2009 sees the 50th anniversary of the Friends of Tenby which developed into the present Tenby Civic Society. Members and friends look forward to another challenging year and look back at the sound work carried out locally over 49 years in developing the local environment, preserving historical elements in the town, producing trails and leaflets regarding the conservation and heritage of local homes and the monitoring of planning applications.
The society is concerned that new developments should show respect for the character and traditions of the past. Many property owners have actually maintained the original character of the homes and businesses that are theirs. The Civic Trust for Wales' magazine - 'about Wales - buildings - people - places' in the December 2008 issue states, "Tenby is superb. The town was built on a difficult site that was chosen in relation for its natural harbour. The town centre is delightful in both functional and aesthetic terms."
This shows what can be done with thoughtful practice and planning throughout the town and surrounding areas. The society has already planned meetings and trips for this year and encourages readers to attend.
On Saturday, February 21, a 50th anniversary dinner has been arranged at the Fourcroft Hotel. Please come and join us.
On Tuesday, February 24, there will be a joint meeting with Tenby Historical Society at Tenby Bowling Club (7.30 pm). Discussions will centre on 'Encouraging conservation in Tenby.
The annual general meeting will be held on Saturday, March 21 (2.30 pm start) at Augustus Place Community Hall, when Mr. Robert Scourfield, National Park conservation officer, will talk and answer questions regarding 'Conservation in Tenby.'
"The society always has concerns about what happens to the locality," said a spokesperson. "We have 160 named members at the start of the year. We wish to thank all past members for supporting their executive committee, but also encourage new members to join us in carrying out our work.
"We have the rule of maintaining Allen's View site and would ask for volunteers to join with us in ensuring that the area's growth is cared for, so that local people and visitors have a haven of tranquillity protected."
This month's discussions have centred on the expected clearance of the Gatehouse Hotel's rubble and its future development, the retention of the cinema, the retention and development of Jubilee Gardens for local children and families - as at present the County Council appears to be ignoring the grounds, and the securing of the Guildhall site development.
"With the demise of the Woolworths chain of shops, the society is also concerned about the number of businesses and office leases that have not been renewed," continued the spokesperson. "We would wish to know what property owners are doing to encourage new businesses to open and grow from Easter Bank Holiday weekend onwards. Recent good practice shows displays arising to give a warmer feel than viewing empty shop windows!
"Economically it is a serious time and we need to see people pulling together and leases being taken up. What do property owners have as ideas to encourage the growth of the town?.... Cheaper rents, short-term Easter/Summer leases? County Council... lower rates?
"The society is anxious to find out what owners propose to do, as the future if Tenby may be blighted if little is done."
If you are interested in attending any of these meetings or would like to become a member, please call in and speak to Albie at Cofion Bookshop, Bridge Street.