The Social Programme for 2026

Tuesday 17 March and Thursday 26 March 2026 – Great British Spring Clean Litter Picks

Meet at 10.00am outside the front door of Greyfriars

Every year, Civic Society volunteers join this great Keep Britain Tidy initiative and every year, we clear a phenomenal amount of litter and fly-tipping from our streets.  Please join us for one or other or our mornings or even better, both!

Please bring your own gloves.  Litter pickers and special GBSC rubbish bags will be provided.  Hot drinks afterwards at Greyfriars.

If you cannot manage either of these mornings but would like to help during the GBSC period (17 March – 2 April 2026) by doing your own litter pick – perhaps in your own residential area – please let us know on the reply slip.  We do other litter picks during the year, sometimes in partnership with Colchester Council Neighbourhood Teams.  We would really appreciate your help with these too and would love to add you to our volunteer list

Thursday 2 April 2026 – Annual Spring Up Meeting

Meet at 19.00 in the Salon (just off Reception) at Greyfriars

We are conscious of the fact that many members are not able to attend our monthly Coffee Mornings and so, twice a year, we offer an evening version …an opportunity to catch up with what the Society is doing to raise issues that you would like us to address, if we can.  All are welcome!

Cost is free but donations are welcomed.

Monday 27 April 2026 – Visit to Stowe

Coach leaves East Hill at 8am, roadworks permitting; pick-ups can be arranged along Lexden Road and at the bus stops opposite Marks Tey Hotel.  If you choose to park at Marks Tey Hotel, please let me have your car registration by 17 April – do not pay at the machine in the car park but please pay the fee (normally £6) to the coach driver.

Stowe has a very long history.  In the early 1300s, Osney Abbey managed a Manor House at Stowe but this was surrendered to the Crown at the time of Dissolution.  The estate was then leased to a sheep farmer called Peter Temple.  His son bought the property in 1589.  It was then passed down through several generations until a very shrewd marriage brough enough money to build a new mansion, designed by William Cleere.  By 1697, under the ownership of Sir Richard Temple, the 1^st Viscount Cobham, the house and gardens had been transformed into a grand estate.  Sadly, overspending in the 1800s brought disaster and part  of the estate had to be sold in 1848.  Finally, in 1921, the house was sold and with the help of architect Clough Williams-Ellis, converted into a school for boys which opened in 1923.  It is still a school, a very prestigious one!

Our day begins with coffee and biscuits in the house (not owned by the National Trust) before a much recommended tour of the building, including a visit to the Museum.  We leave the house in time for lunch, travelling to the National Trust Visitor Centre where you can purchase a light lunch if you haven’t brought your own picnic.  The afternoon is then yours.

There are various options: I have booked a guided tour of the gardens for the group but you are free to explore by yourself if you prefer.  Please state your preference on the reply slip.

It is quite a walk to the garden entrance but there is a shuttle service.  If you would like the use of a mobility scooter or 4-seater golf buggy, I can see what I can do but do ask me as soon as possible.  I hope you enjoy your visit to the extraordinary grounds with its spectacular statues, follies and temples, the whole creation being the work of Capability Brown and architect, James Gibbs.  We will be leaving soon after 16.30.

Cost

…to include morning coffee, biscuits and guided tours of both the house and gardens

RHS and National Trust Members         £33.50

Non RHS or NT Members                         £50.50