Digest- July 2026
“Digest”. – July, 2026
Reform UK By-Election reminds me of Groucho Marx. “I have principles, and if
you don’t like them, I have others”.
Last month’s Meeting:
It was disappointing that our speaker, Mr. James Rogers of Silvertime Legal was unable to attend, with no apology in advance. We continued with our normal business Agenda, and spent more time discussing a range of Member’s issues.
The Meeting closed at 3.20pm.
In Committee:
No one has yet volunteered to shadow
Bob Howes in his role as Treasurer or
Margaret Haydon as Lottery Officer.
Issy Isaacs asked if the paperwork for establishing a new cheque signatory had been completed, and Bob Howes explained that the Co-op Bank was closed for refurbishment until Tuesday, 21st July.
Our delegates to the LIFT Meetings cannot attend these Meetings as they are now held on Wednesdays and clash with ours. They are not now as relevant for older people. We shall try to meet with Jamie Langstone of SAVS to resolve the issue. Jean Howes will speak with Jamie to for guidance on our issues with Website and Gmail. Jean will also approach Paul Hammond for his advice on our IT issues.
Sue Stacey our Secretary said she was waiting to hear from Councillor Christine Webster so we can arrange a Meeting with her regarding her appointment as our “Allocated Councillor”. Issy Isaacs is to give an overview of the NPC to our Members, at our “Open Forum on 19th August, as most
Members have little knowledge of the importance of the organisation to SDPC.
The recently purchased public address system is not being used. It should be sold or donated to another organisation. Sue will ask Asda whether they may provide us with some raffle prizes. Sue continues to attend a number of events on our behalf. SAVS Brunches, Community Builders and Ageing Well. Carol Edwards confirmed that she will not be able to continue as our Membership Secretary.
Members Forum in August. We are keen for our Members to email Sue Stacey with any issues they would like to be discussed at our Forum on Wednesday, 19th. August.
Campaigning
We are still hopeful that the Southend City Council will elect one of their Members to be an Older Persons Champion for the pensioner’s across our City.
My thanks go to Diana Joseph who sent me this!
Memories.
We met, we married a long time ago, He worked long hours, and wages were low. No telly, no radio, no bath – times were hard.
Just a cold water tap and a walk up the yard. No holidays abroad, no carpet on floors. We had coal on the fire, and we never locked the doors. Our children arrived, no pills in those days, But we brought them up without State aids, No valium, no drugs, no LSD, We cured our pains with a nice cup of tea. If you were sick you were treated at once, not fill in a form
And “come back next month” No vandals, no savings, we have nout to rob, In fact you were rich with a couple of bob. People were happier in those far off days, Kinder, more caring in so many ways. Milkmen and paper boys would whistle and sing And a night at the “Flicks” was a wonderful thing. Oh, we had our troubles, we had our strife, But we just had to face them – that was life. But now I’m alone, I look through the years, Don’t think of the bad times, the troubles and tears. I remember blessings, our home, kids and love, We shared them together, and I thank God above.
NPC Report:
Issy Isaacs updated the on-going issues with NPC London Region. We await the calling of an AGM before any progress can be made.
Alvin King.
We are sad to announce the passing of Alvin King, the husband of our President, Jill. He died last Friday night and we hope to obtain details of his funeral in due course.
Food Waste Bags.
We are grateful to Tricia Cowdrey who informs us that food waste bags will now be delivered twice a year but are available at the libraries and can be ordered online through the app or phone 01702 215006.
The Hang Out Venue.
Kasia from The Hang Out Venue has contacted us advertising this venue which appears to be a place where grand parents can have a safe and relaxing time in a child –friendly environment. Please check website for opening times. Their website is www.the hangoutvenue.co.uk
The address is 62, London Road, Southend on Sea, SS1 1PG.
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.
Now until 27th September: Music in the Park.
Concerts in Priory Park at the Southend Bandstand every weekend and Bank Holiday. From 3pm till 4.30 pm. Various bands and groups. Take your own chairs and blankets if you wish.
Set sail with Jetstream: Until 16th October. For more details please see on the Southend City Website
Until 23rd. August. The State of Her. A retrospective by Heidi Wigmore. At The Beecroft Art Gallery, Victoria Avenue, Southend on Sea, Essex.
Friday, 24th. July. Trust Links Shoeburyness: Summer Fayre. Elm Rd. Southend on sea, SS3 9RY 11am – 2pm. www.trustlinks.com
Sunday, 26th. July: Classic Cars on the Beach. Free event from 9am till 4pm. At City Beach, Marine Parade, Southend. Enjoy cars over 25 years old.
Wednesday, 5th August SDPC Friendship Lunch: from12.30pm.at “Strawberry Fields” near the large Tesco store in Westcliff. £18. Contact Margaret Haydon on 07814 714 937 to book.
Wednesday, 19th August SDPC Monthly Meeting: 2pm to 4pm. Open Forum Balmoral Centre, Salisbury Avenue, Westcliff on Sea, SS0 7AU
Please send any items for publication in your “Digest” to Bob Howes (Editor) Email: howes01702@outlook.com