Industrial Heritage Fair

North Essex Heritage took part in a lively event in Coggeshall designed to highlight our precious industrial heritage across Essex.

Essex Industrial Archaeology Group’s Industrial Heritage Fair was part of the national Heritage Open Days which our charity also marked by offering free tours of the Jumbo water tower in Colchester. The fair was held at the National Trust’s stunning Grange Barn.

The team from North Essex Heritage were highlighting The Jumbo Project and the unique Victorian industrial heritage of this Grade 11* listed gem. Chair Simon Hall MBE DL was joined by Brian Light who advises on The Jumbo Project and who wrote a book about the disused water tower.

Three smiling people stand inside an old building with wooden beams in the background. A banner shows an illustration of a tall brick tower and the logo of The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The event was also a chance to reconnect with colleagues from across the heritage sector, including Halstead 21st Century Group who North Essex Heritage have been advising. The group’s projects include campaigning to save a rare group of 16 Second World War air raid shelters in Halstead which has been at risk for many years. A planning application being considered would safeguard 10 of the shelters. Eileen Penn, Chair of Halstead 21st Century Group, joined speakers from North Essex Heritage to talk about our work.