Post on 13-Jul-2015
Cumbria in Bloom AGM
‘The Silloth Experience’
17th November 2014
Winner ‘Coastal Town’ Silver Gilt Award
Runner Up ‘Town Centre’ Award
Runner Up Special Category ‘Community Garden’
Level 4 Thriving ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’
Background: Carlisle to Silloth Bay Railway and
Silloth Docks opened in 1856, playing a key part in
Silloth’s planned growth over the next years
From the 1860s Silloth developed as a ‘well to do’ Victorian ‘Spa
Town.’ Well planned buildings & broad cobbled streets lined by
trees
Silloth Green – 45 acres – situated between cobbled
streets and the Solway Firth
Silloth Baths on the Green provided opportunity
to bathe in sea water without getting cold.
Gallons of water were pumped out of the sea at
each high tide by a steam engine.
Note the newly planted avenue and
the modesty carriages which would be
drawn by donkeys to take Victorian
ladies to bathe in the sea
However, over time, the condition of heritage buildings on the
Green and the old much loved Paddling Pool deteriorated
Funding bids for renovation were succesful. After refurbishment
Silloth Green was re-opened in 2012
Support and funding
Heritage Features eg. Edwardian Toilets and Victorian Pagoda were
refurbished and broad accessible paths created
Beautiful Sunsets
Spectacular views over the Solway Firth to Scotland
Dedicated local volunteers work hard to ensure Silloth is a great
place to live and an attractive coastal destination for visitors.
Silloth Green Day 2014 now an Annual Event.
Celebrating Heritage; Showcasing the town and
forthcoming year’s events
1860s - danger to seafarers in the Solway Firth was recognised.
and a lifeboat station for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution
(RNLI) was opened to the West side of Silloth Green.
RNLI Silloth Display 2014. People in Silloth are proud of the local
team, who risk their own lives to save others
RNLI Display Carnival Day 2013
Silloth Golf Course – Renowned worldwide
The Silloth course overlooking the Solway was founded
in 1892 by the North British Railway Company as a
natural extension of the town as a port and holiday
destination
Children’s Designs for Community Garden fed into the final design
Some priorities suggested by children at workshop
2015 – Bee, Butterfly and Insect project plans
60 youngsters from Nursery, Primary School and
Community College each adopted and planted a plant
in the Community Garden
Oak story telling chair carved with heritage
icons by local woodcarvers led by Clive Firth
Story teller Tim Barker May 2014