Blandford & District Civic Society (BDCS) was formed in 1970 in response to the threat of a possible town bypass which would have dissected the Crown Meadows, and the movement at the time to establish Conservation Areas of which Blandford’s was amongst the first nationally.
As a standalone registered charity, the Society was involved in celebrating and preserving the town’s historic environment for over 50 years, providing an informed and constructive voice on civic issues and reviewing development plans to ensure that they were in keeping with the town’s unique character.
BDCS’s projects included the installation of Blue Plaques highlighting buildings of historic interest, information boards, yard and footway signs, the restoration of the sundial on Blandford Forum Parish Church and the restoration of the Damory Street archway, once the entrance to Blandford Secondary and Grammar School. It also worked to inform the local population about their historic environment through a variety of publications, presentations, guided heritage walks of the historic town centre and more recent surrounding developments, and geology walks to examine the sometimes ancient stones that make up the fabric of the town.
In 2022 it agreed to close the charity and become part of the Blandford Museum, Arts and Heritage Trust to continue its works as the Civic and Sustainability Group. In addition to supporting projects meeting its aims and objectives, including an annual Green Fair highlighting local action to protect the climate and environment, the group continues to monitor and comment on new planning applications submitted to Dorset Council, share information, and offer regular and bespoke guided heritage walks (see the Events page and Calendar). Recent activities have included a modest financial contribution to the restoration of the Victorian tiles in the Corn Exchange, and working with the Blandford+ Neighbourhood Planning Group. The modification to the Plan in 2022 included identifying over 60 properties worthy of designation as unlisted heritage assets which are now hoped to be included in Dorset Council’s List, and Blandford+ has also commented on the draft new Dorset Local Plan and BCP and Dorset Local Transport Plan. Please visit our News Page to read about some of our recent and current activities.
The group is open to all members of Blandford Museum, and we welcome anyone who would like to get involved with any of its activities. For more information, please contact Nicci Brown by emailing niccitab15@gmail.com or calling 01258 459346.