Civic society closure is big blow for Melton

The Melton Mowbray and District Civic Society’s membership had dwindled to 34, and with only four members of the committee it wasn’t possible to continue.

Sadly the society was formally wound-up at a special general meeting on January 21. With great regret the vote in favour of closure was carried unanimously.

The president of the society, Keith Allen, expressed his thanks to all those who for so long had supported and helped the society in its work.

Michael Robinson, chairman of the executive committee, thanked the officers and members of his committee for their support.

A great deal had been achieved in the 40-plus years since the society’s inception, with much to be proud of.

The society has had a key say and influence on many big planning applications in the borough as well as its proactive involvement in projects aimed at improving the local environment and encouraging pride of place in the borough.

Dinah Rudman, former secretary for the society, said: “We did an enormous amount of work and monitored all the planning applications submitted to the council. Last year alone we monitored 900 applications and we’ve also been monitoring the new Melton Local Plan.

“If it was a matter of design, road access or anything else in an application which we thought affected residents’ well-being or affected our heritage then we would make our views known.

“We also used to go on visits around the country looking at what other towns do in respect of their history.

“Between us we have a lot of experience and skills. It’s incredibly important to have a voice speaking out but it has become much harder for voluntary societies as people haven’t got the time or energy and it’s become harder getting people to volunteer.

“We’re very sad about the society’s closure but we’ve had huge fun over the years and we didn’t want to go out on a whimper.”

A record will be made of the society’s history and deposited at the Carnegie Museum, the County Record Office and Melton Library.