A DAY TO REMEMBER

A palpable excitement filled the air at Clevedon’s Salthouse Bar and Restaurant on Saturday morning, 20th July, as volunteers, devoted supporters, and the vibrant lake community eagerly awaited a special announcement. This was no ordinary morning. This was a day to celebrate a new chapter in the life of Clevedon Marine Lake.

Gathered for this momentous occasion hosted by the MARLENS team, who have tirelessly championed the lake’s preservation and enhancement, the room erupted in cheers as it was revealed that the National Lottery Heritage Fund had generously awarded a transformative grant of £95,481 to MARLENS for their ambitious Clevedon Marine Lake—Fit for the Future project. A collective sigh of relief and joy filled the room.

Made possible by the support of National Lottery players, this transformative endeavour is set to breathe new life into Clevedon’s cherished landmark. With a focus on sustainability and community engagement, The Clevedon Marine Lake—Fit for the Future project promises to create a lasting legacy, preserving this beloved destination for the enjoyment of locals and visitors alike.

The celebration continued, with the excitement spilling out onto the lake itself. A vibrant tableau unfolded as swimmers, paddleboarders, and kayakers of all ages and abilities gathered for a memorable photo opportunity. A group of synchronised swimmers joined the festivities, gracefully expressing their gratitude from the water with a beautifully choreographed display. This heartfelt moment captured the essence of the Clevedon Marine Lake community, showcasing their shared love for the lake and the promise of a revitalised future thanks to the generous support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

LOOKING BACK AT THE LAKE’S INCREDIBLE JOURNEY

The story of Clevedon Marine Lake is one of perseverance, community spirit, and enduring love for a place that holds a special place in countless hearts. Stretching 250m long and filled with 30 million litres of seawater replenished by spring tides, this free-to-use facility offers a haven for swimming, kayaking, sailing, and other water activities. Its popularity has surged since the pandemic, attracting 150,000 visitors annually.

Constructed in 1929 as a seaside attraction complete with a clubhouse, diving boards, and a bandstand, the lake experienced a decline in the 1970s and 80s, a fading shadow of its former glory, eventually falling into disrepair. In the 80s swimming was banned and the access steps were removed.

​However, the community rallied behind its revival and in 2004, Councillor Arthur Knott set up MARLENS (Marine Lake Enthusiasts) to lobby for the lake’s renaissance. The aim of this passionate group was to help make Clevedon Marine Lake ‘as good as new’, in partnership with North Somerset Council, Clevedon Town Council and Clevedon Civic Society. The £1m renovation project was undertaken from April to September 2015; the lake underwent a remarkable transformation, emerging as a revitalised hub of activity and enjoyment.

Today, Clevedon Marine Lake stands as a testament to the power of community action and the enduring appeal of a place that offers both recreation and respite. Nestled alongside the Salthouse Recreation Ground, the Pier, the Bandstand, and Poets Walk, the lake is an integral part of the historic seafront, drawing over 150,000 visitors annually. It’s a place where dreams are realised, friendships are forged, and the healing power of water is experienced firsthand. A recent survey highlighted the lake’s profound impact on the community’s physical and mental well-being, fostering social connections, promoting skills development, and contributing to the local economy.

WHY THIS IS A HUGE DEAL FOR OUR BELOVED LAKE

The Heritage Fund grant is not just a financial boost; it’s a catalyst for a brighter future for Clevedon Marine Lake. Over the next 12 months, MARLENS will embark on a comprehensive strategy to safeguard and enhance the lake’s legacy, embracing its unique heritage while making it even more accessible and enjoyable for all.

This ambitious project will involve:

•     developing a business plan and operating model/structure to achieve MARLENS charitable purpose whilst making them financially/environmentally sustainable

•     reviewing the governance structure and strategic goals

•     developing and starting to implement a fundraising strategy

•     developing/implementing a digital strategy (including a new website and CRM system)

•     developing the volunteer structure to increase the number/diversity of volunteer roles and put in place the policy, processes and systems to support this

•     understanding more about existing and potential new audiences and what they want/need

•     and crucially, reach out to new user groups and trial different ways to engage linked to the heritage of the site

WHAT’S NEXT?

To achieve this ambitious vision, a dedicated team comprising a part-time Business Development Manager, a part-time Volunteering and Community Engagement Officer, and additional administrative support will spearhead the project.

The Business Development Manager will be responsible for the overall development of the sustainable business plan, including operating structures, income streams, and governance review (working with the Trustees and identifying their training needs). This would also include commissioning the Fundraising Plan and the website/CRM. They would lead the development of an environmental policy. Additional expert advice for the governance review would be provided externally.

The Volunteering & Community Engagement Officer will develop the volunteering structure. The aim is to increase the areas that volunteers can support (to aid resilience) and work to implement policies, systems and processes to manage and train volunteers effectively. They will deliver and implement an audience development plan that seeks to engage a more diverse range of visitors and volunteers. They will be responsible for further consultation and outreach/in-reach sessions with new user groups and lead the development of a plan for broader engagement and participation in the lake to increase ownership and access.

With their combined expertise and unwavering passion, this team will champion environmental sustainability, foster robust volunteer engagement, and grow meaningful connections within the community.

A selection of the many wonderful volunteers who support MARLENS

A BRIGHT FUTURE

The future of Clevedon Marine Lake is filled with promise. This cherished community asset, revitalised and reimagined, will continue to inspire, heal, and connect for generations to come. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration, the relentless dedication of volunteers, and the transformative potential of shared spaces. Clevedon Marine Lake is not just a place; it’s a legacy, a story of resilience, and a source of joy for all who experience its unique magic.

Doctor Sarah Swash, Chair of MARLENS, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this generous support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This funding will allow us to realise our ambitious vision for Clevedon Marine Lake, ensuring its continued vibrancy and accessibility for everyone in our community and beyond. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, staff, and supporters, and we’re excited to embark on this transformative journey together.”

About The National Lottery Heritage Fund 

As the largest dedicated funder of the UK’s heritage, the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for, and sustained for everyone, now and in the future, as set out in their strategic plan, Heritage 2033. 

Over the next ten years, they aim to invest £ 3.6 billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to benefit people, places, and the natural environment. 

They help protect, transform and share the things from the past that people care about, from popular museums and historic places, our natural environment and fragile species, to the languages and cultural traditions that celebrate who we are. 

They are passionate about heritage and committed to driving innovation and collaboration to make a positive difference to people’s lives today, while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy.