This half term, the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust officially celebrates the opening of the ‘Clifton Hub’, with a series of free History Handling Sessions. After being renovated, refurbished and refitted from top to toe, the former toilet block at the foot of Observatory Hill has been transformed – and now boasts three brand new loos equipped with their own private sinks, hand driers and baby change facilities; the Chapter & Holmes takeaway coffee kiosk offering a range of speciality hot and cold drinks, cakes, snacks and sweet treats; and a ‘Learning Annexe’ hosting educational events and family activities.
Following the closure of the loos by Bristol City Council in 2017, the management and maintenance of the building was taken on by the Trust who soon realised that a complete refit was required. The building now has a new lease of life, and the Trust plans to care for and maintain the public conveniences using the funds generated by the new concessionary kiosk.
The fun begins this half term at the new learning annexe with a series of free History Handling Sessions taking place each morning from Monday 24th to Saturday 29th October. These offer a chance for families to explore objects from the Suspension Bridge Archives as well as getting creative by designing badges, lanterns and postcards inspired by the Bridge’s history.
Bridge Archivist, Dr. Hannah Little, said “We are thrilled to formally open the Clifton Hub to the public after such long awaited improvements the building – and it is exciting to do this by launching a project that is making the Trust’s collections more accessible.”
The History Handling project has been supported by a grant awarded by South West Museum Development with thanks to funding from Arts Council England and Art Fund. Sessions can be booked online at www.cliftonbridge.org.uk/handling-history and group enquiries directed to archives@cliftonbridge.org.uk.