Newsletter February 2026
Looking Forwards
The scale of Society activities now must be obvious to all our members. We will need to increase the membership substantially if we are to maintain our present momentum. This, in itself, will be difficult enough without adding a commitment to face the challenges resulting from our more ambitious aims. Please be encouraged to approach us about any contribution you might make and if you are interested in joining the committee. Rachel Langran joined us this year and has had an impact already.
The Society aims to foster interest in Chelmsford’s heritage, to influence local authorities on the state of the public realm and encourage community involvement in improving both built and natural environments. Collaborations with groups like CRACL and Culture Chelmsford have strengthened efforts, with the Heritage Open Days programme attracting over 12,000 attendees. The Society’s events feature diverse speakers, highlighting local history and cultural engagement.
Review
An overview of the Civic Society 2025 – 2026 We have three broad aims: a programme of events designed to raise public interest in the history, appearance and character of Chelmsford; to Influence the local authorities in the care of the public realm and work on enhancing public knowledge and involvement in caring for the built and natural environment.
The Society’s flagship is undoubtedly the Heritage Open Days programme led by Paul McLean. Over 12,000 people attended or viewed online the 35 events - all of them free of charge. A highlight was the performers, dancers and singers in Tindal Square and the display of Spalding photographs in the foyer of Shire Hall. An amazing 400 people opted to join Alan ‘the Historian’ Pamphilon’s guided tours of Shire Hall. The Society’s programme of events encompassed speakers on a variety of topics. These talks are now usually held in Patch.
Activities
• Heritage Open Days. This year the theme will be ‘Everyday Histories’ We will attempt to give people a better understanding of Chelmsford’s industrial Heritage. with an exhibition in the Shire Hall.
• Youth Group. Planning is underway for the establishment of a Civic Society Youth Group to work alongside our committee and hopefully bringing a new perspective.
• Sanford Mill: this facility will be retained in City Council
ownership. It contains has many items illustrating the city’s industrial heritage and we are delighted to announce that with our perseverance, a permanent home for the Bailey Bridge is near.
• Local Plan Consultations: we have responded in some detail and were pleased to see the amount of work going into the Heritage section of the local plan. In addition to the preservation of old and interesting buildings, the City Council will commit to assisting residents and visitors alike to obtain better knowledge and understanding of the past.
On our initiative, the City Council has established a Heritage Strategy Group. Their first task is a mapping exercise to establish the full extent of Heritage Assets in Chelmsford.
• Memorials: in addition to blue plaques for individuals we are examining the possibilities for commemorating groups. There are two such under consideration at present. One is the ‘witches’, tried and executed here in the 16th and 17th century.
The other is the mass grave with the bodies of 14 Hanoverian soldiers burned to death in a stable located behind ‘The Spotted Dog’ Inn, since demolished in Tindal Street. They had been recruited to serve in the British Army, in the war against Napoleon. This incident took place in 1804, at a time when England faced possible invasion from France.
• The Redan Gun: ‘Cannons to the right of them, cannons to the left of them’ Alfred Lord Tennyson.
At the end of the Crimean war with Russia, the artillery from the Redan fortifications near Sevastopol, were taken back to England. One such was gifted to Chelmsford and placed on a plinth outside Shire Hall. Today, it rests at an obscure corner of Oaklands Park. We advocate its return to the city centre. It is part of the country’s history, reminding us of the sacrifice of British soldiers and sailors. It also brings to mind the nursing reforms instituted by Florence Nightingale and her nurses, for those wounded in that conflict.
• VE Day 80 and Remembrance 2025: Society members supported events in Tindal Square and with Beaulieu Community Council events. We led the remembrance ceremony in the High Chelmer Centre on 11th November 2025.
• CRACL: the Society is fully engaged with CRACL, an organisation formed to improve the waterways and encourage more users to take to the water. It is led by William Marriage and Roy Chandler.
• Devolution and local government re-organisation: The UK Government has determined that powers currently exercised centrally will henceforth be devolved to Mayors. County Councils will no longer exist. Essex will be transformed into either 3 or 5 unitary authorities and they will be responsible for all local services. Our submission to the UK government on these proposals can be viewed on our website. Finally, we have three imperatives: 1. Bring Shire Hall back into use. 2. Establish a new parish council in the city centre 3. Ensure that Chelmsford, Colchester and Southend retain their city status.
Programme
• We had discussed the future of Shire Hall with the County Council many times but without result, until now. The present Council leadership have determined that the Shire Hall project would be brought forward. This has led to the formation of the ‘Essex Shire Hall Trust (EHST). We are determined to see this project succeed.
Malcolm Noble – Chair Chelmsford Civic Society and of the Essex Shire Hall Trust (ESHT)
17th March @ 7pm @ Patch - AGM with Guest Speaker Kevin Bentley Civic Society AGM with speaker Kevin Bentley, Leader of Essex County Council.
Free for members, £5 for non-members - email info@chelmsfordcivicsociety.co.uk to book
14th April @ 7pm @ Patch - The Corn Exchange with Elizabeth Woodcraft
The Corn Exchange was the centre of social life in Chelmsford in the 50s and 60s. Author Elizabeth Woodcraft takes us through some of its finest moments – the music, the dancing, the excitement. £5 non members/ £3 members - email info@chelmsfordcivicsociety.co.uk to book
May 19th @ 7pm @ Patch - Not Just a Younger Woman’s War: Older Women in the War Zones
Whilst war is generally associated with the young, this talk focuses on older women’s responses and how a number, despite their age, were determined to serve their country, frequently overseas. The oldest of the cast was in her 80s yet correctly believed that she could ‘run as fast and work as hard’ as many of those who were young enough to be her grandchildren. Ranging across theatres of war and often drawing upon their own writings, this talk focuses upon women from various nations and backgrounds, highlighting the resilience and sheer ‘bloody-mindedness’ of an overlooked group of feisty individuals.
£5 non members/ £3 members - email info@chelmsfordcivicsociety.co.uk to book
June 4th 9.30am-4pm Volfest Chelmsford High Street
A row of around 50 stalls from local charities.
June 9th @ 7pm @ Alan Pamphilon’s Blue Plaque Walk
This is a personal quest I have taken on following an invitation from Chelmsford City Council to increase the number of people recognised by a Blue Plaque in Chelmsford. Having been involved with Chelmsford’s blue plaques voluntarily for quite a few years, I feel I have almost perfected this process. Behind each plaque are some wonderful stories about local people, each of which I thought more than deserved this special honour.
£5 non members/ £3 members - email info@chelmsfordcivicsociety.co.uk to book
9th July 6.30pm @ Old Court Theatre - The Sometimes Secret History of Chelmsford Prison Walk
The local prison is 200 years old. We will guide you round its perimeter and tell you all about its secret history. Your guide will relate the story of a public double execution, as you stand at the very spot in front of the gallows.
We will pause outside the house of a hero who courageously stopped the inmates from taking over when the place was engulfed by fire.
There are many show biz connections to the prison, we will tell you about some.
You may shed a tear at a tale of mystery, tragedy and the supernatural.£5 non members/ £3 members £5 non members/ £3 members - email info@chelmsfordcivicsociety.co.uk to book
11th - 20th September 2026 - Heritage Open Days
If you would like to volunteer for Heritage Open Days then please contact us, also if you have any ideas for events please let us know. hello@chelmsfordhod.co.uk
Your Committee
Malcom Noble - Chair
Kevin Miller - Vice Chair and Treasurer
Alan Pamphilon - Local History Expert and Blue Plaque Specialist
Judy Gillies - Membership and Minutes
Pam Swaby - Membership and Marconi Advocate
John Hammond - Planning matters
Rachel Langran - Youth Society Leader and Membership
Paul Mclean - Marketing and Heritage Open Days
Event Reviews
Review of Richard Pusey’s Talk on Guy Fawkes 4th November 2025
Well, apart from landing up with a noose round my neck so Mr Pusey could demonstrate hanging techniques in January 1606, when poor Guido Fawkes and some of his 13 fellow conspirators met their gory fates, it was a most enjoyable afternoon! It is impossible to pick out the highlights as it was so rich in content. Richard’s’ talk was peppered with some terrific illustrations and explanations of the details of the Gunpowder plot and how, why, and where it was conceived by a group of disgruntled Catholics. We were shown how it had very nearly succeeded. Subsequent reenactments have concluded everyone within 330 ft would have been killed (even allowing that the gunpowder was
damp) had Guy’s hiding place not been discovered. A map of the Midlands allowed us to track the escapers though towns and villages, with photos of houses and Priests’ Holes along the way.
Despite the horrific and graphic detail of the executions, Richard’s style is very entertaining. His historical knowledge is obviously vast, but the snippets he gave us were well explained and relevant. His observations and insights into the condition of the prisoners post torture gave a fascinating insight into his previous career as an Orthopaedic Surgeon. A most impressive talk, I could have listened all afternoon.
Review of An Evening with Alan and Paul at Christmas 12th December ‘25
The Chelmsford Club provided the magnificent venue for our annual Christmas celebration, which this year consisted of an amusing and detailed talk by our very own Master of the Macabre, Alan Pamphilon, who regaled us with some new/old tales of mysterious sightings and happenings in and around Chelmsford. Very well delivered and illustrated.
After that, whilst munching on mince pies and visiting the bar, we were well entertained with a quiz ably compiled and conducted by Paul McLean. A light-hearted
and varied selection of questions resulted in a tie break which was ultimately (but fairly!) won by Paul’s family table!
I’d just like to say a personal huge thank you to these stalwarts of the Civic Society who battle on year after year delivering our programme and Heritage Open Days with a “Can Do” attitude and lots of hard work. Many thanks also for the generosity of the Chelmsford Club in allowing us to use their facilities without charge and being very welcoming and friendly hosts.
Review of The History of Spoken English by Charlie Haylock 20th January ‘26
It was a great privilege for the Civic Society to be allowed to hear the “Force that is Charlie Haylock” deliver his final lectures on his life’s work, The History of Spoken English in two parts and to be trusted to film them for posterity.
The depth of knowledge and ability to engage his audience was quite remarkable and there were many “I didn’t know that but isn’t it interesting?” moments throughout what was quite a marathon event. All credit to Charlie as he was suffering with an extreme backache, but still had us laughing out loud at his “Annickdotes” and observations. His Dialect Tour of the British Isles is both fascinating and hilarious in equal measures.
Should you have missed the talks or would like to see them again or share with a friend, they are available on the Chelmsford Civic Society’s YouTube channel www. youtube.com/c/chelmsfordcivicsociety along with the Dialect Tour filmed last year for Heritage Open Days. It also seems only fair to give him a plug for his book “Manner of Speaking: The Story of Spoken English” and wish him and his partner Ruth a very happy retirement.
Thank you, Charlie, (and a big thank you to Paul for his filming and editing and to Chris Bellamy and Jonathon Milner for their thoughtful introduction and vote of thanks.)
Review of The Shaking of Essex by Phil George 11th February 2026
Our members and a good smattering of non-members seemed to thoroughly enjoy Phil George’s comprehensively researched story of the Earthquake that struck Essex on the morning of 22 April 1884 at 9.18am. It reached an estimated 4.2 on the (non existent at that time,) Richter scale and was only 3km under the ground, the epicentre being at Peldon, 4 miles from Colchester. It was even felt in the House of Commons, 135miles away, initially being blamed on the Irish! I was particularly impressed with the vast number of photographs Phil had amassed and the human stories which accompanied them. Imagine being on a boat on the river and watching chimneys falling through roofs with churches and buildings rocking to and fro? No
Google, no broadcast news, it must have been very frightening, and quite astonishing that no lives were lost.
Equally interestingly, I thought, was Phil’s description of the Lord Mayor’s fund and the way society came to the aid of the victims, helping to assess damage and organise fairly-priced repairs to buidings.
Many thanks for an excellent commentary on the immediate and far reaching consequences of this event and for pointing us in the right direction to research it further ourselves.
