Watchet Conservation Matters Promoting, Conserving & Improving Our Physical & Natural Environment

Issue 58 May/June 2018 From the Chairman

we will be announcing the erection of the interpretation board shortly. The planting of the wild flowers at the West Street car park has been going ahead for some time and if you’re passing do please check on the progress, particularly in a few months time.

We will shortly undertake the cleaning of the tidal pool at West Beach and whist we are there, seriously think about construction of the fish weir, we are intending to repair and preserve the notice on the wall outside the old Council office in Swain Street.

The Society was asked to back the planning application for the East Quay Hello Members, development and this we did without When I accepted the Chair of the reservation, it’s important for the future of Conservation society, I have to say that I Watchet and its regeneration. thought that most of my duties, would be a walk in the park. Pressing the flesh, making This will be Jan Simpson Scott’s last the odd speech, helping to organise, being newsletter, make the most of it. As things encouraging, a little bit of negotiation, stand I will be doing the next one. I would running the occasional meeting, it should like to thank her again for all her work for the be relatively easy and enjoyable. However, society over many years. not everything runs according to plan. It can be just a little frustrating at times. Lastly I am delighted to announce that Molly However, I think we are making progress. Quint is re-joining the committee and we are also to be joined by Beryl Haden-Guest, who The Mineral Line booklet is progressing has agreed to take and produce our minutes slowly but hopefully within the month will in future. They are both most welcome. be published. We are, however having to make a few tweaks to the Turner Enjoy the fine spring weather. interpretation board, but still hope it will be up on Splash Point this Summer.

Party for West Street children at The The developer at Stoates Mill has made London Inn to celebrate The Coronation a wonderful effort in renovating and in 1953. painting the Turbine (see rear cover) and Bob Cramp How Watchet Celebrated The Queen’s Coronation How Watchet Celebrated The Queen’s Coronation

How Watchet Celebrated The Queen’s at Her Majesty’s Coronation, for which he Coronation - Maurice Chidgey received an official acknowledgement.

Amidst the celebrations of Queen On the preceding Sunday afternoon in the Elizabeth II’s 65th Anniversary of her Methodist Church a service primarily for Coronation this June, I thought it might children was arranged, but several adults be appropriate to stir the memories of were among the large congregation. The older Watchet folk as to how the town leader was Mr. A. E. Morgan (headmaster celebrated Her Majesty’s Coronation of St. Decuman’s Primary School), who on Tuesday, 2nd June, 1953. This was had cleverly improvised replicas of the achieved with the considerable help of Royal regalia which mark the service at the archives of the West Somerset Free Westminster Abbey. Co-operating with him Press. The weather that day was not was his son Bryan and Joyce Bryan, Pam very summery, but threatening clouds Clausen, John Rudd, Rodney Wells and and wintry showers of rain could not David Jones, bearers of the replica Royal dampen the enthusiasm of Her Majesty’s symbols. Mr. T. Young (headmaster of the loyal subjects. County School) was at the organ.

With religious observances and parties for An hour later a united service was held schoolchildren, the Watchet celebrations at St. Decuman’s Church, with the Vicar covered a period of five days. Thanks (the Rev. Alan Symon) officiating. He to a lead by the Urban District Council, was assisted by the Rev. William Green One of the many Watchet street parties Unfortunately, a spiteful storm broke when bunting, flags and other decorations (Methodist), Pastor J. Sidwick (Baptist) celebrating the Coronation of Queen an assembly took place on the Esplanade transformed the streets and terraces and Mr. Wilfred Bale (Salvation Army). The Elizabeth II in 1953. This shows the top in the afternoon of Coronation Day but, that was a fitting preliminary to mark so musical portion of the service, with Miss of Liddymore Road and among those under the direction of Mr. F. B. Penny, a memorable an occasion. Business houses Ivy Stephenson at the organ and the Town pictured are Hugh Amery, Len Blackmore, parade quickly moved off to the Memorial everywhere co-operated in reminding Band (bandmaster T. W. Bulpin), made Harold Binding, Anthony Short, Peter Ground. It was headed by Assistant the public of this very special occasion, acceptable contributions. Members of the Binding, Gillian Binding, Stuart Strong, Scoutmaster Michael Axon, and in a gaily distinctive among the displays being a Urban District Council, headed by their Pat Baker, Helen and Janet Amery, Mrs. decorated lorry driven by Mr. Howard collection in Mr. V. E. Danby’s antique shop chairman (Mr. H. S. Allen) and officers, Betty Binding. Note the prefabricated Strong were the Watchet Coronation window of plates, mugs, etc., souvenirs were among the congregation. buildings (prefabs), now demolished, Princess (Miss Diane Lodge) and her of Coronations and Silver and Golden which were built as temporary homes maids of honour, Misses June Bulger, Mary Jubilees and one Diamond Jubilee of The feature of Coronation Day for a host after the Second World War. Mason, Marlene Webber and Ruth Norman. earlier successive monarchs. of folk was the television display in the Suitably attired, they made a colourful Community Centre, made possible by study that won general applause. Also on Mr. G. N. Hinton, president of the Court the public-spirited enterprise of Mr. W. A. wheels were a Civil Defence rescue party Leet, the most ancient of local bodies, had Peppin, of the Radio Shop in Swain Street. in charge of Mr. R. J. H. Werren and a full forwarded to Buckingham Palace a scroll, All the main features of the Coronation crew of the local fire brigade under neatly inscribed by Mr. R. J. H. Werren (town procession and ceremony were enjoyed by Sub-Officer Lauris Sully. surveyor), bearing the Leet’s loyal greetings a captivated audience. How Watchet Celebrated The Queen’s Coronation How Watchet Celebrated The Queen’s Coronation

Sylvia Bulley, Barbara Morse, Jean Eveleigh, Chave, Dorothy Dane, Roy Date, Pamela Rona Lewis, Jennifer Hunt, Violet James, Willicombe, Ann Date, Sheila Jones, Diane Josephine Guest, Geraldine Conway, Pamela McMillan, Raymond Sully, etc. Before leaving Baker, Marianne Guest, Gay Bulpin, Janet for home to tea, upwards of 100 children Lewis, Rosalie House and Christine Moseley. received Coronation mugs from Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Allen. Patriotic, national and sporting topics with characters from fiction provided an entry of During the five days of celebration in about 50 in a fancy dress competition. Dr. Watchet many street parties were held, and Mrs. Myles Tonks and Miss Jose Collins including one at the Community Centre for were judges and awarded prizes as follows: residents of Almyr and Portland Terraces 1 Barrow Boy (Robert Gunter), 2 Three when over 150 people attended. Trumpeters (Jimmy Neal, Keith Norman and Michael Webber), 3 Pirate (Graham Watts), The town’s Coronation celebrations 4 Drummer Boy (Arthur Webber), 5 Straw reached a fitting conclusion on the Umbrella (Raymond Eveleigh). Consolation Thursday with a friendly “get-together” awards were made to Susanne Gunter, Hilary for the old folks, the proceedings Darby, Michael Binding, Barbara Webber, consisting of a grand tea and Barbara Morse and John Trunks. Mrs. Keith entertainment in the Community Centre. Burnell won the adults’ class. Some 250 invitations had been sent out to residents over the age of 60 and there Watchet Home Guard Club outing to Organisations represented on foot included A full programme of sports, under the were few vacant places. After a splendid commemorate the Coronation of Queen members of the UDC, the British Legion with direction of Messrs. A. E. Morgan and tea prepared by Mrs. A. Groves, Mrs. J. Elizabeth II in 1953. People in the bus Mr. T. Pearce as standard-bearer, the Women’s T. Young, followed. Messrs. H. W. Norris, Owens and assisted by other ladies, Mr. include; Priscilla Bulpin, Peter Bale, Section of the British Legion with Mrs. Axon M. W. Tennant and F. J. Lockyer acted as J. Denman mentioned that all old folk Rosemary Bruford, Shirley Webber, as standard-bearer, Sea Scouts and Cubs with judges, with Messrs. T. D. Meaden and W. unable to attend had been forwarded a Elizabeth Binding, Mrs. Bindon, Nesta Patrol Leader Nicholas Axon and David Jones, E. Groves as starters. Among the children souvenir parcel. Following appropriate Taylor, Hilda Bale, Diane McMillan, Gertie and Mrs. C. Western from the W.I. By far the competing were: Michael Sherlock, Susan entertainment the National Anthem Allen, Judy McMillan, Florrie Clausen, largest contingent in the parade was made Gunter, Barbara Webber, Philip Tipper, John terminated a delightful programme. Clara Knight, Della Bulpin (holding up by youthful competitors in fancy dress, all Nicholas, Ann Roberts, Graham Somerville, daughter Shirley), Kathleen Bulpin being given a musical lead by the Town Band. Brian Stevens, Ann Chamberlain, Frances Footnote: Built as a British Restaurant in 1943, (holding son Adrian), Minnie and Henry Morse, John Eslick, Michael Binding, David the building became Watchet Community Bulpin, Brian and Philip Taylor, Stuart On arrival at the Memorial Ground, Mr. H. S. Allen, Susan Hurley, Wendy Sully, Christopher Centre after the Second World War and McMillan, Sue Hurley, Kelvin Bulpin, Diane Allen gave them an official greeting, and Groves, Rosemary Trunks, Maureen Date, served the town well for many years. Sadly and Veronica Bulpin. the Princess briefly expressed thanks for Hugh Amery, Richard Webber, Janet it later became a garage, which was then the honour conferred upon her and her Humphreys, David Groves, David Jones, demolished and the site is now known as attendants. They were then given as prizes Gowan Hunt, Ann Kirby, Margaret Jones, Beverley Drive. the dresses they wore, which had been made William Strong, Robin Pearce, Ruth Norman, by Mrs. Kirby. Others who received souvenirs Keith Date, Nigel Groves, Pat Chave, Janet Maurice Chidgey as sellers of tickets were Margaret Jones, Doble, Helen Clavey, Jacqueline Bulpin, Nina Butterflies of Watchet Area by Dave Ayling Blue Anchor

The migration of butterflies was covered and that north-west of Chapel Cleeve a sea- in particular the ‘Painted Lady’ which comes bathing resort was established in the late 18th over from southern France sometimes in century known as Cleeve Bay. very large numbers. These are quite large butterflies but it still seems amazing that they There are two 1840 tithe maps that cover can cover 1000 miles in around 36 hours – no what we now know as Blue Anchor - one doubt with a good following wind! under the name of Carhampton and one under the name of Old Cleeve. The one under Some butterflies are very localised like the name Carhampton shows very little the ‘Comma’ which was once only found except Marshwood Farm and buildings. in Kent but is now more widespread; also the ‘Large Blue’ which became extinct The Old Cleeve Tithe map shows more and was reintroduced to the Polden Hills buildings. There was a lodging house, other in Somerset from where over the last than the Blue Anchor Inn, and cottages. 50 years it has successfully spread to Gloucester, Devon and Cornwall. But of course even if it didn’t have a name Open Meeting - Butterflies of Watchet Area Blue Anchor Blue Anchor was known to the local by Dave Ayling Dave also covered a few of the larger moths population. In prehistoric times people would seen locally, in particular the day-flying moths According to Kelly’s 1861 directory “Blue have come to the coast in search of food Our well attended spring meeting was like the ‘Jersey Tiger’ which is seen often in Anchor is delightfully situated on the coast and in the 16th and 17th century farmers appropriate with a fascinating talk by Dave Watchet gardens. This moth, once confined to of the Bristol Channel and is one of the most used the land as pasture or woodland and Ayling on butterflies and moths likely to be the island of Jersey, spread to the south coast pleasant resorts for visitors in the county, the leased fishing weirs and stacks. seen around Watchet and Exmoor. of England around 1990 and found its way the air being most salubrious and bracing, to Taunton. It was rumoured that a school with extensive and picturesque scenery in There are mentions of these fishing weirs Dave is a recorder for the British Butterfly field trip brought back eggs and studied their the surrounding neighbourhood and the back in 1596, 19 of which belonged to George Conservation Society and as befits that development and finally released the adults Welsh coast in the distance. Visitors will Luttrell and in the 1730s there were around roll was very knowledgeable; however into the local countryside. It’s a very plausible have the advantage of sea-bathing, and will 23. Each of them was named and could be he spared us the more scientific side and story. I knew a school master who did just that find excellent accommodation.” identified because you had to pay rent for entertained us with stories about some of in the 1950s albeit using more exotic species each one. Also you could be taken to court if the unusual lifestyles and migration. which he knew could not survive our winter The reason for the name Blue Anchor which you let it deteriorate! It’s possible that some climate and could not therefore affect local is usually given is because of the fine blue people just caught enough for their family Dave concentrated on the less common populations. Ignoring the rights and wrongs clay which covered the anchors when boats but others obviously sold their catch as at species; covering every possible butterfly of it, I welcome the ‘Jersey Tigers’ when they moored in the bay. But I have heard that the end of the 18th century it is recorded that would take all evening, but he included the arrive in July. Do look out for them. Blue Anchor can be given to any place Nettlecombe Court had 9 soles from Blue ‘green veined white’ which looks so similar to where it is safe to anchor a boat. Anchor that cost 6 shillings! In 1979 an aerial the small (cabbage) white we all see. I’m sure The considerable number of questions that photo showed there were still remains of 25 I am not the only one who will be looking followed Dave’s talk showed how much we John Gilman in his book on Blue Anchor says of these fishing weirs at Blue Anchor. more carefully when next I see a small white. had all enjoyed his talk. that it did not exist as a settlement until 1874 Only when it closes its wings will you see the when a name was needed for the railway Jane Sperring difference and hopefully the green veins. Alan Jones station. On the British history website it says My Final Newsletter

Watchet Conservation Matters is published Watchet Conservation Society six times a year. If you would like to www.watchetconservationsociety.co.uk contribute news or an article, please contact our secretary Bob Cramp on: Chairman [email protected] Bob Cramp 07989 723183 Members of the Watchet Conservation [email protected] Society recieve this newsletter bi-monthly either via email for free or a printed copy Ex Officio Membership Secretary for £1.00 per copy. If you are not a member Andrew Harrison and have enjoyed reading this publication, 01984 634498 please consider joining us and help us [email protected] to conserve our physical and natural environment. Membership is just £6.00 per Treasurer My Final Newsletter degradation and impairment. We can and year. All of our committee members would Ann Hill must work to protect our local environment be delighted to welcome you. 01984 632451 I have been Editor of the newsletter in its in all its forms. Watchet is an important [email protected] current form since March 2015. It is a role town, wealthy in resources. Its character I have enjoyed immensely and have been is often described as quirky; but it is Case Work Consultant very fortunate in having Jason Robinson to much more, wholesome and diverse, rich Phil Gannon design it and arrange printing. in environmental features dating from earliest times. It will only remain so whilst Committee It is time for me to move on; I have been we, its residents, protect and preserve its Nick Cotton offered new challenges which I want to take personality in all its forms. Jason Robinson up. It is vital that a new Editor fills this post Mervyn Brown with fresh ideas; someone who will continue Ask not what the Conservation Society can Robert Blois this role, part of the face of WCS, carrying do for you but what you can do for the Valerie Ward - Press Officer on the tradition ably done in the past by Conservation Society (apologies to John F. Edward Frewin and Alan Jones. There is no Kennedy for my plagiarising his lines). Offer prescriptive style; we have each made our your help to our Chairman Bob Cramp today own interpretation so there’s a completely and together we can make that difference. free hand for the next Editor. Thank you so much for your support and The work of Conservation Groups is vital, friendship over the 10 years I have been the more so in today’s world where both involved in the society both as Secretary the natural environment, local architecture and Editor. I hope that I shall be allowed and vernacular buildings are under threat to make the occasional contribution to for very many reasons, not simply financial, future newsletters. carelessness or ignorance. Human activities and processes are causing destruction, Jan Simpson-Scott Gilke’s Turbine, Stoates Mill Vortex’ (Gilbert Gilkes of Kendal, Cumbria) was the most favoured machine and they Stoates Mill was powered by a water wheel manufactured them at their factory from until 1927 when a Gilkes ‘Vortex’ turbine the 1890s to the 1920s. was installed. It was rated at 45HP turning at approximately 200 RPM to drive the Bob Cramp electrical generator to power the works. Of the many turbines designed, the ‘Gilkes