Author: Jean

www.southendpensioners.org.uk “You ain’t heard nothin’ yet, folks.                   (remark in the first talking film, The Jazz Singer, 1927). Last month’s Meeting: We enjoyed a very busy afternoon at our “Open Forum” meeting with 5 visiting organisations with speakers. Cllr. Christine Webster our Campaign’s allocated Councillor telling us about her role as …

    “What is our task? To make Britain a fit country for heroes to live in”.  David Lloyd George. (1863-1945). Last month’s Meeting: We enjoyed an interesting “Romp through the History of Old Leigh” in July from our speaker, Carole Mulroney. Carole displayed many old photographs of historic scenes and …

“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 …

“Digest”. – June, 2026  “This is the sort of English up with which I will not put”.  (Winston Churchill).  Last month’s Meeting: I know little about this Meeting, but I gather it was successful, and the Speaker, Alison Askwith from Essex Wildlife Trust was of interest to our Members. Pleased …

“Digest”. – April, 2026  “I don’t do alcohol any more – I get the same effect just standing up fast”.   (Bob Howes). Last month’s Meeting: We enjoyed having a visit by Laura Fletcher from Essex Fire and Rescue Service in March who gave an interesting and informative talk about safety …

“Digest”. – March, 2026  Last month’s Meeting: We had a successful 39th AGM which was better attended than our previous ones, and we enjoyed a good buffet tea. A good number of our Members renewed their Membership of the Campaign, and hopefully a few more will do so before too …

       It’s no Joke! Last month’s Meeting: Our monthly Meeting in January was addressed by Annie Riley on the History of Variety Lunches. It was an entertaining talk about her journey as a professional singer, and how she developed contacts in show business and even royalty. Annie decided to start …

“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 …

www.southendpensioners.org.u President Jill Allen-King OBE Programme for 2026 21st January                Annie Riley “History of Variety Lunches” 18th February                Annual General Meeting 18th  March                    Laura Fletcher- Community Safety Officer 15th  April                      Ladybirds Song group                   20th  May                       Essex Wildlife Trust 17th  June                      Silvertime Legal 15th July                         Carole Mulroney   History …

“Digest”. October, 2025 “Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul”.  ( Samuel Ullman ). Last month’s Meeting: We enjoyed an interesting talk from Liz Payne from “Southend I n Sight”, which was formed in 2018, and was previously The Blind Welfare Association. Liz explained …

“ “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 …

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 …

“Digest” – July, 2025 The object of government is the happiness of the common man. ( William, Lord Beveridge ). National Pensioner’s Convention. Very pleased to report that the NPC have successfully become Incorporated as a Company, Limited by Guarantee.and have been registered at Companies House. This will enable them …

“Digest” – June, 2025 “All would live long, but none would be old”  (Benjamin Franklin). Pensioners win campaign for Winter Fuel Payments. We are pleased to hear that the government has u-turned on it’s policy on Winter Fuel Payments, giving 9 million pensioner’s extra help to heat their homes and …