A1 Camera Club becomes official photographic partner to the Birnbeck Pier restoration project

A group of local photographers have secured exclusive access to the Birnbeck Pier restoration project in Weston-super-Mare thanks to a partnership between North Somerset Council and A1 Camera Club.

Twelve members of the camera club are now authorised to take ‘behind the scenes’ photos when accompanied on the construction site. This follows thorough health and safety inductions carried out last week by the council’s appointed contractor.

More club members are set to get involved in future with a range of opportunities being made available to them. These will include visits to off-site locations where specialist restoration is taking place, and documenting other aspects of the project including events and the wood recycling project.

A1 Camera Club was formed in 1981 by a group of photographers following their completion of a photographic course at Weston College. The club was named after the Canon A1, one of the most popular cameras at the time. The group, made up of fifty people aged from early twenties to mid-eighties, meet regularly throughout the year in Weston.

Councillor Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for the Birnbeck Pier project, said:

“We’re restoring a nationally important heritage site and it’s important that we document the work taking place. Not only will this be of interest to those following the project’s progress now, but it will become an important historical and educational reference for future generations too.

“I’m really pleased that we’re able to achieve this through our partnership with the A1 Camera Club as part of our comprehensive community engagement plan which sets out to get as many local people involved with the project as possible. Thanks to A1 Camera Club members for their willingness to work with us on this. The council’s project team is working with the club and the Weston Museum to look at opportunities for future exhibitions to showcase the best of the images to as many people as possible. I for one very much look forward to seeing the photos.”

John Scaife, Birnbeck Pier Project Liaison Officer for A1 Camera Club, said:

“Birnbeck Pier is a much-loved and much-photographed local landmark. Our club members are delighted to be providing photographic support to document its restoration. We’re excited that construction is now well underway and progressing at speed, providing regular opportunities to capture the work taking place.”

To find out more about Birnbeck Pier and the restoration project, visit the Birnbeck Regeneration Trust’s information hub next to the pier or the council’s website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/BirnbeckPierProject.

More information about the A1 Camera Club can be found on their website at www.a1cameraclubweston.org.