SEVERN BEACH IN THE 1970s
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- Опубликовано: 15 июл 2024
- IN 1922 A RAILWAY STATION WAS OPENED AT SEVERN BEACH. IT IMMEDIATELY BECAME A FAVOURITE DESTINATION FOR DAY TRIPPERS FROM BRISTOL. THIS YEAR MARKED THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BEGINNING OF SEVERN BEACH AS A SEASIDE RESORT. AS WE KNOW IT DIDN'T LAST. FOLLOWING THE CLOSURE OF 'THE BLUE LAGOON' SWIMMING POOL IN 1977 VISITOR NUMBERS FELL DRAMATICALLY. BY 1979 THE 'BLACKPOOL OF THE WEST' HAD GONE FOREVER.
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Thank you for bringing us this very interesting video presentation which is very much appreciated by the people. I used to go to Severn Beach often and remember Shirley's Café well along with the other businesses in Severn Beach. It was sad that it was allowed to go down hill. It seems somewhat claustrophobic now when one leaves the train and every available piece of land is built upon. At least the trains are now more frequent, no doubt due to the increase in housing.
Thanks for sharing!. Regards Dave.
Nice video, Dave. My parents owned the village Post Office for about 10 years in the late 90s/early 2000s. Absolutely nothing to do for a teenager at that time, but the trains to Bristol were quite handy!
With hindsight it is surprising to think how little the village resembled a "seaside town" at all - the river was just "there" and aside from a few dog walkers, there were very few people coming to visit the "beach" - we often had to redirect people to Clevedon or Weston if they wanted a proper seaside experience.
Thanks for the memories. Regards Dave.
Shirley's Cafe is still going strong. The Severn Beach Line train is now part of the wider GWR network.
I live in Shire and use the train regularly, but, amazingly, I’ve never been to SB! I might pop along some time for a coffee in Shirleys.
It was a favourite Sunday afternoon outing for us.I remember the mini-golf course with the almost impossible mound where the hole was at the top, and the last hole that swallowed your ball but satisfyingly rang a bell. Was taken to the Beach with a friend who fell in the mud. We had to take him to the store to buy new clothes!
Severn Beach was always my favourite day out. Regards Dave.
Anywhere with a sea/estuary/mudflat view, a café and a couple of swings was the seaside to somebody. Charming, in its own way.
Much more simpler times. Regards Dave.
My dad had Shoestring for Father’s Day last year.
Great viewing. Regards Dave.
Shirley cage is still there. Severn beach remains a nice place for a stroll.
An interesting upload, in that by the time I started going there as a teenager with my own transport, it already looked fairly derelict. My overriding memory of the place is some sort of "Club" on a Sunday used to open around midday. This was strictly for "gentlemen" as it featured strippers and topless barmaids. There was a fairly large carpark, and I recall busloads of punters from South Wales arriving for a good time and drinking, which at that time was very different from the "dry" Wales. All I can say is Happy Daze.
As you say the club was very popular. Regards Dave.
Very surprised. I just went onto Google Earth and Shirley's Cafe still exists. Same name, looks like same building. I've never been in there but surprised all the same. However, looking at the rear of the car in the photo (Ford Focus?) I'm guessing that photo wasn't taken in the 70s. Still good to see all the same.
Hello Steve. Glad you enjoyed it. Regards Dave.
Severn Beach is well positioned for a bit of a revival, considering it’s perfect public transport links into Clifton and Temple Meads. Restore that open air pool, like they did at Clevedon, a couple of trendy cafes and maybe a quirky little bar? A young, trendy clientele popping in on the train to spend some of that ‘new Bristol money’. Just a thought.
Thanks for this upload…only went there a couple of times when I was little, so I don’t have strong memories.
Glad you enjoyed it. Regards Dave.
I recall the Blue Lagoon still being open in the long hot summer of '76 - but the plague of ladybirds floating on the surface made it rather unpopular and it went bust ... in the hottest summer in living memory. Ironic! Used to be a great little place when it was busy in summer.
Hello Graham. Yes you are right. It finally closed in 1977. Regards Dave.
Very different today. Now virtually developed for housing.
Yes, you are right. Regards Dave.
My late parents used to talk about Sunday School outings to Severn Beach when they were kids in the 1920's & 30's . Out of curiosity a few years ago, I drove there to have a look and besides the remains of the little cafe and a rusting merry-go-round, it was desolate!
Thanks for sharing these photos 👍
Hello Shaun. Glad you enjoyed it. Regards Dave.