Weston-super-Mare Civic Society

Our next meeting is Monday 14th September at 7.30pm in the Museum

The Worlebury Hillfort

Lee Newton, the North Somerset Council Senior Archaeologist, gives an update on this important site

The Grove Park Pond – working together to restore a much-loved part of our park.

We are delighted to announce that Weston-super-Mare Town Council and Weston-super-Mare Civic Society will be providing financial support towards the restoration of the much-loved pond in Grove Park.

Working in partnership with North Somerset Council, the three organisations will share the financial commitment needed to bring the pond back into use and help restore this important feature of one of Weston’s best-loved green spaces.

Grove Park has been part of the heart of Weston-super-Mare for generations, and its ponds and rock gardens are an important part of the park’s character, as well as providing valuable habitats for wildlife.

The restoration project will be overseen by North Somerset Council, and we will continue to work together following its completion to help ensure the pond is properly maintained and cared for into the future.

We’re incredibly pleased that, by working together, we can help restore, protect and preserve this special part of Grove Park for future generations to enjoy.

The 2025 Civic Society Awards - All here!

Please nominate somewhere for the 2026 Awards - here.

The Worlebury Hillfort Bench

In 2024 the Civic Society funded the removal of a small number of trees on the hillfort to open up the view of the town, the bay and beyond for visitors and residents. On a clear day there is a view of 30 miles to the Blackdown Hills near Chard. It has received many favourable comments.

Earlier this year the Society was approached by a member, who wished to remain anonymous, regarding providing funding for a bench at the top of the steps in memory of a loved one. This was designed and made by master craftsman Simon Birtwistle and opened on 16th October 2025 by the Weston-super-Mare Deputy Mayor, Owen James.

Pictured are David Agassiz from the Society, Owen James and Simon Birtwistle,

The 2024 Civic Society Awards - All here!

Nominate somewhere for the 2025 Awards here.

The role of the Society is to stimulate public interest in the town, promote high standards of planning and architecture and to secure the preservation, protection, development and improvement of features of historic, environmental or public interest in this area.

Weston-super-Mare first began to attract visitors over 200 years ago. During the Victorian period it grew into a town of quality and character. We have a fine heritage of handsome buildings, parks and gardens, an attractive coastline and beautiful countryside. There is much of interest and value to protect.

50th Anniversary Celebration

To mark the 50th anniversary of the Society’s founding in February 1973, it has gifted to the town a bottle refilling station. This has been installed in the Italian Gardens. The facility will help reduce the number of single use plastic containers in the resort.

At the handover ceremony on the 31 May 2023, Civic Society Chairman David Agassiz presented the gift to North Somerset Council Cllrs. Mike Solomon, the executive member for culture and leisure and Mark Canniford, executive member for spatial planning, placemaking and economy.

North Somerset Council and in particular to Ed McKay were thanked for assisting the process and EJ McGrath Construction Ltd. for the design and installation. It is hoped both local residents and visitors, will take the opportunity to use this facility.

The Winter 2023 edition of Weston View is now online here

Civic Society objects to the London Inn proposals

A revised objection has been submitted for the latest version of the application to convert the London Inn into a four storey building with a pub, retail space and 22 flats above.

The proposal, fronting the High Street, is bland, uninspiring and oversized.

Revised plans have been APPROVED.

(24/P/1642/FUL)

Past Planning Applications