20th & 21st Centuries Up until the 1950s, agriculture, which had long been mainly milk and cattle, and its support services, provided the majority of employment. There were huge changes in the village between 1961 and 71 when the population more than doubled, but with the help of Alex Cran, then the vicar, the newcomers were accepted and Congresbury, with its wealth of history has remained a friendly community with much to offer both residents and visitors. Swiss Air Disaster In April 1973 the village was in mourning after a charter plane smashed into a Swiss mountain during a blinding snow storm after overshooting Basle airport, killing 108 passengers and crew. 20 who died came from the village. The Queen

The Queen being driven through a rainswept Congresbury in July 2007. Photograph by Jim Ward.

The Millennium Bridge and Green The Green covers more than seven acres along the River Yeo. On the southern banks lies a nature reserve, a habitat for water voles, a pond and a community orchard with native fruit trees. To the north, the Green is bordered by rhynes with dipping pools. Three copses of native trees were planted by parishioners. With a footbridge over the river, the Green offers a safe route to schools and shops. It has been a wonderful success.

Millennium Bridge by Peter Talbot