"Preserving and enhancing Todmorden's historic identity for present and future generations since 1969."
Todmorden Civic Society - Our story
The Todmorden Civic Society was originally formed in 1969 after concerns were raised about a number of planning applications in the town. Back then they were known as the Todmorden Conservation Group, but earlier this year under the stewardship of Paul Clarke, (Pictured below with Civic Voice President Griff Rhys Jones) the group decided to change their name in order to reflect their status as a proactive campaigning group with clear objectives for the future of the town.
One of the group’s longest serving members, Trevor Cryer said, “It is amazing how quickly time passes. The conservation group in its four decades of existence has, like all successful organisations evolved and developed into a body with a wider interest and it is surely desirable that a name change should come about that the group feels better reflects its current hopes and aspirations”.
Originally the group was set up in response to a proposal to redevelop an area of greenbelt land in Walsden for industrial use. Since then, the group has been involved with scores of projects and initiatives throughout the town, and was instrumental in setting up the Bellholme Sports Association, which in 1998 led to the creation of the two football pitches and clubhouse at Walsden.
The group is often asked by Calderdale MBC to comment upon Conservation Area appraisals and planning applications. This is in no small part down to the fact that over the years a number of members have brought specialist skills to the society, such as
knowledge and experience in architecture, conservation, building surveying and other professions within the historic built environment.
Members of the Society have also been involved with assisting the council’s Conservation Team in drawing up a list of historically important local buildings in order that the town’s distinctiveness and local identity may be recognised and heritage assets managed. Interesting and challenging times lay ahead for the conservation movement, in particular the Localism Bill - which is currently going through its consultation stage - and the proposed changes to the planning rules. Conservation groups and Civic Societies alike need to be able to adapt and respond to these changes.
In future, organisations like ours will need to be more proactive and take a frontline approach to conservation and regeneration issues within our local areas. This is partly the reason for our decision to rebrand as the Todmorden Civic Society. We have a long and proud history within the town and one which we intend to build upon, so with our name change, increase in numbers and position at the forefront of major decisions affecting the town, Todmorden Civic Society is once again firmly on the map.
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