Digest-August 2026
National Pensioner’s Convention.
“Issy” Isaacs learnt from the NPC recently, that the Government has formed a new Think Tank which is looking at options to change the State Pension. Government has revived the landmark Pensions Commission to examine why tomorrow’s pensioner’s are on track to be poorer than todays.
I found no mention of a new Think Tank on the Government site. Also, the Government is suggesting that they cream-off a proportion of monies from the large pension funds to be invested in British companies rather than foreign ones.
Last month’s Meeting:
We held an “Open Forum” meeting where many Members raised a range of issues of concern to them, and expressed their views. Communication with Council Officer’s and Councillor’s was of particular interest.
In Committee:
Our Chair, Jean Howes reported on a long meeting with Jamie Langstone from SAVS, covering the input from local college students, and Website design. Also, our need for better photographs. On IT, they discussed the benefits or not, of upgrading to Windows 11. Jamie has updated our Website with new content, so please do have a look.
Our application to Minute Man Press for the production of A5 leaflets and
small cards has been approved, so Jean has arranged for their production.
Spotlight Co. Video. Business sponsorship. Hopefully attending our 40th to make a video in the afternoon plus 1 other day.
Jamie will add a link for our “Digest” Newsletter to their next SAVS weekly wrap-up.
Age Concern (Southend):- Haven’s Community Hub, are offering Free
Falls Prevention classes, plus Coffee and Conversation sessions and Proud Conversations are on offer. The August timetable is now available, copies can be supplied on request call 01702 345373 or email enquiry@ageconcern.co.uk Thanks to Alan Grubb.
Sue Stacey, Hon Secretary.
Secretary Sue Stacey reported that much has been reported in the “Echo” about Southend Council planning to fine drivers who park on pavements and grass verges, but no start dates given.
On the Suez bin collections, if you wish to challenge their decisions, it would be best to do it as early as possible to avoid a waiting-list. SUEZ are insisting operatives will return bins from whence they came.
On the new Local Plan, the Committee agreed to encourage people to complete the consultation form. We agreed to purchase raffle prizes, as well as welcoming donations from our Members.
Please join us in the celebrations on Wednesday 15th October 2025 at 2.00pm. Our 40th Anniversary.
Marketing SDPC:
If you know of any local charity or voluntary organisation who may host an indoor community networking event or an open day, please let us know. We would be keen to attend to advertise our Campaign and meet other campaigning groups in the area.
Campaigning:
We need to get the Member’s views on whether to continue to promote the reporting of obstructions on our pavements on My Southend, or to choose another issue. We still have no community transport service, and we need an Older Persons Champion within the Council Members for example.
Transport
Our President, Jill-Allen King has inspected the new plans to install lifts at Chalkwell Station to give step-free access. The work is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Jill said that “we can’t afford any more delays.”
Jill has also sent in details from the Southend Bus Users Group of changes being made to the Arriva bus services from 31st.August. Services affected are numbers 2, 6, and 9.
The Southend Local Bus Forum
will meet on Monday, 1st. September, at 12 noon in the Jubilee Room in the Civic Centre.
Dates for your Diary:
Jazz Centre UK. Live concerts on most Saturday afternoons. 2pm till 4pm. Beecroft Art Gallery, VictoriaAvenue, Southend. SS2. Tickets £10-£15.
Southend Central Museum. Victoria Avenue, Southend. The Princely Burial. A permanent exhibition.
Southend Council Concert Series. Monthly serious music concerts continue, but the venues now alternate. Friday evenings. From 8pm.Book by phone 01702. 215011.
SDPC Friendship Lunch. Wednesday. 3rd. September, 12.30pm. at Shore House, Harvester, Shoeburyness. Contact Margaret Haydon on 07814 714 937 to book.
SDPC Meeting. Wednesday, 17th September. 2pm-4pm. Liz Payne “Southend in Sight” Balmoral Centre, Salisbury Avenue, Westcliff. SS0 7AU.
Music in the Park. Live Music is played at the Bandstand in Priory Park, Prittlewell every Saturday and Sunday until the 28th. September. From 3pm till 4.30pm. Various groups and bands play a variety of music. Visitors often take their own chairs and blankets. Details on Council website.
Please send any items for publication in your “Digest” to Bob Howes (Editor) Email: howes01702@outlook.com or by post to 91, Brightwell Avenue, Westcliff on Sea, SS0 9EG.