Digest- January 2026
“Digest”. January, 2026
“I love singing.
I also enjoy drinking
whiskey. Most people
prefer to hear me drinking
whisky”. (George Burns)
Last month’s Meeting:
We enjoyed our Members only Christmas social event at our December Meeting. We were
fortunate enough to have a visit
by Emma from SAVS who gave a brief talk about the generous offer from The Joseph Toomey Charitable Trust. They support older people in the community who own their own homes, with repair costs aimed at keeping people in their own homes for longer. Generally, those who qualify have smaller jobs that need doing, but it’s worth contacting Emma to see if you may gain support. The offer ends in June this year. Please ring Jean Howes for more detail on Southend 341047 or 0795 254 6810.
We had festive background music supplied by Balmoral Centre Manager, Trish, and a buffet tea provided by a company in Southchurch. When we pay for catering companies, we would be grateful if Members sent us their apologies if they are unable to attend.
Martin Tweed.
I am sorry to announce that our ex-Member Martin Tweed died last May. I rang him before Christmas to be told by his wife Ann! They were both active Members who regularly provided the teas and coffees at our Meetings. They were both active Members of the Salvation Army, and a few of you will
remember the stalwart support they gave to the Campaign. Martin used to enable us to buy postage stamps in an economic manner.
In Committee:
Matters arising from the Minutes of December’s Minutes.
Our Chair, Jean Howes raised these matters.
Having visited Shoebury and Westcliff Libraries for their public Coffee Mornings, we were disappointed with the public turnout. We have therefore decided not to attend their future Coffee Morning events. However, if you wish to attend them, the details are:-
Library Service Coffee Mornings: 10am-12 noon.
Tuesday, 10th. February, at Southchurch Library.
Tuesday, 10th. March, at Leigh Library.
We decided to do more research on the question of whether we need to take out Public Liability Insurance cover before making a decision. We have ordered 8 new lapel badges for the Committee.
We discussed the various designs of the A5 flyers which we shall order, and made a decision not to include any photos.
Our Secretary, Sue Stacey has been very busy recently as we approach the Annual General Meeting, sending out the necessary paperwork to Members.
The Treasurer’s annual accounts have now been examined and agreed, and should have been sent out to Members. We remain in a sound financial position.
The committee agreed that we need to find a volunteer to be Membership Officer. The next Friendship Lunch will be held at “The Meadow Lark” pub which is next door to Asda’s car park in Shoeburyness.
Margaret Haydon, our LotteryOfficer explained that due to on-going health issues, she will be retiring from the position from the end of September this year. As less than half of our Members take part, the Committee wonder why more people fail to enter. It is only £1 a month to invest in a number, and the prizes rise as more Members take part. Hopefully, more people will enter to make the Lottery viable.
Campaigning:
We look forward to the Council finding a volunteer to become the Southend Champion for Older People from among the Council Members.
NPC Report:
Issy Isaacs, our Vice-Chair and Account Examiner continues to attend the NPC (London Region) Executive Committee. He hears things that we delegates to the Regional Council don’t. Also, I have heard from Barry Todman regarding the progress of the move by the NPC to incorporate as a company, Limited by Guaranty. The process is continuing, and should be completed in the next few weeks.
Issy has lent me a copy the London Region NPC Nominations for Officers and Executive Committee for the 2026 AGM. There are up to 25 vacancies for nominations to the Committee, and five for the Officers. So far there is 1 nomination for the Treasurer, and 9 Nominations for the Committee.
The AGM will be held in March, where the Guest Speaker will be Neil Duncan-Jordan the Labour MP for Poole.
SAVS:
SAVS have arranged four friendly workshops to help us feel more confident navigating devices online. Called Cake and Computer Confidence, we highly recommend your attendance. Thursdays, February 5th, 12th, 19th 2.30 pm till 4.30pm., and 26th. 3pm till 5pm.
Dates for your Diary:
Jazz Centre UK. Live concerts on most Saturday afternoons. 2pm till 4pm. Beecroft Art Gallery, Victoria Avenue, 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.
Wednesday, 4th. February. Friendship Lunch: from12.30pm.at “The Meadow Lark” Shoeburyness. £18. Contact Margaret Haydon on 07814 714 937 to book.
Saturday, 7th. February. Trust Links: Seed Potato Day.- 11am. till 1pm. Rochford.
Wednesday, 18th, February. SDPC AGM Meeting. Balmoral Centre, Salisbury Avenue, Westcliff on Sea, SS0 7AUPlease send any items for publication in your “Digest” to Bob Howes (Editor) Email: howes01702 howes01702@outlook.com or post to 91, Brightwell Avenue, Westcliff on Sea, SS0 9EG. Tel. 01702. 341047