Community, Parish Council & Village
Forgotten Gardens, Transport & AviationThe past two months have seen the History Group visiting the Forgotten Gardens and Ipswich Transport Museum.
This month they will be visiting the East Essex Aviation Musem in the Martello Tower at St Osyth. This trip is on Wednesday 19th June; why not contact the Group’s Secretary, Gill Poole on Continue reading “Forgotten Gardens, Transport & Aviation”
Peter Noakes’ recent talk about St Mary’s Through Time, focussing on the Royal Arms and Rev Havard, was very well supported. (Read more below). Progress in setting up the Art Exhibition is well underway but more works would be much appreciated. The Friends of St Mary’s report as follows:
The Friends have had a lot of interest in their forthcoming art exhibition. This takes place over the weekend of 15th-16th June but so far only about 20 people have submitted forms. They welcome budding Continue reading “St Mary’s – Royal Arms, Havard and Art”
Local Historian Peter Noakes will be talking about St Mary’s Through Time on Saturday 18th of May. He will answer puzzles such as:
The talk, which is being held in the Old Church, will start at 2:30 pm. Entry is free and accompanied Continue reading “St Mary’s Through Time”
Mapping our HistoryPeter Noakes, a local historian & Chairman of the Local History Group, shares his first thoughts on using a new mapping tool offered by the National Library of Scotland (yes you read that right, Scotland), to explore West Bergholt. Also, a quick reminder about a talk Peter will give on 18th May.
First of all, thanks to Tom Stevenson for finding this very useful website. You can use it to access Continue reading “Mapping our History – Literally”
Vicar of Dibley, History & ArtThe first of three events coming up at St Mary’s Old Church, will be a wedding for a Vicar of Dibley play. This will be followed by an illustrated history talk and an art exhibition.
This will be the Orpen Players next production and the wedding scene between Hugo and Alice will be filmed in the Old Church. Continue reading “Vicar of Dibley, History & Art”
This has been, and is, the schedule of the Local History Group. Buses in January, Military Hospital in February and now AGM and Working Life on March 13th. First, a brief heads up on the first two, very good, talks:
Transport of DelightThis was the first meeting of the New Year with Alan Skinner talking about Colchester Buses – a century of service. Alan stated that he was no expert on the subject of local transport, but he certainly was very knowledgeable about the history of the buses in Colchester and the surrounding villages; he gave a well-illustrated presentation and welcomed additional information from audience members. This was Alan’s second visit to the history group his first subject was the history of “Greyfriars”.
In February Paul Byrne spoke about the history and origins of the Military Hospital in Colchester. He explained how it developed to play a major role in helping soldiers from the Boer War and later WW1 men with mental illness now recognised as PTSD. The hospital was also used for civilian patients’ in later years when the Essex County Hospital was no longer large enough to cater for the growing population. An interesting insight into the part that Colchester played over the years helping all military personnel.
AGMThe Local History Group’s AGM starts at 7:30 pm on Wednesday 13th March in the Orpen Hall.
Peter Jones will introduce some archive films about Working Life after the AGM.
Members are asked to get in contact if they are willing to stand for the committee or help with refreshments. Subscriptions for 2019/20 are now due – great value at just £10.
For further information please contact Gill Poole on 01206 240512 or email [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”].
Transport of DelightTransport of Delight is the Local History Group’s first topic of 2019; Alan Skinner will give an illustrated talk about Colchester Buses Century of Service. (Possible spoiler alert below).
The talk takes place at 7:30 pm on 9th January in the Orpen Hall. Entry from 7 pm and only £2 for members, £4 for visitors.
In West Bergholt, the “bus” service operated from 1904 by Mr Darvill using Continue reading “Transport of Delight”
The Local History Group is proud to announce that, after 6 months of discussion and planning, four footpaths have been named with a ‘Memorial’ sign at each end of the paths. Each of the signs includes the word MEMORIAL. They mark the commemoration of the centenary of the end of the Great War; in particular the fact that over 170 villagers joined the British Forces of which at least 27 made the ultimate sacrifice. Continue reading “Four Footpaths Named in Honour of the Fallen”
Early Methodist ChristmasThe Methodist Church has two seasonal events following on from their weekend of “Methodist Memories” at the end of September. The weekend saw record numbers attending the main three events.
The ‘Sharing Memories’ featured several displays with pictures, objects & memories going back over 130 years (links to pictures and some memories.) Continue reading “Early Methodist Christmas”
Colchester & the ArmisticeAndrew Phillips, a local historian and author, talked about Colchester & the Armistice in delivering the Annual Bernard Colbron Lecture. Organised by the West Bergholt Local History Group1, the talk took place at 7:30 pm on 14th November 2018 in the Orpen Hall.
With the centenary of the end of the Great War occurring on November 11th 2018, this talk is very appropriate as it follows the many activities which will take place throughout the country, including here. Andrew has visited the History Group a number of times and knew our former Chairman, Bernard Colbron, very well. He is, therefore, a very appropriate person to deliver this second Bernard Colbron Memorial Lecture.
Continue reading “Colchester & the Armistice”