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Friends of Abingdon |
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 Friends of Abingdon is Abingdon's Civic Society. Its broad aims are to preserve and enhance the character of the built environment of Abingdon. The aims of Friends of Abingdon are aligned with those of The Civic Trust, the national umbrella body for 850 Civic Societies. Representing 250,000 people Civic Societies are voluntary organisations promoting high standards of planning, conservation and regeneration for the benefit of their local community. They also undertake practical projects,including restoring old buildings, improving the quality of public places and finding solutions to traffic problems. Civic Societies have a formal role as community watchdogs commenting on planning applications for new buildings and developments and guarding against unsympathetic changes to Conservation Areas and historic buildings. By pooling the resources of Civic Societies the Trust has campaigned successfully on issues such as reusing derelict land, reducing the damage done by heavy lorries and safeguarding the vitality of our towns and villages.
In 1944 Abingdon was a small country town where many older properties were showing the effects of neglect during two wars and the intervening years of economic depression. As in other similar towns, some buildings of architectural or historic interest had already been demolished or condemned. A survey in 1943 had listed many sites in Abingdon which had been cleared or were proposed for clearance, and so there was a real risk that inappropriate buildings might be erected on sensitive sites. Out of this situation grew the Friends of Abingdon, as a civic amenities society which celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2004.
An Inaugural Meeting was held on 4th May 1944, in the Great Council Chamber. The Chairman was the Mayor, and the Member of Parliament for the Abingdon Division of Berkshire, Sir Ralph Glyn, was among the 113 persons present. The meeting confirmed the name and objects of the new society, and appointed a provisional committee to draw up rules and suggest a programme of activities.
The formation of the Friends of Abingdon took place against the wartime background of preparations for the assault on the Normandy beaches on 6th June, and the V1 "flying bomb" attacks on London.
The first General Meeting was held on 13th July 1944.
For for information about The Friends of Abingdon - www.friendsofabingdon.org.uk |
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