Objectives of the Society...

To promote high standards of planning and architecture
To educate in the architecture, history and geography of the area
To secure the preservation, development and improvement of features of public interest

...within Salisbury District

The society is a registered charity(No 293143), affiliated to the Civic Trust (patron HRH the Prince of Wales), and has three committees whose members give their time voluntarily. If you would like to help us achieve these objectives, please join us.

Our Programme of Events for 2008 is available through the tab on the left.

Heritage Open Days (11th to 14th September) for Salisbury Civic Society and Sarum College are currently detailed there

Plaque to William Pitt, First Earl of Chatham

On Sunday 6th July Dame Rosemary Spencer, our President, unveiled a Society Blue Plaque to William Pitt, First Earl of Chatham placed by the gate of Mawarden Court where he spent part of his childhood. Mr and Mrs Colin Harris kindly hosted the occasion and the Mayor of Salisbury, the Chairman of Salisbury District Council and the Leader of SDC were present.

Annual General Meeting and Lecture

On Wednesday 25th June the Society held its AGM in the White Room of the Arts Centre followed by a lecture by Gerald Steer entitled "The Development of Salisbury Market Place".

Both events were a success; however when we moved our lecture venue to the White Room in the Arts Centre, mainly for the improved acoustics, the seating capacity of 60 seemed reasonable based on previous experience. Because of fire regulations the limit is strictly enforced.

Unfortunately on two of our four lectures so far this year this limit was exceeded and a number of members and guests had to be turned away, even at the AGM. This is unacceptable.

In order to remedy the situation we are moving our lectures immediately to the Sanctuary in the Methodist Church in St Edmund’s Church Street. This is a very short walk from Salt Lane car park. There is ample room and so all will be very welcome. There will also be a more generous time allocation so we will not be so rushed on questions and a good sound system including an induction loop.

As the next lecture is not until 25th September we will publish full details of the move in the Quarterly Review for members which will come out at the beginning of September. This move will be beneficial and will enable us comfortably to accommodate the welcome increase in attendance.

History According to Salisbury's Plaques

For some time the Society has been intending to publish a new guide to plaques in Salisbury which will include not only our Blue Plaques but also all other plaques of interest located within the central area. We are fortunate in that we have a member, Alan Clarke, who has volunteed to take on this daunting task.

If you go to the website he has set up here you will learn more about the project which is making excellent progress. He would welcome any contributions by email to jac314159@mac.com but points out that the contents have not yet been reviewed in terms of accuracy, capital letters, correct English etc.

Any input gratefully received.

Conservation Awards 2008

We have been very fortunate in gaining the services of the best selling author and Salisbury resident, Leslie Thomas, as the head of our judging panel which will sit in October to select the winners of awards and commendations for our Conservation Awards Scheme 2008.

This is concerned with existing buildings. The aim is to recognise excellence in the treatment of buildings, or their settings, anywhere within the Salisbury District Council area. 'Conservation' rather than 'restoration' is generally favoured. Repair, refurbishment, re-use through conversion, provided the new use is a suitable one, street enhancement, landscaping works, will all fall within the remit.

Applications for consideration should be sent to Richard Deane though civic@salisburycivicsociety.org.uk as soon as possible.

Streetscape - Streets for All

A copy of our 2006 report is available on this site in Adobe Acrobat format. To reach it please follow this link - Streetscape Report

Equal Opportunities Policy

The Society has a formal Equal Opportunities Policy and it can be read at this link.