The Chair of Goole Civic Society has taken over the helm of an association representing more than 40 civic societies across the region.
Margaret Hicks-Clarke was elected Chair of the Yorkshire and Humber Association of Civic Societies (YHACS) at its annual general meeting in Harrogate last weekend.
She said: “It’s a great honour both for me personally and for Goole, one of the newest and smallest societies in the region. It shows we are well and truly on the map.”
YHACS has 43 member societies serving cities and towns right across Yorkshire and the Humber, including Leeds, Hull, York, Sheffield, Doncaster, Wakefield, Beverley, Howden, Selby, Halifax, Richmond, Skipton, Scarborough and Whitby. It also has links with the Yorkshire Society and Action for Yorkshire Transport.
The member societies are independent, grass roots groups of people united by a desire to help make their towns and cities better places to live, work and spend time in. They aim to engage people with their heritage and encourage the promotion of good and sustainable development and urban renaissance.
They are involved a range of activities – walks and talks, heritage and social events, blue plaques, design awards, monitoring conservation areas, commenting on planning issues and providing an independent and non-political voice on boards promoting urban regeneration.
Mrs Hicks-Clarke said: “All our places have distinct character and heritage. We believe this should be celebrated and built on to create thriving places fit for the 21st century and a better quality of life for the people who live in them.”
Goole had another reason to celebrate at the annual general meeting. The society took third place in the Regional Civic Society of the Year Award for its blue plaque event and film screening to commemorate the Goole-born 1920s-30s film star Dorothy Bartlam. More than 80 people attended the screening at Junction, which was supported by a Do It For East Yorkshire community grant.
Mrs Hicks-Clarke added: “We welcome anyone to come and join us in Goole. We are currently working on a new blue plaque and plans to celebrate Goole’s 200th anniversary in 2026. We also have a seat on the Goole Town Deal Board, advising on heritage.”
Goole Civic Society meets at 7.15pm on the last Wednesday of the month at the West Park café in Goole and welcomes new members. Contact goolecivicsociety@gmail.com or visit its website www.goolecivicsociety.org.uk. Discover more about other local and regional civic societies by visiting www.yhacs.org.uk.