Griff Rhys Jones mounts civic tour of Kent

Civic Voice President to visit Canterbury, Ramsgate, Faversham and Rochester during three day tour

Campaigner and President of Civic Voice, Griff Rhys Jones, kicks off a four day civic tour of Kent region on the 15th of May. This tour coincides with Civic Voice publishing results of a survey that says 63% of individuals say that while they care about where they live, they have no influence when it comes to responding to the major changes that impact on their area.

Griff will be calling on individuals to join local community groups and will be touring:

  • Canterbury to give a keynote speech at the official launch of a new publication A Residents Vision for Canterbury which is putting forward an alternative vision for the future of Canterbury (Wed. 15th May)
  • Ramsgate to visit to Project Motorhouse to support the campaign to save a local historic building and bring it back into community use (Thursday 16th May)
  • Faversham to visit the Faversham Society Fleur de Lys Heritage Centre (Friday 17th May)
  • Rochester – to give the keynote address at the annual Woolford conference organised by the Kent Federation of Amenity Civic Societies on “civic buildings” (Sat. 18th May)

Griff will say “Change is in the air, as local communities take more control over their own future. The civic movement is at the heart of this with hundreds of local civic societies speaking up for their area. We want to play a revitalised role in promoting civic pride and making the places where everyone lives more attractive, enjoyable and distinctive.”

He will add “If the Government is serious about Localism, they have to listen to the concerns coming forward from civic groups, resident associations and local councils. We agree with the Government that getting the economy moving is essential, but the myriad of proposals coming forward are clearly not the answer. They are creating uncertainty, not confidence”.

Laura Sandys MP, President of the KFAS said “We are delighted that Griff Rhys Jones in his role as President of Civic Voice is visiting Kent. Griff is known as a passionate campaigner and has inspired many across the country to get involved in their local area. We hope his visit to Kent helps shine a light on the fantastic work of civic groups across the region”.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1 Griff Rhys Jones is available for media interviews by calling 07877096968

2. Civic Voice works to make the places where everyone lives more attractive, enjoyable and distinctive. We speak up for civic societies and local communities across England. We promote civic pride. We are the national charity for the civic movement and have a strong local presence. We believe everyone has the right to live somewhere they can be proud of. We know how people feel about places because we feel the same way. Civic societies are the most numerous participants in the planning system. Since its launch in April 2010 Civic Voice has been joined by 290 civic societies with more than 75,000 members. Further information is available at http://www.civicvoice.org.uk including how to join Civic Voice (£10 individuals) and contact details for local civic societies. More information on Civic Voice’s Planning for People campaign is available on our website here http://www.civicvoice.org.uk/campaigns/planning-for-people

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Ian Harvey, 07877096968 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)