"Newtown and District Civic Society exists for Newtown and its neighbouring communities. Its aim is to promote interest and pride in the area: its history, buildings and institutions: its geography, geology and natural environment. It works to enhance the quality of life for all who live there.

We want to bring people together to learn more about the district but we are more than a local history group. We care about the Newtown of today and tomorrow as well as the Newtown of yesterday.

Activities and events include an annual programme of talks and lectures, visits to places of interest in and around Newtown and district, town walks, civic awards to new builings of merit in the town as well as outstanding conservation or restoration projects.

The Civic Society is responsible for the planting of bulbs which form a lovely springtime display on the outskirts of the town.

The committee endeavours to keep a concerned eye on local planning applications to ensure that their environmental impact is properly assessed and made known. We also provide town trail leaflets.

We meet usually on the second Thursday of the month for lectures from September to May. June , July and August meetings take the form of visits to places of interest .

Meetings are held in the United Reformed Church Schoolroom and start at 7pm. They are open to the public at a very small fee, and free to members.

Membershipcosts : Individual £7 (£5 concessions), Family £10 (£8 concessions).

Contacts: John Napier (chair) 01686 670266

Mary Oldham (secretary) 01686 627059"

Article written by Noelyne Hammond.