How we started - Alan Robinson, founder

The Southampton that I grew up in was that of the 1920 s and 30 s. I well remember the town centre with its open-top trams and attractive selection of shops and cafes in Above Bar. I remember its many cinemas – some conversions from other uses and later on some impressive contemporary buildings, two of which I think have survived the passage of time, although no longer used for their original purpose.

This picture abruptly changed in the winter of 1940. As I watched from the relative safety (!) of an army ammunition store on Salisbury Plain it soon became evident that a heavy air-raid was taking place over Southampton.

The following morning I rushed to the nearest telephone box to check on the family only to discover that there were no telephone connections to Southampton. Fortunately I was able to obtain a day’s leave and I travelled there by bus to find that the centre of town was blocked off and the scene was one of incredible destruction. Approaching the Junction I was shocked to see that Plummer’s store was completely burnt out and the view into Above Bar was almost unrecognisable.

Anxious to get home I approached a nearby tram still apparently unharmed to discover that there was no overhead wiring left! However, further out of the centre the system was still working and I was able to reach my home and find my family were safe.

For me, that was the end of Southampton as I had known it.

While the destruction of the town centre had been abrupt, the process of restoration proved to be slow and as it developed, seemingly without much coherence or sense of style. It soon became clear that there was an urgent need for an organisation which could monitor the development of the new Southampton centre.

In 1962, in conjunction with the Civic Trust, I called a meeting to be held in the Conference Room of the Civic Centre on Friday 23rd November. Ironically, this clashed with several other worthy gatherings, thus depleting our numbers. After a short introductory address by me the meeting was handed over to the representative from the Civic Trust, a Mr Tim Rock, and subsequently for general discussion.

Although the idea of a civic society was universally accepted a majority preferred the title of Civic Trust, and this was adopted until some time later when it was changed to City of Southampton Society. “Caring about our City” was the reason for the formation of the Society fifty years ago, and remains our fundamental objective now.

Fortunately, we have had a succession of dedicated supporters and committed Southamptonians who have given their time and services both to the continuation of the Society and the enhancement of modern Southampton.