GAZETTE reader Garry Mills lives in Berechurch Hall Road, Colchester.
Tell us how old you are, what you do for a living and a little about your family.
I'm 61 and live with my wife of 30 years. I recently retired after being made redundant. My only outlet at the moment is my daily walk across the Middlewick. I enjoy looking out for wildlife that shows us the beauty of life during this terrible time.
How long have you lived in Colchester?
Two years, having moved here from Chelmsford. I wanted to be near a town that has facilities, open spaces and nature in equal measure.
What’s your best memory of living here?
Stumbling across two muntjac in the copse on the Middlewick. We had never been so close to real nature and it was just fantastic.
What do you like most about living here?
The people, the town's facilities and its closeness to the outdoors.
What’s your favourite place for a takeaway?
North Hill Noodle Bar.
What’s your favourite pub?
The Anchor, in Rowhedge.
What one thing that has gone do you miss the most?
Nothing springs to mind at the moment but it would be the Middlewick Ranges, if building work is allowed to go ahead on this beautiful part of Colchester.
What’s your favourite building in the town?
The Victorian water tower fascinates me, as does The Siege House pub for its location and involvement in the more recent history of Colchester.
What’s your favourite place to grab a tea or coffee?
Any of the small independent coffee shops in the old town.
Where would you go for a special meal?
Our go to place is Pizza Express.
Where’s the best place to go for a walk?
Friday Woods, Middlewick and through the pathways from Berechurch Hall Road into town via Abbey Field. Walking back on a lovely summer's evening is just so romantic and comforting to us. We also love the beach on Mersea Island.
If you had a magic wand, what one wish would you grant your town?
That the current explosion of new building would stop. On one hand we have a regeneration programme, trying to plant trees and regenerate wildlife. Then, on the other, we are building over all the historic rural land that currently exists. The ecological disaster that we are creating will do damage to the future life of Colchester. Flooding, congestion and pollution will only increase from these levels.
Which places should anyone visiting make an effort to see?
Castle Park and the castle museum, the Wivenhoe Trail, the cobbled streets and shops of the old town and Friday Woods.
Choose one thing our town should be really proud of.
It’s diversity.
Which three words best sum up your town?
Open, free and relaxed.
What do you like most about your town or village? We’re asking our readers about their favourite things, from its history and open spaces to top pubs and takeaways. To be part of the fun, just fill in our simple Q&A form and send us some pictures by heading HERE.
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