Saps at Sea Home Page


The Saps At Sea was launched in October 2000 and our venue for nearly 2 years was The Fish and Firkin in Alexandra Road. We had an enforced move when the pub, under new ownership, was no longer able to allow us to have children at our meetings. Fortunately we were able to find a different venue at The Railway Hotel in Clifftown Road. This has been our home for the last 8 ½ years during which time we have seen a number of changes. The Railway Hotel has served us well but has become less suitable recently. The challenge was, therefore, to find an alternative venue which met our primary requirements; it is in Central Southend area, it is available on 2nd Sunday of each month, it is inexpensive and it will be welcoming for our family events. It was quite a tall order, but I think we have found the ideal venue at the Naval & Military Club, 20 Royal Terrace. It also has additional bonuses that are welcome; all on ground level, own bar area in room and cheaper drink. Our 1st meeting at The Naval & Military club will be on Sunday 8th March commencing at 5.30pm. We look forward to making our Saps meeting even more enjoyable at our 'New Home'

The Naval & Military club is the last building in Royal Terrace and overlooks the sea & Southend Pier. It is just 5 minutes walk from the Railway Hotel and, therefore, only about 7 minutes from Southend Central Station. There are 3 public car parks nearby and street parking which is FREE after 5pm on a Sunday, although it can be competitive, especially in the summer. There is a short pedestrian walk that joins Clifftown Parade and Royal Terrace and also paths that lead up through the stepped gardens of Western Esplanade along the seafront. Our map shows the one-way road system which is a bit confusing, but whether you are travelling by road, foot or public transport, we hope to see you mighty soon at the Navy and Military Club for a Saps At Sea meeting in the near future.

Our next meetings are… (Usually on the 2^nd Sunday of the Month ) 5.30pm – 9.00pm With classic and rare films, information about L&H, memorabilia, fun quizzes, special trips, raffles, Sons of the Desert news, The Perry Winkle, Bowler Desert and laughter galore. Sunday 12th JULY Mid Summer Madness Our theme tonight is a bit crazy…well not just a bit, but totally. Occasionally Stan and Ollie encountered some crazy folk in their world adding to the chaos, confusion and laughter. Sunday 9th AUG - While the cats are away…. ….the mice will play! With Roger and a few other Saps in Ghent for the European Convention, Mad Paul takes charge for an evening of suprises and plenty of Laurel & hardy laughter. An evening not to missed, unless you are in Belgium. Sunday 12th & Sunday 13th SEP - The TWICE TWO Weekend (see leaflet for full details - Click here) A fun-packed Laurel and Hardy weekend is lined up for our BIG Southend event in 2009. We hope that other Sons of the Desert will join us for this extravaganza of live entertainment of music, comedy, magic, surprises, Sons fun, and plenty of Laurel & Hardy laughter. Our weekend will culminate with our September meeting of Rarities and Favourites. See the separate leaflet for full details …..and please join us for our low-cost & high-fun weekend.	Sunday 11th OCT - The Saps Eleventh Birthday Time to reflect back on another busy year in Southend in the delightful company of Mr Laurel & Mr Hardy. Our birthday nights are always a little extra special. Any nuts? Sunday 8th NOV - Nowonder Tonight our selection of films will all have a connection with the month that Stan called 'Nowonder'. In case you are confused, this is the month that follows Octember! For further information contact Roger Robinson 115 Neil Armstrong Way, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 5UE Tel: 01702 526 187 or roger.robinson5@btinternet.com

From The Bowler Dessert Site

I guzzled jellied reels for dinner last night. They were a very digestible and palatable smorgasbord. The Saps at Sea Tent has concocted a 41-minute DVD of 13 unique video clips and Saps' performances at conventions and I found it very tasty and highly entertaining. The tracks range from Stan and Ollie frolicking to Queen's Thank God It's Christmas (made for the tent's December 2002 meeting and shown at the tent every Christmas since) to Roger Rotten and the Saps Pistols performing Do Wah Diddy Diddy at the 2006 UK Convention. The whole thing has been put together by Roger Robinson, Paul Marshall, Russell Clay and Ron Stokoe. Highly recommended.

You can buy the DVD for £5.00 plus £1.00 for p&p from Roger Robinson, 115 Neil Armstrong Way, Leigh on Sea, Essex, SS9 5UE. E-mail roger.robinson5@btinternet.com.

Willie McIntyre