Itinerary:
13:30-14:00 Arrival
14:00 Welcome by EGT Chair Ashley Cooke
14:15 Lecture by EGT Trustee Dr. Emma Cannell
A dip into the history of sea bathing in Southend.
Southend-on-Sea is famous as home of the world’s longest pleasure pier and for its traditional sea-side resort atmosphere offering sandy beaches and amusements. If we turn the clock back to the mid- eighteenth century, however, the resort was a far more genteel location popular with those seeking the perceived health benefits of sea bathing and associated leisure pursuits.
Emma will provide a brief history examining how opinions regarding the sea evolved. Often the coast was perceived as a place of danger while it was believed that a veritable army of monsters swam in the oceans and seas. She will then observe some of the trends behind the development of sea bathing in England, sharing details of etiquette when a monarch is bathing! Emma will then focus on the evolution of Southend as a leisure resort, sharing the stories of some of the key businessmen involved in sea bathing and the visitors who came to dip their toes in the water.
15:05 Tea
15:30 AGM
16.30 Close
Directions by car: Take the A12 to Junction 16, B1007 exit to Galleywood/Billericay, following the signs to Stock/B1007. After 0.8 miles on the B1007 turn left onto Margaretting Road and then after 0.3 miles turn left onto Bekeswell Lane.
Accessibility: Disabled access to entrance and accessible toilet facilities are available.
Ticket Prices:
Members: £10
Non-members / guests: £12
No charge for members coming to the AGM only at 15:30
