Calling all Teddy Boys and Girls: the Clevedon Pier roadshow needs you!

Were you one of the Teddy Boys or Girls who danced the night away at the Clevedon Pier dance hall? Do you remember the Wurlitzer juke box on the pier? What were the hit tunes you enjoyed at the time? What memories do you have of fun times on the pier? Anyone with memories and anecdotes of the Clevedon Pier is invited to come along to an open day at the pier on Friday 14 August as part of the People's Pier Project, a study into the popular culture of seaside piers and how they fit with today's society. The project, led by the University of Brighton in collaboration with the Universities of Bristol, Kent and Edinburgh, aims to investigate how piers are changing from pleasure palaces with gambling machines and rides to hubs for hosting community events, including pop-up cinemas, music and food festivals. The researchers are keen to people who remember Clevedon Pier over the years and collect stories, memories and information about life on the pier in the post-war era. Project leader, Dr Olu Jenzen of the University of Brighton said: "We'll be pitching up Antiques Roadshow-style on the pier to record people's stories and memorabilia. We're hoping for lots of memories, perhaps some photographs, and lots of stories from both enthusiasts and the occasional visitor. "We're looking to people who remember Clevedon Pier over the years to help us document the pier's changing impact on our local society. So do come and share your memories and anecdotes of Clevedon Pier with us on the Open Day." A team from the universities will be on hand to anyone who wants to talk about their memories of the pier and Clevedon.