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Autumn 2011
At the present time, we are all experiencing considerable changes and uncertainty, but I am pleased to be able to say that NW ACTS
is continuing to provide a focus for local societies and links to other organisations. This is particularly important now with the
proposed changes to the planning system and the need for all organisations concerned with the environment to work together.
Autumn Meeting
We had a most successful meeting at Quarry Bank Mill in Styal on Saturday 19th November when we had two very good speakers.
The first was Antony Pilling who gave us a fascinating talk about the rich heritage of industrial buildings in the North West and how
their value is only just beginning to be appreciated. This links very well with the recent publication by English Heritage
of the results of their new report on Industrial Heritage at Risk. Then, after an excellent lunch, the general manager of
Quarry Bank Mill, Eleanor Underhill, outlined the history of the mill, its restoration by the National Trust and proposals for
further work. The day was rounded off by an opportunity to go round the mill and watch some of the machinery working.
Special General Meeting
The first few minutes of our meeting at Styal were taken up with the Special General Meeting. As you were previously informed,
this was to consider making two minor amendments to our constitution. Both of these were accepted and quorums for the AGM and SGM
will now be 30% or 10 member societies, whichever is the lower. The other change is that our financial year will now run from
1st January to 31st December, so that it will coincide with the membership year. Since our accounts have to be presented within
3 months of the end of the financial year, this will mean that our AGM will need to be brought forward to March. Now is therefore
an appropriate time to remind you to renew your membership before the end of December and that the subscription has now been
reduced to £25.00 per annum per society.
Making Links
Following a discussion at the last committee meeting, it was agreed to expand and develop our links with other organisations.
As previously mentioned, we already have an agreement with the regional branch of the CPRE to work together on issues of mutual
concern and we have recently finalized our affiliation with the Heritage Trust of the North West. Another recent development,
following a meeting with officers of the Inland Waterways Association, is an agreement to liaise with their successor body, the
Canal and Rivers Trust on matters concerning those buildings, like lock-keepers' cottages and warehouses, that are listed or in
conservation areas.
Although the Association has been affiliated with Civic Voice since its formation, we learned at a meeting with Ian Harvey on
Friday 18th November, that this requirement has been waived. We are therefore accepted as a necessary part of the civic movement,
along with similar groups in other parts of the country. The meeting has proved the basis for developing an effective working
relationship and that hopefully be beneficial to both organisations.
Another opportunity that will hopefully provide us with more links is a meeting of North West Heritage Champions in Lancaster
on 8th December.
The theme of 'Making Links' is expressed in the badge on the new sweatshirts which some of the committee were wearing for the
meeting at Styal. These are available in green or white in a range of sizes and complete with the full colour embroidered badge.
They would make excellent Christmas and birthday presents and cost only £17.50 each. They can be ordered from either our
Treasurer, Brian Gilbert, (brian.gilbert2@tiscali.co.uk) or myself, Peter Colley,
(colleygarth@btopenworld.com.)
Society News
It is pleasing to be able to report that Littleborough Civic Trust have just celebrated their 40th Anniversary, and we send them
our congratulations. The occasion was marked by a social evening in the Coach House, one of the buildings in the town saved by
the society that is now used as a venue for various organisations and events. Sadly, it is also necessary to record that
Keswick Civic Society has ceased to exist. This is due to the lack of new younger committee members and anyone willing to
undertake the role of Chair.
News from other societies would be most welcome and, if details about forthcoming meetings, outings or other events are sent to
our Secretary, Iain Gerrard, (iainsgerrard@aol.com),
he will put them on our website.
Localism Act & the National Planning Policy Framework
There has been a great deal written about the draft Localism Bill and the multitude of amendments made during its passage
through parliament. Now that it has received the royal assent, it remains to be seen how its provisions will work in practice.
It would appear that, where there is an existing town or parish council, there is limited scope for local groups to put forward a
neighbourhood plan. However, in Worsley, where there is no such elected body, the civic society are in the process of
establishing an appropriate group with a view to preparing a plan for their area.
The other planning document that has caused considerable public concern is the proposed National Planning Policy Framework,
although it is now anticipated that a revised version will be forthcoming by next April. It is therefore not clear what exactly
it will contain or how sustainable development will be defined. This obviously makes it difficult to advise societies about
how their role may change in the future, but it is certain that they will continue to make an important contribution to their
local community.
Sweatshirt/Polo Shirt
Please make your order as appropriate stating the number required, the style(s), either a sweatshirt or polo shirt, the colour(s), in white
or green and the size(s).
Sizes are Small, Medium, Large & Extra Large.
Cheques should be made payable to NW ACTS and sent to the Treasurer, 434 Holcombe Road, Helmshore, Rossendale BB4 4LX.
Peter Colley
Chairman
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