Endeavour & vivaMaximus team yearly pilgrimage.
Yearly trip to Southend-On-Sea Firework show.
VivaMK Network LTD
On Saturday, 17th October 2026, a vibrant group of VivaMK Independent Distributors, filled with excitement and camaraderie, chose to come together for a much-anticipated yearly gathering at the picturesque Southend-on-Sea. The occasion was marked by enjoying a delightful meal and witnessing the mesmerizing fireworks that lit up the night sky.
We gathered at the well-known Halfway House Toby Carvery, nestled in the heart of Southend-on-Sea, located at 213 Eastern Esplanade. Our arrival time was precisely at 4:00 PM, where the welcoming atmosphere immediately set the tone for a wonderful evening ahead.
Before we settled on this particular date,
our group had been patiently waiting for John Hewitt, as we were keen to coordinate our gathering around his schedule. John always brought a unique spark to the meetings, and we were eager to ensure he could join us for this special occasion. He typically traveled down to the South, and we cherished those moments spent together, sharing laughter and creating memories in the familiar setting we all loved.
What was the schedule.
- Meet up in Southend, a vibrant coastal town known for its lively atmosphere and stunning views.
- Go to the Toby Carvery for a delightful dinner at 4:00 PM, where you can enjoy a hearty meal with friends.
- Watch the spectacular fireworks display at 7:30 PM, a truly magical experience that lights up the night sky.
- After the fireworks, meet up later at the Castle Pub for drinks and unwind while sharing stories and laughter.
- For those staying overnight, gather again in the morning at 9:00 AM for a delicious breakfast, fueling up for the day ahead.
- Finally, after a wonderful time spent together, go home, cherishing the memories made during this special gathering.
Who came?
Some people traveled over 100 miles just to meet up, showcasing the dedication and enthusiasm of our group. It was truly heartwarming to see such commitment.
Around 18 team members gathered for the memorable gathering at the late Toby Carvery, a favorite spot that holds many cherished memories for our team.
Among those in attendance were:
John Hewitt,
Stephen Bexon,
Hunny,
Kate Lee,
Diane Williams,
Raymond Whittaker,
Birgit Tang Cortes,
Terry Williams,
Linda Malcolm,
John Muller,
Camilla Pender Eyers,
Mark Gray,
Alison Drew,
Cynthia Millard,
Bob & Rosdemarie.
We were also delighted to have a very special guest that day, “Hunny,” the charming dog belonging to Stephen Bexon, who was undeniably the center of attraction and brought smiles to everyone around.
Overall, it was a wonderful gathering filled with laughter, connection, and treasured moments that we will all remember fondly.
What changed.
Since last year, the hotel next to the Toby Carvery has closed for renovations. The renovations are expected to last several months, leading to speculation about what new features the hotel will offer once it reopens. Therefore, we changed hotels to the Premier Inn just up the road along the sea front.
After booking, we discovered it was also undergoing an extension at the back, which meant the restaurant and bar were closed.
This meant we walked down to the Castle Pub on the seaside front, where we had a drink. The atmosphere was friendly, and we enjoyed the scenic views of the sea while sipping our drinks. What turned out to be convenient was that the car park was camera operated, and we needed to enter our registration number at the bar. We were relieved not to have to worry about parking issues during our stay. This meant it could stay there for 24 hours, so we didn’t need to move it again since the Premier Inn car park was closed due to the extension.
Overall, this unexpected turn of events led to a unique adventure during our stay.
Fireworks & drinks
The fireworks were a free show paid for by Southend. The vibrant colours lit up the night sky, creating a breathtaking spectacle for all to enjoy. We were told it was a 20-minute show, but it lasted for approximately 10 minutes. Many spectators were initially excited, but some expressed disappointment at the shorter duration.
It seemed like the firework display was from the end of the pier.
Southend was packed; all the car park spaces were full but emptied quickly once it was over.
The Castle pub, where we had a drink, was really pleasant. The atmosphere inside was lively and inviting, making it a perfect place to unwind. There was a birthday party and karaoke on. The ambiance was enhanced by cheerful patrons singing along to their favorite tunes.
This is where I left my car for the night. Despite the inconvenience, it was conveniently located near the areas we wanted to explore.
We considered staying there but decided against it as not all the rooms had toilets; they were in the corridors instead. Overall, it was an enjoyable evening filled with fun, laughter, and vibrant celebrations.
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