Civic Society Meets Need to Look to the Past

 Corsham Civic Society has always paid attention to celebrating the town’s rich history.  Its programme of talks and its research projects have always maintained a strong focus on Corsham’s architectural, cultural and social heritage.  Recent developments in the town and in its surrounding area have brought an increased need to make such information available to a new audience.

 Peter Tapscott, the Society’s Publicity Officer, notes “Corsham is a growing community.  New arrivals, especially those moving into Katherine Park and similar outlying areas, are keen to learn about the history of the area.  Hardly a day goes by without we receive a fresh enquiry about how Corsham came to exist in its present form.  Keeping pace with all this has proved to be quite a challenge – but is one we are meeting with renewed enthusiasm.  Our membership continues to grow.  People seem to appreciate our efforts and to be convinced we are the group to join.  Our ‘shop window’ at the Corsham TIC helps a lot in this regard.”

 The Society’s new Executive Committee contains several new faces.  Three of them are already scheduled to give talks over the next 12 months.  All are centred on Corsham’s history.  Every month, excepting August and December, the Society arranges a talk which is open to members and guests alike.  Most take place at The Pound, Corsham’s recently re-opened Arts Centre.  Programme Organiser, Wyndham Thomas, has assembled an impressive programme right through until the end of 2009.  At least two-thirds of these concern subjects which are uniquely about Corsham and its history, ranging from ‘Cricket in Corsham’ to ‘Corsham’s Tramways’ – which covers how the output of Corsham’s many stone quarries was brought to the town’s railway station, and to other transportation sites, just in case you were wondering.

 Corsham Civic Society maintains a town centre noticeboard and an extremely informative website (www.corsham-civi-society.co.uk) where the latest versions of all this information can be found.

Notes for Editors:

1. The Corsham Civic Society aims to engender pride in the town of Corsham and to contribute towards the vitality and well-being of its residents and those of Corsham’s neighbouring villages.
2. The Corsham Civic Society is a registered Charity, a member of the Civic Trust and ASHTAV (Association of Small Historic Towns & Villages of the UK).  Current membership stands at about 150 – and continues to grow steadily.
3. The Society maintains an active website – www.corsham-civic-society.co.uk.
4. For further info, please contact Peter Tapscott, Publicity Officer, on tel. 01249 714453 and/or on peter@charlwoodroad.freeserve.co.uk