JUMBO Update and the Impact of the Daniell Family

Daniell Family – Next Topic

The next Local History Group meeting will learn about the impact of the Daniell Family on West Bergholt’s development. Peter Noakes will lead this meeting which will take place on February 9th starting at 7:30 pm. As ever, all are welcome for a modest charge of £2 for members and £5 for visitors. The JUMBO meeting report is below.

January Cancellation

On January 12th, the Group were planning to invite members and visitors to investigate their village archive. Because of the current COVID-19 situation they have decided to CANCEL this meeting. Instead, they hope to be able to spend some time after their AGM in March discussing the archive. In lieu of this meeting, they plan to add an extra outside visit in their Summer Schedule.

November JUMBO Update

In November, Andrew Crayston gave interesting insights into the history and future of the Colchester Victorian Water Tower (aka JUMBO). Andrew gave this presentation based on the work he and others have undertaken in the Colchester and North Essex Building Preservation Trust. The Trust has made a detailed assessment into Jumbo’s current condition.

Grant Funding

A key factor is that the current owner fully supports the project to restore the tower. Crucially, also, CBC will provide a £1m grant of government money; this will allow restoration work to start.

As a listed building it was clear that it would not receive a change of use to provide housing. Therefore the Trust worked on plans to develop JUMBO as a useful facility for Colchester; this will include providing a viewing gallery and historical display situated in the old water tank.

Lease Essential

This was all subject, though, to the current owner providing the Trust with a 150-year lease. Such a lease will enable the ‘non-profit’ Trust to seek further grants; these will be needed to cover the costs of the development of JUMBO into an interesting asset for Colchester.

Since Andrew’s talk it was announced that a 150-year lease has been signed and we now await further developments.

More Information?

For further information please contact the group by email to [email protected].