LEEK AND DISTRICT CIVIC SOCITEY
AS OUR late September meeting progressed it became apparent there was an over-arching theme to our discussions. Although we were following a set agenda, every item as it came up seemed to have a connection to civic pride. This of course is what the Civic Society is all about.
The correspondence we reviewed largely concerned litter; the meetings our members had attended; and a new topic – graffiti around the town. They all linked in with this theme.
Discussions centered on ‘what can we actually do?’ Apart from drawing the attention of relevant authorities, we decided to investigate if the people on community payback schemes could be used particularly on the graffiti problem.
It had been noted that people currently on this programme had made a real improvement to footpaths in Leek.
Civic pride is at the root of things we do. Firstly our ‘Awards Scheme for the Enhancement of the Environment’ is currently open for new entries.
The scheme seeks to acknowledge excellence in any development-completed period from January 2016 to December 2017.
The rules are very simple with the only significant limitation being that the general public can see the development.
This does not mean that the general public have access to the development but merely that it can be seen from a public area – a road or footpath for example.
Entries can be made via our secretary (contact details at the end of this note) who can advise and provide entry forms.
The award takes the form of certificates of merit for entries deemed to have reached a sufficiently high standard with our top award being a brass plaque (known as the Gold Disc) given to the best entry if of appropriate merit.
We are looking for entries featuring new build; refurbished old buildings and entries featuring general environmental enhancements.
The awards certificates are given to all concerned with the development, this includes the owner; builder; architect etc.
It is important to note there are no charges associated with this scheme.
Still rooted in civic pride is our Blue Plaque Scheme. We are proud of the plaques installed so far and are pleased to announce that two further plaques are shortly to be installed in St Edward Street.
These plaques separately acknowledge Sir Thomas Wardle and Lady Wardle and the Leek Embroidery Society.
Both plaques were shown to members and arrangements are being made for installation hopefully in October when all appropriate people concerned have been invited.
Civic Voice – the umbrella association for Civic Societies - has asked us to suggest agenda items for their October conference.
You will not need many guesses that we suggested civic pride.
Please do not hesitate to contact our secretary on 01538 308634 with any questions/suggestions as we seek to be open to all and recognise the note here only covers our meeting superficially.
Our next meeting is on Monday, November 12, 6pm at Greystones.