Browsing: General Interest

Southend-on-Sea City Council is inviting residents to attend Holocaust Memorial Day 2026 events, including a civic service at the Civic Centre where Holocaust survivor’s daughter Marta Josephs will share her father’s story. The programme also includes exhibitions, a memorial tree planting and reflections marking the theme “Bridging Generations”.

Southend East and Rochford MP Bayo Alaba visited the Shoeburyness National Coastwatch Institution station, meeting volunteers and presenting a Certificate of Competence to new recruit Bethan Mason. The station plays a vital role in supporting coastal safety alongside the Coastguard and RNLI.

ForwardMotion supported Eastwood Primary School’s Cycle to School Week, delivering Bikeability training to pupils in Years 4 and 6. The sessions taught practical safety skills, enabling some children to ride for the first time while preparing others for independent travel to secondary school. Council Leader Cllr Daniel Cowan praised the initiative for building “confidence, independence, and healthy habits.”

Southend City BID is inviting local retailers to take part in this year’s Christmas in the City celebrations by joining the Elf on a Shop Shelf Trail. Running from 15th November to Christmas Eve, ten shops will receive a festive elf to display and be promoted as part of this magical citywide trail.

ChatGPT said:

Southend-on-Sea City Council has successfully prosecuted a local man for blue badge fraud, reinforcing its commitment to tackling misuse of the system and protecting support for those who genuinely need it. Innocent Kadowonda, 40, of Gordon Road, Southend-on-Sea, pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a disabled person’s parking badge and theft after being caught using a badge issued to a local care organisation. He was fined and ordered to pay costs totalling £714.

October is one of the busiest months in the garden—whether it’s planting spring bulbs, tending to ponds, preparing soil, or supporting local wildlife. From vibrant autumn colour to tips on helping hedgehogs and birds, here’s everything you need to know this month.