Griff Rhys Jones at the launch of the Civic Manifesto
The Annual Civic Voice Convention got off to a strong start when Gryff Rhys Jones, President of Civic Voice presented its Civic Manifesto 2015-2020, entitled “Localism for Real”. The manifesto calls on the next Government : to make improving the quality of the public realm a priority; to give all citizens opportunities to shape the future of their place; and to give local communities the powers they need to enable local prosperity.
This year’s event was hosted by the Canterbury Society and supported by Canterbury City Council and Kent County Council. The launch of the manifesto was in the newly opened Westgate Hall. Another highlight was an evening talk at the Cathedral Lodge by Jonathan Foyle, TV presenter and CEO of the World Monuments Fund, and author of a recent book on the Architecture of Canterbury Cathedral.
Delegates at the two-day convention which included the Civic Voice AGM had the opportunity to attend a busy programme of workshops and tours. Subjects included “Accessing Lottery Funding” , “Neighbourhood Planning” and “Assets of Community Value” to name but three.
At last year’s event representative members of the High Wycombe Society met Gryff Rhys Jones up in Liverpool and posed with him for a photograph (see below).
At last year’s event in Liverpool
The High Wycombe Society affiliated to Civic Voice at its AGM in 2013. As a result all members of the Society are able to enjoy a number of benefits of affiliated membership.