Vic Soc and the seaside

[EAS]

There seems to be a new interest in seaside resorts - the terrific Coast prog on TV last night featured some stunning architecture, and the Victorian Society is highlighting issues too.

Here's a bit from its website:

http://www.victorian-society.org.uk/



Holiday at home: our campaign for British seaside resorts

This year the Victorian Society is encouraging you to 'holiday at home' and rediscover the wonders of the Victorian and Edwardian seaside resort.

Seaside holidays were all the rage in the nineteenth century. As the ever-expanding railway network opened up miles of coastline to day-trippers, people flocked to take the sea air and architects were inspired to design some of our most playful and exotic buildings. By 1911, 55% of us were taking day holidays by the sea. But the tide turned and British resorts got left behind as holidaymakers jetted off for breaks abroad. By the end of the twentieth century, many seaside towns were in sad decline.

We think it's time this changed. This summer we're running a series of events around the coast to highlight the quality of Victorian seaside architecture. Visiting Scarborough, Brighton, Great Yarmouth, Llandudno, Eastbourne and Bournemouth, we'll be inviting people to look again at what these places have to offer.

We want to hear your views. Do you have memories of holidays by the sea? Are you a fan of a particular resort? Perhaps you have a story about a Victorian building in a seaside town? Or maybe you're campaigning for a seaside building under threat? Email community@victoriansociety.org.uk and let us know.




Making a splash: conference report now out

Meeting at the University of London Union on Saturday 24 June, 76 delegates explored the challenges facing historic pools. They publicized their own campaigns for historic pools, and drew up action points for government, pool providers, and campaigners around the country. Speakers including Ralph Riley, Chief Executive of the Institute of Sport & Recreation Management, Dr Ian Gordon, author of the forthcoming book Great Lengths, and Gill Wright, Director of the Victoria Baths Trust, provided delegates with the historical and practical context for their discussion.

The conference report is now available to download.