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 2006
Sponsored by Thomas Vale Construction Ltd
Church House, Areley Kings - Joint Winner
After nine years of planning this project was an exemplary piece of repair and contemporary design. The best of both worlds, ancient and modern, were combined with great skill and care.An exquisite glass box connected the timber-framed building to the new service block containing the wcs, stores and kitchen.
The detailed design of the finishes and the minimalist intervention of the repairs to the timber frame combined to create a delightful project with a great future and a multiplicity of uses. Attention to detail was the key, down to the bat boxes and the protection of the roots of the existing tree.
The Panel quickly identified this project as a worthy Award winner and an excellent example to all. The Church House website
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Stourport Wesley Church - Joint Winner
The panel met the Minister Paul Booth and Alan Allsop who kindly showed them round.
The inventive use of formerly wasted space was impressive and the immense care which had been taken by all concerned made this an excellent project.
A very modern glazed link created a welcoming entrance and connected the new addition to the original church building.
The retention of the alabaster communion rail, the pews and the balcony was welcomed. The potential impact on the historic interior of the new work was negligible. The benefits of this well designed project were considerable, creating new wcs, kitchens and meeting rooms.
The extensive repairs to the exterior shell of the building represented money well spent and this listed building appeared to be well loved and in "safe" hands.
Every opportunity had been taken to allow natural daylight to enter the building and brighten the interior.
The Panel queried the paint colour and how the original pews might have been finished. The small garden which was undergoing improvements could be a delightful town centre green refuge for sitting out or holding outside church events.
The Panel considered this a worthy winner of an Award.
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Crossing Cottage - Commendation
What surprised and delighted the Panel about this project was the enthusiasm and love of history of the owners and their son, who masterminded the repair and extension of this former railway cottage.
Without, such interest and dedication, this unusual building would have lost much of its character and distinction. The original central chimney stack, stone cellar and GWR emblem on the brick gable gave clues to its past, however the additions added by the owners made it so much more (including a short section of rail track).
In danger of becoming a railway museum, with an impressive wine cellar, the only thing missing was the train!
The Panel gave this project a Commendation in recognition of the owners enthusiasm and considerable effort to make this a unique and comfortable home.
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he Panel in making two Awards and one Commendation wish to thank all of the participants and their teams for helping to make Stourport a better place and join with the Stourport Civic Society and Thomas Vale Contractors, the sponsors of the Stourport Civic Awards in congratulating the winners for their excellent projects in the 2006 Civic Awards.
The following 3 entries were also considered at the final judging stage
Riverside Walk
This was a first phase of an ongoing project of upgrading of the pedestrian walkways around the Basins by British Waterways. The work which was carefully designed and well executed was a typical example of Waterways work. The before photographs showed what a great improvement had been achieved. The panel was shown around by Alex Ball and Chris Bailey from British Waterways who were able to answer our questions.
It was good to see the reclaimed setts, traditional blue bricks with some very good stabilised gravel surface. The metal railings were robust and had a Waterways theme (unfortunately the paint specification for galvanised metal appeared to be faulty). The new lighting was welcomed but care is needed to ensure reproduction "heritage" details are used wisely (compare these with the original gas Iights in Villeneuve-le-Roi Gardens).
The existing blockwork wall to the amusement park rather spoiled the good effect of this improvement work.
The Panel welcomed this project and while It was a good start, wished to encourage British Waterways to do more of it especially the bridge, basin edge and the adjoining car park at either end.
Any consideration for an award should await the completion of the rest of this important pedestrian walkway and the work around the basin.
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Stour Mill Cottages, Baldwin Road
This project was a much appreciated improvement of a derelict site but lacked that something special to warrant recognition.
While the materials were well chosen and the workmanship good the traditional details were poorly reproduced. The increasing problem of wheelie bin storage had been overlooked and the front elevations were littered with meter boxes and burglar alarm boxes. Soil pipes and TV aerials were highly visible.
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Restoration of gas lamp posts - Lion Hill
The collection of original Hardy and Padmore of Worcester, gas lamp posts around the perimeter of Villeneuve-le-Roi Gardens have been restored to working order, with new lanterns and additional fittings for Christmas lights.
The Panel were pleased with this welcoming project on this prominent approach to Stourport and congratulated the Town Council for carrying it out.