Conservationist Meg Stone
Meg Stone, local conservationist, tells us about a personal discovery…
At the Brighton Station car boot, I recently found a lovely old postcard of our seafront. It depicts a serene Victorian summer’s day, so noted by the flowers in bloom and the attire of the strolling parasols.
Kings Road is largely quiet with only a few carriages gliding by and the bathing stations neatly lined up look to all be in use. There are lovely green manicured lawns on the seafront surrounding the Birdcage bandstand and most ladies on foot appear to be heading in that direction.
If you squint, you can also see parasols peeking over the upper floor railings of the bandstand. In early Victorian days the Ladies Benevolent Society held the lease and served cream teas to Brighton and Hove’s genteel. It’s pleasant to think that our bandstand was once a desired destination rather than just a sadly neglected eyesore.
Brighton and Hove’s seafronts have seen significant change over the past century. Kings Road quiet? Not likely ever again, nor do I think bathing stations will regain popularity. However, our council – well specifically our councillor, the dedicated Geoffrey Theobald – has begun the process of restoring the lovely bandstand and surrounding grounds. The plan is to sensitively repair and return the lower floor back to a café.
It would be magical to see people enjoying cream teas there once again. Our seafront is the heart of the city and the bandstand is the jewel of our seafront. How lovely to think our promenade may soon recapture some of the enchanting beauty reflected on this postcard.
Meg Stone is a local conservationist and supporter of the Brighton Bandstand Campaign www.brightonbandstand.com
