It was in 1972 that this Society was established to have a watching brief over the town and seek to protect the towns natural and built heritage. We have continued, as in the past, to be consultees on planning application and appeals in the Colwyn district. Aiming to stimulate public interest and debate in Colwyn Bay and it’s heritage, we have seen the society’s membership numbers increase, I think, to a record number this year.
To achieve this is unusual amongst most Welsh civic societies today , if representative’s reports at a North Wales Civic Society gathering in Conwy at the beginning of the year is to be considered. We were asked to give advice on how we manage this ! As I mentioned last year, I think having a concerned and active executive committee and officers, excellent speakers , good food and a pleasant environment and friendly atmosphere goes a long way to help.
The officers and committee have been busy writing and receiving letters from our MP, County council and local council officers on such subjects as Porth Eirias income and expenditure, need for improvement of railway station and station square, siting of water fountain and items on new sea front development, Rhos on Sea promenade road and , of course, the pier and many others. Officers have attended meetings concerned with these issues to hear and present our views. The fact we have a garden plot on Queens gardens maintained by the council may not be widely known. A new plaque promoting the Society has just been made to replace one vandalised earlier in the year. Our secretary, Jim Lowe, must be picked out for special praise for his efforts in almost all these activities.
When we come to reviewing our regular meetings, all of which are so well attended, I have to first recognise the excellent work done by Jane Boulton. I mentioned how good the speakers have been and for this we must thank Bob Owen and Tom Wyatt.
The subjects on which speakers have entertained us is so wide and varied – “Place names of Wales”, “Concorde”, “The Knowlson Saga “, “Lawrence of Arabia “ and “ The Highland Cow and the Celts” – and many more, so informative and entertaining ! Difficult to pick the best .
Without the food , so well provided by Martin and his friendly and efficient team , I think our evenings would not be successful. And , of course, without the regular filling of the room with so many members we would not have the atmosphere.
I don’t know how many look at our website – an excellent one by any standard – , but I must thank Dave Smith and his son for their efforts in managing it.
I hope I haven’t neglected to mention others who assist the Society to prosper , everyone is appreciated. I will end this report by thanking all our executive committee members for their work and friendly support to me as the Society Chairman this year. Let the Society in 2016 go from strength to strength.
Donald Saunders.
Chairman.