Bradford Civic Society has a great series of get-togethers and events lined up for the coming autumn/winter months which are open to all.

November meeting

Our next ‘all member’ meeting is on Tuesday 13 November from 7pm at the Mechanics’ Institute, Kirkgate – although you don’t have to be a member to attend. The meeting will be a chance for people to discuss current regeneration issues and hear an update from the Chair on recent Civic Society work. We’ll also welcome guest speaker Dr David Pendleton, who’ll share an interesting proposal to re-locate the iconic statue of Titus Salt from Lister Park back to the City Centre. This promises to be a lively and interesting debate, and is open to both members and non-members. Refreshments will be provided and entry is free.

As an added extra, the doors to the Mechanics’ Institute will be open an hour early (from 6pm) to allow guests to see their ‘Shared Rememberence’ exhibition which tells the stories of soldiers from ethnic minority groups who fought in World War One. All are encouraged to take advantage of this special viewing of a very insightful and eye-opening exhibition.

Festive events

On Wednesday 5 December, we once again partner with the Bradford Police Museum (located within City Hall) to offer festive evening “ghost tours” of Bradford’s historic – and reportedly haunted – 1873 courtroom and cells. The tour returns after three sell-out events, and features a talk about the history of the courtroom and a lantern-lit guided tour of the historic cells and police museum. The tours are fun and fascinating, and 100% of ticket sales help support the work of both the Bradford Civic Society and the Bradford Police Museum. Book here.

This year’s Christmas lunch takes place on Sunday 9 December at the all-new venue of Kala Sangam, Forster Square and with an exquisite three course menu prepared especially for the Bradford Civic Society. Tickets are just £22 for three courses (including tea/coffee and private hire of the stunning space for the afternoon). Book a place by emailing the Civic Society Secretary.

Special meeting: former Odeon building

We’ll end the year on a very optimistic note, with a special meeting on the progress of the former Odeon building being hosted by the Civic Society on Tuesday 11 December. Members are encouraged to join us at the Jury’s Inn Hotel (Thornton Road) from 7pm to hear an update on the advanced plans to transform the building into a 4,500 capacity live music and entertainment venue operated by the NEC Group. Members will have a chance to offer feedback on the plans and put questions to developers, Bradford Live. Entry is free, but you must book a place to attend.

2019

Just a date for your diary – the first regular ‘all member’ meeting of the Bradford Civic Society will take place on Tuesday 15 January at a city centre location.

Get involved

Can you spare some time to help the Bradford Civic Society? Whether you’d like to be on our design review panel, help administer blue plaques, help with fundraising, assist the treasurer, or simply want to roll up your sleeves and make the brews at events, we’d love to hear from you.

All are welcome at Britain’s youngest and most diverse civic society.