Brislington Conservation and History Society

Background

The Society was formed in 1984 as the Brislington Conservation and Amenity Society, and covers an area which includes Brislington, St Anne's and Broomhill as far as the river, the Wells Road, and Hicks Gate on the Bath Road. The Society has taken a great interest in the past, present and future of the Brislington area. We have monitored planning applications, attended Public Enquiries, established the Brislington Conservation Area, arranged exhibitions and taken part in City-wide events. We have also been instrumental in saving some of Brislington's historic buildings.

What we do

The Society holds regular meetings with talks on issues of local interest. We also have outings and walks round the local area.

The Society continues to monitor planning applications, and we have commented on many of the proposals where it is considered these may be detrimental to the historic buildings and sites in Brislington, or to the local environment. In particular, objections have been raised to the proliferation of developments of flats in our area, on the grounds that there is insufficient on-site parking resulting in pressure on local streets, and potential traffic hazards.

Meetings/ Events

The Society meets monthly on a Thursday and a schedule of forthcoming events is shown below. (Please note, during winter months meetings are held in the afternoon.)

History Group

In addition to regular meetings with speakers etc, the Society holds public meetings associated solely with local history issues, which may include tracing families and events connected with Brislington.

At one of our previous meetings members brought along interesting items and artefacts from Brislington's history, and the history of Wick House, with personal memories of a member who worked there! These all prompted much discussion and sharing of memories.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday 28th August in Wick Road Library, commencing at 7.30pm. Following our very successful meeting ealier in the year,when members talked about their memories of working in Brislington, the topic this time will be Tales of Leisure. How did you spend your leisure time in by-gone years? Did you go dancing, the cinema, play a sport, join a local choir or drama group? Come along and share your memories of what went on in Brislington in an era before TV, video games and "clubbing". Admission £1.

Future Planning

The Society will celebrate its 25th anniversary in the summer of 2009, and the Executive Committee has discussed events and other ways to mark this occasion during 2008/2009.

We are pleased to announce that the Society is to compile a new edition of the Images of Brislington book first published several years ago. first published several years ago. Work is almost complete, and it will be published in September (how about earmarking one for a Christmas present?). Look out for details of the book day where you can see the finished article, buy a copy, and get it signed!

Membership

If you wish to join the Society there is an annual subscription of £5 for ordinary members; £4 Pensioners/students; £35 Life Membership. See contacts below for application forms. We would also be pleased if you would to contact us if you have any Brislington memorabilia, if you have personal memories of families, buildings or events in Brislington's past, or if you have any questions.