County Editor Herbert Eiden reports from our 2026 AGM, which was held at Cressing Temple Barns.
On 26 June 2026, the VCH Essex Trust held its Annual General Meeting at Cressing Temple Barns on a sweltering Saturday afternoon. The Annual Accounts, and the reports of the Chairman and the County Editors were approved, and the Honorary Officers and the Executive Committee members re-elected. Also elected as a new Trustee was Susan Cunningham MA.
After the conclusion of the official AGM business, Roger Kennell, chairman of the Clacton VCH Volunteer Group, was presented by Ken Crowe with the VCH Outstanding Contribution Award 2026. This is an annual award by the Central VCH Office in London for exceptional contributions and dedication to the Victoria County History project. The award was announced at the VCH Day at the Institute of Historical Research in London, but because Roger could not attend on that day he and the group received it on this occasion. I would like to add my warmest congratulations to Roger and all members of the Clacton VCH Volunteer Group for the outstanding work they have done (and still do) for the VCH Essex.
Afterwards Roger gave an entertaining talk on the achievements of the volunteer group over the last 24 years. In this period, they published five booklets on topics of Clacton-on-Sea, Holland-on-Sea and Jaywick, staged several local exhibitions and undertook numerous field trips.
The day ended – as usual – with delicious home-made cakes, coffee and tea, or, more appropriate in the heat, with a cold drink.
Victoria County History of Essex 