THE official unveiling of Chester’s restored Suspension Bridge has created its own unique piece of history.
For watching the proceedings were three generations of the Carr family – because ancestor Alderman William Carr was the Sheriff of Chester when the bridge was opened in 1923 and a plaque on the structure bears his name.
At the official unveiling family members included his grandson 90-year-old Alexander Carr – a Normandy veteran who kept a picture of his grandfather, wearing his Sheriff’s chain of office, hidden in his uniform during the landings on French beaches in the Second World War.
At the Suspension Bridge he was joined by, among other family members, great grandson Adrian and great, great granddaughter Gemma Cosens.
And there to meet them on the bridge was the present Sheriff Cllr Bob Crompton.
Alexander Carr said: “I thought a lot of my grandfather and that is why I kept his photo so close to me.
“He was always so busy and his house was full of people. He was also a magistrate and I am very proud of him.”
William’s great, great granddaughter Gemma Cosens said: “There was no way that my family would miss such an historic event.
“We are very proud of my great, great grandfather and would not have missed this ceremony for anything in the world and all the family are very happy to see that the plaque has been restored to its former glory.”
The Suspension Bridge cost £8,000 to build.
Following a recent detailed inspection of the bridge, areas of corrosion have been treated and some of the supporting steel work has been replaced.
New, non-slip material has been put in place across the full width of the deck.
The entire structure has been cleaned and given a new coat of paint. All heraldry, plaques, signs and decorative metalwork have been restored to reflect the status of this prominent local landmark.
Cllr Lynn Riley, executive member for community and environment, said: “It is wonderful to see this iconic bridge now restored to its former glory.
“Restoring the Suspension Bridge is part of our wider investment along the Groves and this important link can play its part in its magnificent setting overlooking the Groves and Queen’s Park.
“Much work has taken place and it was fantastic that the Carr family could be there to watch the final part of the refurbishment – the plaque containing William’s name - being put into place.”
Handbridge Park Cllr Razia Daniels said: “Local people are very pleased with the restoration project and the bridge is now looking spick and span, ready to continue as a well-loved city land mark.”
Chester Cllr Samantha Dixon said: “The Suspension Bridge has been photographed by visitors from all over the world since 1923 – it really is an iconic structure - and it is great that it is now in pristine condition.”
Richard Lydon, chair of Queen’s Park Residents Association, in his speech at the official unveiling, said: “It takes dedicated people to manage successful projects and the engineering team have worked hand-in-hand with the residents groups to keep the bridge open both to pedestrian and river traffic whilst making major improvements to all aspects of the entire Queen’s Park Bridge.
“Both Queen’s Park Residents Association and Friends of Grosvenor Park and The Groves are very pleased with the work undertaken and the attention to detail carried out by the whole bridges and structures team.”
The Riverside Tea Gardens supplied refreshments after the unveiling ceremony.
