Writer, actor and comedian Griff Rhys Jones becomes President of the Civic Trust

Griff Rhys Jones has become President of the Civic Trust. The nationwide charity campaigns for better places in the built and green environment.

Griff Rhys Jones said: "All over Britain people who love and care about their towns and cities work to take responsibility for something that affects us all - our urban landscape. I salute them, respect them and am delighted to be made their President and to support the work of the Civic Trust."

Philip Kolvin, Chairman of the Civic Trust responded by saying: "In Griff, we have a passionate, articulate advocate for our towns and cities whose architectural heritage, modern design and green space are hallmarks of our civilisation and integral to our national identity. For 50 years, the Civic Trust has celebrated and defended the public realm, and Griff is a natural figurehead for what we do and spokesperson for the quarter of a million local people we represent".

The Civic Trust:

• Represents the voices of over a quarter of a million people and 750 local Civic Societies.
• Manages the Green Flag Award Scheme, which celebrates and raises the standard of public parks. (Managed on behalf of Communities and Local Government).
• Rewards outstanding new buildings and public spaces with the Civic Trust Awards, which are celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2009.
• Organises Heritage Open Days - a national event which sees 3,500 buildings opening free of charge to 1 million visitors every September in partnership with English Heritage.
• Is the leading organisation involved in improving town and city centres at night.
• Supports new entrepreneurs with its unique BizFizz programme.

GRASSROOTS ISSUE 07 NOW AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOADING

We are pleased to announce that the 7th issue of Grass Roots Quarterly is now available for online viewing on the Civic Societies website. Click here now to view or download.

To find out more about our immediate plans around our new President and how this relates to Civic Societies please see page 14 of the current issue of Grass Roots.

This isssue is packed with interesting and inspiring case studies from Civic Societies in Harrogate, Blackpool, Ripon, South Bayswater and Cirencester and more. Our main article on page 15 focuses on the Heath and Hampstead's milestone appeal victory against their Local council.

Our Chairman, Philip Kolvin and our managing director, Peter Bembridge start the ball rolling on pages 1-3 with their reflections and vision for the Trust in the next few months. Kevin Trickett,Chair of the National Committee also gives an overview on progress within the National Committee followed by a range of update reports from the regional committees.

Don't miss this issue! View it now at www.civicsocieties.org.uk or click here

Hard copies will be sent in the post over the next few days to lead contacts of every registered Civic Society. If you are not the lead contact of your Society but would like to receive a hard copy please contact Alden Charles with your address at acharles@civictrust.org.uk and we will send one in the post to you.

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