WE already have magnificent contenders for the title of champion oak within the Colchester borough. The competition is open until March 20, so, if you are interested, fetch your coat, a ball of string and a tape measure. Head for the great outdoors, find that tree and win the £40 prize. All you need do is measure the circumference of the tree you find on your wanderings using the Woodland Trust’s Oak Age Estimator, which you will find on their website. Before introducing you to some of the entries, let me introduce an ancient survivor - heavily damaged, decaying but alive.
5 short Worcester walking routes to try this lockdown (Photo: Geograph, Pixabay) PEOPLE have rediscovered their love of walking during lockdown as it is one of the times we are allowed to legally leave the house. According to the government guidelines, we can leave the house once a day for exercise- this can take place alone, with your household or with your support bubble. While you can still visit beauty spots and scenic parks on your doorstep, it’s important that you stay within your local area and don’t travel to other cities and towns in order to visit them.
Here is what you need to know:
Council offices at Rowan House Whilst all key services will continue operating over Christmas and New Year, the authority s offices at Rowan House, in Sheepen Road, will be closed on Christmas Ever and remain closed until Wednesday, December 30. The offices will also be closed on New Year s Day before reopening again from Monday, January 4. To find out more, visit www.colchester.gov.uk.
Online services Residents wishing to access council services via their online account will be able to do so 24-hours a day over Christmas at www.colchester.gov.uk/online. This is the place to set up a Direct Debit quickly and easily, check Council Tax, apply for a Single Person Discount and switch to e-billing.