Darwen Civic society is forced to close (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Darwen Civic society is forced to close

12:30pm Wednesday 12th September 2012 in News

DARWEN Civic Society has closed after almost half a century.

The 49-year-old society, which encouraged and promoted local pride through a variety of projects, has been closed due to a lack of interest.

Secretary Marilyn Bysh said the last straw for the society, founded in 1963, came at a meeting last week.

She said: “On Thursday, we had a meeting at Holker House and, although there was a fair number of us, many of the organisations in Darwen chose not to attend.

“No one was in a position to take over the officers’ jobs in the society.

“After much discussion, it was decided that Darwen Civic Society was no longer viable and we are now officially defunct.

“May I thank all those who have supported all the projects over the past 49 years.”

Last week, there was a call from businessman Stephen Milligan, who owns Holker House business centre in Railway Road, to save the society.

Mr Milligan said: “It is sad.

“I was very disapp ointed that more people didn’t show an interest.

“I got involved to try to help and support the society but there wasn’t a good attendance at the meeting and only myself willing to get involved.”

The Civic Society has organised a number of projects over the years, including a yearly photographic competition and the sale of Christmas cards.

The group previously held a coffee morning every year, at which civic pride awards were handed out.

Mr Milligan said he was willing to discuss the resurrection of a group with anyone who was interested.

He said: “If anybody wants to restart a similar group I would be more than willing to provide facilities.”

Mr Milligan can be contacted on 01254 915070.