Category: Colchester Branch

Collier & Catchpole Colchester Branch News – Latest Updates

Stay updated with the latest news from the Collier & Catchpole Colchester branch. Find out about new products, promotions, and events.

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Lexden Wood Golf Club Landscaping Materials Donation

At Collier & Catchpole, we’ve had the exciting opportunity to partner with Lexden Wood Golf Club in Colchester, delivering a wide selection of landscaping materials to enhance their mini golf course. 

Landscaping flamingo chippings

“Located just outside the historic town of Colchester, Lexden Wood Golf Club is a premier destination for golf enthusiasts in Essex. The club boasts a beautifully maintained 18-hole golf course that challenges and delights players of all skill levels. Surrounded by lush woodlands and serene landscapes, our course offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.”

Landscaping dino course

Our extensive range of decorative aggregates played a crucial role in reshaping the landscape. Our selection of geotextiles, slate, decorative chippings, pebbles, and sleepers have created a stunning foundation for a variety of installations throughout the new Dinosaur Themed mini-golf course.

“Collier & Catchpole have blown us away with the transformation of our fabulous Fossil Falls, the products they have used have really made our dinos look amazing. There advice and attention to detail is second to none, and not only that they are all so super friendly and nice and love going the extra mile. Thank you so much” – Lexden Wood

Landscaping lexden wood golf club

Keep an eye out for our new Landscaping displays at Lexden Wood Golf Club in Colchester, just 1.5 miles from our Stanway depot.

“Crazy golf at Lexden Wood is not just about fun – it’s also an opportunity for families to bond and spend quality time together. Whether you’re competing for the best score or just enjoying the playful atmosphere, our crazy golf course is a guaranteed hit for your next family day out.”

Landscaping slate

Beyond their visual impact, decorative aggregates are low-maintenance, durable, and help with drainage, making them an ideal solution for both residential and commercial landscaping projects.

Whether you’re a professional landscaper or a DIY enthusiast, you’ll find everything you need for your next project at Collier & Catchpole, delivery and collection is available Mon-Sat at our branches in Ipswich, Stanway, and Lawford.

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Exploring the Historic W H Collier Site: A Legacy of Brickmaking

W H Collier Ltd has been a cornerstone of brickmaking in Essex, producing high-quality, hand-thrown bricks that continue to grace homes, heritage sites, and modern developments across Colchester and beyond.

We recently took a nostalgic tour of their vintage brickworks, a site rich in history and craftsmanship, a place we once called home.

Brickworks

A Journey from Reading to Stanway: The Birth of W H Collier Ltd

The story of W H Collier Ltd begins in 1880, when William Holman Collier decided to branch out from the family brickmaking business, S & E Collier, which had been established in Reading in the early 1800s.

William, along with his wife Jessie, made the significant move to Stanway, Essex – a journey of approximately 110 miles by steam train at the time.

Brickworks

Once in Stanway, they discovered The Marks Tey Brickworks, a site previously owned by Mr. Wagstaff, a local farmer who had been using the natural clay and sand on his land to produce bricks. Sensing an opportunity, the Colliers acquired the brickworks and immediately set about expanding production.

Their investment not only grew the business but also provided the local community with alternative employment, moving away from the dominant industries of farming and railways.

W H Collier Ltd quickly became known for their meticulous craftsmanship. Each brick hand-thrown using clay from their own quarry, a tradition that has continued through the generations.

Today, W H Collier Ltd is still a thriving business, known for producing bricks with a level of detail and artistry that no machine can replicate. The company remained part of the Collier family until 1988.

Brickworks
Brickworks

A team of eight continues the tradition of brickmaking at W H Collier producing over 250,000 bricks every year.

“Our bricks are used in projects ranging from the most prestigious new-build developments to sensitive heritage restorations and self-build projects. Beauty no machine can match. Every brick is hand-thrown using clay from our own quarry.” – W. H Collier  

Brickworks

The company’s dedication to traditional techniques ensures that each brick they produce is a piece of history, perfect for any building project that values authenticity and beauty. As W H Collier Ltd puts it: “Beauty no machine can match.“

Brickmaking
Brickmaking
Brickmaking
Brickmaking

From Marks Tey to the wider Essex area, W H Collier bricks can be found in countless projects, adding timeless character to homes, public buildings, and historical restorations.