Issue 34
Cover photo by Jon Sturdy Photography
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Bricklesea Bygones (and thoughts of the future) “Time for reflection and concern” I have been tapping out my memories of our little town in various ways for over 25 years and collecting memorabilia since probably the age of Ten, including dozens of old postcards and old letters and publications all relating to our little town which is rapidly growing like never before and is no longer little and as I delve into the past and at the same time keep an eye on what is going on in the major development around us. I am not a killjoy but what I see worries me greatly. The development in Robinson Road stretching down to East End Green has trebled in size from the original Granville Way and over the Road in the old Ham River aggregate site plans are afoot for Holiday homes and throughout the town houses are popping up like Japanese Knot Weed, houses and bungalows are appearing everywhere and the finished development on the old James and Stone site would look in place on the Thames not Brightlingsea Creek. The sewerage system is bracing itself for dozens more homes to send an unbelievable amount to it daily, but more concerningly is the huge rise in traffic in and out of our little town 7 days a week, even recently one broken Man Hole cover at the S bend between Church Hill and Coopers Hill caused Havoc for days and it will only get worse. I like one road in and out, but how much longer can the District Council keep increasing our Town before they start thinking of a second Brightlingsea Road? History can be sprung to life when a named road sets the grey matter
into action when for example Church Road relates to All Saints Church or Duke Street and Wellington Street relate to the Duke of Wellington-PH which still stand as a building on the corner of those two streets and as Station Road leads to the site of the Old Rail Station where the Community Centre stands now, three good examples of Historical Sites which to a stranger or visitor is a temptation to find out why or where, which in the first instance takes them to our wonderful Museum in Station Road which houses so much information on this dear town since its conception and expertly managed by the Curator Margaret Stone and her gallant staff of volunteers. Yes! Margaret and her team are doing a grand job and also as my jottings are connected to present and past. I see an awareness that concerns me somewhat. My monthly page in the Flyer and by others in town alert visitors and new inhabitants to our history as do unusual road names that relate to a famous past resident or just an interesting name, With the developments it will put a massive increase in drainage of the town and probably more so an even bigger problem to the Sewerage system. Then apart from this I feel the biggest concern is the fear that our Monday to Friday open Doctors Surgery, (a rarity in England) may be put at risk by this massive increase in population, not forgetting the immense extra workload on our single Chemist which at present on occasions struggles with the present situation.
So, my appeal to our Town and District Councillors is > Take Action and halt any more major developments in our wonderful Town before it is too late. I believe local and District Elections are not too far away so never was there a better time to take positive action. May I suggest a halt on all Major housing in Brightlingsea and having been given information on some proposed names for the latest development in Robinson Road may we keep the interest of the past alive with more names such as “Swindlehurst” and the most appropriate name for the land at the end of the site “Whale Close”, because just a few yards from
the Easterly boundary of the site lies the remains of our own legendry B’sea Whale in the Land owned by Brightlingsea Town Council, and what an opportunity to erect a mounted plaque with the details of the Whale true story, with a grassed area also a sturdy seat to brighten up this scruffy corner of our town at the end of the Public Footpath from the UR Church in Chapel Road, at present there is no resting place in this corner of our Town. Currently it’s just an idea, but what a goodwill suggestion for the developers. “Keep our History alive” Roy Birnie
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Issue 35: 21/04/19 Issue 36: 21/05/19
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Legal Update by Jane Pleass Your friendly local solicitor
It was just last year in 2018 that we celebrated 100 years of some women being allowed to vote. Emmeline Pankhurst, Millicent Fawcett and many many others having fought long and hard over a number of years in order to be recognised as equals with men. The Representation of the People Act in 1918 gave the vote to women over 30 who met a minimum property qualification. However, even after being allowed to vote, women were still not permitted
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to enter the legal profession, or indeed accountancy or the upper ranks of the civil service. Previously, in 1914, following a campaign to allow women to enter the legal profession, a test case, Bebb v The Law Society found that “women could not become solicitors as they had never been solicitors” Which seems to me to be rather perverse logic. However, it was not until a year after being given the vote, in 1919, when The Sex Discrimination (Removal) Act was passed, that women were allowed to become solicitors, barristers, and magistrates. Until then females were not even able to be jurors. Even this act was a watered down version of The Women’s Emancipation Bill which had earlier passed through the House of Commons but was
thrown out by the House of Lords. The Emancipation Bill was a Labour party private members bill that would have not only allowed women into the professions, but would also given all women the vote on equal terms with men and enabled them to sit in the House of Lords. In fact, equal voting rights had to wait until 1928 and women were not permitted to sit in the House of Lords until 1958 During a debate on the proposed Emancipation Bill, MP’s from all parties supported the idea of women being allowed into the law, arguing that it would bring a much needed “new perspective”, particularly to the magistrates court. One MP, a Captain Loseby, himself a schoolmaster and barrister, talked about his six sisters who, despite being equally intelligent as him, had only the option of being governesses, schoolmistresses or nurses all of which he described as “honourable but underpaid, overworked and ill-fed professions”
removed some of the barriers that had previously barred women from entering the professions, there were still a number of obstacles that prevented large numbers of women from taking up careers, such as the bar on married women from entering or remaining in the professions. Hard to believe but even as late as the 1960’s women working at any level in our banks were forced to resign immediately after getting married. The Act also contained various provisos that prevented women from entering the foreign and diplomatic service, and also allowed judges to appoint all male juries. Which was something that many of them chose to do for some long time afterwards.
Lord Buckmaster in looking to reassure the House of Lords said of the bill “Nobody thinks that this bill is going to flood the legal profession with women. It will enable a few women, who are peculiarly qualified, to earn an honourable living.”
Although not as radical as some had hoped, the 1919 act was very significant for the law. Previously women had no role in court other than as either defendants or witnesses but now they could participate in every aspect and it opened the door for people that you will never have heard of, such as Carrie Morrison, Ivy Williams and Helena Normanton to enter the legal profession and paved the way for your friendly local solicitor to have a 30 year career.
He was right, in that, although The Sex Discrimination (Removal) Act
2019 - Celebrating 100 years of women in law
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Check your information to Calling all potential Lifeguards Vote in the May Local Elections Leisure World Colchester is holding swimming test will then attend an Ensure you’re eligible to vote in the Borough Council elections on 2 May.Residents aged 18 or over are being reminded to check that their details on the Electoral Register are up to date, by Friday 12 April, to ensure they’re eligible to vote in the Borough Council elections on 2 May. Colchester residents who have changed their name, moved to a new house, turned 18 or never registered to vote can quickly and easily update or join the Register at www.gov.uk/ register-to-vote. Everyone across the borough who is on the Register will receive their polling card from the council between 22 March – 1 April. The polling cards confirm the location of the elector’s polling station. You do not need to register again, if you have received a poll card. Anyone who is registered but unable to cast their vote at their polling station on 2 May can apply for a postal vote by downloading and returning a form by 5pm on Monday, 15 April, or a proxy vote by 5pm on Wednesday 24 April. To help all borough residents prepare ahead of
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casting their votes in the Colchester Borough Council elections being held on 2 May 2019, information about polling stations, borough wards and boundaries and the voting process is available at www.colchester.gov.uk/ elections. Colchester Borough Council’s Electoral Registration Officer, Adrian Pritchard, said: “I encourage all residents aged 18 and over to vote in the 2 May elections and have their say on the important issues in the borough. “Every residents’ vote matter and it’s important to make sure your details are up to date on the Register and you’re aware of the deadlines for registration, postal and proxy votes. Look out for your polling card and apply for a postal or proxy vote if you’re not able to vote at a polling station. Details of all this and more is available on our website to help residents prepare.” Information for candidates wishing to stand for election to the Borough Council is also available online.
a Lifeguard Recruitment Open Day Wednesday 24 April.
Have you ever thought about working as a lifeguard… but don’t have the qualifications? Leisure World Colchester is currently recruiting for lifeguards to work in its Leisure, Fitness and Teaching Pools and is offering new recruits the chance to have all their training costs funded up front. Leisure World Colchester is holding a Lifeguard Recruitment Open Day Wednesday 24 April, starting at 8am. Applicants must be aged 16+ and are asked to complete an application form before 5pm on 22 April. On the day, candidates will be asked to complete a swimming test to show that they can: jump/dive into deep water; swim 50 metres (2 lengths of the Fitness Pool) in no more than 60 seconds; swim 100 metres (4 lengths of the Fitness Pool) continuously on their front and back; tread water for 30 seconds; surface dive to the floor of the pool (3.7m), and climb out of the pool unaided without ladders or steps. Those that pass the
interview on the same day. Successful candidates will have the cost of a National Pool Lifeguard Qualification funded up front, giving them the opportunity to earn money and gain great experience in a full-time leisure career, right from their first day. Cllr Nick Barlow, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Commercial Services, said: “Becoming a lifeguard at Leisure World gives you the opportunity to gain fantastic work experience in the leisure sector, allows you to work in a fun environment, and provides an important service to your community. I would encourage all those that are interested to complete an application form and come along to the Recruitment Day.” Leisure World is a fun and exciting place to work with excellent rates of pay from £9 per hour, plus access to the Colchester Borough Council staff benefits scheme. For more information and to complete an application form visit: colchesterleisureworld.co.uk/ bealifeguard
Get Outside and De-Stress and relax in comfort and luxury With the internet age taking over so much of our everyday lives sometimes its just great to get away from it all and get out and explore Britain or possibly even Europe? Camping is no longer a poor holiday alternative to the vacation abroad and with the new generation of Air Tents and glamorous accessories there is no need to rough it. Most campsites offer electric hook up for your tents so heaters, hair straighteners and hairdryers are all possible in your tent! Children love the freedom to explore on the campsite in a safe area with other new friends and the adults can relax and have quality down time away from the pressures of modern life.
When we go camping we spend most, if not all of our time outside. Mentally focussing on all the things that make you feel great outside can do wonders for your mind and soul. Life pauses and stress levels drop making it a fantastic time for your body to have a break. The feeling of simple achievement are also very rewarding. Such as pitching a tent, setting up the camper van or caravan, and making a home away from home. This answers one of our very basic needs to create shelter. Then if we start a fire, cook our food with minimal tools, and sleep and wake with nature we get into the rhythm of nature and basic survival, therefore nurturing our natural instincts.
When we go camping we also love the process of simplifying, subtracting and stripping back from our normal cluttered and hectic daily lives. This gives us more opportunity to really get in touch with nature, find some solitude and time to switch off, and simply to breath. This space and clarity allows us to really see everything in natures playground, listen to it speak and be reminded of how amazing it all is. This in turn helps us put everything else back into perspective. Being outside in the fresh air also seems to heighten our senses, which can bring more rewards. Food tastes better, air smells cleaner and the birds and nature sound louder. At Camperite Lesiure the 3 main staff have over combined
85 years of experience working with campers and caravanners to help them choose the right tent or awning for there holiday along with all the equipment they could possibly need for a family holiday. There main aim is on customer service and great prices that can often be cheaper than online or big superstores. They even make sure there tents are cheaper in store than online as well as offereing a price match so you really cant go wrong. With tents erected outside so you can wander about abd get a true outdoor feel it really is worth a visit to your local camping shop that’s been supplying quality camping equipment to the people of Colchester for over 30 years.
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Colchester Borough Council supports communities to clean up as part of country’s biggest mass-action environmental campaign Colchester Borough Council (CBC) has pledged its support for this year’s Great British Spring Clean run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy. The campaign, which runs from March 22 to April 23, will see up to half a million people acting to clean up streets, parks and beaches across the country. The Great British Spring Clean brings together individuals, community organisations, businesses and councils to make a difference to the environment on our doorstep, and in 2018 around 370,000 #LitterHeroes collected more than 630,000 bags of rubbish. Last year, ward councillors and Colchester Borough Council’s Zone Wardens joined community groups and residents to pick up litter within the borough. A total of 16 organised litter picks took place. Over the campaign, 2763 kilograms of litter and waste were collected – mostly consisting of bottles, wrappers and plastic bags.
Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton said: “The Great British Spring Clean is an opportunity for the millions of people who care about the environment on their doorstep to do something positive that will make a visible difference. “We are delighted that CBC is supporting this year’s campaign and would like to thank them for their support. “Without councils across the country giving the campaign their backing, our volunteers would not be able to do the incredible job they do.” CBC is encouraging all Colchesterbased community groups or individuals who sign up to support this year’s Great British Spring Clean to contact communities@colchester. gov.uk. CBC’s Zone Wardens will then ensure enough clear sacks are available for litter picks and will organise for the collection of sacks after each event. Cllr Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder Waste, Environment & Transportation,
said: “Keeping Colchester free of litter is something we can all contribute towards. I am pleased we are supporting this campaign again this year, particularly with the focus on separating the litter ready for recycling. “If we all chip in, we can make a difference and make a Better Colchester. I will of course be rolling my sleeves up and arranging events myself!” This year’s campaign will not only see tonnes of litter being removed from the environment on our doorstep, it also aims to rescue thousands of the
plastic bottles and aluminium drinks cans that are simply thrown on the ground but could, very easily, be recycled. Using the ‘three bags full’ approach, volunteers will be asked to separate the litter they pick into three bags: one for plastic bottles; one for aluminium cans and a third for the rest of the rubbish. CBC will then collect these bags to ensure that they are recycled appropriately. To find out more about the Great British Spring Clean visit www.keepbritaintidy.org
01621 893834 t 07900 332795 8
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Join Colchester Zoo for an eggs-stra special Easter this half term
Join Colchester Zoo for an eggs-stra special Easter this half term, with so much to see and do, you’re bound to leave with a spring in your step! Learn more about the animals and see them up close by watching an array of daily encounters and discover the wonders of wildlife with a number of interactive activities as you explore the park. PLUS you can even feed some of our gentle giants for FREE at our daily public elephant and giraffe feeds! You can also purchase a pot of nectar for just £1 and hand feed our rainbow lorikeets their favourite treat in our Australian Rainbows aviary. Don’t forget to pop into the Interactive Zone at the Discovery
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Centre where you can watch your drawings come to life on our live drawing wall! You can also build your own landscape in our interactive sand pit, watch as rivers and mountains appear with the changing levels you create! The Zoo Crew’s favourite magician is making an appearance this Easter! Magic Iain will be performing his fun, interactive, family magic show at 11am & 2pm on the 9th, 11th, 16th and 18th Aprilon the main stage outside Penguini’s Restaurant. Approx. running time 30mins. Book your E-tickets online for fantastic savings offering affordable days out this Easter! Find out more about the wild adventure that awaits you at Colchester Zoo by visiting www.colchesterzoo.org
Quick Crossword Puzzle
ACROSS 1 Narrow escape from encounter with sharp razor? (5,5) 9 On reflection Val is hard but generous (6) 10 Gran gets ring back in very short time (10) 11 Person revered by one pretty girl mostly (4) 12 One who foretells financial advantage for the auditor (7) 15 Cuts around university floodgates (7) 16 Irritable character in Grahame’s story (5) 17 Rocks and Ecstasy impounded by judge (4) 18 Prevent vessels returning (4) 19 One following strict diet, say, in the lead (5) 21 Territorial dispute causing conflct at the racecourse? (4,3) 22 Left with beam after show (7) 24 Metal item used to control pet (4) 27 Symbolic tales spreading lies galore (10) 28 Striking single, move faster than opponent (6) 29 Forced away gentle bird (5,5) DOWN 2 One departing bar is heard (6) 3 Northerner puts son on bed (4) 4 Around lake there’s poor protection (7) 5 Above taking part in wildcat operations (4) 6 Ageing tree starts to look yellowish (7) 7 One justifying V-sign (10) 8 Could be holy popish thinking (10) 12 At sea patrol boat loses a little time in Welsh seaside town (4,6) 13 Responds excessively when engineer gets stuck into ham (10) 14 Sailor takes exercise to become thinner (5) 15 Reversed roles for band (5) 19 Homeless person in Virginia given allowance (7) 20 Is familiar we hear with happy bunch... (7) 23 ...a toff, too (2,4) 25 Predatory creature rising with tide (4) 26 A danger to swimmers in Oregon and California (4)
01206 564179 01473 780477
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SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1 close shave. 9 lavish. 10 nanosecond. 11 idol. 12 prophet. 15 sluices. 16 ratty. 17 reef. 18 stop. 19 vegan. 21 turf war. 22 portray. 24 lead. 27 allegories. 28 outrun. 29 tawny eagle. DOWN: 2 leaver. 3 scot. 4 shelter. 5 atop. 6 elderly. 7 vindicator. 8 philosophy. 12 Port Talbot. 13 overreacts. 14 taper. 15 strap. 19 vagrant. 20 nosegay. 23 as well. 25 flow. 26 orca.
Start your own Colchester Roman Avenue of Remembrance War Invasion with Visit Colchester! English Tourism Week takes place this year from the 30 March – 7 April. Following Visit Colchester’s Roman Invasion of Liverpool Street Station this month, and to support English Tourism Week, we would like to encourage as many people as possible to get out and about and discover the many great tourist attractions that Colchester, Britain’s First City, offers visitors and residents alike. English Tourism Week is a week-long celebration of tourism in England and takes place this year from the 30 March – 7 April, to mark the start of the new tourist season. Pop in to see the friendly team at the Visitor Information Centre and find out how you can start your very own Colchester Roman Invasion with friends and family, by letting them know of all the great touristy things you can do in your own town! To celebrate we are giving away FREE Visit Colchester goodies to the first 50 people who head to the Visitor Centre in Hollytrees Museum each day, for the duration of English Tourism Week.
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In AD49, Camulodunum (Colchester) was the first place in Britain to be given the status of a Roman Colonia or City by the Emperor Claudius and was also the first capital of Roman Britain. Today, Britain’s First City boasts a plethora of Roman heritage sites to visit – from the oldest and longest Roman city walls, to the Roman Circus Centre where visitors can explore the history of the only Roman chariot racing track to be discovered in Britain. This Easter, children (and adults!) can go on a great Rotten Romans and Naughty Normans guided walking tour packed full of plenty of gory details, that children will love! Any Roman Invasion is not complete without a visit to Colchester Castle. The Castle was constructed with recycled Roman materials and is the largest Norman Keep in Europe. Built on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius, it’s a great place to visit with family this Easter. Why not head along on Sunday 14 April and come face to face with the Dragon, but only if you are brave enough!
Memorial to be refurbished The memorial features plaques listing the names of all those who had commemorative trees planted along the Avenue of Remembrance in 1933 Colchester Borough Council is starting a programme of refurbishment at the Avenue of Remembrance First World War memorial, situated at the junction of Colne Bank Avenue and North Station Road. The memorial features plaques listing the names of all those who had commemorative trees planted along the Avenue of Remembrance in 1933. A total of 140 names feature on the plaques. The first part of the refurbishment will see the now-faded plaques removed and taken away to be cleaned and restored. This work is being undertaken by A. Clarke Memorials and will take a few weeks. The next stage of the refurbishment will see the seating area weeded and pressure-washed, and the seats taken away to be cleaned and repainted. The existing bollards will also be repainted, and the existing bin will be replaced.
When planting season begins in September, new plants and shrubs will be planted as well as a new hedge. To make the area more accessible, new paving will also be installed, once the planting has taken place. Cllr Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Portfolio Holder for Waste, Sustainability and Infrastructure, said: “This War Memorial needs some refurbishment and I am glad that as part of our Better Colchester campaign, we are making this possible. “The refurbishment of the war memorial forms part of longerterm regeneration plans for North Station Road. The proposal to seek Conservation Area Status for this part of the town will be going to the Local Plan Committee, this spring, and we are seeking to secure grant funding to improve some of the buildings in the road and the historic bridge crossing the river Colne.” The refurbishment of the War Memorial will cost £13,670.
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Colne Medical Centre Her job is to meet members of the community and find out what is stopping them getting active, listen to their ideas and aspirations, and understand how we can help increase participation in activity, now and in the future. To book a place at the meeting please call the surgery and ask to speak to Katie Pirie or send an email to cmc. prg@nhs.net
Changes to our phone system The practice has had a new phone system installed. It is now possible to leave an answerphone message if you need to cancel your appointment.
Patient Reference Group The next group meeting will be held on Wednesday 10th April. Cheryl Lomas who is the Local Delivery Pilot Coordinator for Tendring is going to give a talk.
Organ Donation News Max and Keira’s Law, also known as the Organ Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill 2017-19, or ‘opt-out’ bill, has been granted Royal Assent, giving formal confirmation that the Bill will now become law. From spring 2020, all adults in England will be considered as potential organ donors when they die unless they had recorded a decision not to donate or are in one of the
Useful Phone Numbers Boots Pharmacy .............................................................................01206 302029 Brightlingsea Museum ....................................................................01206 303286 Brightlingsea Sports Centre.............................................................01206 304946 Brightlingsea Swimming Pool .........................................................01206 303067 Brightlingsea Town Council ............................................................01206 303535 Colchester Hospital..........................................................................01206 747474 Colne Yacht Club .............................................................................01206 302594 Colne View Dentist ..........................................................................01206 302307 Dentist ............................................................................................01206 305080 Doctors surgery ..............................................................................01206 302522 Ferry Mobile ...................................................................................07981 450169 Harbour Office ................................................................................01206 302200 Library ............................................................................................01206 302399 Post Office ............................................................................. 01206 302600 Rail Enquiries ..................................................................................08457 484950 Tendring District Council .................................................................01255 686868 Community Police ...........................................................................07801 316879 Fire Safety Officer ..........................................................................07779 129888 Affinity Water ..................................................................................08451 489299 All Gas Emergencies ..........................................................................0800 111999 All Power cuts .................................................................................0800 3163105 Doctor’s Surgery ..............................................................................01206 302522 Pharmacist @ Boots ........................................................................01206 302029 Minor Injuries Clinic ........................................................................01255 201594 Local Police (non emergency) ..........................................................................101 14
excluded groups. These excluded groups include people who have been ordinarily resident in England for less than 12 months, under 18s and people who lack the capacity to understand the change. Families will still be involved before any organ or tissue donation goes ahead and NHS Blood and Transplant Specialist Nurses will continue to speak with families about their loved one’s decision. Anthony Clarkson, Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation for NHS Blood and Transplant, says: “Our research shows that eight in ten people in England say they definitely want to donate or would consider donating some or all of their organs. However, as it currently stands, only
just over a third of adults have told their partner or family that they want to donate their organs after they die. “We hope that once this new law is implemented in Spring 2020, we will see more people and families agreeing to donation, enabling more lifesaving transplants to take place as has happened in Wales since their move to an Opt-Out organ donation system. For further information please visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk
Easter opening times Good Friday 19th April- closed Easter Monday 22nd April- closed In an emergency please phone 01206 302522
OWLs Monthly News We often hear the cry ‘Old age is not for wimps!’ as people talk about all sorts of pains. This month we have been looking at some information about mental health. We were surprised to learn, for example, that depression is likely to affect 23% of men and 28% of women aged 65 or over – a high number in anyone’s reckoning! One way of looking at it is - if you are feeling a bit low – worried about things, you are certainly not alone. Which leads us to ask some questions: how good are we at recognising or admitting that we are feeling low? How difficult do we find it to find someone to talk to? Have we tried to seek help but not been listened to? Is there somewhere we feel confident we can go to get advice? A good source of information comes from Independent Age – an organisation we have quoted before. Their booklet ‘Dealing with Depression’ defines mental health as ‘emotional wellbeing’ and goes on to look at when we don’t feel good. ‘Worrying and feeling sad are normal parts of life – but if these feelings don’t go away – they could be a sign of depression.’ There is a list of thoughts and feelings which might indicate depression including: being irritable, having difficulty concentrating, being restless, being
very tearful, having trouble sleeping, over- or under- eating, feeling hopeless……. But what to do? The booklet suggests • find a good listener - friends, family, or someone you trust or try The Silver Line 0800 4708090 available 24/7 • Talk to your GP. There might be a number of reasons why you feel as you do and GPs are able to advise as well as prescribe • Self-help sources - like Moodzone on the NHS Choices website www. nhs.uk/moodzone • Keep connected - loneliness and isolation can contribute to anxiety - ‘try to stay in touch even if it feels a bit of an effort at first.’ • Stay active - OWLs regularly talks about this! See our leaflet for possible ways to make new contact, take up new activities ‘Dealing with Depression’ is just one of the many booklets produced by Independent Age and their booklets are available from 0800 319 6789 or their website www.independentage.org. If you would like any further information or would like us to investigate a particular issue, do please contact us on 01206 303375 or youwalk@btinternet.com
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