Retired Colchester schoolteacher Ewart Russell, better known to many as "Rusty", died in 1989 but an inspirational memorial in his name has raised around £12,000 for Colchester Castle over the past 30 years.
The memorial is an underwater tray in the Castle well, into which residents and tourists can drop coins in the manner of a "wishing well".
Mr Russell was a founder member of Colchester Morris Men in 1952, and later was the treasurer and secretary of The Morris Ring of England where he held the title of Bagman from 1959 - 1971. He was also Colchester's Bagman, Fool - and sometime Beast Master of Reuben, a fine hobby horse and a (now retired) spotty dog he made named Wilbur. He was also a keen local historian and was a great supporter of the town's museums.
The collecting tray was installed after Colchester Morris Men approached the museum service about recognising Rusty's interest in the Castle, and the idea of the tray being installed as his memorial was agreed. The tray was paid for by the Morris Men.The notice at the top of the well pays tribute to Mr Russell and invites people to drop coins into the well.
The tray is lifted two or three times a year and the coins counted. Unfortunately the Council only keeps financial records for six years, so only those from August 2014 are available which show that in each calendar year the figure is around £400. With the underwater tray collecting "wishing well" coins for 30 years, the total is probably in the region of £12,000.
Mr Russell's younger son is the High Steward of Colchester, Sir Bob Russell, who said: "My father was good at collecting money from people watching Morris displays, putting the money in 'the bag' hence the title Bagman. I am sure my father would be amused, and very pleased, that his memorial has already bagged £12,000 for the Castle museum with more being collected every year."
A good friend of our traditions, as a Liberal Democrat MP Sir Bob once challenged the then Prime Minister Tony Blair during Questions in the House of Commons that Arts Council England spent more money promoting Contemporary Latin American Art than it did England's traditional folk culture. He has also raised the same point during Questions to the Secretary of State for Culture.following the Morris Ring's 75th Anniversary.
Many thanks for bringing this great story to our attention Sir Bob - and to the Colchester Morris Men for their assistance in creating this article.
And if any of you are passing the castle well, do drop in.