NAILSEA
PEOPLE
December 2017
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Nailsea in the snow
December 2017
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Nailsea winter whiteout
Nailsea resident Ali Kuleli ventured out in the early hours to capture his wonderful wintry images.
Others poked their cameras out of their bedroom windows or waited until morning to take pictures of the snow.
Ali and his wife have been living in the town for just over two years and photography is his hobby.
He said: “We love the location and surroundings of Nailsea.
“On the night of the photos of the snowfall I was woken up by phone call at 1.30am.
“I looked out the window and knew this would be the perfect photo shoot.
“With my wife and our husky snow dog Tia we all went out to enjoy the quiet and stillness of Nailsea high street.”
For those who like the technical details Ali set his Nikon d7100 to manual mode and using a Sigma17-50mm lens he adjusted the shutter speed to suit the image.
You can ‘like’ Ali’s images on his Facebook page Cloud9photographer.
It is funny to think there are primary aged children in Nailsea who have never seen snow.
Some have new sledges bought four or five years ago stored in garden sheds waiting…
But I fear they will have to wait longer because the covering this year which arrived late one December night had nearly all gone by the next day.
There were some hairy stories of late night driving home and the road at Brockley Combe was closed for many hours by a fallen tree.
There were some delays at Bristol Airport while planes queued for de-icing and the National Trust property at Tyntesfield closed for safety reasons for a couple of days.
Although a few made snowmen the iced statues melted quicker than you could say Raymond Briggs.
Land Yeo Valley
December 2017
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Nailsea Santa's Run
December 2017
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Nailsea Community Christmas Fair
NCCF has its own page in the archives HERE
December 2017
Tithe Barn Nailsea Christmas fair
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Nailsea market November 2017
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TANGERINE DREAMER: Photographer Clare Garland was so excited by this sunrise that she rushed outside and stood in the middle of Shaftsbury Road to take the shot. It was 7.40am on Saturday, November 18, and the keen amateur was still dressed in her pyjamas! It is perfect shot and thank you Clare for sharing with Nailsea People
Remembrance Day November 11th
has a page of its own click HERE
Children in Need
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Royal Oak garage a work in progress
Progress from start to finish - perhaps. August 2017 most of the original walls came down. It was more than a year ago multi-million plans to develop the old garage next to the Royal Oak pub were unveiled to Nailsea Town Council. The slide show below is taken earlier this year. The garage is excluded from scheduling under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.
Progress during the summer holidays August 2017 although most of the original walls came down. It is all a work in progess but the final photograph in this slide show is of how it is going to look. It was more than a year ago multi-million plans to develop the old garage next to the Royal Oak pub were unveiled at a Nailsea Town Council. Scroll down to read more on the Breaking News page about the development...we will update as and when...wonder how much the properties will sell for?
December Photo: Bob Deacon
Progress from start to finish - perhaps. August 2017 most of the original walls came down. It was more than a year ago multi-million plans to develop the old garage next to the Royal Oak pub were unveiled to Nailsea Town Council. The slide show below is taken earlier this year. The garage is excluded from scheduling under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.
2017 at Royal Oak garage site
Work began in earnest this year at Royal Oak garage site.
It was more than a year ago that multi-million plans to develop the old garage next to the Royal Oak pub were unveiled at a Nailsea Town Council meeting.
The plan was not to demolish the building but convert it into 10 two-storey three bed homes with studio and office units underneath using the old walls as the shell.
From a new garage with cone-shaped car sales showroom to an indoor market with cafe and museum many residential and commercial schemes, for the site dubbed ‘gateway to Nailsea’, have been put forward over the years.
In the 1860s more than 500 people attended village concerts in the building that once housed French kilns and gas-fired furnaces for the Glassworks and in the 1980s The Wurzels packed out the place for a 1st Nailsea Scouts fundraising gig.
Last year Hobbs Properties put the freehold of the huge disused stone built ‘shed’ and surrounding land up for sale with a price tag of £250,000.
North Somerset house builders Rollo Homes who are responsible for developing the old furniture shop Challicoms at Hill Road, Clevedon, decided to take on the ambitious project.
Rollo Homes directors Shaun Thomas, of Chelvey, and Paul O’Brien, of Wraxall, are the brains behind the development which will sit between the newly transformed Teletubbies-style park at the end of the High Street and the Royal Oak public house.
Planning and development consultant Kit Stokes, of Aspect360, told the council that the Royal Oak garage was ‘an important but not beautiful’ building which would be retained and act as a ‘sleeve’ for the new development.
The asbestos sheet roof would be replaced by a new slate roof and the project would include 20 car parking spaces, he said.
The architect is O’Leary Goss came up with the mixed development idea.
But councillors voiced concern about chemical contamination of the land caused by its industrial past.
One said that substances including cyanide and asbestos had been removed from the parkland next door.
Mr Stokes told councillors: “The intention is to retain the floor slab and to have minimal excavation to protect the archaeological resources that are in the ground.
“There will need to be a remediation strategy to address any contamination which may mean capping the car park area.”Builders aren’t going to dig the dirt and plop homes on top, said Mr Stokes reassuringly at the time.
The garage is excluded from scheduling under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 but the ground beneath is included as 2008 excavations revealed remains from the glassworks and alkali chemical works.
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Bonfire night at Nailsea 2017
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Photos courtesy of Stuart Burgess and Sarah Marshall. Facebook video of firework finale courtesy of Richard Billows - thank you everyone
The annual fundraising bonfire night fireworks at Nailsea and Backwell Rugby Club were a great success with crowds braving the cold to watch a fantastic display.
However, for pet lovers the evening wasn't such a success.
The golden Labrador (or is it a retriever?) pictured was scared witless and was seen running about at the Grove.
The poor dog was eventually caught near Backwell Motors and found to be chipped when taken to Golden Valley vets.
There are reports of lots more frightened animals as fireworks all over the town were very loud this year.
Well done Backwell people who caught and looked after this dog prior to it being reunited with its owners.
M&Co open at Somerset Square
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Strongest man @thegym Nailsea
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Nailsea ladies in the pink October 2017
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Now in its 10th year the annual Pink Ladies Day at Nailsea & Backwell Rugby Club on Saturday was another sell-out.
This year it was a Bond-girls Live And Let Live theme for the £15 'tea' party in aid of BUST with an evening disco.
Since it was formed in 1991 by Frenchay Hospital patients to buy £20,000 an ultra-sound scanner BUST has raised more than £1 million.
In its first decade Nailsea Pink Ladies Day has raised approximately £20,000 towards this amount.
It was started by three pioneering Nailsea women - Annabel Kew, Sue Morris and Rachel Sullivan - who launched the first Pink Ladies dinner at Nailsea & Backwell Rugby Club back in 2008.
Every year since nearly 100 ladies dressed in either outrageous or high end fashion outfits have marked the pink-themed occasion with a variety of stunts from a mass balloon launch to a schools challenge match with the boys wearing pink rugby shirts.
One year the All Pinks committee did a New Zealand traditional ancestral Haka and at other times ladies have arrived in style in a pink stretch Hummer limousine.
Drinking their pink cocktails and enjoying a pink buffet is par for the course while the 2017 entertainment was a Casino Royale drag queen.
Nailsea People is realible informed that 2017 was a raucous event with all the male waiters and bar staff going topless by the end of the evening.
The photos are not in chronlogical order and have come from numerous sources but mostly Jeanette Cook, Amanda Burgess, Vikki Jones and Hannah Waghorn for which we are very grateful.
From behind lens of talented Nailsea lady
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Nailsea shop John Brown 60th anniversary
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John Brown is a real diamond
In a few weeks’ time the legendary John Brown who is still working in his Nailsea High Street shop as a watch repairer will celebrate his 92nd birthday.
But before then family, friends and his customers joined to toast the 60th anniversary of the opening of hardware store and share a special celebration cake.
Mr Brown was born on October 26, 1925, in Clevedon and has spent most of his working life in the shop he opened with his late wife Alice in 1957.
This was on the eve of the then village becoming a 'new' town with massive housing developments and the population growing from 3,000 to nearly 20,000.
When Mr and Mrs Brown opened the builder’s merchants/ironmongers they moved into the flat above the shop with daughter Maggie, then aged seven.
Mrs Brown worked alongside her husband to build a business where people mattered and in her own quiet, kind way she made an indelible mark on Nailsea community.
Since then the shop, affectionately known as an Aladdin’s cave has expanded and developed, but the ethos which was begun by the John and Alice Brown to serve others continues to this day.
Alice, a former Sunday choir teacher and founder of the URC junior choir sadly died in January 2011 but Mr Brown carried on helped by Maggie and her husband Joe Fordham.
And Mr Brown's popularly was confirmed when he won a Local Legend poll on the original Nailsea People website and as part of his prize he won a professional photo-shoot to become a ’local pinup’.
And as a local celebrity he was chosen by Nailsea Town Council to declare open the new public park on the site of the old glassworks across the road from the shop.
These days it is son-in-law Joe in charge of the day-to-day running of the shop but most afternoons Mr Brown can be found at the back in the shop, chatting to the customers and 'doing' the watches.
PHOTOS: © David Britton
Walking the dog by Pam Blower September
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Autumnal Nailsea by Clare Garland
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8th International Bike Show September '17
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Bikes, bands and beer at Royal Oak, Nailsea
The Nailsea International Bike Show revved up for its eighth outing on Saturday and Sunday, September 16-17.
Back on home territory the two day event at the Royal Oak pub at High Street attracted bikers from near and far.
Chapters from all over the West Country came to marvel at the bikes on show.
The annual event is run by local volunteers in aid of the Children’s Hospice South West and featured many interesting motorcycles of all types both vintage and just off the production line along with many trade stands, great live music and other fun family activities.
Organiser John Colley said: "This event has a great atmosphere and every year gets bigger and better.
"Last year’s show raised more than £2,700 for the CHSW and we hope to do even better this year."
The High Street was kerb-to-kerb mean machines with a £20,000+ Harley Davidson parked next to the statue of the glass blower at the Tesco junction.
Polished to perfection body work with chrome exhausts and carburettors this was no dirt track line-up as the models gleamed in the sunshine and occasionally shower.
New author Jacqui Furneax who has travelled the globe on her motorcycle made the relatively short journey from her Bristol home to Nailsea for a book signing.
The former nurse and health visitor made the North Somerset pitstop to promote her first book Hit The Road Jac based on her travels mostly on the back of her Royal Enfield bike.
It took a middle age crisis following a divorce and her children leaving home for Jacqui to have the freedom to explore pastures new and in seven years she has visited 20 countries from the Karakoram mountains in Pakistan through Thailand, south east Asia and South America.
Another author with a travel tale to tell was Derek Mansfield who was promoting his book Notes From The Road.
The former navy sailor swapped his submarine for a large motorbike and black leathers and in the past few years has travelled across every country, bar three, on the European continent through to Russia, Siberia and Central Asia.
He only has another 129 countries to visit - well he can tick Nailsea off his places to visit after this weekend.
Philip Weston travelled more than 1,000 miles for a Guess The Mileage Challenge and his route was plotted by fellow bikers on a GM navigation app.
Rumour has it he made Scotland for breakfast!
The band line-up was amazing from rock to American Old Time with a bit of punk in between playing under the garage lean-to at the front of the pub.
Top images are from Saturday and those right from Sunday.
Well done everyone, smashing weekend.
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And in the red team pictured from left Dave Moorcroft, Jez Parker, Martin Gliddon, author Jacqui, Peter Colley, John Colley, Shane Sawtell, Charilie Sutton and Matt Meekhums while below getting admiring glances is the £20K Harley Davidson - or it could have been left by someone popping into Tesco for a bit of shopping?
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All photos in gallery below by David Britton - thanks fantastic.
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Trendlewood Festival August 2017
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Friendly fun with a little bit of faith, Trendlewood Community Festival at Golden Valley Primary School playing field on bank holiday Saturday, August 26 had something for everyone.
Stalls were set up on a lush green lawn and under a temporary tent city.
Young and young-at-heart enjoyed the family event from midday-6pm.
And God smiled on the church community as the sun came out for most of the afternoon and someone had the brainwave of bringing along a massive truck for children to climb on - now how brilliant was that?
Add-in a talk tent, games station, cocktail caravan, pottery pitch, tea tent, children's zone and live music from the main stage it was a heady mix of marvellous.
The line-up of classic cars and motorbikes were impressive as was the music on the main stage.
All profits will be going to the Hope For Life Katanga project supported by Nailsea couple Mark and Meg Walters, of Holy Trinity church.
To get involved with this bi-annual event email info@trendlewoodcommunityfestival.org.uk or go to the website by clicking HERE for even more photos!
Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2017
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It began on Thursday but not everything went to plan and there was traffic chaos in Bristol and North Somerset due in some parts to the volume of vehicles heading for the Ashton Court free show. The night glow was amazing although on Saturday high winds affected flight plans. The final evenings and morning launch were more successful. Loved that some of the landings were in North Somerset including the back garden of retired Nailsea dance teacher Jennie Nelm, other only made it as far at the National Trust property at Tyntesfield and then there was the Cameron balloon which bumped down at Millennium Park at Nailsea. This photo was taken by Paul McCullough who said there were a lot of bystanders many dressed in their onesies(or should that be pyjamas) watching. A balloon fiesta spokeman said: "That's a wrap on 2017 folks, what a perfect note to end on as 87 balloons just flew up into the skies over Bristol. In totoal 234 took flight over the entire weekend. We've had maiden flights, engagements and brand new special shapes. We hope you enjoyed it all as much as we did... we're already counting down the days to our 40th Anniversary next year."
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RED SKY: A series of sunsets taken by North Somerset people. The first is a red sky at night taken by Nailsea resident Robert Read from his home off Queens Road on an August evening - perhaps the promise of better weather ahead? The best sunsets in the world at reported to be at Ipanema Beach, Brazil; Key West, Florida; Queensland, Australia; El Porto, California; Santorini, Greece; The Maldives and The Grand Canyon, Arizona. Now I have seen the Santorini one (read blog by clicking HERE) and reckon our Clevedon and Nailsea ones are better. The last two photographs were taken mid-September are a sunset and rainbos end. Email your thoughts and/or photos of beautiful sunsets or sunrises to nailseapeople@gmail.com. Thanks everyone for contributing
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Nailsea annual summer flower show
If I knew you were coming I would baked a cake...
Or picked a flower, painted a picture or chosen one of my favourite photographs for Nailsea & District Horticultural Society summer show.
But thanks to the monumental efforts of a gallant band of perennials the 2017 annual summer show was a great success.
In the preceding weeks society gardeners were busy sprucing up their pot plants, weeding vegetable patches, cultivating flowers and much more in readiness.
While the spring show is traditionally for daffodils and summer show is a profusion of colourful plants, produce and glorious chrysanthemums.
Saturday afternoon, August 5 at Nailsea School reflected the colours of the exhibition.
There were classes for flowers, vegetables, cookery, handicrafts and photography with special classes for children of all ages and as the visitors strolled along the atrium the sounds of Filton Brass Band filled the air.
Refreshments included cream teas and slices of homemade cakes.
Full report and results now on Flower Peeps page.
August evening walk up The Perrings
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For those who are wondering where my Tough As Nails photographs are the answer is lost in the labyrinth between my iCloud and my iPhone 6.
One day I hope to will find them but in the meantime and talking about clouds here are some brilliant images captured by Nailsea photographer Clare Garland who wandering up The Perrings one lonely August evening took these shots of cloud formations for all to enjoy.
If you are out and about in Nailsea we are happy to share your photographs - please email nailseapeople@gmail.com or share on Nailsea People Facebook page thanks.
You can see more of Clare's haunting images by scrolling down this page.
Nailsea skate and showcase festival
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Rain stops skateboard show for older teens
Rain did stop play but not before most of the competitors had shown of their skills at the 15th annual Nailsea Community Skatepark Festival and Showcase on Saturday.
But the intermittent drizzle played havoc with the schedule and the event finished much later than anticipated.
It was almost too much to asked that with fingers crossed it would be the third major event in a row to be lucky with the weather.
In previous weeks both Nailsea carnival and the beer & cider festival basked in beautiful sunshine.
The forecast had been favourable leading to the events at the Millennium Park programmed to run from 1-5pm at the new skatepark and field.
Local photographer Grete Howard said: "It was a shame it was rained off just as the skateboarders started, but there were some awesome displays from the scooters and BMX riders."
You can see Grete's photos in the slideshow top along with those taken by Josh Ham (also images with the showcase slideshow) and Nailsea People.
Organiser Phil Williams said beforehand: "We are praying for dry weather, a fantastic community spirit, and a safe day for the whole community, once again celebrating what the community built."
Afterwards he was forced to concede: "Reflecting on a day of mixed emotions - despite the weather we had an amazing turnout, yes we have to go again with the skateboard 16+ category, but that's another reason to bring the park community together one evening."
Mum Hannah Waghorn whose son Robert took the trophy said: "For the under 16s becuase of the rain they cancelled the second run for all of them and tallied the points from the first run."
Phil thanked the 100 plus volunteers who helped stage the youth event.
The festival has grown each year and provides a showcase for enthusiasts who use the park but as in previous years it is dependent on the weather.
The festival teamed up with Nailsea Showcase five years ago to enable organisations in the town to give people a taste of the activities on offer.
The showcase photos are in slideshow gallery right.
The community skate festival started just after the previous park was built and has run annually since then, and grown each year; a real showcase for the youngsters who use the park.
On Wednesday evening the young people had worked so hard to scrub, sweep and paint their park in readiness.
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Good morning Nailsea on wet market day
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Town centre shopping
Althought the forecast was for cloudy but dry weather it drizzled all morning at Nailsea on Saturday, July 15
Coates House and Waitrose suppermarket cafes were heaving as people tried to stay out of the rain.
Despite the inclement conditions the market was full of shoppers and passersby toasted the opening of a Simpson solicitors at 15 Crown Glass Place and signed-up for special offers.
Nailsea and Backwell Rotary Club with its pre-loved handbag sale and Nailsea Lions book stall were raising monies for its various good causes .
Golden Valley Primary School scarecrow hunt has begun and you can buy map at Coates House and Royal Mail delivery Centre.
And at the rectory garden Christ Church summer fair was in full swing - see slide show top.
Business women from Nailsea hosted a free Life & Style pop-up at The Blue Room with lots of fashion ideas from a mate of TV presenter Nicky Hambleton-Jones.
Then it was acroos the the Millenium Park to see if Nailsea Community Skate Park Festival and Nailsea Activities Showcase was going ahead - needn't have worried as the young people were made of tougher stuff and then the sun came out...more photos later...
Beer & cider festival July 2017
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Nailsea summertime is about cider apple bobbing and musical beats
Nailsea and Backwell Rugby Football Club annual beer and cider festival 2017 basked in a mini b(h)eatwave for most of the long weekend.
But with the sun shining down on Saturday afternoon I fear a lot of Nailsea people would be waking on Sunday morning with the mother of all hangovers and possibility heat stroke.
That is judging by the auburn-haired, bare-chested males sitting drinking near me because as the hours progressed many a torso turned a bright red despite one or two of them sharing a sunblock spray begged from the mother with two toddlers also picnicking on a patch of scorched earth nearby.
The sound system this year was great as the music from the stage reverberated to the pulsating big band, punk and madness good vibrations.
Added to the fun was the pongo dancing of the dads who thought they were at a wedding party.
Missing this year was the fancy dress themes but the crowds despite lots of competition from city-based big sporting and musical events and clashes with infamous hen and birthday away days still came to our little bit of West End Glastonbury and it was glorious.
With 70 cast and keg beers, 90 different ciders and a Pimm’s tent which also served Prosecco this is a merry occasion on the Nailsea social calendar which has in its past 14 years raised more than £80,000 for charity.
The cider and white wine sold-out by mid-afternoon on Sunday.
Aided by a bevy of business and individual sponsors, Nailsea & Backwell Rotary Club, volunteeer crew, emergency services, stalls manned by Children’s Hospice of South West and many others too numerous to mention the main beneficiary for this year is The Grand Appeal for the Bristol Children’s Hospital.
Talk overheard on the pitch included ‘I wish they were serving more dark ales’ to ‘these burgers, hot dogs and pizza’s would have been treble the cost at a London gig’.
The youngest festival goers were four-week old twins who with big sister and parents caught the free coach home with us.
Sadly, I didn’t managed to get a photo of the amazing senior citizen whose limited ‘blue and purple’ locks he had fashioned in a Mohican hair style, I expected at any moment for him to start singing Still Crazy About All These Years.
It is a real family festival with lots for people of all ages to enjoy and plenty of Somerset locals.
I must thank all who agreed to having their photo taken for Nailsea People – there are almost 100 in this slidshow of those enjoying themselves on the field and beyond including long-standing patron North Somerset MP Liam Fox and his wife Jesme.
Carol Deacon
Nailsea Carnival Day July 2017
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A pearl of a parade
There were 'sun' spots in front of my eyes as the colourful characters in Nailsea carnival paraded along the High Street.
It is difficult to pick out a favourite but I loved the horse-themed entries and the puppy dog children as 101 Dalmatians, the Great Bike Off was wheely good and the Glastonbury retrobates hilarious.
I never found Wally but within moment of arriving at the park found long queues for the hotdogs and joyous youngsters on the fairground attractions.
Well done Friends of First Nailsea Scout Group (FOFN) who on behalf of Nailsea Town Council put on a jolly good show - the blue skies and sunshine really helped.
The event began with the carnival procession from Clevedon Road car park and finished at Millennium Park next to the Scotch Horn Centre.
The afternoon fun included music and dance, children’s rides, stalls and bonaza car boot sale.
Top slideshow is the parade and right are photos from the fair.
Resutls:
Juniors schools and youth organisations; 1st Nailsea Beavers & Cubs with 25 years of Disney
Mixed age group: Adele Stitch School of Dance with The Grand National
Over 18 years group: Bedford Performers with Disney
Preschool group: Happy Hours Nursery with 101 Dalmations
Best overall: Adele Stitch School of Dance.
If you have any photos to add to the galleries email nailseapeople@gmail.com - thanks.
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Nailsea School prom night 2017
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Nailsea United FC Heroes Day 2017
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Nailsea May Day fair 2017
Hundreds of people enjoyed the sunshine and fun at Monday’s Nailsea May Fair at Millennium Park.
There were fairground rides, inflatables, side-shows, static engine display, Nailsea Bikers with their mean machines, archery, barbecued burgers and hot dogs, a large car boot sale and an excellent refreshment marquee.
There was also the chance to win some great days out thanks to donations of prizes.
Throughout the course of the afternoon youngsters had the opportunity to drive a mini 4x4 vehicle, a perfect replica of a Land Rover.
This proved one of the main attractions from the Wessex 4x4 Response Team, a charity made up of volunteers that can offer a variety of services to local authorities, emergency services and other volunteer agencies.
Music was provided by the Twice Dailies who played a selelection of Adge Cutler songs, the Barley Rye Choir singing a selection of traditional songs with beautiful harmonic arrangements and performing a mummer’s play.
The afterneoon’s entertainment on the main stage was completed with a set from singer guitarist Robin,
Two young bands from The Rock Project made their debut performances to huge acclaim from the crowd.
The Rock Project also gave many the opportunity to try out guitar bass or drums.
The annula May fair is organised by 2nd Nailsea Scouts and as well as being the first major community event in the year is the major fundraising effort for the group.
2nd Nailsea Scout Group chairman Richard Simmons said: “Early figures indicate that we have raised somewhere in the region of £3,700.
“This wil be used to help maintain our Hannah More HQ and replace some worn out equipment.
“The event also provides fund raising opportunities for other local charities who take part.
“We would like to thank everyone who helped set up the event and those in who turned up on the day.
“Our thanks also go to North Somerset Council, Scotch Horn Leisure Centre and NailseaTown Council for their help and support, and James Rogers Funfair without whose generosity and support we could not run our May fair.
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SCAREDY DOG: Nailsea dog owners Stuart and Amanda Burgess took their pet Dougie walking round Backwell lake and despite his initial bravery found the water in April too cold for his liking...
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First flowers of spring destroyed!
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DIRTY OLD TRAIN: Trainspotting at Bristol Temple Meads station on Sunday travellers got a gimpse of this 2015 photo montage. The artwork is to raise awareness of Springboard the pre school play charity started by Nailsea mum Ann Ramsey in the mid-1980s. The three-carriage First Great Western train was on route to Worcester. Unfortunately the bad weather of late had taken a toll of its usually colourful livery. The charity has a base in Clevedon and provides specialist play sessions and support to children aged under five with additional needs. Ann is now Springboard development officer.
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Raising roof at Royal Oak garage
Work has begun converting the Royal Oak Garage at Nailsea into new homes.
The site which has frontage to both High Street and Brockway is close to the junction with the B3130 Stock Way North, opposite
Tesco supermarket and within a stone’s throw of Scotch Horn leisure centre.
This land once housed Nailsea Glassworks although most of what is left is now buried underneath the store car park and the park
area collocally known as 'Teletubbies mould'.
The Royal Oak Garage at the western end of the old works is a long narrow building which originally housed the French kilns and gas-fired furnaces.
This building became the Royal Oak Garage and is where coaches belonging to the family of folk singer Adge Cutler were stored.
While the garage is excluded from ancient monument scheduling the ground beneath it is included.
Excavations in this area in 2008 revealed that the archaeology associated with glasswork remains undisturbed and includes evidence for further glass working buildings as well as evidence of structures associated with the alkali chemical works.
The Royal Oak Garage was sold by Hobbs Properties last year for a figure believed to be in excess of £250,000.
Since it fell into disrepair in the 1970s and was dubbed it ‘an eyesore to the gateway of the town’ various plans for a covered market, resident and retail use had been submitted to North Somerset Council.
In the decades since it has been used as a rifle range and on 'one-off' occasion by the church and scouts for fundraising socials.
David Britton who is well-known locally for chronicling the history of the town in photographs took most of the images in the slide show top.
David said: “ I was driving along Nailsea High Street, past the old glassworks long shed by the Royal Oak and saw the big side door open and scaffolding tubes being unloaded from a lorry so I dashed back home to get my camera, I couldn't waste this opportunity to get some photos inside the shed if permitted.
“I was able to get access into the shed on my return and here are some shots, I have included an old B&W photo showing when the long shed was used as a rifle range back in c1900.
“I used a Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Bridge camera for my photos.”
Last month award-winning Bristol architects O’Leary Goss won approval this week from North Somerset Council planners for an imaginative £1.3million project to develop the Royal Oak garage..
You can read more HERE.
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We are told work has temporary stopped asdevelopers failed to get listed building consent when they applied for planning permission - any more info anyone?
View while walking dog
David Harris, of Empirical Photography, shared thIis stunning photo he took while walking his dog along Godwin Drive, Nailsea, with Nailsea People.
The photo of him working was taken by a guest at a wedding he covered on last June at The Lord Mayors Mansion House.
David is based at Unit 3, Kestrel Court, 1 Harbour Road, Portishead and can be contacted on 0787 565 6887.
If you have any images you would like to share email nailseapeople@gmail.com.
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GREEN FIELDS FOREVER: The Land Yeo Valley and Towerhouse Wood are under threat from developers.
This beautiful area of greenbelt on the northern edge of Nailsea is under threat of development.
A Facebook page is dedicated to celebrating and protecting it and welcomes supporters.
Environmentalist Gill Brown took these wonderful photos on an evening walk across the green fields.
Thanks Gill for sharing your photographs with Nailsea People.
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Afteroon walk around Backwell Lake
Talented amatuer photographer Clare Garland, who took the beautiful pictures below, spent Wednesday afternoon, February 8, on a wintry walk around Backwell Lake.
iPhone in hand Clare captured on camera the idyllic scenery.
Nailsea People has put its favourite shot first on the slide show top and then the photographs are in the order Clare took them.
Mother and son Clare and Charlie are pictured right.
Backwell Lake was constructed by Wessex Water and came into use in 1978 as a balancing pond to control the surface water between the Weston-super-Mare to Bristol railway line and the new estates built to the south of Nailsea.
The lake is approximately two metres deep and occupies an area of about four hectares.
In the beginning there was some conflict between the human and animal users with the townies complaining about the amount of dog mess on the grass verges but on closer examination by our rural friends it was discovered the piles of poo belonged to the wild fowl.
Then there were swans coming a cropper by flying into the dangerously low electricy wires and the Lions annual Ponderama which with its waterborne pontoons made quite a splash.
In the end nature took over and thanks to 'access for all' campaigner Alison Morgan a footpath runs along the waterside.
The significant wildlife site is now designated a Local Nature Reserve and it attracts many water birds whose precise names escape me.
The lake grounds are open to the public and are used by many people for walking, dog exercise and bird watching but fishing, cycling and swimming is not allowed.
BLACK BEAUTY: It could be an illustration from a Victorian novel until you notice the new houses along the row.
Nailsea mum Clare Garland took these stunning early morning images on her iPhone 5 along what was once called Back Lane and is now known as Haslands.
The full-time mum is a keen photographer who goes out walking daily with her two-year-old and the other image is at Hillcrest Road.
Clare, aged 40, said: “I love capturing beauty in everything, it's a truly rewarding hobby.”
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MUSICAL HEROES: Nailsea people partied at a fundraising fancy dress evening for family and friends at Nailsea and Backwell RFC. The costumes were amazing and photos of Lady Gaga, Freddie Mercury, Madonna and mates shared on social media. The event was raising money for the u15s rugby team. Here are their best bits…
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Nailsea New Year Wassail
An ancient country tradition of wassailing was acted out in Nailsea for 2017.
Transition Town Nailsea organised the wassail from The Old Farmhouse off Trendlewood Way on Saturday, January 21.
Windfall fruit pressed at the Tithe Barn during Apple Day 2015 has been turned into cider by the Nailsea Cider chaps and this was mulled and served at the wassail.
NTT organiser Carole Pritchard said beforehand: “Bring a cup if you would like to sample, apple juice will also be available.
“Barley Rye choir will provide traditional wassail songs and a procession to the apple tree at Trendlewood Park will be led by the Green Man and Butler.
“Come and join this family friendly event, wrap-up well and bring your lantern and noisemakers to celebrate this old Somerset tradition.”
The Wassail is rooted in old English customs dating back to Anglo-Saxon times and is often celebrated on the old Twelfth Night.
Apple trees are encouraged with rituals that banish bad spirits and others that call on the tree to produce a bumper crop.
The Wassail was organised by volunteers from Transition Nailsea and Friends of Trendlewood Park who had learned how to plant and stake five new apple trees at the park earlier in the week.
NTT has a keen interest in local, sustainable food production and wants to develop a community orchard in Nailsea
It was six years ago Transition Nailsea resurrected the ancient Somerset tradition of the wassailing to ensure a good harvest from the community orchard.
Carole who is pictured gathering up the lantern at the pub took the three photos below.
TTN has begun a vegetable and herb community garden on the Link Road - for more details see the Flower Peeps page.
To learn more about TTNailsea go to its Facebook page or email carolepritchard26@gmail.com.
Magnificent mount
Retired aircraft electrician James Parson is used to looking to the skies for inspiration.
James who began his working life with the British Aeroplane Company at Filton said he enjoyed working on the Concorde and while part of the ground crew had the opportunity to fly to many places aboard the British-French turbojet-powered supersonic passenger jet airliner that was operated until 2003.
James now lives in Nailsea, but has lived in Wraxall, Backwell and Downend.
His eclectic interests include local history and photography and has joined the Nailsea Then & Now social media group on Facebook.
These sunset scenes at Backwell lake were taken late afternoon last November with a Canon Bridge Camera SX60HS a useful portable camera with a 21-1365mm lens.
A cold and frosty morning
Another iPhone photographer who captured these images on his cycling commute from Nailsea to Bristol is Alistair Bartlett.
Alistair sent captions but these weren't linked to the pictures but I think they are self explanatory and thankfully show it is getting lighter in the mornings.
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Looking back from Ashton Court;
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From the cycle path looking back to Nailsea;
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Frosty hedge on Backwell Bow; and
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Nailsea/Wraxall in the fog!
Alistair says: “Hope you like?”
We like very much and thank you.
END OF DAY: Much-travelled arts graduate Pam Blower sent us this photo of the sun setting over Jacklands taken on her Samsung Galaxy smartphone. The silhouette with setting sun colour stream creates an eerie end of day image - thanks Pam
Morning has broken
Bristol project manager at TLT Solicitors, John Braide, took these early morning photos with his Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
He said: "Here are a couple taken at Golden Valley playing fields.
"The last is the best but not sure you count the cycle path by the railway which is my daily commute to Bristol as close enough to count?"
Actually photos of people's daily commute are great - it is lovely to look at when you are snuggled up in bed and don't have to get up first thing!
Thanks very much John.
It would be great to add some train and bus photos.
Those travelling by car along the Long Ashton bypass would also be good but only if the photos can be taken safely by a passengers and not the driver.
Please email to address at top of this page.
FROST COATED: You can actually sense the cold air in thier breath-taking views taken by Nailsea man Richards Hobbs while out walking his dog.
Richard said: "They were taken in the fields by the old kennels below Wraxall."
This beautiful countryside on our doorstep rivals any sunset or sunrise photographs of Clevedon Pier which dominate social media...as we say on the front page 'our town is a very nice town'.
Richard uses a fuji x10 digital camera which fits into a pocket.
All images in this set are copyright of Richard.
Don't let the sun go down on me
Although I searched myself, it's always someone else I see
I'd just allow a fragment of your life to wander free
But losing everything is like the sun going down on me
Elton John
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DAYS END: Another beautiful photo at Backwell lake showing the setting sun taken by Carole Pitchard, of Transition Town Nailsea
SUNSET AT LAKE: Joanna Richardson, of Friendship Reflexology, captured these eerie but stunning sunset images at Backwell lake on her mobile phone. Thanks for sharing Jo, xx. Oh and while talking about Backwell lake check out news story on Breaking News page...
NIGHT SKY: How does the saying go 'red sky at night...', these beautiful evening imeages were captured by Nailsea computer boss Bob Steadman while walking across Nailsea Town ground at Fryth Way in January 2017. North Somerset is famed for its sunsets ..similar images please...send to nailseapeople@gmail.com
Backwell on camera
The talented photographers from Backwell Camera Club are long back from their summer break and as the winter nights draw it will continue meeting on Thursday nights.
In October the club holds its fourth quarterly image appraisal on the 5th.
This provides an opportunity for members to have their prints and digital projected images appraised by an experienced photographer.
If necessary some guidance will be given no how an image may be further improved.
For the October 12 'The Backwell six rides again!' when club photographers Hilary Britland, Mary Pears, Kay Welsh, Mike West and Alan Wood will present images from their weekends away in Cornwall, Dorset, the Yorkshire Dales, South Wales and Snowdonia as well as a day trip to Brownsea Island.
On October 19 Sheila Haycox ARPS, DPAGB, EFIAP presents An Evening With Sheila.
The annual meeting is on October 26 together with the Nailsea Town Council competition.
On November 2 its the annual battle with Darwen Camera Club.
It will be both entertaining and with tension since the result will be known until the score is calculated at the end of the evening.
On November 9 Dr Anne Sutcliffe FRPS, EFIAP, PPSA will present Lets Be Broad-Minded.
Her images will encompass Cuba under Raoul Castro, winter in Yellowstone the year hardly any snow fell and some of Anne's latest images.
On November 16 David Bathard presents Something Old And Something New.
The something old will be darkroom prints of the West Pier in Brighton and something new will include David's trip to East India and the Temples.
The print and projected images of the year competition will be on November 23, a chance to see some the members best images.
For November 30 there is a critique evening.
A sociable evening where the photographers assume the role of appraiser and groups of members get the opportunity to critique and present their thoughts on some 50 printed images with the aim of advising on improvement.
All are welcome at meetings at the WI Hall, Backwell at 7.30pm. New members can learn about club activities with a display of prints, projected images and descriptions of its events and activities of the travel, photo-shoot and practical groups.
Further details and more examples - like the image right - of the work of BCC click HERE.
