New management team at Lancaster Civic Society

Lancaster Civic Society has elected a new team to lead them into the 2020s.
New Civic Society chair John Regan.New Civic Society chair John Regan.
New Civic Society chair John Regan.

Lancaster Civic Society has for more than 50 years worked to protect and enhance the architectural and historical legacy of the district of Lancaster, working with the local community and a wide range of organisations to raise awareness of the importance of the unique architectural heritage of the area.

From its inception in 1967 the society has maintained at its core a bank of citizens motivated by a respect and love for the architectural quality of the city and its surrounds who are committed to preserving the best and condemning the worst.

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Due to the current pandemic it was not possible to hold a ‘physical’ annual meeting but, after consulting with the membership and then through a ‘virtual’ Zoom meeting, Lancaster Civic Society unanimously elected a new chair, vice chair, honorary secretary and honorary treasurer for 2020.

New Civic Society honorary treasurer and membership secretary David Morgan.New Civic Society honorary treasurer and membership secretary David Morgan.
New Civic Society honorary treasurer and membership secretary David Morgan.

John Regan – a past president of the Chamber of Commerce and well-known local businessman – was elected chair of the society, with Diane Lamb – who has been heavily involved with various committees of the society over the last few years, including the executive, as well as a background in further education and project management – joining him as deputy chair.

The mantle of honorary secretary was taken up by James Wilkie, who is also chair of the Lancaster Civic Society sub group Lancaster Vision, while David Morgan was elected to the office of honorary treasurer and membership secretary, having worked with John, Diane and James as part of the engagements committee of Lancaster Vision.

Incoming chair John Regan said: “The role of Lancaster Civic Society is to keep the developers, architects, builders and planners true to the unique nature of the city’s heritage landscape. We are not opposed to development and change, but it must be sympathetic to the existing townscape.

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“Too many housing developments appear to be composed of a shuffling of a set of house plans, so a development in Carnforth looks remarkably like a development in Garstang or Preston or anywhere else you care to mention. There is little or no imagination.

New Civic Society honorary secretary James Wilkie.New Civic Society honorary secretary James Wilkie.
New Civic Society honorary secretary James Wilkie.

“There is too little provision of low cost and social housing of quality. The development of student housing is too easy an option.

“We wish to see the provision of quality commercial office space.

“We welcome the input of the people who live in the district and we wish to partner with appropriate businesses who see the advantage of a heritage city and district provided with modern premises.

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“We wish to see a local authority with the courage to protect a unique area but also encourage new and existing businesses.

New Civic Society vice chair Diane Lamb.New Civic Society vice chair Diane Lamb.
New Civic Society vice chair Diane Lamb.

“The members of the society have had a very significant beneficial influence on the area over the last 53 years and intend to continue to do so through the continued support of dedicated citizens who give freely of both their time and expertise. Accordingly, Lancaster Civic Society welcomes new members.”

Should you be interested in joining and/or being involved please contact James Wilkie by email at [email protected] or David Morgan by email at [email protected].