THE FUTURE of Droitwich Spa Civic Society which was facing closure due to a lack of committee members has been secured after several people came forward.
An appeal, featured in the Standard, was launched last year and now, after months of uncertainty, the group will be cable to continue to provide an independent community voice for the people of Droitwich Spa.
After years of ‘holding the fort’, Stuart Haywood has stepped down as chairman but remains the society’s President and Mike Meredith takes the helm as the new chairman of the now reinvigorated committee.
Mike said: “I am very happy we now have a great group of enthusiastic people to carry on all the years that Stuart has led the Society through, and look forward to continuing to help inform the Droitwich community for many years to come.”
Stuart added: “What a great new year present for an old stager like me.
“I have been so heartened by the energy and commitment of newcomers who are taking on the responsibility for the Droitwich Spa Civic Society.
“And thank you, too, for the continuing efforts of longer standing members who have facilitated the process of renewal.”
The society attended Droitwich’s South Worcestershire Development Plan Public Consultation Meeting on November 21 and has already made strong representation as to the soundness and compliance of the inclusion of housing development at Hadzor Gateway Park and voiced concerns and made suggestions and recommendations about other sites identified in the plan.
The society was founded in 1974 at the time of major development and has continued to examine and scrutinise, especially with regard to infrastructure, the natural and historical environment, sustainability and community wellbeing.
Those tasked on the committee to oversee planning issues are mindful of identifying where and what types of development would enhance the town and have previously identified a number of sites suitable for development and traffic issues which could be resolved, commenting vigorously against those which would not.
The society meets monthly with speaker meetings and visits already planned for 2023.
The next meeting at 7.30pm is on January 17 in the Westley Room, Droitwich Methodist Church, Worcester Road, when speaker Heather Kent will take members and visitors on her 2,000 mile journey to 10 Downing Street to celebrate the countryside and 75 years of the Ramblers Association.
Admission is £3 per person.
The AGM – at Sacred Heart Church Hall, Worcester Road, at 7.30pm on February 24, will be followed by a talk from Mayor of Droitwich Spa, Coun George Duffy, and a social event with a buffet and drinks. Tickets must be bought in advance.
Visit droitwichspacivicsociety.co.uk or search for ‘Droitwich Spa Civic Society’ on Facebook and Instagram for more on meetings, the group’s constitution and how to join.
