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Founded in 1968, Margate Civic Society is a registered charity (no.257884). It is a founder member of Civic Voice.

We hope that you will enjoy browsing these pages and that they will help you to take pleasure in the history and character of Margate and its surrounding towns and villages.  We hope also to provide a service to members of the Society in publishing news and photographs that will be of interest.

The Society produces a Newsletter four times a year, and has a lecture programme which covers a wide range of interests.  Details are given on the "Calendar" page.  The May meeting of each season includes presentation of the coveted Town Pride awards, and details of the 2023 winners can be found on the "Town Pride" page.  Town Pride contenders are nominated by members of the Society.

If you would like to join Margate Civic Society, details of fees and a link to an application form are shown in the "About us" page.  We currently have over 160 members and always like to welcome more. The winter lectures are invariably of a high quality as is the Newsletter, and membership of the Society really is extremely good value. The Society takes an active role in reviewing and, where appropriate, responding to planning applications and has a good working relationship with Thanet District Council in helping to improve the character and appearance of the area.

MEETINGS

Our next meeting will be held on Thursday 7th March 2024.

The meeting will start at 7.30pm, the venue is Holy Trinity Church Hall, St Mary's Avenue, Margate CT9 3TN and all are very welcome. Members free of charge, guests £3.50.

TOWN WALKS

Robin Colyer, who is a vice-president of the Society, has hosted a number of town walks this year. Robin is very knowledgeable and presents information in an authorative but light and humorous manner. These walks are an ideal opportunity to learn about the heritage and history of our town.

The walks are free of charge, but we recommend a minimum donation to Margate Civic Society of £5 per person.

Robin has completed his walks for 2023 but watch this space for details of his 2024 programme.

2023 TOWN PRIDE AWARDS

We are very pleased to announce the result of the prestigious Town Pride Award for 2023.

The winner of the Blue Plaque is The Old Thanet Press building in Union Crescent, together with 1 Union Crescent and 1 & 2 Cecil Street, Margate.

Thanet Press fell into dilapidation following the firm's closure in 2011. Following its purchase in 2019, it has been transformed into a gallery, studio and living accommodation. It has been beautifully renovated, using an exemplary choice of materials and fits perfectly into the street scene.

The three buildings fronting Cecil Street have all been treated to a compete external refurbishment, faithfully retaining or replicating all original details and using tradition lime mortar pointing.

The entire group of winning properties is under single ownership and the Town Pride Award is presented to Tracey Emin CBE RA, Freewomen of Margate and world-famous artist, a great supporter of her home town of Margate.

Five properties were awarded Highly Commended certificates at the Society's meeting on 18th May. For details, please click here to visit the Town Pride page on this website.