I was interested to read last Friday thatMr Jephcott and Destination Colchester wants to set up a heritage trail to celebrate the town’s Roman past.

While applauding the idea of a heritage trail, I would suggest that concentrating solely on our Roman period would be a mistake, and might have quite a narrow appeal for many Colcestrians.

Apart from the importance of Colchester’s medieval and Civil War history, more recently the town had a thriving manufacturing sector, and what about the key role played by the town as an Army base?

Also, don’t forget our wonderful green spaces and churches.

Adding to this rich tapestry of Colchester’s heritage are the experiences of people who lived through the changing face of the town over the last 60 years.

This would connect the present with the past.

I would argue that to make this venture a success needs more than digging up events of long ago but, rather, requires the engagement of those who don’t normally delve into history books, especially the young.

As a key member of the Basildon Heritage Team since 2006, I have been working there with a local historian in visiting a number of primary schools where more than 250 tenyear- old children were involved in photographic exhibitions, and a 12km trail was marked around the town and green spaces with the support of the Heritage Lottery, Essex County and Basildon district councils and the PItsea Marshes Trust.

Since then, we have had a number of events in the main library (such as Basildon – Then and Now), set up a heritage unit in the Eastgate Shopping Centre, and produced a book, Basildon Our Heritage, and officially opened the trail in April of this year.

The Essex Arts Foundation, which initiated and set up the Basildon Trail, would be a good starting point for advice. Its website is: www.essexgallery.org.uk/new_site_essexgallery/t hefoundation.html

Bob Fisher
Heritage Photographer
Woodlands
Colchester