Stourport Civic Society President: Will Scott
Enquiries: Pauline Annis 01299 826383 or e-mail
You can download the leaflets produced by the project by clicking on them below, or you can visit the Unlocking Stourport's Past website created by the Civic Society for a fascinating insight in to Stourport-on-Severn's history.
Stourport Civic Society - Awards 2002
Sponsored by Thomas Vale Construction Ltd
The panel of Assessors met on a windy afternoon on 8 March 2002 at Baldwin House where we discussed the itinerary which had been arranged to inspect all of the entries. The panel consisted of Malcolm Booth, MBE, President of the Civic Society, Pauline Annis, Chair of the Civic Society and Will Scott. Principal Conservation Officer, Worcester City Council. Jill Fairbrother Millis kindly provided the background information and arranged for us to meet the participants.
Five projects had been submitted for the Award 2002 covering a wide range of issues. This year we arrived at an unusual conclusion of two joint Award winners. The Black Star P.H. and The Lock Shop. Both winners should have the Award and both should receive an Award plaque. The Villeneuve-le-Roi Gardens was awarded a Commendation.
The Black Star Public House, Mitton Street - extensive repair and restoration of a canalside pub.
We met the tenant Mr. Sean Fitzpatrick and the Architect for The Union Pub Co., Mr. Geoff Overall. The Black star is a traditional canalside public house and is situated on a long narrow plot alongside the canal We were impressed to see every part of the site so well used and the range of very interesting buildings from the timber framed 17th century front building to the very unusual "chapel" building at the rear (complete with internal carved stone bosses at the truss ends). The reinstatement and traditional repainting of the Black Star pub sign was very welcome as was the restraint used throughout and appropriate style and colour scheme of the interior. We unanimously declared this project, which had lost none of its atmosphere, a well deserved winner of an Award.)
The Lock Shop, York Street - extensive refurbishment of the listed building to form a tea shop.
Having been outside for most of the afternoon we quickly got inside the Lock Shop, and were met with the enthusiasm of the proprietor Carol Graham and excellent aroma of baking. Unfortunately we had tea arranged elsewhere so were unable to sample the cakes! On the tour round we were amazed to see how much of the building was now in use and especially that part of it was still lived in by the tenant. Work had progressed from room to room and had been carried Out with great care and attention to detail. The last phase yet to be done appeared to be the small but interesting courtyard garden. On sale apart from the mouth watering cakes (which the customers all approved of) were a number of products for sale with the Lock Shop name and logo. This truly was an example of a small but enterprising business obviously doing well and making frill use of its listed building. A good example for everyone and good for Stourport. We considered this project worthy of an Award and following some debate made both Award projects joint winners of this years Stourport-on-Severn Award Scheme.
Villeneuve-Ie-Roi gardens - extensive replanning and replanting of the public garden.
We met the Mayor of Stourport, Councillor M.J.C. Grinnall who showed us round and very kindly and Informatively explained how the project got completed. What impressed us was the way the project had involved so many groups and organisations and how so many people had contributed to it. This was certainly a worthy community project and had done much to improve one of those left over spaces that can so often become neglected. This is at the entry to Stourport and tells all visitors that many people rightly care about their town. We were told that it is the location for the Christmas tree and festive lights and hopefully the new gardens will be well used at all times of the year. On the downside the March wind did not encourage us to sit for long. However, the planting will mature and the pergola will get covered in greenery. The wallflowers recently planted will soon be a wonderful sight. We thought it a pity that some of the seats were not under the pergola and it might have been a better idea to create an area to sit, which had a view over the canal. Despite our reservations on the design and some of the material used we considered this project was worthy of a Commendation and congratulate all of those who participated in this improvement to the public face of Stourport.
Our thanks to all of those who took part in this year's Stourport-on-Severn Civic Society Award Scheme and, in particular, congratulations to all of those who were involved in the winning schemes.