MINEHEAD CONSERVATION SOCIETY WELCOMES YOU
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ABOUT
Minehead Conservation Society is all about conserving and enhancing the built fabric of Minehead and its environs as well as campaigning to protect its beautiful landscape setting from inappropriate development.
The society also arranges social / educational events as part of the appreciation of the local area.
The society is affiliated to CPRE (Council for the Protection of Rural England).
ACTIVITIES
The Society monitors all planning applications for Listed Buildings and those within Conservation Areas as well as any it considers might be damaging to the overall character and appearance of the town.
It strives to encourage the local planning authority to adopt high quality design for all new builds, incorporating the use of local materials, and which will sit comfortably within their immediate surroundings.
Minehead Conservation Society welcomes all who care about Minehead and its status as an' Outstanding Heritage Settlement'. It offers the opportunity for like-minded people to socialise together and learn more about the history of the area, its many interesting buildings and beautiful landscape by providing a varied programme of activities.
Past Autumn/Winter talks have included such topics as ' Construction,
Maintenance & former uses of buildings on the Holnicote Estate ' and ' 10 Treasures of the Minehead Coast ' to 'Siege and Surrender of Dunster Castle ' and a Magic Lantern Show of Somerset Images.
In the Spring & Summer visits have ranged from a trip on Flying Scotsman and a tour round the Two Rivers Paper Mill to visits to historic houses such as Cothelstone Manor and Orchard Wyndham and the restoration project being undertaken by the Somerset Buildings Preservation Trust at Halswell where tea was served in the Temple of Harmony. Walks around different parts of the town also feature in the programme.
For information on future activities see 'Upcoming Events' below. Also see reports on recent events which have taken place in the blog section (click on 'Blog' at top of website pages).
The Society is affiliated to SBPT (Somerset Buildings Preservation Trust) and members are able to take advantage of the visits that it offers.
Tree planted by Minehead Conservation Society at The Parks for the Queen's 90th birthday celebration
Another MCS Plaque Fitted
The latest commemorative plaque installed by MCS - This one is at the Old Ship Aground, installed October 2020
SOME OF THE SOCIETY'S MORE NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
Prevented Southlands in Northfield Road from being demolished
Saved the Beach Hotel from inappropriate development.
Stopped the cafe on the Quay (now called Echo) from being converted into a holiday flat.
Fought to keep green area and trees in front of Marley Close from becoming one big car park.
Managed to reduce an application for three houses in Whitecross Lane to just one dwelling.
Gained significant design changes to the buildings proposed for the grounds of Periton Mead and contributed to the listing of the main house.
Helped to save the character and setting of the Grade II Listed Ellicombe Manor .
The society has also contributed to the street scene of Minehead and raised the profile of the town in the following ways..
Master-minded retention of many of the old street lamps.
Proposed the installation of the street lamps strung across the Avenue.
Designed, commissioned and paid for the Fingerpost by the Jubilee Cafe.
Proposed ,raised all the money for and gained planning consent, to erect the Jubilee Clock Tower.
Started the campaign to save the town' s public toilets by setting up a petition and lobbying the local councils.
Planted a tree in the Parks Walk to commemorate the Queen's 90th birthday.
Led numerous walks around the town to raise awareness of its heritage.
Gained planning consent and paid for the historical plaques around the town.
Supplied photos and information about Listed Buildings and other notable buildings to the planners .
NEWSLETTER
Minehead Conservation Society
(Incorporating the Woodcombe Society)
Office: Townsend House, Townsend Road,
Minehead TA24 5RG (01643 706258)
E-mail: mineheadconservationsoc@gmail.com
Website: mineheadconservationsociety.com
Committee: Principal Officers
Chair – Sally Bainbridge
Vice Chair - Tony White
Secretary – Jon Collis
Treasurer – Janet Davies
Planning Case Officer – Sally Bainbridge
SOCIETY NEWS
Please be vigilant, and if you see things that concern you contact the society via email or the website. We rely on our members to assist us.
Help wanted! Would you be interested in taking minutes of our committee meetings and similar duties in the role of Secretary? We meet about six times a year. See advertisement in next section. Please get in touch if you are able to help or would like details.
It would be great if all our members could try and persuade a friend or neighbour to join the Society
as there is greater strength in numbers when it comes to major campaigns. Direct them to our website so they can see what we are all about and the activities we organise.
NEWSLETTER- January 2025
Here we are in 2025 and another year has gone. Let it go! I very much hope that you have all had a very enjoyable Christmas free from the germs flying around.
I was pleased to hear from so many people how much they had enjoyed the Society's 21st Christmas Lunch at the Golf Club. They certainly did us proud, supplying a plentiful meal efficiently served, followed by coffee, mince pies and mints all included. They even provided a doggie box for Chris Miller who was unable to come, which he much enjoyed. Thank you to Jan Davies for organising the meal on our behalf. The winner of the annual quiz based on Minehead architectural features was Paul Johnson. Congratulations.
Our final talk of 2024 by Simon Booth about Minehead Coast Watch was most interesting and highlighted its importance to the community. They are always pleased to welcome volunteers so if that would interest you do contact them.
Our first talk of the new season is on MONDAY FEBRUARY 3RD at 2.30pm IN TOWNSEND HOUSE when the Rev'd Tim Woods will give an illustrated talk about THE BARNSTAPLE TO LYNTON RAILWAY. Members £1, Visitors £3. It promises to be a fascinating talk.
On March 27th 11am -1pm is our visit to ALFOXTON PARK.
I am delighted to report that the Metropole Garage has now been registered as a Local Heritage Asset no: 46769 which gives it a certain degree of protection. The splendid accompanying write up is well worth reading. Part of the justification for its inclusion is that it is of 'strong age, rarity and group value.'
We have had yet another meeting with our MP regarding the Beacon Road site who said she was bringing Bill Revans (Leader of Somerset Council) to Minehead when she would ' try and get him up the hill 'and report back to us.
Five generations of Burts Builders were responsible for much of the building in Minehead for over 100yrs. Before he died John Burt, a MCS committee member wrote up a brief account of the family. I sent this to Malcolm Burt, his son, and asked him if he would like to add to it and provide some photos so that I could feature Burts in Word Gets Around. The result is in the January/February issue which will soon be available to pick up in the Co-op and Tesco. I know it will interest many of you and I feel it is a fitting tribute to John who felt so passionately about the town.
Thank you to everyone who has purchased the new Minehead & Beyond publication and helped to swell the Society's coffers. Please draw the attention of others to it. -
Sally Bainbridge
Advertisement - Book by Sally Bainbridge
KEY PEOPLE
Advertisement
The society's long standing Secretary stepped down and we are therefore looking for a volunteer to take up this role. The duties are light, but of great importance to the successful running of the society and include preparing the agendas for Committee Meetings, taking minutes, assisting with preparing newsletters and emailing society members as necessary.
If you are interested, or would like to have a discussion about the role whilst considering it further, please contact Sally Bainbridge, Chair. This may be done using the society's contact details on the relevant page of this website.
Events
Rev'd Tim Woods will give an illustrated talk - THE BARNSTAPLE TO LYNTON RAILWAY - 03.02.2025 at 2.30pm at Townsend House. Members £1, Visitors £3.
Visit to ALFOXTON PARK to include a guided tour of the house - 27.03.2025 at 11am. Cost - £5 per person.
CONTACT MINEHEAD CONSERVATION SOCIETY
Townsend House, Townsend Road, Minehead TA24 5RG
01643 706258