Community, Parish Council & Village
The Churches Conservation Trust has made great progress on internal redecoration work at the Old Church. Mrs Yvonne Henderson’s legacy provided much of the funding for this work. Workers discovered fragments of 3 mediaeval wall paintings; they called in official conservators to assess the paintings which delayed work.
Work has now resumed and this will leave a lady’s head visible (see right) Continue reading “Mediaeval Wall Paintings Uncovered – Old Church”
Archaeological Update on Fordham HallMembers 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”
Imperial China – Land & PeopleThe first WEA course of the decade is on the subject of Imperial China. China, as one of the oldest continuous civilisations, is currently undergoing dramatic change; it has emerged as a major world economy.
David Prynn investigates more than 4,000 years of China’s turbulent past and brilliant cultural achievements prior to the Xinhai Revolution in 1911.
You will learn about the dynasties from the Continue reading “Imperial China – Land & People: A WEA Course”
Songs & Tales from the CountrysideSongs & 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.
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”
Avenue of RemembranceThe 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:
Liz surprised us when we learnt that the name applies to all four Continue reading “Avenue of Remembrance”
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?”
Colchester Heritage Open DaysThe popular Open Days Weekend returns to Colchester for 2019. Dozens of properties will be open to the public over two weekends spanning of the 13th to 22nd of September, giving you the opportunity to explore the town’s heritage for free. Note not all are open every day so check the download for details.
Many of the properties are not normally open to the public, and several are hosting special events, tours and talks that will give you a special insight into the town’s unique history.
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Guided History Tour with Sir BobOn 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.
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!
Continue reading “Guided History Tour with Sir Bob”
Ten Britishers of NoteAfter a long spring/summer break the subject for the autumn course is “Ten Britishers of Note”; the course will be led by tutor Edward de Maunsell. The last two courses at the WEA were on Jazz and Popular Music and were very well received by all those attending.
This ten-week course is about ten randomly Continue reading “Ten Britishers of Note – a WEA Course”
Edwardian West Bergholt & Gainsborough HouseThe Local History Group gave villagers an insight into Edwardian West Bergholt at the recent Village Fete. The History Group manned a stall which included a display discussing West Bergholt during the Edwardian period.
The display, drawn from the 1901 and 1911 censuses, showed that villagers had a range of employment. Significant numbers of men were either employed on the land or by the Daniell and Sons Brewery. Women were often employed Continue reading “Edwardian West Bergholt & Gainsborough House”