2021 has had no shortage of news and Colchester is no exception.
With 2022 just around the corner, we thought we would take a look back at some of our biggest stories of the year.
From supermarket shortages to new bank holidays planned for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, there is not much that we haven't seen in 2021.
As we reflect on our most popular headlines of the year, we would like to wish you a very happy new year.
Top 9 most read stories in Colchester in 2021
9. Colchester man's heartache after wife, 25, dies suddenly
A HEARTBROKEN husband has vowed to give his eight-month-old daughter “the best possible future” after his wife died while cuddling her.
Samantha Clarke unexpectedly died at her home on the morning of September 4 aged just 25.
Her husband Christian, 28, who lived in Colchester for most of his life, discovered what had happened after being woken by his daughter Ava, who was crying.
8. The new lockdown rules coming into force on March 8
Coronavirus restrictions will begin being eased in England.
Lockdown rules will be relaxed so that pupils can return to the classroom for the first time in two months and groups of two can meet up socially.
Boris Johnson announced the ‘road map’ out of lockdown last month.
7. Covid: Three skin conditions could be first signs of virus
Skin conditions could be one of the first signs of coronavirus infection, according to a new medical study.
The study found chilblains, rashes and hives could all be indicators that an individual has contracted Covid-19.
Scientists also believe these skin reactions could occur before the usual symptoms of Covid, such as a cough and loss of taste, become apparent.
6. UK facing supermarket food shortages and empty shelves
Future food shortages at supermarkets could be 'inevitable' according to industry experts.
It has been claimed staff shortages across low-paying sectors including harvesting, manufacturing, and in particular a chronic lack of drivers, would mean less food on the shelves.
Shane Brennan, CEO of the Cold Chain Federation told the Guardian: ""The real crisis for food supplies starts now.""
5. Government changes deadline for plan to ease lockdown in England
THE Government has widened the timeframe for when it plans to announce how lockdown in England will end, in a move which could see schools reopening delayed.
Previously Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other ministers have said the ""roadmap"" out of lockdown would be published on February 22.
However, today, Downing Street has implied the Prime Minister misspoke, with the roadmap set to arrive in the week beginning February 22.
4. Family pay tribute after Colchester teenager's sudden death at 17
A GRIEVING family have been “completely overwhelmed” with the outpouring of love they have received after a 17-year-old hairdresser unexpectedly died in her sleep.
Maddy Campbell’s family have been left heartbroken after the teenager’s sudden death when she did not wake up on the morning of September 14.
A postmortem examination came back as inconclusive and more tests will be carried out.
3. Extras from Colchester wanted for Victorian TV series set in Essex
CASTING directors are looking for people from across Colchester and north Essex to star in a "new major TV series".
Talent agency Extra People is looking for men and women in Essex aged 16 and over to star as extras ""to fill background roles in an exciting new TV series set in Victorian Essex.""
The agency said it was looking for people from the Colchester, Mersea and surrounding areas for the series.
2. Borley Rectory: Haunted house inspired horror film The Banishing
A horror film inspired by real-life tales of paranormal activity at an Essex rectory is set to be released this week.
Borley Rectory became known as the ""the most haunted house in England"" after being given the description by psychic researcher Harry Price when he published two books about it in the 1940s.
The original findings were front page news in the Daily Mirror in the 1920s.
1. Four-day Bank Holiday weekend planned for Queen's platinum jubilee
AN extra Bank Holiday has been organised to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
Britain will come together and celebrate the monarch's 70-year reign over the course of a four-day weekend.
The May Bank Holiday weekend in 2022 will be moved to Thursday, June 2, and there will be an additional Bank Holiday on Friday, June 3, to celebrate her Majesty hitting this milestone.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article