Civic Voice - TrustNews June 10
On 17th April three Trust members attended the launch of Civic Voice in London, and came away impressed by the vision and the energy of those who had brought it about and by those who have been voted in as its new leaders. Civic Voice is the new umbrella organization for civic societies, formed after the demise of the Civic Trust.
Griff Rhys Jones, the President, needs no introduction although, bald and mustachioed for a new acting role, he was unrecognisable to start with; however his enthusiasm and dedication to the cause of local civic societies was unmistakable. Now more than ever, he said, is the time for the 1000 or so societies representing at least 250,000 members, to act together to make local views influence central government planning policy.
Tony Burton, the Director, has, with Ian Harvey made the ‘Initiative’ grow into the ‘Voice’ as a national pressure group, so it is good news that they are to continue as our leading officers. Tony was the Director of Strategy and External Affairs at the National Trust until he transferred with their support to help create Civic Voice; he also has twenty years of experience in voluntary conservation. Ian, young and incredibly hard-working, was a member of the Civic Trust staff and is well suited to become the society’s coordinator.
Paula Ridley CBE, has been elected as chairman of the Trustees forming the first executive committee. She is immediate past chairman of the V&A and, has thirty years experience of the movement having been Secretary and then President of the Merseyside Civic Society.
Sir Terry Farrell, an architect of international repute with a very people-orientated approach to planning and architectural problems, initiated much discussion. He has strong views about the fundamental faults in the planning system, which the Trust’s Policy Group shares but has despaired of ever seeing changed. Who knows, with his guidance, local societies, via Civic Voice, may yet achieve some improvements.
We are very optimistic about the future role of Civic Voice, not only in coordinating local views and lobbying government (a waste of time for individual societies), but also in advising local societies, networking between us, raising the profile of the movement and mounting campaigns two of which are already in progress. Love Local is a campaign which asks individuals and societies to say what it is they most value about their neighbourhood; if you wish to contribute you may do so directly via www.civicvoice.org.uk/campaigns/lovelocal). And Street Pride is concerned with the removal of clutter by making street audits and presenting proposals to the authorities.
Civic Voice is holding area workshops funded by English Heritage in a number of towns including Winchester (with our assistance). Civic Voice is also showing interest in taking up our long held wish to see the few remaining historic towns with country settings given ‘Heritage Town Status’, so that growth may receive the extra special care needed if their character is to be preserved.
Civic Voice Insurance Offer
As a benefit of membership Bluefin Insurance has agreed special terms covering societies and individuals. The range includes premises, public indemnity, homes, cars, travel, and other risks. If you would like to know more, you are invited to contact david.box@bluefingroup.co.uk or use the direct line 020 8776 3327.