onionbagblog

Late Wednesday afternoon and a *cough* crack photographer was despatched to the splendour of the churchyard at St Mary’s for a photo shoot to help plug the Church Ale event taking place over the weekend of 17th - 18th September.

Church? Beer? Hang on…

It’s not quite what you think, Comrades. Although not the main theme, beer is involved. The Church Ale is also a very inclusive event for all in the town - don’t let any religious prejudices put you off from enjoying the magnificent programme that has been put together.

The most splendid Church Ale website itself is probably a good starting point to define what is planned:

“In Medieval times, Ales’ were held in support of many different causes: The church-ale, held to encourage parishioners to come and pay their tithes and so to help pay for the upkeep of the church building; the bride-ale, used to benefit a newly married couple; the clerk-ale, to support the impoverished curate.

What all these ales have in common is that they were communal drinking sessions to raise funds. It was also an opportunity to socialise, and contributed to the social solidarity of the community.”

So yeah - it’s about beer, but more importantly it’s also about socialising and helping to build a sense of community. It’s also about watching the newly installed Mayor Needham get garbed up in some Medieval robe and leading a procession through the town.

I’ll drink to that.

A tremendous amount of planning has already been entered into this event. Co-operation with both local schools is key, as the organisers try to make this a genuine community supported occasion.

As for the actual ale? The fine folk of the Sticklegs Brewery in nearby Elmstead Market have been extremely supportive. Having sampled the booze at the recent Greyhound beer festival, it has already registered on my radar for the weekend of 17th - 18th September.

No booze passed my lips in the churchyard at St Mary’s on Wednesday afternoon for the photo shoot - I’m saving myself for September, fellow believers.

Chin chin.

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?

Serving Brightlingsea, Wivenhoe and Nearby Villages, the simple sword of truth and the trusty shield of British fair play that is The Brightlingsea and Wivenhoe Chronicle is with us once again.

Hurrah!

It’s a cracking read in The Chronicle once again this fortnight. With those out of towners @TheGazette getting it all so very wrong over the May Fair story, it is pleasing to see local scribe Scoop Scarpenter present a Tell It Like It Is approach to local news reporting.

But first - how’s about a pic of a handsome chap wearing a gold chain, grinning out at you from the front cover?

Oh goody.

The Towns’ New Mayors is the lead, with a nice photo (taken by a hit and miss snapper) of Councillor Needham, the new Mayor of Wivenhoe:

“Born and bred in Wivenhoe, Robert Needham is now starting his third year on Wivenhoe Town Council. He is a former police dog handler and Sergeant, serving with Essex Police over a period of 30 years, and later becoming Community Operations Manager for Colchester Borough Council.”

He also runs a tight ship when it comes to chairing meetings, not to mention being a charming host at Open Gardens.

The Chronicle also documents Mayor Needham’s work on the severe weather policy for the town, as well as his role in helping to set up Helping Hands in the town.

“Wivenhoe is certainly diverse.”

We wish him well..

Likewise for Radio Wivenhoe, the new online broadcasting station that has been set up down at the Business Centre, which gets the p.2 treatment. Mr Mule writes:

“Wivenhoe now has its own radio station which will go live in early July. The station was initially the idea of Jerry Davis, who’s long harboured ambitions to create a radio station in the area.”

The Chronicle reports how forty volunteers turned up at The Greyhound last week to express an interest. The medium term plan is to apply for a community radio licence in 2013.

“Many of the volunteers seemed to be of the opinion that insufficient radio airtime was being allocated to forms of music outside of mainstream tastes. A majority of people at the meeting thought that Wivenhoe had the flair and breadth of talent to eventually create a radio station tailored to the town’s own needs.”

Not ‘arf.

The first Wiv Chat recording with a hit and miss *ahem* broadcaster has already been lined up for this week.

Blimey.

“For listeners, Radio Wivenhoe can be found at www.radiowivenhoe.co.uk. The email address is [email protected].”

You could even try [email protected]

Cripes.

Keeping with the Chronicle's catchy headlines, Independent Booksellers Week of Activities once again Tells It Like It Is:

“A number of activities for people of all ages will be organised in Wivenhoe as part of the Independent Booksellers Week. Run locally by the ever enterprising [and then some] Wivenhoe Bookshop, events start on 17th June at 6:30pm with a book launch of Truth or Dare, a collection of short stories.”

The Bookshop’s brilliant blog contains further… reading. Plus this might be an apt occasion to publish once again the first of hopefully many more @audioboo’s to come from the Bookshop.

Local scribe and all round good chap, Ben Thomas (@Heskey1992) writes an ACE May Fair round up on p.6: Musical May Fair Never Fails to Entertain.

Ben covers all three main stages, taking in the commanding Ady Johnson, the rising local star Lou Terry and even the festival favourite, the bonkers Mr Sonic Manipulator.

“This year’s event has certainly left the large crowd pleased with the musical performances. Individuals who had travelled from across the country and further afield had nothing but positive reviews about the year’s entertainment.”

A separate news story on p. 11 runs with:

“Disturbances Break Out at the May Fair“

It’s a clever journo trick played by Scoop, and one that the likes of @The Gazette would do well to learn from. May Fair 2011 was mainly about the music. You can’t cover up the police presence towards the end, but this wasn’t the headline news here.

“By mid afternoon there appeared to be a number of drunken youths acting aggressively and there were reports of bottles being thrown at members of the public and also fights breaking out in the field, in the adjacent wooded area, and also in The Avenue, Wivenhoe.

After calls were made to the police, two officers at first arrived, but by 6pm more than 40 police officers had been deployed to Wivenhoe to handle the various incidents.”

Hardly the “hundreds of youths” that @TheGazette got slightly over-excited with in its irresponsible, and inaccurate, reporting.

The Chronicle continues:

“A 20 year-old man from Marks Tey had been arrested prior to the main disturbance on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly and has since been charged with this offence and two offences of criminal damage.

Two 15 year-old boys were arrested just before 8pm on suspicion of assault and they have been bailed until 17th July while enquiries continue.”

Tell It Like It Is.

Meanwhile, the Battle of the May Fair makes for sombre reflection. Time to plan for 2012…

Moving on…

Who fancies an evening covering “immigration, religion, Zionism, Islamic jihad and the ongoing problem of people who are not yet middle class?”

Cripes.

Liam Mullone will bring all the above of to Wivenhoe during his performance at the Funny Farm at the Cricket Club 30th June. The Chronicle also reports Juliet Meyers and David Hannant are also appearing.

Meanwhile:

“Have you thought about joining the scouting adventure as a leader?”

Um…

p.7 carries the very urgent need for Wivenhoe Scouts to recruit a new scouting top dog. Further details via [email protected].

Ivan Sage writes a lovely review on p.10 of Wivenhoe’s ADP Theatre School’s production of Around the World 2 - Return Ticket, recently performed in Clacton. The show heads to the Charter Hall in Colchester on 25th June.

Local legends The Medlars meddling at Wivenhoe Folk Club on 7thJuly at The Flag are featured on p. 12; sharing the space is mention of the Helping Hands AGM at the Sailing Club on 16th June at 7:30pm. New volunteers welcome…

Now Hear This:

“The Hearing Care Centre will be holding its next Wivenhoe Open Day on 29th June at Wivenhoe Eyecare Opticians, 1 Belle Vue Road. Free, no obligation hearing tests and expert-advice on any hearing related problems are available.”

The Spanish Paintings exhibition at the Wivenhoe Gallery gets a plug on p.14, and that as they say is adios from Scoop for the next fortnight.

Fine work, fella.

And so there I was, walking down the High Street, past the Philip Road Centre and pondering how Wivenhoe Youth Hub is progressing some four months after my first lovely, lovely visit. An opening up of the inbox back at base and whaddya know - it’s only an invite to catch up and see how the Hub continues to grow from strength to strength.

Ace.

The Hub has been building upon the success since the re-launch at the start of the year. The Tuesday evening sessions for the younger folk around the town remain incredibly successful. Thursday night is for Year 8 and upwards, with membership also growing over recent months.

Having visited on a Tuesday evening previously, I was keen to find out how Thursday nights are shaping up. A whirlwind tour took in archery, rowing, a BBQ, conversations, catching up with a Colchester Borough Councillor and having a firm, civic handshake from the ever present and newly installed Mr Mayor of Wivenhoe.

Woh.

Yep - the Hub is having something of heyday right now.

As well as the usual activities such as pool, computer games and outdoor sports, Thursday evening saw a visit from the Hub’s friends from the Essex Boys and Girls Club based at Chelmsford. Rowing and archery were on the agenda. Both proved to be incredibly popular.

With forty or so young folk turning up at The Hub on Tuesday evenings and thirty on Thursdays, the Hub is still keen to recruit more members. Local organiser and volunteer Michael Padmore told me that it is encouraging to see the Thursday night sessions grow, but he is keen to continue to expand the membership.

It’s all incredibly informal - there is a small admission charge on the door, and then you’re pretty much in. With a committed team of local adult volunteers, the Hub is a safe and relaxing environment for all that help to make it such a success. Extra adult volunteers are also always welcome, with the only skills needed being enthusiasm and agreeing to have a CRB check carried out.

Having spent half an hour or so as a relative stranger walking around, it was wonderful to see the level of acceptance and interest in what I was doing down at The Hub.

“Um, I’m being nosey, taking a few photos [CRB checked - four times over for the day jobs...] and looking for some volunteers to have a chat with and explain more about what precisely goes off down here at the Phillip Road Centre.”

I wasn’t short on candidates.

As touched upon in the audioboo above, it’s not all about computer games or kicking a football about. The Youth Council plays a very genuine role in helping to shape local decisions around the town. Credit must go to Wivenhoe Town Council for allowing this level of trust, but more importantly to the Youth Council members who are genuinely keen to help shape facilities for young folk around Wivenhoe.

Funding of course remains a constant struggle in these days of financial uncertainty. The retiring Mr Mayor very kindly handed over a generous donation to the Hub as part of his Charity Fund; Cllr Corey is also looking at new ways to obtain funding from Colchester Borough Council.

But the best support that the Hub can receive is simply to continue to grow. New members, new volunteers, new ideas. It may sound like some claptrap of a Third Way of political thinking, but once you have that critical mass of membership, it is difficult for any organisation to deny funding.

If you want to get involved with The Hub, then a good starting point for any interested adult volunteers would be to contact Michael over here. The junior and senior sessions take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays - simply turning up and introducing yourself should do the trick.

I look forward to following the continued growth of The Hub…

To the Nottage on Wednesday evening for the monthly meeting of the Wivenhoe Society committee. Our usual reading room setting had been shifted to the front of the building, providing a panoramic view of the Quay and the rainfall coming up the estuary.

Pretty and being p***ed on from up above - it’s not quite the perfect metaphor for the problems that a local society supportive of a town encounters, but with issues such as planning, the Environment Agency vandalism and the Colchester City status bid, the view from the Nottage fitted the themes of the evening.

We had the pleasure of the company of the good Councillor Needham, the newly installed Mayor of Wivenhoe. De-chained and looking lean and mean (just give the fella three months into the hectic civic schedule…) Mr Mayor updated the committee on the main points from the Wivenhoe Town Council meeting held on Monday.

The WTC adoption of the Wet Dock in the Cook’s Development is an area that concerns Cllr Needham:

“This will be a millstone for all of Wivenhoe if we proceed with it. The upkeep of the dry dock from incoming silt will be costly; there are also insurance worries. The developer wanted us to have unlimited insurance. WTC has taken legal advice and we have been advised not to proceed.”

The possible purchase of the now empty police station and police houses is also still on the agenda:

“We need to get a move on - WTC was in purdah when the correspondence went out. We were restricted in what we could do because of the protocol of electing a new Council.”

A private planning matter down at Alma Street was also raised, with Mr Mayor simply alerting WivSoc to an area that the committee takes an active interest in.

Don’t forget my personal policy of not commenting in public on private planning applications. Still holding out for that nightclub at the bottom of the garden…

Worthy of a sneering comment however is the Planning Application in Retrospect that has been put in for a property up at Cracknell Close. This is a building that has a very valid use in housing disabled residents, yet still the planning laws need to be observed - or not, as the case appears to be here.

Having been turned down in February with an original application for the extension of the living accommodation, the exact same application has now been re-submitted “in retrospect.” Which is formal talk for saying: whoops - we’ve done the building work anyway and we want to try and formalise it now that the horse has bolted.

It makes a, um, ass of the law, Comrades…

Sticking with Planning and HONK!!!! MAJOR RUMOUR ALERT!!!!

The Engine Shed is gonna become student accommodation. You heard it here first (or probably in The Greyhound / Station / Black Buoy etc.)

No documentation has been presented to justify this rumour, but apparently it is doing the rounds, no doubt crossing over with that *cough* well reasoned rumour about Bowie headlining May Fair.

In what was something of a shorter than usual WivSoc meeting, the social calendar was next up for consideration. Forget al those student parties in the Engine Shed to celebrate the purchase of the police station, the schedule looks something like this:

21st and 22nd May - Open Gardens

17th July - Crabbing Competition

23rd July - Wivenhoe Town Regatta (and the intrigue of the Pram Race on the Friday evening…)

10th September - WivSoc Fun Day

2nd October - Riverbank clean-up

12th November - Craft Fair

18th November - Wine Tasting

We had the esteemed company of Queen Crab at the Nottage to update the committee with the well-organised plans for the Quayside competition this summer. In a shift back to the more traditional July date, the plan is to catch the kids (catch the crabs) before the little darlings disappear on their summer holidays.

Sunday 17th July has been identified as the most appropriate high tide, with the crabs of Wivenhoe (steady) up for inspection from 12:30 - 2:30.

And that was more or less yer lot for this month. I departed the Nottage with the drizzle disappearing and the light early summer evenings still fighting off the descending darkness.

A bit like WivSoc, really.

Wivsoc - 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.

To Broad Lane early on Friday evening, to tag along on the coat tails of the Royal Wedding bunting with a beer festival.

Blimey.

Actually, that’s not quite accurate. The Station was in our sights first, with a nuptial themed tea party / booze up taking place. The splendid Judith Chalmers popular local beat combo were playing their stuff, with a suitably wedding-tastic version of the Dark Side of the Moon adding to the happy happy joy joy sound upon our arrival.

A quick pint down at the bottom of the town, and then to the good fortune of @AnnaJCowen and I, a Broad Lane (ish) 61 bus rolled up for our convenience. It wasn’t quite the carriage of choice that the happy Establishment couple had boarded earlier in the day, but then Buckingham Palace wasn’t hosting a beer festival.

We were warmed along the route to encounter the good Mr Mayor elect hosting a garden tea party. An outrageously patriotic shirt, both equally splendid and intoxicating to the eye, was the order of the day. I’ve always said that the Town Council chamber needs livening up. Expect strobe lights ahead of the first meeting of the new administration.

A short walk along Elmstead Road, and then it was all about Broad Lane and booze. The biggest crowd of the season has assembled at the football club for the community day. We missed out on the main activity of the community football match, but soon made up for it at the bar.

Eight local Essex real ales were on offer; it would have been poor etiquette to the local economy not to sample each one. I became slightly tired and emotional after pint number three. My fourth trip to the bar led to my mental note of “hamster cage beer” to best describe the beautiful wooden aroma.

The live music was a mixed bag - lively, and both generational and genre crossing. A blues band was jamming when we arrived. This soon gave way to local Wivenhoe sensation Lou Terry - an outrageously talented local lad who was well supported by a group of yoof. A more traditional folk band brought us back down to earth. Or maybe it was the hamster cage beer?

Keeping with the Royal pageant theme, the dancing queen for the evening was a young princess wearing a tiara. Her partner was a young chap, dressed splendidly as, um, Superman. It sure beats all the Establishment costume twaddle of earlier in the day.

Another charming chat with the good Mr Chairman, and it seems that the Broad Lane vision of being opened up for all in the community to use is already being but into fruition. The Society for Children Affected with Neurological Symptoms are now using the clubhouse during the week as a social base in which to meet. Fantastic work for all involved, and hopefully the facilities can now start to expand.

And so twelve hours later after the happy Establishment couple had said “I do” in front of a worldwide audience of two billion, I repeated the same words to @AnnaJCowen in front of a Wivenhoe folk band.

“Do you want to wobble back to base?”

“Um, I do…”

Chin chin.

A WivSoc Wednesday with a difference this week - it’s only the AGM of our lovely local town civic society.

Cripes.

To the Nottage, fashionably late, and not so fashionably dressed. I did make an effort on the nautical front, sporting one of my latest charity shop finds from a recent trip to the Oldest Recorded.

Turns out that I wasn’t alone. For all yer Essex Man jibes, Wivenhoe Man is something of a salty sea dog. I wasn’t the only WivSoc Sir wearing a captain’s sea hat (although I take pride in the knowledge that mine was the biggest.)

Blimey.

But anyway - what of the business end of the WivSoc year? It was all routine stuff, with Mr Chair admirably sticking to the agenda, and sticking it (in a very, very polite way) to anything that might upset the balance of the old meets the new, that makes Wivenhoe such a charming place to live.

I say routine stuff, but when the annual log book for events organised by WivSoc takes in (deep breath…) Open Gardens, wine tasting, the Fun Day, two heritage walks (8th May imminent) two riverbank clean ups (10th April even more imminent) the Craft Fair, the Quayside crabbing, the Colne talk, the post-Christmas party, Hanging Basket competitions, helping out at the Regatta, then you can see how a routine year in Wivenhoe needs some sense of formal organising.

Which is precisely where the incredibly hard working WivSoc committee members come in. The meeting opened with the approval of the previous minutes, plus some fool wearing a silly sea hat walking in halfway through.

Whoops.

Mr Chair’s Report was deliberately brief - new members were made to fee most welcome.

The Secretary’s Report was the opportunity to outline in more detail some of the fine work of WivSoc over the past twelve months. Monitoring and responding to planning applications remains the main priority.

New procedures mean that objections now have to be channelled through Borough councillors, thus further complicating matters. WivSoc wishes to place on the record the support so far offered by Cllr Steve Ford of Wivenhoe Quay ward.

The WivSoc Newsletter was praised, providing members with quarterly updates not only on Society matters, but also locals items of a more general interest. I hear that the next issue has a half-decent front-page pic snapped by some hit and miss photographer.

For a Society that is all too conscience (often too Conscience in my opinion) of the ‘mature’ nature of the membership, it is rather ace to see the modern interweb being explored.

Members’ email updates are sent out when ever a matter of urgency arises. The Secretary highlighted recent issues such as the proposal to build on the land near to Millfields School, the sea wall clearance, Transition Town Wivenhoe updates and the impact of the Knowledge Gateway on the town as recent examples of online dialogue.

Outside of the internal mechanisms of WivSoc and it was also mentioned that the Society has a formal voice at the NAP meetings, the Wivenhoe Townscape Forum (local list) and still my fave ever group, the Wivenhoe Wood Working Party.

A big thank you went out to Cllr Bob Needham for giving up his Wednesday evenings once a month to offer feedback on WTC meetings. Nice hat m’Cllr friend - never mind the length, feel the thickness etc.

The Secretary wrapped up by saying that the WivSoc membership continues to grow, as well as observing developments within the town that reflect well for the future of Wivenhoe.

Helping Hands, Moving Image, TTW and *cough* the Wivenhoe Forum - all of these are positioned well to help out in Wivenhoe as we face what is likely to be unstable economic times ahead.

Speaking of all things fiscal - it’s only the WivSoc Treasurer’s Report…

The Society’s finances are “healthy.” Let’s leave it at that. Well, not quite… A *shhh* three figure surplus was made in the last financial year. No deficit deniers upstairs at the Nottage on Wednesday night.

£200 was donated towards Wivenhoe in Bloom. All social events made a profit. The increase in membership numbers covers the running cost of WivSoc.

Thanks were rightfully given to our friends from Rollo Estates, Eyecare, the Co-op and EWS skip hire, for very kind sponsorship and support over the year.

Chair’s Q & A simply put out the request for any tree expert within Wivenhoe to step forward. Help is needed in identifying any trees in the town that might need a little TLC. Having accidentally managed to floor one in my own back garden after only three months of living here, I thought it best not to volunteer.

The election of officers followed, with the motion to keep subscription rates as the same level also passed.

Any Other Business?

Um, booze?

Almost. Time first for a splendid talk by Anthony Roberts, the esteemed Artistic Director @ColchesterArts. With a #hyperlocal artistic history boasting Francis Bacon (sort of,) the Lakeside (not quite Wivenhoe) and the grand plans for the old Engine Shed (um…) Anthony was preaching to the converted.

We heard a wonderful social history of the old building, covering a barely plausible Humpty Dumpty reference, and leading up to the opening of the ace arts space in 1980.

Anthony then spelt out his vision for @ColchesterArts to champion new and emerging talent. The importance of online culture was emphasised, with a brilliant explanation of how the modern interweb has helped the centre to build new communities and change the artistic experience.

And then it was time for booze. Except @AnnaJCowen and I took something of a liking to the food first, and didn’t really move away from the buffet table. Some charming conversations followed, and then soon it was chucking out time at The Nottage.

No worries - we stopped off at the Rose and Crown and necked eight pints of Carlsberg each, and were back at base in time for the Ten O’clock News.

Only joking. It was the Eleven O’clock News. Fashionably late, and timing has never been my strong point. Nice nautical hat though.

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.

Woh - where to start with @Uni_of_Essex‘s Knowledge Gateway project and the projected impact that the flagship programme will have upon Wivenhoe residents?

Well…

The Nottage on a Friday night would be a good start. Having bundled a previous public meeting through inadequate advertising, the Estate Management team of our academic friends from up the road called Round 2.

Almost two hours later after a hostile dialogue between Town and Gown, some form of mediation was realised when Wivenhoe’s Mr Mayor, Brian Sinclair, summed up the mood at the meeting by stating:

“We are not against the University. We recognise the contribution that you make towards the town. Wivenhoe however is deeply concerned about the construction work involved for the Knowledge Gateway.

Oh the irony in the centre piece of the project being a Conflict and Resolution Centre…

In the blue corner representing the University were Andrew Nightingale, the Director of Estate Management, and his colleague, Andrew Heyward, the Knowledge Gateway Project Officer.

A two-thirds full floor was seated at the Nottage - not bad for a Friday night, and with many familiar local friendly faces including Wivenhoe Town Councillors Robert Needham and Penny Kraft, Colchester Borough Councillor Steve Ford and Essex County Councillor Julie Young.

The Knowledge Gateway is defined by the University as:

“The new home for social and scientific research and business space in Colchester.”

But not in Wivenhoe, I note.

Wivenhoe locals are defining the project as the road junction feeding into the already congested Clinghoe Hill.

Planning for the project was passed in 2005. Clearance of the site leading down to the Colne is already underway. Work on the highly contentious slip road will start in April of this year, lasting a total of seven weeks. The Knowledge Gateway itself has a completion date of five years from now.

Andrew Nightingale opened the meeting, stating:

“We are not use to presentations. We are very much campus contained. The University is conscientious however of the impact that this will have on the community. We apologise for the poor advertising for the first meeting. This is NOT a consultation though. We already have planning permission.”

Andrew then outlined some of the finer detail of the scheme. The Knowledge Gateway is not all about the pursuit of academic excellence. There is also the slight matter of making money from the project.

Roughly a quarter of the site has been put aside for private residential accommodation. The University is selling on the freehold to a developer, with 400,000 square feet of commercial space also contained within the plans.

But new builds and new businesses need some entry point to get into the homes and office space. The Tesco end of Boundary Road will be blocked off, and a new road will be built to feed into the site.

Before Wivenhoe locals start to get excited about an alternative route into Colchester, no surprises to discover that once again, this will be a private road. The barriers from Boundary Road will be replicated in the new development, only allowing University traffic and public transport to pass through.

So where does this leaves Wivenhoe locals wanting a route into the Greenstead and Tesco roundabouts? Ah, that will be everyone’s favourite commute of choice, Clinghoe Hill…

With congestion during the rush hour already making the journey from Colchester Road down to Greenstead a half hour (ish) hell (ish) experience, if you were a transport planner then common sense would suggest not to add further to this existing congestion problem.

Plans were shown at The Nottage on Friday evening for… a new slip road towards the top of Clinghoe Hill, built purely for the purpose of allowing University traffic to flow into the Knowledge Gateway. The University Estate staff tried to sell this flawed thinking to Wivenhoe folk as a safety argument:

“This well help students to cross Clinghoe Hill safely,” said Andrew Nightingale. “The new junction will provide a safe crossing from the Greenstead Estate.”

It was around this point in the evening when the usually mild-mannered and tolerant folk of Wivenhoe turned the heat up on our academic neighbours:

“There already is a safe crossing,” came the cry from the floor. “The students are too stupid to use it.”

Ouch.

If the long-term imposition of extra traffic on our one route out of Wivenhoe wasn’t bad enough, the construction process looks like cutting off Wivenhoe, with no adequate commuting route into Colchester.

The seven-week period starting in April of this year will reduce Clinghoe Hill to a solitary lane. Andrew Nightingale outlined the alternative transport options:

“Wivenhoe is well served by public busses. There is a car share scheme, and it is possible to walk into Colchester along the Wivenhoe Trail.”

It’s extremely picturesque, ‘n all that, even with the Knowledge Gateway being built right behind you - but walking for forty-five minutes or so each day into Colchester? You’ve got to be one hell of a nature lover to walk it like you talk it.

The meeting was then handed over to Martin Mason from the Highways Agency at Essex County Council. With the University pitch to try and sell the project to Wivenhoe complete, now was the time for the nuts and bolts of transport to be addressed.

“The original option to access the Knowledge Gateway was a roundabout. Following some fatalities, we then asked the University to re-visit the access solutions.”

“Why don’t you build a bridge for the students to cross?” came the cry from the floor.

“People don’t like using them. They are lazy and like the quickest route.”

As was then pointed out from the floor, for the nation’s next leaders to be playing a game of cat and mouse across Clinghoe Hill, doesn’t exactly inspire you with confidence for the future.

Mayor Brian Sinclair then addressed the meeting, stating the opposition that he has encountered for the construction work whilst talking to Wivenhoe locals around the town:

“Greenstead roundabout was perfect when it was first opened. The congestion problem only came later when Tesco’s opened. The pedestrian controlled crossings means that students simply press a button and the traffic comes to a standstill.

I respect the overall development and support the Knowledge Gateway. Our feeling on Wivenhoe Town Council however is that the decision was made with no local consultation with the road users of the entire Tendring peninsula. This new proposed junction is simply crazy.”

Questions from the floor were then invited, and unlike the pace of traffic along Clinghoe Hill, they came in thick and fast:

“Why isn’t Boundary Road being used to access the Knowledge Gateway”

“…the planning application didn’t stack up.”

“It didn’t stack up for who?”

No answer was given.

Councillor Penny Kraft asked:

“Have you actually spoken to local residents? The problem is the controlled pedestrian crossing. If you install another one as proposed, this is going to cause immense problems.”

“…we do listen to local residents,” came the reply.

Councillor Robert Needham enquired:

“Is this the final option?”

“…yep.”

“Who didn’t the figures stack up for with regards using Boundary Road?”

“Boundary Road would be a bomb,” was the answer.

Councillor Steve Ford then intervened, drawing upon his knowledge sitting on the Planning Committee at Colchester Borough Council:

“I would like to share some knowledge as to how these decisions are made. The developers carry out the projection of the traffic flow for this type of project. They obviously have a very prejudicial interest.”

Boundary Road once again dominated, with a question from the floor asking why Wivenhoe locals can’t use Boundary Road during the seven-week construction period.

“Boundary Road is… scheduled for roadworks during April to June.”

Which as pointed out from the floor, simply blows apart the suggestion that Wivenhoe folk can rely upon public transport during the construction period. Best dig out those walking boots, I say.

It was at this stage of the meeting that the weekend was starting to kick in, the sound of which was starting to drift in from the Rose and Crown nearby.

We ended with some degree of optimism. Mayor Sinclair once again praised the University and its broad objectives and benefits that it brings to Wivenhoe. There was plenty of broad agreement from the floor. Two thousand jobs are to be created as part of the project. The price to pay for this however is road congestion,

And so having sat through the two hour meeting, I have to come out with the disclaimer of, um… I don’t actually drive. As a non-user of Clinghoe Hill, I can only speculate as to the frustration this brings to regular commuters. You have my sympathy.

My own personal observation is the surrender of green space down by the Wivenhoe Trail. I am alarmed that this was granted planning permission with such ease. Once it’s gone, it’s gone for good.

It’s enough to make you want to stay within Wivenhoe.

Be careful for what you wish for, folks.

It looks like as you were with regards the on / off, opening / closing of Queens Road. @WivenhoeQRRA is carrying a story that comes out of a site meeting last week involving various local politicians and representation from Essex County Council:

“Following a number of recent comments and concerns over the closure of Queens Road, a site meeting was held on Friday 7th January 2011. The meeting involved Essex County Councillor - Julie Young: Deputy Wivenhoe Town Mayor - Councillor Robert Needham and Mr Adam Garland - Development Management Engineer from Essex County Council.”

It seems that the reason for the continued debate regarding the closure of Queens Road is related to the amendment of the original planning application submitted by the developer for Cook’s Shipyard, Phase Three:

“Prior to viewing the roads in lower Wivenhoe, Mr Garland outlined the original Planning Application conditions attached to the development of Cook’s Yard. This was granted conditional on the closure of Queens Road and involved a legal cost incurred by the developer.

After viewing the area, Mr Garland reported. “It would appear illogical from the developer’s point of view to be required to close the road for one application, only to be required to open it again for a minor amendment. I believe the developer would be in their rights to appeal the imposition of the condition on the grounds of costs and I do not feel it could be sustained in front of an Inspector.

Having regard to all, I do not feel that the requirement of the condition on this current planning application would fall within the tests for what is reasonable and would not be in the terms of the current legislation. In this regard and, as previously stated, Essex County Council cannot support the re-opening of Queens Road.”

As confirmed at the most recent Wivenhoe NAP, this is also the view of Wivenhoe Town Council. @Wivenhoe QRRA concludes by stating:

“On hearing of this meeting the Chair of QRRA, Pat Marsden also separately contacted Mr Garland who confirmed that Essex County Council Highway’s position regarding the re-opening of the road remained as previously stated.”

MAJOR disclaimer: I live *very* close to the QRRA footprint patch, but only just slightly outside of the boundary. The re-routed traffic arguably has an impact on my lifestyle.

I remain oblivious.

I do LOVE living in Wivenhoe [smiley smiley, etc, etc]