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The News
DEC 11 Talking Civic Sense DATE_FORMAT_LC2 |  |  | 
for the civic movement in England. It aims to make places more attractive, and enjoyable but also distinctive. It promotes civic pride by rejoicing in the best of our heritage and constructively shaping our future. It has been said: “the whole is much greater than the sum of its component parts.” This is certainly true of Civic Voice that came into existence in April 2010, a year after the collapse of the Civic Trust. In the past 18 months much has been achieved and the momentum appears to be accelerating. Some 290 civic and amenity societies up and down the country, representing over 75,000 individual members now pay a capitation fee to the national organisation. This membership makes it the largest group to be scrutinizing planning policies and applications, aiming to influence development in a positive and constructive manner that will be a benefit to future generations. Tony Burton, the Director of Civic Voice has been working tirelessly alongside the President, Griff Rhys Jones to raise the profile of the civic movement within the country and in government circles. One result of this is that Tony made an excellent and well-received presentation on 1st. November at the inaugural meeting of an All Party Parliamentary Group for civic societies. Individual members benefit from being able to obtain vouchers permitting free admission to English Heritage and National Trust properties. The various civic and amenity societies now have improved insurance schemes; a central resource for information; as well as expert advice and support when confronted by local planning and other issues. The first ever Civic Day was held on 25 June 2011 and involved over 200 community groups across England. The King’s Lynn Civic Society gained 2 awards for their innovative campaigning for the derelict buildings in their town to be brought back into use. More ambitious plans are being made for Saturday 23 June 2012 in order to promote public awareness of their surroundings; showcase the work of civic societies in improving local environments and provide opportunities for people to become actively involved in their communities. With only 2 very hard working members of staff, the organisation is very much led by its grass roots. Much of the recent AGM in Sheffield was spent in analysing the achievements and pointing the direction of travel for the coming year. This is being supplemented by a series of regional meetings, one of which was in Birmingham and led by Griff Rhys Jones. Such meetings not only formulate policy, but also provide excellent opportunities for crossfertilization of ideas with members of other civic societies so we can learn from each other. As Civic Voice is to take over the co-ordination of Heritage Open Days, Hunstanton Civic Society will attempt to liaise with owners of important buildings in the area that might be able to participate and be opened to the public once a year. The recent EDP award recognising the community spirit in Hunstanton should be just a start. 2012 will be an exciting year. An exhibition will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the opening of the railway that literally put the town on the map. A public meeting in November is to consider a memorial and celebration of the life of Henry Styleman le Strange, the man who had the vision of founding the seaside town. Along with the Town Council, Hunstanton Civic Society is responding to consultations from the Borough Council about ways in which development may occur and will be investigating the practicality of building a retirement village associated with affordable housing to accommodate the carers for that community. In this ‘Big Society’, there are many opportunities to play active roles in the community as well as challenges to be met. If you have a little time to become involved, you may find it is very rewarding. For further information, please contact Andrew Murray, Secretary of Hunstanton Civic Society on 01485 532376 or go to www.civicvoice.org.uk |
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