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To the William Loveless Hall! …late afternoon on Sunday for a back to the future wander around John Stewart’s most excellent Wivenhoe Memories exhibition. I firmly believe in connecting the past with the present, in order to see where future perspectives may lie.

This philosophy may sound like some Third Way political twaddle rhetoric, but for me it means looking around you, seeing what is left from the past, and then thinking of ways to move forward and preserve all that is good from what has gone before.

I never did get to fulfil those Third Way political twaddle ambitions…

But anyway - Wivenhoe Memories:

Many folk around the town will be familiar with John and the amazing local artefacts that he managed to amass as a Wivenhoe labour of love. This love also extends to many private collectors, who recognise the importance of John’s desire to share these memories each year at the Loveless Hall.

All four sides of the Loveless Hall were lovingly filled with original photographs, maps, deeds and even items of clothing. The badminton court was also taken up with personal scrapbooks and reading material, all related to Wivenhoe local matters.

Many themes and strands started to emerge as I made my way around each display board. Booze figured highly. You could fill the Loveless Hall twice over with tales of Wivenhoe’s long lost boozers.

An old image of The Station, dated 1863, showed how remarkably the scene looking up Station Road remains as true today as it was almost one hundred and fifty years ago.

An image of Wivenhoe Station revealed a covered platform for folk waiting for the Clacton train. Further down the line and photographs of the old iron bridge linking across to Brightlingsea over Alresford Creek were also on display.

A couple of pillars either side of the Creek and the rickety rackety old railway hut are all that remain at the mouth of the Creek today. Weather torn and looking further battered by each winter; it would be a sad loss from the local historical landscape if these were ever to disappear.

Residential housing then featured as I wandered down the Loveless Hall. My hyperlocal historical nerdiness nearly gave way to a punch of the air, upon seeing for the first time a photograph of The Nook on the corner of Belle Vue and Park Road.

My inaugural Wiv Chat conversation with the charming Peter Green touched upon this. He had the old and wise historical ears and eyes; I was but the new boy on the block. Both of us however remarked on how it is strange that a photo of the house that gave way to the Dene Park estate appears not to be in the public domain.

Not so now - I only hope that Peter managed to get himself along to Wivenhoe Memories at some stage over the course of the Bank Holiday weekend.

Speaking of the old boys, and it was lovely to hear the elder gents and ladies of the town talking at the Loveless Hall throughout the weekend. Folk are getting on, and probably don’t get out as much now as they use to. Jon Stewart’s exhibition is also serving as a social focal point in which to meet up and share in their local memories.

It was hard to not to hear what they were talking about as I slowly made my way around Wivenhoe Memories. This is exactly the sort of people that I need to be linking up with for Wiv Chat. It felt intrusive on Sunday however to break into the old boy chat. Great to hear all the old stories, all the same.

An image of the Wivenhoe Regatta from 1905 also fascinated me. I recognised that sense of silliness, a lack of pretension and all round feeling of making a fool of yourself down at the front. It could almost have been the Wivenhoe Regatta of 2011.

One thought which I dwelled upon during my wanderings is exactly what is my personal favourite period from contemporary history? Wivenhoe Memories covered in great details life in the town over the past two hundred years.

I have long been attracted towards the tradition of the Edwardian period, both in terms of style - and the substance of what must have felt like a major new political and economic period that was fast approaching.

But then *my* personal history of the 1970′s and 80′s is equally engaging. This period was also covered in the exhibition. Memories are not yet so booze addled that the two decades when I was growing up are blanked out. There is a sense that you can almost reach back and touch this period, such is the deepness of your experience and recollection.

But I wasn’t in Wivenhoe during the 1970′s and ’80s - I was falling in and out of love with a football team, falling in and out of love with the current girlfriend of the week and then immersing myself in music.

What Wivenhoe Memories was able to do was to match up my own memories of the period with what was happening at the time around the town that I now call home. Shaking buckets for the miners in the Old Market Square in ’84? Yep, that was being done around these North Essex estuary wilds as well.

Various team photos from Wivenhoe sport over the different generations proved the point of how the history of a town can be told through sport. Many of the surnames remained the same, even two or three different generations down the line.

An original Sunday Times feature from 1938 was pinned up against a wall, reading:

“By Essex Waters - the Charm of Wivenhoe.”

Describing the town as:

“…typical of the charm of many quaint and drowsy [!] waterside villages.”

Some things never change.

Substantial documents were available to freely flick through. The Sainty family tree traced back ten generations of local folk, starting with Philip, b. 1754, and then providing a modern link with Rosemary Ann, b. 1970 in Colchester.

But the find of the afternoon for me was a personal photo album tucked away in one corner. It looked nothing special - I have similar items up in the loft, showing family holidays and new football kits being worn in the garden.

I almost didn’t pause to flick through, such was the splendour of the other exhibits lining the wall. Something triggered away on my mind though to have a brief browse. I’m lucky that I did as it provided me with my own Wivenhoe Memories personal gold for the afternoon.

On the inside cover was scribbled: Wivenhoe Arts Club, 1966 - 84. Jeannie Coverley had very kindly offered up for sharing her very personal photos of the farewell party that signified the end of the old Arts Club back in 1984.

I recognised many of the faces that were partying hard in the old Rectory - including one very prominent local Councillor, who seemed rather tired and emotional. Fine work, Madam.

In an age where taking a digital photo is as throwaway as eating a packet of crisps, I wonder what Wivenhoe Memories in fifty years time will be like? Still analogue based in a walk around Loveless Hall? Or maybe augmented reality as you sit at home and engage with whatever online medium of the day that is the preferred social tool of all the cool kids?

I hope not.

I hope I’m able to walk (or sit) in the Loveless Hall and reflect on them good old days of May Fair 2011, getting slightly tired and emotional at the Regatta and how we use to be able to cycle along the Trail and out towards Colchester.

Many, many thanks to John for giving up his whole Bank Holiday weekend to put on the exhibition. The past was connected; the future is… there to be made.

Third Way political twaddle ahoy!

It’s a mighty long way down rock n’roll from the Royal Festival Hall, The Barbican and the Montreux Jazz Festival to… St Mary’s Church in Wivenhoe.

Blimey.

That’s the exact musical path however that local chap Chris Allard is about to take, with a homecoming concert arranged at the church for the 8th October.

I really wanted to catch up with Chris for a Wiv Chat recording as his story seems just perfect for what I am trying to capture for this project. Plus it’s not everyday that you get a personal rendition in your own kitchen by one of the country’s leading jazz guitarists.

Chris doesn’t have to play St Mary’s to help pay the bills. In fact I very much doubt that the rather generously priced £10 ticket for the St Mary’s show will cover all of the overheads involved in bringing an all star jazz band to little Wivenhoe.

Chris explained during our conversation how:

“I’m fond of Wivenhoe and I have just moved back here. We did a gig at Snape Maltings and it made sense for the band to come and stay over. They were very impressed at how lovely Wivenhoe was. We’ve been friends for ages and I just suggested that we organise a gig.”

That “we” just happens to be Jacqui Dankworth, described by The Times as “one of our finest Singers regardless of category” and Charlie Wood - nominated by Downbeat in the USA for Best Blues Album 2010 and a former keyboardist for Albert King.

Splendid though Even Song is at St Mary’s, I can’t see it competing with the appearance of an all star jazz band for one night only.

But there is so much more to the personal journey that Chris has taken leading him back to Wivenhoe, the town where he was born and grew up. Our conversation covers Millfields and the Colne schools, character building gigs in Clacton and Colchester and then the progression to the prestigious concert stages such as the Royal Festival Hall and the Barbican.

After fifteen years of the bright lights of London, Chris now finds himself settled in Wivenhoe, being able to carry on his career from his hometown base.

We also explore during the chat the logistics of a church gig. The altar area will act as a stage, the pews are perfect and the acoustics should work. What is impressive is that Chris is working with local people for promoting the show, as well as sound and events management on the night.

I have always believed that there is an appetite for jazz within Wivenhoe. The concert may just be the springboard to help resurrect the Wivenhoe Jazz Club.

Listening back to the recording for editing purposes (not a great deal to be honest) and I was struck with the absolute technical and creative brilliance of the personal performances I was privileged to be able to experience - LIVE and DIRECT from downtown Wivenhoe!

If one man and his guitar can produce such an uplifting musical delight whilst sitting in a Park Road kitchen, imagine what is possible at St Mary’s with the support of an all star band.

The concert will also feature Dudley Phillips on bass, who’s toured and recorded all over the world with artists including Bill Withers, Womack and Womack and Mark Knopfler.

Once again it really worth repeating: THIS IS COMING TO WIVENHOE!

Tickets for the show are available now at the Bookshop, priced at £10. If you are from out of town and can’t get to the Bookshop before 8th October, you can reserve them over the phone on 01206 824050. There is also a gig coming up at the Arts Center in Colchester on 13th November.

But for now, Wivenhoe can look forward to a very special night. The Royal Festival Hall, The Barbican the Montreux Jazz Festival… St Mary’s Church.

Nice.

Serving Brightlingsea, Wivenhoe and Nearby Villages, another fortnight passes and whaddya know - it’s only a personal delivery of the esteemed Brightlingsea and Wivenhoe Chronicle.

Hurrah!

I often worry about those mystical Nearby Villages. I often worry about Brightlingsea, but for completely different reasons. It’s a fine job that the Chronicle does in covering a news patch (get you) that stretches out from the University all the way across to the coast.

Caught up in-between of course are those Nearby Village. Some may say the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea. That’s the high price to pay for living in Alresford, Comrades.

But anyway - applying a BIG BLACK MARKER to all the Brightlingsea and Nearby Villages news pieces [as ever - start yer own hyperlocal blog] and what are we left with within the Wivenhoe news beat?

Um…?

Not a great deal for this fortnight, folks. Wivenhoe has been closed this weekend. That’s what Latitude does for a small estuary fishing town. But flicking through the newsprint pages, and those hyperlocal Wivenhoe news stories are there to be treasured, much in the same way as finding a reduced price loaf of harvest grain up at the Co-op.

I’ve been a hungry man of late - both for local gossip and harvest grain.

Sailing into town this weekend (see what I have done there?) is of course the Wivenhoe Regatta. Scoop Scarpenter recognises this with the snappy p.3 headline of:

The Wivenhoe Regatta

Tell It Like It Is, my good man.

“The Wivenhoe Regatta will start this year on the evening of Friday 22nd July with a pram race in the lower part of the town, and with main maritime and quayside activities on Saturday 23rd July.

Pram racing will start at 7:15pm outside The Station pub and will finish at the Black Buoy, with “mother and baby” having to drink half a pint of beer at all the pubs in lower Wivenhoe.”

Cripes.

I hope we’re not including The Legion, the Colne Social Club, the Sailing Club… etc.

“High tide is at 6pm and the maritime activities commence at 4pm. These will include a raft race, several rowing races and barge and smack races.”

And *possibly* some bonkers bloke still trying to work out how best to paddle his bloody kayak.

Blimey.

If you’re relying upon more traditional transport on Regatta day, then take the p.4 advice of Scoop, when he informs us:

The 74 Isn’t the Same Anymore

Tell It Like… blah blah blah…

“Recently the 74 bus route between Colchester and Clacton underwent a time saving alteration. It now runs along Rectory Road, Wivenhoe and misses out The Avenue and Belle Vue Road.”

It also leaves plenty of passengers, both elderly and young, somewhat stranded. Donctha just love this time saving progress?

But wait! What’s this?

Just as you start to organise a hike across half of the town in order to meet your loved one (s) off the No. 74 from Clacton (Kiss Me Quick, Comrades) and Scoop rather helpfully adds:

“However, it’s not quite as simple as that. On Sundays and during the evening after 7pm it will continue to run on the old route along The Avenue and Belle Vue Road.

Talk about a Magical Mystery Tour. I wonder what our friends from Nearby Villages make of it all?

The BEST headline in The Chronicle this fortnight of course goes to:

Wivenhoe Beavers Bury a Time Capsule

*straight face, Jase. straight face*

“As part of the activities nationally to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Beavers Scouts, an organisation for boys and girls 6 to 8 years of age [ah - I see...] the 1st Wivenhoe Beavers marked the event recently by burying a time capsule locally.”

And jolly smart and smiling the little chaps and chappesses look in the photo call as well.

“Contained in the capsule were various items including letters from the children about facilities and items they have now, but were not available for youngsters of their age 25 years ago.”

Like the 74 bus?

Whoops.

But for all the bad jokes, it’s better to leave it to the (semi) professional big boys and girls:

Comedy Time at Wivenhoe

I think you know what’s coming, chuckle friends…

“The next meeting of Wivenhoe’s very own comedy club, the Wivenhoe Funny Farm, will be held on Thursday 21st July [um, day of publishing for this blog post...]

The line-up will include previews from this year’s Edinburgh Festival with performances by Kevin Shepherd and Catie Wilkins. As usual the club night will be held in Wivenhoe Town Cricket Club’s pavilion, Rectory Road. Doors open at 7pm for an 8pm start.”

Splendid.

On a similar theme:

An Afternoon of Live Music, muses upon:

“An afternoon of live music and fun for all the family will be provided at Wivenhoe Town Cricket Club on Sunday 24th July. The event will run from 1pm to 6pm and music will be provided by the bands Bouncing Off Concrete and Praying Mantis.

“Tickets are strictly limited, no sales on the gate. They can be purchased at the Horse and Groom pub or at the cricket club on match days.”

Anything else to add? Alresford? Elmstead Market? Little Bentley?

So near, yet so far.

Different world, Comrades. Different World.

To the canoes! …was the rally cry come Saturday morning as @AnnaJCowen and I decided to sea test the kayaks that make us feel like we are proper sailing types.

Ahem.

Having bought a couple of basic entry level models from a rather charming sailing shop just outside of Clactonia, a whole month has passed where they have been sitting in the dry dock that doubles up as a back garden.

Whoops.

Time and tide, ‘n all that, and bugger me - we’ve not exactly been blessed of late with a tidal pattern that can be easily accommodated into a weekday and weekend working pattern.

A detailed study of the tidal charts and a consultation of the shipping forecast the night before (I lie - high tide for Brightlingsea - there’s an app for that…) and we were scheduled to be sea bound shortly after 1pm on Saturday.

But first how to get the beasts down to the Quay? This has been occupying my mind a lot of late. It’s not quite on par with a Middle East peace proposal, but warfare of sorts broke out around the regions of Park Road on Saturday.

Apologies to m’neighbours - the girl and I got in a strop over straps. The Rolls Royce of kayak trolleys had been bought, but the small print overlooked attaching the kayaks to the rock ‘n roll wheels.

No worries. A trip to B & Q and some industrial strength ratchet ties were ours for the taking. But not for the tying. We bodged a solution of sorts, and then fell flat on our feet before we even hit the Colne Social Club.

Back to basics it was, and we resorted to the good old-fashioned backbreaking method of carrying the canoes by the handles down to the Sailing Club. The High Street was well off our radar - no one wants to see a feuding couple encased in tight black rubber with additional S & M cable straps wandering past the Deli on a Saturday lunchtime.

Anglesea Road was a pain, but the pleasure was all to come once we hit the water. Wivenhoe is surprisingly short on slipways - there’s either the old Sailing Club entry point by the Ferry launch, or out towards the barrier and the current Sailing Club location.

It was to our very good fortune that just as the champagne bottles were smashed against the hull (not as a symbolic gesture, but as something of a tonsil tickler before hitting the water) we encountered another canoeing couple.

Cripes.

Tips were exchanged, black bondage was mutually admired.

And then we were water bound.

Blimey.

I potted about in canoes as a youth, thinking that a bright red phallic fibreglass body would aid my sexual chances. I know how to control my wrist action, especially so when sitting in an unnatural position.

It was to my great joy then to relive this moment of frisson from my youth, making those first few strokes into the muddy water of the Colne and drifting dangerously close to the flood barrier.

I looked back at the girl and found that she hadn’t even managed to wriggle free of the slipway. I’ve always doubted her technique, to be honest.

It may be a beast to carry down to the Quay, but the kayak glides like an absolute beauty once you are in the water. Observing Wivenhoe from a low water level provides a stunning new perspective.

You can of course get over-romanticised about a bloody canoe, but there was a great sense of history approaching the town from the water, something that generations of folk in Wivenhoe have been accustomed to.

Soon we were paddling past the Rose and Crown, onwards along the side of West Quay and then a sharp left up the Roman River. Fingringhoe had to be done, and preferably so before the already outgoing tide stranded us.

Five minutes up the twist and curves of the Roman River, and the North Essex aquatic nature totally immerses you. Thankfully no baptisms took place along the muddy waters of the North Essex estuary on Saturday afternoon.

Various birdlife accept you as part of their environment, flying incredibly close along the water and offering up spectacular viewing points. The Pisces within was a one happy man in a canoe. Meanwhile the Libra that is @AnnaJCowen was struggling to balance her boat, let alone her astrological scales.

We actually got lost up the Roman River - how is that possible? I’m not entirely sure, but we also managed to get lost along the Wivenhoe Trail the first time that we cycled it. The welcoming tower of St Mary’s was our guiding principle back to base.

A brief paddle upstream towards Rowhedge, and then a drift along with the outgoing tide back to the Sailing Club. Saturday afternoon tea was calling, as well as a hot shower. The Colne really is very mucky little pup.

And so a success of sorts. The struggle with the canoes back to base ‘aint great. We’re exploring other options (*cough* Sailing Club membership…)

But yeah - footloose and fancy free to explore the Colne, the Creek and all the many tributaries in-between. Any excuse to become encased in thick, black rubber.

To the Town Council Offices on Monday evening for an eve of Solstice pagan sacrifice, aka as a Wivenhoe Town Council monthly meeting. Peace, love and understanding were in the estuary air, and so was a Conservative Borough Councillor.

Cripes.

Suited and booted (me, not the Conservative Borough Councillor) and arriving fashionably late as ever, it was standing room only around the top civic table. I perched my backside strategically on the edge of the Press table, sitting on the fence and waiting to hear all about parking problems and dog pooh.

Eleven fine members of the public were left scrambling for seats for THE hot ticket in town that night. Bell ringing practice in Wivenhoe is on Wednesdays, Comrades.

Joining the Little People was a rare and welcome appearance from LibDem Councillor Manning of the Cross ward, Conservative Councillor Quarrie of the Quay and the ever present, ever smiling Councillor Ford, Labour’s red flag waving #workingforwivenhoe Comrade also from the Quay.

It’s not quite Never the Twain, but the political hot potato that was on everyone’s lips was when the chuffers will the Borough Councillors get it on with the Town Councillors?

Concern has been expressed by the UNPAID Town Councillors that communication with the big boys and girls of the Borough is not flowing quite as frequently as perhaps it should.

With Section 106 wonga floating around in Wivenhoe - a classic you scratch my back brown envelope time - the Town Councillors want to make sure that Borough Councillors are singing from the same St Mary’s Wivenhoe hymn sheet.

“Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always.”

And whilst yer at it, let’s chuck some cash from the Cook’s payback fund on a much needed new zebra crossing outside of the Co-op, Comrades.

It’s a fun filled life being a Borough Councillor. Sacrifices have to be made, and we’re not talking about the Solstice shindig on the muddy banks of the Colne either. Friday night has been put aside as a possible timeslot when Never the Twain will divvy up the local dosh.

Phew, rock ‘n roll.

A bit of local admin, and then we were straight in with Reports from the Borough and County Councillors.

It’s all about accountability, I tell ya…

Councillor Young, Labour’s representative on Essex County Council (seriously) was unavailable, but had kindly submitted a written report:

“New ways of working with Highways should make it easier for 20mph zones to be introduced around both schools in Wivenhoe. I have been in constant dialogue with Tracy Chapman, the Highways advisor on this.”

Hurrah!

Hang on - Tracy Chapman? 20mph? Talk about a Fast Car, etc.

Sticking with the #workingforwivenhoe Comrades, and Councillor Ford of the Quay was next to address the meeting:

“I called in the planning application for Rectory Hill. I was unhappy with the visibility of the approach, and the drainage. Highways are happy with the visibility, and I have been advised that the drainage concerns are a civil matter.

My concern about the limited parking space was upheld. The developer has hastily added in four extra parking spaces. The planning application has now been passed.”

Up towards the Cross ward and our two LibDem representatives have also been busy with congestion. A rare absence from Councillor Cory (pressing matters on the Policy Panel) but a written submission instead:

“I have been pressing the University about fixing a date for the Clingoe Hill closure ahead of the start of the Knowledge Gateway development. This has now been moved to the start of the summer holidays, to try and limit the congestion. I still expect we will have one - two weeks of aggravation.”

And then some.

Defying the #workingforwivenhoe election period claims that *ahem* “no LibDems are in Wivenhoe,” the Love Me I’m a Liberal lot then had safety in numbers with Councillor Manning of the Cross ward offering up his report to the Town Council:

“I am now sitting on the Planning Committee at Colchester Borough Council. NOTHING will get through.”

Cripes.

“I also have a new notebook to keep track of all the potholes that continue to appear.”

Yeah, and possibly a pitch to become a Glum Councillor as well.

Fine work, though fella.

It’s not quite a case of shuffling the deckchairs on the Titanic, but Conservative Councillor Quarrie of the Quay reported:

“I have been moved off Planning and now sit on Licensing.”

Which must be bad news for the 24/7 nightclub that I had planned for the Quay.

“Parking around the Cook’s development remains a key issue. The road has yet to be adopted by the County Council, which causes problems when we are trying to police it.”

Eight years and counting, my good Councillor…

Also giving cause for concern is the re-routing of the 74 bus route. Peter Kay, the Public Transport Representative explained how First Group, the current franchise operator, has sneakily slipped in a new route, which completely bypasses the town, turning off for Clacton instead.

“How ridiculous,” commented Councillor Kraft. She wasn’t alone in her observations and a polite, but purposeful letter is probably being penned from WTC right now.

The concern is that the move has been poorly advertised. Yoof may catch the bus, expecting a journey into Wivenhoe. With the sudden turn off, they could be out of town and out of funds as they speed off for an impromptu away day at the seaside.

A lengthy conversation then followed about the 20mph zone along the railway bridge at the bottom of the town. I became completely lost; I wasn’t alone.

Speaking in relation to transport matters, Peter Kay then posed the question:

“What does Wivenhoe Town Council propose to do about the annual nonsense that is the Wivenhoe May Fair?”

Cripes.

Awkward.

Having had this curveball thrown at him from across the civic chamber, Mayor Needham composed himself and offered up the reply that the May Fair Committee are working with WTC on future solutions.

Moving on…

Perhaps a bit of Planning to get the party back on track? Former Councillors Liddy and Purdey have been granted special powers (oooh!) to continue the fine work that they have started in representing WTC when it comes to all things Cook’s.

As for that old family favourite of the planned new Wivenhoe Surgery? Councillor Lodge updated with news that the deal is “far from dead.” The PCT has put the plan to the Doctor’s at the old surgery to see if they want to move forward.

Having a pre-defined national NHS policy as a framework in which to make these decisions would be nice.

Hey hoe.

In WTC Personnel news - THIS JUST IN: New litter picker James has impressed so much that he has been awarded a permanent position after the successful completion of his trial.

Hurrah!

Handling the aftermath of May Fair must have been a stern test, and one that James handled magnificently.

Onto the best bit - the Best Value Committee (aka secretly as the pre-WTC prepping meet where the real Council business is decided - behind closes doors - or so the suggestion has been made to me…)

Anyone been to Stanway of late? Apart from offering up a most splendid jazz club, my knowledge of our Colchester near neighbours is somewhat limited. This is all about to change, with WTC proposing to adopt the Stanway system of committees for local governance. The buggers better have the ACE Working Woods Party.

Back to Wivenhoe however, and in a turkeys voting for Christmas move, WTC agreed unanimously to foot the bill to pay for Mayoral badges for ex-Mayor’s.

Mmm…

It’s a badge of honour, and probably on balance one that is a worthy memento for the UNPAID work of Wivenhoe Town Councillors during their hectic year of civil service.

A slight shuffle along the press bench, and it was here that I made my strategic switch to *shhh* the Conservative hot seat.

Cripes.

All the best parties finally kick into action as the night closes in, and as the public chamber emptied and m’Conservative friend departed to ponder why Wivenhoe still hasn’t got a new surgery under the inspiring leadership of the Coalition, I played musical chairs.

Mr Mayor updated WTC about his activities, in what has been a very busy first month in office:

“I have attended sixteen formal events in the past month. The highlights included visiting Wivenhoe Youth Hub [ditto] the parade of the 16 Air Assault Brigade through Colchester, the opening of the *shhh* Quiet Garden at Broomgove Shcool and the Helping Hands AGM.”

Pleased to report that Helping Hands appears to be in sound financial hands, thanks to some very generous donations locally.

Five points then came out of the Community Safety feedback:

(i) Inconsiderate parking remains an issue (even though WTC, after taking police advice, decided not to implement a considerate parking scheme within the town…)

(ii) The local crime figures are low. A slight increase in burglary however has been recorded. The police have suggested that this is possibly a local gang, with laptops and TV’s being the main items going missing.

(iii) Traffic routes to Cook’s Shipyard have deviated.

Eh?

It appears that companies that don’t take the designated route down Valley Road are in danger of losing their contracts. Keep yer eyes peeled around *cough* Queens Road, Comrades.

(iv) Ball games by the Medway are showing some signs for concerns. Elder kids are getting slightly enthusiastic, with the balls entering into the road.

(v) And finally Speed Watch - this is now being rolled out during the school run hours, with a focus upon Bobbitt’s Way and Elmstead Road.

A brief break for the passing around the chamber of the official civic spearmints (receipts available for inspection on request) and then whaddya know - apt timing and Finance.

Quotes are being sourced for a possible asbestos survey for the William Loveless Hall toilets. It’s a dirty job, but someone’s got to do it, etc.

In Correspondence news and an appeal for support from WTC for the emerging Radio Wivenhoe group has been received. This is not necessarily financial, but an endorsement.

Granted, with Mr Mayor proudly declaring:

“This is a positive feature for Wivenhoe. It is an aid for further communication and helps to promote the town. We earnestly support Radio Wivenhoe.”

Splendid.

Someone should sign that man up for a guest spot on Wiv Chat.

Oh, hang on…

A rallying call then went out for players to take part in the annual Town Cricket Match on the evening of 13th July at Rectory Road. The official civic quotation that came out on the evening is:

“WE WANT TO WACK THEM.”

Cripes.

Any Other Business?

With the Ten Acres development looking likely to start soon, a new access road will be in place within Wivenhoe. Peter Hill has formally suggested naming this in memory of Dr Ted Palmer.

Plus no WTC meeting can be complete without the perennial Engine Shed rumour.

HONK!!!!

Massive rumour alert: minuted, but not necessarily economical with the truth, the continual pub gossip of the old Engine Shed being bought up by a developer wrapped up the meeting.

Any views?

A stunned silence filled the chamber.

Time for that pagan sacrifice in the Network Rail car park, Comrades?

[kind facebook readers - you may want to head over here for the full embedded multi-media twaddle of an extravaganza...]

I have heard so many tales told about Jaywick during my relatively short spell out here on the estuary wilds. I’ve heard the contradictions between art deco splendour and the dereliction and poverty of the place. I’ve heard about the pride that the locals have for the area and the ridicule that other North Essex folk inflict upon the village. I’ve heard about the unique charm of the Jaywick Martello Tower.

Time to explore for myself I thought, and so after a few false starts, Friday afternoon presented me with the perfect opportunity to become a back seat driver as the good @LeePugh10 put the pedal down and lived the dream with a road trip to Jaywick.

Some things hurt more than cars and girls, baby. Jaywick is sadly one of them.

I fell in love with area as soon as we started the descent down towards the sea. The randomness of Jaywick is unique and inspiring. A lone beach shop was optimistically pushing dinghies and beach balls during a blustery late May afternoon. The Brooklands estate carved out a community that you are unlikely to find in Clacton or Colchester, with the ad hoc architecture creating a mini-town of extensions and planning by mistake. The jellied eels stall was closed.

This is a place where I want to live, I boastfully declared to @AnnaJCowen. My driving companion almost came a cropper as he composed himself as we navigated the rubble track down towards the Jaywick Martello Tower.

Ah yes - about that North Essex Napoleonic military structure that is now home to a thriving community of artists as well as being a focal education point within the area…

Built in 1809 as part of the twenty-one coastline protection fortresses from Monsieur Bonaparte, Jaywick has somehow survived military service, two World Wars, dereliction, decline and now rejuvenation - all without a single cannon fire being blasted in out in North Essex anger..

It now not only survives, but actually triumphs as the focal point for the local community. Established artists such as Nathan Coley have exhibited nearby; local artisans and local schools use the space in-between.

The ground floor offers a traditional style museum exhibit with the first floor put aside to a more contemporary gallery space. Poking your head above the parapet and the outdoor upper level provides the perfect vantage point to survey your North Essex kingdom and beyond.

With Clacton to the left, Brightlingsea to the right, and even a clear view stretching ahead to the Kent coast, you can see why Napoleon was fearful of the North Essex locals back in the day.

I was introduced to the very fine company of Kerith Ririe, the Tower Manager at Jaywick. The sense of history and opportunity for future optimism needed some perspective. Kerith very kindly agreed to record an audio conversation, providing the perfect feel between the past and present that the Jaywick Martello Tower has to offer.

The scene as we looked out from the viewing tower continually changed throughout our short conversation. What a most fascinating place to work, observing the ever changing climate and being the key holder to a unique part of North Essex coastal history.

I spent half an hour then trying to capture the ambience of the Tower on camera. This was very much a living building, with local mums and kids coming and going as the afternoon unfolded.

The future for the Jaywick Martello Tower seems secure. If it can survive the threat of an invading French army, and then some two hundred years later have an online twitter presence, then I like to think that the rather random and odd looking little gem on the North Essex coast can be with us for another couple of centuries to come.

With the good @LeePugh10 putting his foot down once again for Exit Jaywick, my back seat driving skills centred once again on the craziness and character of the forgotten coastal resort.

All road trips eventually end in Heartbreak. To Clactonia! was the shout, as I turned my head and looked back towards the Tower.

Never look back, Jase. Never look back.

The romantic within wants to return to Jaywick and become involved in the charm of this place. The Jaywick Martello Tower and I have some future history to record.

Full flickr feed over here.

Plus: here’s the audio only, just in case the bandwidth hungry audio slideshow at the top of the post decides to topple my server over once again.

Plus plus: a selection of images, including some very kindly supplied by Kerith showing the Tower under construction before opening as a local arts and cultural site.

This piece was first published in the brilliant Colchester 101 magazine. Copies are available for free around pubs, shops and other public places in the town.

The Colchester Carnival is coming to town and members of the local community shrug their shoulders and say meh… Actually, that is incredibly unfair. Having stepped in to try and salvage the Carnival, Colchester Round Table deserves every success in its efforts to keep this local tradition of floats, um, afloat.

The problem is one of image - isn’t that always the case with Carnivals? I’m not talking about pasty-faced coppers grinning a nervous cheesy pose for the photographers, but the problem of the complete disaster that was the attempt to stage the Colchester Carnival some twelve months ago.

It’s not great to dwell upon past mistakes, but to look forward July 16th this summer we need to know exactly what went wrong between the previous organisers and Colchester Borough Council.

Councillor Nick Barlow, the cabinet member for Economic Development, Culture and Tourism (work ‘n play) recognises that mistakes were made. Writing on his personal blog, he states:

“There’s an extremely lengthy post or article to be written by someone on all the reasons why Colchester Carnival didn’t take place this year, but that’s for another time…”

The main fallout was centred around safety, the procession route, road signage and stewarding. It’s not as simple as stating let’s throw a massive street party and see what happens.

The economics of the High Street are central to the Colchester economy. Whilst you’re wiggling your bottom in the air and getting all hot and steamy down Head Street, the local shopkeepers are out of pocket.

Thankfully the Round Table has the support of the Council this year, as well as some very generous contributions from local businesses. Systematic Logistics International has very kindly offered for the free use of its lorries for the floats. Likewise the Round Table is offering free participation for non-profit organistations, community groups and schools.

Which brings us round to exactly what is the point of a carnival in Colchester? You can see where the tradition in Rio de Janeiro and Notting Hill comes from, but in Britain’s Oldest Recorded Town?

Ah, ye ancient cynic - Colchester has a proud tradition of partying, with the Carnival being dormant for only a relatively short period of time. No one is claiming that Colchester can compete with the colour of Notting Hill, and I’m not sure that locally we even want to, either.

Nope - it should all be about the local. Yeah, it’s cheesy, but the Roman heritage is something to celebrate. We need floats full of local kids proud of their history and past. A generic samba beat and booty shaking procession may be fun (or maybe not) but it doesn’t speak to Colchester.

The mid-July timing is perfect for the schools. The kids will be sky high ahead of the six-week break, and this should be a day in which the town comes together before we all bugger off to Clacton for the summer break.

It’s a delicate balancing act that the Round Table has in asking for support from local businesses, the Council, and most important of all, the people of Colchester. Hopefully the enthusiasm can carry us through the summer, all the way through to the August Bank Holiday and the Colchester Free Festival.

Meh?

Yeah!

This piece was first published in the brilliant Colchester 101 magazine. Copies are available for free around pubs, shops and other public places in the town.

With all this talk of potential city status for Colchester, sometimes you just need to step outside of the town centre and reflect upon the natural beauty that we are blessed to find on our doorstep - I’m not talking about the Greenstead Estate, either.

You may laugh at the idea of the Essex Riviera; the coastal landscape of the Colchester surrounds remains an undiscovered secret for many. Sure we have Clacton, Frinton and Walton to remind us of our childhood holidays. The whole of the Tendring Peninsula though is something of a Playboy’s (or girls) paradise when it comes to the great outdoors.

Now is the right time to go rambling, if indeed there ever is a right time to put on the walking boots, a bobble hat and pretend that you can read an Ordinance Survey map. Spring has finally arrived around these parts, and the landscape from the town centre out towards the coast is changing every day.

Brightlingsea would be a good starting point for any away day of discovery. The beauty is not so much in the destination itself, but the journey that takes you out to the closest stretch of coast outside of Colchester.

With the old Crab ‘n Winkle railway line long since lost to the Beeching Axe of ’63, the No. 78 bus is your friend. But not for the outward journey - the idea is for a walk along the Colne as it transcends from being a pleasant town centre river, to becoming a full on estuary on the edges of the North Sea.

Nine miles in total is the distance to walk. Follow the Colne, and on route and you will pass the historic (and now re-vitlaised) old port at the Hythe, the village charm of lower Wivenhoe, the rural and brutal landscape around Alresford Creek, the charm of Thorrington Tidal Mill, and then finally destination Brightlingsea.

A boat is then required to travel any further up the North Essex coast. For a day trip I would recommend that you get familiar with many of the fine pubs in Brightlingsea itself. With perfect town centre planning, the No. 78 bus even stops right outside the traditional Railway Tavern.

It is so easy to get caught up in an urban lifestyle as Colchester continues to expand. The edges of the town are now unrecognisable to only two decades ago. Somehow though a sense of scenic beauty manages to resist the clamour for city status, putting up natural barriers to allow rural pleasures such as the walk out to Brightlingsea.

Essex University has managed to stop Wivenhoe becoming a suburb of Colchester; Alresford Creek conveniently cuts up any attempt to put in place a direct road route all the way out towards Brightlingsea. The old port town itself is cut off from nearby Mersea, with a round trip all the way back towards the Hythe required to encounter the other side of the estuary.

And so while we rightfully continue the growth of Colchester, both commercially and culturally, sometimes it is a simple back to basics approach that reminds you of why so many of us choose to live and work in the area.

Oh - the walk out towards Brightlingsea also touches upon the edges of the Greenstead as well.

Published as part of the Keep Colchester Cycling project.

Early Saturday morning and I couldn’t resist the urge to roll out with VC Revolution. The Colchester based cycling club has been on my radar for a number of months now. Foul winter estuary weather, and new home household chores could no longer be put up as a feeble excuse.

The club offers a number of different rides to suit all cycling abilities. As well as the Saturday social spin, time trials, sportives and even trips to velos for track racing all appear on the club calendar.

But riding a bike is the most social of activities. You have strength in the collective chain gang mentality; fixing a roadside puncture in solitary isolation is no fun - the Saturday social ride was for me.

It has been some time since my last serious road ride. I use to be a regular with the Dulwich Paragon back in my South London days. The Giant road bike has been stored away in the bike shed at the bottom of the garden since the Great Escape.

A brief sprint to Brightlingsea and back a few weekends back tested out the mechanics. A slipped chain and a bruised backside - both could be fixed.

I rolled out of Wivenhoe, and then freewheeled all the way down Boundary Road. It is this pure escapism and fanciful feeling that you get from cycling that keeps me pushing the pedals. I may have looked a loon, lycra clad and arched back as I descended down a North Essex semi-private road. But for one small moment, I was King of the Mountains, descending one of the great climbs and bound for glory.

Actually I was bound for the Harwich Road and the regular 9am meeting point for the lovely folk of @VC_Revolution. There is something quite exciting about riding with a new club for the first time. You know nothing of the route, let alone the pace and racing abilities of your fellow riders.

I have experienced great friendships from many cycling clubs over the years, but the warm welcome and acceptance from VC_Revolution was perhaps the most pleasing. A pelaton of twenty cyclists cleated up, and then with a flick of the elbow from the lead rider, the pack rolled out somewhere toward, um…

I still get lost trying to get from one end of Colchester High Street to the other, and so trying to plot a forty plus mile round route is asking the impossible for me. All that I can recall is that we headed out towards Clacton, went through Wix (ACE name) and then approached the Oldest Recorded once again via Mistley.

It wasn’t too much of a demanding route, and would certainly be suitable for inexperienced club riders. There are a couple of climbs, and a couple of bunch sprints. It’s all very social, as one would expect from a Saturday club ride.

Riding blind and not knowing what lay ahead, I experienced complete body and mechanical harmony. There were no worries about which gear to be in, or what level of climb lay around the bend. I was simply cycling in the purest form - pedaling and panting.

The road riding hand signals, gestures and etiquette soon came back to me. I was shouting out “CAR UP!,” “CAR BACK!” and “HOLE!” with the best of them. Plus no club ride would be complete without the silly cycling hand signals - I’m not talking about the five finger shuffle, either.

The second bunch sprint took us towards the delightful Mistley Place Park, where the pelaton stopped for a coffee. The view of the estuary as we approached was stunning for a blue sky spring day. There was something remarkably civilised about sipping cappuccino as the hens and ducks waddled around our cycling shoes.

Riders departed one by one en route back into Sunny Colchester, with home destinations and family afternoon commitments calling. This is the beauty of these club rides - you roll out rather early on a weekend, and are then back at base for midday, with the enormous sense of achievement and satisfaction.

I was back in Wivenhoe just as most of the town was slowly, slowly coming to life. It may have taken me six months to get back into the club saddle once again, but in @VC_Revolution, I’ve certainly found a local Colchester Club that is social in every sense.

@VC_Revoultion club rides take place every Saturday, rolling out at 9am at the junction of St Johns Road and Parsons Heath (A137) opposite the former Lindhill Car dealership. The ride covers around forty miles, usually between 17-18mph, though nobody gets left behind. New riders are welcome to turn up at the start just before 9am.

Chapeau!