Favourite son remembered

Thu, Nov 16th 2006, 11:00

A plaque honouring one of Weston’s favourite sons is to be restored and displayed at the Knightstone Island development in a joint initiative between Redrow Homes and English Heritage.

Mr Tom Davey first had the posthumous honour bestowed on him in the early 1920s when the bronze memorial plaque was erected at Knightstone swimming baths in memory of his 36 years service to the club.

After many years of inactivity, the old swimming baths on the island then slipped into disrepair. Redrow Homes (South West) recently acquired the site and is now transforming the island into a highly desirable and sophisticated development of apartments.

During the refurbishment work, eagle eyed builders spotted the plaque and passed it on to English Heritage to be restored. Once the building work is completed, the plaque will once again be given pride of place at Knightstone Island.
 
An excerpt from the plaque’s inscription reads ‘this tablet is erected…out of funds subscribed by his many friends… who desired to record the affectionate esteem in which they held him as a gallant man and as a superintendent of these baths for 36 years.’          
Hazel Caron, Tom Davey’s great grand-daughter, who still lives in Weston-Super-Mare, says: “The plaque is a great reminder of the Island’s history as a swimming baths and we are particularly pleased that Tom’s memory will now be honoured at the new development. Once the plaque has been restored and erected I can take my grand children along - one of whom is named after Tom - and show them how highly regarded their great, great grandfather was.”   

As well as the Edwardian Swimming Baths, Redrow’s flagship Knightstone Island project involves the renovation and conversion of two other Grade II listed buildings – the Pavilion Theatre and Dr Fox’s Bath House – into apartments, duplexes and penthouses, alongside the creation of two stunning contemporary apartment buildings.

As well as providing a further catalyst for Weston’s regeneration, creating jobs and boosting the local economy, when completed Knightstone Island will once again be open to the public for promenade walks with improved landscaping, street furniture, public art, plus cafés and a restaurant are planned.

The restoration and transformation of the island is currently underway and it is anticipated that the venture will be completed by the summer of 2007.

For more information on Knightstone Island call a member of Redrow’s sales team on 01934 417 447, text ‘Knightstone’ to 07766 40 41 42 or log on to www.knightstoneisland.co.uk.