The Clevedonian Autumn 2012 Issue No. 06

In this edition Livery Trip to London

Page 2 A View from the Chair Group Report - Footpaths Group Page 3 Group Reports Environment Group Local History Group Page 4 Group Report - Conservation Group Coming Shortly Page 5 Livery Trip to London Page 6, 7 & 8 Rebuilding Page 9 Whiteladies Cottage Page 10 & 11 After Hugh Stebbing’s interesting Picnic at February talk about the London Page 12 Livery Companies he offered to Entertainment in Clevedon take a group on a visit to the City of Page 13 London for a walk around the area. Transition Clevedon Page 14 The Four Brothers Page 15 Society Publications See page five for Wendy Moore’s Page 16 detailed account of the trip Neighbourhood Watch What’s in a Name Derek Lilly’s Wordsearch Page 17 Branch Line Page 18 Postcard from Clevedon Collector’s Lot Page 19 Military Chest Don’t Believe Everything You See! Page 20 Members’ Photograph Gallery Artist’s Attic

The views expressed are those of the authors, and may or may not represent those of the Society. www.clevedon-civic-society.org.uk/ A View from the Chair Report by Hugh Stebbing Environment Group Group REports an it really be that we’re rapidly Meanwhile 2012 has seen an equally Planning Groups as well Report by Bob Hardcastle (Tel. 871633) Capproaching the end of another interesting programme both in the as with North year? Autumn winds and rain and Society and through those issues where Council. But I do sense to working with the Council in preparing Our regular monthly working party has increasing numbers of adverts for our opinions and experience have there’s more that can the Stage 2 submission. been busy working in the Ladye Bay area, festivities of all kinds – what joys lie been sought by others. The successful be achieved here since the number of clearing the Zig-zag steps, and working t’s always nice to start with some We are meeting the Council in October ahead... first round of the Marine Lake Heritage activity groups in Clevedon seems to on the Marshall’s Field bridge with the good news! We have just heard that regarding this involvement and also to Lottery Fund bid by be growing – an indication perhaps I Friends of the . In October Well, firstly, we’re planning our Society North Somerset Council’s bid to the discuss the repairs to the Bandstand, Council had a large input from the that larger numbers in our community we cleared the area by the Lookout on AGM due in January and you’ll see more Heritage Lottery Fund for the Marine which appear to have stalled following Environment Group whilst, at another want to help make Clevedon a better Poet’s Walk. about this important formality elsewhere Lake restoration has received Stage 1 the initial temporary repair work for the level, I had the opportunity to facilitate place. Rest assured though that the Civic in this edition and on the website. One of our members, Alan Cotton, will Society will remain true to its purpose approval. This provides money for NSC Jubilee. Secondly, we have our programme discussions between a large number be funding more and our plans for next year will give all to employ a project manager to prepare mapped out for 2013, thanks as ever of Clevedon’s many action groups with tree planting our members something to enjoy and details of the work, following which to the diligence of Hazel Pedder. The the twin objectives of ensuring each this autumn in continuing opportunities to be fully hopefully a further grant will be made special interest groups have been busy knew of the others and creating bigger memory of his involved. for the work itself. too with arrangements in place for the opportunities for groups to link up where wife Sylvia. Any The Civic Society helped in the bid next twelve months. that would benefit planned activities. Enjoy the remainder of 2012 and let’s all s u g g e s t i o n s process by providing background We’re already doing this by working with expect great things for 2013. r e g a r d i n g So we can all look forward to another information relating to the Marine Lake other societies through our Footpaths, s u i t a b l e stimulating and exercising year with Environment, and Conservation & and seafront area and now look forward activities that I hope will suit us all. locations for new trees in Clevedon Next meetings: 14 November Footpaths Group will be gratefully Group REport Report by Liz Byrd (Tel: 872633) 2012 and 9 January 2013 received. MARLENS Festival - 2012 he group roamed as far and wide weather awaited our working walk across Tthis summer as the weather would Clevedon’s southern fields. This was once allow: walks being postponed, curtailed a well-used route to Kingston Seymour or diverted into less muddy byways. We but the vegetation blocking its stiles and the welcome return of old ones. Sadly, Local History Group were lucky at times, particularly exploring bridges now needed the clearing we gave some valued contributors are no longer Report by Rob Campbell (Tel. 877038) old leafy sunny Portishead, its history and it. Loxton was a September destination, able to manage some of the walks they people. High wind (but no rain) didn’t followed by Barrow Gurney. The pub love, but we enjoy their experience and deter us from our annual Midsummer lunch has become a firm and convivial enthusiasm in planning them. Plans for with Burnham-on-Sea. As ever Pat was has been made with the Woodspring Walk in Upper Clevedon, and garden favourite round off whether we have 17 future walks extend well into next spring in good form, her level of research an Resource Centre; sadly Noel who runs social evening – again – many, many or 7 walkers and have walked 2.5 or 5 thanks to new and old walks leaders inspiration to us all. the Centre has been very unwell, so thanks to Geoff and Wendy Moore for miles! and their ideas. Quarterly meetings eetings continue to attract The October Public Meeting: Peter let’s hope he makes a full recovery. their hospitality. Close to home the group is eager to work will continue to be held at the Friends Maudiences averaging over 50 - Insole’s talk was extremely interesting to ‘Places & Faces’ can be ordered on a We were wettest (but warm) on our with the Land Yeo Friends on Meeting House until further notice. very good news. The high quality of local historians. Check out the website: print on demand set up and we will coastal paths walk to Walton-in-Gordano, their proposed signposted 5 speakers and the varied topics are www..gov.uk/knowyourplace or take advantage of that once supplies where we returned by a less muddy route mile walk taking in our two enjoyed by all. Work on next year’s just Google know your place. Let’s hope have run out. The Blue Book has ceased than planned , as was also the case when rivers. The group has also programme is complete, with a varied that with extra support the site can be publication. Copies of ‘Clevedon’s Own we explored Tickenham. responded to North Somerset selection of topics and it’s good to see enlarged to encompass Somerset & 1914-1918’ & ‘Clevedon at War 1939- Cadbury Camp Congresbury provided an Council’s request for group members coming forward and Gloucestershire. 1945’ have been donated to Clevedon interesting comparison enjoyed by all. comments on changes to the volunteering their skills & expertise for School to assist with a forthcoming Definitive Map involving the Book Sales: A new order of books project entitled ‘Clevedon School War After being postponed from May our talks. footpaths linking The Beach Museum’. Chew Valley Walk took place on one of the and Copse Road. Report on past and forthcoming events: few perfect days in August. Similar sunny We have welcomed quite July Meeting: I feel that we were very Next meetings: 3 December a few friends and visitors honoured and privileged to have Arthur since April, resulting in some Spencer DFC as our guest speaker. 2012 and 4 March 2013 Coastal Walk - 10 July new members, as well as Arthur served as a navigator on Lancaster bombers with 97 (Pathfinder Squadron) during the war and completed 2 tours Civic Society Executive Members of ops, one of those sorties being the Chairman - Hugh Stebbing Peenemunde Raid, which was the Environment Group - Bob Hardcastle Secretary - Wendy Moore subject of the talk that was delivered Conservation & Planning Group - Bryan Osborne Treasurer - Carl Peries without a script. I am pleased to say that Footpaths Group - Liz Byrd Membership - John & Helen Bussell Arthur has agreed to return next year to Publicity/Newsletter - Geoff Hale Local Government Representative - Carole Wring enlighten us on his experiences on flying Newsletter Distribution - Dave Long History Group - Rob Campbell boats after the war…a lesson in pure Web Master - Mike Wheatley luxury and a bygone era! Next Executive meetings: Tuesday 20 November 2012 and 19 February 2013 September Meeting: Pat Hase, one Should any member have a point to put forward it is always possible to contact an Executive Group member to of the group’s favorite speakers, spoke have it brought up at a meeting. about George Reed and his connections

www.clevedon-civic-society.org.uk/ 2 3 www.clevedon-civic-society.org.uk/ Group Report Conservation & Planning Group by Wendy Moore Livery Trip to London Since writing in April for the Spring Report by Bryan Osborne n Tuesday 14th August 38 members Clevedonian there has been bad news The extension and redevelopment Oand friends set off by coach from and good news. I am referring to the of the Highcliffe Hotel in Wellington Clevedon to the City of London, where planning front rather than the ‘summer’ Terrace to include fourteen apartments all the Livery Companies are situated. We weather and the Olympics! has been approved. We have misgivings eight houses and eight hotel suites on were blessed with good weather. North Somerset planners have decided, over the parking arrangements between the Clevedon Hall Estate, behind the Most of the Livery Companies were in their wisdom to reduce costs, not to the building line and the back of the listed Hall. This is a very contentious founded in the 14th, 15th and 16th issue paper plans for inspection and this pavement. proposal and there is a lot of opposition centuries and some buildings were means we all have to view the documents I am pleased to report that the to the loss of this private open space destroyed by the Great Fire in 1666, one at a time on a small monitor screen. application I referred to in April for and to the density and quality of some again in WW2, and then rebuilt. This is unsatisfactory and probably houses, as well as serious concern over Staddons Timber Yard was withdrawn, We started the walk by the Museum of means less public participation. the combined accesses for the homes, and a fresh application has been made London and along London Wall to the offices, conference/wedding venue and It is very disappointing that plans for for seven houses with parking accessed Plaisterers Hall. Founded in 1501, this the associated hotel proposal. the proposed Community Hospital have from Parnell Road, so there will be company actively supports plastering been scrapped, the decision being taken no additional traffic in Arundel Road. If you would like to see the proposals and and gives prizes each year to plastering This is an improved express your views for both the Regent colleges. scheme with a few minor and Clevedon Hall Estate developments, 1403. It was restored after the Great Fire a fourteenth century great hall and a very Then via the Roman Wall relics to reservations. we have persuaded the planners to and bombed in WW2, the current hall tranquil, hidden garden. A place steeped the Pewterers Hall, a company still being built in 1960. in grandeur and tradition. It is also used At last we may see some provide paper copies for these two connected with all aspects of the pewter as a venue for various receptions and is movement in Hill Road important schemes to be available in the Then to the Girdlers Hall founded in trade, founded in 1348. of course the hall for tailoring trades. on the Regent site. A Clevedon Library. Just ask at reception. 1431 and the Armourers and Braziers Next was Goldsmiths Hall which lies planning application Hall founded in 1346. The present We then had a break for lunch, after on land acquired in 1339. The company has been Drapers Hall was built in 1543 but has which we viewed the Tallow Chandlers still tests and marks gold, silver and submitted been adapted several times since. All Hall founded in 1476, the Grade 1 listed platinum wares in the Assay Office and is for twenty of these Halls could only be viewed Skinners Hall, the Innholders Hall Royal Pier Hotel also responsible for the annual testing of apartments from the outside as they are all closed which was rebuilt after the great fire, the nation’s coinage. and two in August to deal with decorating and Vintners Hall which was in a quaint little so late in the planning process and at shop units, prepared by Then Wax Chandlers Hall, originally repairs. alleyway and lastly the Painter-Stainers such an expense. producers of beeswax products such Hall which was founded in 1532. the same developer and Hugh had arranged for Kevin, the Beadle I referred to the intended summer start of as candles and sealing wax. They still architect as for the Royal of the Merchant Taylors Hall, to give us Anyone who hasn’t visited the City of work on the Royal Pier Hotel Apartments. support many aspects of bee keeping Pier Hotel with the owner a tour and talk, for which we were taken London for a number of years wouldn’t You will be well aware that nothing has and the production of honey. of the site. It is intended through some very ordinary looking recognise it now as there is so much happened, but we ARE assured by the that one of the shop Regent The next stop was the Guildhall to see doors into a magical building. It contains modern building but somehow the old developer that it is his intention to start units will be a Sainsbury’s the remains of London’s fascinating work this year and the apartments are convenience store and we gauge this is It seems a long way off, but as there will Roman Amphitheatre, which was currently being marketed. largely being accepted as beneficial to not be another opportunity in print, may discovered in 1988. Also at the Guildhall the shopping road. I wish all our readers a Happy Christmas was an exhibition called Butcher, Baker, Next meetings: 18 December The other larger development for which and a Healthy New Year, looking forward Candlestick Maker, which was showing 2012 and 29 January 2013 there is a current planning application to the continued efforts of our Society to 850 years of London Livery Company is the resubmission of plans for forty watch over Clevedon. treasures. This was really interesting and we were all sorry when the time came All meetings are held at St Andrew’s Church Centre to leave as we could have spent much Coming Shortly... longer in there. All are welcome, visitors £3 13 December 2012 On to the Brewers Hall. The earliest 15 November 2012 references to a hall on this site is from The Baedeker Blitz on Bath Christmas Party John Penny Members only 10 January 2013 17 January 2013 Clevedon in Transition Out of the Murk!! Ruth Gofton Jane and Derek Lilly fits in with the new. 14 February 2013 21 February 2013 Ashton Court Mansion, Past, Present & Future A Village Tragedy 1944 It was then time to return to the coach for the Peter Weeks David Pedder journey back to Clevedon after a very enjoyable 14 March 2013 21 March 2013 day. Bristol Water & Your Local Supply Every Boy will join the Navy Many thanks to Hugh for all his work in organising Paul Hodge Shirley Hodgson this trip. 11 April 2013 18 April 2013 The History of Western Architecture Congresbury Kilns Possibly another trip will take place in the Spring Martha Perriam Derek Lilly of 2013 – maybe to the Guildhall Art Gallery and the Museum of London. So watch for dates etc. 9 May 2013 16 May 2013 Girdlers Hall Life on the Ocean Wave Crime in 18th century Bath by Wendy Moore Cyril Routley Dr Steve Poole Photographs by Dave Long

www.clevedon-civic-society.org.uk/ 4 5 www.clevedon-civic-society.org.uk/ The history of the Pier is one of frustration, bad temper and controversy. It began The Saving of before it was built with a letter to the Clevedon Mercury in 1867. Clevedon Ruined - Sir, ‘Tis a rum thing for me to see how great an interest you and your correspondents take in injuring Clevedon…the village did look inviting, but now ugh, you have ruined it. What with a local Board, or Local Humbug and trumpery railway, gas lights, reservoirs of water and one thing and another, why ‘tis not safe to live here. And a pier, whoever heard of anything so foolhardy- a pier at Clevedon- why gad-a-massy, ‘twill make the place ten times worse than ‘tis. Yours obliged, Breeches and Gaiters (and I’ll stick to them) - 6 April 1867 personal memories from Tony Wring

were fitted to each tank to release the water in an emergency. This was a very Piermater - Bernard Faraway on the left expensive process and for economy reasons subsequent tests were made it was realised that two sections of the to be one of the first such structures £500.000+ and it was clear that raising using thin polythene sacks, each 100ft Pier were moving. It was judged too based on mathematical principals; this these sorts of funds had slipped from long and 2ft in diameter. Nine were dangerous for anyone to run the 800ft has been confirmed by checking against the realistic ability of local fund raisers. needed, snaking over two spans at a necessary to release the load. As the a modern computer model. Erosion Frustration set in and for a number of time, supported by loose planks laid on water was in thin plastic sacks to less than was the enemy of such an elegant and years we all felt helpless. edge between the sacks. This preferred half their capacity the water assumed its minimalist design. There was an interesting episode within method of testing was used every two natural level and flowed towards the The original estimates were £50,000, my own family when the journalist years over a period of ten years, and the sinking trestle, greatly overloading the soon rising to £75,000 (considered too (and his very attractive French girl deflection readings were identical. structure. The interval between the first high) and the UDC settled on a grant of friend) from the Sunday Times Colour In October 1970 all was normal for the observed movement and the collapse £15,000 towards the repair; the balance Supplement came to write up the story. seventh and eighth spans, levels were was between 15 and 20 minutes. was to be raised by public subscription. Carole and I invited them to supper and taken and the workmen went for a When it collapsed there was deep Sir Arthur Elton with his London our attention to them was so intense we dismay in the Town among those who contacts soon had the Pier listed as a failed to notice that our seven year old cared. The Pier had been sold for £700 Grade II structure and formally created a daughter Naomi was enjoying rather too to the Local Board, soon to be the Trust. A campaign to raise funds by cash much of the red wine. She found it quite t is astonishing to look back, as I am long and 18ft wide, which were Urban District Council in 1891, and and promises was started and we all difficult to climb the stairs to bed. privileged to do, and read the vast then assembled, filled with I they were divided on how to repair it. contacted friends and influential people We kept niggling away at the Council quantity of evidence that records the the required weight of water, Alderman Cecil Coppack considered it to write letters of support to the UDC. A until they decided to demolish it. continuous and often vitriolic argument and the result tested. This was ‘a waste of money’. Alfred Tarr declared local Pier supporters group was formed However, it was a listed building and at meetings, articles in the media, and progressively repeated over the it ‘a decaying lump of steelwork’, and that kept fully alive the interest in the this decision was ‘called in’ by English letters to the editor, Councils struggling eight 100ft spans along the deck, Michael Nobes felt that the Council town. A sum of £50,000 was soon raised Heritage and a Public Inquiry was to justify expenditure, blind objections, three adjoining tanks at a time. should ‘not touch it with a barge pole’. (mostly promises) and Jack Hayward, required. and a Public Inquiry. It collapsed on A surveyor’s level was set up on There were however many voices, who had recently bought Lundy Island October 17th 1970, yet throughout the the landward, firm approach to including the Civic Society, in favour of for the Nation, was persuaded to fund At the height of raising funds I gave whole of the following period, even support for a more cautious approach. the shortfall. However there were illustrated talks, with a hundred slides among the most aggressive of those All the talk was for repair as emotions disastrous times ahead. Inflation was and a large model, to Round Tables, Rotary Clubs etc. to heighten awareness against saving it, I detected a hope that tea break. Half an hour later ran high, and blindly little regard was beginning to rise, and the UDC was and raise funds. I had commissioned the it would be saved. The growling noise the Assistant Engineer took a paid to the condition of the rest of the about to be absorbed into Woodspring model at my own expense, made by a and turmoil of opposition died away routine reading and found that structure. The original Grover and Ward District Council under the New Avon friend who is a top model maker and this and it was immensely satisfying to see one of the boards had moved design to account for the second highest County Council. A broken pier was not was eventually used, positioned directly at last this iconic landmark standing slightly, partly obscuring the tide in the world, twice a day, is slender high on the new Local Council’s agenda. in front of the Inspector throughout the again, completely restored, serene and next board in line. He went to and elegantly unique in contrast to the Time began to slip by and the estimated inquiry; it is now housed in the Heritage essential to the aspect of Clevedon’s the Café to ask if the board had more normal vertical cylinders at 40 to cost of repair rose steadily. Soon it was Centre on the Beach. seafront. been accidently dislodged then 50ft intervals. It is complex, being said over £100,000, then £175,000, eventually In September 1978 I presented a paper quickly back to the level where featuring the Pier written by John Topham, the UDC Engineer, during a seminar at the University of Sussex in the deck and sighting scales . It contains the most accurate printed on 30 boards set up account of the collapse that happened on the top of each trestle and during testing for insurance required in mid span. The expected after 1945, but few appear to know the deflection was 2½-3 inches, to story. be regained as the load was An even loading of 50lb per sq. ft was released. As a precaution thin required over the entire deck, achieved asbestos panels that could be initially by hiring three tanks 100ft breached by sledge hammer Continued on page eight

www.clevedon-civic-society.org.uk/ 6 7 www.clevedon-civic-society.org.uk/ The Saving of Clevedon Pier - continued by Jane Lilly Whiteladies Cottage

On the first of the three days there many such strong arguments by Paul At the West End, on the way to St Andrew’s Church, are the last two was good public attendance, but Chadd and from many other people full houses in Clevedon still roofed with thatch. The larger of the two is by the third day such was the buzz of passionate opinion. At the end of Tennyson House, built by Thomas Bradford in the early 17th century. beast as heriot, which would have been in the town that there was standing the third day after his summing up, the The smaller one, now called Whiteladies Cottage, was formerly known a considerable loss. room only. On the evening before audience gave Paul Chadd a standing as Burryatts, and has a more complicated history. the first day I appeared on BBC ovation. In reply Mr Bailey, the Solicitor In 1655, Mary Burryatt paid the rental, Points West Television, complete for Woodspring, ruefully remarked that and the next time the house appeared with my model, for a five minute he did not expect such a reception. How n the last few months, the render has was built near this, then extended with was in 1664, when the Hearth Tax was grilling. A new group of gifted right he was. Ibeen removed and the occupants salvaged roof timbers to fill the space charged. There would seem to have between that house and the old fireplace engineers and architects had Michael Heseltine, Secretary of State for given permission to repoint the walls been two hearths, one being exempt to form a second, adjoining dwelling. been formed with creative ideas the Environment, had not only a warm facing Old Church Road, leaving the from charges because it was a cooking to restore the Pier. On television I and deep understanding for heritage stonework exposed. The old render Part of the house’s story may never hearth. In 1700, a lease was taken on the hinted about their ideas to counter but also admiration for the local people demonstrated that the house had in be uncovered, but from the Survey of house by William Smith, who had some When the Public Inquiry became the direct question that the structure who struggled against financial and fact been two houses, because there Clevedon made in 1630 for Elizabeth 40 acres of land, meadow and pasture as inevitable following the decision by was at the end of its designed life and a opposing views. He refused to allow was a discernable dividing line down Wake I have found that the family then well. Woodspring DC to demolish this Grade wreck. the Pier’s demolition. Emotion and lack the centre of the building where the leasing the house were the Burriotts, By 1732, the holding, now called Smiths, II Structure, I became the Campaign The most famous supporter of the many of technical insight into repairing a render met. Now that the stonework is or Burryatts, namely Alice aged 46, was occupied by John Griffin Junior, Director in February 1980. The precious for the Pier was John Betjeman. I chatted structure that was badly deteriorating uncovered, it is possible to see what an William and Marie. Alice was the wife and he and his descendants held it for a funds gathered earlier in the campaign and sat next to him at the inaugural lunch subsided as realism dawned. If the excellent job was made of attaching the of John Burryatt aged 50, who with hundred years, gradually increasing the were the subject of fierce debate to limit in London of the National Society repair had been achieved, continuous eastern half of the house to the older, Stourton aged 40 and Edward Burryatt acreage until in 1839 they were farming their use as they were being released of which he was the President and I expensive maintenance and further western half, as there is no discernable aged 46 leased another, larger house in just over 140 acres. By 1841, Joseph too easily for wasteful marketing and was the provisional Treasurer. He knew repair would have followed until today. join. Old Church Road, which stood on the Griffin was living there, aged 70 and still advertising. I agreed with this and Clevedon and its Pier well, and wrote of Thank goodness it didn’t succeed It site of the row of a farmer. knowing that legal representation would its beauty and importance: ‘A Japanese four shops by the would have been wrong and the action The next traceable reference to the be expensive I did all I could to halt the Library. print in the mist’ and ‘Clevedon of Michael Heseltine in demanding a house is an unfortunate one! By then, without its Pier would be like a new pier was a blessing. These leases the Sanitation Report in 1852 remarks: diamond with a flaw’. I invited him My involvement effectively ended after lasted for 99 years, ‘We then went to a cottage occupied to the Inquiry and have his letter the Public Inquiry; most of us were or until the three by a person of the name of Horsey, of acceptance to me. However he exhausted and had no place in the next people named where the ditch is stopped, and the did not come, but sent a powerful phase. Tribute must be paid to the new in them as ‘lives’ privy empties into it.’ The Horseys had statement read out at the inquiry. group of engineers and architects who had died. My the Card family for neighbours in 1861, There were many memorable quickly took up the cause and injected a suspicion is that and by 1871 the Bacon family lived next incidents during the inquiry as new enthusiasm and superbly overcame John, Stourton door to them, a situation that continued Paul Chadd weaved his magic, many daunting new challenges. The rest and Edward were to the 1891 Census. and demolished Woodspring’s brothers, while is history. By 1919, when the cottage was sold arguments. One such tense William and Marie LONG LIVE THE PIER away from the Clevedon Court Estate, moment came when Paul were John and the two houses were rented by Miss Chadd asked if the cross section Tony Wring Alice’s children. Horsey and Mr Hedges. Emily Mogg further expenditure of funds. The Inquiry of the wrought iron Barlow rail In March 1629 bought the pair and over the years sold itself was a dramatic event in Clevedon’s used in the construction could be Five years ago, the former owners John and Alice died, a week apart. For 3 plots from the land that came with it, history. We retained Paul Chadd QC repeated today in steel. Mr Gale for allowed me to invite John Rickard of the our house, this would have meant that for building. At some point the houses who had a powerful reputation in Woodspring agreed that anything Somerset Vernacular Buildings Research William and Marie had to pay a heriot, or were sold to different owners and only conservation matters. He had lead the might be possible, but he doubted Group to survey the house and see death duty, to the Manor, of two of the joined together in 1978. opposition that proposed enlargement it. Paul Chadd reached behind whether it could be dated. The deeds beasts on their farm. They held land on of the Clifton Spa Hotel, endangering him to where I was sitting with the had revealed that two adjoining houses a different lease which incurred a further Jane Lilly the Suspension Bridge setting, and he latest British Steel Catalogue in my had been united to form the present had also taken the proposed ‘filling in’ of hand. He took it and pointing to the dwelling as late as 1978. the Bristol Floating Harbour to the Bar of illustrated sections, said to Mr. Gale John Rickard discovered that the the House of Lords. He won both. “Is this not the identical sections fireplace at the western end of the we are talking about?” There were house had belonged to an earlier house – this often happens, a new house being built onto the substantial masonry of the surviving structure. His conclusion was that, ‘a second complete building was erected nearby in the 17th century. Subsequently extended to incorporate the surviving earlier part and create a separate house. This would explain the uniform 17th century walls and common Tony’s model of the Pier roof construction.’ now on display at the Heritage Centre In short, the oldest structure is the western fireplace, the eastern house

www.clevedon-civic-society.org.uk/ 8 9 www.clevedon-civic-society.org.uk/ Picnic at Clevedon Court

Photographs by Geoff Hale

www.clevedon-civic-society.org.uk/ 10 11 www.clevedon-civic-society.org.uk/ Entertainment in Clevedon Transition Clevedon and Clevedon has four amateur by Liz Byrd entertainment groups. In the last Researched by Geoff Hale and Alan Smith edition we looked at the history of the the Millennium Orchard two musical groups and this time the levedon Players was originally formed in 1923, with Dr drama groups will be in the spot light. Transition Clevedon was started in 2010 by a diverse group R. Stuart Renton as the chairman. Their first production C of people who found they had common concerns about a was celebrated in August in a downpour was The Knight of the Burning Pestle performed at the wide range of issues facing Clevedon and the wider world. Picture House (Curzon) for a week in June 1923. The play was under a tarpaulin with songs and stories an ambitious choice, a burlesque of dramatic styles by the and, of course, cider. Elizabethan playwrights Beaumont and Fletcher, which took ll of us are no strangers to worries Trees have started to be pruned again, Old skills like pruning and scything are a great deal of work to stage. Aabout changing weather patterns, varieties identified and mapped, and a being revived for all who want to learn Some years later, Victor Cox, who owned the cinema at the drought or flood, the cost of petrol, few fallen and diseased trees removed. and work together on this lovely asset to time, recalled that it was not unusual to have stage shows rising heating and transport costs, Enthusiasts are recording the seasonal our community. So the orchard helps to at the cinema. A pantomime was presented there for three possible food shortages, riots and so biodiversity with photos and paintings. contribute to a more resilient Clevedon years running. on. A rapidly changing world indeed. The local children are building dens with local people working together, The Transition movement aims to foster and advised us where they would like making new friends of all ages, and After their first appearance in the Picture House the Clevedon resilient communities better able to the paths. There is very little litter or families playing in a natural environment Players took up residence in the recently built St John’s Elton make the transition to being a closer vandalism. with the roar of the M5 as background Memorial Hall, which became the main centre in the town for The Knight of the Burning Pestle - 1923 community with the skills and knowhow music! It is encouraging our community drama, concerts, dances and other social functions. 2011 saw people come together to that will give us more confidence to face picnic and enjoy the spectacular display to come together, enjoy our traditions, our concerns and do what we can about of apple blossom and later to joyfully have a sense of place and the seasons, them. Now with a mailing list of 200 or pick around 60 sacks of apples sold to a and gain satisfaction through simple so, the level of interest in Clevedon is local cider maker. Wassailing in January pleasures and achievements. After the Second World War the Clevedon Playgoers substantial. 2012 brought together a crowd of 40 or In the future, we hope more Club was formed and performed regularly in St John’s In the meantime, what has our more with children climbing trees and organisations will be regularly involved Hall, bringing many popular plays to the local stage Millennium Community Orchard got to banging pots and pans. Bad weather – scouts, schools, mental health groups including Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, do with all this? In November 2000, on this spring and summer meant very little among others. Come and have a look whilst down the road at the Salthouse Pavilion the short land belonging to the town council, 70 blossom and a few impoverished apples. and join in – it’s yours! lived Coleridge Players were staging similar plays under or so cider apple trees were planted Nevertheless, the old Lammas festival Liz Byrd the direction of George Holland. by the Woodcutters for Wildlife – like so many projects in many a town and village – to mark the millennium. And like so many millennium projects, it The Importance of Being Earnest - 1957 faded from people’s interest and notice until only the Woodcutters, and the dog walkers of Brookfield Walk, knew that there was a cider orchard accessible to With the demolishing of the Salthouse Pavilion us all tucked away alongside the M5. and the building of the New Hall (now the With the renewal of the lease in 2011, Princes Hall) in the 1960s, the Playgoers and Transition Clevedon took over the the Coleridge Players combined to form a general management of the orchard, reincarnated Clevedon Players and staged Watch and with the help of the Woodcutters it Sailor as their debut offering. They have been and the guidance of Angela Slotte, our successfully entertaining the populace three or Tree Warden, the overgrown, forgotten four times a year ever since. orchard is making itself more available Wassailing at the Millennium Orchard Spring 1600 - 2010 for the people of Clevedon to enjoy.

Of the Clevedon Comedy Club, founder member Alan Smith writes: ‘When the Comedy Club was formed in 1970 there was already in existence a Drama Club and an Opera Club, but nothing in light entertainment - and nothing to A talk on Transition Clevedon by encourage youngsters to join. It was decided to form Ruth Gofton features in the 2013 a family club and concentrate on light entertainment Civic Society programme – not to and pantomime. be missed! See page 4 for details.

The first production, in June 1971, was a variety show – The Roaring 20s – produced by Jack Hawdon. The local paper stated, ‘Roaring Twenties a Roaring Success’, a club has been born!’ This then encouraged more people to join and the first pantomime, Aladdin, Jack and the Beanstalk - 1986 followed in January 1972. The club has produced a pantomime every year since and a revue type show Lammas Time at the Millennium Orchard Video Frames from every other year.’ Clevedon News www.clevedon-civic-society.org.uk/ 12 13 www.clevedon-civic-society.org.uk/ (post war) that his first trip was an Arctic He did describe some of the horrors that and on one memorable afternoon in The Four Brothers Memories by Paul Kite convoy carrying high explosives to they both witnessed and these are well late 1945 or early 1946 all the brothers Archangel. recorded on film. Frank’s original entry gathered with their wives, mother and Paddy and Frank remained in close pass to Belsen is still in his daughter father. A champagne celebration in Three sons of Douglas Edward Kite and Ellen (Webb) Kite joined the contact with one another throughout Julia’s possession and a copy of it is Douglas and Ellen’s flat with bottles army at Bristol Recruiting Office in Prewett St. on the 29th December the war and landed in France on D-day attached below. It is dated 16th August brought back by Ken, Frank and Paddy. 1939. The “Unique Enlistment” was recorded, with a photograph in the plus six as RASC drivers. Paddy was for 1945, a few months after the inmates Paddy leant over to give Paul (me, aged 7) Bristol Evening Post the following day. The youngest of Douglas and a short time a Dispatch Rider and then had been cleared and the contaminated a sip. My stern Edwardian Grandmother Ellen’s family of nine joined the Merchant Navy as a radio officer in 1943 went on to drive small Bedford trucks huts burnt (May 1945). Hostilities were remonstrated with her son. “You are and took part in Arctic Atlantic and Mediterranean convoys. carrying ammunition and supplies to over but there were still prisoners to be not giving champagne to the child!” It the front line troops. At one point he repatriated. Paddy recalls taking Russian was not a question! My then 31 year he three brothers, Ken, Harry (Paddy) As a result, all the individual described arriving with his company in women soldiers to a location for handing old father obeyed her wishes and I, Tand Frank were posted to Exeter families decided to evacuate a field for the night and being mortared. back to the then Soviet authorities. One mortified, didn’t get to taste it. for driver training with the Royal Army to Clevedon where Douglas The result was a direct hit on one of his wonders about the fate of these women. Service Corps. Ken was commissioned as a child had been to the friends. In fear for his own life he pressed All four men returned safely to Clevedon Paul Kite and became a Captain and by the end British School on Chapel Hill. his face deep into the soft ground and of the war and Paddy and Frank were Frank - Ken - Harry (Paddy) at the nearly suffocated. Whether Frank was sergeants. Eventually and for the rest of the war the families took up residence at No 11 Bristol Recruiting Office 29-12-1939 in the vicinity is not known. Paddy and A twist of wartime fate saw the three Herbert Road. The top flat was inhabited probably Frank went up to Arnhem to brothers’ families move to Clevedon as by Douglas, Ellen, Joan and Ray, the flat extract Paratroopers from the fighting. a direct result of the first night bombing below by Paddy’s wife Marjorie and son When watching a post war film about raid that devastated Broadmead and Paul. Douglas’s daughter Gladys (Kite) Operation Market Garden, he said it Castle St. on the 24th November 1940. and husband Tom Aliband with their wasn’t quite like that. He had to drive Douglas and Ellen with their unmarried son David occupied the basement flat with his company beyond enemy lines Belsen Camp Pass daughter Joan and son Ray were after evacuating from the bombing in and pick up the escaping Paras as they dated 16 August bombed out of their house in West Bristol. Frank’s wife Doreen initially lived emerged from a sewer pipe. 1945 End (off Coronation Rd.) Bedminster. A with Marjorie and Paul at Bryn Derryn in In April 1945 both Paddy and Frank bomb and an incendiary came through Marson Road but then moved, on the were called to take medical supplies and the roof; the bomb went through to the arrival of their daughter Patricia, to live blankets to a place called Belsen. Paddy basement and remained un-exploded. over Cambourne’s greengrocery shop says it was on the day it was discovered. The incendiary clipped the edge of on Hill Road, next to Challicombes. Ken Ray’s open bedside drawer, flipped and was already a Clevedon resident and had became jammed in the open drawer; an Ironmongers shop in Strode Road. both remained unexploded in the Kenneth Douglas Kite Reviewed by Geoff Hale Society Publications house. Fortunately Douglas and Ellen Clevedon became the natural home for 1912 - 1992 the boot factory, lived in the present These later chapters are once again had taken to the Anderson Shelter in all four sons serving in the Army and the Community Centre house – Sunhill? written by Society members, the the garden. Daughter Joan was in town Merchant Navy. That there have been four generations subjects ranging from the story of a 22 and Frank’s wife Doreen (Millard), who Ray had worked for the Bristol Tramway of Shoplands plying their trade in the year old Clevedon man who fell during lived at the same address, was at the Company and probably was apprenticed town? Or that Jack Wilcox, who ran the the battle of Gettysburg, USA, and is Ebenezer Methodist Church in North St. as an electrician. That job came to an garage opposite the Salthouse Fields, buried in St Andrew’s Church yard to Bedminster. Both remembered dodging end on the first night raid, with the was involved in an ill-fated bid to break the recollections of a boy’s adventures bombs to get home. Paddy’s wife Tramway’s Electrical Generating Station the water speed record in 1930. Even on the beach in the 1920s and 30s and Marjorie (Shearn) with son Paul lived being hit, removing trams from Bristol’s if you did know these facts there is the contents of the Wareham’s Guide with her father at his Boot and Shoe streets. In Clevedon he worked for the still a wealth of information here – like to Clevedon of 1878. Also included is Repair shop at the other end of North St. BBC at the transmitting station. He then when did the utilities of water, gas and a survey of the farms of East Clevedon in Bedminster near the Hen and Chicken went to Colwyn Bay Radio School and electricity come to Clevedon and who by Jane Lilly and an intriguing article Pub, which was also hit during the Blitz, trained as a Wireless Operator, and in Harry (Paddy) Frank exactly were Mr Binding and Mr Payne? by Derek Lilly entitled, The Marchant as was a bungalow on the other side of 1943 he joined the Bristol based Charles Ralph Kite Chatterton Kite Mystery, which details many aspects of the road, which killed all the occupants. Hill shipping line. It is recorded that he 1914 - 1999 1922 - 1986 And that is only the half of it. The second life in 19th century Clevedon. That site is now a small nature reserve was third Radio Officer aboard the City section in the book adds a further half garden and has never been built on. of Gloucester and brother Paddy writes dozen chapters about the social history Geoff Hale of our town to the three books already The book is available to Society reviewed in the Clevedonian. members at a special price of £6.00 f the names Binding & Payne, Wilcox, IWoodington, Shopland, Hale, Holland and Sydney Keen mean something to you then the first half of this book is definitely a must. The stories of the businesses run by these men, along with many others, make fascinating reading Raymond George Kite and give an insight into Clevedon’s 1924 - 1993 industrial past. Did you know that weaving was one of the earliest trades carried out in the Stafford Street, Bedminster - 24 November 1940 town? That Mr Woodington, who ran

www.clevedon-civic-society.org.uk/ 14 15 www.clevedon-civic-society.org.uk/ Neighbourhood Watch by Marilyn Edwards Pollards in Clevedon Branch Line

2012 marks the 30th anniversary of the If you are not keen to join the committee Being a co-ordinator involves delivering Our regularly pollarded street trees are a part of our living by Angela Slotte formation of the first Neighbourhood but would like to get involved in doing a quarterly newsletter to your scheme heritage and should be valued and protected. Watch group in the UK. your bit to fight crime in Clevedon, members and asking once a year for a becoming a NHW co-ordinator takes voluntary contribution of £1 subscription very little time and, unlike other (which goes towards covering costs of f the many hundreds of trees may live to a great age because each he Neighbourhood Watch voluntary work, can be done at any time producing the newsletter, NHW signs, Obordering our streets in Clevedon, regular pruning effectively “re-sets Tmovement in the UK covers six convenient to fit in with busy lives. You contributions to awards leading to 237 appear on an official North the tree’s biological clock.” million households (according to can choose how many households you arrests and other general administrative Somerset Council ‘pollarding list’. These The practice of pollarding dates the most recent figures published by would like to include in your scheme costs). If you have access to email, you are old trees that are severely cut back back many centuries to rural the Home Office) with some 170,000 (we have everything from 5 to 117, can also receive “Ringmaster” email – re-pollarded – every 4 years between communities where it was used, Neighbourhood Watch groups. although we would recommend 20 as a updates on local crimes, cold-call traders November and February in order to especially on Willow, as a means of limit their size and increase tree safety. Here in Clevedon we have over 160 maximum). or scams. If possible, we ask that you producing a succession of young forward Ringmaster information to the The process removes the entire branch branches for fuel and for use in a co-ordinators successfully running system, but new and vigorous shoots schemes for approximately members in your scheme, variety of local crafts, as well as to so that householders can be appear the following spring, drawing supply freshly cut or dried shoots 3,500 households. Although energy from sugar reserves in the Pollarding a Poplar at Salthouse Fields the local Police no longer made aware of current issues. to feed to animals. The pollard point February 2012 The committee members can ‘pollard heads’ or ‘knuckles’ and quickly was always at a height beyond the administer the scheme, the re-clothing the trees in vibrant green. NHW committee works closely offer advice to co-ordinators with the officers from the and help in the form of Clevedon Police Station. The introductory letters and committee meets quarterly subscription request forms, and we are always happy etc. to welcome new members. For further information ring Having taken over the David Brockington on 01275 administration of the scheme 790233, Fiona Barnes on from the police we find that 01275 870383 or Marilyn computer skills are useful but Recent ‘Meet the Neighbours’ Meeting Edwards on 01275 876147. not essential.

What’s in a Name? Where do the street names in Clevedon come from?

The Salthouse Poplar 8 months later

White Poplar pollarded in June The same tree in October 2012 2011 after major branch collapse Castle, then derelict. Due to traffic and other restraints, Linden Road, named Tutton Farm The Cole (or Coles) family. The sight of a newly pollarded tree in the reach of browsing livestock and deer. after the tree, has just five Limes left. urban landscape may awake dismay and The farm was in Moor Lane and was demolished in The family lived in Cole House Farm from the thirteenth Pollarded trees in towns are commonly Other Clevedon tree species on the 1975. The farm was named after a John Tutton who century. There are still members of the family living in the criticism, but this drastic action can be 4-year pollarding programme include seen as a necessary evil. Once started, associated with avenues, a feature leased it in 1700. town today. that evolved from the fashion in Italian Sycamore (Hillside Road), Horse- the cycle has to be continued, as the chestnut (Copse Road), and Willow trees can never return to a truly natural Rennaisance gardens of the16th Century for formal drives or walkways lined (Northern Way/Clover Close). Also listed dEREK Lilly’S wORD sEARCH form and the union of branch and pollard is Hallam Road, which is planted on one point may remain weak. Pollarded trees with regularly spaced trees of a single species, and leading the eye to a distant side only with a variety of interesting feature. The Victorians species including London Plane. In were especially fond of addition to those listed, individual trees planting avenues of street are pollarded when need arises, and trees, particularly with Lime these include various Poplars. (Linden). Consequently Our Clevedon pollard-listed trees were The Solution to the almost all the regularly all worked last winter and this will be due pollarded trees in Clevedon again in 2015. Meanwhile, the smaller last puzzel are to be found in the older tree species that are now preferred in car- parts of the town. lined streets and confined public spaces The greatest number of can be kept in check by occasional pollarded Lime trees in lopping back of the longest branches. Clevedon today are to be seen in The Avenue (there being 64 remaining), which Written and Photographed Lymes in The Avenue – new shoots also appear on was probably created to by Angela Slotte the trunk and may need to be removed provide a vista to Walton

www.clevedon-civic-society.org.uk/ 16 17 www.clevedon-civic-society.org.uk/ Posted by Barbara Connell In our last edition we published an account of Clevedon Postcard from Clevedon Mercury journalist, William Frederick Sercombe, who had Military Chest enlisted at the start of the First World War. At that time his father was the Mercury’s editor. William wrote many letters Researched by Rob Campbell home and his father published a number of them.

CLEVEDON MERCURY & COURIER & SOMERSETSHIRE WEEKLY ADVERTISER 15 JULY 1916 PAGE 3 THE BRITISH BOMBARDMENT

Corporal William Frederick Sercombe 6th Gloucestershire Regiment, in a letter to his parents dated Tuesday 4th July and received here on Monday evening last says in reference to the great “push” on the Western Front which commenced on the 1 July 1916 This is the first opportunity I have had of replying to your letter. We arrived back last night after having a few days up in the zone which witnessed some of the heaviest fighting of the recent operation, you will have read all the details by this time. Soon after my arrival back from leave matters began to get rather lively, the Bosches even becoming so unfriendly as to shell the place we were in on several occasions. As you will have read, the attack was preceded by a bombardment extending over several days, such as there has never been on this front before, and it reached a climax on the morning when those of us who were detailed to go up to an advanced post moved forward to our positions. I only wish I had the time and ability to describe the scene, but that is impossible. With the exception of a small portion who fought he postcard’s sender speaks of The card must have been sent in an show damage to the prom adjacent to with great gallantry and distinction, the whole of our crowd was held in reserve and did not take any actual part in the “show”, but Tdamage done during a gale, and that envelope and although no date is given the Salthouse Field, debris on the beach things were lively enough where we were. Our guns were all about and behind us, and when they opened up the din was indescribable. the estimated cost of repairs was £600. research suggests that it was taken in near the pier and damage to the pier Naturally the Bosch were throwing a few back by way of acknowledgment but they did us no harm, although I must admit that one The pier landing stage had been ‘ripped 1903. decking near the entrance. night when I moved further forward I did feel rather uncomfortable! in all directions’. Salthouse Field was I also have three postcards published On that occasion I met an officer, who was at Clevedon with the last lot you had there, and was one of three officers who came through under water and some of the little by Lippiatt dated October 1903. These Barbara Connell in his crowd, which speaks for itself. It was all very interesting and exciting, and I would not have missed it for anything, but there is cottages were flooded. another side of the picture, a side one does not like to dwell upon, the sight of the wounded who all through the day were drifting back past us to the field ambulances, some in ambulances, others in returning ammunition limbers, and those who were able to do so on From the Dave Long Collection foot. It was rather an awful sight and brought home to one the horrors of war, and yet at the same time it was a very stirring sight to Collector’s Lot see the brave and stolid way in which these heroes bore themselves in such a trying ordeal. ublic house tokens were in use from use them to buy a pint that evening or if As I said before, we are back again now, and I am sorry to get the chance of a decent sleep, which was out of the question in the place Pabout 1840 to 1914. There are around they preferred at another time but only we have just left, where it was a case of “carrying on through day and night”. 10,000 varieties known and possibly at that pub. They have also been used as It has been something of an experience the kind of experience that makes one so proud of the fact that one is a Britisher. My only regret more still undiscovered. Unfortunately a pass to public toilets, and by Friendly is that there were no shirkers or conscientious objectors there to witness it. very little information is available to Societies who often held their meetings research them. They are usually made at a public house. Certified true copy from Clevedon Mercury Newspaper. from brass or copper and sometimes I only know of two examples from bronze, the most common shape Clevedon: one for The Rock Hotel and The 4th & 6th Gloucestershire Regiment ( 144th Brigade ) 48th South Midland Division were in V111th Corps reserve in the Hebuterne being round, although they can also be one for Thomas Ascott at The Bristol sector, and did not attack the enemy until the Battle of Bazentin Ridge, which opened on the 14th July 1916. oval or octagonal. Most were made in Hotel. The Rock House token is probably Birmingham, with smaller numbers from the oldest as it is for The Rock Hotel and Bristol, Exeter, Leeds, Liverpool, London not The Rock and Pier Hotel, but as it Don’t believe everything you see! and Sheffield. doesn’t have the name of the publican They typically have the name of the this is only a guess. The token from The public house and occasionally the name Bristol Hotel is easier to date as it has of the publican on one side and the value the name of Thomas Ascott who was the and sometimes the token manufacturer publican from 1889 to 1910. on the reverse. They seem to have Tokens are known to have been used had various uses but mainly for pub in 91 towns or villages in Somerset games. Before the start of a game such The Rock Hotel resulting in about 500 different varieties, as a skittles match, both teams would with possibly more to be discovered. agree the prize, usually a pint of beer. The captain of each side would then If you would like to know more about collect from each of his team the price pub tokens Somerset County Council of a pint, and after the match the cash Library Service have produced a booklet collected would be handed over the bar on Somerset tokens. and replaced with tokens. These would be handed out to the players who could Dave Long

www.clevedon-civic-society.org.uk/ 18 19 www.clevedon-civic-society.org.uk/ Members’ Photograph Gallery by David Robinson

Artist’s Attic by Shirley Beale

www.clevedon-civic-society.org.uk/ 20