Civic Societies Forum

Friends of Parks Groups

2008-04-23T18:47:41+00:00

I would like to know what other Civic Societies think of the following.

2 Committee Members of the Civic Society have instructed the rest of the Civic Society that they are relaxing the amount of work they are doing with us as they want to be working more on setting up a Friends of Park. They feel we do not take into consideration “parks and green spaces” enough on our agenda (which admittedly can be true at times) but instead of losing 2 committed members we are considering setting up a “Friends of Park Committee” but to tell you the truth we do not know where to start. I have approached other organisations for help and have registered on other Forums but no one has really told us what we need to do other than “organise a protest at the site involved”.

We are not involved in any protests to save green space as no protests exists like this but what we want to do is try and get the other Friends of Parks talking to us and each other so we can all know what is going on.

Any help would be very much appreciated

Charities and Fundraising

2008-11-21T16:13:27+00:00

If you are a charity and you want to conduct some fundraising activities, do we need to take into consideration any sort of legal trading agreements? Has any other Civic Society experienced this problem?

City Centre television screens - Griff Rhys Jones’ views in The Times

2008-07-29T07:20:41+00:00

Griff Rhys Jones has aired his views on the Government’s proposals to introduce large city centre television screens across the country. Click on the link below and read his comments.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/guest_contributors/article4419260.ece

Local Policy Discussion

2008-11-17T21:14:40+00:00

Have the Civic Trust ever considered holding grassroots “brainstorming events” where local communities could propose policy reforms. This could increase pressure on Government to accept ideas that are firmly rooted in local communities. I would like to hear what other people think

Griff Rhys Jones joins the Civic Trust as President - your views?

2008-06-17T07:58:37+00:00

The Civic Trust launched Griff Rhys Jones as our new President on Tuesday 17th June. Griff is passionate about the things that matter to the Trust and our members - the quality of our environment, heritage - and making better places. He holds a strong belief that people should take responsibility for improving the places that matter to them - and that joining a civic society is a perfect way in which to do this.

What do you think about Griff joining as our President? Is there something that you would like to see him talk about, publicise or comment upon?

Would your Civic Society be interested in voting on a shortlist of winning CTA schemes for your region?

2008-04-24T05:49:32+00:00

Civic Societies provide invaluable support to the Civic Trust Awards and as we enter the schemes 50th anniversary in 2009, we would like to seek your views and gain support for a new initiative to recognise some of the past Civic Trust Award winning schemes.

Do you feel Civic Societies and other members of the comminity would be interested in voting on a shortlist of winning CTA schemes for your region? Some of these schemes date back to 1959 and we would like for the community to determine which of these schemes has been the most successful for that region.

We would like to secure some regional funding to allow this idea to develop, but ideally we would like to recognise the “best” past winning schemes at the CTA Awards Event in March 2009.

Your views on this idea would be appreciated so that we can establish the likely success of the initiative - with a deadline for feedback to be received by Wednesday 28th May 2008.

In order to send us your comments, please CLICK post reply and tell us what you think.

Civic Trust Award Winners - Did we get it right????

2008-04-01T15:22:10+00:00

Thirty schemes from around the UK have won awards at a major ceremony in Newcastle on Wednesday 12th March. The Civic Trust Awards originally attracted over 400 entrants, and the winners are projects that are recognised as culturally, socially or economically beneficial, and make an outstanding contribution to the quality and appearance of the environment.

Chair of the Civic Trust, Philip Kolvin said: “This year’s winners include private houses and public spaces, museums, schools and public art. We are proud that the Awards encompass such a wide range of schemes, and allow commercial developments to compete with community projects in providing better places for people.”

Was Philip right, should the Civic Trust have given the Awards it did? Did we Award a Scheme that you did not agree with? Perhaps we did not award something you felt was particularly worthy?

We would be keen to hear your comments????

Heritage Open Days - What benefits for Civic Societies in being involved!!!

2008-04-02T08:47:46+00:00

Heritage Open Days celebrates England’s fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. Every year on four days in September, buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors, ranging from castles to factories, town halls to tithe barns, parish churches to Buddhist temples. It is a once-a-year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which bring to life local history and culture.

In 2007 were involved in Heritage Open Days , opening buildings, offering guided tours and giving historical talks. The new Heritage Open Days round is about to open thus if you want a way to raise your profile and educate others about your historic environment this is your perfect opportunity.

It would be interesting to hear the thoughts from Civic Societies who participated last year on what the benefits of being involved is?

Civic Societies can now exchange news and views!!!!

2008-04-01T13:15:25+00:00

Available to both Civic Societies and the public, this website highlights the issues facing citizens today - from buying locally to town centre management. The website encourages and helps people to take action, make their views heard, and play their part in shaping their local communities.

The Civic Trust would be delighted to hear your opinions on this website. We have been working hard to meet the needs of Civic Society Members over the past 3 months but we wiill not end here.

We have many more thoughts about how we can improve this site and ensure we can offer all the necessary support to the Civic Society Movement but first we would like to hear what you think

Design Champions - does your authority have one?

2008-03-30T10:40:07+00:00

The task of Design Champions, at councillor and officer level is to raise and maintain a high profile for quality design in the built environment within their organisations and localities and ensure the inclusion of quality design considerations within relevant strategy, policy and development documents.

Over 80 local authorities already have a design champion but the Civic Trust would like to see all 354 local authorities sign up to this initiative and encourage excellence in design.

Do you think the Design Champion Initiative is working? Could Local Authorities do more to promote it? Do you even know who your Design Champion is? Discuss this here!