AS we are again to remember and commemorate Remembrance Day, I just want to mark the significance of this year - 2016.

It is 100 years since many thousands of young men from all over Essex travelled from St Botolph’s station to fight for God, King and Country and for our freedom, liberty and justice.

Let’s never forget the 1916 Battle of the Somme. 

Young men, mostly hard-working land labouring lads, went from long working hours in the field to uniformed soldiers battling in mud-filled trenches. 

Remember all families in Essex had a relative involved: my own grandfather and great uncle fought.

Let us honour and remember, especially this year, what they gave. 

William Jolliffe c/o Poppy Appeal Mersea Road, Colchester

REFLECTING on Kevin Starling’s letter published last week seeking affordable exercise centres in the Colchester area.

I advise Mr Starling and other residents in the region look no further than Lexden where tucked away in idyllic surroundings you will find Colchester Croquet Club.

All comers can discover a thriving well run organisation providing an affordable sporting option.

We offer gentle open air [yes, even in winter] exercise along with friendly banter and a dash of humour.

Many people have never gained the opportunity to experience this long established game, a game of some skill and tactics that will stretch both mind and body; many former and current golf and bowls players find that they enjoy a certain affinity with the sport.

Colchester Croquet Club is long-established and is considered to have some of the best playing surfaces in the region, it also has members playing at all levels from beginners to international players.

If this sport is of interest to you then we supply all the equipment you just need to wear flat soled shoes or trainers.

Further information email jane.collier1@btinternet.com

Stephen Scrase Colchester Croquet Club Elianore Road, Colchester

  • Hollande’s pain claim an insult

What was voted on in the Seventies was a vote to join the common market, a trading arrangement between the members, this after being rebuffed by General DeGaul several times.

Since then the Common Market has morphed into an organisation that has become political, economic, legal and social, taking decision making largely away from member states.

It is my belief this is why the British people voted to leave.

In 40 years things may have changed again and membership of what may be there might be considered again.

Before that happens the leaders of the EU, Jean-Claude Juncker in particular, need to stop acting in such a dictatorial and undemocratic manner and account must be taken of the disparate economies and cultures that make up the Union.

For Mr Hollande to say that Britain must suffer some pain is an insult to the nation that stood largely alone during the two world wars in defence of Europe.

Ralph White-Robinson Sillett Close, Clacton

  • Do not dismiss Labour lightly

The Labour party is now the biggest social democratic movement in the whole of Europe with over 500,000 members.

It is the only party offering a clear alternative to the austerity imposed by the Tories.

Jeremy Corbyn has already pledged a £30 billion investment for the South East on top of more investment into small business and the creation of more jobs.

Something our area would clearly benefit from.

This is still an area of high unemployment and many want to see more done to improve living standards for all.

I think a lot of people will find that very credible. Lets not dismiss the Labour party to lightly.

J.Simcox Kings Avenue, Holland-on-Sea

  • Straight-talking and sympathetic

I WAS quite surprised to see Sir Bob Russell branded as selfish and a bully last week.

I have known him for quite a long time and have found him to be neither.

The Bob Russell I know has always been respectful, straight-talking and sympathetic to the needs of the public in general.

BM New Greenstead Road Colchester

  • Help me to find navy man Mike

I AM trying to make contact with Mike Waghorn who was in the Royal Navy during the Sixties and came from the Colchester area.

We served together in the frigate HMS Troubridge during the ship’s final commission 1966-69 and were both radar plotters on the same watch and served on the Far East station and the Mediterranean.

My telephone number is 01606 330378

Phil Yarwood Kingsley Drive, Northwich Cheshire

  • So pleased duck pond has been lit

Of course there are priority jobs for street lamp replacement.

Here in Brightlingsea in Promenade Way, a dead end road with no dwellings, the working lamp posts are being replaced today, can’t have the duckpond unlit, can we?

Andrew Storeck Colne Road Brightlingsea