community support Archives

Posted on 4 October 202425 October 2024 by Louise Parkes

Mersea Sea Scouts Transform Scout Hut with a Fresh New Look

Mersea Sea Scouts have given their Scout Hut a makeover. Well done to everyone involved 🏕️👏

We are happy to share that the Mersea Sea Scouts have given their historic Scout Hut a much-needed makeover, with a little help from Collier & Catchpole. After two days of hard work with 20 dedicated volunteers, the transformation is complete — and the space is looking better than ever.

Originally repatriated from the Colchester Army Barracks in the 1960s, the timber-framed hut had not been painted for over 20 years, leaving it in desperate need of a refresh. The volunteers worked tirelessly to repaint and restore the building, breathing new life into this important community space.

“Sincere thanks for supplying the paint to repaint our Scout Hut. We have just spent two days with 20 volunteers getting it done, and it looks great. The hut was originally repatriated from the Colchester Army Barracks in the 1960’s and it desperately needed a freshen up.

It had not been painted for at least 20 years, not great for a timber framed building! We could not have done it without you and sincerely appreciate your support and help.” – Mersea Sea Scouts

We’re proud to have supported this project, and to support the incredible work of the Mersea Sea Scouts. We hope the new and improved space serves you well into the future.

Posted on 27 September 202425 October 2024 by Louise Parkes

Earls Colne Museum Unveil Memorial Dedicated to RAF Members

Proud to support a lasting tribute to heroism, courage and sacrifice. Memorial unveiled in local ceremony 🌹 #LestWeForget

“On the 20th September 1944, two RAF Lancasters of 622 Sqn RAF enroute on an operational mission, collided mid-air, and both aircraft crashed to the ground- all 15 aircrew were killed instantly. The bodies of the aircrew were recovered. Four of the crew were from New Zealand, one from Canada, and the remaining 10 British.

The knowledge of this crash location, and the death of these aircrew has been gradually lost to memory – they were just a few of the many thousands killed in Bomber Command. However, a discovery of a newspaper article in the Museum, and then further research including the Essex Record Office in Chelmsford, led the Museum to identify the actual locations.

We were then given permission to install a memorial close to the junction of Americas Road and Tey Road. This will be installed on 20th September 2024 for the 80th anniversary.” – Earls Colne Heritage Museum

“I would like to thank Collier & Catchpole for the very kind donation of bricks to the Museum via Robin Bragg to help us with the construction of the War Memorial” – Gordon, Chairman

Posted on 16 February 202423 October 2024 by Louise Parkes

Racing Ahead: An Exclusive Interview with Jessica Fitch-Hall

To commemorate a year since we first met Jessica Fitch-Hall, Female racing driver, British Kart Racing Driver, Formula Ford Race Driver for Fern GP, we took some time to reflect on her racing career, so far.

Jessica’s ambition and success remind us how important it is to support young talent within our communities, especially when they are breaking new ground. Growing up in a family passionate about motorbikes and cars, she was drawn not only to the high-speed excitement of racing but also to the technical aspects of the sport.

Being on the track, Jessica says, is all about the adrenaline. “It’s just you and the kart“. It’s a reminder that true success comes from inner drive—a message that resonates beyond the track.

When did you first become interested in motorsports?

I first became interested in competing in motorsport around the age of eight. I was fascinated by the idea of the fast-paced racing but also the mechanical side as well. From a young age, I was brought up around a family who had interests in both motorbikes and cars.

What is your greatest achievement in your racing career so far?

Probably competing in the British Kart Championship and being a confirmed driver for Fern GP in their single seaters. It was a dream I had since I was eight watching others compete where I am now.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Probably overcoming the explosion from our race van as we lost all of our equipment. The support from everyone was amazing, and we will never forget the help from everyone.

What is your favourite thing about being on the track?

The adrenaline overpowers everything when on track it’s just you and the kart.

What’s next?

I have my first test day in the formula Ford with Fern GP. It will be a huge step for me to adapt to, but I have an amazing support network to help me with all the new challenges.

Do you have a quote to live by?

“You can copy someone’s idea but not their energy. That’s why some will win regardless of others trying to replicate them. It doesn’t matter what others are doing it’s you vs. you.”

What are the next steps in your motorsport career?

I would like to achieve a seeded ( top 10) in the British Kart Championships. I would also like to test in a formula three car.

Supporting young talent like Jessica is essential for building future champions and breaking barriers, showing that anyone can thrive with the right passion and perseverance.

To find out more and to support Jessica Fitch-Hall, head over to her Instagram.

Posted on 22 November 202330 October 2024 by Louise Parkes

Gary Takes on Movember: Raising Awareness for Men’s Health

We are putting the spotlight on Gary today — who is spreading awareness and raising funds for Movember this month by sporting a 10/10 moustache and sharing his story. Watch the full TikTok video here 🙌

“Movember is a leading charity changing the face of men’s health. We know what works for men – and what doesn’t..”

Since 2003, Movember has been inspiring millions of people to join the movement and make a difference by growing a moustache, getting active, or hosting events — all with the aim of shining a light on important issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health.

“I am taking part in support of men’s health, such a worthy cause. I have had issues with mental health in the past and appreciate how isolating it feels to suffer in silence and how difficult it can be to finally open up about troubles, even to loved ones.

For me, this resulted in having a blackout at the wheel suffering physical injuries but more so emotional damage which took me a long while to fully recover from.

My wife was my absolute rock during this time and she is. She stood strong through it all and got me through basically. So, my “MOtivation” is all linked to this time in my life” – Gary Bloomfield

Click here to support Gary 🙏

For all the dads, brothers, sons and mates in our lives. Let’s join forces to support men’s health this Movember.

There are many ways to join the Movember movement

Grow a Mo: The traditional way to participate is by growing a moustache and raising awareness
Move for Movember: The Order of Mo remembers the 60 men lost to suicide globally, every hour. To take part, all you have to do is run or walk 60km. Cover the distance in one go or over the month.
Host an Event: Get your community together to raise funds for Movember
Donate: Even if you can’t participate, you can always make a donation to support Movember‘s life-changing work

For more information on Movember and how you can get involved, visit Movember UK.

Posted on 16 July 202323 October 2024 by Louise Parkes

Yard Expansion Completed at Collier & Catchpole Lawford

We are excited to announce the completion of a major 600m² external yard expansion at our Lawford branch, with the fantastic support of D A Cant.

This new expansion will significantly enhance the availability and accessibility of building materials and products for both collection and delivery.

Thanks to our friends at C & W Fencing, who made essential upgrades to our front gates. The expanded space allows for quicker loading and easier access to the yard, so you can get in, get loaded, and get back to work faster than ever.

As part of this expansion, we’re excited to offer improvements in our stock ranges, including a larger selection of:

Bricks & Blocks – Offering everything from standard bricks to specialist blocks for all types of building projects.
Timber – A wide variety of high-quality timber products perfect for construction, roofing, and landscaping needs.
Landscaping Materials – From decorative aggregates to paving slabs and sleepers, we have everything you need to transform outdoor spaces.
Lintels – Stocking a variety of lintels for different structural applications.
Drainage Solutions – We provide a full range of drainage products, from drain pipes to manhole covers.
Insulation – High-performance insulation materials to meet energy-efficiency requirements for residential and commercial builds.

What’s Next?

With Lawford 2.0 officially open, keep an eye out for new products rolling in over the coming weeks. Whether you need bricks, timber, landscaping materials, or insulation, our Lawford, Colchester, and Ipswich branches are here to help.

Visit us today or explore our range online at Collier & Catchpole for delivery and collection options across Essex and Suffolk.

Posted on 3 June 202330 October 2024 by Louise Parkes

Charity Fundraisers: Supporting Causes Close to Our Hearts

At Collier & Catchpole, we are incredibly proud of our team’s commitment to giving back to the community. Over the past few months, several of our staff members have taken on impressive challenges to raise funds for charities that are making a real difference.

Pier to Pier Walk for St Helena Hospice

On Sunday, 14th May, Sarah Adye, along with her friend Daniella Quanch, participated in the Pier to Pier Walk. They walked from Clacton Pier to Walton Pier and back again, raising over £700 for St Helena Hospice. St Helena provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care to people with incurable illnesses in north-east Essex, supporting patients, their families, and caregivers during difficult times.

RideLondon-Essex 100 for ESSW Charitable Trust

On Sunday, 28th May, Tim (Collier & Catchpole) and Paul (Walkers the Builders Merchant) took part in the 2023 Ford UK RideLondon-Essex 100. The cycling event saw them cover 100 miles through the streets of Essex and London, raising over £1,000 for the ESSW Charitable Trust.

The charity focuses on helping children affected by humanitarian crises and starvation across the world, and Tim and Paul’s hard work will go a long way toward providing essential support for those in need.

Colchester Half Marathon for Epilepsy Action Charity

On Sunday, 21st May, Chris ran the Colchester Half Marathon to raise money for Epilepsy Action, raising jsut over £600 for the charity. Epilepsy Action provides support and advice to those affected by epilepsy, including young people like 11-year-old Amelia, who has lived with epilepsy her entire life.

“I have had Epilepsy since I was born. Epilepsy Action have provided support and advice to me and my family as well as many others which helps a lot as it can be scary. MASSIVE good luck Chris, you are funny and make me laugh. GO ON CHRIS. You can do it” – Amelia Marshall 🫶

Well done to everyone involved! We are incredibly proud of Sarah, Tim, Paul, and Chris for their hard work and dedication to making a difference.

St Helena Hospice – St Helena Hospice is a Colchester based charity which provides specialist palliative and end of life care to local people facing incurable illness in north east Essex, supporting them, their families, friends and carers.

ESSW Charitable Trust – ESSW Charitable Trust is a local Devon charity focused on raising money for children caught up in humanitarian crises or at threat of starvation throughout the world

Epilepsy Action – Epilepsy Action believe that every person with epilepsy deserves to feel supported and reassured. No-one deserves to be alone and isolated.

Posted on 27 August 202223 October 2024 by Louise Parkes

Collier & Catchpole £200,000 Investment in Ipswich Branch

Collier & Catchpole, a leading independent builders’ merchant, has proudly invested over £200,000 in refurbishing their Ipswich shop and sales office, along with reconfiguring the yard layout. This significant investment is set to bolster their commitment to providing top-quality building materials and products for delivery and collection in Essex and Suffolk.

The refurbishment has successfully increased the shop space by an impressive 33%, allowing for better access to an extensive range of building supplies. Customers can now browse a wider selection of products, from essential construction materials to the latest in landscaping and decorative finishes.

Managing Director Tim Rowbottom expressed his enthusiasm about the upgrade: “Our business is very much based on the people we employ, but without the correct tools and facilities, they will always struggle to do the job to the highest standards. This investment continues our drive to keep the business relevant to our customers’ needs and is focused very much on the service we provide.”

On Friday, 26th August, Collier & Catchpole opened the doors to their brand-new shop at the Ipswich depot. The official opening event was a week-long celebration filled with activities that highlighted their dedication to serving the Essex and Suffolk building communities.

Trade displays from top suppliers such as Azpects, Pavestone, Bradstone, ACO, Mannok, Millboard, Metsä Group, and Haemmerlin showcased the latest building products, tools and innovations. These key suppliers are integral to Collier & Catchpole’s mission to provide high-quality building materials in Essex and Suffolk.

Branch Manager Jason Wood commented on the successful event: “Thank you to all the staff and contractors for your hard work in getting the new shop over the line. The extra space makes it much easier for customers to buy building materials, and that is really important to us.”

Fun and Games: Celebrating with the Community

The grand opening wasn’t just about showcasing products; it was also about celebrating with the community. The team organized the “Colliers Shovel Off!” game, where visitors competed to hold an OX shovel at a 90-degree angle for as long as possible.

John from Eagle Construction emerged victorious after an impressive 3 minutes and 30 seconds, taking home the shovel at the end of the event.

Guests also enjoyed delicious wood-fired pizzas from The Mobile Pizza Co, a local catering company.

Throughout the week, raffle tickets were handed out for instant wins. Prizes were generously donated by suppliers such as OX Tools, Rhino Flexi-tubs, Timco, ACO, Millboard, and Lexden Wood Golf Club. These giveaways added extra excitement to the event and showcased the strong relationships Collier & Catchpole maintains with top industry brands.

There’s no sign of slowing down for Collier & Catchpole. Work has already begun on Suffolk’s First Official Millboard Decking Display, set to be featured at the entrance of the new Ipswich shop. Expected to be completed in September, this display will provide customers with firsthand experience of Millboard’s exceptional decking products—ideal for those looking to enhance their outdoor spaces.

In 2019, Collier & Catchpole expanded by opening a third branch in Tendring to serve the Lawford Manningtree area, reinforcing their dedication to meeting the needs of customers across Essex and Suffolk. This latest investment in the Ipswich branch is another step in their ongoing mission to provide unparalleled service and access to high-quality building materials and products.

Marketing Manager Louise Parkes summed up the company’s forward momentum: “It’s great to finally see the new shop open for business. Everyone has worked so hard. Going forward, trading at the Ipswich depot will be vastly streamlined.”

Collier & Catchpole invites all customers, new and existing, to visit the newly refurbished Ipswich shop to explore the expanded range of building supplies. With improved facilities and an even larger selection of products, finding the right materials for your project has never been easier.

Can’t make it to the store? No problem! Visit colliercatchpole.co.uk to shop online and arrange for convenient delivery or collection in Essex and Suffolk. From construction materials to landscaping products, Collier & Catchpole is your one-stop shop for your building materials.