An Evening to Remember

The Association was formed on 2 December 1783 at a meeting in the Moot Hall.

A group of tradesmen formed 'The Colchester Association for the Protection of Property and the Prosecution of Housebreakers and Thieves Within the Liberties of the Borough of Colchester'. The object of the Association was self-evident from its title, and an annual subscription of 11 shillings was required from its members from which prosecutions were financed. Members were also required to pay one half of any compensation awarded to them into the funds of the Association. The first prosecution came in January 1784 when a man was sentenced to a public whipping for stealing a pair of sheets from a member. The Association's historical books and records are held by the Secretary.

In modern times, prosecutions have of course passed into the hands of the law enforcement agencies, but the Annual Dinner, held since 1805, has, except during the two world wars, been held regularly. Membership currently stands at just over 180, and election to membership is by proposal in verse at the Annual Dinner. The Dinner itself has become one of the principal local functions, attracting speakers eminent in Government, Law and the Armed Services.

KIM KENNEDY, Secretary