SOUTHEND’S rich history will be under the spotlight at meeting to explore the town’s seaside heritage.

The Southend Museums Service has linked up with a nationwide heritage project and is looking for those with a keen interest in the town’s history to join a new focus group.

The session will take place at the Beecroft Art Gallery in the old Southend Central Library building, Victoria Avenue, Southend, on Wednesday, October 28 between 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

The event, led by Tracy Craggs, a member of the Oral History Society, is part of a special seaside heritage project to link coastal museums around the country to help develop their collections.

Esther Graham, who is heading the scheme, said: “We’d like to talk to people who have lived in seaside towns for a number of years, and not necessarily those who may have an interest in history.

“There will be a number of sessions taking place at different sites.

“They will provide key information in the development of our research into seaside heritage and what it means to people in the towns.

“This will in turn inform how museum collections are developed around this theme, helping us identify what people think we should be collecting in museums, and where the gaps are.”

Anyone interested in taking part is asked to contact Esther Graham on 01723 384515 or esther.graham@smtrust.uk.com