outlook issue 23 summer 2012

� PAGES 15-18

� PAGE 22

� PAGE SEVEN

Beating the drumfor new music hub

Young and old join in to

celebrate the Games

Torch Relay route

Olympics

-ON-SEA

COMPETITIONWIN year’s FREE bus travel

SOUTHEND-ON-SEACOUNCIL OF THE YEAR

www.southend.gov.uk ISSUE 23 Summer 2012

� PAGE 16

YOUR OFFICIAL COUNCIL MAGAZINE

Outlook p1 7/6/12 08:44

For information and enrolment call: 01702 445700email: [email protected]

web: www.southend-adult.ac.uk

SUMMER COURSES2012 START MONDAY2nd JULY. SACC’s three-week Summerprogramme is jam packed with over100 short courses in:

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

■ Humanities■ Modern Languages■ Maths and English Revision for

8 to 11 year olds ■ Performing Arts

Summer courses are great if you wantto try before you buy, and are an idealway of trying a new hobby or subjectfor the first time.

The courses are suitable for all agesand abilities and are located at theCollege’s Belfairs and Southchurch Centres.

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

or collect a brochure from CollegeCentres, libraries or all majorsupermarkets.

With low prices, concessions for theover 62s and those in receipt of anincome-based state benefit, SACCreally does have something foreveryone.

COME ON, GIVE US AGO THIS SUMMER!

LEARN!

part-time summer courses 2012

On your marks... Get set...

Outlook p2 7/6/12 08:45 Page 1

COUNCIL OF THE YEAR 2012

SUMMER 2012 � Outlook 3Say it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

This magazine can be provided in

alternative formats such as Braille,

audio-tape or in large print. For a copy

of this magazine in another format, or

to order more copies, please call

01702 215000 ext 5020 or email

[email protected].

A busy summer season for Southendliterally took off with a very successfulAir Festival.

Crowds flocked to the seafront tobask in the sunshine and enjoy the freeentertainment.

This was followed by the Queen’sDiamond Jubilee with over 65 streetparties across the Borough as residentsshowed their determination to markthis special occasion with style.

We now eagerly await the arrival ofthe Olympic Flame.

We have a great welcoming partyarranged to include a specialperformance by almost 2,000 of ourlocal school children.

With the Olympics taking place a fewmiles away we can expect an amazingsummer of sport.

In Southend we are determined tosupplement this with an exciting rangeof family events, many of them free, tomake the summer sizzle with lots of fun.You can find more details in this editionof Outlook.

In the meantime the new culturalcentre is now in place at the end of thePier. The Southend Comedy Festival willbe one of the first events to be staged inthis custom built building successfullyfloated down the Thames by boat andcraned into place.

We have also seen the reopening ofthe renovated Priory, including a newvisitor centre, which I am sure will proveto be a major attraction in years tocome.

Finally I must record my thanks andcongratulations to our staff andpartners following the announcementthat Southend-on-Sea Borough Councilis the Council of the Year in the UK for2012. This reflects much hard work overrecent years to drive up performanceacross all our services and is a particularboost in these challenging financialtimes.

So we certainly have lots to celebratein Southend in 2012 – enjoy yoursummer!

National accoladea great start to anexciting summer

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

Outlook is printed onrecycled paper. When youhave finished with thispublication please help theenvironment by passing it onto a friend or recycling it.

Summer 2012

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

Cliff Lift celebrates hundredth anniversary . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Mayor to champion young people’s interests . . . . . . . . 7

Hot air show: 300,000 flock to summer scorcher . . . . 8

Hi-tech labs create medical research jobs . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Benefit system changes explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Service users back care hub pilot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Four page Olympic Special . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-18

Online app shows scale of budget challenge . . . . . . . . 19

UK’s best council in line for more awards . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Music hub in tune with learners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Bank holiday waste and recycling dates . . . . . . . . . . .23

Online panel helps public have their say . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Volunteers make a huge difference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

School celebrates pupils’ “outstanding” behaviour . . . . 26

What’s On Sea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28/29

Know your councillors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30/31

N E W S & F E A T U R E S

CON

TEN

TS

for Southend

DO IT ONLINE!Smartphone users –scan the QR codebelow with a barcodescanner app toaccess our website

By Council

Leader

Councillor

NIGEL

HOLDCROFT

Support gives

youngsters the

best start in life

27


4 Outlook � SUMMER 2012

So much more to seebesides the seasideDon’t miss out on what Southend has to offerWhatever attractions you’re here to see, Arriva’s hassle-free Southend bus servicewill get you where you want to go.

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

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

arrivabus.co.uk/southend

Arriva buses. Here to take you there.

*Valid all day for 2 adultsand 2 children or

1 adult and 3 childrentravelling together.

Adult £3.40

£7.00*


SUMMER 2012 � Outlook 5Pay it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

SOUTHEND Pier’s new cultural centre has beenfloated up from Tilbury and hoisted into position bycrane. The 350 square metre steel structure was brought

17 miles to the pier head and took more than two hours tounload from a barge.

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

The £3 million cultural centre project is part of theCouncil’s refurbishment of the section of thepier that was destroyed by fire in 2005. Thecentre is scheduled to open in July and willhost art exhibitions and shows including thenew Southend comedy festival, the WaveFestival, from 19-21 July, and an evening jazzconcert on 28 July.

Features will include a multi-purpose hallseating 185, artists’ studios, a café andoutdoor terrace. It will also provide analternative wedding venue.

To enable the crane lift to take place theLondon Port Authority slowed down all shipson the Thames to prevent large wavesaffecting the slow descent of the building. Thestructure was lowered at a speed of twomillimetres per minute and centralised over anew pile structure.

� For information on events taking place in the

new venue visit www.visitsouthend.co.uk

� See Alien ConsPIERacy – Southenders

column next page.

Sophisticated operationsuccessfully places new£3m centre in position

Photography

by Ed Spacey.

HAPPY LANDINGS:

The cultural centrestructure safely in place.

PIER PRESSURE:

The steel structure is delivered

by barge to the pier head.

UP, UP

AND AWAY:

A giant cranetransfers thebuilding from

the barge.

SIMPLYPIERFECT


Southenders


SOUTHEND’S iconic funicular clifflift and its surroundings are to bepromoted to more visitors under aheritage initiative in its centenaryyear.

Almost 100 years have passedsince the cliffside lift linking thePier area on the seafront to HighStreet and Royal Terrace at the topwas opened to the public onAugust Bank Holiday 1912.

To this day the counterbalancedfunicular, run by volunteers,transports 12 people at a time toand from the summit for £1 returnseven days a week in the summermonths.

With the arrival of the centenaryyear, responsibility for the lift isbeing transferred to SouthendMuseums.

“As a branch of SouthendMuseums it will feature as part ofour offer and be widely promotedto our visitors and included in ourregional distribution campaigns,”

said Claire Fox, Marketing andEvents Officer.“Already local schoolgroups are using the lift as part ofour heritage seaside walks.”

In a further centenary yearflourish, an interpretation signshowing the history of the lift andits ground-breaking predecessorthe moving walkway, together withfacts about the seafront, has beeninstalled in the lift station.

Signage has been added and abrochure will go on sale in duecourse.

Volunteers are currently beingrecruited to assist with the runningof the lift. Anyone over 18 who isinterested in operating the lift forat least one four-hour session permonth should contact VolunteerCo-ordinator Toni Mair at theCentral Museum on 01702 215011.

Toni said:“The role is ideal forpeople who are interested inrailways, history or simplyproviding customer service.”

The arrival

of our new

alien overlords

was received in

a surprisingly

relaxed

manner.

Volunteer

Co-ordinator Toni

Mair at the seafront

cliff lift with her

husband Luke and

four-year-old

daughter

Briar-Rose.

Online commentators seethrough alien conspieracy

Cliff lif

t rises

to centen

ary

MILESTONE

IT’S the ultimate in reality TV... especially for anyoneinterested in building.

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

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

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

Webcam makes riveting viewing

SOME people have describedthe arrival by barge andcrane of Southend Pier’s newcultural centre as a wonderof engineering precision –but others apparentlyconsider it to be theingenious work ofextra-terrestrials.

The operation to float theimpressive steel structure upfrom Tilbury and thentransfer it delicately from itswaterborne berth on to itsnew home at the end of thepier quickly became the talkof the town. But one personwent on to his localnewspaper’s website to sharehis belief that a computerimage of the cultural centre,with shadowy figureswalking up its steps,showed that it is a “time

portal for transparent aliens.”Another online contributor

calling himself John theResonator warmed to thetheme, picking up onconcerns expressed by abird-lover about the future ofthe ruddy turnstones,pictured below, in the area:“Actually the aliens wereseeded here years ago.

“The unassuming-lookingruddy turnstones are theircurrent manifestation. Theywill incubate their eggs to behatched under the culturalcentre but not as turnstonesthis time.”

It all adds up to an end ofthe pier show that

would becompletely

out of thisworld.


SUMMER 2012 � Outlook 7Report it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

COMPETITION

WIN

FREEFREEbustravelfor ayear

ARRIVA is offering Outlook readers thechance to win a year’s free unlimited bustravel throughout Southend in a funcompetition.

Up for grabs is an annual travel pass,worth £400, giving anytime access, sevendays a week to all Arriva services in theBorough – plus routes to Rayleigh andBasildon.

Arriva bus services are a splendid,hassle-free way to get around – you can hopon and off wherever you like all day long.The popular Route 9 – The Wave – takespassengers right along the seafront.

For the chance to win this great prizesimply answer the following question:

Which route runs along the seafront?

7 9 11

To enter, please send your answer – eitherA, B or C – on a postcard along with yourname, address and day time telephonenumber to:

Arriva Competition,Media and Communications,Southend-on-Sea Borough Council,Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue,Southend-on-Sea SS2 6ERor email:[email protected]

While you are sending your entry, pleaselet us know your thoughts on what you likeand what you would like to see more of inOutlook magazine.

The closing date for entries is Friday 27 July.Terms and conditions apply: visitwww.southend.gov.uk/outlook for moreinformation.

A B C

Mayor to championYOUNG CAREERSS

ALLY Carr has spent most of her lifechampioning the interests of youngpeople. Since she became a councillor in

1991 the former teacher has built areputation as one of Southend’s mostknowledgeable voices on the subject ofchildren’s matters.

Now as the Borough’s new Mayor she iskeen to use her role as a platform for helpingyoungsters further their careers.

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

The 68-year-old former ExecutiveCouncillor for Children and Learning alsomade sure that the choir of Cecil JonesCollege would sing at the traditional MayorMaking ceremony on 10 May, with HospitalityApprenticeship Group students fromShoeburyness High School providing the

refreshments. These are typical gestures by theConservative councillor for St Luke’s Wardwho said: “The main thrust of my time asMayor will be to raise the profile of the talentof the youngsters of Southend.”

Mother-of-three Councillor Carr, born andbred in Southend, taught at Alleyn CourtPreparatory School for 25 years before sheretired. She and her husband David, who sadlydied of leukemia aged 66, also ran a bed andbreakfast establishment for a short time.

Charities to be supported by the Mayor’sCharity Fund this year are the Kick Start Fundto support young people to reach theirpotential, the appeal to raise money for a FullBlood Count Analyser at Southend UniversityHospital’s Elizabeth Lowry Ward and adonation to the Motor Neurone DiseaseAssociation Southend.

Councillor Carr is supporting the plan tocommission a bust of the Queen for the CivicCentre to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee.

Mayor Councillor

Sally Carr pictured

outside Porters with

Shoeburyness High

School Hospitality

Apprenticeship Group

students, left to

right, Alex Dobbs,

Freddy Harbour and

Chloe Antonie, who

are all aged 15.



COUNCILLOR Nigel Holdcroft remains asleader of the Council even though hisConservative Group lost overall control ofthe authority following May’s localelections.

Following the elections theConservatives were left holding 25 seats,the Liberal Democrats and Independents10 each and Labour six – with no singleparty holding an outright majority on the51-seat Council.

Under the terms of the Strong LeaderModel, Councillor Holdcroft was notrequired to stand down if his party lostoverall control of the Council. However, heresigned to let the Council’s electedrepresentatives decide who should betheir Leader. Councillor Holdcroft wasre-elected as Leader by 25 votes to 16,with nine Councillors abstaining.

Councillor Holdcroft has sinceannounced the composition of his

Cabinet, with all but one of last year’sCabinet members retaining theirportfolios for 2012/13.

Councillor Mark Flewitt, who held theChildren & Learning portfolio, stood downto concentrate on other projects. His placein the Cabinet has been taken byCouncillor James Courtenay.

A full list of the Cabinet and details of allward councillors can be found on pages30-31 of this issue of Outlook.

Leader re-elected although no party has outright majority

STAR OF THE SHOW...

the supersonic Typhoon.

Sun shines as 300,000 flockto 27th annual air show

Ph

oto

gra

ph

co

urt

esy

of

Ech

oN

ew

spa

pe

rs.

SOUTHEND was blessed withscorching hot summer weather ashuge crowds flocked to the seasidefor the town’s 27th annual AirFestival.

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

High points included the Battleof Britain Memorial Flight, theBlades aerobatic display team, theBreitling Wingwalkers and a flypast by an A320 Airbus operatedby this year’s sponsors easyJet.

But the undoubted star was theTyphoon fighter, which closed theprogramme on both days with anear-splitting display of supersonicpower which triggered off caralarms all over the seafront.

BLUE SKYTHINKING A Lancaster bomber

from the Battle ofBritain Memorial Flightcomes in low over thecrowded beach.


SUMMER 2012 � Outlook 9Apply for it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

THE Council is a founding partner in anexciting medical innovation initiative.The Anglia Ruskin MedTech Campus

project is set to bring new employment,education and development opportunities tothe town while creating health and socialbenefits for residents.

Anglia Ruskin University, in collaborationwith the Council and other local authoritypartners, has launched the concept in Essexwhich aims to boost the internationalcompetitiveness of local businesses in thehealth technology sector.

Under the project, a private sector-ledcommercial site is planned to be developedand delivered at the Airport Business Park inSouthend. It will offer work space forinnovators and small and mediumenterprises, a UK location for foreign-basedMedTech companies, or a place for UKcorporates and investors wishing to relocate.

The MedTech campus will also include aBusiness Support Service and offer a test bedfor new product ideas. The Council, inpartnership with the Southend UniversityHospital NHS Foundation Trust which isinternationally acclaimed for its pro-active

approach to research, succeeded in its bid topartner the University, along with localauthorities in Chelmsford and Harlow.

The aim of the MedTech Campus Universityis to bring businesses, innovators, health andcare organisations, users and customerstogether.

Emma Cooney, the Council’s Enterprise and

Community Manager who led the bid togetherwith Anita Thornberry, Head of Enterprise,Tourism and Regeneration, said: “The aim is tocreate an environment in which science andtechnology can thrive in the MedTech sector –creating high skilled, high paid jobs for localresidents while also improving the patientexperience.”

ENERGY efficiency of council houses is to beboosted by a £1.2 million project to improvetheir green credentials.

The ReallySmartHouse project, willstimulate low carbon economic growth andhelp 70 small or medium-sized building and

construction companies take advantage ofgreen business opportunities over atwo-year period.

Partner organisations, including theCouncil, South Essex Homes and The FacilityArchitects, have won special funding from

the East of England EuropeanRegional Development Fund.

As part of the project, the Counciland South Essex Homes will fit 45Southend properties with carbonreducing measures set to cutcarbon emissions by 40 per cent.

Proposed improvements includephotovoltaic (PV) solar panels,ground source heat pumps, airsource heat pumps, advancedwindow systems and additionalinsulation.

The aim is to reduce energy bills fortenants, make properties warmer and morecomfortable to live in and increase thelifespan of the buildings, so they becomemuch more sustainable.

Energy Officers from South Essex Homeshave started to identify areas for the schemeand tenants will be notified over thesummer.

Corporate Director for Adult andCommunity Services Simon Leftley said:“This is a terrific project which bringsfar-reaching improvements for manypeople. It will help our tenants now and inthe future with lower energy bills, and willmake the properties more sustainable forgenerations to come – while offering crucialbusiness support to small and medium-sizedenterprises.”

Scheme to make properties more energy-efficient

MedTechprojectis set toCREATENEW JOBS

Council Enterprise and CommunityManager Emma Cooney and ConsultantUrological Surgeon Tony Young inspect ahi-tech sterilisation machine at SouthendUniversity Hospital which is one of only afew centres in the UK to have this equipment.

Energy efficientsolar panels.



SOUTHEND celebrated theQueen’s Diamond Jubilee instyle. The High Street was

festooned with patriotic red, whiteand blue bunting as the townhonoured Her Majesty’s 60 years asmonarch.

Every primary and special schoolpupil – around 14,000 children – waspresented with a commemorativegold-coloured medal to mark theoccasion.

Street parties were held across theBorough over the special bank holidayweekend and a programme of freeconcerts was arranged for the PrioryPark bandstand, with fans of patriotic

music treated to performances byThe Tilbury Brass Academy, theSouthend Band, Tequila Swing andthe Becontree Brass Band.

Play at the Southend JubileeCricket Festival was somewhatdisrupted by the inclementweather, but associated charityevents – including a Trevor Bailey-themed benefit event –were well attended.

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

Patriotic music filledin air in Priory Park.

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

Richard Herbert ofLeigh Town Councillights the Jubilee

beacon at StClement’s Church.

SouthendHigh Street

festooned withred, white andblue bunting.

Outlook p10 7/6/12 11:17 Page 1

OLYMPIC FLAVOURto the VillageGreen arts and music festivalTHIS year’s Village Green, the popular free artsand music festival in Chalkwell Park, will have anOlympic flavour. A number of visual artists havebeen commissioned to take their lead from theGames to show support for the London 2012Cultural Olympiad.

The festival on Saturday 30 June from 11amuntil 8pm will showcase a wide variety of musical

acts, street theatre, craft displays and comedy.New attractions will include a “cycle-in cinema”,

learner dance sessions for Lindy Hop and the Waltz ata tea party and sideshow tents featuring cabaret

artists. Acts include former Dr Feelgood guitarist WilkoJohnson, pictured below, and The Boy With Tape on his

Face, whose show is billed as “mime with noise, stand-upwith no talking and drama with no acting.”

In previous years the festival, which is organised by theMetal arts organisation in partnership with the Council andArts Council England, has attracted an audience of around

28,000 from across the south-east regionand London.

Metal was founded by Jude Kelly OBE in2002 as an artistic laboratory providingresidency space for artists from the UK and

overseas in Southend and Liverpool.LEGENDARY movie hard man RayWinstone was guest of honour atthis year's Southend Film Festival,of which he is patron.

Ray, who starred in classicmovies like Scum and the BBC

dramatisation of Dickens’ GreatExpectations, introduced thefestival’s Gala Night film HardBoiled Sweets – a gritty crimedrama shot mainly in Southendby Director David LG Hughes.

Patron Ray is film festival guest of honour

Benefitschangesexplained

TraceyNicola, a Trainingand Development

Officer in the Council’sBenefits Service, explainschanges in the benefits

system to a member of thepublic at a dedicated

welfare open day at theCentral Library.

CHANGES to the benefits system have been highlightedand explained at a special drop-in session. A dedicatedwelfare open day was held at Southend Central Library

so people could find out how new legislation, which cameinto force at the start of April, works.

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

They also include the introduction of a size criteria, usedwhen working out the maximum housing benefit for peopleliving in social sector housing, a cap on all householdbenefits, changes to the social fund scheme and thereplacement of the Council Tax benefit with the localisedCouncil Tax support scheme.

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

� For more details log onto www.southend.gov.uk

/benefit/changes

ArtistHeidi Wigmore

with one of the Olympicthemed art works whichwill be on display at the

Village Green Festival. ThePlease Keep Off The Grass

exhibit was created byartist Patrick

Loan.

SUMMER 2012 � Outlook 11Find it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

Outlook p11 7/6/12 09:16 Page 1


Aspecialised college courseis helping people withlearning disabilities stay

safe at home, outdoors,financially and even online orwhen entering a relationship.

The pilot hosted by SouthendAdult Community College and ajoint initiative between theSouthend Safeguarding VulnerableAdults Board and the SouthendLearning Disability PartnershipBoard is called Keeping Safe. Thiscourse takes a week by week lookat subjects such as money,community safety and recognisingand dealing with abuse and hatecrime.

Two sessions of the 14-weekcourse are dedicated to theimplications of having a partner.

There are also two otheroptional sessions – the first is inthe College's computer room atthe Ambleside Drive campus andgives people advice on staying safewhen using social networkingprograms.

The other is based in SouthendHigh Street and focuses on stayingsafe while going out and about.Both are open to anyone enrolledon the Keeping Safe course.

The pilot course began in Apriland runs until mid-July.

In September, the course goesmainstream and will be open toanyone who meets the eligibilityrequirements and lives in Southend.

Annie Clark, the College’sInclusive Learning Manager, said:“The course was put togetherthrough a team of partners,including the College, SHIELDSPeople’s Parliament, the Council,the Southend Multi AgencyAntisocial Behaviour Reduction

Team, Southend Mencap andEssex Police.

“But also important to theplanning process were people withlearning disabilities who were wellrepresented and played an integralrole on the steering group.

“The pilot has been wellattended and has proved an initialsuccess. Now we are rolling it outwith the next 14-week coursestarting in September and the nextin January 2013.”

● For more details about this orother upcoming courses call theAdult College on 01702 445700 orlog onto the websitewww.southend-adult.ac.uk.

Course helps vulnerable people

LEARN TO LIVE SAFELY

Standing left to right: PCP Co-ordinator Matthew Mint,Service Development Manager at South Essex HomesStuart Long; Essex Police Hate Crime Officer PC EmmaMakey and Southend Mencap GeneralManager Marc McOwens. Seated, left toright, SHIELDS Parliament CouncillorDavid Tideswell and CouncilSafeguarding Manager SarahRange.

PEOPLE who have concernsthat a vulnerable adult is beingtreated badly, taken advantageof or injured can call adedicated 24-hour helpline.

The Ask SAL hotline hasbeen set up to deal withabuse, or to intervene ifsomeone needs help becauseof a disability, illness or age.

It is run in partnership withSouthend-on-Sea BoroughCouncil, Essex County Counciland Thurrock Council.

Anyone who sees, hears orsuspects a problem should call08452 666663.

Hotline to help

Clampdown on hate crimeA partnership approach is helping to clamp down on crime andabuse targeted at people with disabilities.

The Council has linked up with Southend Mencap, EssexPolice, South Essex Homes and the Southend Association forVoluntary Services to better support disabled victims of hatecrimes.

Across the Borough and Essex as a whole, a series of projectsare better educating people with learning disabilities on how toreport hate crime and making the general public more awareabout this disturbing issue.

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

Southend Police Hate Crime Liaison Officer PCEmma Makey said: “Disability hate crime is verymuch under reported.Working with otherorganisations is definitely a positive step forwardin terms of increasing awareness of the issue andpublic confidence in reporting such crime.”

SHIELDS CouncillorsArthur Cooper, StephanieRoss, Robert Norton withservice user Jill Andertonplaying a game to help

them understandhate crimes.

Outlook p12 7/6/12 09:17 Page 1

SUMMER 2012 � Outlook 13Tells us – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

LIFE-ENHANCING opportunities arebeing opened up to hundreds moreSouthend families by the Council –

now that targeted nursery funding for two-year-olds is being extended.

Around 300 children will benefit by the endof this financial year. That number doubles to600 by 2014/15 when funded hours will increasefrom ten to 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of theyear.

Single mum Emma Allwood and hertwo-year-old son James have already seen their

lives dramatically transformed by a funded place.The 19-year-old said: “I’d moved to Southend

from Inverness and was living in temporaryaccommodation. I was low and a little depressed at the

time, which was rubbing off on James. It was prettytough.”

They were eligible for funding so James startedattending Temple Sutton Children’s Centre, giving Emma a

chance to re-build her confidence by meeting new peopleand doing courses.

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

Mum-of-three Tamary Mapfumo, aged 34, has funding forher youngest son Leroy, which has enabled her to start an access

to nursing course at South EastEssex College. She said: “I feel thatthe two year funding is a very goodthing as without it I would not havebeen able to go to college.”

● For more information speak toyour children’s centre or healthvisitor. You can also [email protected] or goto www.southend.gov.uk/funding.

SOUTHEND has received anew accolade to recogniseits excellence in managingthe town centre at night.

The Purple Flag has beenawarded to the Borough bythe Association of TownCentre Management – andis one of only 30 recipientsto date.

Southend’s High Streetand sea front is also thefirst area in Essex to haveits night-time economyrecognised.

The new accolade isadded to the Borough’simpressive haul of threeblue and four green flags –guarantees of goodbeaches, parks and openspaces.

Flagging up a

great night out

Celebrating Purple Flag status areSouthend Seafront Traders’ Association

Chairman Simon Patterson and ClairePalmer, of Chinnery’s live music venue.

I’ve made newfriends and start acollege course inSeptember so I cango to university.I want to be achild psychologist.

EMMA ALLWOOD

‘‘’’

Free nurseryfunding willbenefit even

more families


more families


more families

Single mumEmma Allwood and

her two-year-old sonJames, who attends

Temple SuttonChildren’s Centre.

Outlook p13 7/6/12 09:18 Page 1

Anew pilot venue for people withlearning disabilities has openedits doors following a

comprehensive review of day supportservices in the Borough.

Project 49 – based at the centrallylocated 49, Alexandra Street – isalready working with more than 130adults since its launch in April.

The scheme is co-ordinated by theDay Opportunities Service team whoalready run highly-regardedprogrammes from the Avro/VikingDay centre in the north of theBorough five days a week.

Under the pilot, two other satelliteunits should be up and running bythe end of the summer – at St Jamesthe Great Community Resource, inLeigh-on-Sea, and at the SouthendAdult Community College inSouthchurch.

The project has been set up inresponse to the Government’s ValuingPeople Now agenda, a three-yearstrategy which encouraged councils topersonalise services and allow greaterchoice and control over the supportpeople receive.

Service users have been involved inall stages of planning Project 49, fromchoosing the paint colour and thedécor at the Alexandra Street venue tothe type of support they receive.

Henry Watson, Learning DisabilityDay Opportunities Manager, said:

“The launch of the pilot, which runsparallel to existing services, has hadsignificant uptake and many serviceusers have expressed very positiveviews about the new environment andopportunities.

“They seem to particularly like therelaxed café atmosphere at theentrance of the hub.

“There are more than 130 adultswith a learning disability experiencingpart of their support services throughthe pilot. Many are enjoying the newinclusive local approach, includingthose who are supported by ourEmployment team, which has alsomoved to the venue.”

The pilot will run for an initialone-year period. Afterwards, anindependent report will be presentedto the Council recommending thenext steps to be taken in modernisingthe service.

GET THE MOST OUTOF YOUR LOCAL

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

They can offer advice on:

● BUSES

● TRAINS

● CYCLING

● WALKING ROUTES

● JOURNEY PLANNING

● FREE TASTER RAIL JOURNEYS COURTESY OF C2C

Volunteers can help you find accessible routes and willeven accompany you on a trial journey if you arenervous, apprehensive or just need a bit of extrasupport to try something which for some – particularlythose who have never used sustainable transport orhaven’t done so for a long time – can be daunting andintimidating.

Volunteers can also put you in touch with other servicessuch as learning how to cycle, how to get an affordablerecycled bike, cycle routes in Southend, walking groupsor specific resources for elderly road users.

Look out for your Turning Tides Volunteers:

Summer 2012: Victoria, Shoebury and St Luke’s Wards

Autumn 2012: Westborough and Kursaal Wards

For more information about Personalised TravelPlanning contact the Turning Tides Team:

Anthony Quinn – Turning Tides Team ManagerTel: 01702 220103Email: [email protected]

PART OF THE COUNCIL'S LOCAL SUSTAINABLETRANSPORT FUND PROGRAMME FUNDEDBY THE DFT.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council has linkedup with the Turning Tides NeighbourhoodProject to offer residents Personalised TravelPlanning. Over the next three years volunteerswill be knocking on the doors of 24,000 homesin Southend, offering helpful tips and adviceabout sustainable travel.

Positive uptake forPILOT PROJECT

Service users Kevin Pearce

and Kathleen Compton enjoy a

cuppa in the café area at the

new Alexandra Street hub.


Outlook p14 7/6/12 09:19 Page 1

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

A 2,000-strong choir made up ofschool pupils and adults are all setto sing their hearts out to welcomethe arrival of the Olympic TorchRelay.

A special music project hasbrought together 34 schools fromaround the Borough and fivecommunity choirs to cheer on theiconic flame as the official eventpasses through Southend onFriday 6 July. They will sing aspecially-commissioned pieceof choral music calledAnthem: Let Your LightShine written by therenowned Essex-basedcomposer Tolga Kashif.

It has been written to allowfor participation from a widerange of ages and abilities, from theage of seven upwards.

Rehearsals have been takingplace throughout the spring at theBorough’s schools and communitycentres as the huge choir warms upahead of the open-air performance.

The ambitious project, which wascommissioned by the Council, hasbeen developed by pioneeringcommunity arts group Metal, andforms part of a wider programme of

activitiesbeing

organised bythe Council.

As the Torch makes itslunch time stop by the

seaside, Southend people will beencouraged to join together tocelebrate the town, its people, itcultural achievements as well assend a message of good luck to theOlympic athletes.

Metal’s Managing DirectorColette Bailey said:“This has beenour biggest and most exciting

project to date. Bringing together2,000 singers is not without itslogistical challengesbut the power of thehuman voice singingcollectively and theunique once-in-alifetime momentwhen the torchcomes to ourtown will make theevent extremelymemorable for boththose who take part andthose watching.”

TENS of thousands of people are expectedto line the streets of Southend on July 6when the Olympic Torch Relay pays a

visit to the seaside.A convoy of vehicles will accompany the

Torch, one of the most iconic symbols insport, as it is driven into Southend fromRochford as part of its epic 70-day journey.

When the convoy reaches the point whereRochford Road meets the A127 the OlympicFlame will be handed to the first of 29Torchbearers specially selected to run itthrough the town.

Taking centre stage in the celebrations willbe 2,000 local schoolchildren and members ofSouthend choirs, who will sing a song calledAnthem: Let Your Light Shine speciallycommissioned for the occasion (see storybelow). The Council's Executive Councillorfor Culture and Tourism Derek Jarvis said: “Itpromises to be a fantastic spectacle and a daythat everyone in Southend will remember fora long time to come.

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

Street through cheering crowds and thendown onto the seafront by the Torchbearers.

“We are currently putting the finishingtouches to a huge celebration event beingplanned on the day and we want everyone inSouthend to turn out and witness the Flame'sarrival.”

Nationally, an average of 115 Torchbearers aday will carry the Olympic Flame during its8,000 mile journey around the UK before itarrives at the Olympic Stadium on 27 July2012 for the lighting of the cauldron at theOpening Ceremony, signifying the official startof the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Lord Coe, Chair of the London OrganisingCommittee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG)said: “The Flame symbolises the Olympicspirit and its journey around the UK willbring the excitement of the Games to ourstreets.

“Now people know the route the OlympicFlame will be carried along and theTorchbearers for their community they canstart planning how they might celebrate andmake it south Essex’s moment to shine.”

2000-strongchoir to sing in FLAMESPECTACULAR

Pupils atChalkwell Hall

Infants School rehearsefor the anthem event. Main

picture: Sebastian Lambert, BarneSanders and Liliana Hughes -

all aged six. Right: sevenyear-old Edwin

Brown.

Torch Relay is Borough’s

moment to shineOLYMPIC SPECIAL

We are putting thefinishing touches toa huge celebrationevent being plannedon the day and wewant everyone inSouthend to turnout and witness theFlame’s arrival.

Executive Councillor for

Culture and Tourism DEREK JARVIS

‘‘’’

Outlook p15 7/6/12 09:20 Page 1

PRIMARY school pupils inSouthend will be staging athree-week long Olympic

torch relay – to create their ownspecial local celebration of London2012.

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

The event gets underway onMonday 25 June – World SportsDay – and culminates on theevening of Friday 13 July when thefinal leg of the relay will see thetorch carried to sports awards night at the Cliffs Pavilion in Westcliff-on-Sea.

In between, teams from eachschool will collect the specially-madetorch from a neighbouring schooland run with it back to their ownschool – to be a centre piece ofOlympic-themed celebrations.

Tim Goddard, Chairman ofSouthend Primary Schools SportsAssociation, who organised therelay, said: “Each school will have itsown slant on the celebration – itcould be a sports day or aneducational day relating to theOlympics. We are also looking forinspirational sportsmen and

women to run with the childrenand to visit the schools. The relay isdesigned to bring together theschools to share a passion for theGames and to inspire them tofollow Olympic ideals.”

The first leg of the relay will berun by pupils from EastwoodPrimary School at Leigh-on-Seaand the final torch bearers will be ateam from Hinguar Primary Schoolat Shoeburyness.

The torch itself is the subject of acompetition open to secondaryschools in Southend who have beenchallenged to produce a design. Thewinning school will be funded tomake the torch. As Outlook went topress, the competition entries werestill being assessed.

Meanwhile the Association hasorganised an Arts Legacy Projectfor primary schools which involvespupils coming up with ideas forOlympic-themed art includingpaintings, sculpture and animation.

The best five ideas will be takenforward with local professionalartists being commissioned to workwith the children to create theworks of art which will go onpermanent display in the Borough.

The Arts Legacy Project and theschools torch relay have been

jointly funded by a £6,000 grantfrom the London 2012 “Get Set”education programme and acontribution from the Council’sOlympic Legacy fund.


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

Junior and primary schools in the borough aretaking part in a Passport Challenge supported bySouthend-on-Sea Borough Council in the run-up tothe London Games.

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

They are being asked by their teachers which theywould like to try – and if enough interest is shown ata school, coaches organised by the Southend Westand Southend East School Partnerships will visit togive them lessons.

The youngsters then show off their skills for about15 minutes at the sports they enjoy, in thepresence of a coach, teacher or adult – and

receive stamps on their specialPassports to show their progress.

If they do well at 10Olympic and six

Paralympic sports theyreceive a bronze, for

15 and nine theyreceive a silver andfor 20 and 12 theyare stamped witha Gold.

Theyoungsters arealso asked totick a box onthe Passport to

say whether theywould like to play

the sports again.Where interest is

shown sporting clubswill be set up at schools

in September.

Pupils research apassport to sport

PRIMARY school pupils are to competein their own “mini-Olympics” twoweeks before the start of the LondonGames.

Up to 600 schoolchildren willcompete in activities ranging fromsprinting to bean bag races during thecompetition at Eastwood Academy inEastwood on July 12.

They will use the state-of-the-artAthletics Track at the Academy andthey will be rewarded with certificatesand stickers for excelling in challengessuch as ladder races, target throws,jumps, sport stacks and a parachutestation.

The organisers are aiming tocelebrate and instil the valuesof the Olympic Games.

True to the Olympic spiritthe mini-games will beopened and closed byspecial ceremonies.

The 40 participatingprimary schools are beingencouraged to create apiece of artwork, a danceor a poem to celebrate theOlympic values whichinclude friendship, excellence,respect, courage andinspiration.

Mini-Games a tasty starter

Three week-long celebration fordozens of young Olympians

Eden Montrose, aged nine,

holding one of the passports.

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

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

OLYMPIC SPECIAL

SUMMER 2012 � Outlook 17

OLYMPIC SPECIAL

Above:

Lucy Farrell, 10,from Heycroft School

with Riley Runciman, 8,from Kingsdown

School.

TORCH RELAY ROUTE THROUGH SOUTHEND – 6 JULY 2012

START 10.52AM

The Bell Pub The Arterial – A127

Cuckoo Corner

Priory Park

St Mary’sChurch

VictoriaAvenue

Southend VictoriaStation

VictoriaGateway

HighStreet

Pier Hill

Western Esplanade

ChalkwellPark

London Road – A13

West LeighSchools

BoroughBoundary

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

Marine Parade

Outlook p16&17 7/6/12 09:21 Page 1

AN electric atmosphere is guaranteed when the spectacular Sparks Will Fly cultural extravaganza descends on the sea front

this summer.The free event is part of a county-wide arts

celebration taking place in the run up to the London2012 Olympics and Paralympics Games.

At the centre of the event, which takes place onSaturday June 23, will be Southend’s annual CarnivalParade from Southchurch Park to City Beach. Thisyear the parade will be led by Marina Mightier, one oftwo Greek-style mythical giant “champions” chosenas ambassadors for Sparks Will Fly.

In addition to the usual floats and displays,Marina’s entourage will include a colourful party of50 dancers from Shoeburyness High School and theSouthend Air Cadets Marching Band.

In the run up to the event Marina and her fellowchampion Boreas Zephyr

will be collecting three-feet-wide specialcommemorative glass beads representing everydistrict and borough in Essex. Later they will stage amock battle conjuring up the beads of wind, waterand fire in a spectacular fiery showdown.

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

These include selected acts from the Leigh FolkFestival, who will break away from the mainperformance to appear at Warrior Square Gardens.

In addition, Southchurch Park will play host toUrban Games activities and a battle of the bandscompetition will take place, with the winner in linefor a £5,000 prize and the chance to have a tackrecorded.

Other attractions will include a 5km race, theWhacky Walk, Learn to Fish taster sessions on

Southend Pier, the Busking Out streetperformance festival and an RNLI OpenDay.

The Council’s Corporate Director forAdult and Community Services SimonLeftley said: “This is going to be a veryspecial day for Southend.

“With our unique seaside location weintend to make our Sparks Will Fly eventone of the most spectacular in the countyand an occasion that the whole of Essexcan be proud of. A lot of hard work andplanning is going into the events that havebeen organised and there will besomething for everyone to do on theday.”

He added: “The 2012 Olympics arejust around the corner and this isSouthend’s way of warming up for thearrival of the Torch Relay on July 6.”

TWENTY-nine proudTorchbearers will carry theOlympic Flame through thestreets of Southend.

They were chosen fromthousands of nominations torepresent all sections of thecommunity and as recognitionof their commitment, effortsand achievements.

Each will have the honour ofwearing an iconic white andgold track suit designed byAdidas as they carry the goldenTorch along a route lined withthousands of residents andvisitors.

Among the Borough’sTorchbearers are:● Laura Brookes, 33, whocoaches women’s soccer andencourages other people tobecome involved in the sport.Laura cycled across India to raisemoney for the Alex Roberts-MillerFoundation which providessporting opportunities fordisadvantaged children.● Leah Miller, 15, is a charitychampion who has raised over£4,000 to support her cousinwho was involved in a seriousroad accident in 2009. She hasworked to raise road safetyawareness and has gone on towork with other charities andcommunity initiatives.● Tasha Reynolds, 19, haschaired Rochford District YouthCouncil for three years andserved as a member for fiveyears. She is a member of theEssex Youth Scrutiny Committee

and has given well over1,000 hours of her timevolunteering in her localcommunity.● Ben Coombes, 14, ofRayleigh, has been hailedas an excellent example tohis peers after raisingmoney for the BritishArmed Forces’ charity since2009. He was named the

British Legion Friends ofthe Forces junior awardin 2010 and waspresented with theaward by Prince Harry.

ArtistDave

Taylor, who isworking with schools andcommunity groups to make

the “giants” who will battle it outat the Sparks Will Fly event, with

one of the glass beads thehuge champions will

be seeking.

Life-sized willow models of athletes on show in the Royals

Shopping Centre pictured with Agata Mantaj from the Council’s

Parks Team, who created the figures.

OLYMPIC SPECIAL

18 Outlook ■ SUMMER 2012

Torchbearersline up tomake history

Giant champions spark

‘electric’ carnival

Outlook p18 7/6/12 11:05 Page 1

RESIDENTS can use an online budgetsimulator to try and “balance the Borough’sbooks” and help the Council meet the

Government’s spending challenge.The app, which was used for the first time last

year, will be available through the Council’s websiteand allow users to choose different ways to draw upa budget and make required savings.

It goes live this summer and organisers believe ithelps people appreciate the difficulties of planningmulti-million pound finances as well as offering aninsight into their priorities.

The findings, along with public consultations tobe held later in the year, will help the Councilcompile its draft, balanced budget for 2013/14.

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

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

“The main purposes of the simulator are to helppeople understand the complexity of the budget-setting process; how challenging it is to findsavings and the trade off between services, whilebeing able to see the possible consequences.

“It is informative too, as it indicates to theCouncil where people’s priorities lie and thereforeforms an important part of the consultation processahead of the proposed budget being published.”

� For more details about the

budget simulator see

www.southend.gov.uk/

budgetconsultation.

YOUTH offending work inSouthend has been rated wellabove the national averageafter Her Majesty’sInspectorate of Probationcarried out a core caseinspection.

It focussed on workundertaken with children andyoung people who havealready committed an offence,checking four key areas. Forthe work carried out to makeindividuals less likely toreoffend, Southend YouthOffending Service scoredhigher than any other YOS inEngland and Wales to date.

A report just published alsohighlighted many strengths,finding staff and managerswere enthusiastic andcommitted to delivering highquality services to childrenand young people throughouttheir sentences.

It found that SouthendYouth Offending Serviceworkers actively motivatedand supported youngoffenders while re-inforcingpositive behaviour messagesin all community cases and in90 per cent of those involvingcustody.

In custody cases, the reportfound YOS staff and otherrelevant agencies routinelyworked together to ensure thecontinuity of services duringtransfer from custody to thecommunity.

DISCOUNTED and reduced rates are onoffer for a range of services acrossSouthend through the Advantage Cardscheme.

For an annual fee which could be aslittle as £1, the card entitles the userto savings and discounts at variousvenues and attractions within theBorough including the Council’s fourleisure centres. Discounts vary from 10per cent to 50 per cent for selectedactivities at varying times.

The Advantage Card is exclusive toresidents living with the Borough. Formore information call 01702 215011 or go towww.southend.gov.uk/advantagecard.

Online app indicatesbudget priorities

Discount card schemehas many advantages

Top rating forthe Council’sYOS service

CREATING A BETTER SOUTHEND: Balancing the

books will enable the Council to meet

Government spending targets while

continuing to make the Borough a more

attractive place to live, work and visit.

Southend Swimming and Diving Centre

– one of the four leisure centres

where the Advantage Card gives

discounted entrance.

Report it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk SUMMER 2012 � Outlook 19

DoitOnline

Outlook p19 7/6/12 09:28 Page 1

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

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

Outlook p20 7/6/12 09:29 Page 1

SUMMER 2012 � Outlook 21Book it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

A new online account facility is being set upfor residents and businesses in Southend.

The project to set up a Citizens’ Accountoption on the Council website is currentlyunderway with the end of August as thetarget date for “going live.”

The online feature will include detailsabout council tax, business rates, rentaccounts (for South Essex Home tenants)and housing or council tax benefits.

Customers will be able to view theirpersonal details in a secure andauthenticated manner and they will begiven a single log-on code for all thefacilities on offer.

Council tax customers will be able tomake payments, notify the Council ofchanges and view their balances togetherwith the amount of their next payment.

“The data will be all in one location andwill be available at a time and a place to suitthem,” said Debbie Kennett, Web ServicesManager. “Having a single log-on shouldmake it easier to remember log-on details.

“The Citizen’s Account facility will beextremely secure and it should make thewhole process of payment a lot easier.”

Customers wishing to register in advancefor this facility can do so atwww.southend.gov.uk/countmein.

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

free internet taster sessionsbeing run at the Central Library.

For information phone 01702-215011 ext 4123.Alternatively, help isavailable with going onlinefor Council customers whenthey visit the Civic Centre.

AFTER being named Council

of the Year 2012 at the Local Government Chronicle

Awards, the authority has beenshortlisted for more nationalaccolades.

Its innovative Insurance Teamwas picked as a finalist in thecategory of Best Risk ManagementApproach in the Public Sector inthe European-wide Strategic RiskAwards. The Council captured aplace in the finals thanks to itsunique new way of dealing withpersonal injury claimants.

In certain cases when someonemakes a direct personal injuryclaim, a Council officer may visitthem to discuss the matter inperson. This direct and personalapproach frequently enables thecase to continue without theclaimant needing to engage asolicitor.

It means that if the Council issubsequently required to paycompensation, this can be donewithout the additional expense of

having to pay the claimant’s thirdparty solicitor costs, which quiteoften are three to four times theamount of compensation paid.This not only leads to a betterclaims service but also stops thedrain on the Council’s budget.

Meanwhile the Council has beenshortlisted in three categories –Workforce Transformation, SharedServices and Transformationthrough IT – in the MunicipalJournal (MJ) Achievement Awards.

In the WorkforceTransformation category, theCouncil’s workforce strategycaught the eye of the judges.

The strategy helps to keep stafffully engaged and involved inimproving working practices.

It has led to performance inevery service area improving –including 33 per cent fewersickness absences. It has alsohelped the Council attain the rankof 27th best employer in thecountry on the StonewallWorkplace Equality Index. The

winners of the MJ awards will beannounced later this month.

The shortlist successes followhot on the heels of the Council ofthe Year victory, which wasannounced earlier this spring.

Council Chief Executive RobTinlin said: “These achievementsare terrific news. Theydemonstrate that the Council’swork to create a better Southendfor the benefit of residents is beingnationally recognised.

“Winning Council of the Yearreally is a very important accoladeand shows that services inSouthend compare with the verybest in the country.

“These latest successes showthat since winning the Council ofthe Year award we have not restedon our laurels. We are continuingto make great strides amidst toughcompetition and despite the verydifficult economic challenges weface.”

Online accountfacility to golive in August

Shortlisted for a top award, members of the Council’s Insurance Team,standing left to right, Insurance Officer Mandie Wayman, InsuranceAssistant Julie Jackson and Senior Insurance Officer Karen Finn, and, sitting,Insurance Manager Kathy Slowther, looking at the awards website.

Council is in therunning for more TOP ACCOLADES









Resident PeterDelahoussaye takes

part in an internet tastersession at the Central

Library under the guidanceof the Council’s DigitalCitizenship Manager

Susan Gough.

DoitOnline

Outlook p21 7/6/12 09:30 Page 1

www.cyclesouthend.co.uk

GREAT EVENTS, ALLSUMMER LONG!Cycle Southend are offeringyou a great way to stay fit andhave fun this summer. Haveyou got as saddle-shy friend?Bring them along to one of ourrides – if you let us knowbeforehand you can bagyourselves a reward!

EVENING RIDE TO BARGEGLADYS TO CELEBRATENATIONAL BIKE WEEK21st June 2012A leisurely off-road ride.FREE Pimms for all ladies thatcome along! Meet at LeighStation at 7pm.

TWEED RIDE8th July 2012An opportunity to get dressedup in tweed and vintage outfitsfor a unique bike ride along theseafront to Southchurch Parkfor afternoon tea. (Bookingadvised – £3 for the afternoontea). Meet at Chalkwell Park (bythe car park) 2pm.

CUPID’S RIDE27th July 2012Are you single? Do you want tomake new friends? This is theride for you! Join us for a leisurelybike ride to Barge Gladis. Meet atLeigh Station at 7pm.

PARK TO PARKFAMILY RIDES24th July 2012 and21st August 2012

Keep the children entertainedand keep fit at the same time.A leisurely off-road bike ridefrom Priory Park to BelfairsPark. Bring a packed lunch toeat before we head back toPriory Park.Meet at thebandstand at 11am.

CYCLE AND YOGA5th August 2012A great opportunity to comealong for a bike ride and takepart in a yoga taster session atYoga Dharma. Meet at BelfairsPark (by the pitch and putt) at10am.

PIER PRESSURE23rd September 2011Save the date for this fun andcompetitive event! Get a teamtogether and challengeyourselves for timed trials upPier Hill. Have fun on a sillybike or in fancy dress orattempt to beat the recordsset in 2011. (21.913 secondsfor men and 23.250 forwomen). £5.00 entry fee –registration is essential.More details will be on ourwebsite soon.

COME AND MEETCYCLE SOUTHEND

THE SUMMER OF CYCLING

For more information check out: www.cyclesouthend.co.ukor email us at: [email protected] or call us01702 215338

Cycle Southend will be taking part in events around theBorough. Come along and meet us and take part in ourFREE activities!

SPARKS WILL FLY – SOUTHCHURCH PARK23rd June 2012Experience the fun of our North Shore timber track! Challengeyourself or friends! From 11am to 3pm.

THE VILLAGE GREEN30th June 2012, 11am-3pmJoin us for the Vintage Bike Parade, the Cycle in Cinema with the‘White Bus’ for a variety of films and test your cycling skills on theNorth Shore timber track! The Vintage Bike Parade starts fromLeigh Library Gardens at 11.30am for a cycle through Leigh toChalkwell Park or, just meet us at the Leigh Road entrance to thepark to join the parade through the festival. If you don’t havea vintage bike just join in wearing somevintageclothing!


MUSIC teaching in Southendschools is set to betransformed after a successful

bid for nearly £600,000 of fundingfrom Arts Council England.

The cash will be spent over the nextthree years to create a “music hub”which will give every pupil betweenthe ages of four and 18 the chance tolearn to play a musical instrument.

And the hub will also help givemore young people the opportunityto make music together – by formingnew classical ensembles as well as jazzand rock bands.

“This is a significant expansionof music teaching in Southendschools,” said Phil Warner,who is project managingthe music hub for theCouncil.

“Previously pupilshad the chance to havemusical instrumentlessons for one term– now the lessons willcarry on and theywill be able to playwith others. It allowsyoung people to taketheir talent further.”

One of the musichub’s first bases will bethe Ambleside site ofSouthend AdultCommunity Collegewhere from Augustfour classical ensembles

– including woodwind, brass andstrings – will be playing three days aweek. The hub will also encourageyoungsters to learn to sing and will beforming two new choirs.

Phil added: “The hub programmetakes the teaching of music above andbeyond playing instruments inschools. It will get pupils on the footof the musical ladder and give themmore opportunities to make musictogether and to perform.”

More chances tomake music

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

CARIBBEAN

RHYTHM: RoseJohnson, aged 11, ofNorth Road Primary

School plays a steel drumwith other pupils as

part of a musicalensemble.

Outlook p22 7/6/12 10:55 Page 1

SUMMER 2012 � Outlook 23View it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

Bank Holiday waste and recycling collections

NORMAL COLLECTION DAY REVISED COLLECTION DAY

Monday 27 August Tuesday 28 August

Tuesday 28 August Wednesday 29 August

Wednesday 29 August Thursday 30 August

Thursday 30 August Friday 31 August

Friday 31 August Saturday 1 September

FROM kettles and radios to toasters andhairdryers – these are just some of theelectrical items that can now be recycled

using the new Waste Electrical and ElectronicEquipment (WEEE) recycling bank at Asda onNorth Shoebury Road.

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

A recent study has found that less than halfthe population say they recycle their electronicwaste which includes mobile phones, hi-techelectronic devices and kitchen appliances.

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

“Not only will it help the environment bydiverting them from landfill, but you will alsobe helping Southend to reach its recyclingtarget.”

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

and LeighMarshes,Leigh-on-Sea) accept large and small electricalappliances for recycling.

� For further information regarding recycling

waste electrical and electronic items, other

recycling banks in the Borough or what else

can be taken to the Household Waste Recycling

Centres and their opening hours, please see

www.southend.gov.uk/recycling.

PRITTLEWELL Priory has reopenedfor the first time in three years aftera stunning £1.8 million internal andexternal restoration.

Extensive research by curatorsfrom Southend Museums Servicehelped conservators, mastertradesmen and builders return the12th Century priory to its formerglory.

One highlight for visitors is sureto be the re-creation of a Victorianparlour, using photographs takenby former owners, the Scrattonfamily.

Curatorial Manager Clare Huntsaid:“When you sit in the speciallypurchased period furnituresurrounded by the originalarchitectural features, trappingsand portraits of a traditionalVictorian family you can understandwhy they loved this place so much.”

Visitors who attended the specialopening day celebration weretreated to first hand accounts of therestoration by the project team.

Peter Vadden, the Council’s Group

Manager for Culture, Improvementand Development, said:“It’s been afantastic project to work on. Thepriory looks amazing and will be afantastic heritage attraction for thepeople of Southend for anotherhundred years.”

Prittlewell Priory is now open sixdays a week, all year round, and itshistory is explained through newdisplays, activity books andspecially commissioned guides.

Electrical items canspark recycling

PrittlewellPriory reopensafter £1.8mstunningrestoration

Prittlewell Prioryincludes educationalinterpretation of thesurroundingenvironment.

READY TO OPEN ITS

DOORS TO VISITORS

Claire Fox, Marketing andEvents Officer for SouthendMuseums at the Victorianfront door of the Priory.

Outlook p23 7/6/12 09:35 Page 1

We want your views on walking in Southend

To give us your views complete our online survey:www.surveymonkey.com/s/southendmakewalkingcount

Or if you would like a hard copy please contact Collette Kemp01702 215338 or email: [email protected]

Why not join some of the following organisations for a walk?■ www.hikeessex.org.uk/walks■ www.ramblers.org.uk■ www.walkingforhealth.org.uk

Or join Walk Southend for a lunchtime walkon 4th July?

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

For over two years the ReCycle Centre hasencouraged more people to cycle by receivingunwanted bikes, renovating them with the help ofvolunteers and selling them at low cost to the localcommunity.

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

The ReCycle Centre is an excellent place to learnmaintenance skills through volunteering. Under the guidanceof trained mechanics, volunteers will learn to usemaintenance tools and will soon have the required knowledgefor full bike assembly. Volunteering at the centre provides anexcellent source of experience for future employment as wellas building social and professional connections.

The ReCycle Centre is reliant on bicycle donations from thelocal community. If you have an unwanted bicycle pleasebring it directly to the centre during our opening times. If thisis not possible please take the bicycle to one of our manydrop-off locations around the Borough. These locations canall be found at the Cycle Southend websitewww.cyclesouthend.co.uk/recycle-centre.


PEOPLE in Southend are beingencouraged to have their say asthe Council builds closer ties

through its Community Voicesinitiative.

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

As part of the framework,consultation and engagementactivities are already taking place inthe Borough so people can hear aboutservices, plans and give opinions.

An online Citizens’ Panel is nowbeing created to further enhance thatgrowing relationship. The virtualcommunity will allow up to 1,500people to be more involved in theircommunities at any time and fromanywhere through surveys anddiscussion forums.

Suzanne Wright, the Council’s

Engagement Advisor, said: “Weappreciate that people have busyschedules, some have mobility issuesand there is always competition fortime so participation through theonline panel makes democracy moreaccessible.”

The panel will go live via theCouncil website this summer butpeople can register their interest nowby emailing [email protected]. You can also findmore information at www.southend.gov.uk/communityvoices.

Voice your viewswith online panel

DRIVING tests can be taken inSouthend for the first time inalmost four years after a newtest centre opened on theTickfield Industrial Estate.

Council Policy and Partnerships Team Apprentice Emma

Crampton and Administrator Grace Taylor are

promoting the Community

Voices initiative.

New test centre

Outlook p24 7/6/12 09:36 Page 1

MORE volunteers are being urged to comeforward as the Integrated Youth SupportService (IYSS) in Southend continues to

support children and young people through a rangeof initiatives designed to improve their lives.

AMIGOS, the mentoring scheme for young people atrisk of offending, is looking for male role models likeSteve who has been volunteering for more than fiveyears. The 60-year-old is particularly happy at themoment because Dean, the 19-year-old he supports atleast two hours a week, has just started his firstfull-time job.

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

moaning about young people but they do need helpand support – they do need role models”

Dean said: “Steve has helped me with my interviewskills and CV – so that’s been very useful in helping meget a job. If I’ve got family problems I can just talk tohim. He’s very helpful.”

Other schemes in need of volunteers are theCouncil’s two young carers groups – COOL and CHIL– which support young carers aged eight to 18 throughactivities and new experiences.● For more information on a full range of volunteeringopportunities with IYSS call Chris Sollis on 01702463927. To help support young carers, [email protected] or call her on 07789943430. If you are interested in volunteering forAMIGOS, contact [email protected] or callher on 01702 534090.

GREEN projects to protect Southend’s wildlife in some ofthe UK’s oldest woodland have been awarded more than£850,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund.The money willbenefit the Hadleigh and Daws Healthy Living Landscapeand Belfairs Wodland Centre... landscapes which date back1,000 years.

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

Lottery funding supportsprojects to protect wildlife

Residentsurged toreportfradulentactivitiesRESIDENTS are beingencouraged to reportfraud to the Council’sdedicated investigationteam. Fraud costs everyadult in the UK £765 eachyear and in the publicsector every pound lost isa pound not spent onproviding services for thelocal community.

The Corporate FraudInvestigation Team issuccessfully prosecutingbenefit cheats, targetingthe misuse of BlueBadges and focussing onillegal housing tenancyactivity, such as keyselling and subletting.

However, everyonewho has a stake in theBorough – from membersof the public to staff andcouncillors – has a keypart to play in raisingawareness of suspiciousactivity.

Jennine White,Corporate FraudInvestigations Assistant,said:“Fraud is not avictimless crime and iscosting people money.

“So ignoring it is notan option. We urgemembers of the public toact on their suspicionsand make an immediatenote of their concernsand contact us as soon aspossible.”

For more details or toreport a suspicion callthe Fraud Reporting Lineon 01702 215254, [email protected] or use the 24 hourconfidential report lineon 01702 215215.

‘Role model’ volunteerMAKES A DIFFERENCE

Volunteer

Steve, left, with

19-year-old Dean

who he has been

mentoring.

SUMMER 2012 � Outlook 25Find it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

Outlook p25 7/6/12 10:28 Page 1

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council isprogressing a 2.5 mile “Urban Greenway”project alongside the Prittlebrookwatercourse. The Prittlebrook runs from thewest of the Borough and then diverts northtowards Rochford at Priory Park.

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

Improvements

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

Funding

The 1.1km section was jointly funded by Sustrans links toschool, Local Transport Plan 3 and Local SustainableTransport Funding monies.

Engagement

It is intended to have a bike ride along the route withchildren from Darlinghurst School as part of the openingceremony.

www.cyclesouthend.co.uk

PRITTLEBROOKGREENWAYIMPROVEMENTS

Footway on EastwoodBoulevard before.

Footpath adjacent toDarlinghurst School before.

Greenway postcompletion photos.

Footway widened andconverted to shared use

cycle track & footway.


Aprimary school has passed itslatest Ofsted inspection withflying colours. Inspectors from

the Government’s educationwatchdog gave Barons Court PrimarySchool and Nursery in Westcliff aglowing report.

They awarded the school an overallrating of “Good” and assessed thebehaviour and safety of pupils as“Outstanding”. The inspectors alsodescribed Barons Court as “a goodschool where pupils from allbackgrounds achieve well.”

They added: “In thiswell-run school,leaders’ monitoringhas ensured pupilsall make goodprogress in readingand mathematicsand that teaching isgood.

“The head teacher,leadership team andthe governing bodyhave successfullymanaged the move tonew buildings and thetransition to an all-through primarywhile sustaining andbuilding on the school’sstrengths.”

They also praised the school’s“innovative” curriculum that “excitesand motivates” pupils into learning.

Head teacher Gyl Wood said: “Wewere thrilled that Ofsted recognisedthe many qualities of the schoolparticularly in relation to thechildren’s conduct and learningbehaviour.

“As a school we are trulycommitted to creating thefoundations and a love for lifelonglearning. The success is due to theexcellent teamwork of children,parents, governors and staff.”

Pupils behaviouris ‘outstanding’

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

PupilsHarper and

Mohd with a trayof ceramic ice-

creams they createdas part of an art

project.

Outlook p26 7/6/12 09:39 Page 1

SUMMER 2012 � Outlook 27Report it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

ALL aboard the SHIP… asthe Council introduces a newonline service to helpSouthend people to stayhealthy and independent.

For adults 18 and upwards,SHIP – Southend’s Health andWellbeing Information Point– is a one-stop informationservice for anyone wanting totake part in their community.

Activities, clubs andsupport groups are listedalong with a range of adviceand information coveringmental and physicalwellbeing.

People who have beenassessed for social care

support can also use the siteto find services in line withtheir personal budgets.

The Council developedthe directory in partnershipwith the local Primary CareTrust and SouthendAssociation of VoluntaryServices.

It is regularly updated andorganisations with relevantservices can add their detailsthrough the Add Entryfeature.

To access the site go towww.southendinfopoint.org. You can also follow onFacebook at www.facebook.com/SHIPSouthend.

SHIP sails in to launchhealthy online service

Sophie White with her

18-month-old daughter

Melody are benefitting from

services run at Cambridge

Road Children’s Centre.

Accessing the

SHIP website is the

key to a one-stop

health and well-being

information service

for Southend.

Tailoredsupport isvital helpfor families A

ROUND 700 families in Southend areset to benefit from a new projectbeing backed by nearly £900,000

from the Big Lottery Fund.Stronger Families, Future Communities

will see families receiving tailored supportfrom local voluntary sector organisationsworking in partnership with public services.

Led by the charity Family Action, theproject involves the Council, Family MattersInstitute, Estuary Housing, Youth at Risk,Barons Court Primary School and SouthendCitizens Advice Bureau.

A dedicated worker will create bespokesupport packages dealing with issues rangingfrom debt to behaviour management whileencouraging families to take a more activerole in their communities throughvolunteering, training and employment.

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

children and families in Southend-on-Sea.”Sue Cook, the Council’s Corporate

Director for Children and Learning,said: “In these difficult financial times,being able to offer something new tosupport families is really positiveand we are all excited to be part ofit.

“There is a very good trackrecord in Southend of all partnersworking together to help familiescreate a better future for themselvesand we are confident this projectwill make a difference.”

Sara Betsworth, Head of the BigLottery Fund’s East of England region,said: “By mobilising all those who canhelp at a local level in a co-ordinated way,Family Action will explore new ways ofimproving the lives of some of the mostvulnerable children in Southend-on-Sea.”

Rowan Quadling

with her

15-month-old son

Morgan at the

centre.

Outlook p27 7/6/12 09:39 Page 1

Until 30 JuneSOUTHEND FESTIVAL OF MEDIA & CREATIVE ARTSNow in its 10th year the Festival celebrates allthat is great, good, creative and cultural inSouthend and its surrounding area. SouthendFestival showcases many of the best and up andcoming talents that the town has to offer in adiverse range of areas, and shows why Southendis THE cultural hub of the Thames Gateway.www.facebook.com/southendfestival

Until Sat 6 OctoberTHAMES MARINE ARCHAEOLOGYCentral Museum,Victoria Avenue, 10am-5pmTues-Fri, 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm Sat.Artefacts from the bed of the Thames tell thestory of vessels lost to the treacherous waters.Tel: 01702 215011

Various dates throughout June,July and AugustSTORYRHYMESLibraries throughout Southend.Stories and nursery rhymes for children underfive years old and their parents. For specific dates,times and locations please call 01702 215011 orvisit www.southend.gov.uk.

Wed 20 & Wed 27 JuneTASTER SESSIONS FOR ADULT FENCINGSt Saviours Church, Kings Road, 8.30pm-10pm.Working with Southend Seaxe Fencing ClubTel: 01702 215011

Thurs 21 & Thurs 28 JuneTASTER SESSIONS FOR BADMINTONBelfairs High School, 7.30pm-9pm,Southend Leisure & Tennis Centre, 7pm-8pm.Working with Highlands Badminton Club.Tel: 01702 215011

Every Wednesday from June toSeptemberBOOT CAMP Eastwood School, Leigh on Sea, 5pm-6pm.A fun fitness club for over 16’s.Tel: 01702 215011

Every Monday from June toSeptember except 9 July DISABILITY CLUB Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre, 6pm-8pm.Various sports for 9 to 19 year olds.Tel: 01702 215011

Every Tuesday in June and JulyJUDO FOR 16 TO 19 YEAR OLDSFocus Youth Centre, 6.30pm-7.30pm.Tel: 01702 215011

Until 23 Sun JuneLEIGH ART TRAILLeigh on Sea. Join the Leigh Art Trail and wanderround galleries, studios, shops, homes,restaurants and gardens in the community ofLeigh-on-Sea where the work of around 50artists/designer-makers will be on display.Ceramics, paintings, fashion, photography,sculpture, jewellery and textiles will be amongstthe exhibits.Tel: 01702 470490, www.leigharttrail.co.uk

Thurs 21 – Sun 24 JuneLEIGH FOLK FESTIVAL

Leigh on Sea.The largest free folk festival in theUK, featuring international and local musicalperformers, traditional and contemporary dance,children’s events, ceilidhs, workshops, streettheatre, comedy, film and much, much more.All outdoor events are free.Tel: 01702 715111.Email: [email protected]

Sat 23 June SOUTHEND CARNIVALSouthend seafront. A unique and exciting familyevent with a week of activity including children’scompetition, dog show and carnival procession.Email: [email protected]

Sat 23 JuneSPARKS WILL FLY A series of events across Southend to celebratethe cultural Olympiad, including watersportstaster sessions at Southend Marine ActivitiesCentre, fishing taster sessions at Southend Pier,5k run Southchurch Park to the Pier, musicalentertainment at City Beach, and Battle of theBands at Chinnery’s in the evening.

Sat 23 – Sun 24 JuneRNLI OPEN WEEKENDRNLI Station, Southend Pier, 12pm-4pm.Normal Pier Admission applies.Tel: 01702 467421

Sat 30 June GOING FOR GOLDCentral Museum, 10am-4pm. Make your ownfoam torch to wave in support of the flame andcreate your own medal – everyone’s a winner.All craft £3.50.Tel: 01702 215011.www.southendmuseums.co.uk

Every Saturday and Sunday from30 June to 30 September, plusMonday 27 August

SUMMER PERFORMANCES AT SOUTHENDBANDSTAND Southend Bandstand, Priory Park, 3pm-5pm.Come along to Southend Bandstand during thesummer and enjoy the fabulous opportunity tohear a great variety of music performed by manytalented local performers, including singer KateDenny (28 July), and Carol Braithwaite’s JazzCrew (19 August). Admission is free. Please notethat parking at Priory Park is limited.Tel: 01702 215011 ext.5624

Sat 30 June

ARMED FORCES DAYSouthend Town Centre & Seafront, 10am-4pm.See main article, right.

Sat 30 June

VILLAGE GREEN Chalkwell Park, Chalkwell Avenue, 11am-8pm.A fun and inspiring day for all ages thatcelebrates the creativity of Southend, as well astalent from elsewhere.Working with local andinternational artists the day will offer a chance toparticipate in a wide variety of artistic andsporting activities, an arts and crafts marketplace, live music, discussion, film and food.www.metalculture.com

Every Friday and Sunday in July

ARCHERYSouthend High School for Boys, Prittlewell Chase,Sun 11am-1pm, Fri 7pm-9pm.Tel: 01702 215011

Wed 11 JulySHARED SPACES OPEN DAYNorth Road Cemetery, North Road,Southend-on-Sea, 10:30am-5pm.All welcome to join a unique communitycelebration in this historic cemetery, with fun,flowers, the chance to find out more aboutthose laid to rest there, and to honour theirmemories.The event is part of a HeritageLottery funded project run by Blade Education inpartnership with Southend-on-Sea BoroughCouncil, where children from The WestboroughSchool and volunteers of all ages are workingtogether to transform this space. Tel: 0208 133 0061 or email: [email protected]

Fri 6 July OLYMPIC TORCH RELAYSouthend Town Centre & SeafrontThe Olympic Torch Relay will be coming toSouthend-on-Sea on 6 July.To mark this excitingonce-in-a-lifetime event, Southend will bestaging a range of entertainment and culturalactivity.

Sat 7 JulySOUTHEND SUNLIGHT AND MOONLIGHTCOLOURTHONSChalkwell Park, Chalkwell Avenue. Sponsoredwalks with a difference – walkers of theMoonlight Colourthon will walk a half marathon(13.1 miles) at night and are encouraged to dressas brightly as their imagination will allow them!The walk, which starts at 8pm, is only open toentrants aged 16 or over.To compliment this isthe Sunlight Colourthon, which is aimed at theunder 16’s or anyone who feels the halfmarathon is a challenge too far. The SunlightColourthon runs on the same day between 3pmand 5pm, with the challenge being to completeas many laps as possible of a predeterminedcircuit within the given time.Tel: 07010 752750, email: [email protected],www.moonlightcolourthon.co.uk

Every first Saturday and Sunday ofthe month, until SeptemberART ON THE RAILINGSPier Hill, Southend, 10am-4pm. Free open air artexhibition, featuring an eclectic mix of arts, craftsand photography. Artists are invited to exhibitand sell their works along the railings of Pier Hill,directly opposite the Royals shopping centre andPark Inn Palace Hotel. Free children’s artworkshops will also be held on the Saturday ofthe event inviting the public to take part andcreate some of their own art pieces to take home.Workshops are themed to tie in with otherevents going on around the town.www.artontherailings.co.uk

Tues 7 July – Sat 29 SeptESSEX OPEN EXHIBITIONBeecroft Art Gallery, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm.Tel: 01702 215011.www.southendmuseums.co.uk

Sat 7 JulySATURDAY SINGALONGSSouthend Central Library,Victoria Avenue,10-2pm. Singing on your own is OK... singing in agroup is better! No matter your talent, if youenjoy singing out loud, come along and join in!We will not be working towards a performance of

any kind – so there’s no pressure.Each session we will be singing a different song.Those who want to will be trying someharmonies and the only instruments we will haveare our voices. We won’t aim for perfection...only for that buzz you get from a room of voicesblending brilliantly.Tel: 01702 215011 ext.4100, email:[email protected]

Sun 8 JulyJUNIOR TRIATHLONShoeburyness Leisure Centre.Tel: 01702 215011

Sun 15 JulyLONDON TO SOUTHEND BIKE RIDE, PRIORYPARK, VICTORIA AVENUE, SOUTHEND-ON-SEAStarting in Victoria Park, East London, we're soonout of town and after stops along the way forlunch and tea, we reach the finish in the prettygardens of Priory Park, Southend where you canrelax and enjoy refreshments, music and sportsmassage. www.bhf.co.uk

Tue 17 JulyFLYING TRAPEZE CRAFT MORNINGSouthend Central Library,Victoria Avenue,10am-11am and 11.30am-12.30pm.Make your own trapeze artist to swing from yourceiling.Tel: 01702 215011

Thurs 19 – Sat 21 JulyWAVE COMEDY FESTIVALPier Cultural Centre. A series of events to openthe new Pier Cultural Centre including Joker Club,Terry Alderton, sketches and improvisationworkshops.

Sat 21 – Sun 22 JulyCIRCUS WEEKENDSouthend Pier. Our tribute the fun of the Big Topreturns for its third year with all your oldfavourites and many new acts.

Sat 21 July – Fri 1 Sept CLUED UPFree summer quiz throughout all SouthendMuseums including for the first time, the CliffLift.Tel: 01702 215011,www.southendmuseums.co.uk

Fri 27 July – Fri 3 August

RUSSIAN TALLSHIP KRUZENSHTERN

A GUIDE TO KEY SUMMER EVENTS IN SOUTHEND


What’s On Sea

Katriona

Gilmore &

Jamie Roberts

perform at the

Leigh Folk

Festival.

Outlook p28&29 7/6/12 10:23 Page 1

Southend Pier.The Russian TallShip Kruzenshtern comes to Southend Pier. Don’tmiss this opportunity to see the magnificentfour masted barque tall ship.

Sat 28 July JAZZ ON THE PIER – NOCTURNES ANDSEASCAPESSouthend Pier. A special evening jazz concertfeaturing Digby Fairweather and leading jazzmuscians in the new Pier Cultural Centre. £22including Pier entrance and train.

Sat 28 – Sun 29 July JAZZ ON THE WALKWAYSouthend Pier. Enjoy a swinging lunchtime ofJazz over the Thames Estuary on the world’slongest pleasure pier.

Sun 29 JulyGREAT PIER SWIMSouthend Pier.Want to experience an OpenWater Challenge like no other? Then lift the roofoff of the swimming pool and get back to naturein the Havens Hospices Great Pier Swim 2011.Tel: 01702 220356, email:[email protected]

Tues 31 July ARCHAEOLOGY DAYCentral Museum,Victoria Avenue, 10am-4pm.Explore the depths of the Thames UCLarchaeologists, crafts and much more.Admission £3. www.southendmuseums.co.uk

Fri 3 – Sun 5 AugPUPPET FESTIVALSouthend Pier. Punch and Judy, marionettes andglove puppets put on a show for kids andparents who want to re-live their childhood.

Wed 3 Aug PALACE THEATRE CENTENARY ACTIVITIESSouthend Central Library, 11am-3pm.On October 21st 2012,The Palace Theatre will becelebrating its 100th anniversary. In support ofthe Centenary celebrations, Southend Librarieswill be hosting three family activity events inpartnership with the Palace Theatre, so thatpeople can interact with some of the amazingitems from the theatre archive. Each activity isfree and everyone is welcome.Tel: 01702 215011

Sat 4 – Sun 5 Aug TUDOR FESTIVALSouthchurch Hall, 10am to 3pm.Enjoy amazing tales performed by theTheatre of the Small puppeteers,listen to and explore traditionalTudor instruments. If you’ve everwondered what it was like to fire along bow, then come and have a goand try your luck. Lots of activitiesfor the whole family. Entrance to the

Hall is £1 and entitles visitors to a 10per cent discount on refreshments in

the exhibition room and gift shop.Tel: 01702 215011.

www.southendmuseums.co.uk

Sat 11 – Sun 12 Aug SOUTHEND PIER FESTIVALSouthend Pier. Southend Pier hosts a newFestival with a range of entertainment andactivities for all the family.

Wed 15 Aug TEDDY BEARS PICNICSouthchurch Hall, 10am-3pm.Today's the day the teddy bears have theirpicnic! There will be teddy bear stories, craftactivities, hunts and prizes. Bring your specialtoy and join in the fun, don’t forget the picnicwhich you can enjoy in the grounds ofSouthchurch Hall Gardens.Tel: 01702 215011.www.southendmuseums.co.uk

Fri 17 – Sun 19 Aug LEIGH FISHING FESTIVALOld Leigh, 11am-4pm.This popular annual event celebrates Leigh’sfishing industry and heritage. See fishingboats and talk to the local fishermen, find outhow fish gets from the sea to your table. Freecockle tasting, and events demonstrating theconnection of man, boat and sea. Stalls willalso provide various shellfish, fresh nativeoysters and rock oysters.Tel: 01702 716288

Wed 22 Aug MUSIC DAYSouthchurch Hall, 10am-3pm.Get closer to music and enjoy a chance to have ago at electric guitars, keyboards, acoustic guitarsas well as a cello, violin and much more.Tel: 01702 215011.www.southendmuseums.co.uk

Sat 25 AugITALIAN FESTIVALSouthend High Street, 10am-4pm.Visit our ever-popular Italian Market, which willbe at the top of Southend High Street all dayoffering a fantastic variety of authentic Italianproduce including cured meats, cheeses, pasta,nougat, biscuits and olive oils and vinegars.Keep an eye out for roaming entertainmentthroughout the day.

Sun 26 AugSOUTHEND PIER BARGE MATCHSouthend PierWatch the splendour of a bygone era whenaround 15 of the majestic Thames SailingBarges race for various trophies.

Every Saturday in SeptemberBIG SATURDAY NIGHT OUTAdventure Island, 6pm start.The UK’s top tribute acts, live DJ, competitions,costume characters, illuminations andhalf-price wristbands after 6pm – what more

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

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

parking at Priory Park is limited.Tel: 01702 215011 ext.5624

� For more details on up

and coming events and ones

that did not make this listing,

log onto the Council’s events

website at:

www.visitsouthend.co.uk.


COUNCIL DIARY■ Cabinet: Tuesday 19 June, 2pm.

■ Audit Committee: Wednesday20 June, 6.30pm.

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

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

■ Economic & EnvironmentalScrutiny Committee: Thursday12 July, 6.30pm.

■ Council: Thursday 19 July,6.30pm.

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

Youth Council meetings takeplace on the first Wednesday ofevery month in the CouncilChamber at the Civic Centre,5pm-7pm.

Chance to honour forcesheroes past and presentTHE annual celebration ofBritish armed forces past,present, and future is being heldin Southend later this month.

The Armed Forces Day onSaturday, June 30 will featuredisplays from local veterans’associations, cadet units andcurrent Army, Royal Navy andRoyal Air Force personnel.

There will also beperformances from military andcivilian groups and a paradecentered on Southend seafront.

The parade will be led by theAir Cadets and will also includecurrent personnel veterans andrepresentatives from the RoyalBritish Legion.

A drumhead service will beconducted outside the VictoriaShopping Centre and a gun willbe fired to mark a two minutes’silence. Stalls and marquees willline the high street and therewill be a climbing wall to givepeople the chance to test theiragility.

The day provides residentswith the opportunity to honourthose who have given their livesin service of their country aswell as support currentmembers of the Armed Forces.

Activities take place between10am and 4pm. More details areavailable fromwww.visitsouthend.co.uk.

Air

Force cadets

will lead this

years’ Armed

Forces Day

parade.

Outlook p28&29 7/6/12 09:41 Page 2


BLENHEIM PARK

Cllr James Courtenay (Con)14 Eros Avenue,

Southend-on-Sea SS2 5LP

Tel: 01702 611669

[email protected]

Cllr Graham Longley (LD)28 McDivitt Walk,

Leigh-on-Sea SS9 5UD

Tel: 01702 520234

[email protected]

Cllr Duncan Russell (LD)15 Lindisfarne Avenue,

Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3NR

Tel: 01702 480713

[email protected]

EASTWOOD PARK WARD

Cllr Trevor Byford (Con)2 Badgers Close,

Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 0AP

Tel: 01702 437274

[email protected]

Cllr Andrew Moring (Con) 554 Woodgrange Drive,

Southend-on-Sea SS1 3EL

Tel: 01702 585957

[email protected]

Cllr Chris Walker (Con)256 Rayleigh Road,

Eastwood SS9 5XL

Tel: 01702 528027

[email protected]

LEIGH WARD

Cllr Alan Crystall (LD)16 Cliff Parade,

Leigh-on-Sea SS9 1AS

Tel: 01702 474047

[email protected]

Cllr Barry Godwin (LD)63 Steyning Avenue,

Southend-on-Sea SS2 4TW

Tel: 01702 589318

[email protected]

Cllr Peter Wexham (LD)119 Vardon Drive,

Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3SH

Tel: 01702 715981

[email protected]

KURSAAL WARD

Cllr Louise Burdett (Con)144 Alexandra Road,

Southend-on-Sea SS1 1HB

Tel: 01702 430309

[email protected]

Cllr Judy Mcmahon (Lab)37A Pleasant Road,

Southend-on-Sea SS1 2HQ

Tel: 01702 462489

[email protected]

Cllr Anne Jones (Lab)2 Hastings Road,

Southend-on-Sea SS1 2DR

Tel: 01702 460952

[email protected]

MILTON WARD

Cllr Dr Maria Caunce (Con)Fairlight Lodge, 37 Park Road,

Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 7PQ

Tel: 01702 430684

[email protected]

Cllr Julian Ware-Lane (Lab)37 Nelson Road,

Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3HX

Tel: 01702 472144

[email protected]

Cllr Jonathan Garston (Con)23a Clifftown Parade,

Southend-on-Sea SS1 1DN

Tel: 01702 335017

[email protected]

PRITTLEWELL WARD

Cllr Mary Betson (LD)11 Byfield,

Eastwood SS9 5TG

Tel: 01702 524026

[email protected]

Cllr Mike Grimwade (LD) 94 Eastwood Old Road,

Leigh-on-Sea SS9 4RS

Tel: 01702 520642

[email protected]

Cllr Ric Morgan (LD)5 Hobleythick Lane,

Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 0RP

Tel: 01702 432361

[email protected]

CHALKWELL WARD

Cllr Richard Brown (Con)16 Cherrybrook,

Thorpe Bay SS1 3QZ

Tel: 01702 584003

[email protected]

Cllr Stephen Habermel (Con)6 Leas Gardens,

Southend-on-Sea SS0 8JL

Tel: 01702 478354

[email protected]

Cllr Ian Robertson (Con)68 Thorpe Hall Avenue,

Thorpe Bay SS1 3AU

Tel: 01702 584580

[email protected]

BELFAIRS WARD

Cllr Stephen Aylen (Ind)16 Woodside, Belfairs,

Leigh-on-Sea SS9 4QU

Tel: 01702 527747

[email protected]

Cllr Fay Evans (Con)192 Highlands Boulevard,

Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3QX

Tel: 01702 558657

[email protected]

Cllr Lesley Salter (Con)4 Chadwick Road,

Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 8LS

Tel: 01702 432364

[email protected]

Your Councillors

The Council normally has 51

Councillors elected to represent

you. There are 17 wards, each

with three elected members.

See the map to find out which

councillors represent you.

To find out which Ward you are in please visit

www.southend.gov.uk/whereilive

Outlook p30&31 7/6/12 09:42 Page 1


WEST SHOEBURY WARD

Cllr Tony Cox (Con)Flat D Mill Lodge, West Road,

Shoeburyness SS3 9DP

Tel: 01702 297039

[email protected]

Cllr Liz Day (Con)5 Withypool,

Shoeburyness SS3 8BH

Tel: 01702 586185

[email protected]

Cllr Derek Jarvis (Con)66 Leitrim Avenue,

Shoeburyness SS3 9HF

Tel: 01702 292744

[email protected]

WESTBOROUGH WARD

Cllr Paul Collins (LD) 219 Green Lane,

Leigh-on-Sea SS9 5QN

Tel: 01702 512239

[email protected]

Cllr Martin Terry (Ind)66 Victoria Road,

Southend-on-Sea SS1 2TF

Tel: 01702 619655

[email protected]

Cllr Dr Vel (Ind)61 Thorpebay Gardens,

Thorpe Bay SS1 3ND

Tel: 01702 580640

[email protected]

VICTORIA WARD

Cllr Margaret Borton (Lab)85 Rochester Drive,

Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 0NJ

Tel: 01702 348817

[email protected]

Cllr Ian Gilbert (Lab)18 Avenue Road,

Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 7PW

Tel: 01702 339765

[email protected]

Cllr David Norman (Lab)41 Vernon Road,

Leigh-on-Sea SS9 2NG

Tel: 01702 470215

[email protected]

WEST LEIGH WARD

Cllr Nigel Holdcroft (Con) 7 Sylvan Way,

Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3TU

Tel: 01702 214008

[email protected]

Cllr Gwen Horrigan MBE (Con)15 Hazelwood Grove,

Leigh-on-Sea SS9 4DE

Tel: 01702 524333

[email protected]

Cllr John Lamb (Con)77 Vardon Drive,

Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3SJ

Tel: 01702 483908

[email protected]

ST LUKES WARD

Cllr Brian Ayling (Ind)108a Ennismore Gardens,

Southend-on-Sea SS2 5RB

Tel: 01702 461840

[email protected]

Cllr Sally Carr (Con)42 Marcus Avenue,

Southend-on-Sea SS1 3LA

Tel: 01702 586231

[email protected]

Cllr Paul Van Looy (Ind)54 Arlington Road,

Southend-on-Sea SS2 4UW

Tel: 01702 615658

[email protected]

THORPE WARD

Cllr Alex Kaye (Ind)470 Woodgrange Drive,

Southend-on-Sea SS1 3ED

Tel: 01702 588432

[email protected]

Cllr Mike Stafford (Ind)124 Parkanaur Avenue,

Thorpe Bay SS1 3JD

Tel: 01702 586265

[email protected]

Cllr Ron Woodley (Ind)91 Tyrone Road,

Southend-on-Sea SS1 3HD

Tel: 01702 588662

[email protected]

SOUTHCHURCH WARD

Cllr David Garston (Con)237 Maplin Way North,

Southend-on-Sea SS1 3NY

Tel: 01702 584278

[email protected]

Cllr Ann Holland (Con) 7 Silchester Court, Silchester

Corner, Gt Wakering SS3 0PX

Tel: 01702 580855

[email protected]

Cllr Brian Kelly (Con)10 Withypool,

Shoeburyness SS3 8BH

Tel: 01702 585015

[email protected]

ST LAURENCE WARD

Cllr Mark Flewitt (Con)11 Borman Close,

Leigh-on-Sea SS9 5UJ

Tel: 01702 510463

[email protected]

Cllr Ted Lewin (LD)19 Little Thorpe,

Thorpe Bay SS1 3RN

Tel: 01702 586359

[email protected]

Cllr Adam Jones (Con)23 Mucking Hall Road,

Barling Magna SS3 0NH

Tel: 01702 216658

[email protected]

SHOEBURYNESS WARD

Cllr Mike Assenheim (Ind)76 Elm Road,

Shoeburyness SS3 9RD

Tel: 01702 291720

[email protected]

Cllr Roger Hadley (Con)33 Mountbatten Drive,

Shoeburyness SS3 8UY

Tel: 01702 294945

[email protected]

Cllr Anne Chalk (Ind)94 High Street,

Shoeburyness SS3 9AS

Tel: 01702 295449

[email protected]

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

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council Cabinet■ Nigel Holdcroft (Leader)

■ John Lamb (Deputy Leader with special responsibility forRegeneration and Enterprise)

■ Derek Jarvis (Culture and Tourism)

■ James Courtenay (Children and Learning)

■ Lesley Salter (Adult Social Care, Health and Housing)

■ Tony Cox (Public Protection, Waste and Transport)

■ Andrew Moring (Corporate Support Services)

■ Jonathan Garston (Planning)

Outlook p30&31 7/6/12 09:42 Page 2

32 Outlook � SUMMER 2012 Book it – do it online: www.southend.gov.uk

THERE is something for everyone in the hugerange of activities and events being offeredto children and young people by the Counciland its partners this summer, which include:

Sure Start Children’s Centres: Mostcentres will be running a holiday programmeon selected days. These will be displayed onthe Open Family Services directory as theyare confirmed. Visit www.southend.gov.uk/childrenscentres to find out more.

Let’s Get Busy at Cambridge RoadChildren’s Centre: Starting Monday 30 Julyfor four weeks, activities for all the family toenjoy which will include cooking sessions,themed arts and crafts such as under the sea,transport, animals and active play sessions.A £1 donation is suggested for each session.For more information call 01702 220810.

Summer Reading Programme withSouthend Libraries: Each year the SummerReading Challenge has a different theme.The 2012 theme is Story Lab – a celebrationof story and the imagination. Story Lab willhave a link to the 2012 Olympics. Contactyour local library for more details.

Southend Marine Activities Centre:Multi-activity courses offer young peoplebetween nine and 14-years-old theopportunity to try their hand at as manywatersports as possible. Whether ashore orafloat, there’s always something new andexciting to do. Activities include: dinghysailing, canoeing, windsurfing, jetskiing,banana boat rides and beach games. Coursesare running throughout the school summerholiday period. Call 01702 612770 for more

details and to book a place on the course orcourses.

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

For information to help assist you withchoosing childcare, activities, family support,childcare funding or comprehensive searchinstructions for the Open Family Serviceswebsite visit www.southendchildren.org/fis

For further information call 01702 215007or email [email protected]

Also, see What’s on Sea listing on pages28 and 29 of this issue of Outlook formany more activities and events.

FREE swimming sessions for theover 65s in Southend are alreadyproving a big hit. Launched at the

beginning of April, Wet Wednesdaysenable those eligible to swim for freeduring public sessions at SouthendSwimming and Diving Centre, BelfairsSwim Centre and Shoeburyness Leisure Centre.

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

said: “Swimming is excellent all-roundexercise. We hope this free opportunityfor Southend residents aged 65 andolder will be an added incentive tosupport and encourage older residentsto keep fit and healthy.”

Carol Wright, a 65-year-old long timemember of Club 60 in the Borough, hasalready enjoyed several free sessionswith her friends and is encouragingother older people to take part.

She said: “I’ve been a few times andthe sessions are very popular. They arean excellent idea. They keep you active,motivated and they are social occasions.They’re really good fun – more peopleshould get involved.”

� For more information and to

check Wet Wednesday swimming

times visit www.southend.gov.uk

or call 01702 215011.

There’s loads going on during the SUMMER HOLIDAYS

FREESwimming

makes a big splash withover-65s

Pictured at one of the free

swimming sessions are Carol

Wright, aged 65, and Rochelle

Colbin, aged 72.

DoitOnline

Outlook p32 7/6/12 10:17 Page 1

outlook issue 23 summer 2012

Documents

arts summer courses

parttime summer courses

summer sizzle

page sevenbeating

busy summer season

over100 short courses

year olds

new hobby