News
watchet conservation society
next meeting:
'The Holnicote Estate - conservation in a changing climate' by Nigel Hester
Nigel will talk about landscape, habitat and vernacular building conservation in our uncertain times and changing climate from his position as Countryside Manager, National Trust Holnicote.
Tuesday 27th July, 7.30 pm
Methodist Church Hall, Harbour Road, Watchet.
future meetings:
Tuesday 28th September, 7.30 pm
'Sometimes you have to stamp your foot' William Wake, National Trust, Dunster Castle.
William will talk about the challenges of preserving an ancient castle building whilst conserving wildlife like their protected bats, and bringing the estate into the 21st Century through initiatives such as their rooftop solar power system.
Tuesday 23rd November, 7.30 pm
'Sometimes you have to stamp your foot' William Wake, National Trust, Dunster Castle.
Most people know that the Ancient Mariner was written by Samuel Taylor Coleridge when walking in the Quantock Hills from his home in Nether Stowey with William and Dorothy Wordsworth, in the Spring of 1798.
What not everyone will know is that the author Robert Fowke has recently undertaken very painstaking research into the history and origins of the character, travelling extensively and inspecting the original records of the time in England, Spain and the new world, publishing via Travelbrief ‘The Real Ancient Mariner’ (ISBN 9780954835149).
His discoveries have shown who the Real Ancient Mariner was, where he came from, his sailing adventures and on whom Coleridge based his famous poem. This is of great interest to all of us in Watchet and our history!
Following the AGM held on the 19th January 2010 the following members were elected to the committee of the Society:-
- Molly Quint – Chairman
- John Irven – Treasurer and Membership Secretary
- Christopher Danby – Secretary
- Neville Gosling
- Eric Robinson
- Tim Taylor
- Sam Westmacott
- Mike Whetlor
The new committee looks forward to your renewed support to enable the good work of the Society to continue.
During the last year the Society held 5 successful lecture evenings which were attended by an average of 45 people. We are grateful to John Gilman, Paul Upton, Martin Snell, David Ireson and Vernon Stone and the Shammick Players, who all gave their time and in doing so delighted us with fascinating evenings which were much enjoyed.
Paul Upton in 2007-8 and David Simpson Scott in 2008-9 reviewed all planning applications. Of particular importance was the proposed development at Stoates Mill. We supported the application and our Case Officer, David Simpson Scott, represented us at the Planning Committee. We were delighted when planning permission was granted as the site is of great importance in the development of Watchet and we felt that it would be far better for the buildings to be renovated as much as possible and kept in use than the fabric should continue to be left to moulder and decay. The turbine will be kept on the site and given a lick of paint so that it will look more cared for than it does at the moment.
Nick Cotton and Paul Upton have continued to take note of houses in Watchet, and are maintaining a written and visual record of what is there.
More recently the Society's efforts have been focused on how to impact the way the town looks through the continuation of the pavement project, improving the signage in the town, looking at the way lighting is used in Swain Street and other areas, and whether any of these things could be improved to enhance the town’s tourist appeal. In this regard we also discussed traffic calming and other issues. Dr Eric Robinson became a familiar sight, trotting around with brushes cleaning up cobbles. Others also became involved and various areas in Swain Street and Market Street were improved. A working party was formed on signage and a report was submitted to Watchet Town Council identifying 10 signs requiring removal, 11 needing repair or restoration, and 6 requiring replacement with a new sign or signs. A list was attached with pictures of seven signs which we suggested could be removed immediately because they are redundant.
The new committee are looking forward to representing you and working on your behalf to ensure that the Watchet Conservation Society can continue its good work keeping Watchet a special place for us to live in and for others to visit. So, if you have not already done so, please renew your subscription without delay by completing the attached renewal form and returning it to the Membership Secretary.
We will be sending out regular newsletters throughout the year to keep you fully informed of the work the Society is doing, and to notify you of all the forthcoming lectures, activities, and events that we are planning for 2010 and which we hope you will enjoy attending.
Chris Danby
Secretary – Watchet Conservation Society
The WCS Constitution can be viewed here - WCS Consitution
WCS East Wharf planning application - East Wharf Planning Application