Bluebell Woods Open Weekend 2026

Every year, Thorrington Hall Woods are kindly open up to the public by the Gibbon family who look after the woods and run the farm.

Last year the weather was nice and sunny but in places a little wet under foot.

Over the two days of the woods being open the church also open to refreshments and people to see the decorations for the coronation service.

This was a bumper year for the wood at it saw well over 1000 people attend and raised over £2,500 in donations for the church and Colchester Hospice.

People were queuing to get into the woods, also into the church, people enjoying the weather and each other’s company sitting about in the church grounds.

It was so heart-warming to see so many people come along and have a few hours to enjoy the blue bells, the church and the weather

All thanks goes to those that helped.

A Fond Farewell

After 21 years’ service, 15th March saw the last Sunday  Mr & Mrs Jinks would be at Thorrington.

Mr Jinks joined Thorrington church and PCC around 2005, serving as churchwarden for most of those years, seeing several training curates, two vicars & welcoming new people into the church.

John took on the big task of overseeing the relining of the church roof, repointing of the top part of the tower and installing a new toilet.

Just before the Mothering Sunday service, a speech was said by Rev Hart & by Mr Clarke with a presentation of gifts from the church, given by Mrs Clarke and Mrs Rawlings.

Great thanks was given to Mr & Mrs Jinks for their time, hard work, support and unending hope.

We all wish them well on their new journey and God’s speed.