Events and Activities II
Further Afield
Trust members spanned Yorkshire this year. In September we explored Doncaster which has had £740 million invested in it over the last 5 years. During our visit, hosted by Doncaster Civic Trust, we saw for ourselves the difference being made.
Another popular destination was the Yorkshire Film Archives in York in November, where over 50 members took the rare opportunity to see the restored 1968 film commissioned by the BBC and the Trust—‘A Poet Goes North’—showing John Betjeman exploring Leeds architecture.
Finally, it was a day of enjoyable contrasts in June when a full coach of members visited two historic significant neighbours: a rain-drenched Kingston-upon-Hull and the warm and sunny market town of Beverley. We were given excellent tours by their respective Civic Societies.
Civic Societies
Undoubtedly, the Trust is one of the country’s most active civic societies. Where we can, we help promote the development of smaller and less well resourced civic societies. In October the Trust - linking with the Yorkshire and Humber Association of Civic Societies - organised a thought-provoking half-day capacity building conference ‘Up for the Challenge’, with invitations extended to societies throughout the region.
Regular liaison with our 24 Affiliated Societies covering Leeds Metropolitan District has continued. At the second meeting of the year, delegates were briefed on the latest major city centre issues, and societies then highlighted issues of concern in their areas.
Heritage Open Days 6-9 September 2007
We were once again delighted to co-ordinate Heritage Open Days in Leeds this year. Over 60 building openings and activities made it once again the largest event outside London. Openers included The Carriageworks Theatre; Clarence (or Potato) Dock; the Leeds Library; the Brotherton Library; the new Leeds Discovery Centre; Leeds Town Hall; the Self-build Eco-House at Chapel Allerton; Tower Works Holbeck, and a host of museums, public buildings and churches and chapels; plus a dozen guided walks.
As an experiment, this year we decided to rely entirely on people accessing the national Civic Trust’s excellent website for individual events details, while publicising the event as a whole through the press and a leaflet produced in partnership with Leeds City Council. This approach is under review for next year.
Thank You!
We offer thanks to our hosts, guides and speakers. Above all, we appreciate the major contribution of our volunteers to the success of the Trust in a year in which we have organised over 35 events. In recognition, John and Maggie Richards played host to over 40 volunteers, with John leading a walk, despite pouring rain, around West Park before treating everyone to a splendid tea.
Lynda Kitching
Chair, Activities Committee