Wakefield Civic Society

Welcome to the Wakefield Civic Society

Welcome to the home page of Wakefield Civic Society - an organisation dedicated to making Wakefield a better place in which to live, work or relax.

Whether you are a resident or a visitor to Wakefield, the Society can offer something of interest. From printed information through to talks and guided walks and from excursions through to social events, there is something for everyone.

If you would like to help us, please get in touch by emailing us at info@wakefieldcivicsociety.org.uk. Alternatively, you can find details of our membership schemes for individuals and corporate organisations on the attached pages.

Friends of CHaT Parks group launched

The newly formed Friends of CHaT Parks was launched at an event held on 11th February. CHaT (standing for Clarence, Holmfield and Thornes Parks) was set up following an initiative by the Society in 2008. A steering group of volunteers from the community have worked hard over recent months to prepare for the launch and membership is now open to all. For more details, please visit the CHaT website at www.chatparks.org.uk

Following the launch, CHaT is now independent of the Society.

Wakefield Civic Society 2009 Design Awards announced at the Society's AGM.

34 nominations over five categories were considered by a panel of six judges. Award winners were announced at the Society's AGM on 19th March. See our press release on our News page for full details of winners and runners up. Photos of the five winning entries appear here.

1. Regional Fire Control Centre, Paragon Village - joint winner in the new build category

2. New offices at Wakefield Waterfront by CTP St James - joint winner in the new build category

3. Restored Calder and Hebble Navigation Warehouse - winner in the best refurbishment category

4. Mocca Moocho, Cross Square - joint winner in the best cafe bar/restaurant category

5. Deli Central, The Bull Ring - joint winner in the cafe bar/restaurant category

For another perspective on what is happening in Wakefield and some thought-provoking ideas on what might be done - have a look at this website constructed by local designer Peter Barrs. Please note that the views expressed on the site are not necessarily those of Wakefield Civic Society!

What is Wakefield Civic Society?

Wakefield Civic Society was established in 1964 out of a concern for the built environment of our city. Now a registered charity, the Society is also a member of the Civic Trust (see www.civictrust.org.uk) and is dedicated both to preserving and celebrating our built heritage and to campaigning for new schemes to be of the very highest standard and quality possible. Membership of the Society is open to anyone sharing our ideals and details of how to join can be found on our membership pages.

Who We Are

We are a group of friendly, like-minded individuals and organisations who really do care about Wakefield, its buildings, its heritage and its environment. Membership is open to anyone who shares our aims.

The Society was formed in 1964 as a response to the redevelopment of the city which had seen some much-loved buildings being demolished. For over forty years, the Society has been lobbying the council and developers to retain the best of our architectural heritage while trying to encourage high standards of town planning and building design in Wakefield whenever new buildings are being considered.

The Society is part of a regional and national movement. We are just one of over 750 societies across England that are affiliated to the Civic Trust. We are also members of the regional association of civic societies, the Yorkshire and Humber Association of Civic Societies (YHACS).

The Society is one of five active civic societies in the Wakefield Metropolitan District. The others are Castleford and District Civic Trust, Horbury Civic Society, Ossett Civic Trust and Pontefract Civic Society.

Details of Ossett Civic Trust can be found on their website: www.ossettcivictrust.co.uk

Details of Pontefract Civic Society can be found at: www.pontefractcivicsociety.btik.com/home.ikml

Our Aims

1. The encouragement of high standards of architecture and town planning in Wakefield and district.

2. The stimulation of public interest in the beauty, history and character of the area.

3. The preservation, development and improvement of features of public amenity and historical interest.

4. The implementation of these ends by exhibitions, lectures, publications and other means.

While this means that we are committed to saving old buildings of architectural and historical interest, we also like to see ourselves as forward-looking and ready to welcome bold new designs that will enhance the character of our city.

Who's who in Wakefield Civic Society

Officers:

President

Kevin Trickett

Vice-President

Anne Davis

Hon. Secretary

Mike O'Donnell

Hon. Treasurer

Jean Broadbent

Other Committee Members:

David Atkinson
Terry Blackwood
Darren Byford
Bill Forrest

Rick Hayward
Margaret Holwell
Harry Livesey
Colette Lowe

Margaret Mason
Robert Mason
Margaret Morgan
Jean Rhodes

Fran Slater
Peter Slater
Anne Taylor
Margaret Taylor

Peter Taylor
Geoffrey Wood

Roles & Responsibilities:

Communications & Marketing Colette Lowe at The Caleb Group Tel: 01924 386325	Curator & Archivist Margaret Morgan	Diversity Officer Kevin Trickett	Fund-Raising Co-ordinator Margaret Holwell Margaret Mason	Membership Secretary Jean Broadbent
Press Officer Kathy Burke at Green Communications. Tel 0845 450 3210	Social Secretary Margaret Holwell	Summer Programme Secretary Mike O'Donnell	Social Events Lead Anne Taylor	Winter Programme Secretary Anne Davis

Planning Sub-Committee:

David Atkinson

Rick Hayward

Harry Livesey

Peter Slater

Anne Taylor

Margaret Taylor

Peter Taylor