Bob Hardcastle and John Tranter led us along Clevedon seafront to learn about some of the projects that the Civic Society, working with North Somerset Council, Clevedon Town Council and other voluntary organisations have completed in the last 10 years.

We started at the lookout which was restored to represent where the sugar merchant Finzel had watched for ships approaching Bristol, offering a competitive price for the cargo. The marine lake was restored using the Heritage lottery fund with input on scheme design drawings and advice to reduce the cost of the restoration. We agreed the lake is a great success and has enhanced the town as it attracts visitors and locals alike.

Our two talented leaders had been able to use their skill and expertise on many projects with inspiring design and ingenious ways to reduce costs or bring in extra funds. The list is a long one. To mark the 50th anniversary of the Society the steps to Poets Walk have been restored and include lines from In Memoriam by Tennyson, a poet associated with the town.

We stopped to hear about the bandstand, one of the few Victorian ones still standing, the Victorian shelter, drinking fountains, Pier Copse seating area and many more.

All contribute to making our town just a little more special! And what of future projects? There is a wrought iron entrance to Salthouse fields (financially supported by the Civic Society) and Bob and John would like to install a plinth in front of that where, perhaps, there could be a series of sculptures, as in Trafalgar Square London. A great idea!

A very interesting walking-talk which finished up in one of our excellent seaside cafes.


Report by Carol Wood
Photos by Ross Janes, Jeff Eastmond and the site archive