Southend-on-Sea 9th – 12th May 2025

This year we stayed at the Park Inn by Radisson Palace Hotel in Southend-on-Sea.  This is a traditional seaside resort in Essex lying to the east of London and situated near the confluence of the North Sea and the River Thames.  We enjoyed three evenings of 3D projections and there were workshops and displays for members to enjoy on Saturday morning.  The afternoon was free for attendees to explore the city and surrounding area at their leisure on what was a warm and sunny day.  Many enjoyed a long and bracing walk along Southend Pier, the world’s longest pleasure pier.

Our Sunday outing was to The Historic Dockyard Chatham, where there was plenty to keep us occupied all day as we looked around the ships and historic buildings on this extensive site.  Many of us also enjoyed guided tours of The Ropery and of HM Submarine Ocelot.  Sunday turned out to be another warm and sunny day.

Those who wished to stay a little longer enjoyed a Monday morning walk around Langdon Hills Nature Reserve near Basildon on yet another warm and sunny day.

Words and photos by Helen Bovill