April Leigh Oracle 2012

Leigh-on-Sea April 2012

ORACLELeigh at a glance Est. Oct 2006. Circulation 5,500

Tel: 01702 430570Mobile: 07955 274663

www.leighskiphire.co.uk

Fully Licenced Waste Carriers

NEW!Travel ExpertWhy You Need a Travel Agent

Under the hammerWhat is it worth?

Recipe

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

Deep-filled Egg and Bacon Pie

Monday : Closed

Tuesday : 10 - 5:30

Wednesday : 10 - 5:30

Thursday : 10 - 5:30

Friday : 10 - 5:30

Saturday : 10 - 5:30

Sunday : 11 - 4

35 Alexandra street

southend-on-sea

ss1 1bw

01702 344767

CALLIE & FINN

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Our vintage-inspired clothing is sassy, cute with feminine styling.Chiffons, nudes, colour block/boho maxis; bold prints all feature.

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Big and bold in attitude, to eccentric, whimsical fun pieces. Vintageand retro accessories add that extra va va voom to your outfits!

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Les Néréides perfumes are truly evocative.

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www.oraclepublications.co.uk L E I G H - O N - S E A O R A C L E 3A P R I L 2 0 1 2

publisher’s letter

OR ACLELeigh

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

T.C. Sash WindowsCall Tom Clark:

07557 41099401702 292188

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ith 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!

W

4 L E I G H - O N - S E A O R A C L E www.oraclepublications.co.uk A P R I L 2 0 1 2

contentsLocal IssuesLocal Nature 9/10By Pat Wortley

Beard & Wonderful 14Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith

Why You Need a Travel Agent 16Travel Expert by Karen Goldman

Sovereign Debt Crisis 20Money Matters by Jacqui Moyies

Deep-filled Egg and Bacon Pie 26Judy's Recipe Page

Detailed Design 30Planning by Tim Knight

What is it worth? 32Under The Hammer by Trevor Cornforth

Diary Dates 36

Useful Numbers 40Advertiser Index 42

AdvertorialsAbsolutely Fabulous iFit Studio 6/7

ORACLE

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.

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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)

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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,

OBy 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



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We know that many of our parents read the Oracle, so what better place to say a big thank you for helping to make the move to our new centre in Leigh such an amazing success!!

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Our students work on an individually planned programme of work, based on their own needs and aspirations. Our tutors ! fully qualified and experienced teachers ! all live locally and understand the local educational environment. !

Ours is an attractive, well-equipped learning environment and we use a mix of online, computer and paper-based resources. Our students enjoy the confidence that comes from individual attention in a sociable, yet focused, environment.

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We help our students catch up, keep up and forge ahead. To discuss any concerns you might have and book a free educational assessment, give Jacky a call at the centre, on 01702 553353 You can also email her at [email protected] or use the enquiry form on our website, www.jjstuition.co.uk

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Specialist dementia care home opening soon.

Show suites now open and reservations being taken.

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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

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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



Why you need a Travel Agent

ust a couple of years ago, headlines wereabout the demise of the travel agent, about

to go the way of the Dodo and the dinosaur. Guesswhat? Travel agents are not only still here, they are experiencing a rebound – despite (or because of?) themyriad travel tools available online.

To be clear, I am talking about true experts, the reallygood travel agents who add value, not the ones running full page ads of deals in the Sunday papers.The best travel agents are essentially consultants, because it is their advice, expertise, and connectionsthat are of great value, not the ability to print airlinetickets for you. Find an excellent travel advisor andstick with them, because a big part of the equation isthat they get to know you and your wants, likes anddislikes, and make suggestions accordingly.

JBy Karen Goldman

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Among the many major advantages high-poweredagents bring to the table is personal connections andclout. “Connections” means knowing GMs and executives at top hotels personally. Who do you thinkwill get you that special room and VIP service ? Youcalling an 0800 reservation centre, or your travel agentcalling the GM whom he or she has known for 20 years– and sends a lot of business to? All these extras comefrom the travel agents calling on your behalf – at noextra cost to you. The clout part comes from volume.When your travel agent books hundreds of roomnights with a high profile luxury hotel each year, thehotel will move heaven and earth to look after theirclients.

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.

I have been in the travel industry for 25 years andmany clients are now old friends as I have looked aftertheir honeymoons, family trips, and special celebrations. It’s not quite the same relationship withyour laptop !

Travel Expert


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A P R I L 2 0 1 220 L E I G H - O N - S E A O R A C L E www.oraclepublications.co.uk

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

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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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Next month’s recipe:

‘Maple Glazed Roast Chicken’

Southend West01702 557177

[email protected]

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PROFESSIONAL TUTORING, QUALIFIED TEACHERS,ENGLISH, MATHS, 11+, AGES 4-16, FREE ASSESSMENT

recipe of the month


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

In the Kitchen with Judy Barden

I

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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

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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


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,

S

01702 715517www.knightgratrix.com

Oracle Planning

By Tim Knight

Sponsored by:

www.oraclepublications.co.uk L E I G H - O N - S E A O R A C L E 31F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 1


Under The Hammer

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

ATrevor Cornforth

01702 613260chalkwellauctions.co.uk

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

The scissors which subsequentlysold just below £1,000!

A very fine famille rose panel with lacquered frame.


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Diary Dates

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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

a friendly mixed Bowls club catering for all ages

Competitive & Social bowls & events throughout the year.

Prittlewell Bowls clubPriory Park, Victoria ave

01702 612476www.prittlewellbowlsclub.co.ukVisit our club days on Monday or Thursday

afternoons from 2pm to 5pm.

l Season starts 28th April 2012l Free Coaching by Qualified National Coaches. l Free Car Park!l Friday Evening is Bowls Fish & Chip night.l Indoor Winter Season “Short Mat Bowls”lDinners, Dances, & numerous Social Events

season starts

28th April

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caron bdesigner artist

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prices from £150

undertakes personal and new businesscommissions for interior design

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Clint Eastwood

‘The less secure a man is, the more

likely he is to have extreme prejudice. ‘

Alliance Pharmacy 47572289 Broadway Mon-Fri 9-7 pm / Sat 9-5.30 pmCheems Pharmacy 47308787 Leigh Rd Mon-Fri 9-6.30 / Sat 9-5.30Closed 1-2 Wed+Sat.

Cushing Vadden & Partners 476404

RSPCA Rochford

David Amess (Con) 0207 219 3452

24 hour Emergency Number 01702 430696Leigh Police Station (Mon-Fri 9-7pm) 431212Southend Police Station (24 hours) 0300 3334444Marine Police 01268 775533Thames Coastguard 01255 675518

Central Library 215011Southend High Street Post office 391063Belfairs Post Office 525354Traveline 0871 200 2233 Arriva Southend 08701 201 088 First 01268 525251 National Express 08705 80 80 80 Odeon Cinema 0871 2244007Leigh Heritage Centre 470834

POLICE SERVICES

PUBLIC SERVICES

LOCAL MP

PHARMACIES

ANIMAL WELFARE

BT (15p pm from landline, 40p connection) 118 500ORACLE 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 611911Trading Standards 08454 040506Victim Support Group 0845 4565995

Belfairs Golf Club 526911Belfairs Mixed Bowling 475766Charles Dicken’s Fellowship 588069Cockleshell Clog Morris 479622Essex Yacht Club 478404Essex Handicrafts Association 479622Essex Society for Family History 522992Estuary Social Club 477022Highlands Badminton Club 476009Hoy & Anchor Folk Club 715111Leigh Afternoon Women’s Institute 710232Leigh-on-Sea Cricket Club 712105Leigh-on-Sea Lions Club 715111Leigh Camera Club 478717Leigh Film Society 07957 129309Leigh Motor Boat Club 714858Leigh Sailing Club 713030Lower Thames Rowing Club 482205Marine Estate Residents’ Association 710232Prittlewell Bowls Club 612476Southend Athletics Club 472195Southend Photographic Society 332491Southend Rugby Club 546682Southend West District Scouts (19 groups) 587647The English Speaking Union 588069Westcliff Rugby Club 541499Woodside Bowling Club 525648

Leigh-on-Sea Town Council 716288Southend 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

ADVICE & HELPLINES

CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS

COUNCIL & SERVICES

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usefulnumbers



ORACLE - the smart, little glossy mags for SouthendReach a 20,000 readership in Leigh & Thorpe Bay hungry for your businessCall for a Media Pack or visit www.oraclepublications.co.ukTo advertise in ORACLE call 01702 393838All rights reserved. No part of Oracle Publications UK Ltd. may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means eitherwholly or in part without prior permission of the publisher. Oracle Publications UK Ltd. are editorially autonomous and theopinions expressed are not those of the publisher unless expressly stated.

COMPUTER SERVICESCustom IT Solutions 35CONSERVATORY CLEANINGECCC 19CYCLESBikebase 39DESIGNERCaron B Design 37EDUCATIONThe Educators 27JJ Tuition 11Kip Mcgrath 26St. Hilda's School 24St. Michael's School 41Thorpe Hall School 28/29FASHION, GIFTS & ACCESSORIESCallie & Finn 2FENCINGBVS Fencing 35FINANCIAL SERVICESAnderson Financial 22GARDEN SERVICESGreenfingers 4Root2Shoot 33HAIR & BEAUTYGrateful Heads 14Images 15Mobile Beauty & Makeup Essex 4HEALTH & FITNESSAbsolutely Fabulous iFit Studio 6/7HOME IMPROVEMENT SUPPLIESPHI Ltd 18INTERIOR DESIGNERSMorris Interiors 5JEWELLERSAV & BV Andrews 37

ACCOUTANTSWilkins Kennedy 43AERIALS1st South East Aerials 34AIRPORT TRANSFERAir & Back 34ARCHITECTSKnight Gratrix 30AUCTIONEERSChalkwell Auctions 32BI-FOLDING DOORSEssex Bi-fold Door Co 21BLINDS & SHUTTERSLifestyle Shutters 33Worth & Co Blinds 12BOWLSPrittlewell Bowls 36BUILDERSAllied Construction 25DJ Contractors 19Tabor Jones 31CAR DEALERSHIPVW Vans Centre 20CAR WINDSCREEN REPAIRChips Away 23CARE CENTRECedar Care Centre 17Hallmark Care Homes 13CARPENTRY & JOINERYC Bradford Carpentry 35John Sorrell 19CARPETSGainsborough Carpets 38Paul Newman 44CHARTERED SURVEYORSEast of England Surveys 37CLEANINGMaid In Essex 27We Clean Any Home 15

OVEN CLEANINGOvenclean 34PAINTING & DECORATINGAJ Lench 23PAINTING & DECORATINGRainbow Property Services 1PLUMBINGHammond & Sons 3Matt Rowley 36PRTracy Jones 24SASH WINDOWSTC Carpentry 3SKIP HIRELeigh Skip Hire 1STAIRLIFTSStay Home Stairlifts 27TRAVEL COUNSELLORSKaren Goldman 16/17TREE SERVICESTreefella 23WEB DESIGNOracle Website Solutions 33

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Under the HammerWhat is it worth?

Thorpe Bay April 2012

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

ORACLE

WIN!Oracle CompetitionComp details

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ORACLELeigh at a glance Est. Oct 2006. Circulation 5,500

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www.wilkinskennedy.com

Understanding your past partnering your future

T: 01702 348 646 E: [email protected]

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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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ail:info@paulnew

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Documents

April Leigh Oracle 2012