The Citizens’ Union was founded in 1945 with objectives to promote high standards in planning and architecture, to educate the public in local geography, history and natural history and to secure the preservation, protection, development and improvement of features of historic or public interest. The name was changed later. With about 850 members, the society is loosely associated with other Civic Societies through membership of the Civic Trust.
The Society has a committee who meet once a month. One of the main items on their agenda is to review planning applications and proposals affecting the town. They work closely (but not always in agreement!) with both the Town and District councils and submit formal objections when adverse effects on the Town are perceived. The Society applauds developments that enhance the built environment and their plaques of commendation can be seen on many buildings in the town.
Hythe Civic Society arranges guided walks through Hythe each week during the summer. Their guides are well informed about the history and architecture of the town. Different routes are taken each week so if you attend every one for a season you will get to know Hythe better than some of the people who have lived here for years! For details visit www.hythe-tourism.com/civic/.
During the winter months the Society arranges talks on subjects of local and general interest. From a local murder mystery to the restoration of fire-ravaged Windsor Castle. The venue is Hythe Bay C of E Primary School on Cinque Ports Avenue.
A popular Newsletter for members is published every two months. This contains news of current Society events, comment on local planning issues and articles of local and historic interest. The Society has an active website at www.hythe-tourism.com/civic which gives details of forthcoming talks and other Society events. The website attracts a lot of correspondence from members and the public all over the world.
Among other activities, HCS arranges several events for the Hythe Festival and is closely involved with Hythe In Bloom and the care of Hythe’s trees and open spaces.
