Civic Societies and Trusts

'Battersea Society members are local residents and former residents, businesses and even visitors who fell in love with this vibrant part of South West London. Through our work we investigate and honour Battersea’s rich heritage, promote and protect our open spaces, and ensure community is at the heart of development across the historic borough ... By becoming a member you will not only receive our quarterly magazine, Battersea Matters, and invitations to our talks and events, you’ll also join a community of likeminded people celebrating a great place to live and work.'

'Formed back in 1944 to conserve the architectural heritage of this charming Severn Valley town in Worcestershire and to encourage the appropriate and sustainable development of Bewdley ... We hold events, talks & meetings, the meetings are held monthly with a Summer break.'

'Formed in 1980 to cover the same area as the District Council. Since that date the Society has endeavoured to address all aspects of planning both built and environment in the District. Representation has been made at Planning Enquiries and all applications are carefully monitored.' Within the Society, its Local History Group organizes a series of Talks each year, normally between September and April.

'We are a local volunteer-run charity, formed in 1948 to explore and promote the remarkable history of the town and to keep an eye on new developments ... In normal times, we meet on the third Wednesday of each month (except August and December) ... to hear a talk of local and/or historical interest, and hear about changes in the town and surrounding area. The Society is a friendly and socially active group, and welcomes new members.  As well as meeting regularly, we also organise tours and excursions.'

'Exists to preserve the character of this historic and friendly market town, and to make people aware of the need to look after it ... Our monthly meetings ... feature speakers on architectural, archaeological and conservation topics.'

Activities include: * We fight to protect the special character of Clapham, its conservation areas and buildings of historic and architectural interest; * We are consulted on current planning and development proposals and, if necessary, present evidence to formal planning enquiries; * We run a programme of events including talks on local and wider London topics, and walks around Clapham which focus on new developments as well as local history.'

'The Civic Society was founded in 1970 ... The Society holds monthly public and all member meetings, which include a guest speaker. Within the Society, four individual groups - Conservation and Planning, Footpaths, Local History and Environment - provide a platform for people to engage in their own individual passions and then join together to hopefully have an influence on all matters relating to our community and this beautiful place that we are proud to call home.'

'The Clifton and Hotwells Improvement Society, popularly known as CHIS, was founded in 1968 and now has over 1,100 members. Its main aims are: * to improve the amenities of the area; * to preserve the best features; * to maintain the quality of life within the area. Since its inception CHIS has become widely respected for its balanced attitude towards local issues. Although one of the largest amenity societies in the country, it manages to retain personal contacts necessary for the committee to reflect members' views.' Amongst its offerings are 'a series of winter talks and summer walks and visits'.

'Founded in 1963 to represent the people of Corsham in all aspects of conservation, preservation and the promotion of this delightful Wiltshire town ... The Society has a varied programme of events throughout the year ... There are at least 7 meetings a year ... and a wide range of topics are delivered.'

'Founded in 1974 as a response to the rapid development of the town. The Civic Society provides a meeting place for all with an interest in the enhancement and preservation of Droitwich Spa, as a town with a unique heritage and facilities in which to live, to work and to find a stimulating environment. It is committed to the improvement of our town, including the protection and preservation of its historic core. The Society works to enhance, promote and celebrate the town's heritage, participating in local initiatives and contributing to documenting the town's conservation area ... The Civic Society arranges an interesting programme of meetings with guest speakers and visits to places of local interest for members and visitors.'

'Established in 1967 when many of our founding members were closely involved with local residents’ associations in opposing the Council’s radical plans to re-develop the centre of Ealing. We are not connected with any political party or the Council ... The Society holds a number of regular events during the year held at venues in central Ealing.'

'Formed in 1971 to protect, preserve and improve buildings, transport, roads and open spaces in Finchley and Friern Barnet and their environs, and to explore the history and the special features of the area. The Society is independent of Barnet Borough Council and of all political parties ... We hold eight meetings a year, on the last Thursday of January, February, March, April, June, September, October and November.'

'We are a voluntary organisation with over 1200 members. There are no paid staff, and the organisation is run by an elected Council who serve for 3 years and deal with different aspects of the Society’s activities. The Highgate Society’s reputation makes it the first port of call for anyone seeking to develop, conserve or interpret the quality and character of Highgate. It is a source of civic pride and people will know it for its independence of thought, challenging perspective and positive outlook. We will listen, advise, support and act on behalf of all residents across Highgate.'

'The Kidderminster Civic Society was founded in 1993 following the demolition of the Kidderminster Library and the Schools of Arts and Science ... The Society has held back the forces in favour of the steady demolition of the town’s historic townscape by a series of successful listing applications ... There is a varied programme of walks, talks, visits and other events throughout the year. Suggestions for and contributions to the programme are always welcome ... Additional meetings are arranged when local issues arise needing a prompt response by the Society.  It is your Society – help us to use it to good effect.'

'Since its inception in 1967, the Lancaster Civic Society has overseen the preservation of the heritage of the Lancaster and Morecambe district, and its outstanding natural beauty, whilst assisting in its future development.'  We pursue our Objectives 'by means of meetings, exhibitions, lectures, publications, and other forms of instruction and publicity, and promotion of schemes of a charitable nature'.

'Our main aim is tracing, recording and disseminating information on all aspects of Little Bowden . Members have differing levels of involvement - some carry out research into topics with the intention of publishing their results while others are content to enjoy the monthly speakers and activities.'

'Aims to conserve and protect the best elements of Malvern’s heritage in the built and natural environments while seeking to encourage high standards of planning and design for the enhancement of Great Malvern and the surrounding area ... The Malvern Civic Society hold monthly meetings with talks from speakers on a wide variety of topics.'