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Saps At Sea new banner has celebrity launch

The Saps At Sea Tent, the Southend branch of the Sons of the Desert (the Laurel and Hardy Appreciation Society), were proud to launch their new banner on Sunday 10^th April 2011. Instead of their normal monthly meeting featuring classic and rare film and clips of the comedy duo, the Saps had arranged a rather special meeting to honour the memory of Norman Wisdom. Norman was starting his career in the 1950’s and when Laurel & Hardy were touring in the UK , they saw him performing on several occasions and were very impressed with the young comedian. The special guests at the fun evening in Southend, were Jacqueline Wisdom ( Norman ’s daughter), Steve Evans (his chauffeur), Michael Leader (from EastEnders) and husband and wife stars on stage and TV Jeffrey Holland (Spike from Hi-De-Hi) and Judy Buxton (Dennis Waterman's wife in "On The Up). The star-studded guests attracted a full house of 90 and the fun evening raised £400 for Abbotswood Nursing Home on the Isle of Man, where Norman spent his last few years.

How appropriate it was that the wonderful new Saps At Sea banner was unveiled and displayed at this special gathering. The wonderful caricature drawing by Steve Lilly really captures the spirit of the slapstick humour of Laurel and Hardy. Norman Wisdom created equal unintentional havoc in his films and sketches. Real comedy is an art and it is fitting that an artist with the skill of Steve Lilly has linked up with the Saps At Sea to help them display their heroes on the new Tent banner.

Roger Robinson, Saps at Sea

Judy Buxton & Jeffrey Holland with the new Saps banner


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 had become less suitable. 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.

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.
Coming Soon
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 8th JAN Spectacles We'll permit you to bring your own spectacles tonight. It will help when we raise our glasses in the Loyal toasts! Sunday 12th FEB NIGHT CLUBS Join us at our 'Night Club' for some hilarious scenes with Stan and Ollie. If you misbehave, we'll get the bouncers!	Sunday 11th MAR Landlords Stan and Ollie, those nice guys with no money or a banned pet, always seemed to get on the wrong side of the landlords. I wonder why? Sunday 8th APR Furniture Tables, chairs, lampshades, foot-stools and clocks all played their part in the world of Laurel and Hardy. We'll provide the seats to sit on tonight - but no breaking them! 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

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