The original Severn Bridge was actually built from about 1964, but opened in 1966, by the Queen. My dad used to bring us down here from our home in Bristol to see the bridge being built, and I vaguely remember the ferry still in operation. More recently, I decided to go there to see what remained of the ferry pier and facilities and, at the time (about 8 years ago now), there was still the remains of a wooden shed with an old turnstile in it, which must have been for foot passengers, I guess. I remember when the bridge opened, and we had the day off school, as you did. I must have been about 10 at the time.
Very sad to learn that the ticket office / turnstile has been demolished. It was an iconic location for all Dylan fans as in ' No Direction Home '. It should have been saved.
Thanks for the video. My memories of the ferry are mostly around the days when we'd be on our way to visit the rellies in South Wales. Several times we got to the dock to find the ferry wasn't working or because of bad weather . Then I would hear my Dad's fateful words ' Oh, well, round the Gloucester way we go then ' ....The old Vauxhall Cresta would be turned around and I'd settle down in the back for the long four hour journey......
yep we used to go down there often with my Grandfather who was a builder and watch the bridge being built The lst time we went on the ferry was went they were lifting up the last few sections -- It was exciting as a kid
I know Aust Wharf quite well, it’s a nice little beach and a good spot to find gypsum crystals. The bridge was opened the year before I was born, so I never got to travel on the ferry. Apparently, a certain Bob Dylan did.
This is quite sad really. I visited around 8 years ago and the main building including the toilets & turnstile at the entrance were pretty much intact. Such a shame to see its been recently demolished.
Great video, I remember getting on the ferry with my parents, the car being turned on the turntable then driven off to the parking spot, the same at the other end to debark.
Thanks for an interesting video. As a teenager, I cycled there from Portishead several times, like you seeing the bridge under construction. Went there on the last day and still have the last timetable leaflet (based on tides).
That was an interesting commentary of the Aust Ferry. I use to have a work shop in the late 70's Cliff Farm. A few of the workers for the new bridge use to stay in there caravans,
Excellent Dave. I went there with my mum and dad to see the bridge being built. Didn’t realise there was so much to see. You had a nice day for it too. 🤓
Excellent! I never travelled on the ferry but I remember the site quite well - and the other side, too, by the army barracks. Thanks for the memories.
The original Severn Bridge was actually built from about 1964, but opened in 1966, by the Queen. My dad used to bring us down here from our home in Bristol to see the bridge being built, and I vaguely remember the ferry still in operation. More recently, I decided to go there to see what remained of the ferry pier and facilities and, at the time (about 8 years ago now), there was still the remains of a wooden shed with an old turnstile in it, which must have been for foot passengers, I guess. I remember when the bridge opened, and we had the day off school, as you did. I must have been about 10 at the time.
Hello Simon. The turnstile was actually the entrance to the Ladies toilets. Shame that the last bit of building got demolished. Regards Dave.
Very sad to learn that the ticket office / turnstile has been demolished. It was an iconic location for all Dylan fans as in ' No Direction Home '. It should have been saved.
Yes it should have. Hopefully when the new sea defences are finished there may be an information board about what used to be there. Regards Dave.
That was great.
Cheers, m'dear.
Thank you! Cheers! Regards Dave.
Thanks for the video. My memories of the ferry are mostly around the days when we'd be on our way to visit the rellies in South Wales. Several times we got to the dock to find the ferry wasn't working or because of bad weather . Then I would hear my Dad's fateful words ' Oh, well, round the Gloucester way we go then ' ....The old Vauxhall Cresta would be turned around and I'd settle down in the back for the long four hour journey......
Glad you enjoyed it. Regards Dave.
yep we used to go down there often with my Grandfather who was a builder and watch the bridge being built The lst time we went on the ferry was went they were lifting up the last few sections -- It was exciting as a kid
I am always so glad that I went on the ferry. It was about the same time that you remember. Regards Dave.
I know Aust Wharf quite well, it’s a nice little beach and a good spot to find gypsum crystals. The bridge was opened the year before I was born, so I never got to travel on the ferry. Apparently, a certain Bob Dylan did.
This is quite sad really. I visited around 8 years ago and the main building including the toilets & turnstile at the entrance were pretty much intact. Such a shame to see its been recently demolished.
Great video, I remember getting on the ferry with my parents, the car being turned on the turntable then driven off to the parking spot, the same at the other end to debark.
Thank you! 👍
Thanks for an interesting video. As a teenager, I cycled there from Portishead several times, like you seeing the bridge under construction. Went there on the last day and still have the last timetable leaflet (based on tides).
Thanks for sharing. Regards Dave.
Many years ago my then girlfriend managed to find me a 2 dvd film on Severn Beach.
Ill have a look for it.
Superb videos Dave
Have a look at that film as I am in it. Regards Dave.
Only just remember this when we lived at New Passage.
Hello David. Great memories. Regards Dave.
That was an interesting commentary of the Aust Ferry. I use to have a work shop in the late 70's Cliff Farm. A few of the workers for the new bridge use to stay in there caravans,
Hello Mike. Seems like yesterday. Regards Dave.
Excellent Dave. I went there with my mum and dad to see the bridge being built. Didn’t realise there was so much to see. You had a nice day for it too. 🤓
Yes it was. Regards Dave.