The caterers were brilliant too – many many thanks to Maria’s Pantry for providing us with such lush refreshments. I have had many glowing comments from guests.
I hope to add a few more pics when they become available.
29th June Bridport Gig Club Regatta
It was West Bay’s turn to host the Regatta, and I was invited to present the trophies to the winners. When we arrived, mid afternoon, the weather was perfect and West Bay was at its best. The area was buzzing with gigs and their crews, going in or coming out of the water, and the care and attention to detail was obvious. It was heaving with people enjoying the event in whichever way they chose – on the beaches, in the sea, on the promenade – a great sea-side day.
We were impressed with the overall organisation – several people had commented as to how well it had been put together, which was great to hear. They were particularly impressed to see that health and safety, being of prime importance, was well covered. When all the boats and crews were safely back on dry land I was invited to present the winners of each class with their trophy. Well done team Bridport – they did very well!
Here are some pics of the scoreboards – not easy to work out for an amateur!
2nd July – West Bay Discovery Centre
It is always a pleasure to visit the Discovery Centre and this was just that. A really interesting display covering the history of West Bay and a plan that was never put in place – our resort would have looked very different had it been built.
There is always masses to explore and see – this time amongst other things there were some board games from the 1950s(ish) era – I remembered a few myself!
There are many events to enjoy at the WBCD over the summer – especially for children – do take them along to explore.
Sarah and John had a special surprise for us – a presentation of a portrait of
Elias Cox – a very important person, which I will ask to be displayed in a suitable place within our Town Council buildings. He was Mayor from 1866/7 but doesn’t appear amongst our collection of Mayors’ portraits, so it will be very good to add him. I have included the piece of information on him, written by Sarah West.
Elias Cox
Ship Building
Elias Cox was born at Bridport Harbour in 1824 his father John Cox, was born in around 1787, he lived at Bridport Harbour and started shipbuilding here in 1816, under the firm of Matthews and Company. Following the disastrous gale in November 1824 which damaged the shipyard, John moved his family to Plymouth, including his 3-month-old son, Elias. Two years later he returned and then took charge of the shipyard in 1830, eventually going into partnership with his son, in 1850 before handing the business over to Elias Cox in 1855.
Methodists
The Cox family were strong Wesleyans; John Cox’s wife Susannah laid the foundation stone in 1849 for the West Bay Methodist Chapel and the work was undertaken by Messrs Cox and Son Shipbuilders.
Under John Cox’s direction, the congregation laid the chapel floor joists direct on the sand of the beach next to the harbour. They used materials to hand to build the church – timbers salvaged from boats and Forest Marble stone quarried locally at Bothenhampton and carted to West Bay, where it was hammer dressed into rough blocks.
Elias Cox was a trustee of the Bridport Wesleyan Chapel, and it was principally through his support and influence and the Chapel at West Bay was built and maintained. His wife Mary Anne ran the Sunday School here.
Town Council
Elias Cox stood for Bridport Council in 1856 and served for 40 years, he was mayor in 1866-1867, served as senior justice of the peace and in 1871 he was made an Alderman of the corporation. During his time as mayor, he exerted himself in advancing the welfare of the borough in many ways. He was also a member of the Harbour Commissioners. He always took a keen interest in Bridport Harbour and its development following the closure of the shipyard. He was sufficiently forward thinking to support changes considering the best for future of community. His support for buildings for permanent and holiday homes was crucial in gaining public support from the harbour community and councillors of which he was a Father figure.
There are many reports of council meetings in the Bridport News where he was well liked and respected. Sadly, in the last couple of years of his life he suffered from ill health and couldn’t attend so many meetings, he retired from his role as Senior Alderman in 1895.
Sarah West
|
