BACAS Excursions 2021

About BACAS Excursions 2021

The evening stroll commences at the Church Room at Pensford Church.  After visiting the church we make our tour of Pensford village led by local historian Hilary Cox and colleagues.  Pensford’s importance grew with the medieval wool and textile trades and in the 14C had the largest cloth market in Somerset   Later industries included coal, a dairy, a tannery and the railways which have all left their mark.  Many buildings date from this period.

The most dominant feature is the stupendous railway viaduct – 30m high with 16 arches it is Grade II listed – you may still be able to buy it – for £1!  It and the railway lines closed in 1968 as the collieries shut down.

In 1968 the Chew Valley experienced devastating floods with 7 – 10 inches rain falling in 7 hours.  Pensford suffered severe damage as did other villages in the Chew valley and the bridge over the A37 was washed away.

Meeting time and place.

We meet at 7pm at the Pensford Church Room, Church Street, Pensford, BS39 4AJ by St Thomas a Becket Church. Suggested car parking is at the Village Memorial Hall, Publow Lane, Pensford BS39 4HW which is a 5 minute walk. Please refer to this map for guidance or follow the route described below.

 https://www.bacas.org.uk/pensford/

Turn right out of the Memorial Hall car park towards Pensford. Cross and walk on the left where there will be a pavement. At the junction (careful of traffic) go to the right, to the A37. At the junction turn right and walk past the bus stop to the pedestrian crossing. Once across the A37 turn left and walk to the junction with Church Street, by the War Memorial. Walk down Church Street (no pavement) and cross the river Chew (for the third time!), and immediately on the left is the entrance to Pensford Church and the Church Room.

Directions from BATH:

A4 to Corston roundabout. Proceed on A39 past Bath Spa University via Marksbury. Straight at traffic lights onto A368 and at Chelwood roundabout turn right onto A37 towards Bristol. Go down the hill to Pensford and turn right opposite the War Memorial and follow signs to Publow – marked Publow Lane. The Memorial Hall is on the left in 200m.

Please wear suitable clothing and footwear.

Bring face masks for indoors

Excursion Leader: Les Hayes

Phone:     01225 312510                                                                             Email:      havercroft@talktalk.net