits and earnings during all phasesof the economic cycle. Some of the best opportunities today can be found in the telecomand pharmaceutical sectors.

And one of the safest places to invest in equitymarkets in times of economic turmoil are in defensive sectors such as consumer staples – industries that manufacture and sell food and

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

F

Sovereign debt crisis – A good time to invest?


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Detailed Designfittings, programme and budget to ensure the level ofdetail is commensurate with your dreams andbudget..

In order to deliver your ideal design within budgetyour team must ensure all details are included in thetender package to allow the Contractors to analyseand accurately price. Your architect should assist producing a tender list which usually consists of 3 or4 builders. Builders unfortunately do get a bad pressbut the reality is the majority are honest and reliableand want to deliver a product you will be proud of.However the choice of builder is critical, as well asdelivering the project he must be able to work withyou and understand your needs, there is nothingmore destructive to a project than the breakdown incommunication or relations between client andbuilder.

Once tenders are issued there is always an anxiouswait for the prices to return. We will deal with thepriced returns and the commencement of the workon site next but in the meantime I am happy to dealwith any specific questions about any part of theprogramme at [email protected]

o now we have a design, consideredaesthetics and presented a comprehensive

application to the local authority for approval. Ofcourse approval is not guaranteed and refusals are unfortunately issued, but should that occur you stillhave the option to amend and re-submit or appealthe decision. In this event specialist Architectural services may be required together with involving aplanning consultant who would advise on the appropriate method of appeal.

For our purposes we will assume approval has beengranted and you are ready to get into the ‘nuts andbolts’ of the development. This is the detailed designstage when you and your architect fully plan the structure and detail every operation your chosenbuilder will perform. As a famous architect said “Godis in the detail” and this phase shouldn’t be avoided orunder-estimated….spend enough time at this stageand you have a far better chance of avoiding unnecessary over-run and extra expense during theworks.

You may need to employ Structural, Mechanical andServices Engineers or other design consultant to helpdesign the project. The team works closely, interpret-ing your requirements, to produce the constructioninformation and tender package. Traditionally the Architect leads the team and should advise on all elements of the construction. Decisions should bemade at this time that include construction techniques and contract details, materials, finishes,

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We cater forPrivate FunctionsPlease contact the Angel Innfor further details

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Locally can you affordto vote Conservative?

he growth of Independent representa-tion has outstripped all the political

parties

Once again it’s election time. In the last 5 years theIndependent group of councillors has, with the support of the electorate, trebled in size. Last yearalone in the seven wards in which an Independent candidate stood we received 8,207 votes comparedto 6,005 for the Conservatives. Clearly, residents are realising how disconnected the political parties arewith their needs.

Financial Incompetenceof the Conservatives

Under the Conservatives (£M) borrowings continueto spiral upwards:

T

The graph shows that year on year the Conservatives have failed to control the extent of theirborrowing. The forecast limits are exceeded every year.Over 5 years they have doubled the borrowing limitsand intend to further extend their financialboundaries. This is equivalent to a debt of £2000 forevery man, woman and child in Southend-on-Sea.

If that isn’t bad enough that debt has to be servicedadding an additional cost to residents of:-

18% of our total council tax is now being used just topay financing costs (interest) on their borrowings.

Independents can give Southend-on-SeaCouncil back to residents and local businesses

By empowering the local community we can addressthese financial problems and tackle issues. Every councillor throughout the Borough should have aninput to the final decision making process. Until the1940’s local councillors did not represent political parties, they were Independent, coming from ratepayers, residents associations and business groups.

We need a system of local government where residents are properly consulted and allowed participation in the decision making process so as tocontribute to the future of our town. The weakness ofthis current system of local government is that constructive and innovative ideas raised by othercouncillors are ignored and derided simply becausethese suggestions did not come from the Conservatives. The Conservative council has lost numerous opportunities to improve both our townand the lives of its residents because of this attitude.

Local C

ouncil E

lections

MAY 2012

Year 08/9 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13

Costs £7.4m £8.5m £8.2m £10.8m £12.4m

Auth

orise

d Lim

its fo

rOper

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illio

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Year / Duration


Local Democracy at Risk

The Conservative led council recently sent outthousands of letters to residents advising them thatthe decision on various parking consultations hadnow been taken, a clear 2 weeks before the commit-tee meeting scheduled to make that decision! TheConservative council are determined to go aheadwith pay and display parking charges, regardless ofthe major detrimental impact on residents and smallbusinesses. Independents will continue to fightagainst the attitude of the Conservative administra-tion and work to bring some sense to the wholeparking consultation issue. This behaviour extends tofull council where the Conservatives passed theirbudget without allowing all councillors an opportu-nity to vote. The lunacy is that by avoiding a formalvote they argue the budget was passed unanimously.

Independent Councillors forward plan andlook to the future

Independent Councillors want to take our town backfrom the political parties and start planning for ourfuture. We believe that to do this we need to removeparty politics from local democracy and give controlback to the residents. There seems little point invoting for someone to represent your ward only tofind that they cannot represent local interests because they are not in the party’s interests. You, thevoter, should come first. You should not come secondto party politics. It demeans the democratic processwhen the voting in the Council chamber representsthe views of just 8 people.

A Council truly representing the electorate

The success of Independent Councillors and the pressure we are putting on the party politicians is starting to tell. It is time Southend-on-Sea council wasrun in a more adult, consultative, and responsible manner. We are convinced that with resident-focusedpriorities, fewer consultants and better budgetingmuch more can be achieved for less; delivering theservices we need in different ways and putting the savings made into better use for the town’s residents.We want to do this in a council that operates withoutthe domination of party politics; a chamber operatingon consensus with fresh thinking and fresh ideas.

Vote Mike Stafford Thorpe Ward

Vote Claire BibbySouthchurch Ward

Vote

Independent

Money down the drain

Turning the Tide of Local Politics.

For more information, contact: Mike Stafford 01702 587448 or Claire Bibby 07532299840

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Next month’s recipe:

‘Maple Glazed Roast Chicken’

Deep-filled Egg and Bacon Pie

processor. Add the butter and lard, then whizz brieflyuntil the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs. Tip intoa bowl and stir in just enough cold water to bring themixture together into a ball.

4. Knead briefly on a lightly floured surface, then cutoff a 200g piece and set aside. Roll out the remainingpastry and use to line the base and sides of a lightlybuttered 5.5cm deep, 20cm loose-bottomed roundtin, leaving the edges overhanging.

5. Separate one of the eggs and set the yolk aside ina cup. Lightly beat the egg white and another eggwith the cream, nutmeg, a little salt and some pepperin a small jug. Scatter two-thirds of the bacon mixtureover the base of the tin and drizzle over half thecream mixture.

6. Carefully break the remaining eggs one at a timeinto a cup and slide them side-by-side onto the top ofthe bacon mixture, taking care not to break the yolks.Season them lightly, scatter over the remaining baconmixture, then drizzle over the remaining egg andcream mixture.

7. Brush the overhanging pastry with a little water.Roll out the remaining pastry into a round, carefullylay it over the top of the pie and press the pastryedges together. Neatly trim ›back the overhangingpastry to 2cm, brush with a little more water, then rollit over on itself to form the edge of the pie. Crimp itwell between your fingers, lightly score the top in acriss-cross pattern and cut a small slit in the centre ofthe lid.

8. Beat the reserved egg yolk with 1 tsp water andbrush generously over the top of the pie. Re-kneadand roll out the pastry trimmings, cut into leaves anduse to decorate the top of the pie. Brush them with alittle more glaze, slide the pie onto the baking sheetand bake for 1 hour or until the pastry is golden. Remove from the oven and set aside for 30 minutes.Carefully remove from the tin and serve warm, cutinto wedges.

f you have guests to feed over the Easterweekend this is always very satisfying and

can be served warm or cold. If you are worried aboutmaking the pastry, ready-made shortcrust will be fine,you will probably need 2 packets. Enjoy!

Ingredients 300g (about 10) rindless smoked back bacon rashers25g butter, plus extra for greasing2 bunches of spring onions, trimmed and thinly sliced 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley2 tbsp chopped fresh chives10 medium free-range eggs100ml double cream¼ tsp freshly grated nutmegFor the pastry350g plain flour, plus extra for dusting¾ tsp salt90g chilled butter, cut into pieces90g chilled lard, cut into pieces

Method 1. Put a heavy-gauge baking sheet on the middle shelfof the oven. Preheat the oven to 190°C/fan170°C/gas5. Stack up the bacon rashers and cut lengthways inhalf, then across into short strips. Heat a large fryingpan over a high heat, add half the bacon, then frybriskly for 3-4 minutes until crisp and lightly golden.Set aside with a slotted spoon, then repeat with theremaining bacon. Clean the pan.

2.Lower the heat and add the butter to the pan. Whenit has melted, add the spring onions and cook gentlyfor 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat, leave tocool slightly, then stir in the cooked bacon and herbs.

3. For the pastry, put the flour and salt in a food

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working too hard can lead to injury. Movesteadily and gradually through your trainingprogramme, making only small increases inintensity and duration/reps at a time.

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You can over-train – Training every day is notnecessarily a good idea. You should never workthe same muscle group on consecutive days,or work a muscle group that’s still sore from aprevious session. Give your body time to recover and it is true, becoming an obsessive-compulsive trainer can affect your social life. Itis okay, every now and then, to kick back andtreat yourself to your favourite food ordrink.

on’t expect instant results - Exercisewon’t transform your body overnight;

it can take a few weeks of regular activity before you see any changes to your shape. Butyou will notice other benefits straight away, likeincreased energy, less stress and a more positive frame of mind.

Keep a training log - Recording your workoutswill help you measure and monitor your success. Charting your progress means youensure your efforts are working.

Set goals - Vague targets, such as ‘losingweight’ or ‘getting fit’, are less likely to motivateyou than specific ones, such as losing 1lb aweek or running a 10k race. Creating specific,challenging and achievable targets, and hittingthem, means you’ll be much more likely to stickto your programme.

You are meant to enjoy it - Research has foundthat ‘perceived confidence’ – a sense of success– is the best indication of whether you’ll stickwith an activity. If you get a kick out of runningfast, you’ll probably run for longer. So find aform of exercise you love, but use a variety ofactivities for best results.

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have been used for cutting silk or paper. Similar examples can be seen in important museum collections so it is quite a surprise to see them poppingup in Leigh on sea.

The market for such things is small but keen so againa sale price in the mid hundreds of pounds can be expected. Despite the Court origins the achievedprices in recent years for similar pieces have not beenas high as one might expect. However this was stillquite a surprise for our lady owner who had takenthem for granted.

If you have something you would like to know aboutthen email a picture to me at [email protected] I will try to help or give me a call

What is it worth?

fter the last issue Michael sent me an emailabout a Chinese ceramic panel he owns but

knows nothing about. Photos can often be deceptiveso I asked him to let me take a look and neither of uswas disappointed.

It is quite clear to see that it is a Cantonese enamelledporcelain tile but the subject is a lovely Imperial Courtscene with the typical cut-away allowing a view of theinterior of the building where the Emperor is receivingpetitions. Once I was able to see it first-hand it becameapparent that it is a mid 19th C piece of very finequality which has been set later into a lacquered frame,probably in Shanghai in the 1920’s ready for export.Such panels were usually set as table screens ratherthan wall decoration and this one will definitely attractthe Chinese buyers who are clawing back their ownheritage. Value wise I would expect it to run into severalthousand pounds.

I also had an enquiry about this unusual pair of scissors which have languished for a long time in anelderly lady’s china cabinet.

Once again handling them tells the full story. They areTurkish in origin and although they are steel they areinlaid with gold making them quite important itemsfrom the Ottoman Court in the 18th C. They would

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People think they can just book flights, hotels, or carrentals themselves, and sometimes they can, especiallyif nothing goes wrong. But when your flight is cancelled and you are standing in line waiting to berebooked, believe me, you’ll wish you had a travelagent.

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SOCIAL EVENING 11TH APRIL FREEEssex Handicraft Association South East EssexBranch.Hadleigh 01702 479 862

EASTER EVENT FREE7th April, Leigh Library Gardens 13:00 - 16:00Join in the fun of an Easter Egg Hunt with a prizefor all who complete the hunt. Activities include Leigh Lions BBQ, a BouncCastle, Punch & Judy, face painting, ice cream, children's entertainment and a variety of stalls.01702 716288.

EASTER ON THE ESTUARY FREE8th - 9th April, Southend PierMeet the Easter Bunny who will be handing outcream eggs to the children. Activities will includea lucky dip, raffle & children's colouring competition.01702 618747 [email protected].

ACE CAFÉ SOUTHEND SHAKEDOWN FREE9th April, Southend SeafrontAnnual charity motorcycle ride from Ace Cafe,London to Southend Seafront.Enjoy the spectacle of several thousand motorbikes of every type imaginable on display.01702 618747 [email protected].

BIG ROCK WEEKEND FREE14th - 15th April, Central Museum and Planetarium, Victoria Avenue10:00 - 16:00Weekend of activities, demonstrations and talks.Use crazy silica (sand) to create a beautifulsouvenir to take away and try your hand at panning for fool's gold! A wide range of unusual fossils and rocks topurchase in the museum shop and a great chanceto have those prized fossils and mineralsidentified. Entry is free but donations always

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Maths and English at Shoeburyness High School

n the maths department at Shoebury-ness High School, we pride ourselves on

giving our students every opportunity to succeed. We go the extra mile to provide opportunity to overcome barriers and ultimatelyachieve examination success.

For example, we have recently taken Year 11 students to Bradwell outdoor activity centre fortwo days where they received intensive revisionand support, largely disguised as quizzes andtreasure hunts, whilst enjoying personal challenges and recreational activities. Staff andstudents bonded over snooker, nail varnish and abuffet in the evening and to quote one student“it was the best weekend ever – I have learntloads!”

I Earlier this year, we took a targeted group to KidzKingdom for a mathematical experience followed by a chance to let their hair down andhave fun just prior to their exams. Activitiesincluded marking a paper that the staff had doneto find the deliberate mistakes and explain them.

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n the English Department at Shoebury-ness High School, we pride ourselves on

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We have a dedicated English Learning Mentorwho works with groups of students to develop their skills and who runs our “Chapter and Chat-ter” Book Club on a weekly basis, where keenreaders have the opportunity to share their en-thusiasm and ideas for reading with other like-minded individuals. In addition, the Shoeburyness High School Gifted and Talented

Evening recently showcased the talents of ourstudents who are exceptionally impressive, whenseveral students gave speeches in front of an audience, demonstrating their confidence andmaturity in the subject. Many of our ablestudents study English AS level courses in Year11.

Literacy events run regularly throughout theschool year; these are then incorporated into lesson time, broadening the horizons of the students and encouraging them to raise their literacy standards on a regular basis. In lessons,students are encouraged to be as creative andinnovative as possible and their work is displayedaround the English Department as a source ofpride at their achievements, both at Key Stages 3and 4 and post-16 at Key Stage 5.

Within the English Department, students are encouraged to take an active part in their ownlearning and display a great deal of enthusiasmfor the texts studied, plays performed and thedevelopment of their own skills. It is a lively andinspiring place to be for all concerned and we areextremely proud of the achievements of our students.

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SS3 9QY

Telephone 01702 291009

Opening Hours

Monday, 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

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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 Odeon Cinema 0871 2244007RSPCA Rochford

James Duddridge (Con) 01702 616135

ANIMAL WELFARE

POLICE SERVICES

PUBLIC SERVICES

LOCAL MP

BT (15p pm from landline, 40p connection) 118 500

ORACLE PUBLICATIONS UK LTD 393838www.oraclepublications.co.ukORACLE WEBSITE SOLUTIONS 393838www.oraclewebsitesolutions.co.uk

Child Protection 534495Citizens Advice 0844 4770 808Crime Prevention 464199Crimestoppers 0800 555 111Cruse Bereavement Care 213843Pier & Foreshore Inspectors 215620Drugs, Alcohol & Substance Misuse 440400HARP 615000National Drugs Freephone 0800 776900Samaritans 611911Southend Talking Newspaper 554536Trading Standards 0845 4040506Victim Support Group 0845 4565995

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

DIRECTORY ENQUIRIES

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Sun 20 JulyAdmission: £3Children FREE

Home-made Teas available

South Shoebury HallChurch Road, Shoeburyness

(Entrance next to the Church)

OpenGardensCharity Day

Sun 15 April2-5 pm Admission: £3.50

Children FREE

Home-made Teas availableTel : 01702 299022

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PM Decorating 58RSC Decorators 62DENTALParmar Dental 17DESIGNERCaron B Designs 3DRIVEWAYS & PATIOSAmax Landscapes 4EDUCATIONKip McGrath 38Shoebury High School 60/61St. Hilda's School 22St. Michael's School 48Thorpe Hall School 18/19ELECTRICAL SERVICESDan Waller 62ENTERTAINMENTSouthend Operatic & Dramatic Society 56EQUESTRIANElm Farm Stud 15FENCINGBVS Fencing 58FINANCIAL SERVICESAnderson Financial 20FUNERAL SERVICESAR Adams Funeral Services 30FURNITURE RESTORERSTS Baskett 59GARAGE DOORSMurray Garage Doors 30GARAGESRS Automotives 57SERVICE GARAGE 21Vanguard Autos 55GARDEN SERVICESRoot2Shoot 45GLASS MERCHANTColin's Glass 37HAIR & BEAUTYGrateful Heads 16Headhunters 40Images 25HEALTH & FITNESSAbsolutely Fabulous iFit Studio 6/7Ramis Health & Fitness 42HOME IMPROVEMENT SUPPLIERSPHI Ltd 8INTERIOR DESIGNERSJanet Williamson 39Morris Interiors 13JEWELLERSAV & BV Andrews 28KITCHENSKitchen Base 29MARBLE WORKTOPSAbbey Marble 49MUSIC TUTORNick Vince 58OPTICALCC Optical 63OVEN CLEANINGOvenclean 59PAINT & PAPERGardner's Paint & Paper 11PAINTING & DECORATINGRainbow Property Services 1

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