Camp 186 – The Lost Town at Berechurch
Following their final summer visit, to Frinton on Sea’s “Cottage, Garden and Railway Museum” adjacent to the railway crossing gates as you enter Frinton:
Once occupied by the keepers of Frinton’s iconic railway gates, today Frinton’s Crossing Cottage houses an impressive selection of artefacts and archive material that tell the story of the local area in surprising detail. Situated in a well-maintained cottage garden, the grounds also include a wildlife area and information board. In 2009, the railway signal box was moved into the Garden and became another exhibit housing a snapshot of railway technology in a bygone age.
… members of the West Bergholt Local History Group are looking forward to their next meeting to be held at the Orpen Hall on Wednesday September 13th 2017 starting at 7.30pm. All are welcome to attend, members £2 and visitors just £3.
Camp 186
Were you aware that during World War 2 there was a large (perhaps the largest in England!) German Prisoner of War camp in Colchester? Called Camp 186, Colchester resident Ken Free has researched its history and will be coming to tell its story; particularly the impact on Colchester and the surrounding area. It should be very interesting and the Group look forward to seeing you at the Orpen Hall.
Ken has also written a book on the subject. Sourcing prisoners’ original articles and letters, it tells their stories from capture to nighttime arrival in a desolate field. Living in bell tents, and despite the bitterly cold winter and quagmire that formed, they created their own community. It included a hospital and theatre with a programme of which any professional company would be proud.