ABOUT US

Nestling within its seven hills Clevedon is a jewel on the North Somerset coast. Its development in the early to mid-19th century mirrored the popularity of 'taking the sea air' and the birth of the railways.

The pier which opened in 1869 is a poignant reminder of the town's popularity as a Victorian seaside resort and also a symbol of the modern day determination of the town's people to retain our heritage, when it was refurbished, partially reopened in 1989, and then totally restored by 1998, following its collapse in 1970. It is now the only Grade 1 listed pier that is fully functional in the country.

The town's literary associations are legendary with the lovely coastal path 'Poets Walk' echoing to the wonderful words that this place has inspired. Today the town has both a vibrant atmosphere and a tender tranquillity providing a quiet haven, yet only a short distance from nearby Bristol.

The Civic Society was founded in 1970 and is a registered charity (No 263374). The Society holds monthly public and all member meetings, which include a guest speaker. Within the Society, four individual groups - Conservation and Planning, Footpaths, Local History and Environment - provide a platform for people to engage in their own individual passions and then join together to hopefully have an influence on all matters relating to our community and this beautiful place that we are proud to call home.

As an important Amenity Society we are consulted by the District Council on Planning and Development issues, in fact each and every Planning Application is scrutinised and commented on by the Planning Group. The Environment Group have been very successful in both maintaining, refurbishing and rebuilding important landmarks, the most recent being the 'Lookout' at the start of Poets Walk. The History Group's books not only provide excellent records intermingled with sometimes amusing anecdotes of the past but are also a valuable source of income to the Society. Finally the Footpaths Group not only cares and protects the many walkways around the town, but also encourages people to walk them.

Please join us, a warm welcome awaits you. If you are far away then I hope the website with its historical records and varied images will be a useful tool