Return to Southend 1

By Carol Blackburn

The forecast was encouraging with bright intervals and a gentle breeze. The high tide was due at mid-afternoon and Henry was preparing to go home to Southend. An elegant fellow and others would say “Not a hair out of place.”

Now thinking back, Henry’s life had thrown him a bounty, a good life. There was someone for him, Hetty his partner, to care for him. This lucky reward continued with the arrival of his numerous offspring. Nevertheless, Henry had been forced to travel across to the other side of the Thames Estuary. Due to the burden to put food into the mouths of his children, who still lived with them. He thought of them as his “Forever family”. The days as the Sun cracked were filled with fresh vigour from the little ones, that continued until the day slowed and peace was regained. His family antics were just like the waves rushing, crashing, exploding on the seashore at Southend. Then as gentle as silk as the waves rippled back out to sea, only to be repeated all over, again. But as with the way of life, Henry realised that nothing lasts forever. Not even the bad stuff!

His thoughts weaved further. Southend on Sea, like many seaside towns had changed physically and the needs of Henry and Hetty’s brood could no longer rely on Southend being the one-stop for everything. The daily commute across to Whitstable would not be easy for Henry. This necessitated travelling to this richer area across the Thames, where the pickings were plentiful giving Henry the mental stamina to continue his daily commute. However, physical stamina was another thing altogether.

So, on a Wintry day, the family moved to Whitstable to take up permanent residence sadly in a squatty attic. This was all he could find to keep his loved ones safe. Henry was determined his family tree would not be cut short. Survival was paramount.

As with all of us, time flies, and children grow, thrive and move on to have lives of their own.

Then cruelty fell upon Henry when he lost Hetty, all too soon. For Hetty, no illness, just a brutal swift end, leaving Henry alone. Although his future with Hetty had been cut short, he was determined, to carry on.

Now, Henry bittersweet needed help. Although Hetty was no longer at his side, she had guided him with his final decision. A final move. He decided to return home to Southend; being his birthplace it drew him with strength and memories of happier days.

Now the day had come for Henry to take his final pilgrimage across the Estuary to stay in Southend. By returning to a familiar area, he felt this could ease him and provide him with stability. He would settle back not far from where the Bandstand used to be and with her Majesty Queen Victoria down the way. This would provide a place daily to stop and rest. He would share the lovely view with Her Majesty’s commanding glare over the waves. However, for others, this silent statue companion symbolised an era that was fading fast. But not for Henry.

The journey back to Southend took a little longer. His older bones creaking. Nevertheless, the familiar sights, smells, and sounds jangled his senses and touched him with a welcoming reassurance.

This bereft widower with his mellowed eyes looked around to where he and Hetty had started. Then returned his eye gaze to look up at Her Majesty, taking an extra gulp of sea air, confidence swelled his chest.

However, when visiting Southend or any sunny coastal waters. Henry was best known by the likes of you and I by:

 “Oh no, look what that blessed Seagull has gone and done!”

Have a good life Henry the Herring Gull.

 

Carole Blackburn   Nov 2021