THE GUILDFORD SOCIETY
CHAIRMAN'S PERSPECTIVE
It is now just a year since our Committee invited me to take its chair, and so an appropriate moment to look back, to think about what we’re here for, and share thoughts on what lies ahead.
What comes first to mind is the expertise, commitment and hard work of all on the committee and so many in the “back room” who put in so much time for what the Society stands for. Next comes the sheer enjoyment of that teamwork, striving to keep Guildford a town to be proud of.
Among the year’s successes was the Open Forum on “the Night Economy” where we met so many – from Angels to paramedics, police, politicians and publicans – engaged in promoting and ensuring safe enjoyment by all of evenings in town. In the Annual Architecture Lecture held jointly with the University, Sunand Prasad (RIBA President) indicated how good architecture can be created. In June we shared thoughts and experiences with our sister society in Salisbury as their guests, and in September were privileged to host the Civic Trust South East autumn conference. This was devoted to exploring possibilities for a future association of civic societies following the demise of the latterly somewhat ineffective Civic Trust. From it may arise a worthwhile back-up Association, offering practical reinforcement at national level. Watch this space. And last month we learned that, partly through the case we presented, the South East Plan proposal to inflict housing targets which could only be achieved at the expense of the green belt had been called in for judicial review.
Which brings us to what we’re here for. As residents, we like and are proud of our home town. We feel many of its features and qualities to be under threat from commercial interests, housing pressure, transport convenience or straightforward repairs and replacements. Financial constraints so often ignore Sir Henry Wotton’s precept of delight. Planning officers are here to protect our environment from unwelcome encroachment but, in facing those pressures, find the backing given by the Society’s planning comments invaluable reinforcement.
And so to the programme ahead. Our “Transport for Guildford” forum will have focused minds on those ever-increasing problems and, we hope, introduced some fresh thinking. Architecture Week will include another stimulating Annual Lecture on the special care needed when adapting sensitive heritage buildings for today’s use - as exemplified by the Watts Gallery alterations: and the exhibition of our biennial Design Awards selection, and this time again, an open invitation to vote for a winner of the People’s Award. All these and the other events outlined in the Newsletter and on the website are designed to raise interest in our town and its heritage, and awareness of the need for vigilance.
But first comes the Advent season, celebrated with our traditional social event – we hope to see you there to wish you a very happy Christmas!
Dec 09 Michael Jeffery