On Sunday 4th July @The Pavilion was official opened in the presence of old and new members. We were graced with vice presidents & life members of the new club going back many years.

The weather was very kind to us and I would like to thank all those that attended this historic day.

The pavilion was opened by Johnny Heiser, John Fessey and Derek Evans, three life members from the three former clubs, Southend-on-Sea CC, Ekco Monarchs Cc and Trojans CC.

I would also like to thank our sponsors VW Inchcape, RTH Staircases Ltd, PHD Group, Safe Fire Protection Ltd., Adams Freight Ltd, Central Cars (Leigh) Ltd and Estuary Restaurants for their support.

In time for the grand opening on Sunday, the scoffolding has come down from the pavilion!

The bar will be open during and after the 2nd XI game today. Get down there! Here are the latest photos to whet your appetite!

Biggest news of the season.........THE BAR IS IN! Not long now.....

Latest photos:

Work on the changing rooms is well under way. The main thing is that they're looking after the beer barrels!

So here it is, proof that the work has actually begun. It may only be photos of some sealed doors and a skip but it's the start that we've all been waiting for.

The work that has commenced is the clearing of asbestos that was in the building. This should be completed by the end of the week after which the builders should be going in to start the work properly.

Over the past few months the club officials have met with the council several times and the current status is that all the drawings and surveys have been completed for the works to start late January. Stucturally the pavilion will be completely stripped back and will have brand new windows, cladding and roof. Internally the changing rooms, showers and urinal areas will be completely refurbished. The pavilion will also have a brand new kitchen and bar area.

The council have given us an assurnace that the works will be finished in time for the start of the 2010 season. One of the reasons that the pavilion got in such a state was because we were not able to agree terms on the lease.

I am pleased to say that we have been able to come to an agreement on the lease that ensures that the true home of our new club, Southend on Sea & EMT CC remains at Southchurch for many many years to come.

Baiju Solanki
Hon Secretary


For latest updates on the state of the pavilion redevelopment, keep an eye on our pavilion page.