Digest July 23
SOUTHEND & DISTRICT PENSIONER’S CAMPAIGN
“Digest “- July 2023
“I’m very pleased to be here. Let’s face it, at my age I’m very pleased to be anywhere”
(George Burns).
Last month’s Meeting.
We were let down by the Co-op when our speaker failed to show-up. We decided to proceed with our normal business agenda, hoping the speaker may show-up later. During our tea-break, three of own Members offered to give short talks.
Leigh Town Councillor Alan Hart talked about the recent changes after their Elections in May, and the fact that the Conservatives had taken over many seats which were uncontested, and now run all their Committees. There are now only three Town councillors who are politically independent. The Rev. Ron Wiffen spoke of his experiences in the Army Dental Corp, the Metropolitan Police and the Church of England as a priest. Jill’s friend, Joyce then talked about her career as a qualified Chiropodist and the importance of having healthy feet. Some people claim to be qualified, but have only had 3 weeks training and are little more than nail cutters. Good to have Members who can inform and entertain us if necessary.
In Committee.
Issy Isaacs reported that the NPC has heard no more about the government withdrawing the right of NHS patients to keep their medical details private and unavailable to third parties. Following the speakers from Southend Council on Communications, we have not yet received any feed-back regarding the issues we raised. Jill Allen-King will chase this up.
We noted that the Rail Delivery Group Ltd. companies have decided to close most of the ticket offices in the country by December, and we urge all of our Members to respond to the consultation which closes on Wednesday the 26th. July. You can sendyourcomments by going to Transport Focus website, and clicking on Consultation response form. Alternatively, you can write to the following FREEPOST address:- RTEH-XAGE-BYKZ, Transport Focus, PO Box 5594, Southend on Sea, SS1 9PZ. If you need assistance, then please phone 0300 123 2350.
Jill advised us that the City of Southend Area Bus User Group will hold it’s AGM on Saturday, 19th August from 10.30 am at the Salvation Army Hall, 42, Clarence Street, Southend. SS1 1BD. This is the only Meeting they hold which is open to the public each year.
Question to Council – Veolia.
Maurice Smithson, one of our Members contacted us via our Website with a query about who is legally liable if a blue food waste container is left or blown onto the pavement or road, and there is an accident? This could also be broadened to include black and pink sacks. Jean emailed the City Council to obtain their view, and has received an acknowledgement of receipt. We will keep you informed.
Essex County Council Bus Consultation.
The Southend Area Bus Users Group are encouraging all bus users to complete this consultation which informs the Essex County Council review of their 162 supported bus services. The consultation runs from Thursday, 13th July until Thursday, 5th October, 2023. To complete the consultation online, please go to consultations.essex.gov.uk/iptu/2023 To request a hard copy, just telephone 0345 7430430 or 0345 603 7631.
Campaigning in Southend.
Our President, David Norman MBE has written to the Leader of Southend City Council asking for re-instatement of the role of Older People’s Champion. Jill Allen-King, our Chair, has written to the Council Leader to ask when we may expect an update on the planned re-location of the Southend Travel Centre, and details of the new designs.
Dates for your Diary
Jazz Centre UK. Live concerts on most Saturday afternoons. 2pm till 4pm. Beecroft Art Gallery, Victoria Avenue, Southend. Tickets £10-15.
Southend Central Museum. Victoria Avenue, Southend. Free. A stunning display of recent finds from the “London” wreck is now on show permanently from Wednesday to Sunday each week, from 11am till 5pm.
Music in the Park. Live music at the Bandstand in Priory Park, Victoria Avenue, Southend will continue until Sunday, 1st. October. Free, from 3pm till 4.30pm every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday. Why not take chair, and rain wear. Restricted parking.
Southend Council Concert Series. Monthly serious music concerts continue at Plaza Centre, 600 Southchurch Road, Southend. SS1 2PT. International professional music musicians. £10 per person.
Herd in the City. A free family Art Trail. Now until 4th September.
Bookstart Storyrhymes. For children up to 5 years. Check at your local Library to book.
Saturday, 22nd July. 10.30am till 1pm. Southend Menders Repair Café. The Iron Works, Southend High Street. Free, but donations welcome. Take along any broken items for repair. They don’t repair hearts. Refreshments available.
Saturday, 29th July. The Feel Good Festival is free health and wellbeing event run by Everyone Health with the support of the City Council. At Garon Park, Southend. 10am till 4pm.
Wednesday 2nd August SDPC Lunch 12.30pm. Brewer’s Fayre, Eastern Esplanade.£15 for two courses. Ring Jean to book your place. 01702 341047.
Wednesday 16th August SDPC Meeting. 2-4pm Balmoral Community Centre. Brian Billins Essex Smugglers 2
Editor’s request.
If you would like contribute any items to your “Digest”, please send your articles, poems, or jokes to me at 91, Brightwell Avenue, Westcliff on Sea, Essex. SS0 9EG, or email howes01702@outlook.com. Many thanks