Rain Fails to Dampen Pat’s Docks Enthusiasm

Pat Robinson talks to councillors Brian Smedley and Wes Hinckes about her plans for the regeneration of Bridgwater Docks.
Pat Robinson talks to councillors Brian Smedley and Wes Hinckes about her plans for the regeneration of Bridgwater Docks.

Inland Waterways Association volunteer Pat Robinson has worked hard to promote Bridgwater Docks as a major focus for the town’s regeneration. In the summer she launched a major (and hopefully annual) Docks Gala event  with stalls, boat trips and celebrations around the harbourside. At the time she said she wanted to do a winter version and this Sunday, 6th December, she had a go.

Well, the weather was a problem. You couldn’t have picked a worse weekend for it, with Hurricane Desmond almost separating Scotland from the top of the country and severe weather warnings spreading down as far as Wales, the turnout was affected.

Nevertheless, Pat stoically went ahead, and despite numerous last minute cancellations, she produced an event which attracted various Christmas themed stalls ranging from cider to a hog roast plus a whiskey and other seasonal spirits cabin along with several fairground rides, tombolas and a small group of carol singers.

Christmas Markets for Bridgwater?

Pat says “What I’d really like to try is a proper Christmas market. These are very popular in Exeter and Bath and we could do with one round here.”

Her next project will be an event in February when the Docks Buoy is returned from the repairshop –  so look out for that one.