Southend and Surrounds with the Smiths

Monday dawned grey and overcast.  I woke about 5.00 and went for a walk to Shoeburyness which is at the far end of the front as Southend.  I had to find out what all the sticks I could see in the distance were. 
Turned out that they were Yacht masts - the yachts being stored out of the water in the middle of an avenue.

 

Jean drove Billy and his Dad to the Premier Inn and then went on with Bill to park close to the pier and Billy Brian and I walked up to meet them.  Jean, Bill and I went down the longest pier in the world on the train and Billy and Brian walked.  We meet up at the terminus of the train and wandered around for a while, took some photos and explored the only shop - the Lifeboats -  but it was pretty cold with a strong wind.  Took some photos and agreed with Billy and Jean that the building on the end of the pier is a monstrosity and that someone with a bit of vision needs to take over the business management of this important site.  Bill and Jean trained it back and the three of us walked.  We met up for coffee in the Royals Shopping centre, then went across to an old family establishment for lunch.  By this time it was raining and it didn't stop until we were leaving Southend.

We adjourned for coffee at the Clifton Pavilion which now houses a theatre.  Would be lovely on a sunny day!

Tuesday was consequently an 'indoor' activity day.  First port of call was the Museum.  I was impressed by the standard of the displays and loved the one which talked about the fishing industry.  Came across a letter written by Disralie which took my fancy:

Your oysters were worthy of Roman Emperors and I have little doubt that it was these very green primed natives that impelled them to invade Britain and I fear conquer Essex.  They are delicious and I am ashamed to add I devoured most of them myself.  Your oblig.servt., Disralie.

Lunch was in another great restaurant which Billy and Jean have frequented over the years they have lived in Southend.  Nothing like local knowledge to help you discover the good places to eat!

Then off to the Prittlewell Priory which dates from the 12th century.  It was built for the Cluniac Monks, destroyed by Henry VIII and became a country estate for a Victorian family.  Was finally given to Southend Community by a wealthy businessman.  The dinning hall has been restored to its original character, and the remainder as part of the country house.  It has some beautiful timber and is very impressive.  It is set in a beautiful park with fantastic walled gardens which are now coming into bloom with spring flowers.  Jean took a photo of me under the Laburnum arch.  Don't like me, but love the Laburnum!  Also saw some beautiful peonies.




 






















Wednesday, we had breakfast at Chez Smith.  Breakfast at the Premier Inn was not the best.  Scrambled eggs with lots of runny milk floating on top - yuk!  Then after saying goodbye to Billy and Jean - the most fantastic hosts - we headed of to Wivenhoe with Bill.  Drove down to the village and had lunch at a delightful pub, dropped him off and headed for our boutique hotel - Le Bouchon in Maldon - very salubrious to these hardened old youth hostel type backpackers!