Digest- November 2024
Southend & District Pensioner’s Campaign
“Digest” – November 2024
I’m grateful to the Rev. Ron Wiffen for the following news. “ Police arrested 2 children. One was drinking battery acid. One was eating fireworks.
They charged one and let the other one off. “
Last month’s Meeting:
Staying Safe Online.
We enjoyed an interesting talk by Barry Linton, a Cyber and Digital volunteer working with Essex Police together with Nicky, a CPO.
Barry stressed six bullet points to look-out for when receiving suspicious emails. Like, for example, not being addressed to you specifically. Both speakers emphasized that we in Essex are fortunate to have the best record in the country for monitoring scams and fraudulent cybercrime. They are award winners. Alarming to hear that now 52% of our crime is around fraud! With only 1% or 2% of Police resources spent on it. Barry will return to speak to us again next year.
Marketing SDPC:
We arevisiting The Leigh Horticultural Society at Leigh Road Baptist Church Hall on Saturday, 2nd November from 2pm to 4pm to promote our Campaign. Jean will be there with our display boards, and welcomes anyone who is able to join her.
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:
I shall be writing to the Leader of Southend City Council soon to ask if he would invite a Councillor to be appointed as a Champion for the Older Person in the Borough.
If we fail to receive a reply, we shall attend the next Full Council Meeting on Thursday, 12th December from 6.30pm to ask the question again in person as a member of the public.
In Committee:
In September’s Committee Meeting, we heard that our booked Speaker could not attend, so Jean booked Richard Brown from the Southend Pier Museum Trust to attend. Our President, David Norman had resigned, from all groups due to ill health, but wishes to remain on our mailing list. Jean has written a letter of thanks to David. We agreed to look for a new laminator for about £20, we use this for our posters and display boards. The Treasurer asked for a list of our new assets. Jim, Alan and Sue attended the SAVS Networking Brunch and details of future possible speakers were noted.
October Committee Meeting:
Margaret is going to purchase a new lottery ball system for approximately £50 as agreed. Issy gave an NPC report. He had lobbied Parliament on 7th October with other NPC Members from London Region. 300 to 400 people attended. Several concerns were raised, including the fact that 50%of the richest people in England have 40% of the wealth. Secretary General of the NPC, Jan Shortt together with other group leaders attended/ spoke.
Margaret Haydon suggested that we get hold of Pension Credit Forms for the next Member’s Meeting.
Our PA system was discussed, with the problem of electrical feedback. being addressed. JIm Folwell agreed to bring paper copies of the “City Vision” survey to the next Member’s Meeting.
The various roles that Jean covers as Secretary, were split into a list, and will be apportioned –out at the next Committee Meeting.
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 between the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend. SS2 6ER. And The Plaza Centre, Southchurch Road, Southend. SS1 2PT. Friday evenings. From 8pm. Internationally acclaimed musicians. £12 at the Civic or £15 per concert at The Plaza.
Saturday 2nd November. SDPC Marketing Event at Leigh Road Baptist Church, Marguerite Drive, Leigh on Sea, from 2pm to 4pm
Wednesday, 6th November. SDPC Lunch: Toby Carvery, Eastern Esplanade, Southend. 12.30. Contact Margaret Haydon to book. 01702. 295008 or Mob: 07814 714 937.
Wednesday, 13th November. Disability and Carers Focus Group. Public Committee Room 2, 1st. Floor, Civic Centre. 11am to 1pm.
Wednesday, 20th November. SDPC Meeting. “The Ladybirds” Song Group. Balmoral Centre, Salisbury Avenue, Westcliff. 2pm to 4pm.
Saturday, 23rd November, Concert: Southend Bach Choir. “The Messiah” by G.F. Handel. Holy Trinity Church, Southchurch Boulevard, Southchurch. SS2 4XA. 7 pm. The Editor is singing bass.
Catch of the Day!
Age Concern together with Leigh on Sea and Southend Volunteers invite you to a free Fish and Chip Lunch with Rossi ice cream. Meet, Heat and Eat lunch at Iveagh Hall, 67 Leigh Road, Leigh on Sea, SS9 1JW on Friday 29th November from 12.30 -3.00pm. To book your place please email sarah.wilson@ageconcernsouthend.co.uk or Jean will do it for you if you contact her on 01702 341047.
Editor’s request: If you would like to contribute any items to your “Digest”, please send your articles to Bob Howes at 91, Brightwell Avenue Westcliff on Sea, Essex. SS0 9EG.Email howes01702@outlook.com Many thanks, Bob Howes.