Press Release
30 July 2009
A most informative event took place at the Charter Hall on the evening of
Wednesday 29th July. Organised by the President of the Bridgwater & District
Society, Derek Gibson, the evening comprised the showing of a film, 'a
Future for the Past: Action now in Conservation Areas' and an illustrated
presentation by Dr Peter Cattermole on some aspects of Bridgwater 'past and
present'.
Well attended by an audience of councillors and others interested in the
preservation of Bridgwater's heritage, invited by the Society and the Mayor
Ken Richards, the event proved a great success in highlighting the need for
all to take action in encouraging conservation. The film, a documentary
produced by the national Civic Trust organisation in the early 1970s, when it
was first shown in Bridgwater proved to be the catalyst for forming our
own local Civic Society.
In striking a positive note in presenting a series of photographs
comparing Bridgwater today with the past, Peter Cattermole succeeded in
highlighting the historic importance of the town and the need to be ever vigilant in
ensuring that it remains so. And he reminded all of the statutory
requirements for owners to maintain their properties free of graffiti and other
disfiguring features. In answer to a question from the chairman of the SCC, John
Edney, on the Water Gate, Peter's response was that would require another
whole evening's talk. The point was taken that urgent action was needed by
both the councils and any future developer to protect the foot of both
sides of Castle Street one of the most important examples of Georgian
architecture in the country.
For further information, contact Peter Braine, Publicity Officer at 01823 451168
Note to editors:
The Bridgwater & District Civic Society is a registered voluntary charity, formed in 1972 to stimulate public interest in the area.
10 April 2009
2009 Environmental Enhancement Award
For 2009, the Society recognises Bridgwater's VICTORIA PARK COMMUNITY CENTRE as Outstanding
Example of Good Architecture and Planning.
The Mayor of Bridgwater, Cllr. Graham Granter will be presenting the Bridgwater &
District Civic Society's annual Environmental Enhancement Award to the centre at
the Society's annual general at 7.30pm on Wednesday 15 April, which will be
held in the Activity Room at the centre and open to all.
Founded in 1972 by the then borough Mayor Irene Tester, the Bridgwater &
District Civic Society aims to promote high standards of planning and
architecture and to preserve features of historic interest. Past awards, for
example, have included such projects as the new town housing in Friarn Street
and the enhancement works to King Square.
The presentation will not only provide an opportunity to appreciate the
excellent facilities at the centre but also to support the Civic Society in
encouraging such projects yet at the same time protecting the town's
heritage.
For further information, see here or contact Peter Braine, Publicity Officer at 01823 451168
15 March 2009
The society responds to the consultation for the NE Bridgwater development
The response may be seen here.
6 April 2008
Crowpill Road Bridgwater
There is a little street right in the middle of Bridgwater which very few people notice or know
about. It hasn't even had a street nameboard for some years, though the little brackets once
holding one remained on a wall . The posties don't visit, as there are no front doors and
letterboxes in the street. But recently, the Civic Society was asked if they could re-instate a
sign. With sponsorship of materials by specialist joinery firm, Redwood Joinery of
Woolavington, and with the co-operation of Mr Forrester's Dental Surgery at 10 King Square,
a new roadsign has been put up.
Dr Cattermole, of the Civic Society said: "The Society is delighted to
have been working with others to help remind people of Crowpill Road, the
little street that links the present Castle Street with Chandos Street.
Beneath it lies another relic of Bridgwater's famous Castle - the wall that
divided the inner Bailey from the outer Bailey, whose curtain wall was found
at the bottom of Castle Street a few weeks ago. We're not sure though why
or when the little street became known as Crowpill Road. The name of the
place Crowpill is very old - the earliest reference I can find is 1379.
But this Road is not marked as such on any map before 1885. Some local
residents tell us about the old painted wooden sign that once was up on the
wall, but we haven't found a photograph. With our sponsors, we've made a new
wooden sign to fit the brackets, but this time painted it to help preserve
the wood. Our volunteer, Miles Peterson, who contributed so much to the
Blake 350 celebrations, has made a fine job of lettering it out in a
typeface from the early 1900s. Take a look at Crowpill Road for
yourselves!".
Civic Society volunteer, Miles
Peterson, in Crowpill Road. ©BDCS 2008
Press Release
18 March 2007
Lord King honoured by the Civic Society
Lord and Lady King at 15 Friarn Street,
having unveiled a Civic Society Blue Plaque
on 16 March.
Lord King of Bridgwater visited his former home in Bridgwater's Friarn
Street on Friday 16 March at mid-day. He was greeted outside by the Civic Society's
President, Derek Gibson, and welcomed to the town by the Mayor, Pat Parker.
The Civic Society had placed a Blue Plaque on the wall of this fine Georgian
building in recognition of Lord King's long service to the town
as its MP.
Chairman of the Civic Society, Philip Smeed, acknowledged the support of the
Heritage Lottery Fund in supporting the Blue Plaque project as part of the
Building of Bridgwater scheme, now drawing to a close. He thanked Aspen
Waite, present occupiers of the premises for agreeing to the mounting of the
plaque and noted the involvement of the many volunteers in their most worthy
endeavours to enhance the historic features of the town.
Lord and Lady King deftly and jointly unveiled the plaque. Lord King thanked all those involved in the project, noting especially the involvement of young volunteers from Bridgwater College.
Following refreshments taken in the house, Lord and Lady King then walked
along Friarn Street and Silver Street, admiring further Blue Plaques on
their way to St Mary's Church. There they viewed the exhibition of
Architectural Drawings of Bridgwater buildings with considerable interest.
Note to editors:
Lord King of Bridgwater, b. 13 June 1933 m. Jane Tilney 1960 1 son, 1
daughter. MP (Conservative) for Bridgwater 3 March 1970 by-election to
2001;
PPS to Christopher Chataway:
as Minister of Posts and
Telecommunications 1970-72,
as Minister for Industrial Development
1972-74;
Opposition Spokesperson for:
Industry 1975-76,
Energy
1976-79;
Minister for Local Government and Environmental Services
1979-83;
Secretary of State for:
Environment January-June 1983,
Transport
June-October 1983,
Employment 1983-85,
Northern Ireland 1985-89,
Defence
1989-92;
Chairman Intelligence and Security Committee 1994-2001. Raised to
the peerage 2001.
The Bridgwater & District Civic Society is a registered voluntary charity, formed in 1972 to stimulate public interest in the area.
Images are displayed at http://www.bridgwatercivic.org.uk/blueplaques/index.htm
The
Society holds copyright and waives such for publication of a single image, if
acknowldegement to BDCS is given.
Contacts: Philip Smeed or
Dr Peter Cattermole
Press Release
6 March 2007
Bridgwater History in the Making
An exhibition celebrating Bridgwater architecture over the last two hundred
years was launched on Monday evening, 5 March, by the Mayor, Pat Parker, at
St Mary's Church.
A very successful event saw over sixty people gather to hear from the
President of the Civic Society and organiser of the exhibition, Derek Gibson, as he launched his book A Somerset Architects Practice in the 19th and 20th Centuries. Further
information
The Mayor said that he was delighted to be asked to open the exhibition and added:
"I hope that as many people as possible get to see these wonderful pieces of Bridgwater's history."
The exhibition is on until Saturday March 17th and is open between 10am and 4pm every day except Sundays.
Derek Gibson said:
"Do come along and you'll see what shops in the High Street and Fore Street used to look like, or perhaps even see drawings of your own house."
Derek's book is available at the exhibition or can be bought from 26 Angel Place.
Note to editors:
The Bridgwater & District Civic Society is a registered voluntary charity, formed in 1972 to stimulate public interest in the area.
Contacts: Philip Smeed or
Dr Peter Cattermole
Press Release 1 March 2007
Click on an image for a larger one
A Blue Plaque for a Bridgwater Tradition
Traditional Ironmongers, Thompson Brothers, in Bridgwater's Mount Street have received a special commemorative Blue Plaque. The Bridgwater & District Civic Society thought that the firm's 210 years of supplying goods and services for the Buildings of Bridgwater certainly qualified it to receive one of the handsome oval plaques. The Civic Society has been highlighting the history of the town with its series of plaques, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Philip Smeed, Chairman of the Civic Society, presented the plaque to Peter Bond, proprietor of Thompson Brothers, in the presence of his daughter Nikki and the staff. Attending the ceremony on Thursday 1 March was the Mayor, Pat Parker.
The Mayor said that he was delighted that the Civic Society's Plaque reminded us all of the endearing contribution the firm has made to the life of Bridgwater. He contimued: "Succeeding generations over more than two centuries have been faithfully served with unfailing helpfulness. On behalf of the Town, may I thank Mr Bond, his family, and his staff for the fine way in which they uphold the very best traditions of service."
Note to editors:
The Bridgwater & District Civic Society is a registered voluntary charity, formed in 1972 to stimulate public interest in the area.
Images are displayed at http://www.bridgwatercivic.org.uk/blueplaques/index.htm
Higher resolution images may be obtained upon request to heritage@bridgwatercivic.org.uk
The
Society holds copyright and waives such for publication of a single image, if
acknowldegement to BDCS is given.
Contacts: Philip Smeed or
Dr Peter Cattermole
Press Release 6 January 2007
Are you seeing Blue?
Sharp-eyed local residents may have noticed nine blue plaques have recently appeared around the town. These have been affixed to buildings to mark important historical features, people and events. Volunteers from the Bridgwater & District Civic Society have been organising the plaques, which have been paid for by money from the Heritage Lottery Funded Project, The Building of Bridgwater. Completion of the fixing of all the plaques is expected by Easter.
Philip Smeed, Chairman of the Civic Society commented: "The marking of these significant sites is long overdue. A series of guided walks and talks, throughout the summer, confirmed the great interest shown by local residents in the history of the town. The remaining architectural evidence often goes unnoticed. Thanks to the Building of Bridgwater project, spearheaded by Bridgwater Arts Centre, we have been able to begin installing plaques, which, we hope will reflect and increase public awareness and pride in the rich, turbulent history of our fine town."
The plaques have so far been installed in Friarn Street, Bond Street, Horsepond Lane, Queen Street, Chandos Street, High Street, Blake Street and near to the site of the West and South Gates. They are illustrated on the Society's website www.bridgwatercivic.org.uk
Note to editors:
The Bridgwater & District Civic Society is a registered voluntary charity, formed in 1972 to stimulate public interest in the area.
Images are displayed at
http://www.bridgwatercivic.org.uk/blueplaques/phase1.htm
Higher resolution images may be obtained upon request to heritage@bridgwatercivic.org.uk
The Society hold copyright and waives such for publication of a single image, if acknowldegement to BDCS is given.
Contact:
Philip Smeed
or Dr Peter Cattermole
28 March 2006
Civic Society works with Bridgwater Arts Centre
Bridgwater and District Civic Society is pleased to be associated with the
Bridgwater Arts Centre in the
Building of Bridgwater project.
" Bridgwater Arts Centre, as part of the 60th birthday Diamond Jubilee
celebrations are heading up a partnership of seven local organizations, who
will be highlighting Bridgwater's built environment this year, with the aid
of a £49,200 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The Building of Bridgwater brings together
Blake Museum,
The Somerset Brick & Tile Museum,
Bridgwater & District Civic Society,
Bridgwater Library,
Sedgemoor District Council,
Somerset Film & Video The Engine
Room
and Bridgwater
Arts Centre. They will be organising a programmes of walks, talks,
exhibitions and activities throughout the rest of the year.
In
addition the Civic Society plans to install information plaques on sites
around the town to complement the Town Trail.
Pat Morley, Chair of Bridgwater Arts Centre's Visual Arts explained: 'Our
plan to have a site-specific video and sound installation, One Room, Many
Memories in the 18th century Kelting Room received an enthusiastic
response from the Heritage Lottery Fund and encouraged us to form
partnerships with the town's key heritage organizations. They have all come
forward with a range of projects all of which combine Arts and Heritage. By
the end of this year we hope to involve and entertain the local community,
raising awareness of the town's social, industrial and cultural history
focusing on buildings, monuments and structures. Everyone involved in this
bid is grateful for the opportunities afforded by the grant from the
Heritage Lottery Fund.'
The main aims of The Building of Bridgwater are to raise the profile
and history of the town's built environment, to promote pride within the
community about Bridgwater's architectural and industrial achievements, to
engage with specific groups including young people, families, people with a
learning disability, older people and volunteers. "
Further information
return to home page
