COLCHESTER’S world-famous oyster fisheries have been declared open once again as one of the town’s oldest traditions returned to the water.
The ceremonial opening of the Colne Oyster Fisheries was confined to dry land last year due to the impact of Government Covid restrictions.
However, on Friday, the tradition, which dates back to 1540, was once again able to take place on the open waves.
Sailing barge Thistle set sail from Brightlingsea to Pyefleet Creek with civic dignitaries on board.
These included Colchester mayor Robert Davidson, Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell and representatives of the Cinque Port Liberty of Brightlingsea.
The ceremony itself saw the mayor, Colchester Council chief executive Adrian Pritchard and Town Serjeant Paul Lind don full regalia as they officially marked the lifting of the first oysters of the season.
The Proclamation, an ancient tongue-twister, was read by Mr Pritchard before Mr Davidson raised a toast to Her Majesty the Queen, which is accompanied by gin and gingerbread.
Special guests enjoyed a three-course lunch on the boat as part of the ceremony, including some of the first oysters of the season.
Speaking after the event Mr Davidson said: “Today’s ceremony was a wonderful occasion to celebrate the start of this year’s oyster harvest.
“I was especially delighted that we were able, once again, to take to open water to enjoy the occasion.
“Oysters and oyster fisheries are a much-loved tradition for Colchester, dating back nearly 2,000 years, so to be part of such an age-old ceremony was an unforgettable honour.”
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Before the ceremony a letter was sent to the Queen at Buckingham Palace saying guests would drink to her long life and health, and offering their services to Her Majesty.
The Queen normally returns her thanks to the mayor and the borough’s councillors for their good wishes.
For more information on the Mayor of Colchester and traditional Town Hall heritage, visit www.colchester.gov.uk/mayor.
n Pictures courtesy of Seana Hughes/Colchester Council.
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