On Thursday 30 July, 2026 ECA organised a day trip to Southend for the luncheon club group. A total of 45 people joined the trip, including many of our regulars. Everyone came dressed for summer, complete with sunglasses, and we travelled in a comfortable, air-conditioned luxury coach.

We left Community House in the morning and, after a smooth journey, arrived in Southend shortly after 11am.

Most of the elders were keen to take the train along the pier. Southend is home to the longest pleasure pier in the world, and we enjoyed the sea views as we trundled along. At the far end, we cooled down with refreshing drinks and ice creams.

When we returned to Southend, we headed for traditional fish and chips and enjoyed a hearty meal.

The beach was busy with families enjoying a day by the sea. Some of our elders dipped their feet in the water, while Ursula and Lorraine enjoyed a splash. Yvonne went in for a full dip and thoroughly enjoyed the water.

Wilfred was fortunate to meet relatives who live in Southend, and they joined him on the beach for the afternoon.

At 5pm, we began preparing to leave. The journey home was just as smooth as the journey there, and the elders thanked the driver with loud applause and a cheerful rendition of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow”.

There were many tired but very happy faces, and people were already sharing ideas for next year.

Many thanks to Davina for organising the trip, to the ECA trustees for their support, and to the volunteers who were fantastic throughout the day. It was heart-warming to see the joy on the elders’ faces.

That was a day well done.

According to one of the day-trippers, Marilyn, “It was a wonderful day and brought back memories of childhood trips to the seaside by coach with rice and peas in a flask!”

“I supported Ms Evelyn and her family for most of the day, we had some good laughs along the way. It was good to get to know other elders as we walked and enjoyed. Some of the group dipped their feet in the water. Some had a swim, eveyone loved being by the sea. The coach was lovely and modern, the driver was polite and helpful. I have not been supporting ECA as a volunteer for while and found the trip a wonderful activity for us all to enjoy and get to know each other better.

I look foward to continuing volunteering for ECA.

Happy summer to all. 💜 Marilyn”

Oveta McInnis