Thursday 24 July 2008

Guided Tour of Coggeshall Abbey

We will meet at Coggeshall Abbey at 10.50 a..m. for a guided tour.
Coggeshall Abbey Church has long-since disappeared, although discoloured grass shows where it was. It was demolished, along with the cloister, chapter house and refectory, soon after the abbey and its estates were handed to the Crown in 1538. However, the abbot’s lodging, the guest house and the gate chapel still exist. King Stephen founded the abbey about 1140. It was originally a Savignac house but soon became a Cistercian monastery. It was prosperous, mainly because of the brothers’ successful sheep farming! After the dissolution, the Crown lease of the abbey site was held by the Paycocke family, who built a fine Tudor manor house there. This is now a Grade 1 listed building known as The Abbey. It is a beautiful house. The current owners are restoring the property surrounding the house. They have tackled two barns, one 17th century and one 16th century. They have located the old abbey fishponds and are in the process of restoring these. During our visit we will hear of their discoveries and the challenges they have faced. We hope that you will find this utterly absorbing!
Please let us know if you need or can offer a lift. Car-sharing would be good, as parking is limited. Directions and maps are available.
Cost, to include coffee and shortbread, £8.50.
If you would like to come, please fill out the slip here:www.colchestercivicsociety.org.uk

Saturday 16 August 2008

Visit to Copped Hall

Meet at Colchester Bus Station at 12.30pm. Often, as Civic Society members have looked out of the coach window as they travel along the M25 towards South Mimms they have asked about the huge mansion on the hill on the right. This is the chance to find out about that mansion, Copped Hall. The present house, gutted by fire in 1917, was built in 1753 on a site with a history dating back to Domesday. The remains of an Elizabethan palace (where Elizabeth 1st stayed) can still be seen. There is some evidence that A Midsummer Night’s Dream was first performed there. Following the fire, Copped Hall was left to decay. Parts of the building were demolished and the once elaborate Italianate garden became a wilderness. When the M25 was built, the estate began to attract the attention of developers. Golf courses in the park were proposed. The Friends of Copped Hall and other conservation groups fought hard against these proposals. The Corporation of the City of London bought much of the park in 1992, the recession made the developers think twice and, eventually, The Copped Hall Trust was able to buy the freehold of the hall in 1995. In 1999 they acquired the Walled Garden. Since then, painstaking restoration has been taking place. There is still an enormous amount to do. We will have a guided tour of the property, hearing how the Trust has tackled its daunting task so far and finding out its plans for the future.
Tea and home made cake will be provided.
Cost, including refreshments, £19.

If you would like to come please fill out the slip here:www.colchestercivicsociety.org.uk

Saturday 13 September 2008 - Sunday 14 September 2008

Heritage Open Days

As usual, Colchester Civic Society will be deeply involved with arrangements for this year’s Heritage Open Days. These give the opportunity for local people and visitors to the town to access buildings and areas not normally open to the public. But, this can only happen if stewards are available and that is where Civic Society members are asked to help. Stewarding is not hard. All the information you need is at hand. All that you have to do is to say hello to visitors as they come in, keep a note of numbers, ensure that they have the information available and, perhaps, direct them to the next property – really, just be a friendly face. There is always a briefing session a few days before.
If you can help, please let Anne Turner know by telephoning 01206 250894.

Monday 15 September 2008 - Friday 19 September 2008

Autumn Holiday to the East Kent Coast

The East Kent coast is an area that is often ignored as a destination, which is a great shame as it has lots to offer. During our few days, we will visit a castle and a fort, take a trip by train and another by boat, visit the beautiful little town of Sandwich and the bizarre place that is Dungeness. We will have the opportunity to climb to the top of the lighthouse and explore spoil heaps, black and white. History, ancient and modern, natural as well – it might be a good idea to remember binoculars! And we haven’t forgotten interesting tea and coffee stops either! We always try to find a quirk or two. This time, the hotel itself qualifies as such, with a dining room on the other side of the road reached by a smuggler’s tunnel, now very civilised, mores the pity! Do join us. Although we pack a lot into our holidays, we are aware that many people cannot walk far, and we ensure that there is always a more leisurely, easier, alternative to, for example, a guided walk. If in doubt, telephone Jo Edwards on 01206 868254 who will explain in more detail.
We do not charge a singles supplement. We have booked a number of single rooms as well as twins and doubles. If you are prepared to share with a friend, however, it does make life a little easier.
Cost £495 to include 4 nights bed and breakfast, evening meals, morning coffee and afternoon tea on most days, entrances, boat and train fares, guided tours etc. A deposit of £25 will secure your booking.
If you would like to pay a deposit please fill out the slip here: www.colchestercivicsociety.org.uk