The Time Keepers of Earls Colne

with Bob Cook

Bob was born in Colchester and has lived in Essex all his life.  After education in Coggeshall, Earls Colne and Colchester, he worked in many accounting and administration roles largely in manufacturing industries.  A late career change in 2000 saw him owning and operating HGVs in the construction industry.  In 2020 he finally hung up his orange trousers and became involved in the rebirth of the Earls Colne Heritage Museum where he still regularly mans the reception desk at the museum and attends many events and presentations, largely fetching, carrying and general plugging in of wires.  He served for a time as a Parish Councillor and still maintains a keen interest in the council’s activities. Whilst a Councillor he took on their responsibility for timekeeping and maintenance of the clock and finally became the keeper of the clock in 2022.  He is a member of the volunteer team of gardeners at St Andrews church and was able to raise funds for a range of electric tools for the team’s use.  He is married to Eileen who has lived in Earls Colne since 1987 and has two sons, two grandchildren and a sister for his sons who arrived as part of Eileen’s family.

Our thanks to Bob for his informative description of the role of the Timekeeper