A cherished part of Southend’s heritage is set for a revival, as a much-loved community space in the Clifftown Conservation Area takes a significant step towards full restoration.
In Britain’s darkest hour of the Second World War, Southend was among the areas stripped on Winston Churchill’s orders for any spare lead and recyclable metals that could be transferred to the urgent use of making weapons and ammunition.
This meant the spoiling of several of the town’s landmarks, and the scars of war became an eyesore lasting long after the conflict was settled.
Reviving the Bowling Green
We now come into the 21st century, and the repair work continues thanks to the caring efforts of voluntary organisations like the Clifftown Conservation Society, who recently announced their successful award of £32,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to progress their plans for a full grant of £491,000 at a later date to restore and revive the historic Bowling Green in the heart of Southend-on-Sea.
The project seeks to: repair the walls, restore the original gates, reinstate the railings, introduce a wildflower and reflective garden to create a biodiverse environment within the city centre, and celebrate the Bowling Green’s 100th Anniversary with a photographic exhibition and permanent display.
Personal Plaques for Heritage
Residents are being invited to be part of the celebration through the launch of their Dedicated Railing campaign; in return for your donation, you will be able to add a personal message to an engraved plaque which will be included on the railings.
Joyce Lambert Giller, MBE, an active community member, added, “I have bought two railings in my family’s name because I want us to be part of this wonderful movement to restore the class of the district. Clifftown – the whole of Southend – has a proud heritage and we all have a duty to maintain it.”
By Norman Giller
Member of the Clifftown Conservation Society