Professional Documents
Culture Documents
For People
and objectives
The Civic Trust works for better places in which people can live, work and
relax. We believe that these places must be designed and built to respond to
the needs of the people who use them. They must be accessible to, and safe
for, their communities.
Our work encompasses four themes: People and Places in the To achieve our goals we shall:
Community, Better Places in the Built Environment, Better • Bring together and promote the views of a wide range
Places in the Green Environment and Policy and Campaigns. of people to influence decision makers and shape our
communities.
Our objectives and achievements are highlighted in each of • Use professionally and technically competent people to
these themes, showing the progress which has been made in promote best practice
both new and longer term programmes. • Recognise those people and places that reach the highest
standards.
The Civic Trust continues to be a powerful, definitive and
distinctive voice which helps communities to imagine, shape and The strategic objectives to help the Civic Trust achieve its
deliver inspiring places and an enduring future. vision are:
• To strengthen and grow an active civic movement.
The Civic Trust will enhance the general well-being and quality • To empower communities and residents to raise standards
of lives of people and communities by working with them to in their environment of the future.
value, enjoy and provide aesthetic, prosperous and greener • Work with local and national government to influence and
places for a sustainable Britain. That is our vision. shape policies.
Our values
Foreword
and introduction
//
All over Britain people who love and care about their towns and Making Restoration I realised more than anything else that
cities work to take responsibility for something that affects us people do care. They want to know what is going on – what is
all - our local landscape. I salute them, respect them and am going to be built, who is taking things down or putting things
delighted to be made their President and to support the work of up. They want to be involved. They want to save buildings
the Civic Trust. they love. They want to see what can be done to make simple
and direct changes. They want to be told about what is to be
Personally I love townscape, I love exploring streets. I love imposed on areas they know well. And on the whole they don’t
seeing what is round the next corner, lighting upon the know how to make their voice heard.
unexpected Georgian square or the neat row of workers
cottages or the old tiled walls of a Welsh dairy. My affection for But if they don’t, then they should. If I could assist in one thing
towns extends to most outlying borough or the furthest flung it would be to make people aware of how helpful their interest
allotment. I love the dropping calm of a wooded close. I like can be. Communities are an ideal place to create a genuine
the noisy bustle of an improvised street market. I want to pass lobby, to show that the built environment affects everybody
through that arch and into the square, or go down that alley. on a daily basis. We all need to say that yes, it is my back yard
thanks, and I want to have a voice.
What am I looking for? I think it is human imagination. It is
the right to belong together in places that makes cities, towns, I can only hope that collectively we can gain a voice and make
villages, suburbs and even malls so potentially attractive. It all our feelings known. I have learned that we must step forward
stimulates, uplifts and ennobles. and speak up, and this is the reason why I am so honoured to be
asked to be President of an organisation that enshrines those
This is not just a search for the olde worlde, or the quaint. virtues.
Modern imaginative development gets me going just as much,
especially if they embody some individuality, some quirk, some I salute all who take the time to join up, speak up and take note.
respect for the local amenity. //
It is neglect, blatant self interest, lack of scale and sympathy Griff Rhys Jones
that hurts. It is the dominance of inappropriate demands of President
traffic, commerciality or advertising that blight.
Alpine House, Kew Gardens Essex University Lecture Hall Rooftop Nursery
A Civic Trust Award winner, this This Civic Trust Award winner Receiving a Mention in the 2008
stunning glass building provides a reflects existing mature trees and Civic Trust Awards, this nursery
gateway and focal point for Kew’s passing people, giving a lively, provides a much needed, and well
Rock Gardens. people-centred feel to the area. liked facility for local people.
Photo: Helen Binet Photo: Charlotte Wood Photography Photo: Tony Montana
02
Philip Kolvin, Chairman
//
We were absolutely thrilled when Griff Rhys Jones joined
the Civic Trust as our President. Griff is as passionate as we
are about the importance of people in place making, and we
look forward to working with him to raise the profile of the
Civic Trust, our campaigns, views and achievements – and the
achievements of all of our members.
Philip Kolvin
Chairman
National Cold War Museum Civic Trust Awards Ceremony Hazelwood School, Glasgow
Sustainability Award winner 2008 The Civic Trust Awards 2008 were Civic Trust Award winner 2008 - the
- this stunning building provides a hosted in Newcastle by historian inclusive ethos of the school is
new controlled environment display and broadcaster John Grundy. embodied in the structure, interior
for the collection of historic aircraft. Photo: Andy Paraskos design and fit out.
Photo: Hufton and Crow Photo: Andrew Lee
03
Better Places for People
The Civic Trust’s Annual Review for 2008
The Gold
Route,
Sheffield
A Civic Trust
Award winner,
this popular,
imaginative
and welcoming
scheme
highlights
the heart of
Sheffield and
brings together
different areas
in an attractive
and innovative
streetscape.
Photo: Sheffield
City Council
04
The Civic Trust
has provided
// // // //
training events The speaker A highly The talk A very useful
and lectures
throughout the
was excellent accomplished gave us the overview of
year, from Every and answered speaker who information the legislation
Action Counts
(environmental
peoples was very clear, to support and
training) to questions well enthusiastic objections procedures
lectures by built and to the and easily and how around
environment
professionals. point. understood. best to be licensing laws.
Feedback has been // // influential on //
positive.
local policy
making.
//
Civic Societies The voice of the Civic Society movement is strong and
Civic Societies represent us all. They are groups of local informs the policies and programmes of the Civic Trust.
people who, like the Civic Trust, are passionate about the In turn, we represent the views of our members in our
places in which we all live, work and relax. campaigning work with Government and policy making
organisations.
Civic Society members work to improve their environment,
through campaigning, education, fund raising and direct The Civic Trust provides a central helpdesk for Civic Societies.
action. They undertake a wide range of activities, from We support nine Regional Associations, who in turn, offer
renovating buildings, working with planning departments and practical support to local Civic Societies, for example, through
proposing local improvements. organising networking events and annual conferences.
Over 700 Civic Societies are members of the Civic Trust and
their commitment and practical support for our programmes is
vital. Over 100 Civic Societies were involved in Heritage Open
Days this year, opening buildings, offering guided walks, or
giving talks. Over 40 Civic Society members volunteer as local
assessors for the Civic Trust Awards, and many Civic Societies
run local awards schemes to encourage and promote good
design and architecture in their own communities.
York Civic Trust Costumes were chosen, and in some was being done to introduce the
More than 100 young people cases made, in preparation for the 18th Century to 6th formers, as it
swapped their trainers and T shirts ball, which took place in September appears that this period in history is
for 18th century costumes and at York’s spectacular Palladian not currently being studied as part
staged their own Georgian Ball as Assembly Rooms. Students of their ‘A’ level courses.”
part of an event organised by York received specialist dancing lessons,
Civic Trust. which one male student believed Student James Bailey, 18, who has
were “harder than rugby.” been involved in Young York Civic
York Civic Trust is home to the first Trust events in the past, said the
Young Civic Trust in the UK, and Darrell Buttery, President of York experience had been unique.
wanted young people to become Civic Trust, whose idea it was to
more aware of their heritage in an create this young York Civic Trust “I haven’t studied this period of
enjoyable way - and above all, to event, added that there had been history at school and enjoyed
participate. Young people from a two smaller balls over the last five visiting different Georgian Houses;
York Civic Trust’s Georgian Ball selection of secondary schools in years but that this was the first it has really given me a greater
Photo: York Civic Trust the city were invited to take part, time since 1951 that a large scale understanding of Georgian life. The
and York Civic Trust drew upon local Georgian Ball had been re-created. project has been inspirational!”
expertise to teach them about 18th
century life, social etiquette and He commented: “As a teacher, and www.yorkcivictrust.co.uk
social graces. one who loves the 18th Century,
I was worried that not enough 05
BLACKPOOL CIVIC TRUST
The Blackpool Civic Trust was
The Trust arranges a busy
programme of talks, walks and
//
formed in 1975 to encourage events, including day trips to It will be even
and support the town of
Blackpool and its people.
other like minded societies in
Liverpool and York.
better next year
because we are
The Trust undertakes a wide Blackpool Civic Trust are going to have
Better Places for People
The Civic Trust’s Annual Review for 2008
WAKEFIELD CIVIC SOCIETY’S canvasses and voices the opinions We walked, as a team, in pouring
KATE TAYLOR IS A LOCAL of the local community. rain, around the scheme. Then
ASSESSOR FOR THE we had a lengthy session indoors
NATIONAL CIVIC TRUST Kate said “I spoke to the chair of whilst we dried out, covering a
AWARDS the local Civic Society, and one of range of subjects, from quality of
Wakefield Civic Society has long the local councillors, to get their design and impact on regeneration
held their own building design opinions. Then I spent a happy to acceptance (or otherwise) by
awards, which are given every two morning by the scheme, stopping the local community.
years. The Society presents the as many people as I could – young
awards to encourage and highlight and old, couples and people Being a local assessor is always
good design in their town. walking alone, mothers with interesting and different; we
prams, youths with bicycles… visit different schemes and meet
Civic Society member Kate Taylor different architects each year, and
is involved with the local awards, There is always an access assessor I would really encourage other
Wakefield Civic Society and three/four years ago decided in the team, and it is good to members to take on the important
Wakefield Civic Society also manage a to become a local assessor for learn from their perspective; is local assessor role.”
Blue Plaque scheme to commemorate
the national Civic Trust Awards. the structure suitable for people
notable buildings and residents.
Photo: Wakefield Civic Society
Each year, entries are judged by with mobility problems? Is there
teams comprising an architect, somewhere for the weary to sit?
access assessor, local authority Are there hazards for the visually
advisor and the local assessor, who impaired?
06
Heritage Open Days (HODs) the percentage of parties with children attending the
Buildings are so much more than structures. They play a large event (32% in comparison with 21% in 2006).
role in our lives, from the buildings where we learn and live, • Negotiated an extension to our Heritage Lottery
to those which provide space for worship and sport. Heritage funding of the successful Heritage Open Days Education
is the combination of people and places, and the stories that programme for schools.
become their history. • Worked with English Heritage, the National Trust and
the Historic Houses Association to open 228 of their sites
Heritage Open Days celebrates England’s architecture, history across England free of charge during HODs
and culture over one long weekend in September, when • Redesigned the website and online directory and
buildings which are normally closed to the public, or which increased visits to the HODs website by almost 13%
normally charge for entry, are opened free of charge. From from the previous year. Visitors used the website during
castles to factories, town halls to barns, parish churches to the five months up to and including HODs to plan their
Buddhist temples, buildings of all sizes and functions are visits.
open for tours and events. • Launched “Made in England” a new campaign to
celebrate English manufacturing locations, traditions
Heritage Open Days was established in 1994 as England’s and skills as an important part of this country’s cultural
contribution to European Heritage Open Days in which heritage.
49 countries now participate. The Civic Trust co-ordinates • Have again achieved excellent media coverage with
Heritage Open Days in partnership with English Heritage. over 1,000 articles or pieces featuring or mentioning the
Thanks to over 35,000 volunteers who share their knowledge event. Coverage in national magazines ranged from BBC
and memories with around 1 million visitors every year, History Magazine to the Ecologist. Among the national
Heritage Open Days is England’s largest voluntary cultural newspapers, Sunday Telegraph (Seven), The Guardian
event. (Family & Review), The Times (The Knowledge & Travel)
and The Independent (Main) picked up on HODs. We
We said we would: estimate that HODs achieved around 90% coverage on
• Increase the number, diversity and geographical spread the local radio network.
of sites opening for Heritage Open Days. • Introduced for the first time online registration to help
• Promote Heritage Open Days to young people. us cope with the significant increase in participation. 1/3
• Raise the profile of Heritage Open Days locally and of the HODs programme was registered online
nationally.
• Streamline administration and communication.
We have:
• Increased the diversity of our visitors from the
previous year, with a 10% increase in visitors from our
priority groups, including the BME and lower income
communities. Over 3,500 properties opened across the
country, including 231 industrial sites, 70 theatres and
cinemas, 60 archaeological sites and 87 libraries and
archives.
• Reduced the overall age of HODs visitors and increased
We said we would:
• Continue to support local entrepreneurs to develop
business ideas in their communities.
• Extend the BizFizz network into new locations
BIZFIZZ We have:
In any community there are people who want to do things, • Expanded BizFizz into 21 locations across England and
who have a passion – based on an idea, a skill, a hobby or an Scotland with the new economics foundation. BizFizz is
interest – that they could turn into a business. now helping communities in Burslem (Stoke), Clowne
(Derbyshire), Hastings (Sussex), Holmewood/Quadrant
BizFizz was launched in 2001 and is an innovative national (Bradford), Horton Grange (Bradford), Hucknall and
programme for entrepreneurs. It supports local start-ups, Kirby (Nottinghamshire), Keighley (Airedale), Lakenham
micro and small enterprises in areas experiencing economic (Norwich), Mansfield Woodhouse (Nottingham), Mile
disadvantage. It turns the passion and enthusiasm of Cross (Norwich), Port Glasgow (Inverclyde), Shipley
individuals into a driving force for local economic renewal by (Airedale), Shirebrook (Nottinghamshire), South
mobilising the skills and resources within communities. Normanton (Nottinghamshire), Sutton in Ashfield
(Nottinghamshire), Thorpe Hamlet (Norwich), Wansbeck
BizFizz has worked in 30 areas across England and Scotland (Northumberland), Warsop (Nottinghamshire), Weardale
where BizFizz coaches help entrepreneurs to develop their (County Durham), West of Norwich (Bowthorpe,
businesses in their own communities. Each community has a Larkman, Marlpit, Earlham).
local panel of experienced people who offer their skills and • Continued to work with the new economics foundation
advice to the new businesses, and these people are critical to to develop and deliver BizFizz
BizFizz networking event Peter Gill, BizFizz client Bag by BizFizz client
Bringing together a network of Peter used the support of a BizFizz BizFizz client Lisa Angel has
experienced volunteers to help new coach to establish his new business. launched her successful business
entrepreneurs to start their own Photo: Peter Gill (lisaangel.com), designing and sell-
businesses. ing jewellery and fashion items.
Photo: BizFizz Photo: Lisa Angel
08
// //
The BizFizz Coach has put me in touch The BizFizz experience over the last two
with so many helpful people on the years of working in partnership with
panel. I have had help with marketing, other support agencies and the Council,
sponsorship for my fashion show, help and its demonstrated ability to provide
with my website, my cashflow forecast, support into the heart of the community
I got a great contact with radio Norfolk has resulted in local enterprise coaching
that resulted in a lot of local support for becoming a key part of CWEA’s
my business. The whole team of people economic strategy.
have opened doors for me – there is //
nothing to stop me now. I don’t know David Horstead
Chester and Warrington Economic Alliance (CWEA),
how other people in a similar position Director of Strategy and Intelligence
to me cope without the kind of support
I have had from the Coach and all the
other people locally. I think that is why
a lot of businesses are less successful
when they start up.
//
Lisa Angel
Fashion Designer, Bowthorpe
REGENERATION Pilot projects have taken place in eight locations across the
UK, and additional pilots are taking place in Westminster,
PURPLE FLAG Manchester, Birmingham, Kingston, Bath and Oxford.
Whilst the rapid growth in eating, drinking, dancing and
socialising in town centres can be seen as a success story, We said we would:
it has also raised concerns over the management and • Develop the depth and specialism of the product to
maintenance of town and city centres. respond to competition and sustain the programme in
the long term.
After feedback from civic society members, the Civic Trust • Achieve a positive profile and credibility in an area of
spent three years researching the night time economy. The major national concern affecting Civic Societies.
Government funded research resulted in the “Night Vision” • Develop the Purple Flag standards with the help of
report, which stresses the need for diversity in the night time national experts
economy. • Pioneer the Purple Flag methodology in an intensive
series of Purple Flag pathfinder pilots.
Following extensive research and consultation, the Civic Trust
has developed a new “gold standard” for entertainment and We have:
hospitality areas at night. Purple Flag has taken into account • Started a new High Street programme in Princes
the findings of the “NightVision” report, and is based on Risborough.
the standards that people expect from their town centres. • Launched an additional six pilots of the Purple Flag
Locations that meet the standard will qualify for a Purple to ensure that the criteria and application systems are
Flag. robust.
• Launched the Purple Flag to a Parliamentary audience of
Purple Flag aims to raise the standard and broaden the over 60 people.
appeal of town centres from 5pm to 9am. It encourages all • Attracted 45 local authorities to express an interest in
stakeholders to work together, from licensees and theatres, the new accreditation scheme.
to local authorities and residents. By doing this, the scheme • Launched the “NightVision” Award at the Civic Trust
will co-ordinate the efforts of the public and private sector, Awards.
and aims to replace the negative perceptions of the night time
economy with a positive vision. In turn, this will enhance the
economic, cultural and leisure potential of our town and city
centres, for the enjoyment of all age groups.
Manchester China Town German Christmas Market Great Malvern High Street
A successful evening economy A successful evening economy A partnership between local people,
offers is one which is attractive, safe offers is one which is attractive, safe businesses and authorities working
and vibrant. and vibrant. to develop a thirving local economy.
Photo: Hannah Mummery Photo: Hannah Mummery Photo: Bridget Orr
10
The Royal Festival Hall
The Royal Festival Hall, London
//
was the winner of the Civic A well managed
Trust’s “NightVision” Award in
2008. This award was given for
evening economy
the first time to celebrate the enhances the
Trust’s “NightVision” report
which stressed the need for
economic,
diversity within the night time cultural and
economy. leisure potential
The Royal Festival Hall has of our town and
made a fantastic contribution city centres, and
to the public realm, bringing
life and activity to the area. The the Civic Trust is
scheme has reshaped the entire delighted by the
environment surrounding the
Royal Festival Hall, and has been
success of the
critical to the renaissance of Royal Festival
London’s South Bank, providing
a world class public space.
Hall in developing
a vibrant public
space.
//
Paul Davies
The Westminster Pavilion in the refurbished Royal Festival Hall Head of Policy &
Winner of the Civic Trust’s “NightVision” Award, the Royal Festival Hall has trans- Development,
formed the South Bank area. The Civic Trust
Photo: Dennis Gilbert/View
Great Malvern, Worcestershire was the first town in the The Civic Trust’s regeneration team provides practical plans
UK to take part in the programme, and has been joined by for the revitalisation of villages, towns and cities to make
Princes Risborough in Buckinghamshire where residents, sure that they meet the needs of all stakeholders from local
traders, councillors and the local civic society are working authorities to local residents.
together to deliver the four themes of the programme. Local
co-ordination, good design, promotion of the town, and With over 50 years of professional regeneration and urban
economic development are brought together to improve the design experience, the Civic Trust has made a difference to
town for all. development schemes all over the UK.
//
As with many small Market Towns across regeneration project for the Town Centre
the country in recent years, Princes and we are very pleased to be working
Risborough High Street has been battling to that end in partnership with the Civic
against the tide of large “out of town” Trust. Although the Town Council has been
supermarkets and huge new shopping working towards these measures for some
centres in neighbouring bigger towns. As time, the current economic climate means
part of our efforts to keep our town centre that this project is now essential if Princes
alive we have already revamped and Risborough is to survive as a thriving
expanded our weekly market and the Town Market Town.
Council has allocated funds to introduce a //
much needed one-way system in the High Alan Turner
Mayor
Street. The next step is for a broader
11
Better Places for People
The Civic Trust’s Annual Review for 2008
East Beach
Café,
Littlehampton,
Sussex
Civic Trust Award
winner 2008 - an
amazing seafront
structure, the
building is
sliced diagonally
into ribbons
which wrap up
and over the
building, and has
become an iconic
structure for
Littlehampton.
Photo: Andy
Stagg
Better Places
in the Built Environment
Through our campaigning work, policy development and awards schemes, the
Civic Trust has always recognised and highlighted the importance of the built
environment. Successful buildings are inspirational, architecturally significant
and have a positive effect on the communities that use them. We believe that
people deserve better places where they can live, work, learn and relax.
12
CABE respectively sponsoring Awards for Access and
Streets.
• Worked with 92 local authorities and 280 professional
and local assessors to judge the Civic Trust Awards.
• Strnegthened the national judging panel with the
appointment of professionals from the environmental
and inclusive design fields.
Civic Trust Awards • Promoted the Civic Trust Awards in the national media,
Launched in 1959, the Civic Trust Awards is the oldest and generated £93,000 worth of press coverage
built environment award scheme in Europe. From cafes • Introduced an online entry process, saving time and
and churches to housing and hospitals, the Civic Trust resources.
has rewarded almost 6,000 buildings which have made a
difference to their communities by providing the design and
facilities which have made better places for local people.
The Civic Trust Awards are unique. They recognise the best
in the built environment, from architecture to planning,
townscape to infrastructure – but they are about so much
more than this. They recognise the public realm in its wider
context and our continuing belief that development should be Built Environment Network
for the benefit of people. For half a century the Civic Trust has run the Civic Trust
Awards. This has generated an amazing archive containing
We said we would: details of over 1000 Award winning schemes, and a further
• Continue to encourage a wide range of entries to the 4,500 buildings which have received Commendations and
Civic Trust Awards. Mentions. This unique collection is a valuable source of
• Raise the profile of the unique nature of the Civic Trust information about successful design since 1959 and we are
Awards developing a major project to create and expand online,
• Maintain and increase the number of invaluable interactive archives.
volunteers who judge the Civic Trust Awards.
• Expand the Civic Trust Awards. We said we would:
• Streamline the entry process. • Advance our preparation for BE-Net, a new learning tool
comprising a searchable database of photographs, judges’
We have: opinions and subsequent analyses of winning buildings
• Attracted 408 entries into the Civic Trust Awards, from The Civic Trust Awards’ scheme.
resulting in 21 winners of an Award. 50 schemes
received Commendations and 23 were given Mentions. We have:
• Attracted entries from new sectors, including wind • Launched an appeal for volunteers at the Civic Trust
farms, and increased entries from education and Awards Exhibition. These volunteers are undertaking
restoration schemes. retrospective assessments of previous winners.
• Launched the new Civic Trust Awards website (www. • Developed a prototype website where the public will be
civictrustawards.org.uk) which highlights winners able to view previous award winners and leave their own
and sponsors, provides assessor information and built assessments and comments.
environment news updates.
• Organised the Civic Trust Awards gala dinner at
Newcastle’s Civic Centre, where winners were announced
in front of over 350 guests. Guests also enjoyed local
tours culminating in a special raising of Newcastle’s
famous Millennium Bridge.
• Introduced two new Special Awards, with ICI Paints and
// // // //
We are proud to We support the Civic I am passionate I became involved as a
support the Civic Trust Trust Sustainability about the centres of local assessor as I have
in working towards Award so that our cities. This is a always been interested
aesthetic, practical excellence can be terrific opportunity to in architecture and
and sustainable revealed, recognised recognise the good design. During the
designs that enhance and rewarded. work that is being judging I enjoy mixing
the quality of lives // done instead of always with professional
Aggregate Industries
of people and sponsors of the
concentrating on the architects and sharing
communities. Sustainability Award problems and missed their knowledge.
// opportunities. //
ICI Paints
Sponsors of the Access
// Terry Edgar
Griff Rhys Jones, Local Assessor
award
President, the Civic Trust
13
Better Places for People
The Civic Trust’s Annual Review for 2008
The Outwoods,
Charnwood
Borough
Council, East
Midlands
Green Flag Award
winner 2008 - an
historic woodland
which enjoys
considerable
support from
local volunteers,
including
students and
staff from local
companies.
Photo: Eric
Webster
Better Places
in the Green Environment
Our green environment provides us with places in which to work, relax,
socialise and play. From country parks to cemeteries, and water gardens to
nature reserves, quality green spaces make a difference to the lives of our
communities.
14
Green Flag Award Scheme We said we would:
The Green Flag Award Scheme is the national standard for • Attract 621 entries to the Green Flag Award Scheme.
parks and green spaces in England and Wales. Free of charge, • Attract entries from 60% of local authority areas
Green Flag Award winning sites can be rural or urban, wild or • Have a network of at least 560 judges
formal, and all provide a welcoming and well managed space • Publicise the Green Flag Award Scheme
for their local community. • Continue to develop our online systems
• Consider options for extending the Green Flag Award
Volunteers are key to the success of the Green Flag Award Scheme
Scheme, with an experienced and professional network
of judges who visit each site over a period of two months We have:
each year. Many parks owe a huge debt of thanks to other • Attracted 863 applications in England and Wales last
volunteers; people from the community who fundraise, hold year, resulting in 732 winners. In addition 42 sites won
events and help to maintain their parks. Friends Groups, Green Heritage Site Accreditation and 73 community and
Civic Societies and individuals across the country work hard voluntary run green spaces won a Green Pennant Award.
alongside parks professionals to improve green spaces for • Attracted entries from 71% of local authority areas,
everyone. which resulted in 67% of local authority areas having
one or more award winning site.
This year, 79 community and voluntary groups entered their • Trained over 600 green space professionals as Green Flag
own green spaces for the Green Pennant Award, resulting Award judges.
in 73 winners across England and Wales. The high quality • Generated over a quarter of a million pounds of coverage
spaces include churchyards, village greens, allotments and an in local, regional and national press.
urban farm, providing valuable green places in the heart of • Organised the national Green Flag Award ceremony
their communities. The Green Pennant Award recognises and in European Capital of Culture, Liverpool, where over
rewards the dedication and effort of these committed groups. 1500 park professionals, councillors and Friends Groups
collected their Green Flags and Pennants, followed by a
The Civic Trust is contracted to manage the delivery of celebratory dinner for 500 people.
the Green Flag Award Scheme, which is supported by • Piloted the Green Flag Award Scheme in Northern
Communities and Local Government. The Scheme is steered Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Holland, with 6
by the Green Flag Advisory Board which comprises founders applications and 6 winning sites
of the scheme, sponsors, winners, judges and a community • Introduced sponsored Special Awards for Innovation
representative. which highlighted excellence in each of the assessment
criteria for the Green Flag Award Scheme.
//
Judging is both enjoyable
and rewarding. Judges
make new friends in park
managers; they contribute
to the development and
improvement of parks, and
they learn and can take
forward innovative ideas to
Sheffield Winter Gardens Greenwich Park other parks they judge.
Green Flag Award winner 2008 - a Green Flag Award winner 2008 - a //
spectacular indoor park which key part of the Greenwich Maritime Tom Risely
provides an important city centre World Heritage Site, this park has Green Flag Award Judge
amenity. around 4 million vistors each year.
Photo: Sheffield City Council Photo: The Royal Parks
15
Country Parks
Network
charity the Field Studies Council is leading on the project are registered members. Members are committed to the best
in partnership with the Civic Trust. Eco Challenge is a three management, maintenance and staff training to ensure that
year project offering around 7500 pupils from 250 schools country parks provide a real benefit for the community.
in 22 of the most disadvantaged urban areas of England
the opportunity to experience and enjoy the natural We said we would:
environment. • Maintain an up to date contacts database
• Develop and manage the network
We said we would: • Maintain and develop the Country Parks network
• Identify and recruit suitable providers for in each project website in accordance with user satisfaction
area to deliver post course activity • Raise awareness and capacity of those managing
• Capture details of all activities that providers can deliver Country Parks through skills, training and personal
in each project area development.
• Co-ordinate post course activity for all schools who
complete a residential course at Field Studies Council We have:
centre • Continued regular communication with all of our
members to ensure a fully engaged network, including
We have: quarterly newsletters and fortnightly e-news alerts
• Promoted the project to potential post course providers • Continued to make improvements to the CPN website,
in all areas where the project has been opened updating regularly with the latest news, events and
• Recruited more than 20 post course providers across the guidance
country to deliver post course sessions • Undertaken a full analysis of training needs through a
• Helped co-ordinate more than 25 sessions of post course survey of all CPN members
activity including environmental surveys school grounds • Contributed to the development of new criteria to
improvement work and practical conservation tasks redefine site typology for Country Parks
• Delivered a successful pilot of the Country Parks
Community Spaces Accreditation scheme assessing 17 Country Park sites
The programme is managed by Groundwork UK on behalf against the newly developed criteria
of a consortium of environmental organisations, including
the Civic Trust, who are recruiting and training facilitators
to support local groups with their projects. The consortium
manages the Community Spaces programme on behalf of the
Big Lottery Fund.
We said we would:
• Recruit and train at least 50 facilitators
• Allocate a facilitator to each project application
We have:
• Recruited and trained 52 facilitators who help
community groups to develop their applications.
• We have allocated facilitators to over 200 projects.
Centre for Wildlife Gardening Morgan Jones Park, Caerphilly Sefton Park Palm House
Green Pennant Award winner 2008 Green Flag Award winner 2008 - the Green Pennant Award winner 2008
- a small urban retreat, the centre park offers a wide range of activities - volunteers provide a programme
is host to a range of community for the local community, including a of fifty events each year at this
projects. grass maze and wildflower meadow. Grade II listed Victorian building.
Photo: Tracey Neil Photo: Jerry Ryan Photo: Palm House Preservation Trust
16
St Mary
Magdalene
Church,
Croome Park,
Worcestershire
St Mary
Magdalene
Church was one
of over 3,500
properties which
opened for
Heritage Open
Days. The Civic
Trust supports
the preservation
and development
of our heritage,
and campaigned
strongly against
elements of the
draft Heritage
Bill.
Photo: National
Trust
Policy
and Campaigns
From the proposal for the sympathetic development of Piccadilly Circus in
1959, to the recent campaign against elements of the Planning Bill, the Civic
Trust has always been active in the development and preservation of our towns
and cities, reflecting members’ needs and interests.
17
Policy And Campaigns We have:
For over 50 years, the Civic Trust has acted as a conduit to • Produced policy briefings and updates in both the
and from national Government, promoting the views of electronic and quarterly issues of Grass Roots.
members, distilling Government initiatives and feeding back • Responded to ten consultations, on subjects ranging
their effectiveness on the ground. from the Planning White Paper, Housing Green Paper
and Tree Preservation Order procedures.
Our work in developing policy and delivering campaigns • Played an active part in a national coalition of charities
supports and influences our activities across all our main and organisations which includes Friends of the Earth,
Better Places for People
The Civic Trust’s Annual Review for 2008
themes. the RSPB, the CPRE and the Ramblers Association which
continues to campaign for changes to the Planning Bill.
We said we would: • Developed a draft standard for the management of
• Create and circulate briefings on current affairs that will towns and city centres; Purple Flag Accreditation will be
affect the Civic Society movement. launched in 2009.
• Create and promote position statements on issues that • Joined other charities in campaigning for the cutting of
affect the wider Civic Trust agenda VAT from 17.5% to 5% for all home improvement and
• Respond to Government consultations on issues affecting maintenance work, which will encourage renovation of
the Civic Society movement. existing properties.
• Disseminate best practice from the NightVision report
Working in partnership
Better Places for People
The Civic Trust’s Annual Review for 2008
20
SUMMARISED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED 31ST MARCH 2008
2008 2007 2006
£ £ £
Incoming Resources from:
Voluntary income 83,762 86,148 119,128
Investments 16,699 15,317 12,246
Charitable activities 2,054,670 1,900,857 2,184,090
Total Incoming resources 2,155,131 2,002,322 2,315,464
Resources Expended on:
Generating voluntary income 5,339 4,540 13,863
Charitable activities 2,060,952 1,907,965 2,230,542
Governance 21,528 28,949 20,398
Total Resources Expended 2,087,819 1,941,454 2,264,803
Net incoming resources 67,312 60,868 50,661
Funds brought forward at 1 April 140,361 79,493 28,832
Surplus carried forward at 31 March 207,673 140,361 79,493
We have examined the summarised financial statements set out above. 2008. Moore Stephens LLP, Chartered Accountants, Registered Auditors,
St Paul’s House, Warwick Lane, London EC4M 7BP.
Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Auditors – You as
Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the summarised financial These accounts are a summary of information extracted from the Annual
statements. We have agreed to report to you our opinion of the Accounts. These summarised accounts may not contain sufficient
summarised statements’ consistency with the full financial statements on information to allow for a full understanding of the financial affairs of the
which we reported to you on 27th January 2009. charity. The full Annual Accounts, the Auditors’ Report on these accounts
and the Trustees’ Annual Report were approved on 27th January 2009 and
Basis of Opinion – We have carried out the procedures we consider will be submitted to the Charity Commission and to Companies House.
necessary to ascertain whether the summarised financial statements are The Auditors’ Report was unqualified. A full copy of the Annual Accounts
consistent with the full financial statements from which they have been can be obtained from Companies House or from the Civic Trust website at
prepared. www.civictrust.org.uk. They can also be obtained by calling in at the
Civic Trust’s offices in London or Liverpool, or by telephoning 020 7539
Opinion – In our opinion the summarised financial statements are 7900 and asking for a copy to be sent to you.
consistent with the full financial statements for the year ended 31st March
Trustees serve a term of between four and eight years and meet at least Our Vice Patrons are:
four times a year. Writer and broadcaster, Griff Rhys Jones is President of • The President of the Royal Institute of British Architects
the Civic Trust, and during the period covered by this review, our Board • The Chief Executive of the British Property Foundation
of Trustees has comprised: • The Lord Mayor of Cardiff
• The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh
21
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT CABE – the Commission for Architecture and the Built
Environment
It is important to us that we continue to work with Civic Caliba Signs
Societies and our other members and represent their views and Charcon
concerns in our work. Our latest strategy will take us from the Chester City Council
present day to 2012, and help us, and our members to develop Community Development Foundation
and remain a proactive, coherent, representative and nationwide Countryside Council for Wales - Cyngor Cefn Gwlad Cymru
movement. We shall: Communities and Local Government (CLG)
Better Places for People
The Civic Trust’s Annual Review for 2008
22
VOLUNTEERS If you would like to find out more about working with the Civic
Trust, and being part of a national network of people who not
Volunteers are key to the success of the Civic Trust and our only care about where they live, work and relax – but who are
work. We are very grateful for all the work that volunteers have actively involved in making places better, please contact:
undertaken over the last year to help us achieve our aims and
objectives. The Civic Trust
2nd Floor, Essex Hall
Civic Societies – over 750 local groups, with 250,000 1-6 Essex Street
members, many of whom give their time freely to improve their London
communities and the places that matter to them. WC2R 3HU
Tel: 020 7539 7900
Civic Trust Awards assessors – over 250 architects and built Email: info@civictrust.org.uk
environment professionals who volunteer to visit the buildings
and sites which apply for a Civic Trust Award. Northern Office
The Civic Trust
Civic Trust Awards local assessors – over 100 representatives 5th Floor, Century Buildings
from the community who work with the rest of the judging team 31 North John Street
to visit applicants for a Civic Trust Award, and who in particular Liverpool
put forward the views of the local community. L2 6RG
Tel: 0151 231 6900
Civic Trust Awards National Panel – a group of senior Email: northernoffice@civictrust.org.uk
architects and built environment professionals who meet twice a
year to debate the nominations for Civic Trust Awards, and agree www.civictrust.org.uk
on those which merit Awards, Commendations and Mentions. www.civicsocieties.org.uk
www.civictrustawards.org.uk
Heritage Open Days volunteers – almost 35,000 people www.be-net.org.uk
volunteer to open buildings, and help with the running of www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Heritage Open Days. Activities range from giving guided tours www.made-in-britain.org.uk
to providing refreshments, and from organising children’s events www.greenflagaward.org.uk
to generating local press coverage. www.bizfizz.org.uk
www.countryparks.org.uk
BizFizz panels – groups of experienced local people who are www.highstreetuk.org.uk
willing to use their time, skills and networks to benefit fledgling www.mycard.org.uk
businesses in deprived communities.
23
MEMBERSHIP Prudential Property Investment Managers
Ltd
//
We are very grateful to all our members for Purcell Miller Tritton We believe that it is
their support: PWP Architects important for high profile,
Quality Hotel Stoke on Trent reputable companies
Individual members Ramboll Whitbybird
Richard Coleman Consultancy
in our communities to
Civic Societies Rick Mather Architects work closely with the
Civic Trust and support
Better Places for People
The Civic Trust’s Annual Review for 2008
24
Cornmill
Gardens
Cornmill Gardens,
a Civic Trust
Award winner,
is an attractive
new public park
and space which
was created as
part of an urban
renaissance
programme. The
gardens have
changed the
character of the
area, providing
a high quality,
popular public
amenity.
Photo: David
Barbour
25
The Civic Trust
2nd Floor, Essex Hall
1-6 Essex Street
London
WC2R 3HU