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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 2h

#OnThisDay - 7 October 1996, "Jan & Phil's" - believed to be #Colchester's first 24 hour shop, opened on the corner of Barrack & Artillery Streets. Several garage "shops" were already open 24hrs., but Jan & Phil's was thought to be the first general store to open in this way.

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 23h

#OnThisDay - 6 October 1918, The Mayor of #Colchester was sent a letter from H Blowers a prisoner of war in Germany, confirming that parcel 13 had arrived safely. Among its contents were ox cheek, rhubarb pudding, fresh herrings, milk, dripping, tea, prunes, sugar, bacon & cocoa.

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

#OnThisDay - 5 October 1944, a damaged ‘doodlebug’ flying bomb missed houses near the Abbey Field by a few feet, finally struck a tree and exploded near football pitches at Reed Hall.

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

#OnThisDay - 4 October 1959, Cliff Richard and the Shadows played live at the Regal in Crouch Street. The locally listed building is now derelict but planning permission has been granted to convert it into an hotel. Were you at the concert? More: www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/2416555...

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

#OnThisDay - 3 October 1940, there were five fatalities in what became known as the "Old Heath Laundry Air Raid" Three were killed at the laundry itself and two at Scarlett's Road. More: www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/1472041...

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

#OnThisDay - 2 October 1973, the #Woolworths Store on #Colchester High Street was devastated in one of the town's biggest-ever fires. More: www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/1863013...

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

#OnThisDay - 1 October 1745, there was horse racing at Mile End: "A subscription purse of £50 to be run for on #Colchester new Race Ground on Mile End Heath... subscriptions to be paid at the Three Cups, Queen's Head or at the Angel" More: www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/essex/vo...

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 30 September 1577, in what appears to have been something of a clampdown, eight ‘presentments’ showing the peoples concerns about alehouses came before the Lawhundred and the 'Session of the Peace' dealt with three cases.

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

A new bus station is being planned for Colchester... on the same Queen Street spot it departed 14 years ago. Buses are set to return to Painters Yard under plans for a new transport interchange on part of the old bus station site More: www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/2659210...

gazette-news.co.uk

Colchester to get new bus station... at former Queen Street site 14 years on

Buses are set to return to Painters Yard under plans for a new transport interchange on part of the old bus station site.

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

#Colchester City Council have just posted a long awaited announcement about a new bus station on Facebook. Here's a link: www.facebook.com/share/p/1Hwr...

facebook.com

Facebook

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

'#SeekAndYeShallFind' the answer to this week's #WhereAndWhatIsIt #ColchesterConundrum. It's out there somewhere in #Colchester, #BritainsFirstCity. Just think how chuffed with yourself you'll feel on Friday afternoon when we post the answer. Assuming you get it right that is!

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 29 September 1894, the #PostOffice in Head Street launched a public telephone service. An inaugural call was made from #Colchester to #Paris. Calls to London or Ipswich cost a shilling for 3 minutes. @BTGroup @PostOffice More: www.bt.com/about/bt/our...

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

1/2 #OnThisDay - 28 September 2018, a green plaque marking the 75th anniversary of the Chapel Street Air Raid was unveiled. During the raid in 1942, 8 local residents were killed, 30 houses were destroyed and 275 were damaged. More: www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/1557167...

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 27 September 1883, the #JumboWaterTower was officially opened here in #Colchester. The Grade ll* listed structure is now in the care of a charitable trust who will restore, open up and operate it as a destination heritage venue. More: jumbo.org.uk

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 26 September 1841, the British spy Thomas Miller Beach (alias Major Henri Le Caron), author of "Twenty-five Years in the Secret Service: The Recollections of a Spy", was born in #Colchester. More: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_...

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 25 September 1899, a branch of Parr's Bank was opened at 60 High Street here in #Colchester. The premises are now occupied by the #ThreeWiseMonkeys pub. @TWM_Colchester More: www.natwestgroup.com/heritage/com...

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

And in recognition of Jane's birthday the statue of her and Annher sister on the High Stretwas given a bouquet...

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

A DISTINCTIVE fountain which stood in Culver Square for almost four decades has been demolished. The removal marks the start of a project to transform the city centre space into a more flexible events venue. More: www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/2657310...

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 24 September 1958, #Colchester's Natural History Museum was opened in the former All Saints Church opposite the castle by Sir George Dyson. The building is Grade ll listed and dates from the 12th century - or perhaps even earlier.

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

We've not yet read and digested this report from @CreateStreets - but we will. Let's hope the folk #Essex County Council and #Colchester City Council do as well. Our hope is that they not only read it - but act, equally importantly upon it... More: x.com/ColCivicSoci...

x.com

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Calls for action over boating lake grow even stronger. Calls are growing for Colchester Council to set a target date for reopening Castle Park's boating lake, which has remained closed for more than two years. More: www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/2656990...

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

1/2 #OnThisDay - 23 September 1783, Jane Taylor, a poet perhaps best known for "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," was born. She lived with her sister Ann and her parents in #Colchester's West Stockwell Street where there is a commemorative plaque. More: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Ta...

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

If you think you know everything there is to know about #Colchester, #BritainsFirstCity, then here's a little test for you. Here's today's weekly #WhereAndWhatIsIt teaser. We don't normally give clues but we're feeling generous. It's a window. But where?

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 22 September 1924, Fred Karno presented "Hustle" - "His Newest Super Production"- at the #Colchester Grand Theatre and Hippodrome. The cast included AW Bascombe, Beryl Deane, Montague Golding, Esme & Dolores and "a hive of bustling hustlers".

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

lind pensioner, 86, warns ‘someone will be killed’ by East Hill works... More: www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/2656241...

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 21 September 1989, the new Divisional Police Headquarters was officially opened in Butt Road by the Rt. Hon. Douglas Hurd MP., Home Secretary. The Police had moved into the new building on 10 July 1989 from the former Police Station in Queen Street.

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 20 September 1485, Thomas Kendale, a Lancastrian, received #ColchesterCastle, 180 acres of arable, 27 acres of meadow, 30s rent, the Hundred of Tendring and two parts of a water-mill from #HenryVll: 'for services as well within the Realm as in foreign parts...'

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 19 September 1741, the IIpswich Journal reported that ‘three soldiers under confinement, one of whom was ordered to be shot some weeks ago, and afterwards reprieved, found means to escape… with their handcuffs on…’ ‘They are not yet retaken.’

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

#SeenReportedSorted It's good to see that @EssexHighways have now (again!) repaired the pedestrian guardrails at the Brook Street junction with Magdalen and Barrack Streets.

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

The Colchester Bus Growth Partnership have launched a bus travel survey. Your responses will help inform future improvements and encourage more people to consider travelling by bus. Link to Survey: forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/respon...

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

1/2 #OnThisDay - 18 September 1957, Dr Ruth Bensusan Butt died. She was a pioneer in Family medicine & the first female doctor in #Colchester. She lived & practiced at #TheMinories where she is commemorated by a #BluePlaque More: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Be...

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

We reported this newly seriously bent sign on North Hill to Essex Highways on 3 September. Yesterday they told us that: "...it does not need immediate action. We have recorded this issue and will continue to monitor the area during future inspections...'

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 17 September #OnThisDay 1557, Margaret Thurston & Agnes Bongeor were burned for heresy here in #Colcheter. More: www.exclassics.com/foxe/foxe370... www.exclassics.com/foxe/foxe370...

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 16 September 1973 The band 10cc appeared live at the Woods Leisure Centre/Social Club here in #Colchester. Were you there?

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

We'd love it if all you wannabe sleuths out there would set your minds on solving this, our latest #WhereAndWhatIsIt #ColchesterConundrum. We do neither points nor prizes but those who get it right do bask in glory. We'll post the answer on Friday afternoon.

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

#PraiseWherePraiseIsDue Well done to Major Curt Vines who took a bit of time out during the #HeritageOpenDay Garrison Walk on 12 September to give one of the interpretation panels a quick clean whilst being 'encouraged' by 'Sergeant' Rennie Chivers the #Colchester Town Crier.

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 15 October 2003, the very last VP185 diesel engine built by #Paxmans here in #Colchester to power the iconic #Intercity125 locomotives, left the Port Lane Works.

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 14 September 1820, Essex County Hospital officially opened after a procession including the Mayor, arrived from the Castle. It was perhaps an anticlimax as there were no patients - the first were not admitted until the 21 September. More: www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/essex/vo...

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 13 September 1843, Dr Roger Nunn, Mayor, laid the foundation stone for #Colchester's new Town Hall - the predecessor of the current one. The stone in question was retained just inside the entrance when the new (3rd) hall was built. More: victorianweb.org/art/architec...

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 12 September 1842, among three cases heard at a court hearing in #Colchester's Moot Hall, Susan Hasell was fined 5s and expenses or, in default, sentenced to spend six hours in the stocks for drunkenness and disorderly conduct.

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 11 September 1914 , the school logbook records that a soldier was sent to #Myland School ‘to demand a blackboard for the military for instructiion purposes

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 10 September 1536, Thomas Audley granted to Thomas Flyngaunt, alderman. ‘a certain meadow in St Botolph’s parish and a certain moor which were late part of the lands of the late Priory of St Botolph’s recently suppressed and dissolved by authority of Parliament.’

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

#CivicPride We've been sent these two 'before and after' photos by Lisa, a local #Colchester resident who went out and gave a grimy #InterpretationBoard a bit of a clean and lots of TLC. Thank you Lisa. #SmallThingsBigDifference

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

1/2 #SeenReportedSorted Sections of fallen wooden railng alongside the cycle and footpaths in the Vineyard Street car park have now been replaced by the city council after we reported the issue. Thanks folks! #CivicPride #SmallThingsBigDifference

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 9 September 1965, #Asterix in Britain was first published in Pilote Magazine no 307. The story tells how #Camulodunum (#Roman #Colchester) win a rugby game with the help of a little magic potion and their sacred goose. More: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asterix

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

#Colchester residents can now sign up to be the first to enjoy an exciting new addition coming to the city centre this winter. Culver Square will soon transform with the arrival of an ice rink from December. More: www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/2653032... colchestericerink.com

gazette-news.co.uk

Pre-sale tickets NOW available for new ice rink this winter - how to get them

Colchester residents can be the first to sign up for an ice rink which is coming to the city this December.

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

It's Tuesday so it must be #WhereAndWhatIsIt? Day again. As usual we won't be awarding any points or prizes if you get it right - but then again who needs points and prizes when you have that warm inner glow of satisfaction? We'll post the answer on Friday afternoon.

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Colchester Civic Society @colcivicsociety.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

#OnThisDay - 8 September 1692, the vicar of #StPeter's, noted that its then "central" tower was damaged by an earthquake. It was to be another 66 years before it was demolished in 1758. A new tower was built in 1763 along with other remodelling. More: www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/1509329...

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