Cover photo by Andrew Thompsom Š
A word from the Editor
This months
front cover image was Hello again and welcome to the evolving Weston & Worle View. originally created for This months’ edition has been expanded to include more features the British Railways’ that we believe are of interest to the local community. Tourist Board. After all, that’s what we’re all about. Kindly licensed to us Our distribution area has increased three fold; from Burnham-onby the National Railway Sea up the coast to Sand Bay; east to Sandford and Winscombe; Museum/Science & south-east to Wedmore and back over the North Somerset Levels Society Picture Library to Burnham again. phew! We are also now inviting people to send in What’s On listings, articles, features and up-coming news and reviews. Things that you think may be of interest to others. A chance to get your message out there.We very much look Tropicana – What it was, is and could be....... The building is derelict at present, but what is the future? forward to your contributions. Steve Drew, Editor North Somerset Local News
The Weston & Worle View Editor Steve Drew Advertising Nick Carter Studio Manager Dave Collingbourne and a very special thank you to our creative contributors
Photography Andrew Thompson Weston & Worle View, Locking Farm Business Park, Locking Moor Road, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset BS24 8PJ
To advertise in The Weston & Worle View call
01934 820041 OR email: wwadvertiser@aol.com for a rate card and media pack www.westonandworleadvertiser.com Whilst every care has been taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibilty for loss, damage, omission caused by error or negligence for any services provided by advertisers or for any content of this publication The views expressed in this publication may not necessarily represent those of The Weston & Worle View or its associates. All material within the magazine, whether editorial or advertising, is copyright The Weston & Worle View and may not be reproduced without permission from the publisher.
At a glance – April 2013 04 06 09 10 13 17 20 30 38 What are the question marks all about?
Worle War Memorial – A history of the fallen F rank Gosden tells the story of Harry ‘John’ Champion
Gardening - Looking out for Trees
A few observations for April from Kieron Bewes
Great Weston Bike Ride 2013
Race organiser Darren McKimm updates us on what’s new
Pets Corner ad as March? No it’s the bunnies that need helping M What’s On pril Events A
Local Business Directory dvertisments and services A
Local Sports Update L ocal Sports Club news and upcoming events
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TROPICANA The Tropicana as it sadly is.....
What it was, what it is, the future? How it was
How it was
The Tropicana, located south of the Seaquarium, was built in 1937 and became, together with the Grand Pier, one of the major features and attractions on the seafront in Weston-super-Mare.
When it was opened it was simply known as ‘The Pool’ becoming branded as The Tropicana in 1983.
The building, consisting of a twostorey dressed Mendip stone Art Deco architecture at the front, was first developed as a 950 square metre swimming pool and included an art deco diving board. At the time, it had the highest diving board and was the largest open air swimming pool in Europe.
April 2013
In terms of architectural and historic interest, the building is of value. It is a Heritage Building within a Conservation Area and originally the diving board was a The Tropicana as it used to be...... ‘listed’ feature, sadly removed by the council in 1982 The Tropicana was a popular attraction for many years, but in the latter part of the twentieth century went into decline and was closed in 2000. Call 01934 820041
How the original poster, kindly supplied by the Science & Society Picture Library, looked.
The proposed re-generation of ‘The Trop’ We wish to kindly thank the www.tropicanawestonsupermare.co.uk website for their generosity in allowing us to use their imagery for this article.
How it is
The Future?
Since its closure there have been a number of major planning applications for the site, none of which were progressed successfully.
North Somerset Council had been given the go ahead to demolish the site but that decision is currently under review following submitted plans by a local business consortium.
In preparation for the recent applications made by the Council to demolish the site, the remaining retail occupiers were required to leave. In addition, the Council allowed the site to be used by their chosen building contractors for the sea wall defences works, both as offices and as an unlawful waste storage facility. The waste was duly removed by order of the Environment Agency.
The consortium proposes to develop the site by obtaining community funding. The future of the Tropicana is still unsure, but there seems to be a lot of support for this iconic building to once again grace the magnificent seafront and become an attraction for visitors from far and wide.
The building has not been maintained for an extended period of time and as a result, there are significant refurbishment works required if any scheme is to retain the heritage structure. The building is now in a state of neglect. We wish to thank the Science & Society Picture Library for their co-operation and imagery. www.westonandworleadvertiser.com
?? What’s the Question?
Over the next couple of weeks, don’t be surprised if you see a mysterious large red question mark popping up in locations across North Somerset.
Investment in Roads and Transport Spending plans for road improvement, maintenance and transport schemes across North Somerset, totalling over £9m over the next two years, have been put forward by North Somerset Council as part of the Local Transport Plan. The Local Transport Plan (LTP) implementation programme includes schemes for capital works as well as those identified to improve highway safety, safer routes to school, public transport, pedestrian and cycling links and to relieve traffic congestion. The LTP funding adds up to £4.41m for 2013/14 and £4.63m for 2014/15. The programme is for three years, although the funding allocation for 2015/16 has still to be identified.
In addition to this, as part of the government’s Autumn Statement, the Department for Transport announced that there would be £615,000 additional funding for the 2013/14 programme and £329,000 in 2014/15. Other funding for road improvements will be available from other sources such as developer contributions.
Consecutive harsh winters coupled with one of the wettest years on record have had a severe impact on roads and added to their deterioration, as well putting pressure on maintenance budgets. In response to this a number of schemes have been deferred to make an additional £218,000 available for use in road maintenance. The council is committed to investing in its roads and in 2013/14 it will spend a total of £6.6m on road maintenance and improvements, £1.9m more than it did in this financial year.
April 2013
It’s all part of a local campaign to get residents more involved in their local communities, especially in times of emergency. The effects of flooding, fires and cold weather are just some of the things that communities across North Somerset have had to deal with, and experience shows that communities who work together to prepare for these situations, get back on track much more quickly. Each of the question marks has the words ‘”What if…” printed on it, and the idea is that it gets people thinking about the consequences should the worst happen. Cllr Felicity Baker, North Somerset Council’s executive member for communities said: “The extreme weather we have had over the last couple of winters with seemingly endless periods of rain followed by disruptive snowfall has had significant impact on some of our communities. “But help is at hand for communities who want to work together to prepare themselves for these types of situations. We’ve already piloted a community resilience project in Congresbury, and the feedback from local people there has been really positive. “Now we are hoping that other communities in North Somerset will get in touch so we can help them set something similar up in their village or town.” If you spot one of the question marks, and there are four in total, you’ll also find a special ‘QR’ code on it which if you’ve got a smartphone, you can scan to find out more information.
?
Or you can visit www.communityresilience-ns.org.uk or call 01934 426 706 for more details.
Deadline for May Issue is the 18th of April Call 01934 820041
Solutions page 37
April 2013
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take part in
‘The Story of Weston’ As we featured in last months edition, the local people of Weston-super-Mare are being asked to come forward with their old photographs, ciné films and videos of the town for a unique project documenting the pictorial history of the area and its residents. The best 200 images of the town and its people from yesteryear will be blown up to A3 size and hung in the gallery. All video footage will be available to see on computers placed around the exhibition. The project is backed by BRACE: “Weston Arts Gallery approached us because they wanted to help us raise awareness of dementia and BRACE’s part in the struggle to defeat it, and we felt that this symbolism would create a powerful tool. We are truly grateful for what they are doing.”Mark Poarch, Chief Executive of BRACE. Donated image’s and films will be digitised free of charge at Digital Photo Studio and a complimentary copy will be given to the owner of the content. The Story of Weston-super-Mare exhibition will take place this April but needs locals to dig out their old films and photos from the attic to make it happen. For more information on how you can contribute your photos or films please visit:
The Story of Weston-super-Mare www.historypin.com/channels/view/id/16115204. or take your content to: Weston Arts Gallery, Locking Road., Weston-super-Mare. Open weekly from Tuesday to Saturday between 9 and 4pm.
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726 Acting Sergeant Henry (Harry) John Champion was born in Wick St Lawrence in 1884 and later lived, with his parents Walter and Emily, in Jasmine Cottage, Ebdon Road, Worle.
He later moved to Cardiff, where he was employed as a machine shop labourer by the Taff Vale Railway Company. The railway ran up the valleys to Pontypridd. Whilst in Cardiff he met Margaret Maria James, who he married in 1913. They lived at 34 Rectory Road, in Cardiff. At the outbreak of war he was a reservist and at once rejoined his regiment, the Prince Albert’s (Somerset Light Infantry). In the last letter to his parents, dated 22nd October 1914, he thanked them for the parcel of apples that they had sent. This was just a few days before he was killed in action on 31st October 1914. Sadly he was killed, aged 30, just a day after he had been promoted, for gallantry, to the rank of acting sergeant. One of his friends, E.A. Packe, wrote a letter of condolence to his wife, dated 10th November 1914. Margaret remained in Cardiff, along with their child of only six months. John has no known grave, but is commemorated on panel 3 of the Ploegsteert Memorial in Belguim. Frank Gosden Worle History Society
email: frankgosden@talktalk.net
Worle History Society: Secretary Raye Green (01934) 516773 References: Weston Gazette 1914, Weston-super-Mare Mercury 1914, Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The society holds meetings in the Community Centre, Lawrence Road, Worle, on the first Thursday of the month at 7pm. All are welcome.
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Gardening trees
April
That really exciting time of spring is encroaching upon us again. The weather is gradually improving, the autumn planted bulbs are pushing up through the soil ready to explode in a wash of colour. Hedgerows and verges come to life and the insects all emerge ready for another year. The most wonderful sight is to see the trees break dormancy and start coming into leaf. If you take time to sit back and look closely you’ll be amazed at all the different forms, shapes and textures of the vibrant fresh new leaves, a totally gratifying sight. Kieron Bewes
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April 2013
Trees to look out for this month Prunus or the cherry trees are coming into their own. Prunus Kiku-Shidare-Zakura or Cheals Weeping Cherry is a good one to grow and is a medium sized tree with double pinky white flowers. If you have more space then Prunus Taihaku or the Great White Cherry, once thought to be extinct until rediscovered at Dartington Hall last century could be the one for you. It has the largest flowers of all the cherries and has to be seen to be believed. I’ve mentioned the Prunus, now its time for its rival, the Malus or Flowering Crab Apples. Not only do these have lovely single flowers, but they also give you a crop to harvest in the autumn. They are good pollinators for your culinary apples with the added bonus of bringing into your garden Lace Wings and other pest-eating insects.
What ever you do, don’t let nature pass you by.
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April 2013
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LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
Hollywood comes in Bucket Fulls Weston’s seafront movie scene is now in full swing. Twenty of the world’s greatest sand sculptors have arrived in sunny Weston-super-Mare from nine different countries to create the town’s very own HOLLYWOOD on the beach. The sand here in Weston is very special and is perfect for creating sand sculptures. One of the artists, Rachel Stubbs (UK) said: “The shape of the grain is very important, it must have sharp angles,be fine and contain enough silt to bind it together. Weston is very lucky because with this and we can create enormous sculptures and make fine details.” Those of you that have already strolled along the promenade this week may have noticed the eight-metre tall pyramid poking over the top of the fences. In nine days, it will turn into a giant King Kong, and arriving next to it will be the characters from Harry Potter. CBBC’s Deadly Art presenter and Co-organiser of the project, Nicola Wood says: “We have a fantastic team of artists this year. We knew when we decided to create Hollywood that we must bring in the stars, and we have! We even have world champions on site” The sculptors will work on their creations ready to present them to the public on Good Friday. The usual interactive workshops and tours will be available, and some extra-special photo opportunities are being created. Fancy collecting your own Oscar or being papped by the press? The red carpet awaits!
The festival will open on March 29th and will be open daily from 11-5pm.
Tickets range from £2-£3.50
For more information check out the website:
www.westonsandsculpture.co.uk
Great Weston Bike Ride 2013 Expecting 750-1,000 participants this year!! As we featured in last months issue, entry is now open for the 2013 edition of the very popular Great Weston Ride, a spectacular city-to-coast challenge ride taking place in the West Country this year on Sunday 21st July 2013. Start The Ride sets off from the Long Ashton Park & Ride (check out the map on the Great Weston Bike Ride website) where there is an abundance of free parking and safe drop-off areas, and riders are able to depart between 8am and 9.30am (although registration opens from 7.30am for anyone who wants to arrive early). There’s no paperwork to bring - you simply have to sign in and collect your rider number on the day, and all you have to do then is make your way to the start and you’re ready to go! Depending on final numbers, riders will set off in small groups approximately 1-2 minutes apart. We’re expecting/on track for between 750-1,000 entrants this year. BCFC legend Scott Murray is taking part, despite not being a cyclist - not even got a bike!
Riders need to be in Weston by 5.30pm latest, after which time the event will begin to knock down. Finish The Ride finishes 56 miles later on the seafront in Westonsuper-Mare and it’s hoped that riders will encourage family and friends to come along and help them to celebrate their achievement by cheering them across the line. Obviously we’re delighted with the phenomenal response and comments from our 2012 riders, and with word and interest spreading rapidly now we’re looking forward to another great event in 2013”. We’ve even got new jerseys’ to celebrate the event, check them out! Further information, and details on how to enter, can be found at www.greatwestonride.com. Contact: Darren McKimm (Organiser) Tel: 07956 858851 Email: mail@greatwestonride.com
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Weston Museum is looking for volunteers. Why not pop in and see if you can help out.
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Warmer weather care for Bunnies Finally we are into April and hope the warmer weather is just round the corner after a long winter. However this brings new areas for us to focus our attention on. Rabbits become one of our main concerns as the weather warms up and we want to help all rabbit owners understand their needs. The main problem bunnies suffer from in warm weather is a condition called Flystrike. This is where flies lay eggs in your rabbits coat which then hatch into maggots. The maggots then eat away at the flesh and if left unnoticed can be fatal.
For more information or to book your rabbit in for the offer please call us or pop into the surgery.
Rabbits with dirty bottoms are most prone to this awful condition as it provides a wonderful environment for the flies to lay eggs. If your rabbit is overweight, old or stiff, has poor hygiene or a dirty hutch they are more likely to have a dirty bottom. It is vital to keep your rabbits hutch as clean as possible in the warm months and check their bottoms at least twice daily. If your rabbit is a little overweight this is the time to help them lose it! Here at Green Pastures we provide a ‘Bunny Offer’ package from April onwards. In the offer we apply a product called Rearguard which helps prevent Flystrike and lasts for 10 weeks. Also included in the offer is a full vet examination, dental check, nail clip, goodie bag and much more! All this costs only £20! We have more excellent offers for rabbit owners and provide consultations if you have any queries. www.westonandworleadvertiser.com
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What’s On – April 2013
Events Guide 29th March – 30th April
Welcome to our expanding events guide. Kindly contributed to by YOU. The listing covers up-coming Events. Bolted on are a variety of restaurants, eateries, pubs, clubs and live music.
Theatre, Arts and Events Weston Sandocross Sunday 7 April 10am - 3pm Weston-super-Mare Beach No charge for spectators. For more details: Gwyneth Wright, Weston-super-Mare Motor Club, 01934 853 826 www.wsmmc.com Bee Keeping Taster Course Sunday 7 April 2pm The Limes, Kenn Moor Road, Kenn, Clevedon Cost: £30 per person bookable in advance. For more details: 01275 342 235, bees@limesbb.co.uk Grand Pier - Enter Shikari ‘Return To Energiser’ UK Tour (plus support) Wednesday 10 April Doors open at 7pm Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare Tickets: £15 per person. Over 14’s only. For more details: Grand Pier Events Team, 01934 646 155 www.grandpier.co.uk
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April 2013
ashion Show by F Cleopatra’s Wardrobe Winscombe Community Association Saturday 13 April 3pm - 5pm Winscombe Community Centre, Sandford Road Tickets: £6 available from Cleopatra’s Wardrobe and Winsombe Thursday Market. For more details: Jill, 01934 843 776 www.winscombeca.org.uk Marcos Club Rally Sunday 14 April TBC Salthouse Fields Car Park, Clevedon For more details: visit the website. www.marcosjem.co.uk Open Cockpit Day and Helicopter Experience Flights Sunday 14 April 10am - 5.30pm (flights from 2pm) Helicopter Museum, Weston-super-Mare Usual museum admission applies. Flights are an additional £34 per seat. For more details: 01934 635 227 www.helicoptermuseum.co.uk
Up-coming Major events … Red Bull Pro Nationals 2013 - Round 2 (Motorcross) Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May Weston Beach Weekend and day tickets available in advance from the website or on the gate. For more details: E22 Sports Ltd, 8454 750 057 or visit the website www.redbullpronationals.com Weston Air Day including the Red Arrows Saturday 22 June 11am - 6pm Weston-super-Mare Seafront Free entry. For more details: visit the website www.n-somerset.gov.uk/airday
Send us a list of your up-coming events and we’ll place them in our What’s On!
Call 01934 820041
Playhouse
Winter Gardens
Hello Dolly
3rd–6th April
Suggs
Thurs 11th April
The Billy Fury Years
Sat 13th April
Ga Ga Tribute to Queen
Festival of Light Sat 13th April
Fri 19th April
Les Miserables
Tue 23rd April
Grease The Musical Auditions Sun 14th April
T Pau
Thurs 25th April
Andy Parsons
Fri 26th April
CSF Wrestling Presents ‘Saturday Night Slam’ Sat 27th April
A Disco Night
Sat 27th April
Dolls House Fair Sun 28th April
for more details call The Playhouse on 01934 645544
Grease the Musical Taster Fri 5th April
for more details call The Winter Gardens on 01934 625252
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Local Business Directory
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Local Business Directory
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WHAT A LOAD OF RUBBISH! Recycling campaign gets local business support! An innovative pilot scheme to help Kewstoke Junior Football Club raise money, has kicked-off thanks to the support of local businesses in and around Weston and members of this well established club. The project requires local businesses, the players of the FA chartered club and their families and friends, to get busy collecting 20 tonnes of cardboard before the end of the season. They have already had donations from families of the club and several local companies. Company Director of Vital Recycle UK, Ben Horne, said: “We have got off to a fantastic start and we have had lots of interest in this project.” Ben went on to add:“We have added polypropylene plastic to the list of products we will take in and are soon to include textiles too, which will help boost the recycling efforts of local businesses, the children and their families no end.” If you have something that could be re-cycled or would like more information on what can be re-cycled, call Ben on 07854 661833 or visit www.vitalrecycleuk.co.uk.
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Local Business Directory
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COACHING SUCCESS Have you been inspired by a coach or sports professional? Would you like to lead sports sessions and motivate others to excel in sport? Have you been inspired by a coach or sports professional? Would you like to lead sports sessions and motivate others to excel in sport? If so, why not register for the next Level 2 Community Sports Leader Award? This is a nationally recognised qualification that teaches leadership skills through sport. Those completing the course will then be able to lead small groups of people in sport and recreational activities within community settings.
Mendip minis girls football If anyone knows, or has any girls aged 6 to 10 that are interested in football, we have training sessions every week at Worle School. Fully qualified and checked female coaches. Chartered standard club. Also girls teams from 11 through to ladies available. Visit our website http://www.pitchero. com/clubs/teammendipfc Please let all your friends with sporty daughters know
The course details are: Date:Wednesday 10, 17 and 24 April 2013 (please note the course will run on all of these dates)
Time: 10am – 3:30pm Venue: Weston-super-Mare Football Club, Woodspring Stadium,Winterstoke Road, Weston, BS24 9AA
MIXED OPEN GREENSOMES Sunday 5th May 2013 Stableford Competition
Cost: £10 deposit which will be returned to you once you have completed the course.
Maximum Handicap Ladies 36 Gentlemen 24
Places are allocated on a first come first served basis and the closing date for all registrations is Wednesday 3 April.
Entry Fee.Visitors £25.00 per pair. Members £15.00 per pair.
To secure your place please contact the sport and active lifestyles team on 01275 882 732 or e-mail Sport@n-somerset.gov.uk
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Worlebury Golf Club
April 2013
Active handicap certificates will be required.
Optional buffet available at £20.00 per pair, payable with entryForm. Entry form, www.worleburygc.co.uk Call 01934 820041
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