Our Achievements
Since the foundation of the Barton upon Humber Civic Society in 1969 there have been many achievements and a huge amount of work done for the town. Some of this is obvious, some not so.
Behind the scenes the Society works to preserve the heritage of the town. One of the earliest ambitions of the Society was to see the restoration of the derelict, but impressive, tower windmill on Market Lane. Initially it was the intention of the Society to acquire the building on a peppercorn rent, but this failed The Society did managed to stave off an application for demolition at a Public Inquiry in the 1980’s and this lead to the eventual opening of the restaurant and public house, The Old Mill, in 1991.
Preston Lane
In 1971 there was a proposed road-widening scheme for Preston Lane which would have seen the demolition of the high boundary wall and outbuildings of Baysgarth Park, and the loss of some of the park area and the felling of a number of mature trees. There was an acrimonious battle with Lindsey County Council and Barton Urban District Council, but a High Court judge upheld the Society’s case against the sale of the park and thus put an end to the scheme.
Some of the more visible work done by the Civic Society plaques. The Society issues annual award plaques and positions information plaques around the town on important buildings. For more information view the plaques page of this site. Some other more visible work the Society does is the (almost) monthly public lectures. These are usually held at the Joseph Wright Hall on Queen Street and includes a wide range of topics, including a talk in 2009 by Dan Cruickshank. There was an illustrated talk in 2012 by Professor Warwick Rodwell OBE, on the excavations of St. Peter’s Church, and the development of the town (details). There is also the annual tree planting (2010 details) which usually takes place in the spring in areas which are in need of a bit of improvement, along with bulb planting and clearing of rubbish.
The Society produces numerous publications, including the Town Trail and the self-guided Walks leaflets (available for download here). The Society also holds competitions for the town’s children and has organised family fun days which in the past have included Victorian Days, a Medieval day and a Jubilee Day. This is not a definitive list of what the Society does, and details/images of other things done by the Society will be added to this page as and when they become available.
Barton Beck
From time immemorial Barton’s Beck has been an important feature in the town.
Sadly, resulting from a shortage of water, inappropriate treatment and general neglect, the Beck became an eyesore rather than a thing of beauty.
Since its foundation in 1969, Barton Civic Society had always been concerned about the appearance of the Beck, but the uncertainty and seasonal nature of the water supply was a major stumbling block to any really significant works, other than periodic tidying.
However, thanks to the support of North Lincolnshire Council – both at officer level and financially, a generous grant from FCC and sponsors of the new seating, the Civic Society’s Beck Sub-Committee worked tirelessly to transform the Beck. Unless there is very dry weather there is now a permanent pond – complete with a family of ducks; and, when the Artesian Springs are active around the beginning of each year, the Beck is brimming full and mirrors the adjoining St. Mary’s Church. The enhanced paved area with its new seating enables many people to relax and enjoy the tranquil scene. Grateful thanks to all who have made this possible!
The ‘Friends of the Beck’ now keep the area looking tidy and do general maintenance.
On the heels of being shortlisted for a National Design Award by Civic Voice, Barton Civic Society has just been presented with an Award by CPRE Northern Lincolnshire, in recognition of its successful restoration of Barton Beck.