Colchester tributes continue to pour in for Cindy Grimwood

Cynthia Anne Grimwood, a resident of Stanway Green Lodge Residential Care Home, in Heath Road, died at the age of 82 on November 11 following a short illness.

The larger than life individual was commonly known as Cindy and rose to prominence as the administrator of a Facebook group called Old Colchester and District in pictures.

The page is committed to highlighting the fantastic, historic photos of Colchester and its surrounding areas and provides users with a way of reminiscing about the past.

Thanks to Cindy's work, the group has amassed more than 35,000 followers, and the impact of Cindy's death has been felt throughout the community, with many people paying tribute.

Amazing - A photo of Cindy last year when she received a special award for all her hard work (Image: Public)

Colchester’s mayor, councillor John Jowers, did not know Cindy personally but has been touched by her amazing contribution to the city and offered his condolences.

He said: “I am saddened to hear about the passing of Cindy Grimwood.

“She was a true champion of our city and her work to preserve and promote its history was invaluable.

“Cindy’s Facebook group was a treasure trove of old photos and stories that brought joy to so many people.

“It was a place where people could come together to share their love of the city, both past and present.

Loved - Cindy in 2019 (Image: Public)

“I would like to express my sincere condolences to Cindy’s family and friends, she will be remembered as a true champion of Colchester and its community.”

Matt Cornell, a former Colchester resident who now lives in Denmark, is an admin of the widely popular Facebook group.

Describing Cindy as a “driving force”, he said: “I never had the pleasure of meeting Cindy in person but we wrote frequently, and it was obvious she was passionate about the group she had created and the history of Colchester.

“She brought pleasure to many people all over the world. I hope the group continues to grow in honour of her memory.”

Ex-Colchester mayor, councillor Tim Young, of the Greenstead ward met Cindy in September last year at her care home when an event was held to celebrate all of Cindy’s hard work.

Wedding day - Cindy and her husband John Grimwood on their wedding day in 1959 (Image: Social Media)

“Cindy did a wonderful job in recording old Colchester’s history,” he said.

“She was a wonderful woman; it is so sad to hear of her death.

“Colchester owes her a lot. It was a lovely occasion to meet her last year.

“Without her we wouldn’t know about many of these historic photos - she deserves a place in Colchester’s history.”