Here at Colchester Civic Society, we're decidedly chuffed to have been recognised for our work in 'Making A Difference' here in #Colchester, #BritainsFirstCity.
We were presented with a certificate at the Mayor's Awards Ceremony held on Tuesday.
More:
https://t.co/NEFH6RfGlJ
We were extremely sorry to hear about the death of Dave Monk. We remember in particular his enthusiasm when he launched our #ColchesterPlaqueTrails
Dave was a champion of all that is good in Essex, the county will be all the poorer for his passing.
More:
https://t.co/BH7bqoYmAV
Rest in peace, Patricia Routledge 🙏🏻
In memory of her, I encourage everyone to read these words of hers from February last year.
Whether young or old, you're bound to get something out of it.
*****
"I’ll be turning 95 this coming Monday. In my younger years, I was often filled with worry — worry that I wasn’t quite good enough, that no one would cast me again, that I wouldn’t live up to my mother’s hopes. But these days begin in peace, and end in gratitude.
My life didn’t quite take shape until my forties. I had worked steadily — on provincial stages, in radio plays, in West End productions — but I often felt adrift, as though I was searching for a home within myself that I hadn’t quite found.
At 50, I accepted a television role that many would later associate me with — Hyacinth Bucket, of Keeping Up Appearances. I thought it would be a small part in a little series. I never imagined that it would take me into people’s living rooms and hearts around the world. And truthfully, that role taught me to accept my own quirks. It healed something in me.
At 60, I began learning Italian — not for work, but so I could sing opera in its native language. I also learned how to live alone without feeling lonely. I read poetry aloud each evening, not to perfect my diction, but to quiet my soul.
At 70, I returned to the Shakespearean stage — something I once believed I had aged out of. But this time, I had nothing to prove. I stood on those boards with stillness, and audiences felt that. I was no longer performing. I was simply being.
At 80, I took up watercolour painting. I painted flowers from my garden, old hats from my youth, and faces I remembered from the London Underground. Each painting was a quiet memory made visible.
Now, at 95, I write letters by hand. I’m learning to bake rye bread. I still breathe deeply every morning. I still adore laughter — though I no longer try to make anyone laugh. I love the quiet more than ever.
I’m writing this to tell you something simple:
Growing older is not the closing act. It can be the most exquisite chapter — if you let yourself bloom again.
Let these years ahead be your TREASURE YEARS.
You don’t need to be famous. You don’t need to be flawless.
You only need to show up — fully — for the life that is still yours.
With love and gentleness,
Patricia Routledge
*****
Once more, rest in peace. 🤍
This photo shows the PCC getting ready for #HeritageOpenDay at #LittleMassinghamChurch last Saturday. It was a great day with people coming from far and wide!
It wasn’t great when the rain, thunder and lightning all came at the same time. Not once but on several occasions!
Hi Q4CL we loved welcoming you to #LittleMassingham Church in 2024. We are still talking about all those wonderful & beautiful quilts. So pleased we were involved in that fantastic fundraising and support for #NorfolkCareLeavers Do come back any time!
@TheFOSALM@Revelationsbook@BBCNorfolk@NorfolkHODs@heritageopenday A beautiful, welcoming church, very much worth a visit and our support. Q4CL were very happy to make our quilted hugs to give the church a fundraising hug in June 2024, and then the hugs were donated to Norfolk social services to donate to their care leavers.
We are Heritage Open Days (HODs) - England's largest community heritage festival 🗝️🏰
Every September, thousands of places, spaces and community groups organise free heritage events across the country - what will you discover?
Find out more here: https://t.co/86AwqJ9CB5
Open on Saturday 13th September between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm.
St. Andrew’s Church, #LittleMassingham, it’s Grade I listed with parts dating back to c.14. The architecture consists chiefly of a mixture of gothic and perpendicular styles. Lots to discover.
#heritageopendays
Not long until #LittleMassingham Church is open for #heritageopendays
Saturday 13th is the day we open! Lots to learn about the past, present and future!
Church Lane, Little Massingham PE32 2JT
#OnThisDay - 11 September 1898, Field Marshall Sir Gerald Templer - "The Tiger of Malaya"- was born at 15 Wellesley Road here in #Colchester.
As #ChiefOfTheImperialGeneralStaff, he was the professional head of the British Army from 1955-58.
More:
https://t.co/ADH0D3dxnS
🚨FREE OPEN DAY: 13th + 14th September 2025🚨
One of our #HODs2025 Openings is the #Roman Circus Centre in #Colchester - the site of Britain's only discovered Roman Chariot race track🤯
Play Roman games, talk to volunteers and learn about our GREAT history!
#essex#visitessex
Visiting Little Massingham Church Sat 13th Sept? #HeritageOpenDays Lots to learn including village history during WWII!
The churchyard has 7 Commonwealth War Graves. Lots more about the church history and what is planned for the future.
#LittleMassingham Church Lane, PE32 2JT
#LittleMassinghamChurch joins #HeritageOpenDays on Saturday 13th September between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm. Come along and learn more about the church history and what is planned for the future. Church Lane, Little Massingham, PE32 2JT
https://t.co/Oq52RoHxga
The #bat evening at #LtMassingham Church was a great success. Licensed bat handler and expert Phil Parker gave a great talk before setting up cameras and imaging equipment for the audience to see the bats more clearly. Leaving the church the bats gave a fantastic performance!!
Not long to go to the bat evening! Make a note of the date… Saturday 9th August 7.00 pm. Come and listen to the talk, see the live camera feeds and enjoy a very different evening. Cost? By donation.
Well this looks fun!
A SPECIAL BAT EVENING
At St Andrew’s Church Little Massingham
on Saturday 9th August at 7.00 pm
Refreshments available. Families welcome
Join us for…
A fascinating talk,
Live camera feeds,
Real bat encounters
Event by donation
Church Lane, PE32 2JT
The church is looking lovely and ready for the organ concert on Sunday. There is still time to book tickets. Start time 4.00 pm at St. Andrew's Church Lt. Massingham.
https://t.co/6F9u4VpaUG
If no time to book then come along and buy your ticket on the door.