NOW AVAILABLE!

THE SHOPS OF LODGE CAUSEWAY.

A HISTORY OF THE SHOPPING STREET WHICH SERVED (AND CONTINUES TO SERVE) THE HILLFIELDS AREA OF BRISTOL.

When the Hillfields Part Estate was built in 1919, the original plans showed a selection of shops to be built around Market Square. However, in the event, only 4 shops were built.

The thoroughfare of Lodge Causeway, just outside of the estate, had numerous shops constructed in the 1920s and 1930s, with a vast selection of bakers, grocers, newsagents, electrical stores, stationers, ladies and gentlemen's outfitters, hairdressers, chemists, and a bank and Post Office amongst others.

Using photographs, press advertisements and cuttings, a complete history of the Causeway can be told for the first time.

In addition, a history of the development of the shops and up-to-date photographs taken by the author are included, and it is hoped that all, if not most, of the shops in the upper part of Lodge Causeway have been included.

Price is £5 plus P&P, and can be ordered from the online shop on this website. Payment can be by Card or BACS payment.

NOW AVAILABLE!

THE HILLFIELDS PARK COMMUNITY CENTRE & YOUTH CLUB

75TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE BOOKLET

The estate of Hillfields Park didn't have a formal community association until 1951, when a group of local residents obtained permission to build a community centre off Thicket Avenue.

Using volunteer labour, the original hall was quickly constructed, along with a another adjacent building.

The club was visited by the Duke of Edinburgh in 1953.

The Youth Club, although a separate entity, was formed around the same time, and shared the same site, with a dedicated building constructed slightly later.

The organisations were extremely popular in the 1950s and 1960s, and the two organisations worked together for many events and social occasions. A large gymnasium was opened in 1965 which proved to be extremely popular.

There was a well-publicised 'falling out' between them in the early 1970s when anti-social behaviour and vandalism was blamed on Youth Club members by the Community Association. However, the issue was quickly reconciled, and a harmonious existence was re-established.

Due to financial issues and lower numbers, both organisations declined in the 1990, and some of the buildings fell into disrepair.

However, new organisations took over the running of the site, and this year the Hillfields Community Garden obtained a 35-year lease to operate the site, ensuring an active and thriving community establishment.

Using numerous press articles and photographs, along with memories of local residents, the 75th anniversary of the site is being celebrated. 

The price is £5 (plus postage and packing), and is available to purchase from the online shop and from personal appearances.

£1 from each booklet is being donated to Community Centre funds.

NOW AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE.

THE BRIDGWATER BEAM WIRELESS STATION

BRIDGWATER'S OWN LONG-RANGE WIRELESS RECEIVING STATION

The Bridgwater Beam Wireless Receiving Station, actually located at Huntworth, between North Petherton and Bridgwater, formed part of the 'Imperial Wireless Chain' of stations, linking Great Britain to various Dominions worldwide.

The station itself received telegraphic and telephony signals from transmitters in Canada and South Africa, using vast directional 'beam' or 'curtain' aerials to ensure optimum reception.

The station was paired with a transmitting station at Bodmin, in Cornwall, and was visited by Marconi himself in November 1930.

The station was short-lived, with improved technical developments and political interference causing it to be operational for only 14  years, between 1926 and 1940.

However, in what would have been its centenary year, its story deserves to be told.

This 72-page booklet features extracts from the author's book 'The Marconi Beam Wireless Stations of Somerset', condensed into one A5 publication, with revised text and enhanced photographs.

Price is £5 plus P&P and can be ordered from the online shop.

Copies are now available to purchase from the Burnham-on-Sea Tourist Information Centre on the Esplanade.

PORTISHEAD RADIO - THE COMPLETE HISTORY.

Planned to be the 'Ultimate' history of the world's largest long-range maritime radio station, this immense work, running to over 1,200 pages, is planned for publication in early 2027.

Containing newly-found photographs, documents and memories from staff and sea-going Radio Officers, the book also contains full details of the Portishead transmitting site, the wartime activities of the station, the Commonwealth Area Scheme with associated BAMS/GBMS transmissions, as well as many recollections of the numerous yacht races which were handled by the station from the 1960s until closure in 2000.

Many legendary yacht skippers have contributed, including Sir Chay Blyth, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Tracy Edwards MBE and singer-songwriter Mike Batt, who wrote a song about the station whilst on board his yacht 'Braemar'.

The book will be in two parts, with the publication price unknown at this time.

Contributions to the manuscript are welcome - please forward any memories of Portishead Radio to me at the email address below and I will credit all that are used.

Due to other commitments and the need for further research, the publication date for this book has been put back to early 2027.