Anna Firth, Member of Parliament for Southend West, attended the Alexandra Yacht Club 150th Anniversary Celebrations on Sunday.
Anna was joined by Sir James Duddridge, MP for Southend East & Rochford and the Mayor of Southend, Stephen Habermel, to meet Commodore David Coe and his wife, Phillipa and other members of the Club.
During the course of the event, the Commodore gave a speech and the Mayor rose the 150th flag in a flag-raising ceremony. Afterwards the guests were treated to entertainment from the Hoy Shanty Singers.
The club is the oldest of its kind in Southend, having been founded in 1873 by eleven men. It took its name from the then Princess of Wales, the future Queen Alexandra, and still offers a friendly atmosphere and excellent facilities for local sailors.
The Yacht Club can be found on Western Esplanade, where they launch races and cruises around the local seafront from their jetty. Whilst at the Anniversary Event, Anna spoke to the Commodore and his wife to find out more about the club and what it contributes to the local community.
Speaking afterwards, Anna said:
“It was a real pleasure to be able to join the members of the Alexandra Yacht Club in celebrating 150 years of local seamanship – a really incredible achievement!
“I am immensely grateful to Commodore David Coe and Mrs Phillipa Coe for inviting me and telling me all about the wonderful club and showing me how important it is for the local community.
“The club is a real local gem and, with its rich history, an absolute stable of our culture. I hope it goes on for another 150 years although I don’t think I’ll be around to see it then!”
