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Newcastle-under-Lyme Civic Society

Newcastle-under-Lyme Civic Society

Category Archives: Newsletter

Jim Worgan – Macebearer

23 Saturday Jul 2016

Posted by Newcastle-under-Lyme Civic Society in Events, Newsletter

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Borough Council, Citizenship, Community, Newsletters

Our President, Jim Worgan, in his capacity as a resident of the Borough, has been offered and accepted the position of Macebearer at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, during the term of office of the present Mayor, until May 2017.

 

There are two Macebearers whose principal duties are :

1)  To proceed the Mayor from the Civic Offices on formal occasions including the Mayor’s Civic Church Service and the annual Remembrance Day Parade and Church Service and

2)  From the Mayor’s Parlour to the Council Chamber for 6 full meetings of the Borough Council.

 

The mace is the symbol of the Sovereign. It is always carried before the Mayor with the crown uppermost except if the Sovereign is present, then the crown is reversed. It is the symbol of Royal Authority delegated to the Mayor and is thus redundant in the presence of the Sovereign.

 

Jim 1 f
Jim 4
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St. Giles’ and St. George’s Primary School versus the proposed new Public Sector Hub

28 Thursday Jan 2016

Posted by Newcastle-under-Lyme Civic Society in Conservation, Getting involved, Newsletter, Planning, Uncategorized

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Borough Council, Community, Conservation, Developments, heritage, Membership, Planning

Before

st-giles-st-georges-school-postcard

 

After

IMG_0442 bArchitect’s impression of the new Public Services Hub

What do you think ?

Let us know by e-mailing us at

nulcivicsociety@yahoo.co.uk

If you would like to join

Newcastle-under-Lyme Civic Society

include your postal address to receive a membership form

One Member’s View of the Changing Face of Newcastle

28 Thursday Jan 2016

Posted by Newcastle-under-Lyme Civic Society in Conservation, Getting involved, Newsletter, Planning, Press releases, Uncategorized

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Borough Council, Community, Conservation, Developments, heritage, Planning

Newcastle-under-Lyme is essentially a small mainly Georgian/Victorian market town.

The town centre is a Conservation Area encircled by a dual carriageway ring road. Within this confined area are three main roads, High Street, The Ironmarket and Merrial Street. Many of the buildings in the town centre, now converted into shops, bars banks etc. were originally built as houses and are of domestic scale of two or three storeys. To fully appreciate the town’s heritage it is necessary to look above some inappropriate shopfronts and admire the upper storeys of the handsome buildings.

There are a number of large supermarkets situated outside the town centre that draw trade and footfall away from smaller traders.

There are fortunately still some buildings of architectural merit in the town but redevelopment in the 1960s removed some significant buildings, including the Municipal Hall in the Ironmarket, and replaced them with “modern” buildings that are in conflict with the style of neighbouring properties but at least are of a similar scale.

The Ironmarket is arguably the most attractive road in the town centre. It is a broad, largely pedestrianized, thoroughfare. Many upper storeys have changed little over the years and retain their original character and diversity. Old photographs show the dominance and majesty of the Municipal Hall that once stood proudly adjacent to the Queen’s Gardens. Demolished in the 1960s it was replaced by the current library.

Ironmarket - Municipal Hall (2) (Large Box 19)

If the plans for a new Public Sector Hub are successful, the library will move to the new building and be confined to a reduced floor area.

The current library building will become surplus to requirements. Its future is uncertain.

The Queen’s Gardens are the green heart of Newcastle’s town centre. Many consider this part of Newcastle second only to the Guildhall in reflecting the character and ambiance of the town.

At present the garden’s backdrop is the very attractive Victorian former St. Giles’ and St. George’s School building.

st-giles-st-georges-school-postcard

It has been proposed that this school should be demolished and replaced by a four storey Public Services Hub.

IMG_0442 b

Architect’s impression of the Public Sector Hub

This development is within the Town Centre Conservation Area.

It is difficult to envisage this development sympathetically complimenting the character and ambiance of our Victorian/ Georgian heritage.

Even on a  brief visit to Newcastle town centre one can observe developments that have enhanced its appeal and others that have marred its beauty and character.

The area around Red Lion Square retains some of its Georgian/Victorian heritage but York Place, built in the 1960s, now looks dated. Beyond the square there is an area which awaits development where a supermarket has been demolished. Currently it is used as a car park and this area, together with the current site of the Civic Centre facing Merrial Street, is earmarked for retail development and student accommodation.

Merrial Street has a number of interesting buildings including Wilton House, the former Conservative Club, The Ebenezer Schoolrooms and the former police station which now stands empty facing an uncertain future.

The current Civic Centre may not be the most beautiful building in town but it is a good example of the architecture of its time.

The Guildhall is the iconic landmark building in Newcastle. This building has had a chequered recent past. It was left to deteriorate after an unsuccessful period when leased for use as a public house but has recently been renovated, refurbished and brought back into public use as a public access point for council services. Once again its future may be uncertain if the proposed new public sector hub is built elsewhere in the town.

The area adjacent to the Guildhall in the High Street was demolished in the 1930s and replaced by Lancaster Buildings. This “new” building is a good example of architecture of its time and has recently become a Grade II Listed Building.

Commendably the facade of the Castle Hotel was substantially retained when the site behind was redeveloped and the new Roebuck shopping centre frontage compliments the street view and respects its neighbours.

Behind High Street in Market Street, Mellards Warehouse has been restored and refurbished to a very high standard and serves as an excellent example of sympathetic updating of a building to meet today’s needs.

Castle Walks, which extends from the bus station to the Ironmarket, consists of new build shops of two storeys with varying roof levels that have been carefully designed to compliment the surrounding area.

The south side of the High Street between Friars Road and the Grosvenor Roundabout has little to commend it as it consists largely of characterless utilitarian buildings. The north side of this road retains some of its Victorian feel with a mixture of different frontages, roof levels and architectural features and details.

At the end of the High Street there is an attractive sunken garden within Grosvenor Roundabout and across the ring road stands 1 London Road, a modern block of flats that many consider an inappropriate and out of place development.

Newcastle has seen many successful and sympathetic developments over the years but mistakes have been made too. If we hope to preserve the special character, ambiance and heritage of our town we must learn from the past.

 

 

John Wild – Obituary

11 Sunday Oct 2015

Posted by Newcastle-under-Lyme Civic Society in Newsletter, Press releases

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Awards, Community, Membership

John Wild, who sadly died on 28th September at the age of ninety three, had been  a member of the Civic Society from very soon after its foundation in 1968.

John Wild and Councillor David Clarke

John Wild with Councillor David Clarke

An Architect by profession, he made his skills freely available and helped to stay the tendency of certain developers to vandalise parts of Newcastle which were rich in heritage.  The project to save Maer Hills from totally unsuitable development was just one of the many causes he espoused, and he also gave valuable guidance in preserving Maer church from decay.John Wild

A very active member of the Civic Society, he served as Honorary Secretary and later as Chairman for many years, before being elected as President.  In 2002 John resigned from the Society due to increasing hearing problems, and was elected an Honorary member to mark our appreciation of his enormous contributions to the work of the Civic Society.

On 18th December 2007 the Town Mayor, Councillor David Clarke, and members of the Borough Council decided to issue Certificates of Outstanding Service to certain valued citizens. John Wild was the first person to receive one of these prestigious awards, in a ceremony at the Civic Offices, attended by his family and colleagues from the Civic Society. With typical modesty, he felt that this was as much an honour to the Society as to him personally.

John Wild (left) with Councillor David Clarke and Jim Worgan

John Wild (left) with Councillor David Clarke and Jim Worgan (right)

John was a real gentleman, of great integrity. Polite, gracious and always ready to listen to others,  but also a man of inner strength and convictions to uphold what he knew to be right.

He will be greatly missed, by his family, by the Society and by a Borough to which he devoted so much of his time and energy.

English Heritage Angel Award Recognition

15 Tuesday Sep 2015

Posted by Newcastle-under-Lyme Civic Society in Conservation, Newsletter

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Awards, Newsletters

This year Newcastle-under-Lyme Civic Society was nominated for an English Heritage Angel Award for the conservation work undertaken on the Queen Victoria Statue that stands in the Queen’s Gardens in the Ironmarket.

English Heritage received over 100 nominations for an award. This resulted in very strong shortlists. Unfortunately our project was not shortlisted but NuL Civic Society has received the certificate below in recognition of the quality of our nomination and the work undertaken to conserve and preserve the Grade 2 listed statue.

Angels award

To view the winning projects please visit the English Heritage website using this link http://historicengland.org.uk/news-and-features/angel-awards/winners-2015/

DENIS DUFFY – Obituary

13 Sunday Sep 2015

Posted by Newcastle-under-Lyme Civic Society in Newsletter

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Membership

Denis Duffy

Denis Duffy President of Newcastle-under-Lyme Civic Society

Denis joined the Civic Society in 1991.  A regular attendee of our monthly meetings, he was a staunch supporter of the Society’s projects.

For many years he was the hard working and conscientious Honorary Secretary, and would often deliver minutes to members by hand, always finding time for a chat as he did so.

In 2009 Denis was elected as President of the Society and in 2014 he became one of only four elected Honorary  members, positions he held with considerable pride for the rest of his life.

His knowledge of the locality and buildings was of great value to the Civic Society and his well-informed advice was readily given whenever requested.

Always cheerful and ready to help on any occasion, Denis became a good friend to all of us who knew him, and he will be greatly missed.

Civic Awards Scheme 2015

04 Thursday Jun 2015

Posted by Newcastle-under-Lyme Civic Society in Getting involved, Newsletter, Press releases

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Awards, Borough Council, Developments

Civic Awards Poster rewritten resizedCivic Awards 1 altered 2Civic Awards 2 altered

Don’t forget you can make a nomination on-line at

http://www.newcastle-staffs.gov.uk/civicawards

BERNARD BILLINGTON – Obituary

14 Saturday Feb 2015

Posted by Newcastle-under-Lyme Civic Society in Newsletter, Press releases

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Membership

Bernard Billington – Died 31st January 2015

Bernard, ably supported by his wife Kathleen, had been a staunch member of the Civic Society since its early days and  he regularly contributed his  well-considered views on most subjects discussed at our monthly meetings.

Probably the highlight of his achievements as a member was the fact that it was he who first suggested that the Civic Society should endeavour to get the Queen Victoria statue removed from the Station Walks and returned to a more appropriate site in the town. He also introduced us to his friend Wilf Burt, the stone mason who eventually oversaw the safe transport and re-erection of this statue in the Queen’s Gardens. Bernard personally paid for a new sceptre to replace the original one which had been stolen.

Bernard suffered medical problems in his later years, exacerbated by the rather sudden death of his much loved wife, but although no longer able to attend our meetings, he retained his interest in the society’s activities to preserve and enhance his beloved Newcastle to the end.

Bernard saw wartime service in the RAF, during which time he was “mentioned in despatches”.  This was followed by a career in the insurance industry.

A man of high standards and integrity, his contributions to the work of the society, and his friendship with those who remember him will be greatly missed.

Official Event Commemorates Founder Member Jim Wain

16 Tuesday Dec 2014

Posted by Newcastle-under-Lyme Civic Society in Events, Newsletter, Press releases

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Community, Conservation, Events, heritage, Museum, Newsletters

On Tuesday 9th December 2014 Newcastle-under-Lyme Civic Society was very pleased to recognise the achievements and generosity of a founder member, the late Clement “Jim” Wain who died in 2011 aged 92 years, when we officially “unveiled” the newly refurbished Queen Victoria Statue in the Queen’s Gardens and presented the Jim Wain Photographic Collection to the Borough Museum.

Jim Wain tidiedJim was a member of a prominent local family all of whom loved our town, actively promoted its prosperity and strove to maintain its unique character. Jim was a real character himself and is greatly missed by all who knew him. He really cared about the town and was a tenacious campaigner. When Jim died he bequeathed three wonderful gifts to the Society. Firstly our memories of his fighting spirit, good humour and constant vigilance in preserving all that is special about our town. Secondly his extensive and unique collection of photographs of Newcastle-under-Lyme and the surrounding area showing its evolution and its treasures and eyesores lost during redevelopments. Thirdly Jim left a cash legacy to the Society to help us to continue his good work.

Members of the Civic Society decided to use part of his legacy to fund the refurbishment of the town’s Queen Victoria Statue. This work was most ably carried out by Hall Conservation and W. Burt inscribed the stone plaque.

At the event on 9th December members of the Society were delighted to be joined by The Worshipful The Mayor of Newcastle-under-Lyme Councillor Linda Hailstones, her Consort Councillor Peter Hailstones and their Sergeant together with  L. Wallace (Conservation Officer), P. Stepien (Landscape Officer-Landscape Development), D. Adams (Director of Amenities) and R. Tait (Head of Operations) from the Borough Council and stone sculptor W. Burt. Jim Wain’s family was very well represented by his nephews Stephen and William, his sister-in-law Janet and other family members.

IMG_3263

On this chilly afternoon The Society’s Press Officer, Jim Worgan, addressed the gathering beside the statue and the Worshipful The Mayor responded by expressing the Borough’s appreciation for the work carried out to enhance and preserve the Grade II Listed monument.

IMG_3276

The party then proceeded to the Borough Museum for the official handover of the Jim Wain Photographic Collection and reception.

IMG_3318At the Museum our Chairman, Joan Howe, welcomed our guests and, as a selection of Jim’s pictures were projected onto the wall behind her, talked about Jim and the collection of photos he had amassed. She officially presented the collection to the Museum and introduced William Wain and Teresa Mason (Culture and Arts Manager) both of whom eloquently addressed the gathering. The Worshipful The Mayor was presented with a bouquet of flowers and a year’s complimentary membership of the Society.

IMG_3363

Statue Background Information

The original marble statue by Charles Bell Birch A.R.A. is in Oodeypore, India. From this six bronze copies were made and these are now located in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Victoria Square in Adelaide, St Peter Port  Guernsey, Aberdeen, Scarborough, The Royal Infirmary Derby and Blackfriars Bridge in London.

Newcastle, Nelson Place (2)The Newcastle-under-Lyme statue was presented to the Borough by Sir Alfred Seale Haslam and unveiled in Nelson Place on 6th November 1903 by Grand Duke Michael of Russia. It remained in that prime location until the 1960s when the construction of the ring road caused it to be moved to Station Walks.

b05

Station Walks is a pleasant but secluded public space and unfortunately the statue became neglected and was vandalised.

As the new millennium approached Newcastle-under-Lyme Civic Society launched a project to refurbish the statue and return it to a prominent town centre site close to its original location. With the approval and support of the Borough Council, the Society set about raising funds. The project cost in the region of £10,000 and was funded by the Civic Society and contributions from members of the public, the Borough Council and local businesses.

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The statue now proudly stands in Queen’s Gardens at the bottom of the Ironmarket by Nelson Place.

pict00491

In 2004 the Society commissioned a condition survey of the statue which showed that,following years of neglect and the effects of corrosion, work was required to refurbish the Grade II listed statue.

QVS 0314 008

2014 – Conservation work and refurbishment completed by Hall Conservation and W. Burt (stone sculptor).

  IMG_3305

IMG_3237

Heritage Open Days – 2014

06 Saturday Sep 2014

Posted by Newcastle-under-Lyme Civic Society in Events, Getting involved, Newsletter, Press releases

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Heritage Open Days 2014 revised

Why not join in and enjoy the heritage on your doorstep ?

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