There was no meeting in August but there was a trip organised and reported by Pam Foakes as follows:
Ten of us enjoyed a very interesting visit to Colchester Town Hall. We were met by Ian McMeekan who is obviously very proud of the building and its history. Madam Mayor, Councillor Sonia Lewis, had indicated to him that she would be pleased to meet us, gave us a friendly welcome to The Mayor’s Parlour. She was dressed in her formal, splendid robe which is black with gold braid and tassels. Other mayors in Essex have red ones but according to Ian “we are still in mourning for Prince Albert’! Should we have challenged this comment? With her tricorn hat Madam Mayor looked splendid. To our surprise she also suggested we might like to stand on the balcony. A marvellous opportunity to see the rooftops of the old buildings opposite, as well as looking up and down the High Street. It must have looked so impressive in it’s hey day before all the multi coloured shop fronts were erected. After this we went to the Grand Jury Room which forms part of the Mayor’s Suite. This is where the mace and many items of silver are kept in locked glass cabinets along with other items presented to the town for various reasons. Before going to the upper floor we were shown photographs of previous mayors going back several decades including one of Charles Smallwood, Doris Christmas’s husband’s uncle who served in 1926. Next was the Council Chamber, a very grand room for council meetings, of course! Two stained glass windows commemorating St Helena and the Roman Emperor Claudius looked beautiful with the sun shining through them. This and the Moot Hall really do need to be seen to be appreciated, there are too many fine details to do them justice in a few words. A truly delightful visit and well worth repeating.
Our next get together is on October 26th when we will be “Publishing Travel Book” with Mr. P. Forsythe. As usual we meet at
If you would like any further information about P.A.W.S. please ring any of us on any of the following numbers.
Alice
