THE Truro Civic Society has suspended its programme of talks to focus its attention on its website and civic awards scheme, following its annual general meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, May 13.

The decision was made in response to proposals that the society should be wound up if new committee officers could not be found to replace long-standing volunteers.

The society was formed in 1962 in a bid to ensure the city’s best buildings were preserved in the face of significant development proposals, and for the principles of excellent design to be observed where change was implemented.

It has since worked hard for the city, playing an instrumental role in creating the Truro Local List, now part of the policy framework of the Truro Neighbourhood Plan; holding a seat on the Truro Conservation Area Advisory Committee; developing its website extensively since the pandemic; and organising the annual Civic Awards scheme and its ceremony in Truro Methodist Church.

However, a letter was sent out ahead of the meeting, signed by committee members including chairman Malcolm Bell, vice-chairman Paddy McCready, treasurer Caroline Jones, secretary Bert Biscoe, Civic Awards lead Paul Caruana and webmaster Ian Hibberd.

It said the society was “in need of fresh ideas, fresh energy and younger perspectives”, adding: “With times having changed so profoundly, the question arises whether the society still has a role to play in the life and development of Truro, or whether it is, in the retailing phrase, past its sell-by date.

“It is a healthy thing for any organisation like Truro Civic Society to consider if it is still relevant, still supported, still ready and able to intervene, and to effect change where change is desirable.”

It was agreed that the existing committee would continue to oversee a lesser range of activities, with the success of the website and the revived civic awards considered especially valuable.