The Bridgwater Buoy has an interesting history.
Originally located in Bridgwater Bay on the River Parrett over 60 years ago. The buoy helped cargo vessels to navigate the river on their journeys carrying trade to and from Bridgwater town.
When the Bridgwater Docks were built in 1841, thousands of people lined the docksides and the day was declared a bank holiday. Here, goods were loaded into barges on the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal.
In 1907 commercial traffic ceased and the docks ceased operation and the Bridgwater Buoy became a long forgotten memory.
Around 60 years ago the Bridgwater Buoy and another historic navigation buoy were rescued from the deep silt where they had rested for many years.
The Bridgwater Buoy was placed at the side of The Docks over time becoming neglected and in need of careful restoration.
We are restoring this fascinating piece of Bridgwater's maritime heritage as a tourist attraction, educational feature, and provide a focus for visitors.
What we'll deliver:
- Design and build of plinth.
- Transport of buoy to restoration site and back.
- Information plaque.
- Planning permission fees.
- Purchase of fixtures and fittings.
- Purchase of wood, resins, and paints.
Why it's a great idea:
Bridgwater has a proud maritime history which has been lost to time, a forgotten past of a time when Bridgwater was a thriving municipal town built on strong local industry and trading links.
Bridgwater Docks have been restored and redeveloped within the last 20 years and could become a strong tourist attraction with just a little bit of additional focus.
Today, it's a peaceful place where people live and enjoy activities such as walking, cycling and canoeing.
The Bridgwater Buoy when restored will be the start of a number of civic projects in the local area. Providing a much needed uplift for local people and the surrounding area and increasing Bridgwater's interest to visitors and tourists.
Steps to get it done:
- Construction of plinth.
- Gain permissions from local authorities (done)
- Organise project planning and resources (done)
- Transport to restoration site (done)
- Design of plinth (done).
- Planning permission for plinth.
- Purchase fixtures and fittings.
- Purchase wood, resins, and paints (in progress)
- Restoration tasks.
- Returning restored buoy to original location at The Docks.
