Colchester Civic Society Celebrates 60 Years with Civic Day Events

Colchester Civic Society, celebrating its 60th anniversary this week, marked National Civic Day in style with two significant events.

The first was the unveiling of a blue plaque commemorating Colchester’s Lock Hospital, a key part of the town's rich military history. The second event honoured both Civic Day and St Botolph’s Day, with a team coordinated by the Society undertaking much-needed maintenance in the grounds of St Botolph’s Priory. St Botolph, the patron saint of boundaries, was fittingly honoured as volunteers cleared the weeds along the priory's boundary wall. The team comprised Civic Society volunteers, local residents, and new community members, including three families from Hong Kong who have recently moved to the city.

In another achievement, the Society received the exciting news that their extensive campaign, led by member Paul Knappett, to secure Listed Building status for the former Royal Artillery (Le Cateau) Barracks Horse Infirmary, has been successful. This accomplishment adds the perfect finishing touch to what has been a remarkable week for Colchester Civic Society.

Adding to the celebrations, Griff Rhys Jones sent his congratulations, saying, "Congratulations to Colchester Civic Society for 60 years of dedicated service. Your tireless efforts have made Colchester a special place, rich in heritage and community spirit. Here's to many more years of success."

You can read their special edition newsletter on their website, showcasing how they have been working to improve Colchester over the last six decades.