We were in Nailsea near Bristol for relations’ birthday celebrations. The three cousins’ combined ages added up to nearly two hundred years, but the venue, the beautifully restored Nailsea tithe barn, goes much further back.
Backwell and Nailsea station lies between those two settlements and was opened by the Bristol and Exeter Railway in 1841, by which time the tithe barn was already 360 years old. As stations go, it’s a bit of a disappointment. The road connecting town and the village threads its way beneath a narrow bridge at this point - but it no doubt provided more than enough room for a horse and cart at the time. High above, the GWR crosses the valley on a substantial embankment.
Up the steps, the original station buildings survived until the 1970s to be replaced by cheap and flimsy-looking “bus shelters”. The authorities obviously did not have the same foresight as those who have kept a watchful eye on the tithe barn. All is not lost. The elder birthday boy is also a local councillor. I have a hunch that he may include the upgrading of the station facilities and improved road/rail links on his “to do” list. Tempus may well continue to fugit, but it is always reassuring to know that there are concerned members of the community on the look out to preserve the best of the past and at the same time cater properly for the future. Thanks for the tea party and happy birthday all round.
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