In his effusive praise of Southend, the Echo's own elder statesman of columnists, Jim Worsdale, surprisingly stated the Thames starts here (Aug 15).

Tut, tut, Jim.

I know Southend is the centre of the universe as far as you are concerned, but our renowned river actually rises in Gloucestershire and flows into the North Sea ... where it ends!

John Haran
Broadway West
Leigh