Why are you obsessed with Southends? It all started in 2003 when two of our members noticed a place called Southend on a local Buckinghamshire map. This reminded them of Southend-on-Sea, not only just a special place as a holiday destination. One of the pair was actually born and lived in Southend and still has many family there, hence the significance. (The other has minor family connections to Southend and hence why it seemed significant to him also.) It was remarked that a visit there would be fun, comments along the lines of "I wonder if they have a pier?" were probably made. Later, in January 2004, one of this pair passed his driving test. This enabled them to "live the dream" and go on roadtrips. Then on the 16th of July they decided to just drop in on another couple of their friends and all set off on what promised to be the best trip yet. They decided to try and seek out this Southend, only having a vague recollection of the map and one of their number having a slight idea what direction it was in. With a supply of food and party items (such as party poppers and squarker hawk blowouts) the trip was certain to be fun. But most importantly, in the end they did triumph, and found Southend Bucks. Partly it was the thrill of the chase in finding such an obscure settlement that made it so good. Certainly they didn't forget Southend Bucks, taking pictures and visiting again a number of times. The question eventually arose as to whether they could recreate that glory in the initial finding of Southend Bucks. It was decided the best way to do this was to 'discover' another settlement called Southend and so the obsession was born. Southend Hampshire was the next to be visited in summer 2004, followed by Southend Bradfield at Christmas. Then Southend Garsington was the first road called Southend to be found in July the following year. What is the ASDA Board? This is the Association for Southend Decisions and Activities. It was so called because ASDA was the supermarket where supplies were bought for the first Southend roadtrip. What's with all the pies? Even though there were no pies on the first roadtrip they soon became a staple food on any trip to Southend. No one quite remembers exactly when it started but you can't argue with the highly portable tasty goodness that a pie brings. Normally apple flavour are eaten, although variety packs have been know. Savoury pies have only ever been consumed thus far in Southend-on-Sea (many food outlets, including dinos) and Southend Bucks (thanks to some good home baking by one of the group). Mr Kipling come highly regarded but for a Southend tripper on a budget you can get Asda or even Londis and it won't damage your enjoyment. Why make these random videos I've seen on Youtube? Its been five years now, we need something to maintain the variety in our Southend trips. Its also fun to make them and it shows how cool we really are. |