Issue 41
Cover photo by Jon Sturdy Photography
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Bricklesea Bygones By Roy Birnie “Whistling Dustmen, Muffin the Mule, Bagley’s Sticky Buns” Those silver-plated mantelpiece Trafalgar Square candlesticks having stood empty for months, now proudly placed on cotton wool and sporting 10-inch red candles: Sprigs of holly, rich with red berries. tucked under the framed prints hanging from the picture rail, and various wafts of wonderful aroma’s drifting in from the kitchen all hours of the day, was a sure sign Christmas was just a few days away; Every morning the postman would get later and later as his brown canvas bag got heavier with hundreds of Christmas cards. The dustmen on their rounds picking up the galvanised bins full of cinders and household rubbish from the side passage, banging them down while singing and whistling loudly, were they happy? Or were they whistling hoping for an Xmas tip? In the fifties these were good signs of Christmas coming, also the wonderful sound of the Salvation Army Band playing on the street corners, the International Stores (nowTesco’s) grocery boy’s delivering double the amount of goods on their trade bikes, stem ginger in syrup, cocktail cherries, piccalilli, tree crackers, sponge fingers, box’s of dates, figs and brandy snaps, just to mention a few of the goodies. Hidden in the sideboard were Terry’s burnt chocolate almonds, white and pink sugar mice, chocolate cigarettes pipes and cigars, several packets of Smiths crisps with the twisted blue salt bag, a round wooden box of Turkish delight and a tin of Scottish butter shortbread, all these I knew I would nibble at, would be tucked away in the Pantry, in the sideboard were the senior goodies, a bottle of VP sherry, Cockburn’s Port, Dubonet, (remember “do-av-a-Dubonet”)
several Babychams, a giant can of Party 7 beer, a tin of Tom Thumb cigars and two tubes of Castella’s. Beere and Hazleton the coal merchants in John Street had just tipped half a ton of coal down the shoot to the cellar and five bags of coke in the back-garden bunker for the Rayburn stove in the kitchen. As we left home to go to the shops the cold morning air took my breath away, Charlie Field the Coop milkman had left the day’s milk plus four ½ pint bottles of fresh orange on the doorstep for the big day, and we had to be careful as the hard frost had made it a bit slippery under foot. Opposite the bottom of John Street Mrs Hockley had two small Xmas trees leaning against her Greengrocery shop wall and a big heap of bright green brussel sprouts were prominent in the shop window. Frank Richardson snr (20 yards along high street) had dozens of turkeys and cockerels hanging from his high rails and in his window marble slabs were packed with huge rolls of dark beef with yellow fat, legs of pork diamond scoured for crackling, brawns, sweet pickled bacon, hams and salt beef. As we passed Jacobs Hall and the Doctors surgery to the general store of Eddie Phillips (Jacobs court) which was busy with shoppers, small snow flakes started to gently fall, and after mum had bought her two sticks of dirty celery and some chestnuts we called at Don Drakes fish shop opposite and bought some fresh scallops in shell for a Christmas eve treat, we then called at Gladys Gowers “House of a thousand tea pots” for a dozen cracked eggs, the shop was awash with Xmas
nick knacks, festive candle holders of all descriptions reindeers, snowmen, sleighs, robins, and dozens of candles in all shapes and sizes and I spotted just the thing for my uncle Fred, a 2/-china- fireplace and chimney ash tray, my last present sorted. At the top of Sydney street was my favourite shop Browns News and Toy shop (now an Undertakers) and as Mum went in to pay the paper bill (and probably the last payment on my present) I gazed at the array of toys in the two shop windows, Corgi and Dinky cars and trucks, Meccano sets, Bayko Building sets, Triang electric trains and Hornby clockwork passenger and goods train sets, Pinocchio and Muffin the Mule string puppets and a kiddie size Archie Andrews ventriloquist dummy and masses of toys for the girls in the other window, dolls houses and furniture kits, dolls of all sizes and dolls prams and push chairs by Triang, bakelite tea sets and miniature cookery sets with rolling pins, pastry cutters and mixing bowls and on the side of the display was a list of all the annuals in stock- Eagle, Beezer, Beano, Dandy, Bunty and Judy and many more, after gazing and wishing for a few minutes we were off to Bagley’s bakers for a tin loaf (we always liked the well cooked ones with a burnt top crust) and a couple of the miniature Hovis loaves, my favourite, and a few sticky buns. (Bagley’s used flour milled at Marriages Mill in Colchester baked in a Coal Fired oven, with the aroma and taste of yesteryear) Next to the bakers at Fred Mitchell’s boat building works hung several brace of pheasants, and a huge bunch of local holly and mistletoe, this was a sure sign that Christmas was close.
That was all mum wanted that day and we set off for home with the snow flakes getting larger all the time, as we passed the YMCA, Father Christmas, (who looked very much like Syd Vincent) was arriving at their Bazaar, and as we passed Bird’s Newsagents, George Bird was shouting and wagging his finger at a sad looking paperboy who had missed a delivery, I grinned and so did Mum, “never upset poor old George if you get a paper round there”. Just along the street we passed Charlie Snare sweeping the snow off his Barber Shop step “it’s a bit Brass Monkey’s today Mrs’s he bellowed out , Mum smiled and stared at me and said “Don’t even ask what he meant”. At Morrison’s Opticians just along a bit Mr Morrison was dragging a huge Christmas tree in to his flat. Pearson’s Café just before the corner had all its windows steamed up and Ruth their daughter was wiping the window and peered at the tumbling snow We turned the corner in to John Street and the sight that met us confirmed it was going to be an excellent Christmas, Heavy snow, white topped smoking chimneys, white roofs, white crowned fence and wall tops, white paths, gardens, and the road with the distinct chain wrapped tyre tracks left by the coal lorry. We trudged through the snow up John Street to our home in Stanley Avenue, to a welcome cup of cocoa and Bagley’s sticky bun enjoyed by the roaring coal fire in the lounge, two days to go! “ Yes” this is how it really was in the 1950’s Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year to you all, from Roy and Cath and all the Birnie Family.
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The biggest single issue facing the world Now that the General Election is over, a lot of key items will now be on the agenda of MP’s, and County, District & Parish Councillors. County Councilor Probably the one with the most Alan Goggin coverage in the press and social media is “Climate Change”! What ever your views there is no doubt that it is important. Very important! Many government levels have declared “states of emergency” and amongst these are Brightlingsea Town Council and Tendring District Council. In an executive statement from ECC [October 8 2019] the statement was made that “Climate Change is the biggest single issue facing not just Essex, but the entire world”. Various groups and committees have been established to investigate, and action, the problems. Its worth pointing out that for many years the subject has never been off the table, and at almost every decision making meeting I have attended over many
years the subject has often been mentioned and actions taken.
• nearly 50% of our workforce is now using reusable coffee cups,
to adopt more stringent sustainable practices
The overall problem is so huge that its fair to say that no one Council, or even country, has the single solution, but that doesn’t mean to say that actions [however small] can work towards a bigger solution. It’s a reasonable question to ask your Councillor – “what actions has Essex County Council taken over previous years”?
• converting 60 buses to be to more fuel efficient Euro VI,
We will be changing how residents travel, ensuring we prioritise and enable walking, cycling and public transport first
At Essex County Council we take the threat of Climate Change very seriously, and we prioritise action over words. We have already undertaken a raft of work in this area. Here are just a few examples. In no particular order of importance. We are: • replacing streetlights with LEDs, • supporting residents to purchase solar panels, saving 300 tonnes of carbon in year one alone, • installing solar power on our buildings and Essex Housing developments, saving 258 tonnes of CO2, • removing single use plastics from across our estate,
• encouraging residents to use public transport by improving “Park and Ride”, • installing electric vehicle charging points, • encouraging cycling, • we are also developing a Green Infrastructure Strategy, • we have created 63km of wild roadside verges,
We will be supporting the Greening of Town Centres by setting up a Green Essex Network
• protecting 1000 properties from flooding, often using innovative low carbon techniques such as Leaky Dams,
This Commission will also support significantly reducing our carbon footprint
• 90% of materials linked to our highways’ works are being recycled,
• We will buy green energy and generate more of our own renewable energy
• we are using sustainable materials on highways, like the innovative, award-winning use of bamboo to protect structures. • working to ensure new Garden Communities are sustainable. Our ambition is for tens of thousands of new homes, entire communities of the future built to be as energy efficient as possible Despite all of these projects, which is by no means an exhaustive list, we recognise that this is still not enough! More needs to be done to make a difference. While we recognised the importance of declaring a climate emergency at the LGA General Assembly. At Essex, we will take this a stage further, in the hope that it will inspire others to do the same. I am pleased to note that we are committed toa Climate Action Plan. ECC passed a motion to set up a cross party group to investigate what further actions could be undertaken to reduce carbon emissions and promote Green Infrastructure. Further there is an independent, cross-party Essex Climate Change Commission, which will meet in the future and be made up, not only of Councillors but of experts in the field as well. There is a budget of an initial quarter of a million pounds, which will be assigned to the group to help fund initiatives. Here is some of the work this Council has planned that we see this commission supporting: We will explore changing the procurement rules requiring suppliers
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We will be aligning with Defra’s Recycling & Waste strategy, ensuring we have Zero Avoidable Waste by 2050, the Commission could also explore how to achieve the government target on net zero carbon sooner than 2050
• We will take advantage of new innovations. An example of this: Essex Highways are exploring warm tarmac, - if rolled out across the country it would save at least 61,000 tonnes of CO2 - the equivalent of almost 300 million car journeys • And this council is already trialling carbon neutral school buildings at four school expansion projects across Essex, with projects completing as early as next year! I hope this demonstrates how seriously Essex County Council takes this issue. In October an announcement was made that we are embarking on a million pound tree project. Known as the ‘Essex Forest Initiative,’ this will include planting 375,000 trees across the County over the next 5 years, equivalent to the size of 210 football pitches. This is expected to capture 60,000 tonnes of carbon. Another 300 million car journeys. Tackling climate change is not just the role of one person, or one administration, or one country. We are all responsible custodians for our world. But by working with staff, partners, businesses, residents and communities, ECC will lead on reducing emissions, energy usage and waste across Essex, while increasing the amount of green infrastructure we have. I am passionate about improving everybody’s world.
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Christmas and New Year Recycling and Rubbish collection changes Residents are being reminded that their recycling and rubbish collection days will change over Christmas and New Year and are advised to check their recycling calendars for their collection dates. During Christmas week, there will be no collections on Christmas Day or Boxing Day. Collections which would normally fall on a Tuesday, will take place on Saturday 21 December and collections which usually take place on a Wednesday will take place on Tuesday (Christmas Eve). Thursday and Friday collections will be one day later than usual. During the week commencing 31 December, the Wednesday to Friday collections will be one day later than usual. In Colchester, different recycling and waste types are collected on alternating weeks, known as Green and Blue Weeks. The order of these will remain the same. The Council is also encouraging people to be mindful of what they waste over the Christmas and new year period. Nationally, we create 30 per cent more waste than usual over
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the Christmas period, however most of what is used at Christmas can be recycled: • Wrapping paper, cards and envelopes can all be placed in the clear paper recycling bag, unless it’s covered in glitter or metallic foil. Ribbons, bows and other adornments must be removed too • Glass bottles and cans can all be placed in green recycling boxes. • Turkey bones and other food scraps can go into the food waste caddy. Many leftovers can be frozen or reused. • Christmas trees can be recycled through St Helena Hospice’s Treecycle scheme by signing up here, or sawn up and placed in the garden waste sacks/bin. • Many plastic items such as bottles, pots and tubs can be recycled A full list of what items can and cannot be recycled in the borough is available online at colchester.gov.uk/recycling. Following the changes to kerbside plastic recycling earlier this year, residents are encouraged to visit
colchester.gov.uk/plastics to view Frequently Asked Questions about local plastic recycling. Councillor Mark Cory, Leader of Colchester Borough Council, said: “Due to the way the Christmas and New Year bank holidays fall this year, our recycling and rubbish collections dates are changing during 21 December – 4 January. We’re therefore encouraging residents to check their recycling calendar early, so they know when their collections are in this period. “We would also encourage everyone to be mindful of the environment this Christmas and think about the items they purchase, such as wrapping paper without glitter or foil which can be recycled. It’s also important to consider whether some items are really needed and if so, can they be recycled or reused or are there more sustainable alternatives.”
Collection days for householders will return to normal on Tuesday 7 January. To find your recycling and rubbish collection calendar, enter your postcode at www.colchester.gov.uk/ recycling.
Tree planting launch a great success Around 100 people got involved in planting trees at Spring Lane Park on Saturday, at the launch of Colchester Borough Council’s Colchester Woodland Project. The project, part of the Better Colchester campaign, will see over 200,000 trees planted across the borough over the next five years – including the planting of a new community woodland which is hoped to begin at the end of 2020. It’s one of the first green steps the council is taking since all Colchester councillors declared a climate emergency in July. The Leader of the Council, Cllr Mark Cory, and the Portfolio Holder for Business and Resources, Cllr David King, planted the first tree at the site. They then joined the volunteers in planting a variety of trees, including hawthorn, field maple, beech, lime, oak, rowan, silver birch and hazel. Nearly 2,000 trees were planted in total, with people of all ages working together to plant the trees in just
over two hours. A selection of tools were available, with a planting demonstration given by Colchester Borough Council staff. Volunteers also received a reusable aluminium water bottles as a thank you for taking part. Local resident and admin of Eco Colchester, an online environmental forum, Grace Darke, said: “It was a really fun and active way to spend a morning, the kids loved getting involved and we will treasure the memories we made. It felt so good taking part and left us feeling very proud and hopeful that our combined efforts as a community will really help to make a difference in Colchester.” Cllr King said: “It was fantastic to see so many people, young and old, turn up to help us launch such an important project. “The atmosphere and sense of community spirit was simply amazing, and this is at the very heart of the project. The Colchester Woodland Project is as much about community and demonstrating the
importance of trees as it is about planting new trees and preserving the mature woodlands we already have. We want to continue to build on this voluntary network of passionate people to not only plant but maintain and help our trees flourish for a greener future. I would urge everyone to come along to one of our tree planting events and get involved.” Cllr Cory added: “A huge thank you to everyone who came along to Spring Lane Park. It’s astounding to see what can be achieved when we work together as a community for such an important cause.
“We hope that more and more residents, businesses and local schools will join us over the coming months, and together we can continue to grow a Better Colchester.” The names of people who plant a tree as part of the Colchester Woodland Project will appear on an online register, which will go live on the on the council’s website in the next few weeks. This will continue throughout the duration of the project, so that residents can see the part they are playing in helping Colchester become carbon neutral by 2030. Details of all future planting events can be found at www.colchester.gov.uk/ colchesterwoodlandproject.
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Merry Ch
from all a
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hristmas!
at Simply
And a Happy New Year!
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Local Council Tax Support scheme set
Colchester’s Voluntary Welfare Grant
to provide vital help to residents
fund open for applications
On 20 November, Colchester Borough Council’s Cabinet agreed that its current Local Council Tax Support (LCTS) scheme, which this year has helped 9,000 residents reduce their council tax bill and provided around £8.5million of support, should remain the same for 2020-21 and will be discussed by Full Council.
Voluntary and community groups that provide valuable services to the borough are invited to apply for a share of the council’s £190,000 Voluntary Welfare Grant funding scheme for 2020/21, applications accepted from the 29 November 2019.
Colchester’s current LCTS scheme provides a Council Tax reduction for residents who need additional support. The scheme is one of the most generous in Essex and aligns with the council’s strategic plan to make Colchester an even better place to live and to support those who need help. The 2020-21 LCTS scheme has already been considered by the council’s Scrutiny Panel and will now be discussed by Full Council on 5 December, with a proposed implementation date of 1 April 2020. Councillor David King, Portfolio
Holder for Business and Resources, said: “We remain committed to supporting the most vulnerable members of our community and providing a better Colchester. The Local Council Tax Support scheme is one great way in which we are achieving this aim. Reducing the costs for 9,000 of the most deserving and vulnerable of our residents has always had support from Councillors across the political spectrum and we will recommend we do again next year, despite the costs. But this is just one part of the support we give. We distribute benefits quickly – an award-winning performance that has meant national recognition for our teams. “Our frontline staff are also available to support residents who need specialist welfare benefit advice, and other officers are available to provide employment assistance.”
The three-year grant aims to support projects or services that strengthen communities, reduce social isolation and loneliness and help the physical and mental wellbeing of residents. Organisations that help safeguard the vulnerable with better support, provide facilities for young people and help enhance community safety are also invited to apply. Organisations can apply for a one-off grant – from a minimum of £5,000 up to a maximum of £30,000. Funding is available to registered charities, constituted voluntary and community groups and not-for-profit organisations.
Councillor Mike Lilley, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Wellbeing and Public Safety, said: “The Voluntary Welfare Grant is a great way for local groups and charities to obtain additional funding for worthwhile projects and good causes that help build strong local communities across the borough. I would urge any interested organisations to apply online by the closing date.” The application form and further information about the Voluntary Welfare Grant Fund can be found online at www.colchester.gov.uk/ voluntarywelfaregrant. The funding will be confirmed to the successful organisations in January 2020 and allocated in April 2020. The closing date for applications is 5pm on the 10 January 2020. Late applications will not be accepted.
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Festive park fun High Woods Country Park is holding two seasonal events in the coming weeks, including a children’s Woodland Wreath Marking event on 20 December and a New Year’s Day Walk, which includes a three-mile ranger-led walk through the park followed by mulled wine and a mince pie. For further information about these events, including timings, locations, booking details and costs, visit www. colchester.gov.uk/parkevents. Councillor Mark Cory, Leader of Colchester Borough Council, said: “High Woods Country Park is a fantastic green space which everyone can enjoy, and these seasonal events are perfect for those wanting to get outdoors, enjoy the environment and get their new year off to a great start.”
ACROSS 1 One keeps characters apart when depressed (5- 3) 6 Glaring error in his rag (6) 9 Son gets conned, say – that’s harsh (6) 10 Courtesy shown by Greek character to girl by railway (8) 11 Elected party fast becomes lazy (8) 12 Jack has to fetch Mark (6) 13 Determined bachelor paid attention (6-6) 16 Unexpectedly unable to get Sky? (3,2,3,4) 19 Company fellow is powerful (6) 21 Cut price record released around start of November (8) 23 Inexperienced worker ruined green bin (8) 24 Some mathematicians we reckon will provide the solution (6) 25 Seize east wing (6) 26 Still current late in the day (8)
Tickets for bookable events can only be purchased through the Visitor Information Centre in Hollytrees Museum, in person at Hollytrees
Museum, Castle Park, CO1 1UG or by telephone on 01206 282920, purchases cannot be made at the events. For more information about any of the Council’s parks and countryside locations, visit colchester.gov.uk/ parks.
DOWN 2 Powerful omen seer ultimately missed (6) 3 Feature old material (5) 4 Fathead identifies tree (9) 5 Reading affects literacy mostly (7) 6 Good material for dressing flash (5) 7 Again sort out bottom oven (9) 8 Thus Catholic monarch doubled as enchanter (8) 13 Herons lie scattered by the coast (9) 14 Married sort’s given fish and a soft drink (4-5) 15 Swede perhaps wants purée...no, a stew (8) 17 Second goal gets Rose excited (7) 18 Really popular act (6) 20 Stretched for time (5) 22 Notes frenzied attack (5)
SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1 space-bar. 6 garish. 9 strict. 10 chivalry. 11 indolent. 12 target. 13 single-minded. 16 out of the blue. 19 cogent. 21 discount. 23 beginner. 24 answer. 25 annexe. 26 eventide. DOWN: 2 potent. 3 chino. 4 butternut. 5 recital. 6 glint. 7 rearrange. 8 sorcerer. 13 shoreline. 14 milk-shake. 15 European. 17 endorse. 18 indeed. 20 tense. 22 onset.
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Armed Forces Gold Award celebration event A special event was held on Thursday 28 November to celebrate the partnership between Colchester Borough Council and Colchester’s military community. Representatives from the Armed Forces community, reservist and veteran members of staff from Colchester Borough Council, the Mayor of Colchester and other local dignitaries came together at Colchester Town Hall for the special event. The event was hosted by Cllr Mark Cory, Leader of Colchester Borough Council, who said: “Achieving the Gold Award is a wonderful recognition for the council and the work we do with the Armed Forces community. As signatories to the Armed Forces Covenant, we are committed to supporting all members of the military community. We aim to maintain and develop this work going forward, providing our service personnel with the support they rightly deserve and create a Better Colchester for all.” At the event, Colchester Borough Council was presented with its Gold
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Award from the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Deputy Lieutenant-Colonel (Retd) Peter Christian OBE DL, for its work to support the Defence and Armed Forces community. It is the first time the Council has received the Gold Award, having previously received the Silver and Bronze accolade.
Cllr Lyn Barton, Armed Forces Champion, added: “I am delighted that Colchester Borough Council has received this outstanding award. I would encourage other businesses and organisations in the area to look at the criteria for the award and ask if there is anything they can do to be more Armed Forces friendly.”
Colchester has a historic and established relationship with the Armed Forces, thanks to the centuriesold link between the town and its garrison. The council was also one of the first local authorities to sign up to the official Defence Discount Service, in 2017, offering military discounts and concessions at Leisure World and Colchester Castle, as well as on Colchester Events Company weddings.
Lieutenant Colonel Jim McManus, Commander of Colchester Garrison, said: “The Garrison enjoys a close
Cllr Mike Lilley, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Communities, Wellbeing and Public Safety, said: “We are one of two organisations in Essex to be awarded this prestigious Gold Award. It’s a tremendous endorsement of our promise to support the local Armed Forces community.”
and productive working relationship with Colchester Borough Council. The council is aware of and responsive to the needs of the town’s military community. I congratulate the council on receiving the Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.” For more information on the Council’s work with the Armed Forces, please visit colchester.gov.uk/armedforces
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Colne Medical Centre Town Council Update Christmas opening times Brightlingsea
Alresford
Christmas Eve
8.30am-6.00pm
8.30am-10.30am
Christmas Day
Closed
Closed
Boxing Day
Closed
Closed
27th December 8.30am- 6.00pm
3.00pm-5.00pm
30th December 8.30am- 6.00pm
3.00pm-5.00pm
New Year’s Eve 8.30am- 6.00pm
3.00pm-5.00pm
New Year’s Day Closed
Closed
Normal opening hours will resume on 2nd January. Should you need to see a GP while the practice is closed please call 01206 302522 where you will be directed to the out of hours service. Opening times via the Extended Access Service Christmas Day - 10.30 - 12.30 - Rowhedge Boxing Day - 10.30 - 12.30 - Rowhedge New Years Day - 10.30 - 12.30 - Rowhedge On behalf of everyone at the practice may I wish you a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year. Thank you for reading
We move into the Xmas season in a sombre mood after the untimely passing of Town Councillor Ian Block. Ian was elected in 2007 and was part of Cllr Graham a major change in the town Steady councils make up at that time; he was Town Mayor twice, chairman of the finance committee and a member of the planning committee. He enjoyed a good debate and while not agreeing with everything he would be the first to say after a meeting lets goes for a drink. His wit and dry sense of humour will be missed but his opinion and guidance which he gave over the years will hold the council in good stead. Ian was involved with many local organisations over the years and this helped for the town council to be seen in a different light from 2007.Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time. Former Town Mayor, Town District and County Councillor Tom Dale who’s
service ended in 2007 has also passed away as well as the positions mentioned he was also a past leader of Essex County Council our thoughts are with his family at this sad time. Many activities and functions have taken place since the last issue; these include Brightlingsea in Bloom supper, RNLI volunteers evening and fish supper, The Clacton Concert performing at St James Church Late night shopping which included the Light up a Life service at St James where the local hospice support group handed over a cheque for £18000 to The Hospice The URC Toy Service and carol service, a community clear up down the railway line, many concerts and theatrical performances have been produced. There were the normal Children in Need activities held and the collection by All Saints Churched raised over £5000. As we draw to the end of another successful year for our town we look forward to more success in 2020. Happy Xmas and a Prosperous new year to all our residents.
Brightlingsea Foodbank bonanza
Caroline Bowden, Practice Manager
He came to the Foodbank with members of the Liberty and Ladies of the Liberty, to present the cheque to Win Pomroy who coordinates Brightlingsea Foodbank, and her dedicated team of volunteers.
“Orders now being taken for Christmas, order forms can be collected from the shop”
01206 302939 Christmas Opening Hours Wed 18 Dec: Thu 19 Dec:
8-4 8-4
Sun 22 Dec: Mon 23 Dec:
9 - 12 8-4
FRi 20 Dec:
8-4
Sat 21 Dec:
7.30 - 3
Tue 24 Dec: 7 - 12 (Order collctions only)
Regular Opening Hours Sun & Mon: Closed Tue & Wed: 8am - 4pm Thu & Fri: 8am - 4pm Sat: 7.30am - 3pm
Find us
14 High Street, Brightlingsea, Essex CO7 0AE
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Brightlingsea Foodbank is celebrating an extra special donations boost! Shoppers at the Fiveways Co-op in Brightlingsea dug deep and gave a massive 368kg of groceries at the Foodbank’s recent Food Drive in the store. These products filled 25 crates, which were taken straight to the Colchester warehouse where emergency food parcels are put together for people in crisis in Brightlingsea, Wivenhoe and Colchester. Meanwhile, Brightlingsea Foodbank also received a wonderful donation of more than £1,500 from Mr Peter Ball, Deputy of the Cinque Port Liberty, who chose Brightlingsea Foodbank as one of his charities during his term of office. This tremendous total was raised from various Liberty events in Brightlingsea over the year.
The money will go into a designated Brightlingsea Foodbank Fund to help with projects such as supplying school holiday lunch bags to children who receive free school meals. Win said: “We were absolutely amazed by this terrific sum and will make sure it is put to good use, helping those in crisis in Brightlingsea move forward and get their lives back on track. “Thank you all for your continuing help which is so greatly appreciated by our clients in crisis. From all at Brightlingsea Foodbank, we wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a healthy, peaceful New Year.” For more information about Brightlingsea Foodbank please call: Win or Frank on 07970 480968, or drop into the foodbank on a Wednesday between 10:30am and 12:30pm at the Parish Hall, Victoria Place, Brightlingsea, CO7 0BP.
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