The Whitby Civic Society
The present Civic Society was formed in 1996. Like all Civic Societies we try to protect buildings in the town which are under threat and to enhance the pride of Whitby people in the their town.The Society has a monthly public lecture and a magazine for members. It has published the White Rabbit Trail based on Lewis Carrol and helped to revise the two town trails. The committee meets once a month to discuss any planning issue which might effect the environment of the town. Every aspect of the town is kept under revue with designated members attending other committee meetings and reporting back. Its most evident demonstration are the Blue Plaques to prominent people who lived or found their inspiration from Whitby
The Society's Committee
This meets at least once a month when the officers give a report and there is a discussion on any planning issues. The various members with special responsibilities then give a report on their work if there are any new developements.The rest of the committee ask questions and discuss these reports and give their consent to any actions which may be necessary. These meetings usually take about two hours and are held in the home of a member of the committee.
Meetings with other bodies
Committee members and volunteer members attend other meetings which affect the interests of the townThe Programme Secretary
She or he arranges a monthly lecture on a topic of interest to the town and members. This involves finding suitable lecturers, venues, equipment and settling accounts for these items. It is a very responsible job and we are always grateful to the work of those who are and have been Programme Secretaries.The Society Magazine
The Society issues a magazine to members on the work of the society and on matters of historic or town issues on at least three occasions in each year.
Blue Plaques and Certificates of Excellence
The Society considers the siting of Blue plaques and the awards of Certicates of Excellence .Heritage Open Days
The Society is responsible for arranging the Heritage Open Days in September. This is a European annual event where each town celebrates the rich heritage which previous generations have left. It involves opening buildings not usually open to the public with the presence of a guide to explain its features. Museums often offer free or priveleged access for these days.
Special Open Meetings
The Committee brings in the membership and others to help on specific problems. Some of these occasions were:- A meeting with Councillors and Borough officials on the threat to close several of the toilets in the town.
- A discussion on the merits and demerits of Cooks World
- To ask members whether and by what means we should have a memorial to Whitby Seafarers
Beach Clean
Four times a year, members of the Society meet to clean a stretch of beach near the town and record what they find. These results are sent to the Marine Conservation Society who are attempting to analyse the origin of beach litter around Great Britain