Just as Colchester Castle is built on the foundations of the Temple of Claudius, Colchester’s community is built on the foundations built by volunteers. And so the setting for a celebration of volunteering (National Volunteers Week) was apt and special.

We renewed acquaintances with old friends from Essex Wildlife Trust, Community 360 and St Helena Hospice and also made new friends for future partnerships with East Anglian Children’s Hospice and Colchester City Council Deputy Chief Executive Lindsay Barker.

And the old walls of the castle were treated to a short speech by Mayor John Jowers who was accompanied by his wife and Mayoress, Sue as well as Colchester Choral Society entertaining us with some soothing tunes. Overall a lovely evening sweetened by free Prosecco and snacks and made amusing by sitting next to some skulls and bones.