Cirencester Civic Society
Promoting, Protecting and Shaping our Town since 1966
Interested in getting involved with the society – see our ‘Join Us’ page for more details on when we meet and how to become a member. Our members enjoy many private events organised throughout the year – see our ‘Events’ page for examples.
DECEMBER NEWLETTER
The society have revealed a new 5ft Hare, standing proudly in the West Market Place, commissioning local artist Mike Smith to showcase some of the amazing historic aspects of the town such as the Norman Arch. Officially welcomed by the town crier, the society would like to acknowledge the support of the Town Council, CCDT (Cirencester Community Development Trust) and the Friends of the Cirencester Hare trail in helping us create this new piece of heritage art.
Our Hare needs a name – members can you help? Email your suggestion to secretary@cirencestercivicsociety.org.uk by December 6th.
Photo courtesy of Mike Smith.
THE GOVERNMENT HAVE DRAMATICALLY INCREASED THE NUMBER OF HOUSES THAT MUST BE BUILT WITHIN THE COTSWOLD DISTRICT. AS A MAJOR SETTLEMENT CIRENCESTER WILL BE EXPECTED TO ACCOMODATE SOME OF THIS TARGET. COMMENT ON THE REVIEW THAT IDENTIFIES WHERE THIS NEW HOUSING MIGHT GO BY JANUARY 2ND.
https://your.cotswold.gov.uk/en-GB/folders/preferred-options-consultation-2025
You can also send any comments directly to us at the Civic Society through comms@cirencestercivicsociety.org.uk. Can we please ask they arrive by December 12th.
our Next Talk – December 15th 7.30pm
Cirencester Pubs – past and present
Cirencester Baptist Church, Chesterton Lane
Former chair John Tiffney will describe how the town once had over 100 drinking establishments and several small brewing sites, in the Gloucester street area alone there were 10. Recent losses have included the Twelve Bells on Lewis Lane and the Wheatsheaf on Cricklade St. Join us for Festive drinks at our new talks venue, FREE to members, Visitors welcome with a donation at the door.
Jim Thompson
1933-2025
The Civic Society were saddened to learn of the death of Jim Thompson who was not only an integral part of the work of the society for over 40 years, but a previous chair and until recently, a town walk guide. He will be much missed and we are very grateful for all the time and expertise as an architect Jim gave to the society.
Protecting and shaping the town through engagement with the local planning authorities
The society protects the distinctive character of our town with members using their professional skills to support and scrutinise the planning process, enabling the town to grow sympathetically and in tune with the local community.
Supporting local community groups and organisations with Civic Pride Grants
We award civic pride grants to organisations and community groups working hard to enhance the built environment, improve local facilities and protect the character of our town. As part of the renovation of the building, in 2008 the Civic Society contributed to the sculpture ‘A Celebration of Hands’ that sits on the wall of the New Brewery Arts.
Do you have a worthy nomination you could tell us about?
Hosting Town Walks with our trained guides
Join us for a town walk of Cirencester hosted by our trained volunteer guides and hear about its 2000-year history from the Romans to the present day and some of the people involved.
Celebrating good design within the town through our Civic Design Awards
Cirencester has some fantastic buildings; do you have a favourite? We celebrate thoughtful building design with our design awards, given to developments that meet a strict criterion of good practice.
In 2025 the Cirencester Civic Society design award was given to the sympathetic restoration of Dollar Street House after many years of neglect.
Awarding Blue and Purple Plaques to buildings for architectural contribution, historical importance or association with an individual.
The Civic Society began installing Blue plaques as a Millennium project in 1999, most of which give a brief description of the building and its historical importance, architectural contribution to the town or association with a well-known person. Recently seven purple-coloured plaques have been erected to mark significant sites in the town.
