Celebrating the Citizens’ Centenary

Berkhamsted Citizens Association (BCA) will celebrate its centenary this July: 100 years of serving and promoting the town of Berkhamsted – not forgetting Northchurch.

This year, specifically for the Centenary, the Association has restored the Town Shield (outside the Civic Centre), which it originally donated to the Town in 1953 to mark the late Queen Elizabeth’s coronation. Look out for the grand unveiling!

Ever since its foundation in 1924 the BCA has been proud of its ambition but also enthusiastic about its present and its future: 100 years of fighting for the town’s historic fabric, for its amenities, for access to the surrounding countryside, its promotion of the town’s businesses, and its encouragement to the town’s citizens to participate in the democratic process.

This year will see a General Election, when the BCA will hold its traditional Hustings to showcase the candidates for the newly formed Harpenden & Berkhamsted constituency – not to be missed!

The BCA is nowadays perhaps most associated with its very popular Footpath Map (including places for refreshment!) – most recently re-published in 2014 to celebrate the BCA’s 90th anniversary but based on a version first launched in the 1930s.

The BCA’s defence of the historic built environment is the core of its ‘serious’ work, and its Townscape Group has helped it achieve a formal place in the planning process as a ‘consultee’.

Since 1981 the association has given its Environment Award for additions or changes to the town at its AGM – this year it will be held on 21 March.

For more details see www.berkhamstedcitizens.org.uk.