Blue plaques are a permanent reminder which commemorate a connection between a place and a significant individual. Knowle West’s first blue plaques celebrates Bert Abrams. It was unveiled in a ceremony on 22nd January 2027 by Right Honourable the Deputy Lord Mayor of Bristol, Councillor Andrew Varney.

Bert Abrams was chosen for his commitment to youth work and the many years of service to the young people of Knowle West. Bert was born in 1912 and died in 1985.

Bert Abrams joined the Broad Plain House youth club/Sunday school in 1926, teaching gymnastics and retired as Warden in 1978 after 52 years in post.
Set up four other boys’ clubs in south Bristol.
Represented Hengrove Ward as a Labour councillor for 27 years.
Awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 1976 for services to youth.
Conducted international research on youth work during the 1970s and 1980s through a London Foundation.

Broad Plain development was completed at the end of 2025, it replaces part of the Broad Plain youth club. The street has been named Bert Abrams close. Bert Abrams close is 47 affordable homes, the first to benefit from the Knowle West Local Lettings Policy with 3 of the 5 houses have gone to people with a local connection and 7 of the 11 flats have gone to people with a local connection.

Read more about Bristol Civic Society’s decision to create the plaque here.