Celebrations Mark Severn Bridge's 50Th Anniversary

[mikey4444]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-37299961

The Bridge was opened 50 years today by the Queen. I remember this being on the news. I was only 13 at the time ! There is now a second Severn crossing, opened in 1996. Not sure how we would manage without them these days !

[Cloverjo]

No, we wouldn't manage without them very well.
I can't see the point of celebrating a bridge's birthday, though. :)

[mikey4444]

Jo....well it doesn't do any harm does it......its a reminder of when Britain used to lead the world in civil engineering, and thats not a bad thing !

Does anyone remember going across in the old Ferry ?

Here is a lovely link to the old Ferry and Bob Dylan !

[mikey4444]

Just found another you tube link :::

[THEMOTLEY1]

9/10 in the quiz in the link, and I've never even been there ;-)

[mikey4444]

Well done Motley !

[jubieanna]

I live right by the Severn Bridge Mikey and knew one of the last people who ran the Severn Princess across before the bridge opened in 1966.
The Severn Proncess was found in Ireland and was just about to be scrapped but was bought for a Guinea and is being restored. She now lies on the banks of the river just under Chepstow bridge.

[mikey4444]

Thanks jubieanna....I never knew that !...I shall look out for it next time I am Chepstow.

I have been to both sides of the ferry route, to take some photos, but can't find them now !

About 6 years ago, Little Willy and I parked on the English side and walked over the old bridge and back. It was a lot farther then I thought, and Willy wasn't impressed one little bit, as the bridge vibrated a lot, especially in the middle.

But its one of those things that I can now tick off and never have to do it again !

[jubieanna]

Ha ha yes it is a bit scary half way across it! Did it many a time in my youth. We'd walk across to Aust services buy a coke and walk back! Happy days

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/14238105.THE_LONG_VIEW__When_you_could_take_the_ferry_across_the_Severn/

[mikey4444]

jubieanna....even more interesting !

I like the bit about the cyclist !

There used to be a funny looking building, on the left-hand side, at the start of the journey over to the English side, with a peculiar metal window. I am not sure if it is still there now, but I always wondered what it was used for.

Any ideas ?

[jubieanna]

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=chepstow+ford&client=safari&hl=en-gb&prmd=mnsiv&source=lnms&tbm=isch&;sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiq6u6Ttf_OAhXJDxoKHW41BtMQ_AUICigE&biw=1024&bih=649#imgrc=7cpSFlfWDmXnbM%3A

Is it this mikey?

[mikey4444]

No.....it looked like a bunker or a pill-box. The metal window stuck out at a funny angle, and was turned towards the motorway. This window was more of a shutter than an actual window I suppose. I wish I had taken a photo now. I thought it might perhaps have been a electricity sub-station, but it looked vaguely military and sinister !

[jubieanna]

I'll have a look next time I go by there mikey. I can't visualise it. I'll ask my step mum moor row when I see her, she might know

[mikey4444]

it might still be there. I don't use the old bridge very much now, as coming from Swansea, its easier to use the new bridge.

[jubieanna]

Obviously easier for me to use old bridge living near Chepstow so I'll have a look

[mikey4444]

Thanks !

[fraser]

My dad worked as a fitter on the the heavy plant when they were building it.

[DTCwordfan]

Two bridges too far.....

[DTCwordfan]

just jossing.....

[frugalfred]

I never understood why the newer bridge was called the "Second Severn Crossing". What a mouthful! I would have preferred - and suggested - Sabrina Bridge.

[mikey4444]

We have more sense here in Wales.....we call the first bridge the Old Bridge and the second bridge the New Bridge....saves an awful lot of confusion does that !