Civic Voice Convention and AGM

The third Civic Voice Convention and AGM was held in Coventry on 19th and 20th October attended by over 100 delegates from all parts of England.  Marple Civic Society (MCS) was represented by Gillian Postill, Alan Postill and Arthur Procter.  The two day event included tours of the city to view historic sites and more recent developments on “brownfield” sites.

At the evening reception, held in the glorious 14th century St Mary’s Guildhall, Marple Civic Society received a Civic Day award for “Innovative Community Engagement” presented by Civic Voice director Steve Graham.

The following day delegates got down to the serious business of the AGM.  In a compelling keynote speech President Grif Rhys Jones alerted delegates to the dangers inherent in the government’s new, more relaxed, National Planning Policy.  After having some fun with the definition of “sustainability” Grif made the following points:

• there will be change - that is certain - and we should not resist change per se

• the current economic downturn will end but there will be others in the future

• there are many voices taking part in the economic debate including powerful commercial interests who are not concerned about the interests of local communities

• the present government’s (short term) view is to build its way out of the recession

• the civic movement should not be specifically interested in (or sidetracked by) short term solutions.  We should identify our priorities and make sure our voice is heard.

Besides the business matters the morning session included panel discussions on Neighbourhood Planning, the Portas Review, Heritage Open Days and “Placecheck” (a community led appraisal tool piloted by MCS for Civic Voice last week).

The afternoon session included lighthearted mock interviews with committee members of imaginary civic societies - with our own chair Gillian taking a leading role!  The mock interviews were used to introduce an assessment tool developed at a recent Civic Voice leadership course to help societies reflect on what sort of society they are.

The convention ended with presentation and discussion of proposals for major Civic Voice campaign ideas for the coming year. 

Many thanks to all at Civic Voice and Coventry Civic Society for organising a splendid convention. 

Reception at St Mary's Guildhall, Coventry

Delegates at Work!

Grif Delivering 
Keynote Address

Gillian Receiving Civic Voice Award
on Behalf of Marple Civic Society

More photos photos by 
Arthur Procter here