Colchester Life in Photographs

10/01/2026

News Years Eve Parties 1975/1976
Celebrating the New Year of 1976, firefighters and their guests partied the night away at Colchester Fire Station, Cowdray Avenue. Across the town Colchester Jazz Club were holding their celebrations in the form of a 'Pyjama Party' at the Colchester Youth House, Stockwell Street.
Photographs by Adrian Rushton.
Words by Carolyn Rushton.
Scans from the original photographic negatives.
From the archives of The Colchester Express managed by Adrian Rushton
Colchester City Council Colchester Civic Society Essex Fire Rescue

03/01/2026

Walking record – 94 people, beating the previous record of 81, took part in a New Year’s Day Walk organised by Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell, the 18th he has held over the years.
The attendance of six dogs is also a record!
The route was around the City’s Roman Wall, starting and finishing at Balkerne Gate near the Mercury Theatre. Taking account of the number of stops for Sir Bob to give a commentary, it took two hours to cover the distance of just under two miles.
More than £500 was donated for continuing fund-raising associated with the Twinkle Star statue diagonally opposite the Town Hall.
The group led by Sir Bob would like to have an interpretation board to explain the background to the story of the nursery rhyme ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’ which, originally a poem, was written in Colchester in 1806 by Jane Taylor. The statue is of her and her sister Ann. The sisters were prolific writers of poems for children.
Sir Bob said: “We would also like to have an ornamental bollard placed behind the statue to prevent drivers reversing into it. Unfortunately Essex County Council has refused.
“We also want to continue providing ‘Twinkle Star’ bookmarks for Year 1 pupils attending Colchester schools. Unfortunately only 11 of 33 schools contacted (twice!) have responded. Those schools where we have presented bookmarks are grateful.
“Our hope is to tell people about Colchester being the home of ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’ - we thought taking this information to children aged five, each year, would be a good way to spread the message. Sadly two-thirds of Colchester's infant and primary schools have not responded to two mailings! It is their infant pupils who are missing out.
The statue was erected on 4th May 2024.
Sir Bob said: I shall be 80 in March. My walking has declined significantly over the past 12 months. Although I got the good news three days before Christmas that treatment for my prostate cancer had been successful, I have to accept that if my walking gets worse then this will have been my last New Year's Day Walk. Glad that I ended on a high note.”
Photographs Adrian Rushton
Colchester Civic Society Colchester City Council The Colchester Watch Friends Of Castle Park The Mayor of Colchester Rennie Chivers

30/12/2025

Amos Cup December 1975
Photographs of the presentation of the Amos Cup to the winning team which appeared in The Colchester Express on the 31st December 1975. The game and presentations were held at the Colchester Gas Football Club ground in Bromley Road probably on Boxing Day. Unfortunately the original file information is not available, I am hoping some of my followers would be able to put the team name and other details to this picture to add to the archive.
Photograph by Adrian Rushton.
Scans from the original photographic negatives.
From the archives of The Colchester Express managed by Adrian Rushton
Colchester Civic Society Colchester City Council

27/12/2025

Severalls Pantomime 1975
'Sinbad' was the pantomime of choice for the Severalls Hospital Theatre Group in December 1975.
Members of all ages took part in the lively seasonal presentation of music and dance.
The performance took place at the beautiful Recreation Hall, Severalls Hospital, Colchester, and was well known for its architecture and amazing sprung floor. The hall, which was designed in 1910 by architect Frank Whitmore was built within several acres of parkland, to be used for social and recreational activities including theatrical performances, within the hospital grounds.
The hospital opened in May1913.
Unfortunately the hall was destroyed by arson in 2005, but the shell remained until it was demolished in 2007.
From the Archives of The Colchester Express managed by Adrian Rushton.
Scans from the original photographic negatives.
Photographs Staff Photographer Adrian Rushton
Words by Carolyn Rushton.
Colchester Civic Society

27/12/2025

To all the classic vehicle enthusiasts who follow this page, I have been asked by The East Anglian Railway Museum to share this information. Due to their contact records for the annual Classic Vehicle Show having been unfortunately deleted. They are asking anyone who has attended this show in the past or who would like to be notified of their upcoming event in May 2026 please fill in your contact details on their main web site , https://earm.co.uk/ and look for the Classic Vehicle Show page. Their booking system is in the process of being rebuilt.
Please pass this on to anyone interested.

We are open all year round on Weekends and Wednesdays – plus most Bank Holidays (not Christmas/Boxing Day), with some days being Event Days – find out more from our What’s On section. Please note we are also closed immediately before and after Beer Festivals to allow for setup and takedown of ...

01/12/2025

The Castle Park in Colchester was the scene of hundreds of Santa's on Sunday
The Santa's were taking part in the annual 'Colchester Santa Run' in aid of the Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity.
Entrants of all ages dressed in Santa suits could run, walk or jog along the 2.5Km and 5Km routes around the upper and lower Castle Park.
Copyright photographs Adrian Rushton
Colchester Civic Society Colchester City Council Friends Of Castle Park Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity

11/11/2025

Unfortunately I couldn't cover this event myself, the first time in many years.

10/11/2025

The annual Remembrance Day Service was held on Sunday 9th November at the War Memorial, Colchester, in bright Autumn sunshine.
The firing of a light gun in Castle Park heralded the start, with another gun firing to mark the end of two minutes silence.
Music provided by the City of Colchester Band was played as wreaths of poppies were laid at the base of the War Memorial under the direction of the Garrison Sergeant Major.
After the service of hymns led by the Harmonettes, and prayers, participants paraded up the High Street where a salute was taken outside the Town Hall.
Photographs by Adrian, Carolyn and Tom Rushton.
Colchester Civic Society Colchester City Council Royal British Legion The Colchester Watch

06/11/2025

Once again King Coel's Kittens Firework Spectacular 2025 at Castle Park Colchester proved to be another great success with over 9,000 people attending this annual event.
Colchester magician Michael J Fitch entertained the excited crowd before a procession carrying the traditional 'Guy' made it's way around the park carried by Beefeaters and escorted by members of the Town Watch.
The display of fireworks costing almost £12,000 raised funds towards various community projects. King Coel's Kittens never give money to an organization or pay for overheads, instead they purchase tangible items from which many people within a special group can benefit.
Photographs Adrian Rushton
Words Carolyn Rushton
Colchester Civic Society Dynamic Fireworks Friends Of Castle Park Colchester City Council Colchester Castle Park Fireworks Display

31/10/2025

Pupils and staff from St James's School, Guildford Road, Colchester, show off their best Halloween outfits in October 1975. Click on picture for full image.
Photograph by staff photographer Dave Barker
From the Archives of The Colchester Express managed by Adrian Rushton.
Scans from the original photographic negatives.
Colchester Civic Society