Digest-September 2025
“
“I’d rather be over the hill than under it”. RH.
Last month’s Meeting:
In August, we were fortunate to have a talk from one of our City’s leading Planning Officer’s, Claire Victory. Claire explained that the Council is currently working on a revised Plan which has evolved from 2019 and a more detailed Plan in 2021. They are taking a neighbourhood approach, with a vision for each area. The long-term Plan runs up to 2045. It includes an Infrastructure Development Plan, a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment and an Urban Greening Policy. The City Council will be lobbying the government to reduce the current target for homes they wish them to build. Claire was kind enough to stay and talk to us personally during the tea break. We then had a chance raise various issues of concern, before dealing with our normal business.
Photo of Committee
In Committee:
Our Chair, Jean Howes, opened a discussion about next year’s Speaker’s and updated us with what we have booked so far. Jean emphasised the amount of work Jamie Langstone from SAVS has done in his own time for our website updates. Jamie has also done a lot of work on our IT system, which we much appreciate..
Sue Stacey, our Secretary, is planning to draw-up a floor plan for our Members Only 40th Anniversary celebration. We agreed to pay for a taxi to meet our NPC London Secretary Speaker Barry Todman from Westcliff Station. There will be no raffle at the event. We agreed to donating to the Mayor’s Charity fund.
“The Local Bus Forum” meeting was recently attended by three of our members, and Jim Folwell has agreed to represent us in future. Due to the cost of living crisis, we regrettably agreed to increase the cost of our Friendship Lunches from £15 to £18. This will allow us to consider a wider range of venues. Izzy Isaacs, our Vice-Chair, asked for more time at our Meetings to raise national issues. Next Meeting of NPC, London Region is Thursday, 25th. September.
The 50th Anniversary of the Balmoral Community Centre.
On hearing this news, Jean Howes replied to Emily French of SAVS.
“Southend District Pensioner’s Campaign have been hiring Balmoral Community Centre since 2018, and we can’t imagine a scenario where we would ever think of leaving! The facilities match our needs perfectly. Location is all important to us being in the centre of the city near good bus links, but exceptional service keeps us there.
The Centre Manager Trish Whelan must have a mention; she is very supportive and responsive to our Members, a treasure in fact. We wish the Centre, its manager and Trustees all the best for the future, and relish our continuing relationship with them”.
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 still have no Community Transport Service, and we still need an Older Person’s Champion from within the Council Members. I will continue to campaign for this permanently. We should continue to report in detail any Council problems on “My Southend”, and encourage other people to do the same.
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.
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
Saturday, 20th. September. Open day at St. Mary’s Church, Prittlewell. Free entry during the Heritage week-end.
Saturday, 27th September. East Beach Residents Association. Autumn Fair, 12 noon till 3.00pm.St Peter’s Church Hall, Hinguer St. Shoeburyness SS3 9AN
Thanks to our member Tricia Cowdrey for this.
SDPC Friendship Lunch. Wednesday, 1st. October, 12.30pm.at Toby Carvery, “The Bell”, Prince Avenue, Southend. Two course meal for £18. Contact Margaret Haydon on 07814 714 937 to book.
Saturday, 4th October. Trust Links. Apple Day- 11am. till 2pm. St. Laurence Orchard, Southend.
SDPC Meeting. Wednesday, October, 15th. 2pm-5pm. Our 40th Anniversary Celebration. 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 or post to 91, Brightwell Avenue, Westcliff on Sea, SS0 9EG.