onionbagblog

It’s only a daffodil, Jase.

It may only be a daffodil to you, but it’s MY daffodil. Yep - that’s right: Forty-one years of cultivation (me, not the daff) and this is the first little flowery thing that I have grown from scratch.

Cripes.

I admit that optimism wasn’t exactly abound back in those dark days of mid-November when I returned from B & Q with a cheapo bag of daffodil bulbs. A rushed (and seasonably very late) planting of the little buggers was a bit wayward as well.

Truth be told, I got bored digging the endless holes, and then measuring the correct distance between each bulb. I ended up trampling a few into the ground, and then pondering what a waste of a rural exercise this had all been.

It didn’t help that the Great Wivenhoe Winter of 2010 settled in for, ohhh, six months the day after the daffs were planted. The pesky squirrels of Park Road then had plenty of fun, digging up cheapo B & Q bulbs, under the misguided thought that they were actually edible.

The New Year celebrations saw more snow and ice around these estuary parts. It didn’t see any daff action. I wandered lonely as a cloud up to Wivenhoe Cross come February, and had green finger envy as the Wivenhoe in Bloom daffs started to bloody bloom.

We’re buggered, I thought.

Beware the Ides of March though; beware @AnnaJCowen and her constant taunts that a countryside garden is beyond my grasp. The Golden Days of this Wivenhoe spring (steady) have delivered.

What do we do now - eat them?

Looks like I’ve got a lot to learn…

If it’s the Wednesday after a WTC Monday meeting, then it must mean that it’s to the Nottage! …for a committee meeting catch up with the good folk of WivSoc.

And keeping in with the calendar theme, here’s the monthly disclaimer: I am a member of the Wivenhoe Society, although not a committee member. All views expressed within this blog post are mine alone, and not that of the committee, or the Society in general.

Phew.

Thirteen agenda items were up for discussion on Wednesday evening. You won’t find any of Mr Tony’s sofa style lounging around at the top table either. Mr Chair runs a tight ship at the Nottage (ahoy!) although all members get a chance to offer views and influence the direction of the group.

Minutes approved, no matter arising and then we were straight into the WTC meeting report from two days previous. Once again, I refer my honourable colleagues to the blog post I bashed out on Monday evening.

The only reference to add is that WivSoc collectively shares a frustration that the 20mph speed limit has yet to be formally implemented around the lower end of the town. The signs are up, the under secret wraps style bin bags have long since been blown into the Colne.

All we need right now is Colchester Borough Council to rubber stamp the deal…

The Treasurer’s Report came up with the rabbit out of a hat trick of balancing the books.

Blimey.

There is an incoming profit over an outgoing expenditure of *shhh* I really couldn’t say. If you’re holding out for WivSoc to buy up the Engine Shed and convert it into a state of the art nightclub with laser shows, a hot tub and pole dancers, than you’ll probably be waiting for a little while longer. No worries however in paying the cost for printing up the latest WivSoc newsletter though.

The Secretary’s Report updated the committee with the current state of play over the Parish Paths Partnership. This is essentially a local working group that meets regularly to keep our much-valued walking routes clear and unobstructed.

It appears that the P3 (clever) do such a good job, that they have actually sourced themselves out of any work. The suggestion for the next step ahead is to work with neighbouring villages that don’t quite share the same enthusiasm for this type of project. Lending a hand in helping to clear the Elmstead paths was put up as the suggestion.

With this being the final committee meeting ahead of the WivSoc AGM at the Nottage next Wednesday, plans were finalised over the formalities. It is greatly encouraging to hear that three new committee members have stepped forward; it is equally encouraging to know that the booze is already in place for the evening.

Chin Chin.

On to Planning…

“I’ve lost the plot on this,” confessed a rather prominent WivSoc committee member. Haven’t we all, Comrade, haven’t we all.

The committee collectively welcomed the very generous offer of Colchester Borough Councillor Steve Ford of Wivenhoe Quay to attend the monthly meetings. This is a challenging time for anyone with an interest in preserving the unique local character of a town like Wivenhoe.

Changes in planning law are about to make any objections to an application to be channelled through a councillor. On a wider scale, the budget of earlier in the day seemed to side with developers as the scramble to build new homes continues apace.

On a #hyperlocal level and two new applications have been received within Wivenhoe in the past month. A De Vere Close property has put in a planning application for a change in the exterior, following the demolition of an existing structure; a property in Brook Street is planning to demolish some existing walls.

Once again, time to repeat my personal mantra of not publicly commenting on any residential planning applications. You never know when you may want to build that superstore in your own back garden…

WivSoc has formally lodged an objection (pre-budget…) on the planned re-development of Rowhedge Wharf. Whilst not objecting to the overall use of what is currently an empty shack, the access road right along Rowhedge Quay is considered to be an issue for Wivenhoe residents. The alternative suggestion is to locate this behind the first row of new houses, as is the case with West Quay.

But it’s not all about building new structures - sometimes it’s about trying to knock them down. Here we go again then with the Engine Shied.

Oh Lordy.

There seems to be a growing consensus around the town that it is finally time to give up the ghost with the dilapidated old building outside the station. Fund raising attempts to save the structure have unfortunately failed. What we are left with is a great big eyesore within the heart of Wivenhoe.

This was the personal view put forward by Cllr Liddy in the recent WTC newsletter. WivSoc is also of this opinion, with the committee discussing on Wednesday evening possible ways to de-list the building. Dialogue with Network Rail, Colchester Borough Council, WTC, English Heritage and most importantly, local residents, is being explored.

But then with any grand gesture or movement, you need to plan for the what next scenario. More car park space for the station? This certainly might ease the congestion around West Quay. Private property? Isn’t Wivenhoe already full?

It is an incredibly delicate situation that the town has to face up to over the coming months. The old building is crumbling by the day, It ‘aint gonna win any architectural beauty contests, and the land could be put to far better use.

After such gloom, it was encouraging to address the next item agenda of the Local List. This is essentially a working party of interested locals who want to identify any buildings within the town of cultural or historical interest.

Not all of the many grand old structures are listed - some, such as the Engine Shed, we wish weren’t. But with developers hovering around Wivenhoe like architectural ravens waiting for their prey, now is the time to protect some of our most historic buildings within the town.

An inclusive working group is growing around the Local List. WivSoc has two members representing. Anyone else wanting to join is more than welcome. It seems a most social gathering, and speaking of which, here comes the WivSoc social updates.

Hurrah!

The Heritage Walk is confirmed for 8th May (Hello Mum! Hello Dad! Do come…) Bookings are already coming in for the WivSoc Fun Day on 10th September. Some Young Turk has even suggested the idea of inflatable sumo wrestling in St Mary’s churchyard.

Cripes.

Debate then turned towards which local group to donate the money raised for Open Gardens. In these uncertain economic times, and for all the folly of the #bigsociety, there was no shortage of worthy causes around Wivenhoe who could do with a little financial boost right now.

In the end, the committee was unanimous in supporting Helping Hands, a relatively new group that offers very real and practical assistance to those that need it around the town.

Any Other Business wrapped up with a call for copy for the most excellent WivSoc newsletter, currently scheduled to go to the printers at the start of April.

And so it’s WivSoc AGM night next Wednesday. A few committee formalities, and then a speech by the Artistic Director of the Colchester Arts Centre.

Conversation, booze and the historic surrounds of the Nottage - splendid.

A creak of the old letterbox, a scared (and crazed) cat runs for cover and whaddya know - it’s only the latest copy of the esteemed Brightlingsea and Wivenhoe Chronicle.

Blimey.

As I’m now an adopted son of *shhh* Brightlingsea, then I feel that I ought to bang on about all the fine news stories that the good Scoop Scarpenter has been seeking out concerning our friends at the other end of the B1207.

But bugger to that. An evening with WTC was sufficient for the finer detail this week. Apologies to m’Brightlingsea bro’s and sisters - I’m skipping straight to the heart of the matter and making the most of the Wivenhoe half of Scoop’s news patch.

Which in reality means thumbing through to p.7 and The Hub - a Welcoming Venue for Young People:

“An awareness evening was held recently at the Hub, formally the Wivenhoe Youth Centre, highlighting the diverse amenities available at this venue for young people.”

Hurrah!

“Amenities at the centre include a coffee bar, floodlit basketball and football, pool, darts, DJ mixing desk, air hockey, 32 inch TV screen and two laptops.”

The Hub is indeed a major success story for Wivenhoe. Any volunteers would be warmly welcomed…

You wait for one Wivenhoe story in the Chronicle, and then just as an extra slice of birthday cake settles you down in the rocking chair (seriously) for the afternoon, along come two on the same page.

p.7 continues with: Town Meets Gown:

“The Mayor and Mayoress of Wivenhoe, Brian and Jan Sinclair, accompanied by Dilly Meyer, International Academy Skills Centre Manager at the University of Essex, welcomed 30 students and 40 local residents to a social evening at the William Loveless Hall [where else...]“

My Mayor has done a great deal for the Town and Gown delicate balancing act during his period of civic service. He somehow pulled off the rather remarkable negotiating skills of giving a stern telling off to the Estate Manager regarding the Knowledge Gateway road closure farce, yet still managed to end up passing on the goodwill of the town towards the University..

Similarly in persuading the ‘youthful high spirits’ of some students out on the Wivenhoe Run to apologise to local publicans and residents, before welcoming them back into Wivenhoe for more booze.

Blimey.

Councillor Steve Ford writes on p.10 more about the 20mph Zones in Wivenhoe:

“The majority of people in Wivenhoe know that a 20mph speed zone is going to be introduced in the area below the railway bridge. What many people do not know is that Colchester Borough Council has agreed, in principle, to look at the introduction of 20mph zones in all residential areas.”

Tellingly, the Cllr concluded by adding:

“Extensive consultation and engagement with the community of Colchester needs time and some monies, which in this present economic climate, is not yet available.”

Here’s hoping that when the wonga is finally freed up, whatever administration is currently sitting at the Town Hall won’t forget to carry out the consultation.

There’s little argument against 20′s plenty (although a guarded effort was attempted to derail it at Monday’s WTC meeting.) It makes sense in lower Wivenhoe, with only Station Road being a possible problem area to enforce.

A brief mention of the AGM of the Workers Education Association on 4th April at the Methodist Hall, as well as a heads up for WivSoc’s riverbank clean up at 10am on the 10th then follows.

And then we’re into the Wivenhoe arty territory, which holds far more editorial entertainment. Helen Chambers‘ review of Jack and the Beanstalk is bang on the money, when stating:

“Brian Ford’s script was very witty and clever, and I admired Matt Linley’s direction. Sarah Rout, as Silly Billy, gave a flawless performance. Hazel Humphreys (Jack) has stand-up comedy credentials.”

Talking of seamless comedy timing: Wivenhoe’s Very Own Comedy Club adds on p.13:

“Wil Hodgson will be performing at Wivenhoe’s very own comedy club, the Funny Farm. The club night will be held on 31st March at the Cricket Club.”

Oklahoma! gets a brief plug, as does the Colne Community College Choir’s concert at the Congregational Hall on the 2nd April. Local artist Annie Bielecka exhibition at the Red Lion Bookshop in Colchester also gets a mention.

Which all leaves us with the snappy Chronicle headline on p.15 of: New Facial Aesthetics Centre is Officially Opened by Town’s Mayor.

Cripes.

“A new local business, the Wivenhoe Faceplace, was officially opened by the Mayor of Wivenhoe. The new venture is a facial aesthetics centre, specialising in rejuvenating anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, lip enhancements and tooth whitening.”

I couldn’t possibly comment on the potential for customers within Wivenhoe. I can pass comment however on Mr Mayor’s fine stance in supporting the business. As explained to WTC on Monday evening:

“Faceplace very kindly donated a £200 voucher for the Mayor’s Charity Auction. I am happy to support any business that helps to raise money locally.”

Hear, hear.

Must dash - time to moisturise.

The Brightlingsea and Wivenhoe Chronicle is distributed free amongst local households. Additional copies are 25p from local newsagents.

Meowww.

To the Town Council Offices on Monday evening for the monthly meeting of our friends from Wivenhoe Town Council. I say “friends” in complete sincerity - I don’t see Mr Speaker welcoming people into the Public Gallery at Westminster with a beaming smile and the offer of glacier mint.

Nine of our good Councillor’s were present around the top table on Monday, with a Civic suited, booted and blinged up Mr Mayor chairing the meeting. Three members of the public were also present, which has to be encouraging for local accountability and political access.

Essex County Councillor Julie Young spoke first, updating WTC on her recent work as Colchester’s representative at a county level. Traffic has once again been a priority, with speeding levels around Wivenhoe being a concern for local residents.

Rectory Road keeps on cropping up, along with the approach to Broomgrove School. Cllr Young has asked the police to intervene, whenever local residents raise the issue. A pilot study of the 20′s Plenty initiative has been undertaken. Cllr Young is chasing this up, with a view to rolling it our along the non-residential streets around Wivenhoe.

Keeping with the transport theme, Cllr Young then updated WTC over the issue of a footpath approach to the football club along Elmstead Road. Funding is in place for further investigation, with possible money for the implementation of the project being made available in April.

Those glacier mints then came in handy, when through *shhh* gritted teeth, Cllr Young bigged up Dave’s #bigsociety. Funding for around £50k (not so big then…) may be available for Colchester and Tendring. Individual grants of around £500 to kick-start #hyperlocal community projects within Wivenhoe could be up for grabs.

You call it #bigsociety, we call it Community Initiative - Cllr Young then outlined her track record on delivering with similar schemes locally, pointing out improvements to the skateboard park and new nets for the football pitches at KGV.

Inspiring Ideas is the name of a new initiative from Essex County Council. They like their positive lexicology, these politico types. I would suggest that if you have an idea that isn’t inspiring, then you probably shouldn’t even be thinking in the first place.

The good Cllr Young rightfully pointed out that Wivenhoe is full of inspiring ideas anyway. It is hoped that the countywide scheme will be able to improve communities at a local level.

Good idea, that…

Finally Cllr Young praised the wonderful folk of Wivenhoe Moving Image, and explained how she has helped out the independent community cinema to become a key holder at the Phillip Road Centre, as well as resolving extra access issues to allow increased screenings.

Questions to our council rep followed. WTC Cllr Kraft asked if Cllr Young would like to test out the new toilets that have just been completed at the William Loveless Hall.

Steady the buffers; and the bowels.

Next up on his feet for a bit of political stand up was the ever-entertaining Cllr Steve Ford, the Colchester Borough Council representative for the Quay ward. The good Cllr Ford could appear at a stand up comedy gig, and still raise a smile telling some right ripping yarns all about potholes.

Oh - hang on…

It is the working bain of any local councillor, and yep, potholes are once again particularly heavy on the mind of Cllr Ford. Park Road and “a whooper” (blimey) along Rebow Road have recently been reported by Cllr Ford.

An insider perspective on the 20′s Plenty scheme then followed, with Cllr Ford giving an insight into the chairing an all-party CBC committee. Unlike Cllr Ford, I’ll get straight to the punch line - CBC supports the idea of the scheme throughout the borough, but is looking at funding to carry out a consultation.

Boom boom.

High praise then followed for the Wivenhoe Gilbert and Sullivan Society and their recent performance of Oklahoma! at the William Loveless Hall. Cllr Ford described the production as “fantastic,” in a move which many saw as a possible angling for the warm-up spot next year.

Cllr Ford explained the more serious matter of a recent tricky planning application for the Royal British Legion down at the Quay. This was granted by CBC, allowing much needed improvements to the historic old building, but with strong objections to the current owner of Dickie and Dennis’ old house.

Cllr Ford was pleased to report that a resolution of sorts was achieved, proving that when handled diplomatically, planning can work for the benefit of the community.

New planning laws are about to be introduced. Cllr Ford asked WTC how best to publicise these within the town. Not read the most recent WTC Newsletter, Cllr Ford? Tsk tsk.

With the agenda racing through the chamber with all the speed of the 9:23 passing through Paget Road, we were then back on to WTC matters. The meeting then became slightly clouded for the untrained eyes and ears.

Talk turned towards internal admin matters, relating to communication with a transport officer. It all started off rather innocently, and then somehow the conversation became embroiled with private internal emails, with WTC deciding to debate the issue (whatever the issue was) once the public gallery had been cleared.

Mmm…

Moving on - time for the individual WTC committees to report back. It is only when you witness the scope and responsibilities of the unpaid WTC councillors that you realise how much work and effort goes into the job. No financial reward is on offer, and often little thanks come the way of the councillors.

Cllr Liddy led with Planning. Unfortunately talk once again turned towards updating the Cllr’s behind closed doors, with “legal matters and solicitor letters and meetings” being mentioned.

I have no more to add.

The new health centre is still plodding along with nothing new to report. The meeting heard how internal changes are currently being put in place at the current health centre, suggesting that the professionals involved aren’t planning for a positive outcome any time soon.

Finance and Admin reported back with rare praise from a member of the public in the manner in which WTC is dealing with the harsh reality of a significant cut in local authority funding. Sticking with balancing the books and the Best Value committee stated that Wivenhoe Youth Hub, the May Fair and Wivenhoe in Bloom are all expected to stay within the allocated budget.

Nothing to report on the Working Party and Estates, apart from a request from the wonderfully named Essex Stragglers to use Wivenhoe Wood for a mid-summer event on the evening of the 30th June. I’ve no idea what the Essex Stragglers actually do, but I’d wager that around chucking out time on the 30th June, I could well qualify for membership.

The next agenda item was everyone’s favourite of the Wivenhoe Woodwork Party. Mr Mayor reported that the group has been attending to Ferry Marsh after the recent clean up (yeah, right…)

On to more positive matters and it’s only the Wivenhoe Community Mini Bus - hurrah! In what became something of a surreal discussion, Mr Mayor updated on how the current vehicle serves our needs perfectly. With only 51,000 miles on the clock (that’s a lot of running around Wivenhoe,) the bus is working well with no need for an update.

We then entered into Maureen’s Driving School territory, with a driving test theory style discussion all about parking and avoiding bollards.

Blimey.

The Youth Facilities Working Party reported on the current provision, and how the focus is now turning towards the top of the town and the need to fill any gaps in the services available for our young folk. The ace Youth Council has been invited into the council chamber next week to hold session.

Sticking with the civic responsibility theme, Mr Mayor then replied to that standard Westminster question of asking what the chuffers the leader has been doing since the session last met.

Rather than respond with the jaded “I have been having meetings with my ministerial colleagues,” Mr Mayor proved the point that life in Wivenhoe has a far greater WOW! factor than living in Westminster:

“On Tuesday I visited the Youth Club which is going from strength to strength. I organised and attended the Mayor’s Civic Ball, raising money for the Mayor’s charity. I have witnessed the work being carried out at Broomgrove around Fair Trade. I went to the Colchester Mayor’s Civic event, where I was surrounded by bling. I have met with the bursary fund at the University. I am proud to announce that we will be funding five students next year. I have met with Wivenhoe Helping Hands, I attended the dedication of Major Tom Burt’s memorial and I thoroughly enjoyed Oklahoma!”

Cripes. Somebody pour that man a stiff G & T. Or even offer him another Civic glacier mint.

Meanwhile, Mr Mayor was then on the back foot, offering up an explanation as to why he was seen to be formally opening a botox and teeth whitening clinic.

Sucking in his cheeks, and with his best cheesy grin, Mr Mayor offered up the excellent answer of being offered a £200 gift certificate to auction off at the Mayor’s Charity Ball.

Job’s a good ‘un.

Talk also turned toward Mr Mayor’s alternative ball. For those fearing a mass Goth invasion of the William Loveless Hall with pints of cherry brandy and cider being consumed by men wearing clogs and eyeliner - relax…

The alt ball is for those who perhaps don’t appreciate the formalities of the black tie event. Planning is underway with an esteemed local promoter. I hear *shhh* that the Loveless Hall is being transformed into The Cavern with a 60′s style event being staged.

With no pause even for a quick Twist and Shout, it was soon time for the Town Clerk to report back to WTC. The first spring cutting of the grass has taken place at the KGV and the churchyard. The ladies loos at the Loveless Hall are complete. Budgets are up to date as we approach the end of the financial year.

Mr Mayor emphasised the versatility of our local ground staff, who one day may be mowing the KGV, whilst another they might be called upon the more sombre task of being asked to dig a grave.

It was confirmed that the official opening of the new police station up at the, um, fire station, will take lace on Saturday 26th March. The new building won’t allow access to the public (the old building very rarely had residents turning up anyway…) apart from on the open day itself. Something of a misnomer, but great to be given open access for the launch day.

New Business debate was centred on the request from St Mary’s to organise and stage a Church Ale event in September. This is essentially a medieval style pageant. Planning is required for various road closures, with permission asked to start off the procession from the KGV.

The discussion focussed on the cost of closing the roads, as well as the insurance and safety of the public, with events such as archery being proposed. The ever-helpful Cllr Needham offered clarification, explaining how the weapons were spiked poles, and the professional group involved have their own insurance.

Phew.

Ah, but who will be asked to be the Lord and Lady of the Manor in the procession? Ah, that will fall to the incumbent Mayor or Mayoress, whoever that may be following the impending WTC elections.

Speaking of which - nominations open for anyone wishing to stand as a Wivenhoe Town Councillor on 28th March, with a final deadline of midday on 4th April. It would be cruel to point out that April Fool’s Day also falls within this period…

Papers were shuffled around the table and a few nervy eyes darted back and forth within the chamber. Beware the Ides of March, my good councillors…

[public] meeting closed at 8:40.

And so having cycled to Brightlingsea and back at breakneck speed last weekend, I thought for my birthday I would commence the great Tendring Coastal Exploration that lies ahead for this summer. A sedate estuary walk out towards Brightlingsea would be a good start.

Back in South London and a good Sunday afternoon out meant walking to The Oval tube, rather than catching the bus. But when in Wivenhoe, then you have to do things slightly differently (although a bus did ultimately feature in the travel itinerary of @AnnaJCowen and I.)

Starting off from Wivenhoe Quay, we walked the familiar route out towards Alresford Creek. Today wasn’t a day for grumbling, but on the great Colne Clearance debate and I note that the roots of the vandalised rosehips, blackberries and sloes are slowly starting to emerge into the spring estuary air once again.

High tide around 11am was indeed something rather special. I overlooked the jollity of my walking companion who tried to high tide me with a hand slap - seriously. I smiled politely at any passing dog walker.

We reached the Creek and then did a slight detour out towards Thorrington Tidal Mill. I know that the Pop Genius of this Parish eulogises about the historic building in the wonderful A Prospect of Wivenhoe. Beautiful though the location may be, the constant rumbling of car traffic heading back and forth to Brightlingsea slightly spoils the scenic ambience.

No worries - with Brightlingsea Church within out sites (lovely daffs by the way) we ambled on towards the estuary. You may think that walking from The Flag down to the Quay back at base is something of a struggle. The Wivenhoe Run is a mere leg stretcher however when compared to the sheer length of the approach into Brightlingsea town centre.

A brisk exploration of the Lido (mmm - not quite the beauty of Brockwell, but any outdoor swim is a good swim,) a stroll along the front and then a Sunday birthday lunch of fish ‘n chips along the sea front.

The trip was planned to perfection with time for a couple of pints at the Station Tavern, ahead of the 16:18 back into Wivenhoe.

The old boozer in Brightlingsea makes The Station in Wivenhoe appear more like the inner interior of The Ritz. The pub has character all right, along with damn decent beer. It is to my great regret that I overlooked a pint of Crab ‘n Winkle mild to set me up for the birthday celebrations ahead.

We were back in Wivenhoe in time for the second half of the football, and back to reflect that although Brightlingsea may be a near neighbour, I think that we may the right decision in deciding to make a home of Wivenhoe.

The summer months promise similar Tendring Peninsula explorations. The plan is to cycle out towards Clacton, Frinton and Walton etc (oh to live the high life) and then catch the train back to Wivenhoe.

But that’s for another day.

Or even another birthday.

Full flickr stream over here.

Wivenhoe Town 1 CRC 1, 19/03/11

To Broad Lane on a fabulously sunny spring Saturday afternoon to watch Wivenhoe Town take on CRC. Little was / is known about the opposition. An online search reveals Cambridge origins, with a nickname of the Scholars. I don’t think that this was a reference to ropey ’70s cheapo lager.

But anyway - it wasn’t all about the opposition. Making my return to Broad Lane for the first time in seventeen years (blimey) I was reassured to find that little has changed.

This must be the dilemma for any community based local club, balancing the tradition with the need for progression. As the current Broad Lane Future campaign has highlighted, our local football ground has seen better days. New facilities are urgently needed, but the trick is to deliver these whilst still keeping what is special about the community club.

Attracting more supporters would be a start. I confess my guilt here in taking almost six months to make an appearance at Broad Lane since the Great Escape. Fixtures have been pencilled in, but house moving, and the subsequent setting up of a new home, tends to eat away into your weekends.

No worries. We’re *almost* there now. With three more Saturday home fixtures coming up for the Dragons, it looks like my Saturday afternoons have been returned to watching non-league football.

The standard of play on Saturday afternoon was remarkably similar to my decade down at Champion Hill watching Dulwich Hamlet. You’d be a fool to fork out the supporter friendly price of six quid, and then expect to see a Barcelona inspired team performing on the North Essex estuary.

Instead we saw commitment, pride and plenty of community passion around the ground and clubhouse. Much like moving to a new area and then discovering what your new patch has to offer, we’ve still much to learn about the Dragons. It was clear that this is an incredibly young side, which must be the sensible option to progress further under a tight budget.

Youth indeed seemed to be the theme of the afternoon. @AnnaJCowen and I weren’t quite reduced to wrinkly status, but with a ref yet to start shaving, and a healthy turn out of local kids coming along to support their local team, this is a game for those young at heart.

An early goal for the mysterious CRC, and in true Crap Match Report style (it’s a South London thing…) it will come as no surprise to hear that I missed it. I was arseing around with my SLR camera, and then looked up to find the away team celebrating.

Bugger.

As for the camera - well that was a little crap as well. I’ve still not taken to my Nikon D300. A trip out in glorious estuary sunshine to catch some sport was supposed to show me some more love. The bloody battery failed after five minutes, and I was left with only the four photographs below. At least it gives me another good reason to return to Broad Lane.

We took in the bar at half time - you don’t say. A pint of lager for £2.50, and a large glass of red for the lady. This just wasn’t non-league football etiquette. We were entertained with the local kids playing table tennis outdoors, which is something that you are unlikely to see down at Stamford Bridge.

The second half saw Wivenhoe continue to chase the game. The reward came right on the final whistle with a late, late equaliser. I admit to even admitting a rather loud cheer, an act that was later vindicated when I saw the full time result of, ahem, *my* team.

So yeah - seventeen years away, and it looks like we’re back in the Wivenhoe Town run of things.

C’mon the Dragons!

*please don’t take offence - it’s a South London thing…