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David Tyler has discovered the following:

Man on the Left is Leonard GUY, Manager (later General Manager) of Grand Pier 1933-1945

Man on the Right (with oar) is Albert Clifford EXTON (later killed in action 29th August 1916) born 1895 Private No 16103 enlisted Weston-super-Mare, Gloucestershire Regiment 10th Service Battalion.  Father - James EXTON, Mother- Emma Jane EXTON nee NEWMAN, brothers were Thomas (1879) and Gilbert (1891) lived at 32 South Road, WsM included on the Thieval Memorial France.

 It is reported in the 1928 copy of the WsM Gazette that JACK, whos owner was the Pier Manager, Mr Harry COLES, would ring the pier bell two minutes prior to ferry departure times. His reward would be a coin. This he would take to the shop where he would buy himself a biscuit, Wether the dog in the picture was the same JACK is highly unlikely.  

Can anyone recognise these characters?  What was the name of the dog?

Thank you so much for the information Graham.  It is so good the get the full details to enter on to a family tree.

The family name started out as Gardener but it seemed to change to Gardiner from about 1851 although a family member that emigrated in the late 1830's did not change the spelling and remains as Gardener.  I have learnt over the years to look up all 3 spellings of the name, just in case.

According to the Milton Road burial register John Henry Gardner (not Gardiner) Aged 53, Civil Enginer was buried 5th September 1905 in grave Tc569. There was no memorial. Place of death was given as Myrtle Vale, Clevedon Road,Weston Super Mare.

Hi Debbie, I notice that you have surname interests listed for Curry, Jones & Taylor. All names that I'm researching. I have just added these names to the surname interest page and also added a tree. Would be really like to know if we have a connection, kind regards, Avis