Cirencester Civic Society
Promoting, Protecting and Shaping our Town since 1966
Our Hare needs a name – members can you help? Email your suggestion to secretary@cirencestercivicsociety.org.uk
Interested in getting involved with the society – see our ‘About Us’ page for more details on who we are, 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.
Our November newsletter is ready to read on the “About Us” page
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. It will be a welcome addition to our street art and the town’s Hare trail. Slightly different in design as a moon gazer, the Hare will join the others in becoming a trademark of the town to residents and visitors, associating us further with the Hare symbolism that links our Roman past to the modern town.
Photo courtesy of Mike Smith.
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.
Coming soon
our Next Talk – 17th November 7.30pm
From Corinium to the Cotswold Tradition – the first 100 years of the Old Museum
Caroline, Collections & Education Manager at the Corinium Museum, will speak about the history of the Corinium museum from its founding to its move to Park Street, and its brief resurrection for the Festival of Britain.
Visit our civic pride ‘Grants’ page to see the recently renovated medieval church path the Society helped finance after three years of planning. Members of the society were instrumental in securing the funding, and recently a dedication service was held to thank all those involved.
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.
