November 2015

• The Gordano Society is hoping to refurbish the historic gates which once stood at the entrance to Portishead power station. They currently stand at Gateway Terrace. Details here …

October 2015

• There is a change to the programme for November 2015 - see Events.

March 2015

• To mark the Centenary of the First World War, Crockerne Pill & District History Society published their first book "WW1: The War Memorials of Pill & Easton-in-Gordano". The book tells the stories of the 56 men named on the memorials and their brief family and military history. It is available at Morgan Wesley, 28 High Street, Portishead, Pill Post Office and Pill Resource Centre, The Precinct, Pill or by post (plus p.&p.) from 01275 373887.

April 2014

• Note the change from advertised speaker for the 11 April talk. The talk will now be on the Bristol Brabazon.

December 2013

• Sandy Tebbutt is now researching the First World War and would like to hear from anyone who can help with research or has any information. Please contact Sandy.

• Sandy is also looking for information on Nore House Children's Home. Please contact Sandy.

August 2013

• A complete set of Tithe Maps from 1840 have been produced which cover different parts of Portishead, North Weston and Weston-in-Gordano. They give details of ownership and occupation and a description of the land. See Publications.

April 2013

• Next season (from Sept 2013) we are moving our meetings to the Methodist Church, High Street.July 2012
• The visit to Chepstow & Beachley is to be re-arranged. Date fixed for another visit to Royal Portbury and Avonmouth Docks - Sun 30 Sept 2012. See Events.

February 2011

• Three new Interpretation Boards relating to the industrial heritage of the former docks were installed by the Society alongside the Marina on 21 Feb.  

August 2010

• New booklet published to celebrate the Centenary of the Lake Grounds.

April 2010

• News Releases added to Archaeology Group page.

Feb 2010

• A petition was launched to protest at the proposed sale of Court House Farm.

December 2008

• A new Archaeology Group has been formed in Portishead. The inaugural meeting was held on Weds 3 December and included the County Archaeologist, Vince Russett.  

April 2008

• A new booklet “The story of Albright & Wilson” is now available.  

February 2008

• A new Golden Acacia tree has been planted on Wyndham Way to replace the one vandalised.

September 2007

• The Golden Acacia tree planted for the society’s 50th anniversary has been broken by vandals probably on Fri 14th September, and the stump subsequently removed. Anyone with any information please contact the police. It is intended that the tree will be replaced.

 

April 2007

• The first of a regular series of booklets “Posset Pieces” has been publishead by Sandy Tebbutt. This will appear twice a year covering local history from the Gordano region. See Publications.

March 2007

• Several new items now added to the library, including the book put together of our 50 years celebration evening which is available for anyone to look at.
• Information asked for on the Watts family who ran Weston Lodge and took in holiday makers during the 1920s and 1930s.
• Thanks to everyone who wrote in to object to the demolition of Worthingtons.
• Help is required with setting up the July Flower Show exhibition, storing the stands etc. The theme this year will be the High Street.

January 2007

• Profits from December’s Christmas raffle have been donated to the Portishead Christmas Lights appeal.

November 2006

• A plaque was dedicated during the 4 pm Evensong at St Peter's Parish Church on Sunday 19th November in memory of Eve Wigan, a founder member of the Society whose bequest funded the rebuilding of the East end of the Chancel. See ‘Projects’ for photo.
• A Golden Acacia tree was planted on 16 November on Wyndham Way to celebrate 50 years of the Gordano Society.

February 2006

• The steps to the ‘Ladies’ Bathing Beach’ below the Windmill pub, which had become unusable, have been replaced. This was instigated by the Society which applied for a grant of £12000 from YANSEC, and of £6000 from the Town Council. North Somerset Council ran the project and provided further funds. See ‘Projects’ for photo.

Oct 2005

• A new bronze plaque has been installed on the mill stone located in the High Street outside the White Lion pub. The cost was shared by the Society and the Town Council. It replaced one stolen by vandals. See ‘Projects’ for photo showing inscription.
• Sandy Tebbutt is asking for memories of Portishead 50 years ago. These are required for the Society’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

June 2005

• A Transcription of the 1851 Portishead Census by the Gordano Society has been presented to the Somerset Record Office, Taunton, and copies placed in Weston Super Mare and Portishead Libraries. See Publications for more details

April 2005

• A leaflet on the Sea Britain events will be out soon.
• Next year will be the 50th Anniversary of The Gordano Society. Sandy Tebbutt is doing research into the history and events of 1956, and asked for memories of those times.
• It now seems unlikely that the old fire station will be preserved.

Feb. 2005

• The Committee has been considering the proposed movement of the old fire station building from the old Council refuse site to the corner of Albert Road and High Street, and its possible use as a heritage centre. It was decided that the Society did not have the funds for its upkeep. It is not known who would pay for installation of services or running costs. The Town Council is still discussing the matter with the developers.
• A transcription of the parish 1851 Census has been produced. Two copies are available for members to borrow, and copies can also be found in local libraries. The 1861 census is also available.
• Sandy Tebbutt has been researching the history of the High Street as a shopping street and asked for any memories from the past.
• Sea Britain will be a major national event during 2005. The Gordano Society will be participating with an exhibition in the Somerset Hall from Tues 7th until Fri 10th June.
• A group is researching the history of Battery Point, and is asking for memories of the gun emplacements etc. Some form of restoration is being considered.

Jan 2005

• At the December meeting, the evening of Christmas words and music by ‘Three Men’s Company’ was very well received. The trio made no charge but requested that donations were given to St. Peter’s Hospice. Ken Crowhurst (Chairman) reported that a total of £100 was donated.
• Profits from the raffle were donated to the Portishead Christmas Lights appeal. New regulations regarding external illuminations appear likely to incur substantial expenditure for next Christmas.

November 2004

• Gordano Society website launched.

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