Better Places

For People

annual review 2008

 The Civic Trust –
our vision, values
Better Places for People
The Civic Trust’s Annual Review for 2008

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
Community, Better Places in the Built Environment, Better
Places in the Green Environment and Policy and Campaigns.
Our objectives and achievements are highlighted in each of
these themes, showing the progress which has been made in
both new and longer term programmes.
The Civic Trust continues to be a powerful, definitive and
distinctive voice which helps communities to imagine, shape and
deliver inspiring places and an enduring future.
The Civic Trust will enhance the general well-being and quality
of lives of people and communities by working with them to
value, enjoy and provide aesthetic, prosperous and greener
places for a sustainable Britain. That is our vision.
To achieve our goals we shall:
• Bring together and promote the views of a wide range
of people to influence decision makers and shape our
communities.
• Use professionally and technically competent people to
promote best practice
• Recognise those people and places that reach the highest
standards.
The strategic objectives to help the Civic Trust achieve its
vision are:
• To strengthen and grow an active civic movement.
• To empower communities and residents to raise standards
in their environment of the future.
• Work with local and national government to influence and
shape policies.

04 PEOPLE AND PLACES

IN THE COMMUNITY
Civic Societies and other members – a nationwide network
of over 750 Civic Societies with 250,000 members, many of
whom are actively improving the places that matter to them
and helping to develop and promote the interests of the local
community.
Heritage Open Days – a celebration of the country’s heritage
where 3,500 buildings from mosques to museums open free of
charge, staffed by a network of 35,000 volunteers.
An education programme is founded on Heritage Open Days
and engages with school children of all ages to bring our
heritage alive for them.
Made In England – an online showcase which celebrates
England’s manufacturing heritage and highlights surviving crafts
and skills
BizFizz – exploring and supporting entrepreneurial ideas in 21
deprived local communities using innovative coaching methods
and networking.
Regeneration – a consultancy service which provides proposals
for the sustainable and sympathetic regeneration of town and
city centres.
NightVision – a unique approach to improving town and city
centres at night, making them welcoming and attractive to all.
Purple Flag – a pilot scheme to reward town and city centres
which have developed a thriving and inclusive night time
economy.
Sacred Places Tourism – a partnership with other
organisations to enhance the experience of all those who visit
churches and sacred buildings.
Every Action Counts – training for local people who want to
make an environmental difference to the places in which they
live, work and relax.

Civic Champions – training people who are dedicated to their

local community and who wish to become local entrepreneurs.
 St George’s Hall, Liverpool
Photo: Morley Von Sternberg
Winner of the Civic Trust’s City of
Culture Award 2008, renovated
by Purcell Miller Tritton LLP.
This scheme provides a new focal
point for Liverpool City Centre,
and deservedly, is a popular
source of civic pride. Originally
designed in the 1830’s as a civic
hall and courts, St George’s Hall
has been brought back into use
after 23 years of closure. The
renovation of the Grade II listed
building, and improvements to
the external works has restored
a great asset to the community
and the city. A wonderful symbol
for an historic, internationally
acclaimed city.

Our values

It is important to us that the outcome of our work:

• Promotes a feeling of civic pride.
• Fosters community involvement and facilitates active
participation in democratic processes.
• Preserves the best of the past.
• Designs for a sustainable future.
As an organisation we will:
• Empower people from all walks of life who share our hopes
and aspirations.
• Respect the views of others and continue to act as an
honest broker to seek positive outcomes for the whole
community.
• Collaborate in bringing about change for the benefit of
communities.
• Challenge those things that work against the interest of a
thriving community.
• Acknowledge the business community’s role in creating
prosperity.
• Nurture creative and inspiring outcomes.
• Be professional and well informed.

12 BETTER PLACES IN THE

BUILT ENVIRONMENT 14 BETTER PLACES IN THE
GREEN ENVIRONMENT 17 POLICY AND
CAMPAIGNS
Civic Trust Awards – recognising Green Flag Award Scheme – the We undertake research,
outstanding architecture which national standard which rewards policy development and
improves the quality of life for local excellence in public parks and green campaigning on issues
communities. spaces, with a focus on community that are of serious
involvement concern to members
Built Environment Network and local communities.
(BE-Net) – an online interactive Green Pennant Award – celebrating
archive of Civic Trust Award winning the best of community run spaces.
buildings, which highlights changing
design over the 49 years of the Award Eco Challenge – a project
scheme. offering pupils from 22 of the most
disadvantaged urban areas of England
the opportunity to experience and
enjoy the natural environment.

Country Parks Network – a web-

based network of over 350 country
parks, sharing best practice and ideas.

Community Spaces – supporting

community groups in developing
applications for funding to improve
their local environment.
01
 Better Places for People
The Civic Trust’s Annual Review for 2008

Griff Rhys Jones, President

Foreword
and introduction
//
All over Britain people who love and care about their towns and
cities work to take responsibility for something that affects us
all - our local landscape. I salute them, respect them and am
delighted to be made their President and to support the work of
the Civic Trust.
Personally I love townscape, I love exploring streets. I love
seeing what is round the next corner, lighting upon the
unexpected Georgian square or the neat row of workers
cottages or the old tiled walls of a Welsh dairy. My affection for
towns extends to most outlying borough or the furthest flung
allotment. I love the dropping calm of a wooded close. I like
the noisy bustle of an improvised street market. I want to pass
through that arch and into the square, or go down that alley.
What am I looking for? I think it is human imagination. It is
the right to belong together in places that makes cities, towns,
villages, suburbs and even malls so potentially attractive. It all
stimulates, uplifts and ennobles.
This is not just a search for the olde worlde, or the quaint.
Modern imaginative development gets me going just as much,
especially if they embody some individuality, some quirk, some
respect for the local amenity.
Making Restoration I realised more than anything else that
people do care. They want to know what is going on – what is
going to be built, who is taking things down or putting things
up. They want to be involved. They want to save buildings
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
imposed on areas they know well. And on the whole they don’t
know how to make their voice heard.
But if they don’t, then they should. If I could assist in one thing
it would be to make people aware of how helpful their interest
can be. Communities are an ideal place to create a genuine
lobby, to show that the built environment affects everybody
on a daily basis. We all need to say that yes, it is my back yard
thanks, and I want to have a voice.
I can only hope that collectively we can gain a voice and make
our feelings known. I have learned that we must step forward
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
virtues.
I salute all who take the time to join up, speak up and take note.
//

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
A Civic Trust Award winner, this
stunning glass building provides a
gateway and focal point for Kew’s
Rock Gardens.
Photo: Helen Binet
02
Essex University Lecture Hall
This Civic Trust Award winner
reflects existing mature trees and
passing people, giving a lively,
people-centred feel to the area.
Photo: Charlotte Wood Photography
Rooftop Nursery
Receiving a Mention in the 2008
Civic Trust Awards, this nursery
provides a much needed, and well
liked facility for local people.
Photo: Tony Montana
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.

More and more communities are becoming involved with the

Civic Trust through programmes such as Heritage Open Days,
which this year saw over one million people visiting 3,500
properties to explore their heritage. Many of these events are
supported by our civic society members, who continue to work
so tirelessly to improve their own communities.

We are developing and launching innovative programmes, such

as Purple Flag, and High Street, which are bringing together
local authorities, businesses and communities in improving the
places where we all live, work and relax.

This review showcases the achievements of the Civic Trust, and

of our members. With your help and support, we shall continue
to celebrate and care for the past, and to influence the places,
spaces and people that are our future.
//

Philip Kolvin
Chairman

National Cold War Museum
Sustainability Award winner 2008
- this stunning building provides a
new controlled environment display
for the collection of historic aircraft.
Photo: Hufton and Crow
Civic Trust Awards Ceremony
The Civic Trust Awards 2008 were
hosted in Newcastle by historian
and broadcaster John Grundy.
Photo: Andy Paraskos
Hazelwood School, Glasgow
Civic Trust Award winner 2008 - the
inclusive ethos of the school is
embodied in the structure, interior
design and fit out.
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

People and Places

in the Community
People make places. Vibrant and healthy communities are about the places
where they live, and play an active part in ensuring that they grow and survive.

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
Civic Societies represent us all. They are groups of local
people who, like the Civic Trust, are passionate about the
places in which we all live, work and relax.
Civic Society members work to improve their environment,
through campaigning, education, fund raising and direct
action. They undertake a wide range of activities, from
renovating buildings, working with planning departments and
proposing local improvements.
The voice of the Civic Society movement is strong and
informs the policies and programmes of the Civic Trust.
In turn, we represent the views of our members in our
campaigning work with Government and policy making
organisations.
The Civic Trust provides a central helpdesk for Civic Societies.
We support nine Regional Associations, who in turn, offer
practical support to local Civic Societies, for example, through
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’s Georgian Ball
Photo: York Civic Trust
York Civic Trust
More than 100 young people
swapped their trainers and T shirts
for 18th century costumes and
staged their own Georgian Ball as
part of an event organised by York
Civic Trust.
York Civic Trust is home to the first
Young Civic Trust in the UK, and
wanted young people to become
more aware of their heritage in an
enjoyable way - and above all, to
participate. Young people from a
selection of secondary schools in
the city were invited to take part,
and York Civic Trust drew upon local
expertise to teach them about 18th
century life, social etiquette and
social graces.
Costumes were chosen, and in some
cases made, in preparation for the
ball, which took place in September
at York’s spectacular Palladian
Assembly Rooms. Students
received specialist dancing lessons,
which one male student believed
were “harder than rugby.”
Darrell Buttery, President of York
Civic Trust, whose idea it was to
create this young York Civic Trust
event, added that there had been
two smaller balls over the last five
years but that this was the first
time since 1951 that a large scale
Georgian Ball had been re-created.
He commented: “As a teacher, and
one who loves the 18th Century,
I was worried that not enough
was being done to introduce the
18th Century to 6th formers, as it
appears that this period in history is
not currently being studied as part
of their ‘A’ level courses.”
Student James Bailey, 18, who has
been involved in Young York Civic
Trust events in the past, said the
experience had been unique.
“I haven’t studied this period of
history at school and enjoyed
visiting different Georgian Houses;
it has really given me a greater
understanding of Georgian life. The
project has been inspirational!”
www.yorkcivictrust.co.uk
05
 BLACKPOOL CIVIC TRUST
The Blackpool Civic Trust was
formed in 1975 to encourage
and support the town of
Blackpool and its people.
The Trust undertakes a wide
Better Places for People
The Civic Trust’s Annual Review for 2008
The Trust arranges a busy
programme of talks, walks and
//
events, including day trips to It will be even
other like minded societies in
Liverpool and York.
better next year
because we are
Blackpool Civic Trust are going to have

range of activities which involved in a very successful

Blackpool Illuminations
Weather Tableau
Photo: Blackpool Illuminations
celebrate and promote the town,
including their Awards of Merit,
which recognise and reward
local architecture and building.
The Trust has developed a
relationship with the local sixth
form, and encourage a group
of local teenagers to view
and comment upon the local
planning applications.
Heritage Open Days programme, a get together
and work closely with the with one person
council, which this year
sponsored the printing of 8000 from each
leaflets to advertise their twenty venue to have a
events. The Trust is already
looking to hold a bigger and discussion on any
better Heritage Open Days in improvements we
2009.
can make.
//
Blackpool Civic Trust

We said we would: Development Rights and the Housing Green Paper.

• Begin to develop a coherent and proactive national Civic • Led a campaign against elements of the Planning
Society movement White Paper, and inspired sixty Civic Societies to voice
their own local objections through writing to MPs and
We have: Ministers.
• Produced four issues of our membership magazine, • Undertaken a drive to encourage Civic Society
“Grass Roots” which highlights individual Society members to register their email addresses with the
activities and successes. Civic Trust so that we can send out timely and relevant
• Launched the new Civic Societies website (www. communications. This also allows us to produce
civicsocieties.org.uk), including the online discussion speedy and representative responses to Government
forum, which allows Societies across the country to share consultations.
best practice, ask questions and discuss topical issues.
• Provided a free, individual webpage for every Civic
Society member on the new website, giving each an
online presence.
• Developed our membership database to capture the
interests of members, ensuring that they receive targeted
communications which are of interest to them.
• Conducted surveys and questionnaires to canvass
members’ views, which in turn, help us to formulate
policy and campaigns.
• Responded to ten Government consultations on behalf
of our members on issues as diverse as Permitted

Wakefield Civic Society
Wakefield Civic Society also manage a
Blue Plaque scheme to commemorate
notable buildings and residents.
Photo: Wakefield Civic Society
06
WAKEFIELD CIVIC SOCIETY’S
KATE TAYLOR IS A LOCAL
ASSESSOR FOR THE
NATIONAL CIVIC TRUST
AWARDS
Wakefield Civic Society has long
held their own building design
awards, which are given every two
years. The Society presents the
awards to encourage and highlight
good design in their town.
Civic Society member Kate Taylor
is involved with the local awards,
and three/four years ago decided
to become a local assessor for
the national Civic Trust Awards.
Each year, entries are judged by
teams comprising an architect,
access assessor, local authority
advisor and the local assessor, who
canvasses and voices the opinions
of the local community.
Kate said “I spoke to the chair of
the local Civic Society, and one of
the local councillors, to get their
opinions. Then I spent a happy
morning by the scheme, stopping
as many people as I could – young
and old, couples and people
walking alone, mothers with
prams, youths with bicycles…
There is always an access assessor
in the team, and it is good to
learn from their perspective; is
the structure suitable for people
with mobility problems? Is there
somewhere for the weary to sit?
Are there hazards for the visually
impaired?
We walked, as a team, in pouring
rain, around the scheme. Then
we had a lengthy session indoors
whilst we dried out, covering a
range of subjects, from quality of
design and impact on regeneration
to acceptance (or otherwise) by
the local community.
Being a local assessor is always
interesting and different; we
visit different schemes and meet
different architects each year, and
I would really encourage other
members to take on the important
local assessor role.”
Heritage Open Days (HODs)
Buildings are so much more than structures. They play a large
role in our lives, from the buildings where we learn and live,
to those which provide space for worship and sport. Heritage
is the combination of people and places, and the stories that
become their history.
Heritage Open Days celebrates England’s architecture, history
and culture over one long weekend in September, when
buildings which are normally closed to the public, or which
normally charge for entry, are opened free of charge. From
castles to factories, town halls to barns, parish churches to
Buddhist temples, buildings of all sizes and functions are
open for tours and events.
Heritage Open Days was established in 1994 as England’s
contribution to European Heritage Open Days in which
49 countries now participate. The Civic Trust co-ordinates
Heritage Open Days in partnership with English Heritage.
Thanks to over 35,000 volunteers who share their knowledge
and memories with around 1 million visitors every year,
Heritage Open Days is England’s largest voluntary cultural
event.
We said we would:
• Increase the number, diversity and geographical spread
of sites opening for Heritage Open Days.
• Promote Heritage Open Days to young people.
• Raise the profile of Heritage Open Days locally and
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
the percentage of parties with children attending the
event (32% in comparison with 21% in 2006).
• Negotiated an extension to our Heritage Lottery
funding of the successful Heritage Open Days Education
programme for schools.
• Worked with English Heritage, the National Trust and
the Historic Houses Association to open 228 of their sites
across England free of charge during HODs
• Redesigned the website and online directory and
increased visits to the HODs website by almost 13%
from the previous year. Visitors used the website during
the five months up to and including HODs to plan their
visits.
• Launched “Made in England” a new campaign to
celebrate English manufacturing locations, traditions
and skills as an important part of this country’s cultural
heritage.
• Have again achieved excellent media coverage with
over 1,000 articles or pieces featuring or mentioning the
event. Coverage in national magazines ranged from BBC
History Magazine to the Ecologist. Among the national
newspapers, Sunday Telegraph (Seven), The Guardian
(Family & Review), The Times (The Knowledge & Travel)
and The Independent (Main) picked up on HODs. We
estimate that HODs achieved around 90% coverage on
the local radio network.
• Introduced for the first time online registration to help
us cope with the significant increase in participation. 1/3
of the HODs programme was registered online

Victoria Baths Peace Pagoda Ryhope Pigeon Cree

Visitors to Victoria Baths were able
to enjoy a demonstration of stained
glass.
Photo: Victoria Baths
Local people were able to take
a tour of the Peace Pagoda in
Birmingham.
Photo: Julian Calder
Built in 1955, this pigeon cree in
the North East is actually a listed
building, and opened to visitors
during Heritage Open Days.
Photo: Lewis Llewellyn
07
 Elisabeth Jennings
Elisabeth Jennings is registered
// Paul Davies
Paul Davies has been a BizFizz
//
disabled and wanted to turn I’m so sorry to coach for three years and has In three years,
her photography hobby into a
business. She had already spent
keep bothering recently won SFEDI’s (Small
Firms Enterprise Development
we’ve helped
many hours taking photographs you – I can’t Initiative) Enterprise Champion create 70 new
of celebrities (with their
permission!), and decided to
believe I’ve taken Support Professional Award. businesses, which
up so much of just goes to
Better Places for People
The Civic Trust’s Annual Review for 2008

share her expertise by running

workshops. A fellow BizFizz your time without show the impact
client suggested that Elisabeth
should contact the local coach, it causing you a that local and
who has helped her to find problem. well supported
funding, hold an exhibition and
negotiate a sponsorship deal. // business support
Elisabeth Jennings
Photographer, Horton
actually has, it
Grange, Bradford does make a huge
difference.
//
Paul Davies
BizzFizz Coach

the success of BizFizz. This ability to unleash local expertise is

unique to BizFizz.

BIZFIZZ
In any community there are people who want to do things,
who have a passion – based on an idea, a skill, a hobby or an
interest – that they could turn into a business.
BizFizz was launched in 2001 and is an innovative national
programme for entrepreneurs. It supports local start-ups,
micro and small enterprises in areas experiencing economic
disadvantage. It turns the passion and enthusiasm of
individuals into a driving force for local economic renewal by
mobilising the skills and resources within communities.
BizFizz has worked in 30 areas across England and Scotland
where BizFizz coaches help entrepreneurs to develop their
businesses in their own communities. Each community has a
local panel of experienced people who offer their skills and
advice to the new businesses, and these people are critical to
We said we would:
• Continue to support local entrepreneurs to develop
business ideas in their communities.
• Extend the BizFizz network into new locations
We have:
• Expanded BizFizz into 21 locations across England and
Scotland with the new economics foundation. BizFizz is
now helping communities in Burslem (Stoke), Clowne
(Derbyshire), Hastings (Sussex), Holmewood/Quadrant
(Bradford), Horton Grange (Bradford), Hucknall and
Kirby (Nottinghamshire), Keighley (Airedale), Lakenham
(Norwich), Mansfield Woodhouse (Nottingham), Mile
Cross (Norwich), Port Glasgow (Inverclyde), Shipley
(Airedale), Shirebrook (Nottinghamshire), South
Normanton (Nottinghamshire), Sutton in Ashfield
(Nottinghamshire), Thorpe Hamlet (Norwich), Wansbeck
(Northumberland), Warsop (Nottinghamshire), Weardale
(County Durham), West of Norwich (Bowthorpe,
Larkman, Marlpit, Earlham).
• Continued to work with the new economics foundation
to develop and deliver BizFizz

BizFizz networking event
Bringing together a network of
experienced volunteers to help new
entrepreneurs to start their own
businesses.
Photo: BizFizz
08
Peter Gill, BizFizz client
Peter used the support of a BizFizz
coach to establish his new business.
Photo: Peter Gill
Bag by BizFizz client
BizFizz client Lisa Angel has
launched her successful business
(lisaangel.com), designing and sell-
ing jewellery and fashion items.
Photo: Lisa Angel
 //
The BizFizz Coach has put me in touch
with so many helpful people on the
panel. I have had help with marketing,
sponsorship for my fashion show, help
with my website, my cashflow forecast,
I got a great contact with radio Norfolk
that resulted in a lot of local support for
my business. The whole team of people
have opened doors for me – there is
nothing to stop me now. I don’t know
how other people in a similar position
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
//
The BizFizz experience over the last two
years of working in partnership with
other support agencies and the Council,
and its demonstrated ability to provide
support into the heart of the community
has resulted in local enterprise coaching
becoming a key part of CWEA’s
economic strategy.
//
David Horstead
Chester and Warrington Economic Alliance (CWEA),
Director of Strategy and Intelligence

• Promoted the innovative coaching methodology to

Government, which resulted in BERR (Department of Responso Scribimus
Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform) announcing BizFizz worked with redundant
that they recommend local community business coaching marketing manager Peter Gill to
as part of their “simplifying business support” agenda.
• Produced a BizFizz Report highlighting the positive
set up a creative services business.
changes that BizFizz has brought to the communities in Specialising in will writing and
which it has been active. completing official forms and
contracts, Peter also writes
Civic Champions
Civic Champions are people who have real commitment to corporate mission statements and
their communities. They set up local business, run youth brochures. His business also offers
clubs, lead Civic Societies and join voluntary groups. We probate investigation to track down
support Civic Champions by training them in skills such as
business planning and fund raising.
the living relatives of a person who
has died without leaving a will so
that any inheritance can be rightly
claimed.

The Atom, Pendle, Lancashire National Committee NWACTS Training Day

Civic Trust Award winner 2008 - a
striking egg shaped structure,
which is a viewing point, shelter and
intriguing object.
Photo: Architecture Central Workshop
Chairs of the Regional Associations
come together as a National
Committee to discuss civic society
matters.
Photo: The Civic Trust
Members of the North West
Association of Civic Trust Societies
enjoy a training day in Preston,
Lancashire.
Photo: The Civic Trust
09
 Better Places for People
The Civic Trust’s Annual Review for 2008
REGENERATION
PURPLE FLAG
Whilst the rapid growth in eating, drinking, dancing and
socialising in town centres can be seen as a success story,
it has also raised concerns over the management and
maintenance of town and city centres.
After feedback from civic society members, the Civic Trust
spent three years researching the night time economy. The
Government funded research resulted in the “Night Vision”
report, which stresses the need for diversity in the night time
economy.
Following extensive research and consultation, the Civic Trust
has developed a new “gold standard” for entertainment and
hospitality areas at night. Purple Flag has taken into account
the findings of the “NightVision” report, and is based on
the standards that people expect from their town centres.
Locations that meet the standard will qualify for a Purple
Flag.
Purple Flag aims to raise the standard and broaden the
appeal of town centres from 5pm to 9am. It encourages all
stakeholders to work together, from licensees and theatres,
to local authorities and residents. By doing this, the scheme
will co-ordinate the efforts of the public and private sector,
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.
Purple Flag was launched to a Parliamentary audience by
Dawn Primarolo, Minister of State for Public Health, who
commended the initiative.
Manchester China Town German Christmas Market
A successful evening economy A successful evening economy
offers is one which is attractive, safe offers is one which is attractive, safe
and vibrant. and vibrant.
Photo: Hannah Mummery Photo: Hannah Mummery
10
Pilot projects have taken place in eight locations across the
UK, and additional pilots are taking place in Westminster,
Manchester, Birmingham, Kingston, Bath and Oxford.
We said we would:
• Develop the depth and specialism of the product to
respond to competition and sustain the programme in
the long term.
• Achieve a positive profile and credibility in an area of
major national concern affecting Civic Societies.
• Develop the Purple Flag standards with the help of
national experts
• Pioneer the Purple Flag methodology in an intensive
series of Purple Flag pathfinder pilots.
We have:
• Started a new High Street programme in Princes
Risborough.
• Launched an additional six pilots of the Purple Flag
to ensure that the criteria and application systems are
robust.
• Launched the Purple Flag to a Parliamentary audience of
over 60 people.
• Attracted 45 local authorities to express an interest in
the new accreditation scheme.
• Launched the “NightVision” Award at the Civic Trust
Awards.
Great Malvern High Street
A partnership between local people,
businesses and authorities working
to develop a thirving local economy.
Photo: Bridget Orr
 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

HIGH STREET UK CONSULTANCY FOR BETTER PLACES

Building on the success and experience gained from our
regeneration work and pilot schemes, the Civic Trust has
launched its innovative High Street programme. High Street
harnesses the energies of local people to improve their town
centres.
Vibrant, attractive and sage town and city centres bring
communities together. A successful town centre provides
opportunities for eating, drinking, socialising, shopping,
exploring and relaxing for all ages and backgrounds, at any
time of day or night.

Great Malvern, Worcestershire was the first town in the
UK to take part in the programme, and has been joined by
Princes Risborough in Buckinghamshire where residents,
traders, councillors and the local civic society are working
together to deliver the four themes of the programme. Local
co-ordination, good design, promotion of the town, and
economic development are brought together to improve the
town for all.
The Civic Trust’s regeneration team provides practical plans
for the revitalisation of villages, towns and cities to make
sure that they meet the needs of all stakeholders from local
authorities to local residents.
With over 50 years of professional regeneration and urban
design experience, the Civic Trust has made a difference to
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

Civic Trust Awards
Launched in 1959, the Civic Trust Awards is the oldest
built environment award scheme in Europe. From cafes
and churches to housing and hospitals, the Civic Trust
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.
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.
• Promoted the Civic Trust Awards in the national media,
and generated £93,000 worth of press coverage
• Introduced an online entry process, saving time and
resources.

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
for the benefit of people.
We said we would:
• Continue to encourage a wide range of entries to the
Civic Trust Awards.
• Raise the profile of the unique nature of the Civic Trust
Awards
• Maintain and increase the number of invaluable
volunteers who judge the Civic Trust Awards.
• Expand the Civic Trust Awards.
• Streamline the entry process.
We have:
• Attracted 408 entries into the Civic Trust Awards,
resulting in 21 winners of an Award. 50 schemes
received Commendations and 23 were given Mentions.
• Attracted entries from new sectors, including wind
farms, and increased entries from education and
restoration schemes.
• Launched the new Civic Trust Awards website (www.
civictrustawards.org.uk) which highlights winners
and sponsors, provides assessor information and built
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
Built Environment Network
For half a century the Civic Trust has run the Civic Trust
Awards. This has generated an amazing archive containing
details of over 1000 Award winning schemes, and a further
4,500 buildings which have received Commendations and
Mentions. This unique collection is a valuable source of
information about successful design since 1959 and we are
developing a major project to create and expand online,
interactive archives.
We said we would:
• Advance our preparation for BE-Net, a new learning tool
comprising a searchable database of photographs, judges’
opinions and subsequent analyses of winning buildings
from The Civic Trust Awards’ scheme.
We have:
• Launched an appeal for volunteers at the Civic Trust
Awards Exhibition. These volunteers are undertaking
retrospective assessments of previous winners.
• Developed a prototype website where the public will be
able to view previous award winners and leave their own
assessments and comments.

// // // //
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
The Green Flag Award Scheme is the national standard for
parks and green spaces in England and Wales. Free of charge,
Green Flag Award winning sites can be rural or urban, wild or
formal, and all provide a welcoming and well managed space
for their local community.
Volunteers are key to the success of the Green Flag Award
Scheme, with an experienced and professional network
of judges who visit each site over a period of two months
each year. Many parks owe a huge debt of thanks to other
volunteers; people from the community who fundraise, hold
events and help to maintain their parks. Friends Groups,
Civic Societies and individuals across the country work hard
alongside parks professionals to improve green spaces for
everyone.
This year, 79 community and voluntary groups entered their
own green spaces for the Green Pennant Award, resulting
in 73 winners across England and Wales. The high quality
spaces include churchyards, village greens, allotments and an
urban farm, providing valuable green places in the heart of
their communities. The Green Pennant Award recognises and
rewards the dedication and effort of these committed groups.
The Civic Trust is contracted to manage the delivery of
the Green Flag Award Scheme, which is supported by
Communities and Local Government. The Scheme is steered
by the Green Flag Advisory Board which comprises founders
of the scheme, sponsors, winners, judges and a community
representative.
We said we would:
• Attract 621 entries to the Green Flag Award Scheme.
• Attract entries from 60% of local authority areas
• Have a network of at least 560 judges
• Publicise the Green Flag Award Scheme
• Continue to develop our online systems
• Consider options for extending the Green Flag Award
Scheme
We have:
• Attracted 863 applications in England and Wales last
year, resulting in 732 winners. In addition 42 sites won
Green Heritage Site Accreditation and 73 community and
voluntary run green spaces won a Green Pennant Award.
• Attracted entries from 71% of local authority areas,
which resulted in 67% of local authority areas having
one or more award winning site.
• Trained over 600 green space professionals as Green Flag
Award judges.
• Generated over a quarter of a million pounds of coverage
in local, regional and national press.
• Organised the national Green Flag Award ceremony
in European Capital of Culture, Liverpool, where over
1500 park professionals, councillors and Friends Groups
collected their Green Flags and Pennants, followed by a
celebratory dinner for 500 people.
• Piloted the Green Flag Award Scheme in Northern
Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Holland, with 6
applications and 6 winning sites
• Introduced sponsored Special Awards for Innovation
which highlighted excellence in each of the assessment
criteria for the Green Flag Award Scheme.

Sheffield Winter Gardens
Green Flag Award winner 2008 - a
spectacular indoor park which
provides an important city centre
amenity.
Photo: Sheffield City Council
//
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
Greenwich Park other parks they judge.
Green Flag Award winner 2008 - a //
key part of the Greenwich Maritime Tom Risely
World Heritage Site, this park has Green Flag Award Judge
around 4 million vistors each year.
Photo: The Royal Parks
15
 Country Parks
Network

Eco Challenge Country Parks Network

Eco Challenge is funded through the Big Lottery Fund Owned by Natural England, the Country Parks Network is
Changing Spaces programme and environmental education a virtual network of over 350 identified sites, of which 245
Better Places for People
The Civic Trust’s Annual Review for 2008

charity the Field Studies Council is leading on the project
in partnership with the Civic Trust. Eco Challenge is a three
year project offering around 7500 pupils from 250 schools
in 22 of the most disadvantaged urban areas of England
the opportunity to experience and enjoy the natural
environment.
We said we would:
• Identify and recruit suitable providers for in each project
area to deliver post course activity
• Capture details of all activities that providers can deliver
in each project area
• Co-ordinate post course activity for all schools who
complete a residential course at Field Studies Council
centre
We have:
• Promoted the project to potential post course providers
in all areas where the project has been opened
• Recruited more than 20 post course providers across the
country to deliver post course sessions
• Helped co-ordinate more than 25 sessions of post course
activity including environmental surveys school grounds
improvement work and practical conservation tasks
Community Spaces
The programme is managed by Groundwork UK on behalf
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.
are registered members. Members are committed to the best
management, maintenance and staff training to ensure that
country parks provide a real benefit for the community.
We said we would:
• Maintain an up to date contacts database
• Develop and manage the network
• Maintain and develop the Country Parks network
website in accordance with user satisfaction
• Raise awareness and capacity of those managing
Country Parks through skills, training and personal
development.
We have:
• Continued regular communication with all of our
members to ensure a fully engaged network, including
quarterly newsletters and fortnightly e-news alerts
• Continued to make improvements to the CPN website,
updating regularly with the latest news, events and
guidance
• Undertaken a full analysis of training needs through a
survey of all CPN members
• Contributed to the development of new criteria to
redefine site typology for Country Parks
• Delivered a successful pilot of the Country Parks
Accreditation scheme assessing 17 Country Park sites
against the newly developed criteria

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
Green Pennant Award winner 2008
- a small urban retreat, the centre
is host to a range of community
projects.
Photo: Tracey Neil
16
Morgan Jones Park, Caerphilly
Green Flag Award winner 2008 - the
park offers a wide range of activities
for the local community, including a
grass maze and wildflower meadow.
Photo: Jerry Ryan
Sefton Park Palm House
Green Pennant Award winner 2008
- volunteers provide a programme
of fifty events each year at this
Grade II listed Victorian building.
Photo: Palm House Preservation Trust
 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
For over 50 years, the Civic Trust has acted as a conduit to
and from national Government, promoting the views of
members, distilling Government initiatives and feeding back
their effectiveness on the ground.
Our work in developing policy and delivering campaigns
supports and influences our activities across all our main
Better Places for People
The Civic Trust’s Annual Review for 2008
We have:
• Produced policy briefings and updates in both the
electronic and quarterly issues of Grass Roots.
• Responded to ten consultations, on subjects ranging
from the Planning White Paper, Housing Green Paper
and Tree Preservation Order procedures.
• Played an active part in a national coalition of charities
and organisations which includes Friends of the Earth,

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

Palladium Theatre Fashion Show in Leeds Whitby Youth Hostel

The Civic Trust’s “NightVision”
report recommended that the
evening economy should have
attractions for all.
Photo: Hannah Mummery
18
The Civic Trust encourages town
and city centres to provide enter-
tainment for all to attract visitors in
the early evening.
Photo: Hannah Mummery
Visitors enjoyed the opportunity to
explore the stunning Whitby Youth
Hostel during Heritage Open Days.
Photo: YHA Whitby
Update – Planning White Paper
The Civic Trust is a member of the Planning Coalition, which
is a group of like minded organisations who originally came
together to campaign against elements of the Planning White
Paper. Partners included the RSPB, Friends of the Earth,
the Ramblers Association and CPRE – which through their
collective membership, represented 4 million people.
The Civic Trust and the coalition highlighted the likelihood
that the Planning White Paper would leave communities
with no meaningful say in how their local areas would be
developed. Our response and views were submitted, and
since then, the Civic Trust has urged Civic Societies to make
their views known to their local MPs and Government
Ministers, and over 60 Societies have done so; one of the
largest responses to our campaigns.
Our research work on NightVision led to the development of
the Purple Flag Accreditation; a national standard which is
being developed to recognise and reward those town and city
centres which have a thriving and inclusive evening economy.
We responded to the Government consultation on the draft
Heritage Bill, and expressed our (and our members’) concerns
about funding, training and local authority capacity to deliver
historic environment services. Along with other heritage
leaders, our concerns were published in a letter to the Daily
Telegraph in April 2008.

We recently submitted our longest ever response to a

Government consultation.

Trafford Ecology Park Ince Blundell Hall Civic Society training

Green Flag Award winner 2008 - the
site contains woodlands, wildflower
meadows, ponds and a lake, all of
which are used by local schools.
Photo: Trafford Council
Visitors to Ince Blundell Hall
enjoyed guided tours and the
chance to discover their local
history.
Photo: zestimages.com
Members of Liverpool Civic
Societies gather for Every Action
Counts - environmental training.
Photo: The Civic Trust
19
 Financial results

Working in partnership
Better Places for People
The Civic Trust’s Annual Review for 2008

for the next generation

Where we spent our funds
2007/2008

n Green and Built Environment 55%

n Communities 45%

Where our funding came from

2007/2008

n Grants from Central Government and Agencies 22%

n Non Governmental Grants 1%
n Fee income from Central Government and Agencies 34%
n Non Governmental Fees 13%
n Sponsorship 9%
n Entry Fees 12%
n Membership 6%
n All Other 3%

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

2008 2007 2006

£ £ £
Fixed assets - - -
Current assets:
Debtors & prepayments 544,858 371,902 427,632
Cash at bank and in hand 277,230 483,078 652,312
822,088 854,980 1,079,944
Creditors: Amounts falling due (614,415) (714,619) (1,000,451)
Net current assets 207,673 140,361 79,493
Net assets 207,673 140,361 79,493
Funds 207,673 140,361 79,493

AUDITORS’ STATEMENT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE CIVIC TRUST

We have examined the summarised financial statements set out above.
Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Auditors – You as
Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the summarised financial
statements. We have agreed to report to you our opinion of the
summarised statements’ consistency with the full financial statements on
which we reported to you on 27th January 2009.
Basis of Opinion – We have carried out the procedures we consider
necessary to ascertain whether the summarised financial statements are
consistent with the full financial statements from which they have been
prepared.
Opinion – In our opinion the summarised financial statements are
consistent with the full financial statements for the year ended 31st March
2008. Moore Stephens LLP, Chartered Accountants, Registered Auditors,
St Paul’s House, Warwick Lane, London EC4M 7BP.
These accounts are a summary of information extracted from the Annual
Accounts. These summarised accounts may not contain sufficient
information to allow for a full understanding of the financial affairs of the
charity. The full Annual Accounts, the Auditors’ Report on these accounts
and the Trustees’ Annual Report were approved on 27th January 2009 and
will be submitted to the Charity Commission and to Companies House.
The Auditors’ Report was unqualified. A full copy of the Annual Accounts
can be obtained from Companies House or from the Civic Trust website at
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
7900 and asking for a copy to be sent to you.

The Civic Trust – Governance • Philip Kolvin

• David Banister
The Civic Trust is managed by a Board of Trustees. The Board’s role is • Paul Biddle (resigned as Trustee & Chairman of the Finance
to ensure that the Civic Trust establishes and maintains the trust of Committee 6 May 2008)
its members by being clear in its mission, prudent and ethical in its • Nigel Burton
activities, and accountable for its actions. • Peter Cooper
• Peter Diplock
The Civic Trust strives to implement effective and principled governance. • Catherine Graham-Harrison (appointed Trustee & Chairman of the
There are three executive committees which guide our work: Finance Committee 16 May 2008)
• Karen Mason
• The Policy Committee directs our campaigns. • Jonathan Miller (resigned 6 May 2008)
• The Finance Committee oversees governance and the internal • David Prichard (resigned 10 September 2008)
organisation of the Trust. • Malcolm Sharp
• The National Committee for Civic Societies includes representatives • Hilary Silvester (appointed 15 April 2008)
from the Regional Associations of Civic Societies and oversees • Kevin Trickett
matters concerning the civic movement. • Helen Walker

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

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

• Increase and broaden our membership to ensure effective Design Commission for Wales
representation of the whole community. Donald Insall Associates Ltd
• Inspire and strengthen the grassroots membership English Heritage
through improved support and co-ordination, training and English Partnerships
information sharing. Environment Agency Wales
• Continue to increase the diversity and appeal of our Field Studies Council
volunteering opportunities. Glendale Services
• Reward, recognise and promote those people and places Grosvenor
that reach the highest standards and make a positive Groundwork UK
contribution to their communities. The Guild
• Provide frameworks of communities to take ownership of Heritage Lottery Fund
regeneration and change agendas for their environment. Huntingdonshire District Council
• Facilitate the provision of community coaching and ICI Paints
education that teaches and empowers communities to Land Securities Group
imagine, shape and deliver inspiring and sustainable places. Leeds City Council
• Promote the importance of civic pride, responsibility and The Leopard
community engagement with decision makers. Liberty International PLC
• Strengthen consultation arrangements to ensure the Trust Liverpool City Council
can provide rapid, representative and evidence based input Malvern Hills District Council
to policy decisions. Mansfield District Council
• Improve partnership and networking to add the Trust’s Natural England
distinctive and unique value, complementing and New Economics Foundation
supporting the efforts of others in shaping and influencing Newcastle Association of City Guides
the policy agenda. Newcastle City Council
Panter Hudspith Architects
PRINCIPAL SPONSORS AND DONORS Phoenix Development Fund, Small Business Service
Pitcher & Piano
During the year, the Civic Trust has received support, both Prudential Property Investment Managers Ltd
financially and in kind, from many individuals and organisations. Sandra Charitable Trust
We are immensely grateful for their help. Stoke on Trent City Council
Sutcliffe Play
Aggregate Industries Limited University College London
Architectural Heritage Fund Visit Chester and Cheshire
Arts Council of Northern Ireland Waitrose Ltd
bassac Welsh Assembly Government
BCSC Educational Trust Wilkinson Eyre Associates
Birmingham City Council
Boodle Hatfield Many of the above organisations sponsor specific programmes,
British Institute of Innkeeping events or publications and their support is invaluable. If you,
The British Land Company PLC or your organisation would like to help the Civic Trust through
The Building Centre sponsorship or donations, please contact us at either of our
Burleigh Pottery addresses.

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.

Green Flag Award scheme judges - over 600 green

environment professionals who volunteer to judge those parks
and green spaces which apply for the Green Flag Award - the
national standard for parks and green spaces in England and
Wales.

Civic Trust volunteers – almost 100 people who have given

their time to work in the Trust’s Liverpool and London offices,
working across the range of programmes.

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

Over 750 Civic Societies Robert Myers Associates Landscape

Architecture
Corporate members Sheppard Robson
this independent charity
Abel & Cole Space Syntax in its wok in creating
Adams Kara Taylor Susan Walker Architects inspiring and prosperous
Aggregate Industries Terence O’Rourke Ltd communities.
Charcon The Westwood Partnership
Alistair Grills Associates Trentham Leisure //
Aggregate Industries
Architecton Whitelaw Turkington Landscape Architects Sponsor of the Civic Trust’s
Argent Group Plc Sustainability Award
Arts Council of Northern Ireland
Avery Associates, Architects Local Authority Members
Briffa Phillips Belfast City Council
Broadway Malyan Birmingham City Council
Building Design Partnership Cambridgeshire County Council
Buro Happold Canterbury City Council
CABE Chester-le-Street District Council
Carey Jones Architects Greenwich Council
Casey Construction Ltd Harlow District Council
Cullen Carter Hill Herefordshire Council
Derek Lovejoy Partnership Hertsmere Borough Council
Eger Architects Horsham District Council
Ellis Brown Architects Huntingdonshire District Council
Essex Goodman Suggitt Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Frogmore Estates Lichfield District Council
Grosvenor London Borough of Hackney
Heron Property Corporation London Borough of Haringey
HOK International London Borough of Islington
Hopkins Architects Ltd London Borough of Lambeth
Hulme Upright Manning London Borough of Southwark
ICI Paints London Borough of Tower Hamlets
John McAslan + Partners London Borough of Wandsworth
John Thompson + Partners Milton Keynes Council
Julian Harrap Architects Newark & Sherwood District Council
Keepmoat Plc Norwich City Council
Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates Reading Borough Council
Liberty International Plc Shropshire County Council
MacCormac Jamieson Prichard Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
Metropolitan Workshop Warwickshire County Council
Paul Brookes Architects Ltd West Sussex County Council
Peter Jackson Architects Westminster City Council
Price and Myers

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

Better Places for

the Next Generation

25
The Civic Trust
2nd Floor, Essex Hall
1-6 Essex Street
London
WC2R 3HU

Tel: 020 7539 7900

Fax: 020 7539 7901
Email: info@civictrust.org.uk
Web: www.civictrust.org.uk

Registered Charity No. 1068759

Patron: HRH Prince of Wales

President: Griff Rhys Jones