Sid Vale Association

'The Sid Vale Association is the oldest Civic Society in Britain. On September 18, 1846, the first meeting of the Sidmouth Improvement Committee took place. This was the first expression of concern by our "founding fathers", to conserve the charm and attractiveness of Sidmouth and the Sid Valley.  Later the SVA was registered as a charity: "… for the Protection of the Beauties and Amenities of the Neighbourhood and to promote and aid its Cultural Development".  The SVA has been active since that time. Over the years we have bought land in the Valley and opened a Museum, maintaining them both through volunteers, organised walks and talks and generally helped to both preserve and improve the appearance and amenities of the Valley.'