Urban Studies - TrustNews Summer 1993
The theme of the Lecture Series this year has been 'Winchester as a European City'. The speakers included Dr Carmen Hass Klau, Canon Keith Walker and Professor Colin Fudge. This series has been stimulating with every talk being pertinent and addressing problems that are going to be fundamental to the way in which we live in our towns and cities in the future. If we are to continue living with a reasonable life style, then certain problems, particularly regarding the vehicle have to be resolved.
It was disappointing that so few members attended the series because although some issues raised were disturbing, the talks were given by positive people all of whom in their various ways are optimistic and at the forefront of making things happen, using considerable difficulties as a catalyst to turn problems into real contributions.
Every speaker had the quality of vision and leadership. Qualities that often appear to be lacking in many of our current political forms. A lecture that was added into the Series was given by representatives from Laon in Northern France, a City with a history not dissimilar to our own. It was fascinating to hear how much they both organised and promoted themselves. It was also educational to hear how they were attempting to come to grips with conserving their mediaeval core, one of the biggest in Europe, and attempting to resolve the car pollution problem which is causing some city authorities to question the sustainability of many of their buildings.
To summarise the lectures, therefore, it would seem that to fit ourselves for the twenty first century (seven years away!) we require from politicians and their advisors - vision, leadership and some global thinking, leading to more positive decision making, with good end results, particularly regarding the problems of car pollution and congestion. This must be the key to preserving precious fabric.
A City with a history not dissimilar to Winchester. Old houses and narrow streets lead up to the crowning glory of Laon
which is one of the great Mediaeval Cathedrals of Europe with its towers, impressive facade and superb 13th Century stained glass