A New Voice for Brentford

Can we form a "fiercely independent grassroots organisation"

Local government has been under considerable pressure and strain in recent years. Not least, the impacts of austerity and rising social inequalities are creating serious challenges for local government, and this may be damaging local pride.

However, local pride is not just a matter for local government, but something that represents a wider sense of unity and collective responsibility.

Everyone has the right to live somewhere they can be proud of, with a strong local presence and an influential local voice.

So how does Brentford achieve this – the accepted route is through the formation of a Civic Society, but what is a Civic Society?

They are fiercely independent and grassroots organisations, often providing the grit in the oyster which stimulates people to think, reconsider and widen their horizons. They celebrate and encourage positive action and are forthright in resisting damaging change. They’re also a store of knowledge and expertise about local places which is an essential starting point in recognising and strengthening their identity.

How would a Civic Society work for Brentford?

By working with all local amenity societies, groups, ward councillors and LBH officers to improve channels of communication and engagement in an effort to promote and empower the work of local people in their communities and to influence local policy development.

By listening, advising, supporting and acting on behalf of all of Brentford’s community, and as such our community will know they have a voice and a champion for the place where they live.

Our name? The first civic society was set up in the 1840s and whilst a ‘Civic Society’ is the accepted title for these groups we feel Brentford deserves something fresher with wider appeal and is inclusive to all ages. To that end we’d like to hear your suggestions and thoughts for a name for what will be YOUR voice for Brentford.

We aim to launch this exciting new group mid to late September, so do please email you’re your ideas for a name and any thoughts or interest to martincase8@gmail.com   within the next 2 weeks please. Do check back on BrentfordTW8 for updates and for the date and location announcement of the public inaugural meeting.

July 27, 2018