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Title: Birnbeck Pier, Weston super Mare Post by: JayMac on May 23, 2014, 13:48:16 A scheduled open top bus was already running in Weston this past Wednesday. Again a Crosville service - number 100.
Title: Birnbeck Pier, Weston super Mare Post by: Cynthia on May 24, 2014, 19:46:23 Oh goodie, that'll make a nice little outing round the town! However I noticed from the Bristol Post blurb that there is no mention of the tourist bus visiting the old pier - surely of sufficient 'historic interest' to be include in the itinerary? However, I'm struggling to remember the location of 'Knighstone Island'. Not wishing to be pedantic or anything, but shouldn't that have a t after the h? Someone put me out of my misery.....
Title: Birnbeck Pier, Weston super Mare Post by: JayMac on May 24, 2014, 20:20:01 Knightstone Island is not the location of the old Birnbeck Pier. It is just along the sea front to the right of the Grand Pier and protects the marina behind it. It now has a large housing development on it. Until recently it was used as a boarding point for MV Balmoral pleasure cruises around the Bristol Channel. The Balmoral is currently laid up being refitted and is not expected to be back in service until 2015
Birnbeck Pier is further around the Anchor Head peninsula to the north of the main sea front and Grand Pier, linking the mainland to Birnbeck Island. I say linking - the pier has long been closed and is in a parlous state. As are the majority of buildings on the island. There is no public access to Birnbeck Island. The pier is only used by lifeboat crews to reach the lifeboat station on the island. (http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/bignosemac/WsM_zps7f8decad.jpg) Title: Birnbeck Pier, Weston super Mare Post by: Andrew1939 from West Oxon on May 25, 2014, 17:08:08 How sad that the Birnbeck Pier (or Olod Pier as it alternatively known as) is out of use. Some 60 years ago it was on my route for a day trip from Bridgwater to Nantgarw in the Taff Valley. Our journ ey was a penny bus ride in Bridgwater to the Railway station, train to Weston, walk to the Grand Pier, Bus to the Birnbeck pier to board a P & A Campbell paddle steamer (Glen Usk, Bristol Queen, Cardiff Queenare names I recall), an hour's cross Bristol Channel crossing to Cardiff Docks, if the tide was in, or Penarth if it was out, At Cardiff docks we waited for a tram to arrive and as it was the terminus it always intrigued me to watch the driver get his long pole out to turn the panograph around whilst the conductor, turned the swivel back seats around so that everybody travel front facing in either direction. A rattley journey up to the castle and a short walk around the back to the Rhonda Valley bus terminal alongside the rear of the castle.Buses departed every few minutes, usually Western Welsh). Of course the vast majority of people used public transport to travel any where as private cars were very rare in those days. We left home around 08.00 to 08.30 and arrived up the Taff valley around 11.00 just in time for a mid-morning cup of tea (coffee was a rarity in those days. We set out for home at around 08.00 to 18.30 and were back in Bridgwater around 21.00 and it didn't cost a fortune. Oh, those were the days
Title: Birnbeck Pier, Weston super Mare Post by: John R on May 25, 2014, 18:45:23 I've never really thought of Nantgarw as a tourist attraction. Although the valleys are much more picturesque these days (yes really!).
Title: Birnbeck Pier, Weston super Mare Post by: trainer on May 25, 2014, 22:58:05 The pier is only used by lifeboat crews to reach the lifeboat station on the island. Even the RNLI have abandoned their lifeboat base on the island, so dangerous was the access. Title: Birnbeck Pier, Weston super Mare Post by: JayMac on May 25, 2014, 23:15:02 I believe they are using two inshore lifeboats from Knightstone Harbour for most 'shouts', but the larger boat remains on Birnbeck Island. It will still be used if there is an immediate danger to life that cannot be covered by the smaller inshore boats.
The larger boat was last used in anger on 2nd March 2014, launching from Birnbeck Island (http://rnli.org/NewsCentre/Pages/Weston-super-Mare-RNLI-volunteers-called-out-of-bed-to-save-two-fishermen-in-ser.aspx). That story highlights not only the dangers the crews face in putting to sea to rescue others, but also the dangers the crew have to deal with getting to the island and launching in the dark. Title: Birnbeck Pier, Weston super Mare Post by: trainer on May 26, 2014, 12:21:15 Thanks for that clarification, BNM, I hadn't picked that up. You are absolutely right about the bravery of these guys - gratitude and respect all round.
Title: Birnbeck Pier, Weston super Mare Post by: Cynthia on May 26, 2014, 21:20:03 I believe they are using two inshore lifeboats from Knightstone Harbour for most 'shouts', but the larger boat remains on Birnbeck Island. It will still be used if there is an immediate danger to life that cannot be covered by the smaller inshore boats. When I was living in Weston, about 15 years ago, even then I used to feel concerned about the safety of the lifeboatmen negotiating their way along that rickety old pier to get to the boat house. I'm sure they must be at more risk of injury getting along the pier than when they're at sea. Bless their hearts.The larger boat was last used in anger on 2nd March 2014, launching from Birnbeck Island (http://rnli.org/NewsCentre/Pages/Weston-super-Mare-RNLI-volunteers-called-out-of-bed-to-save-two-fishermen-in-ser.aspx). That story highlights not only the dangers the crews face in putting to sea to rescue others, but also the dangers the crew have to deal with getting to the island and launching in the dark. Title: Birnbeck Pier, Weston super Mare Post by: Chris from Nailsea on September 16, 2015, 11:10:12 An update on Birnbeck Island and Pier, from the BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34262313):
Quote Pier and boat store on top 10 at-risk buildings (http://ichef-1.bbci.co.uk/news/660/cpsprodpb/168E2/production/_85568329_85568328.jpg) Birnbeck Pier was used as a secret weapons testing site during World War Two Britain's only pier built around an island and a boat store of "worldwide importance" are among this year's top 10 most endangered buildings. The Victorian Society has published its annual list of the most at-risk Victorian and Edwardian buildings in England and Wales. Actor and Victorian Society vice-president Griff Rhys Jones said the buildings needed the public's help. A palatial house in Conwy, dubbed the "discount Downton", also made the list. Jones has recorded a video asking people to help publicise the list, which is nominated by members of the public, because "they are buildings that need help and we need you to help them". Director of the Victorian Society Christopher Costelloe said: "All the buildings in this year's top 10 are listed buildings, meaning that the government has recognised their national importance. These buildings illustrate Britain's history in tangible form. All of them deserve better than their current situations." On the 2015 endangered list (http://ichef-1.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/2E96/production/_85562911_09efe037-62ee-4a55-8451-a8d394cd3622.jpg) Birnbeck Pier, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset - (Grade II*, 1862) Britain's only pier leading to an island, it was damaged by a mine during World War Two while it was being used by the Admiralty as HMS Birnbeck, a secret facility for weapons testing. The pier closed in 1994 and successive owners' restoration plans have come to nothing. Storms earlier this year have left one walkway on the verge of collapse. Title: Re: Birnbeck Pier, Weston super Mare Post by: Chris from Nailsea on December 13, 2015, 23:05:10 A further update on the state of the pier and island, from the BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-35083010):
Quote Birnbeck Pier loss 'significant' warns actor Timothy West (http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/660/cpsprodpb/45DF/production/_87178871_pier_montage.jpg) Actor Timothy West praised Birnbeck Pier as a "beautiful piece of engineering" Actor Timothy West has visited a group fighting to save the crumbling Birnbeck Pier, saying it would be "a significant loss" if it collapsed. The pier at Weston-super-Mare is among the 10 most endangered buildings on a list compiled by The Victorian Society. Survey work is under way to determine how much it would cost to repair the main bridge and carry out structural reports for the other buildings. Mr West said it was a "beautiful piece of engineering" and needed to be saved. (http://ichef-1.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/179AF/production/_87178669_87178668.jpg) Birnbeck Pier is Britain's only pier built around an island (http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/DD6F/production/_87178665_87178664.jpg) It shut to the public in 1994 and has deteriorated ever since During a visit on Saturday, he said: "We lived in Bristol during world war two. We used to come to Weston for our holidays and I've kept links with this area ever since. I found myself living in places where we had wonderful piers, and this one particularly I was very fond of. Partly because of the Campbell [paddle] steamers which called here and went over to Cardiff and down to Ilfracombe, Lundy Island and so on. "Long term I would like to see the whole pier and the island with the landing stage refurbished. It's a very long term project but it could happen." (http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/8F4F/production/_87178663_87178662.jpg) The pier's regeneration trust is in the process of working out the cost to bring it back to life (http://ichef-1.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/12B8F/production/_87178667_87178666.jpg) Heritage England has recorded its condition as "very bad" The Grade II*-listed pier, which is the only one in Britain leading to an island, shut in 1994 and has since fallen into a state of disrepair. Successive owners' restoration plans have come to nothing and storms earlier this year left one walkway on the verge of collapse. Richard Griffin, project director for The Birnbeck Regeneration Trust, said they had the support of the owner who had agreed, in principle, to a lease for a minimum of 25 years "once we get funding and planning permission in place". "If we let it fall into the sea and rot away that would be a travesty to history," he added. Title: Re: Birnbeck Pier, Weston super Mare Post by: BerkshireBugsy on December 14, 2015, 13:08:18 When I was dating Wife V1 - who lived in Weston - I seem to remember there was a tea house at the land end of the pier that sold - as you probably guessed - refreshments. I seem to remember it played old music and was a lovely place to visit.
Looking at Google Earth I'm not sure it's there anymore Title: Re: Birnbeck Pier, Weston super Mare Post by: trainer on December 14, 2015, 22:20:24 When I was dating Wife V1 - who lived in Weston... I can't get used to these vari-focal specs. I thought I read 'Wife VI' (6) not Version One! I was, for a moment, most impressed. ;D Title: Re: Birnbeck Pier, Weston super Mare Post by: BerkshireBugsy on December 15, 2015, 06:24:03 When I was dating Wife V1 - who lived in Weston... I can't get used to these vari-focal specs. I thought I read 'Wife VI' (6) not Version One! I was, for a moment, most impressed. ;D Loll! Nope, no need to call me "Henry the VIIIth" ...still only on wife V2 :) Can't afford any more! Title: Re: Birnbeck Pier, Weston super Mare Post by: Chris from Nailsea on December 15, 2015, 23:10:13 Going off at a bit of a tangent: John Cleese, a native of Weston super Mare, is now married to wife number four ... ;D
Title: Re: Birnbeck Pier, Weston super Mare Post by: JayMac on December 16, 2015, 01:16:18 My Mum's on husband number 4.
I've always wondered why we periodically got a new patio... Just kidding Mumsy! ;D Title: Re: Birnbeck Pier, Weston super Mare Post by: JayMac on December 30, 2015, 17:24:29 Section of Birnbeck Pier collapses into sea - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-35199177
Title: Re: Birnbeck Pier, Weston super Mare Post by: BerkshireBugsy on December 30, 2015, 17:44:30 Section of Birnbeck Pier collapses into sea - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-35199177 Sad, but given the weather not surprising. I seem to remember when I was still with wife v1.0, who lived in Weston, that there were really bad winds which ripped up part of the promenade. I can't remember the year but it must have been the early 80s at a guess. Title: Re: Birnbeck Pier, Weston super Mare Post by: Chris from Nailsea on December 31, 2015, 16:49:35 From that BBC video news report, it's interesting that those high winds caused the closure of Brunel's Clifton Suspension Bridge due to weather conditions for only the second time in its 150 year history. :o
Title: Re: Birnbeck Pier, Weston super Mare Post by: Chris from Nailsea on August 10, 2016, 00:35:26 From the Bristol Post (http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/pokemon-go-players-rescued-by-rnli-teetering-on-end-of-crumbling-pier-in-weston-super-mare/story-29564424-detail/story.html?utm_source=Glos%20Media&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=5393136_Bristol%20Post%20RSS%20Newsletter&ito=email%2526source%3DGlos%20Media%2526campaign%3D5393136_Bristol%20Post%20RSS%20Newsletter):
Quote Pokemon Go players rescued by RNLI teetering on end of crumbling pier in Weston-super-mare (http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276268/Article/images/29564424/14998671-large.jpg) Six youngsters went hunting Pokemon monsters at the end of Birnbeck Pier A group of six teenage Pokemon Go players had to be rescued from the derelict Birnbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare after venturing to the end in search of imaginary monsters. The RNLI lifeboat, as well as crews from Avon Fire and Rescue Service and South West Ambulance Service were called to assist with the rescue – the latest in a string of Pokemon Go-related rescues since the craze began. The historic pier, which has been closed to the public since 1994, is teetering on the edge of being washed into the sea following storms in the Spring. The RNLI had to launch two lifeboats last Friday night after youngsters began risking their lives by diving – or 'tombstoning' – from the railings on the pier. Title: Re: Birnbeck Pier, Weston super Mare Post by: TonyK on August 11, 2016, 22:45:10 Whenever I hear someone mention a decrepit pier in Weston super Mare, I think at once of Jeffrey Archer before the spelling is corrected.
Birnbeck Pier has had, alas, more plans than Baldrick. Sadly, none turned out to be cunning enough. It was a charming spot, and I'm sure it could be again. That it isn't now says much about the economics of recovering the pier. Presumably, all the former owners had ideas, but couldn't make the figures add up. It must be harder than other pier schemes in the past because of the island and other structures. Timothy West has form in pier restoration fund raising - he is a patron of the National Piers Society, and with his wife was involved in the restoration of Clevedon Pier. Sadly, she is unwell these days, but his support and that of John Cleese could help get things stuttering to a start. When I was dating Wife V1 - who lived in Weston... I can't get used to these vari-focal specs. I thought I read 'Wife VI' (6) not Version One! I was, for a moment, most impressed. ;D I thought she was called Vi, or had an unpredictable and explosive nature. In these present enlightened days, being married to Wife Mark 1 is acceptable. Title: Re: Birnbeck Pier, Weston super Mare Post by: Surrey 455 on August 11, 2016, 23:36:01 Quote Pokemon Go players rescued by RNLI teetering on end of crumbling pier in Weston-super-mare Isn't it about time that the emergency services were able to reclaim their costs & more directly from Nintendo or whoever the software developers are? The more I read about this app / game the more it worries me about peoples common sense and safety. Title: Re: Birnbeck Pier, Weston super Mare Post by: TonyK on August 12, 2016, 10:54:26 Isn't it about time that the emergency services were able to reclaim their costs & more directly from Nintendo or whoever the software developers are? The more I read about this app / game the more it worries me about peoples common sense and safety. Plausible deniability, plus the complex issues of suing an overseas corporation with a bigger budget than the UK, would prevent action. That, and the lack of evidence that the Great British Public is any more sensible without Pokemon... Title: Re: Birnbeck Pier, Weston super Mare Post by: broadgage on August 20, 2016, 20:29:44 I do not feel it realistic to blame the developers of the silly game for the costs resulting in rescuing foolish persons who take it too seriously.
What next, charge makers of air-beds for the costs of rescuing those who float out to sea on them? Or vendors of hiking boots that encourage users to walk in remote places and get lost or injured? Or publishers of locomotive lists for the cost of delay minutes when spotters trespass on the line in pursuit? Title: Re: Birnbeck Pier, Weston super Mare Post by: trainer on August 20, 2016, 23:46:02 I do not feel it realistic to blame the developers of the silly game for the costs resulting in rescuing foolish persons who take it too seriously. What next, charge makers of air-beds for the costs of rescuing those who float out to sea on them? Or vendors of hiking boots that encourage users to walk in remote places and get lost or injured? Or publishers of locomotive lists for the cost of delay minutes when spotters trespass on the line in pursuit? I hope you haven't given some nasty claims company ideas! I'll await the phone calls asking about my twisted ankle sustained falling from my airbed off Dawlish Beach (still wearing my walking boots because of the shingle) while trying to glimpse the loco numbers from a better vantage point. ::) Title: Re: Birnbeck Pier, Weston super Mare Post by: Chris from Nailsea on August 22, 2016, 18:21:03 That, and the lack of evidence that the Great British Public is any more sensible without Pokemon... Indeed ::) From the BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-37154028): Quote Three rescues for holidaymaker cut off by Cornwall tide A young woman holidaying in Cornwall was rescued by the same lifeboat crew three times in four days after being cut off by the tide. She was saved by the RNLI on Tuesday, Thursday and again on Friday. In each case, she had been cut off by the tide while out walking and the D-class inshore lifeboat crews had to go into the water to rescue her. She has since been given a "comprehensive safety briefing", the RNLI said. It said sea and weather conditions last week meant none of the rescues had been particularly easy. "The spring tides can catch people out, especially holidaymakers, who are unaware of the tidal cycles and speed that the tide can come in," said Brian Bowdler, helm of Looe lifeboat. Despite her triple rescue ordeal, the woman was unhurt and said to be "fine". She has since been given a "comprehensive safety briefing", the RNLI said. (http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/fighting/dope-slap.gif) My interpretation. CfN. :-X Title: Re: Birnbeck Pier, Weston super Mare Post by: bobm on August 22, 2016, 20:23:09 Shame they can't give her a "comprehensive" invoice too.
Title: Re: Birnbeck Pier, Weston super Mare Post by: Western Pathfinder on August 22, 2016, 20:34:48 Sound like she's in training for this years Darwin awards !!.."
Title: Re: Birnbeck Pier, Weston super Mare Post by: TonyK on August 23, 2016, 07:59:28 Sadly, there has been one death in the water in Cornwall in recent days, and a number of near misses. Weston seldom has the conditions one can see occasionally around the cliffs of the Atlantic coast, or my former home near Blackpool for that matter, although the mud in the Axe estuary catches many out each year. There is no number of signs, posters, or warnings that will stop people getting into trouble. It's one thing assessing the risks and quite another recognising that there is a risk in the first place.
Title: Re: Birnbeck Pier, Weston super Mare Post by: Bmblbzzz on August 23, 2016, 21:44:56 Whenever I hear someone mention a decrepit pier in Weston super Mare, I think at once of Jeffrey Archer before the spelling is corrected. :D ;DThis page is printed from the "Coffee Shop" forum at http://gwr.passenger.chat which is provided by a customer of Great Western Railway. Views expressed are those of the individual posters concerned. Visit www.gwr.com for the official Great Western Railway website. Please contact the administrators of this site if you feel that content provided contravenes our posting rules ( see http://railcustomer.info/1761 ). The forum is hosted by Well House Consultants - http://www.wellho.net |