iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 12h

🍽SOUTHEND FOOD BANK'S MOST NEEDED ITEMS THIS WEEK🍽 This week, the items @southendfoodbank.bsky.social most urgently need are: 🍑Tinned fruit 🥩Tinned meat meals 🌭Tinned hot dogs 🍝Tinned meatballs 🥛UHT milk

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 14h

Join Trust Links for their annual Apple Day this Saturday (3 October), between 11.00 and 14.00 at the Historic St Laurence Orchard – and it’s FREE! All funds raised will go towards supporting vital mental health and wellbeing work in the community, and upkeep of the orchard.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 15h

The Southend Jazz Festival is back for 2026, with another incredible line-up celebrating the best of the local jazz scene and some of the most exciting artists from across the UK. Running from Monday 12 October to Sunday 18 October, the Festival has so many different acts and events to choose from.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 17h

Did you know that free replacement batteries for your NHS hearing aids are available from all Southend Libraries? Just take your NHS hearing aid battery book or card to any Southend Library, and receive two packs of batteries per hearing aid. You can also hand in old batteries for disposal.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 18h

🗣PUBLIC QUESTIONS AT SOUTHEND COUNCIL - 26 NOVEMBER🗣 Did you know that any resident of the City of Southend can ask questions to the cabinet of Southend-on-Sea City Council at full council meetings?

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Genuine question: if Man City did £900m of rule breaking, how likely is it that they paid their taxes properly? I reckon HMRC should take a close look.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

£900 million worth of cheating is outrageous. Utterly indefensible...

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Parents, carers and young children are invited to attend the official launch of Southend's Best Start Family Hubs at a free family open day in Shoeburyness next week. The event will take place from 13.00 to 15.00 on Wednesday 7 October at Friars Best Start Family Hub, based at Friars Primary School.

A photograph of a ball pit at a Southend Best Start Family Hub.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

The consultation on the future location of Southchurch Library runs until Wednesday 8 October - and drop-in sessions are being held at various times and locations for residents to come and find out more.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

The Southend Halloween Parade is creeping back for its sixth year and will take place on Halloween night itself for the first time! Whether you're a dance troupe, music group, theatre company, community organisation, or simply a family of frightfully creative ghouls, we want YOU to be part of it.

A graphic reading "Southend Halloween Parade/31/10/26/06.00pm-7.30pm/Marine Parade/Free to Attend/southendhalloween.org", over an image of a previous parade, adorned with cobwebs and spiders, and with the logos of the Southend Tourism Partnership and Southend-on-Sea City Council at the bottom.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Join Southend Museums, their pet physicist Rob Clemenson, and local astrophotographer Dawid Glawdzin on a voyage of cosmic discovery. Journey from the Beecroft Art Gallery into the darkest corners of the cosmos, in a six-part lecture series: Southend's Skies: Postcards from the Cosmos.

A graphic reading "Southend's Skies/Postcards from the Cosmos/Step into the incredible wonders of the universe with an expert team of a local astrophotographer and a theoretical physicist as they uncover the science and beauty of the night sky right above Southend!/Beecroft Art Gallery, Victoria Ave/Southend-on-Sea SS2 6EX/4th Oct 2026/Time: 11.30 - 13.00/Eventbrite admission ticket: £5", with images of the cosmos. At the bottom are the logos of Southend Museums, Southend-on-Sea, and Dawid Glawdzin Astrophotographer.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

🏡PLANNING DECISIONS LAST WEEK🏡 Each week I post details of any planning decisions made by Southend Council in the past week, within #KursaalWard. Last week there were three. Some decisions are made by officers on delegated powers, and others by the Planning Committee.

A planning decision on application 26/00967/ADV, pertaining to 52 Marine Parade, granting advertisement consent to remove existing signage and install 2no non illuminated fascia signs over existing fascia and upstand.

A planning decision on application 26/00990/FUL, pertaining to 22 Sutton Road, granting conditional permission to install vehicle crossover onto Sutton Road.

A planning decision on application 26/01007/AD, pertaining to 25 Boscombe Road, granting approval of details pursuant to Conditions 04 (Details of Refuse and Recycling Storage and Waste Management Plan), 05 (Details of Secure and Covered Cycle Storage) and 06 (Details of Renewable Energy) of planning permission 25/01052/FUL dated 15/10/2025.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Every Tuesday morning, from 10.00 to 13.00, come and work on your crafting projects at Southchurch Library. Crafty Crusaders welcomes all to work on your projects in the warm and relaxing atmosphere of the library, alongside like-minded crafters.

A graphic reading "Crafty Crusaders/Come along to stitch, knit, crochet & craft your projects in the library/Free!/Bring your own materials with you/All welcome/Every Tuesday, 10AM-1PM at Southchurch Library." At the bottom is the address "Southchurch Library/221 Lifstan Way/Southend-on-Sea/Essex SS1 2XG" and logos for Connected Southend and Southend Libraries.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

🚧HIGHWAY WORKS IN KURSAAL WARD THIS WEEK🚧 The following highway works are scheduled for this week either in #KursaalWard, or close enough to Kursaal ward to potentially affect residents.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

We're a month on from Southend City Jam 2026, and though the festival is over it leaves a legacy of fantastic art across the city. This gem by Tech Moon, on Hartington Place, is one of my personal favourites. Which were your favourite artworks from this year's City Jam?

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

📆WHAT I DID THIS WEEK AS YOUR COUNCILLOR - 21 TO 27 SEPTEMBER📆 As an elected councillor, I think it's important to be transparent and accountable with the residents I represent. As such, I will be sharing each week a sample of what I did as your councillor.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Last night I attended the opening of the new exhibition at Focal Point Gallery, "Compulsory Continuous Connectedness: rest in a networked world".

A photograph of Cllr Matt Dent at Focal Point Gallery

A photograph of Cllr Matt Dent with one of the art installations at the "Compulsory Continuous Connectedness: rest in a networked world" exhibition at Focal Point Gallery.

Cllr Matt Dent with a number of local young people behind the film showing on the Big Screen at Focal Point Gallery, including Southend's Member of the Youth Parliament, Ollie Wooten, and the Southend Youth Mayor, Apryl Banoss.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

The Labour Government has announced the Your First Home scheme to support more people into homeownership, with 2.5% deposits, backed by 20% government-backed equity loans, for prospective first-time buyers purchasing a new-build property.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

(I recognise this is an extremely niche for a Southend councillor, but...) WARRINGTON WOLVES ARE GOING TO THE SUPER LEAGUE GRAND FINAL!

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Tomorrow sees the return of free fireworks to Southend seafront, courtesy of The Seaside Partnership and their partners. The display starts at 19.30, and lasts approx 10 mins - plenty of time to enjoy the spectacular night sky. Start practicing your oooohhhs and ahhhhhs now!

A graphic reading "Free/City of Southend/Fireworks/Spectaculars/on Southend seafront/7:30PM/Every Saturday/26th Sept - 14th Nov/Lighting up the Saturday sky with our partners" with the logos of The Seaside Partnership, Adventure Island, Kingpins Bowl, Pebbles, Beaches, Southend City Bid and Southend-on-Sea City Council, all over a photograph of fireworks exploding above Southend seafront.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

The Big Up Southend market returns this weekend. Between 11.00 and 16.00 on Saturday 26 September, on the ground floor of The Victoria Shopping Centre will be a selection of small businesses and makers selling their wares. Why not come on down and check it out?

A graphic reading "This Saturday/Big Up Southend!/Saturday 26th September/11am-4pm/Victoria Shopping Centre/Local markets/Small businesses/Free entry".

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Classic Cars on the Beach is back! Between 09.00 and 16.00 on Sunday 23 September come down to City Beach to see a stunning line-up of classic vehicles over 25 years old. Visitors can stroll along the seafront, admire the vehicles up close, and enjoy the wider attractions Southend has to offer.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Chag sameach to everyone beginning their celebration of sukkot this evening, in #KursaalWard, Southend, and around the world.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

🏡PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED THIS WEEK🏡 Each week I post details of any planning applications received by Southend Council in the past week, within #KursaalWard. This week there was one.

Planning application 26/01237/AD, pertaining to Ocean House, 40B-42 Marine parade, for approval of details pursuant to conditions 02 (details of materials), 14A (drainage plan) and 14C (flood risk during construction) of planning permission 24/01510/FUL dated 14/12/2024.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Stuck for what to do this weekend? Why not try one of the free music events at Priory Park? This weekend the acts are: ❖Saturday: The Pete Davies 3 ❖Sunday: Anita Carmichael and Friends Acts perform between 15.00 and 16.30.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Every Saturday morning, @southendlibraries.bsky.social host free drop in brick building sessions for ages 4+, between 10.00 and 12.00 at: 📚Kent Elms Library 📚Leigh Library 📚Shoeburyness Library 📚Southchurch Library All children should be accompanied by a parent or carer.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Southend-on-Sea City Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Arriva as the operator of the new 62A and 62B bus services, which will commence operation on 25 October.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Would you like to Meet the Meteorites? Come along to Southend Museums' special meteorite handling sessions at Central Museum this Saturday and Sunday at 11.30 and find out all about the super space rocks. Tickets are £5 and can be booked via Central Museum either in person or on 01702 212345

A graphic reading "Meet the Meteorites/Southend Central Museum & Planetarium", with an illustration of asteroids and a meteorite.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Southend Council is seeking views on the future location of Southchurch Library. Drop in sessions are being held on a number of dates at a number of local locations, where you can see the options and join the conversation.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Period poverty affects thousands in the UK, and Southend-on-Sea is no exception. Did you know that a number of public spaces in Southend now offer free period products, including libraries, museum sites, and leisure facilities.

A graphic reading "free./accessible./essential./period./Because everyone deserves dignity. Period." against a dark red background, with the logos of Southend-on-Sea City Council and The Red Relief Scheme.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

On Saturday 26 September, the Fishermen's Chapel will host Konsztrukting Soundz Evening Twenty-Seven. Konsztrukting Soundz is a beacon for established and emerging musicians, and with its acoustically unique space promises to be a haven for unorthodox creative expression.

A graphic reading "Konsztrukting Soundz/Evening Twenty-Seven/7pm Saturday/26th September 2026/Action Theory Trio (Emil Karlsen, Dominic Lash, John Edwards)/Colin Webster/Chris Cundy/The Fishermen's Chapel/Leigh-on-Sea".

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

The Southend Council SEND Team holds monthly SEND surgeries in locations across Southend to answer questions and provide advice to parent carers of children and young people with SEND. The next surgery will be tomorrow (Thursday 24 September) 09.00 to 11.00, at Milton Hall Primary School.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Happy Autumn Equinox to everybody celebrating today, in #KursaalWard, Southend-on-Sea and around the world.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

The Beecroft Cinema Club sees Southend Museums screen a 'cult classic' the last Thursday of each month on the Beecroft Art Gallery's big screen. This month they're making an offer you can't refuse, with Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather. Doors open at 18.00 for an 18.30 start, tomorrow night.

A graphic with the poster for the film The Godfather, which shows Marlon Brando in character as Don Vito Corleone holding a cat, alongside text reading "BCC/Beecroft Cinema Club" in yellow in a black background, with the stem of the B stylised as film reel.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

A planning decision on application 26/00722/FUL, pertaining to 114 York Road, refusing permission for change of use from dwellinghouse (Class C3) to 7 bed HMO (Sui Generis), erect single storey rear extension.

A planning decision on application 26/00961/FULH, pertaining to 24 Branksome Road, granting conditional permission to erect single storey rear extension.

A planning decision on application 26/00972/FULH, pertaining to 29 St Leonard's Road, granting conditional permission to install dormer to rear and rooflights to front to form habitable accommodation in the loftspace, alter elevations (Retrospective).

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

This Labour government is introducing new rights to take time off work if you lose a loved one or suffer pregnancy loss.

A graphic reading "Labour is giving you more rights for family bereavement and pregnancy loss" in white and yellow text against a red background. At the bottom is smaller text reading, "Promoted by Hollie Ridley on behalf of the Labour Party, both at 20 Rushworth Street, London SE1 0SS".

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

The MP for Southend East & Rochford, Bayo Alaba MP, is a holding a programme of monthly residents’ meetings to provide updates about what he's been up to as well as taking questions and suggestions. His next meeting will be on Friday 25 September, 19.00 to 21.00, at Southend High School for Girls.

A graphic reading "Meet your Member of Parliament/7-9pm Friday 25th September/Southend High School for Girls, Southchurch Boulevard, SS2 4UZ/Update about how I've been representing our area in Parliament/Q&A/Suggest what you would like to see in the area", with an image of a smiling Bayo Alaba,

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Marie Edmonds is raising money for Aspirations Day Program as part of a 72 hours sponsored silence. This challenge is more than a personal commitment; it is an opportunity to stand alongside a cause that makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

🚧HIGHWAY WORKS IN KURSAAL WARD THIS WEEK🚧 The following highway works are scheduled for this week either in #KursaalWard, or close enough to Kursaal ward to potentially affect residents.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

🗣📅SOUTHEND COUNCIL MEETINGS THIS WEEK📅🗣 This week there is one meeting taking place at Southend Council.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

🗣HEALTH & WELLBEING BOARD MEETING TODAY🗣 This afternoon at 14.00 the Health & Wellbeing Board of Southend Council will be meeting to discuss the items on the agenda.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

📆WHAT I DID THIS WEEK AS YOUR COUNCILLOR - 14 TO 20 SEPTEMBER📆 As an elected councillor, I think it's important to be transparent and accountable with the residents I represent. As such, I will be sharing each week a sample of what I did as your councillor.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

G'mar chatima tova, to everyone beginning their observation of Yom Kippur this evening, in #KursaalWard, Southend, and around the world.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

I can think of 72 million reasons for this... 🤔

A graphic reading "Reform does not have detailed policy on the following/Defence/Health Care/Social Care/Transport/Housing/Pensions/Environment/Childcare/Foreign Affairs/Reform does have detailed policy on the following/Crypto". At the bottom, smaller text reads, "Promoted by Hollie Ridley on behalf of the Labour Party at 20 Rushworth St, SE1 0SS".

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Massive congrats to local Southend lad, Will Thorogood, who's been competing in the Commonwealth Powerlifting championships. And he's won bronze in the squat, silver in the bench, and gold in the deadlift - and a silver medal overall in the competition! Well done, Will, you've done Southend proud!

A photograph of William Thorogood, wearing the four medals he won at the 2026 Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Good luck to all the all the Southend children taking the 11+ exam today!

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

🏡PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED THIS WEEK🏡 Each week I post details of any planning applications received by Southend Council in the past week, within #KursaalWard. This week there was one.

Planning application 26/01193/CLP, pertaining to 7 Kilworth Avenue, to enlarge rear dormer (certificate of lawful development - proposed).

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Stuck for what to do this weekend? Why not try one of the free music events at Priory Park? This weekend the acts are: ❖Saturday: Hadleigh Salvation Army Band ❖Sunday: Essex Yeomanry Band Acts perform between 15.00 and 16.30.

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Cllr Matt Dent @cllrdent.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

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