A Monthly Publication

 A New Year – a new challenge? Hunstanton Civic Society met in December, and their patience in undergoing our 6^th AGM, was rewarded with a dynamic talk on Norfolk stone by John Selby followed by food and friendship.

We asked the members present for their views in a special Questionnaire. We asked them what they wanted the Civic Society to concentrate on in 2010. They told us that:-

· Hunstanton should take more local control of our amenities including The Green, Tourist Information Centre, Car Parks, Community Centre and Cemetery.

· Strong support for a heritage centre, a Town Square and keeping the Princess Theatre open.

· Almost all did not wish the Civic Society to abandon the issue of The Green and the ‘Pier’.

· They favoured pressing local and national government for action to remove the ‘Pier’ Entertainments building from The Green possibly by a ‘site swap’ with the old Kit Kat site.

· Opinion was divided over the restoration of the original name of Hunstanton St. Edmund.

· Support for a statue of Henry Styleman le Strange.

· Most people in favour of a campaign for the re-instatement of a railway to King’s Lynn.

· Strong support for the extended Conservation Area and the Shop Front policy.

Our Talk by John Selby on Norfolk stone, started from the top of our cliffs down to the bits on the shore.  It was beautifully illustrated and very well received. The stone, often found only in relatively localised areas, has been used with a wide range of special building techniques, providing many buildings around here with unique features. John has been a good friend to the Society, as Conservation Officer, helping us with his knowledge and expertise. His was one of the most helpful faces of the Borough Council, and his early retirement in August 2009 leaves a large gap. In recognition he was presented with Life Membership of the Society.

Margi Blunden, committee member, presented the annual report on behalf of the Trustees.  Our monthly talks evening have continued to be popular and attended by between 80 and 100 and our membership is about 280.  The Civic Society hosted a meeting in the Town Hall at which Cllr. Nick Daubney and Ray Harding, Chief Executive of the Borough Council outlined the Council’s position in relation to the granting of a Deed of Variation to the Hunstanton Pier Company.  As Hunstanton was not successful in its regeneration bid we will return to look with the Borough Council at individual improvements to the promenade.  The interpretation boards erected last year have now been properly sealed against the weather and are well used.  John Smith and Brian Holmes have contributed a large photographic display at the Oasis café giving a humorous and educational look back at the town’s past.  The Civic Society is keen to support and promote greater public awareness of St. Edmund, both as King and Saint and his history and connections with Hunstanton.  Another very successful exhibition about the King’s Lynn to Hunstanton railway was organised in the Coal Shed Gallery by Brian Holmes.  During the year the Society has monitored planning applications and responded to a variety of documents put out to public consultation.  It has also fostered links with several national organisations as well as a number of local groups. The treasurer, Mr. Ken Lawson gave an account of the society’s healthy financial situation. The evening was rounded off by a very tasty buffet supplied by Dewdrop’s Catering and Kate Dunbar.

The three officers of the society, Martin Chown, Chair, Mr. Andrew Murray, secretary and Mr. Kenneth Lawson – Treasurer were re-elected.  The following were elected as Trustees and committee members :-  Ms. Margi Blunden, Mrs. Susan Boxell, Mr. Roy Clark, Mr. Tony Gooch, Mrs. Jilly Hall, Mr. Brian Holmes, Mr. David Jones, Mr. John Maiden, Mrs. Margaret Robinson, Miss Ivy Scales and Mr. John Smith.

Our next meeting on 5^th. January 2010 will hear a presentation by entrepreneur, Mr. Peter Dawe.  He will describe his ideas on climate change and the feasibility of building a barrier from Old Hunstanton across to Skegness in order to generate electricity from the tidal water and also provide protection from flooding. 

The Hunstanton Civic Society web site is regularly updated.  It includes reports of our activities and meetings, a diary of events as well as sections on the town’s history and a photograph gallery. See www.hunstanton-civic-society.org   Committee meetings are open and held in the meeting room at the Council Offices in Valentine Road. The next one on Wednesday  January 20^th. at 11.30 follows a meeting with Mr. Chris Bamfield, the Borough Council’s Director of Leisure and Public Space. Any member is most welcome to attend!