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Category: Education

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Imperial China – Land & People: A WEA Course

The Great Wall of China

An early emperor in Imperial China Xia DynastyImperial China – Land & People

The 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”

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Songs & Tales from the Countryside

Neil Catchpole

Neil Catchpole who will talk on songs & tales from the countrysideSongs & 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”

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Avenue of Remembrance

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”

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Guided History Tour with Sir Bob

Wreck of the Cromer Express Photo

Sir Bob in front of Jumbo Water TowerGuided 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!

Continue reading “Guided History Tour with Sir Bob”
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Edwardian West Bergholt & Gainsborough House

Edwardian West Bergholt DisplayEdwardian West Bergholt & Gainsborough House

The 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”

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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”