Paul Beams and Charlie Trafford
Where is the Paul Beams and Charlie Trafford Pause Place Located?
Located on the Somerset Esplanade this Pause Place features a bike sculpture and a park and pedal facility adjacent to the Coastal Pathway and an access point to the beautiful Somerset beach. The Rotary all abilities playground is close by, and if you head along the path to the east for 3 minutes you will arrive at the mouth of the Cam River, a place to play and rest.
If you continue walking east, Burnie is 7km away along the Coastal Pathway.
From here its 12 km walk in the west direction to Wynyard along the newly built Coastal Pathway.
Behind you, approximately 500m away is Somerset town centre with shops, cafes and transport.
Too far to walk? There is a bus stop just 5 minutes away at Falmouth Street (Stop 15). This link will take you to the bus timetable.
About the Paul Beams and Charlie Trafford Pause Place
This Pause Place is dedicated to the Somerset Community Shed and its founders Paul Beams and Charlie Trafford. The Shed was founded in 2011. It was privately owned by the Beams family and handed over by daughter Kristi on condition it was dedicated to community use.
Her father, Paul Beams, with mate Charlie Trafford set about creating a welcoming place for all-comers to enjoy a wide range of creative endeavours.
Over the years and with the active support of wives Aileen and Jan, the Community Shed grew in popularity as people were attracted to its uniqueness.
The sad loss of Paul (13/7/19) and Charlie (20/6/21), prompted huge efforts to save the shed in their honour and, buoyed by the gift of the land it stood on, funds were finally acquired direct from members to buy the shed outright and so Somerset Community Shed continues to thrive today enriched by the foresight and generosity of the Beams and Trafford families.
Vale Paul Beams and Charlie Trafford, two great characters always fondly remembered.
The history of Somerset Esplanade
Acknowledgement
We acknowledge the history of this land extends far beyond the time of European settlement and that this land has been looked on and lived on by people from different cultures and with different perspectives. We appreciate that the history shared on this website has gaps, telling some stories in far more detail than others. In particular, we are aware that there are many stories to be told of the first peoples of this land and that these fascinating and important stories warrant respectfully celebrating.
Consequently, please consider this website as a work in progress. We will seek to improve our understanding and share as much of these insights and stories as can be done in a manner that is appropriate and respects the first peoples of this land.
Thank you for your patience.
Modern History of Somerset Esplanade
The area’s European settlement dates back to the mid-19th century when crown land was parcelled out in 1845 for the “township of Somerset.” The settlement was officially named Somerset in 1856 in honour of the Earl of Somerset. In the early days it was also known as “Port Maldon” and “The Cam,” with the latter name being used well into the 20th century.