On Sunday 22nd October, centenarians from across Southend gathered for the 12th Annual Centenarians Tea Party hosted by Sir David Amess MP. This year’s party was held at Iveagh Hall in Leigh-on-Sea and was a fantastic success thanks to all those who took part.

Sir David said:

“What a celebration the tea party turned out to be and what a wonderful opportunity it was to celebrate the great lives of some of Southend’s centenarians.

“Perhaps the best part of this year’s party was listening to our centenarians talk about their lives. It was a very humbling experience and made us all realise how fortunate we are that some people were steadfast in the First and Second World War to secure democracy for our great country.

“We were entertained with music by the wonderful David Stanley and Jenny Hitchcock from The Music Man Project and Elizabeth Upsher who sung a number of well know classics such as ‘Pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag’ and ‘White cliffs of Dover’.

“I would like to thank our volunteers from Westcliff High School for Boys, Leigh Lions, Agora and also Access Anyone Ltd, who provided transportation for some of our guests, as they were all vital in making the celebration the success it was.”