To help us celebrate our 25th anniversary, Lucy, our Digital Communications and Marketing Officer, pledged to uncover 25 historic images of our locations across the South West. 

During her research for the #ItsYour25 challenge, Lucy was surprised to find a personal link to the Trust’s history, read to the end to find out about her discovery. 

Burrator start of work for the Dam 1893

Inspection of Burrator south east corner of Intake circa 1890

Construction of Lopwell Dam June 1955

Members of the Municipal Engineers visit Lopwell in April 1955

Construction of Wimbleball Dam circa 1975

Taken by Arthur Heywood, supplied by Keith Rutledge.

Wimbleball Dam almost complete in 1979

Upper Tamar Lake, September 1977

Credit: cornishmemory.com

Children visit Upper Tamar Lake during construction, September 1973

Credit: cornishmemory.com

Empty Roadford Lake in 1988

View within Roadford Dam, inside the Access Gallery, 1988

Postcard from 1908 featuring Dozmary pool. Outflow from the pool flows into Colliford Lake 

Credit: Liskeard Old Cornwall Society

Siblyback Dam Construction in the 1960s

Sir Vernon Succumbe cutting the first turf for Siblyback dam 1967

Siblyback Dam workers circa 1961 

Argal Dam under construction in 1960 

Completed Argal Dam in 1961

Christchurch Priory 1890s, at the confluence of the Rivers Avon and Stour

Credit: Photochrom Print Collection, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Roadford Coombe Park Excavation 1987-1989. To uncover the “lost” village of Hennard Mill

Painting of 18th century Hennard Mill 

Learn more here.

Avon Dam under construction circa 1955.

Lopwell house circa 1950s

During this process Lucy was inspired to take a look at her own family's photo albums.

Among her family archives were 1950s slides of her grandfather, James, fishing at the Royalty Fishery. Today, the fishery is managed by South West Lakes Trust.

We are delighted to share these images from James’ family fishing trips on the Avon, bridging 75 years of local history and family tradition.

An image of Lucy's first cousin once removed, taken by her grandfather at Royalty Fishery.

What a fantastic catch!

Congratulations on completing your pledge Lucy. 

#ItsYour25