Fashion Forward: Giving fashion new life

The annual Colchester Oyster Feast: an exciting new venue for 2023

Colchester’s traditional Oyster Feast returns on Friday, 27 October 2023. But this year, in a break with tradition, the feast will be held at one of Colchester’s most prestigious venues, the Talbooth restaurant in Dedham.

and the Oyster Feast is a celebration of that history. It is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and enjoy some of our wonderful local oysters.

Did you know that fast fashion companies generate more pollution than international aviation and shipping combined?

At St Helena, we believe in playing our part in transforming fashion by promoting sustainability, reducing waste, and supporting the local community.

This September and October, discover the benefits of shopping for pre-loved and the importance of donating your unwanted fashion, giving it new life. We have 24 shops across the north east Essex region so why not drop in to grab yourself a bargain or shop with us online.

Your support means we can continue to provide vital care to local people and their families facing incurable illness and bereavement.

Visit our website at www.sthelena.org. uk/fashion for more information about the campaign and how you can get involved.

St Helena is also delighted to be opening two new stores, in Tudor Parade in Jaywick and on St Christopher Road in Colchester, this September.

We are looking for a team of friendly, dedicated and passionate volunteers to help us continue to raise vital funds to care for the growing number patients and families in our local community who need access to our support and services.

If you're looking to meet new people, learn new skills and help make a difference then volunteering in our shops is the perfect role for you! No matter how much or little time you can give, your support is appreciated. You can find a full list of our volunteer vacancies at www.sthelena.org.uk/ volunteer.

Since it was first held in 1845, the Oyster Feast has celebrated Colchester’s rich heritage and community ties and established itself as a major occasion in the city’s civic calendar. Traditionally held in the Town Hall, this year’s feast has been relocated while extensive structural work in the Moot Hall continues.

The Feast is a special event that brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate the town's famous oysters. The event is attended by dignitaries from the local area and further afield, as well as members of the public who can apply for one of the limited number of tickets. Tickets cost £110 per person and include a pre-lunch reception, delicious meal, musical entertainment and special guest speakers, with the main attraction of the event being a celebration of the famous Colchester Oyster.

The Mayor of Colchester said: “As a former local fisherman, I know that Colchester has a long and proud maritime connection. The city’s history of oyster fishing is a testament to this,

“I would like to invite residents to apply for tickets to this year's feast. It is a truly unique and special event.

“So come one, come all, and join us for this year’s Colchester Oyster Feast! It will be a feast fit for a king... or a fisherman!”

To enter the public ballot for tickets guests should email mayor@ colchester.gov.uk with their name, address and telephone number.

Alternatively, written applications can be dropped off at the Town Hall or posted to Colchester City Council, Rowan House, 33 Sheepen Road, Colchester, CO3 3WG. Applications must be received by 1 September 2023 and will be entered in the ballot for two tickets – unless applicants state only one ticket is required. Successful applicants only will be advised by 18 September 2023.

Guest speakers will be announced at a later date.

For more information about the Mayor’s Civic events visit www.colchester.gov.uk/mayor

The Lie of the Land by Amanda Craig

Lottie and Quentin Bredin are a middle-aged couple, living in London. Their marriage is crumbling because Quentin is a serial philanderer, for which Lottie partly blames herself. Despite belonging to what Lottie describes as the luckiest generation in British history, the couple find themselves financially strained and unable to afford a divorce after losing their jobs since the credit crunch.

In an unconventional decision, Lottie suggests renting a cheap cottage in Devon and letting out their London house. Thus, they move to the countryside in a kind of antithesis of the usual ‘escape to country story’. There they grapple with challenges