Garden Design & Herbaceous Perennials

Herbaceous Perennials & Other Topics

West Bergholt Gardeners didn’t meet in January so the first meeting of 2022 on 21st February has speaker Neil Ludmon talking about the “History of the use of Herbaceous Perennials. On 21st March they will be learning of “Current Trends in Garden Design” from Steven Digby.

Their trips out have always been popular so this year they have provisionally booked a self drive visit to Utling Wick in September and coach trips to East Rushton in July and RHS Hyde Hall “Glow” in November. Guests are welcome to join them on these visits.

Further meetings to take place at 7.30 pm in the Orpen Hall will be:

January 24, 2020January 24, 2020

Archaeological Update on Fordham Hall

Archaeological Update on Fordham Hall

Members of the Colchester Archaeological Trust will update the History Group on the Roman Excavations at Fordham Hall next month. John Mallison & Jonathan Oldham from the trust will visit the History Group on Wednesday 12th February to give a full update on progress at the dig.

This Fordham Dig Update talk will Continue reading “Archaeological Update on Fordham Hall”

November 7, 2019November 8, 2019

Songs & Tales from the Countryside

Songs & Tales from the Countryside

Songs & Tales take the place of the Origins of Surnames at the Annual Bernard Colbron Lecture on 13th November next week. This is because, due to circumstances outside his control, Charlie Haylock is unable to deliver the lecture himself. Charlie has instead arranged for his friend Neil Catchpole to visit us in his place.

Many Talents

Neil Catchpole last visited the History Group about 15 years ago, he is a man of many talents. He is involved with the Stour Valley Trust, the Dedham Vale Area of Natural Beauty and Clare Country Park and grew up in the area.

Neil comes from a long line of East Anglian countrymen Continue reading “Songs & Tales from the Countryside”

October 30, 2019November 7, 2019

Avenue of Remembrance

The Colchester Avenue of Remembrance, which opened in June 1933, was the topic for the Local History Group‘s October talk at Orpen Hall. Their next meeting is the Bernard Colbron Memorial Lecture on 13th November when BBC’s Charlie Haylock will talk on the origins of surnames.

Local historian Liz White shared some interesting & surprising stories about the Avenue as reported by the Group:

Surprise # 1

Liz surprised us when we learnt that the name applies to all four Continue reading “Avenue of Remembrance”

October 4, 2019September 6, 2020

What happened to the Cromer Express?

Colchester's Avenue of Remembrance roadsign

What happened to the Cromer Express?

The Wreck of the Cromer Express was the topic for the Local History Group‘s first winter talk at Orpen Hall. Jim Connor told the sad story of the Wreck of the Cromer Express at Colchester’s North Station in 1913. Jim has written a number of books particularly about the history of trains and stations in Continue reading “What happened to the Cromer Express?”

September 5, 2019August 12, 2021

Guided History Tour with Sir Bob

Guided History Tour with Sir Bob

On Wednesday, August 7th members of the Local History Group gathered outside the Colchester Arts Centre for a guided walk around Colchester led by former Colchester MP Sir Bob Russell. The group will learn all about the ‘wreck of the Cromer Express‘ at their next meeting.

Stimulating Walk

This was a stimulating walk of over 2½ hours during which Sir Bob provided lots of information and opportunities to ask questions. It is surprising how little members knew about the town even though they had lived here for many years!