february leigh oracle 2012

Leigh-on-Sea February 2012

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

Local IssuesHere to Listen

RecipeSeville Orange Marmalade

PlanningAwesome Organic!Health & Beauty

WIN!CompetitionSweet Cheeks Trees worth £25!

Understanding Architecture : Design

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

publisher’s letter

OR ACLELeigh

Leigh Tutoring

11 Plus Tuition - taught by well qualified& experienced teachers - CRB checked

Classes for children in years 4, 5 & 6Maximum 4 children per class

Lessons are held in our classrooms at1301 London Road, Leigh-0n-Sea

Please call Keely 07588 393 590www.leightutoring.co.uk

Psychotherapy and Counselling

Talking in confidence with a therapist can help you:

• increase life satisfaction• come to terms with distressing events • work through depression & anxiety• change unhelpful behaviour• evening and daytime appointments

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Be

always feel that once February is overwe can start to look forward to the

Spring and Summer months ahead. It is also thetime of year when we start to think about thegarden, fences, outside of the house etc. Oraclehas many local businesses happy to quote onany work you may need, so please bear theseservices in mind as they rely on your continuedsupport.

Its Valentine’s month, Oracle has a very different prize for this month’s competitionwhich has been kindly donated by Sweet CheeksTrees. The prize will be a large sweet tree in anycolour or your choice and sweets of your choiceup to the value of £25. They are a local company and to get a better understanding ofwhat they do, take a look at their websitewww.sweetcheekstrees.co.uk and then simply send in your contact details to: Oracle/Sweet Cheeks Trees Competition, 39Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS11BW closing date 23 February.

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

I

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

contentsLocal IssuesHere to Listen 9/10By Joanne Buzer

Understanding Architecture : Design 14Planning by Tim Knight

Guilty Pleasures 16

Hair & Beauty by Craig Smith

Seville Orange Marmalade 24Judy's Recipe Page

Shape up for the New Year 28Money Matters by Jacqui Moyies

Sudoku 32

Diary Dates 34

Useful Numbers 36Advertiser Index 38

AdvertorialsBroadway Opticians 6/7

Tabor Jones 20/21

ORACLE

‘Valentine’s Day Celebrations ~ 14th February’Please join us for our Tea Party and an opportunity to visit our new home 10am~4pm

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.

For more information or to arrange a viewing

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Freshly prepared nutritious meals

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al & Dementia Care

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Glaucoma:FAQ

How is glaucoma detected?During an eye examination an optometrist will perform specific tests to detect the early signs of glaucoma. Most patients are familiar with the ‘puff’test which involves measuring eye pressure, but thereare a number of other tests that are equally important.For example, stereoscopic optic nerve head assessment and visual field screening. If a patient isdeemed to have a higher risk of glaucoma (i.e. if theireye pressures are above a specified level or they haveother suspicious signs and/or a family history of glaucoma) then more advanced tests may be required. These can be performed by a suitably accredited specialist optometrist (OpSi) or by an ophthalmologist at the hospital.

Is glaucoma untreatable?If picked up at an early stage glaucoma can be controlled and prevented from affecting your vision. Ifleft untreated and allowed to progress then the damage to your vision is irreversible.

What can I do about glaucoma?The best way to prevent the onset of glaucoma is tohave regular eye examinations. Even if you can seeclearly and are not suffering from any symptoms youshould have an eye test at least once every two years.If you are over 70, diabetic or have any of the associated risk factors mentioned above then youshould have an eye examination every 12 months.Don’t forget that many of us are automatically eligi-ble for a free NHS sight test, for example, if you are over60, diabetic or have a close family relative with glau-coma. Book in to see an optometrist today!

Paul SayerOptometrist

hat is glaucoma?Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of

blindness in the UK affecting over 1 in 50 people.

What causes glaucoma?Glaucoma is caused by damage to the optic nervehead at the back of the eye. This is often, but not always, caused by the build-up of pressure within theeye itself. The optic nerve head acts as a junction forthe million or so nerve fibres that meet at the back ofthe eye, communicating visual information to thebrain. Damage to this optic nerve head affects thewhole of our vision. If left untreated glaucoma canlead to blindness and the damage caused is irreversible.

What are the symptoms of glaucoma?The onset of glaucoma is very subtle. Patients will onlyexperience problems with their peripheral vision oncethey have lost over two thirds of their sight. It is there-fore insufficient to rely on the symptoms of glaucomaas an indicator of the health of your eyes. The goodnews is that in most cases glaucoma is treatable ifpicked up at an early stage. This is why regular eyeexaminations are so important. Optometrists are well-equipped to detect the early signs of this debili-tating condition.

Isn’t glaucoma an inherited disease?One of the most common misconceptions with glaucoma is that it is solely an inherited eye condition. Unfortunately, this is not the case. If you have a firstgeneration family member with glaucoma (i.e. a parent or sibling) then you are more likely to developthe condition than someone with no family history.Nevertheless it can also affect those people with nofamily history at all.

What are the other risk factors of glaucoma?The incidence of glaucoma increases with age, but itis not entirely limited to those people over 40. Otherimportant risk factors include ethnicity (it is morecommon in Afro-Caribbean’s), myopia (‘short-sightedness’) and diabetes.

W

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Local Issues

talk he said very little but what he did say helpedme to explore how I was really feeling he assuredme that whatever I told him was confidential andmaybe because he was someone I didn’t know Iwas able to tell him things I hadn’t told anyoneelse about what had happened and my fears forthe future without being judged as weak or a failure. After a while he asked me if I ever felt Icouldn’t carry on any longer no one had askedthat before and it was then I realised that I had alot of good things to live for and although at themoment I felt dreadful it would get better someday. We talked some more and he told meI could call back at any time.

I never did call back but it was just enough toknow that I could, he will never know how hehelped me find the strength to get through thatand lots of other days. I decided then that whenI was in a better place I would find out moreabout becoming a Samaritan.

So now I was a Samaritan the voice at the end ofthe phone and I had completed my first shiftwith the help of Angela who remained as my

Here to listen

t was a Monday night my first ‘talkingshift’ I sat by the phone waiting for it to

ring, by my side sat my mentor Angela reassur-ing me that I would be ok and she wouldn’t leaveme. I had completed my training and had lis-tened in on other volunteers taking calls but stillI was nervous. What if I didn’t know what to say,worse still, what if I said the wrong thing?

I remembered a time five years ago when I hadbeen a caller I had lost both my parents and mypartner had left me for someone else, I was tryingto be strong for my children and I didn’t want tokeep ringing my friends who frankly were probably getting fed up with listening to me. Itwas a Saturday morning just before Christmas, Ifelt miserable and scared about the future .

I felt I needed to talk to someone I opened thephone book and the Samaritans number wasthere I didn’t actually know what they could do tohelp but I thought it was worth trying. A man answered the phone and I burst into tears hecalmly told me to take my time there was no rushI cried for a while and when I felt able I began to

I

By Joanne Buzer

mentor for those first few months, today I havethe support of my fellow volunteers should Ineed it and there are still occasions when I do butjust like on that first shift I know they are alwaysthere for me.

But it doesn’t stop there we also answer e-mails andsee people at our centre in York Road Southend, wework with local organisations and visit schools topromote emotional health. We attend fetes andevents and are always looking for different ways toraise awareness of our service.

Being a listening volunteer has been one of themost rewarding things that I have ever done. I amno longer as quick to judge and I have learnt howto really listen which I don’t believe I did before.My fellow volunteers are all ages from all walks oflife they are amazing people who genuinely careabout our callers and each other.

Listening volunteers are given training to activelylisten to our callers and help support themthrough times of emotional distress, our shift patterns are flexible as our phone lines are open24/7. As a support volunteer you could help outwith admin or fund raising there are many otherdifferent roles within the branch.

We have a fantastic team of volunteers who workin our shop in Hamlet Court Road without themwe would not be able to help as many people as

we do. If you can spare a few hours a week tohelp them please call 01702 341777.

VolunteerIf you are over 18 and are interested in being a listening or support volunteer or you would liketo arrange for someone to come and give a talkto your organisation or club please contact uson: [email protected] call our volunteer line 07999421768

Or We are here to listen 24 hours a day 365 daysa year: 08457 90 90 90

You can also Email [email protected]

Or write to us at Chris, PO Box 90 90, Stirling, FK8 2SA to find out more aboutour organisation O

08457 90 90 90www.samaritans.org.ukChris, PO Box 90 90, Stirling, FK8 2SA

[email protected]

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Understanding Architecture :

DesignYour Architect should help you develop your individual requirements and clearly identify yourobjectives. This brief should recognize the schedule ofaccommodation, the intended use of the propertyboth now and in the future, style, appearance and ofcourse budget. The Architect should not impose theirviews and design philosophy but should develop asympathetic approach to the client brief to producean original and unique design, however large or smallthe project.

Home owners in particular often have very strongviews as to how they wish to develop and enhancetheir properties, style and form are usually fundamental to that idea. A skilled designer should beable to work within set parameters but still deliver aproject that exceeds the client’s expectations. Theyshould be able to surprise their client with ingenuityand creativity and produce a building or structure thatthe client themselves could not have imagined orconceived. When an Architect achieves this the designprocess is complete and the proposal may be presented to the Planning Authority.

Next month I will deal with submitting a planning application and provide a general over-view of theplanning policy. Should you have questions, especiallywith regard to planning please [email protected]

he opening presumption with most projects tends to be that approval is

required in some form from the Local Authority. Actually permission is not always required but beforewe are able to deal with the intricacies of PlanningPolicy we first need to examine the importance of design within the whole development.

I can’t over emphasize the importance of good design. With the right creative input, from a suitablyqualified professional, I do believe planning permission may be gained in the majority of casesthat both fulfil the applicant’s aspirations and createsvisually rewarding solutions

The nuances of planning policy together with theoften subjective views of officials and committeemembers do often produce confusing and seeminglyillogical results. Design is by its very nature biased andindividual, one person’s ‘design gem’ may be another’s ‘eyesore’ and regrettably ‘preference ortaste’ effects the decision making process. To helpovercome this potential problem it is vital to investtime and affort in the design process and demonstrate your scheme has been carefullyconsidered to create the best solution possible.

Architectural design is not simply a case of providingadditional or improved spaces. Design is creating anartistic solution to spatial requirements by combiningform and function within a structure, which both enhances and improves the built environment. Thesuccess of this process invariably reflects the relation-ship between Architect and Client, the closer the understanding the better the result.

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Oracle Hair & Beauty

Keep it Elegant and Simple You don’t need to wear a Gothic fantasy on your head.Just because a hair style is possible doesn’t mean youshould go with it. Remember, your hair should complete your look, not overpower it. Healthy HairLooks Great - If your hair is in good condition andhealthy, it will look good with even the simplest ofstyles.

Plan Ahead Regular trims and treatments in the lead up to yourbig night out will make a huge difference on many levels. Your hair will be in great condition and the ideallength for the style you are after. Planning also givesyou time to consult and practice the perfect hairdowith your stylist.

Enjoy A special event is about having fun. You shouldn’t haveto worry about your outfit or your hair. A little bit ofplanning will give you a lot more confidence and ensure that you feel and look great.

And when in doubt, the classic LBD never goesout of style.

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For us mere mortals, trying to copy those mega-starlooks for a special occasion, here are Craig’s tips tomake you look and feel a million dollars, even if theclosest you’re going to get is the Accountant of theYear Awards.

Stay ComfortableDon’t stray too far out of your comfort zone. If younever wear your hair up or super-girly clothes, thenyou’ll feel pretty weird and it will show. That’s not to saythat jeans and a hoodie are a ‘look’ on the big occasion. Try practice runs ahead of the event and seewhat works best on you. Get your hair done and wearyour new ‘do’ to a party or night out.

Consider Your Outfit Collars, straps, halter necks, bare skin and jewellery allcreate a certain look, so your hair needs to complement, rather than compete with, the wholeensemble.

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ny significant work that you have done toyour property will have a considerable effect onits value - either increasing it, or simply retainingits value by maintaining the property to a good-standard. Poor quality workmanship can, how-ever, have the opposite effect. Your greatestinvestment should not be trusted to any but themost professional of hands.

A Building work needn’t shake you to your foundations

Local, Leigh-based building contractors, Tabor-Jones Ltd. has been building a seriously goodreputation over the past few years by providingtruly professional solutions to construction andmaintenance projects.

It’s important to run your ideas past a professionalat an early stage to avoid expensive errors inplanning and execution. Tabor-Jones offer acompletely-free, no obligation consultation onall prospective building work. Just tell themwhat you want to achieve and they’ll find thebest way forward.

Barry Jones, Tabor-Jones’ Managing Director,concentrates on being the best locally, under-taking work only across Southend , Castle Pointand Rochford. Staying local ensures that the

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work progresses at its optimum rate and thework can be regularly overseen and supervisedto guarantee the best standard possible. Theirdegree-qualified in-house surveyor providesprofessional advice and project supervisonwhilst Tabor-Jones offer a complete Design &Build service which includes plans, planningpermission and building regulations to ensure aseamless and stress-free project by handlingeverything in-house!

Highly professionalfrom the top down

Specialists in loft-conversions, extensions,kitchens & bathrooms, Tabor-Jones boast allthe associated fully-qualified skills and trades -including carpentry, gas, electric, tiling, plaster-ing and decorating.

All this expertise under one roof results in a fargreater attention to detail, quality and efficiency,making jobs faster and more cost-effective thanany protracted, interrupted project. In fact, thisefficiency means quick turnarounds for clients.

If you want a new extension built this year, forinstance, there’s still time to have your idealproject planned, built and completed ready toenjoy through the Summer.

Get peace of mind Get the professionals in

Whatever it is that you want done, howeverambitious or modest, talk to Barry Jones atTabor-Jones and run your ideas past him forsome straightforward, no-nonsense, professionalFREE advice! In a remarkably short space of time,Tabor-Jones has built an enviable reputation,and is working hard to maintain this over manyyears to come. Call Barry today or visit theTabor-Jones website for more information OTabor-Jones

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recipe of the month

Next month’s recipe:

‘Almond and Lemon Cake’

Seville Orange Marmalade

1. The night before. Halve the oranges andsqueeze out the juice into a large pan. Scoop thepips and pulp into a small piece of muslin and tieup. Shred the remaining peel and pith finelywith a sharp knife. You can put it in a foodprocessor but you will just get flecks in your mar-malade and not strips of peel. Put the peel andthe muslin in a pan with the water and leave tosoak to extract the pectin and soften the peel.

2. Put the pan over a medium heat, then bringup to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 1 ½ - 2hours, until the peel has become very soft andshould look slightly see-through. Carefully re-move the muslin bag, allow to cool slightly, thenwearing rubber gloves, squeeze it out to extractthe pectin. Discard the bag.

3. Put 4 small plates in the freezer. Add the sugarto the pan and stir over a low heat until the sugarhas dissolved. Do not boil until the sugar has dis-solved. Increase the heat and bring to the boil.Do not stir while it is boiling, it will rise up thepan. After 8-10 mins boiling test for settingpoint.

4. Take the pan off the heat and let the bubblessubside. Take a plate from the freezer and spoona little liquid onto the plate. Push the marmaladealong the plate with your finger. If setting pointhas been reached the surface will wrinkle and itwon’t run straight back. If not put it back ontoboil for another 2 mins and keep re-testing.

5. Leave the marmalade to stand for 10 mins,spoon off any scum on the surface and transferto your warm sterilised jars. Cover with awax disc and seal. When cold label andstore on a cool dark cupboard. It shouldkeep for up to a year.

his is the time of year Seville orangescome into the shops for just a few

weeks. They are too bitter to eat but high inpectin (it is in the pips)which sets jams so areideal for marmalade.

If you buy them and then don’t have time tomake the marmalade put them in the fridgewhere they will keep for a few weeks or put themin the freezer for up to 6 months. A couple of tips: don’t try and make too much at once, the un-boiled fruit and sugar should only come about athird up the side of your pan as it will rise morethan twice that when it boils and granulatedsugar works perfectly well but you can buy pre-serving sugar if you wish. Sterilise your jars byputting them through the dishwasher.

Seville Orange MarmaladeMakes 3 x 450g/1 lb jars plus 1x 100g/3 ½ oz jar

Ingredients4 Seville oranges about 500g/ 1lb 2 oz in weight),scrubbed1.7litres/ 3 pts water1 kg/ 2lb 4oz granulated sugar

O

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Money Matters

It also makes good sense to review your investment portfolio to ensure that it is ontrack to deliver its aims. Check whether yourportfolio is diversified and is able to withstand sudden shocks – given the currenteuro crisis, the majority of commentators expect volatility to continue.

Remember that this year’s ISA limit is higherthan the previous tax year –Remember if youdon’t use your ISA tax allowance, you will loseit. The favourable tax treatment of both ISAsand Junior ISAs may not be maintained in thefuture and is subject to changes in legislation.

Other tax-efficient alternatives that higherearners might want to consider include venture capital trusts (VCTs) and EnterpriseInvestment Schemes (EIS)

The underlying investments in Venture Capital Trusts and Enterprise InvestmentSchemes are usually held in very small UKcompanies. As such, there is a risk that any ofthese investments may not perform as hopedand in some circumstances may fail completely.

From April 2012, anyone investing up to£100,000 in a new start-up business will beeligible for income tax relief of 50 per cent,plus for 2012 any tax on capital gains investedin such businesses will be waived.

Of course, you should never let the tax tailwag the investment dog.

The global economic slowdown and debt crisis will have an influence on your financesin 2012 and long after the Olympic torch hasleft its Stratford base. This means that it makessense to ensure that your finances areup to the pace to win through.

hew! It’s been another tumultuousyear in the world of finance. Volatile

stock markets, austerity measures and an escalating eurozone crisis have ensured thatmoney matters have rarely been away frommaking the headlines.

It all means that now is not the time to keepyour savings, investments and pensions shutaway in the drawer (With the New Year) it isan opportune time to take stock of yourfinancial goals to make sure they are still ontrack.

Take your pension plans

The statutory lifetime allowance is to be cutfrom £1.8m to £1.5m in April and althoughthis sounds an awfully big pension pot youmight be surprised how many workers couldfind they are caught out by the limit – theNHS, for example, is alerting consultants andsurgeons on what it means.

Indeed, people in their early forties or youngerwith a pension worth around £200,000 couldeasily find themselves breaching the limit bythe time they come to retire.

OTo receive a complimentary guide coveringWealth Management Retirement Planning or Inheritance Tax Planning, contact:

Jacqui on 01702 589553 [email protected] or visit www.sjpp.co.uk/jacquimoyies

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THE WEDDING FAIR FREECivic Centre Sun 12 Feb 2012 . 11am to 4pmMeet a wide range of wedding professionals dedicated to making your dream day come true. The1st 10 brides to register will receive a free copy ofWedding Ideas Magazine and a bottle of Bubbly. Allbrides receive a goodie bag and a show programme.Great on the day offers available long with competitions run through the show. You can pre-register online at http://www.bestbrides.co.uk/

THE GHOSTS OF THE MARY ROSEEast 15 Clifftown StudiosThu 16 - Sat 18 Feb 2012 7:30 pmSat 18 Feb 2012 2:30 pm In 1545 Henry VIII's flagship, The Mary Rose sank offthe English Coast. Shifting between the present andthat fateful day in 1545, The Ghosts of the Mary Roseis a swashbuckling ghost-story devised by the company. £8.00 / £5.00 concession. Not suitable foraudiences under 15 years of age.

CAREERS FAIR 2012 FREEShoebury Youth Centre, Delaware Road 8th Feb 201210 – 4:30pm. Opening the door to education, training and employment. Aged 13 - 19?Come to the careers fair and discuss the optionsavailable to you with Universities, Sixth Forms, Employers, Further Education Colleges, TrainingProviders and lots more.... For more information contact Nicky Bourdillon on 01702 534044 or [email protected]

HARP FUNDRAISING DINNER AT EAST 21st Feb 7pm at EAST (Alexandra Street, Southend. Enjoy a tasty meal AND raise money for your localhomeless charity! £15 a ticket for all you can eatbuffet (drinks extra) Call Clive on 01702 615000 tobook a place.

BIRD WATCHING WITH FREESOUTH ESSEX NATURAL HISTORYSun 19th Feb 10:30am Two Tree Island west side.Meet in Car park for a bird watching stroll.

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.

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

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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

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DOMESTIC CLEANINGMaid in Essex 18EDUCATIONAlleyn Court Prep.School 1JJ's Tuition 19Kip Mcgrath 24Leigh Tuition 3St Hilda's School 13St Michaels School 26The Educators 11FINANCIAL SERVICESAnderson Financial 28FIREPLACESGAT Fireplaces 33FOSTERINGSouthend Fostering 25GARDEN SERVICESGreenfingers 23Root2Shoot 17HAIR & BEAUTYGrateful Heads 16HEALTH & BEAUTYClub 100 29HOSPITALSpire Wellesley Hospital 40INDOOR KARTINGRayleigh Indoor Karting 4INTERIOR DESIGNERSChloe Elizabeth 37Morris Interiors 35JEWELLERSAV & BV Andrews 32

ACCOUNTANTSWilkins Kennedy 15AIRPORT TRANSFERAir & Back 30ARCHITECTSKG Architects 14BI-FOLDING DOORSEssex Bi-Fold Door Co 39BUILDERSTabor Jones 20/21CAR DEALERSHIPVW Van Centre 12CAR MOTElms MOT Ltd 34CAR WINDSCREEN REPAIRChips Away 18CARAVANSCastle Caravans 30CARE CENTREThe Care Company 11Cedar's Care Centre 5CARPENTRYJohn Sorrell 34CHARITYSamaritans 9/10CHARTERED SURVEYORSEast of England Surveys 8CHIROPRACTORSCliffs Chiropractic Clinic 23COSMETIC SURGERYSpire Wellesley Hospital 2CYCLESBikebase 27DECORATORBUILDERSDJ Contractors 32

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