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Aviation, done, next trip Gainsborough House

View from top of Martello Tower
View from top of Martello Tower
View from the top of the Martello Tower

Aviation, done, next trip Gainsborough House

Having visited the Aviation Museum this month the History Group are looking forward to visiting the Gainsborough House Musem.

If attending this next trip you should meet up at the museum in Sudbury at 10:30 am on Wednesday 17th July. It is very important you pre-book this trip so the museum is prepared for the numbers; book by calling Gill Poole on 01206 240512 by 10th July.

The visit will cost Continue reading “Aviation, done, next trip Gainsborough House”

Dunkirk – A Film Club Event

Dunkirk cover image

West Bergholt Film Club Movie Night

Dunkirk

Dunkirk, the latest Film Club event on 15th June, tells the story of Allied soldiers from Belgium, the British Empire, and France surrounded by the German Army, and their evacuation during a fierce battle in World War II.  It follows three distinct storylines from differing perspectives.

Taking place in the Orpen Hall, doors will open at 7 pm for showtime at 7:30 pm. Refreshments will be available.

Rating & Tickets

The film is rated 12A because of intense war experience and some language.  Those aged 12 & over and under 16, should be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets are £5, available in advance from Scissorhands, with proceeds going towards a new playground at Orpen field.  Refreshments will be available on the night.  Enjoy the trailer and a fuller synopsis of the show below as well as a more local perspective. Continue reading “Dunkirk – A Film Club Event”

St Mary’s – Royal Arms, Havard and Art

Bluebells Pre-School contributions to the Exhibition

Bluebells Pre-School contributions to the Exhibition

St Mary’s – Royal Arms, Havard and Art

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:

Art In The Old Church

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”

St Mary’s Through Time

The talk on St Mary's Through Time will discuss the interior of St Mary's featuring the Royal Coat of Arms that will be a subject in
The Royal Coat of Arms

St Mary’s Through Time

Local Historian Peter Noakes will be talking about St Mary’s Through Time on Saturday 18th of May.  He will answer puzzles such as:

  • who was the Rector at St Mary’s for an amazing 48 years, and
  • why is there a Royal Coat of Arms on the wall?

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 History – Literally

Mapping our History

Peter 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.

Peter’s Thoughts

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”

Buses, Hospitals, Working Life and an AGM

Buses, Hospitals, Working Life and an AGM

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:

Colchester bus circa 1960Transport of Delight

This 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”.

Military Hospital

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.

Working life in various forms, agricultural, industrial and clerical.AGM

The 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 Delight

Transport to Delight?

Early BusTransport to Delight?Transport of Delight

Transport 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”

Four Footpaths Named in Honour of the Fallen

Rhys Lloyd at Memorial Way
Rhys Lloyd, whose idea it was, at Memorial Way

Four Footpaths Named in Honour of the Fallen

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”