THE weather has taken a turn for the worse and, fittingly, today’s Nostalgia takes us on a soggy trip back to the swinging 1960s.
Gazette reader Colin James dropped us a line with these dramatic pictures of flooding at the bottom of Horkesley Hill, in Colchester.
They were taken midway through the decade and show the problems caused by the rising River Stour.
As you can see, buses struggled to get through and a white car can be seen bobbing in the water.
In deep water - the flooded River Stour at Horkesley Hill, in the mid-1960s
The flooding was so severe that the bridge on the A134 was completely washed away, cutting off the old road that went through Nayland.
Eventually, a temporary metal bridge was laid across to bridge the gap - quite literally.
After repairs, the A134 was then modernised and bypassed the village completely.
Mr James said: “I was born and lived in Great Horkesley and, in the early days, often cycled down Horkesley Hill with my mates to fish in the River Stour, at Nayland.
No pain, no rain - the conditions are tricky for this bus driver
“The river frequently burst its banks, flooding onto the adjacent water meadows, but, on this occasion, it was particularly bad and caused the bridge to be washed away completely.
“We never did discover who the unfortunate owner was of the white car bobbing about in the water and always wondered if he or she was on the bridge when it collapsed.”
Mr James, who lives in Coach Road and is now 77, also said: “The road leading to Little Horkesley, shown on the signpost at the flooded junction, was known as Water Lane and certainly lived up to its name on this occasion.”
Nothing ventured, nothing rained - a bus driver battles his way through the flooded River Stour at the bottom of Horkesley Hill
Meanwhile, in digging out these pictures, Mr James also found one of himself with old friends at Colchester’s Myland Primary School.
He started there in January 1949 and left in July 1955.
“My teacher’s name was Miss Digby - a stern but likeable person and good at her job,” said Mr James.
“Looking back, I consider myself lucky to have attended Myland School.
Watered down - this picture shows the aftermath of the River Stour flood
“The staff were excellent and dedicated.
“We were given a good grounding in all subjects, as well as a lot of practical experience and educational visits.
“I don’t remember the day I left for the last time, but must have been a little sad because I enjoyed a wonderful time there and, to this day, still have very fond memories.”
When it rains, it pours - this dramatic picture shows the bottom of Horkesley Hill
Do you have old photos to share with Gazette readers?
If so, email matt.plummer@newsquest.co.uk
Bridge over troubled water - the bridge was washed away at the bottom of Horkesley Hill
Looking back in time - Colin James' long-time hobby is genealogy. "I've enjoyed doing quite a bit of poking and prying over the years, not only for myself but researching trees for others," he said
Class act - this picture shows the children at Myland School in 1955. Colin James is in the middle row, fourth from the left
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